JP2003216967A - System and program for image production and information memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system, program and information memory medium for image production capable of producing an image where at least a part of a second object located deeper than at least a part of a first object can be seen from an observer's eye with a smaller processing load and more realistically. <P>SOLUTION: The first object and the second object with a recess at least in a part are disposed at prescribed positions in the object space, and a third object for determination, prepared in relation to the second object, is disposed at a position given in relation to the second object in the object space. The model information of the first object is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the recess of the second object can be seen for a crossing part specified by the first object and the third object for determination, and the image of the object space including the first and second objects is produced by the system for image production. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generation system (for example, a game system) that generates an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space has been known. It is well known and is very popular for experiencing so-called virtual reality.

In such an image generating system, it is an important subject to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player.

For example, an image of a rowing boat floating on the water surface is desired to be expressed more realistically. Here, when the positional relationship between the rowing boat and the water surface changes in real time, an image that reflects the changing positional relationship must be generated in real time.

Therefore, in an image generation system, such as a game machine, which needs to generate a real-time image based on input information using limited hardware, how realistic is it with a small calculation load. How to generate an image becomes an important issue.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a second object located at a depth direction from at least a part of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint. An object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium capable of realistically generating an image in which at least a part of the above can be viewed with a smaller processing load.

[0007]

(1) The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, wherein a first object and a second object having a concave portion at least in part are provided in an object space. Means for arranging at the position of the second object and a third judgment object prepared in association with the second object.
Means for arranging the object in the object space at a given position corresponding to the second object in the object space, and the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for judgment, Means for changing the model information of the first object or changing the rendering method so that the recess of the object can be seen, and generating an image of the object space including the first object and the second object. Characterize.

A program according to the present invention is a program that can be executed by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and causes the computer to implement the above means (make the computer function as the above means). It is characterized by An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable (usable) information storage medium, and includes a program for causing a computer to implement the above means (function the computer as the above means). I am trying.

Here, the object space means a virtual three-dimensional space in which an object whose shape is specified by a definition point (eg, a vertex of a polygon or a control point of a free-form surface) is arranged.

The third object (volume object) for determination prepared in association with the second object has, for example, the same shape or a similar shape as the previously estimated overlapping portion of the first object and the second object. The model may be a model, a model having the same shape or a similar shape to at least a part of the second object, or a model having a shape desired to be cut by the second object. Good,
It may be configured by a model of a shape in which the concave portion of the second object is cut out, or may be configured by a model of a simplified shape of at least a part of the second object.
It may be configured by a model of a shape that covers the convex portion of the object. The shape of the model of the third object for determination can be appropriately determined according to the image to be generated and the image effect desired to be realized.

The third object for judgment may be prepared in advance or may be set in real time.

The third object for determination may be arranged at the same position as the second object, or may be arranged at a position uniquely given by the second object.

Changing the model information of the first object may be, for example, changing the texture information to be mapped to the first object or changing the α value associated with the primitive of the first object.

Changing the rendering method of the first object means, for example, changing to the Kullback (back surface erasing) method at the time of rendering the first object.

The detection of the intersection of the first object and the third object for determination may be performed by hardware or software.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which a concave portion of at least a part of a second object positioned in a depth direction from at least a part of the first object is seen from a viewpoint. Further, even if the position of the second object changes in real time, the above image can be generated simply by changing the arrangement of the third object for determination, which is convenient.

For example, when the present image production apparatus is configured using hardware having a processing function (for example, shadow volume processing) of determining an intersecting portion of volumes, the first image forming apparatus can be viewed from a viewpoint with a small processing load. It is possible to generate an image in which the recess of the second object located in the depth direction of the object can be seen.

The first object is, for example, water, sand,
This is suitable for expressing the appearance of the concave portion of the second object that is embedded in the first object when it is magma, mud, fluid, gas, or the like.

(2) The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, comprising means for arranging a first object and a second object at given positions in an object space and a second object. The third object for determination prepared in association with the second object in the object space
Of the first object so that the surface of the second object can be seen at the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination. Means for changing the model information of the object or changing the rendering method to generate an image of the object space including the first object and the second object.

The program according to the present invention is a program executable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and causes the computer to implement the above means (functions the computer as the above means). It is characterized by An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable (usable) information storage medium, and includes a program for causing a computer to implement the above means (function the computer as the above means). I am trying.

Here, the object space means a virtual three-dimensional space in which an object whose shape is specified by a definition point (vertex of polygon or control point of free-form surface) is arranged.

The third determination object (volume object) prepared in association with the second object has, for example, the same shape or a similar shape as the previously estimated overlapping portion of the first object and the second object. The model may be a model, a model having the same shape or a similar shape to at least a part of the second object, or a model having a shape desired to be cut by the second object. Good,
At least a part of the second object may be configured with a simplified shape model, or may be configured with a model that covers the convex portion of the pair 2 object. Third for judgment
The shape of the model of the object can be appropriately determined according to the image to be generated and the image effect desired to be realized.

The third object for determination may be prepared in advance or may be set in real time.

The third object for determination may be arranged at the same position as the second object, or may be arranged at a position uniquely given by the second object.

Changing the model information of the first object may be, for example, changing the texture information mapped to the first object or changing the α value associated with the primitive of the first object.

Changing the rendering method of the first object means, for example, reversing the determination of the front and back sides when the back surface erasing method is used when rendering the first object.

The detection of the intersection of the first object and the third object for determination may be performed by hardware or software.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which the surface of at least a part of the second object located in the depth direction from at least a part of the first object as seen from the viewpoint can be seen. Further, even if the position of the second object changes in real time, the above image can be generated simply by changing the arrangement of the third object for determination, which is convenient.

For example, in the case where the present image production apparatus is configured using hardware having a processing function (shadow volume processing) for determining the intersection of volumes,
With a small processing load, it is possible to generate an image in which the surface of the second object located in the depth direction from the first object can be seen from the viewpoint.

The first object is, for example, water, sand,
This is suitable for expressing the appearance of the concave portion of the second object that is embedded in the first object when it is magma, mud, fluid, gas, or the like. (3) Further, the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the texture to be mapped to the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed to a transparent texture.

According to the present invention, since the transparent texture is mapped to the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object, the second texture positioned in the depth direction from at least a part of the first object from the viewpoint. An image can be generated in which at least a portion of the object is visible. (4) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the semitransparent information of the portion corresponding to the intersection of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent. , Semi-transparent composition processing is performed.

Here, the semi-transparent information is equivalent to the transparency information and is information stored in image units or in association with each pixel and is set for each definition point of the object.
For example, it is information indicating transparency (equivalent to opacity or semi-transparency) as positive alpha information (α value) other than color information. When the translucent information indicates transparency information as, for example, plus alpha information, for example, translucent blending (α blending) using translucent information, addition translucent (α addition) using translucent information, translucent information is used. There is a combination processing method such as subtraction semi-transparency (α subtraction).

For example, in the case of α blending,
The following synthesizing process using the semitransparent information (α) is performed.

RQ = (1-α) × R1 + α × R2 GQ = (1-α) × G1 + α × G2 BQ = (1-α) × B1 + α × B2 Here, R1, G1 and B1 are already in the drawing buffer. R of the color (luminance) of the drawn geometry-processed image,
G, B components, and R2, G2, B2 are R, G, B components of the color of the drawn image. In addition, RQ, GQ, and BQ are R, G, and B components of the color of the image generated by α blending. Here, as the α value, the α value of a given image after the geometry processing may be used, or the α value of the drawn original image may be used.

According to the present invention, the translucent information of the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent, and the translucent synthesizing process is performed. It is possible to generate an image in which at least a part of the second object located at a depth direction from the at least a part of the first object is visible. (5) Further, in the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the first object is an object for expressing a fluid, and the second object is an object floating on a fluid surface. It is characterized in that the model information or the rendering method of the first object is changed so that the second object located in the depth direction from the fluid surface can be seen.

For example, the first object is an object representing water, the second object is a ship object floating on the water surface, and the model information may be changed so that the concave portion of the ship object located below the water surface can be seen. it can.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present embodiment described below does not limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Further, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential as the solving means of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (for example, a game system) of this embodiment.

In the figure, this embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 170 and the information storage medium 180). Other blocks (for example, the operation unit 160, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 19
2. The portable information storage device 194 and the communication unit 196) may be arbitrary constituent elements.

Here, the processing section 100 performs various processing such as control of the entire system, instruction of commands to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, etc., and its function is: Various processors (CPU, DSP
Etc.) or hardware such as ASIC (gate array etc.) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a case.

The storage unit 170 includes a main memory (main storage unit etc.) 172 and a frame buffer (drawing buffer etc.) 17.
4 and the like, which serves as a work area for the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 196, and the function thereof can be realized by hardware such as RAM.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data, and its function is that of an optical disc (C
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
It can be realized by hardware such as M). Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing the means of the present invention (the present embodiment) (particularly the block included in the processing unit 100).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 will be transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power of the system is turned on. The information storage medium 1
Information stored in 80 is a program for performing the process of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the process of the present invention, and in accordance with the instruction. It includes at least one of information for performing processing.

The display unit 190 outputs the image generated by the present embodiment, and its function is CRT,
LCD or HMD (head mounted display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores the player's personal data, save data, and the like. As the portable information storage device 194, a memory card, a portable game device, or the like can be considered. .

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communication with the outside (for example, a host device or another image generation system), and its function is various processors or communication ASICs. It can be realized by the hardware or the program.

The program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. You may Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110 and an intersection detection processing section (shadow volume processing section) 12.
0, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 150.

Here, the game processing unit 110 accepts coins (price), sets various modes, advances the game, sets selection screens, and positions and rotation angles of objects (one or more primitive surfaces). (Process for obtaining (rotation angle around X, Y or Z axis), process for moving object (motion process), process for obtaining viewpoint position (position of virtual camera) and line-of-sight angle (rotation angle of virtual camera), map Place objects such as objects in the object space, hit check processing,
Various game processes such as a process for calculating game results (outcomes, achievements), a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, and a game over process are performed by using operation data from the operation unit 160 or a portable type. Information storage device 194
Based on personal data, stored data, game programs, etc.

The game processing section includes an intersection detection setting processing section 112. The intersecting part detection setting processing unit 112 specifies the object (object affected by the volume object) whose model information or rendering method is changed for the intersecting part, and changes the model information or rendering method for the intersecting part. And a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object and arranged in the object space at a given position corresponding to the second object.

The intersecting portion detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 120 determines an intersecting portion (overlapping portion) between the volume object and a given object set to be affected by the volume object, and intersects the intersecting portion (shadow portion). For the overlapping portion), the process of changing the model information of the given object is performed based on the preset change information.

The image generating section 130 includes a game processing section 110.
Various image processes are performed in accordance with an instruction from, and an image viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space is generated and output to the display unit 190, for example.

The sound generation unit 150 performs various kinds of sound processing according to the instruction from the game processing unit 110, BGM,
A sound such as a sound effect or a sound is generated and output to the sound output unit 192.

All the functions of the game processing unit 110, the intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 120, the image generation unit 130, and the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or All may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The image generation section 130 includes a geometry processing section (three-dimensional calculation section) 132 and a drawing section (rendering section) 1.
Including 40.

Here, the geometry processing section 132 performs various geometry processing (three-dimensional calculation) such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation. Then, in the present embodiment, after geometry processing (after perspective transformation)
Of the object data (vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, brightness data, etc. of the object) of the storage unit 17
0 is stored in the main storage unit 172 and saved.

The drawing unit 140 draws an object in the drawing buffer 174 based on the object data after the geometry processing (after perspective transformation) and the texture stored in the storage unit 170. As a result, an image viewed from the virtual camera (viewpoint) is drawn (generated) in the object space in which the object moves.

The drawing unit 140 uses the model information of the contents changed by the intersection detection process for the intersection (overlap) with a given object set to be influenced by the volume object. , Or by the rendering method of the content changed by the intersection detection processing.

The image generation system of this embodiment is
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Good.

2. Features of this Embodiment In the following, a case of generating an image of a boat (second object) moving on the water surface (first object) will be described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other cases.

FIG. 2 shows the water surface (first
An example of an image of a boat (second object) that moves the object of FIG.

The boat 210 has a concave shape so that the bottom 212 can be seen. When an object having a recess, such as the boat shown in FIG. 2, floats on the water surface in this manner, the bottom 212, which is the recess, can be seen at the angle shown in FIG. 2, for example.

FIG. 3 is an example of an image of a boat object generated by using a boat model, and FIG. 4 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated by using a water surface model.

Further, in FIG. 5, the boat model and the water surface model in a state where the boat is not floating (the model used when generating the image of FIG. 4) are arranged in the object space, and these models originally have them. It is an example of an image generated based on depth information.

Since the boat is a moving object, its position may be given in real time for each frame. Further, the water surface may be handled as an object that does not move and fixed position information may be given.

Then, based on the given positional information, the boat model and the water surface model are arranged in the object space,
When hidden surface removal is performed based on depth information of primitives (for example, polygon planes and vertices) of each model given based on these position information and model information, an image as shown in FIG. 5 is generated.

Since the water surface model used here is the one in which the boat is not floating, the part in which the boat is floating is in a flat state in which there is no deformation due to the floating boat.

Therefore, the bottom of the boat, which is the concave portion of the boat, is located deeper than the water surface (surface of the water) as viewed from the virtual camera (viewpoint), so that only the portion of the board higher than the water surface can be seen. The image is generated.

If a water surface model reflecting the deformation caused by the floating of the boat is used, such a problem does not occur.
However, if the water surface object is deformed by reflecting the board that moves in real time based on the input information, the processing load increases.

The feature of this embodiment is that the third object (volume object) for determination corresponding to the second object (eg boat) having a recess at least in part is replaced with the first object (eg water surface). Together with the first object (for example, the water surface) and the third object (volume object) for determination to detect an intersection,
Of the first object (for example, the water surface) corresponding to the detected intersection is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the concave portion of the object (for example, the boat) can be seen. And generating an image of the object space including the second object (for example, a boat).

By doing so, in the present embodiment, an image in which the bottom of the boat can be seen can be generated by using the boat model and the water surface model in which the boat is not floating.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a volume object (third object for determination) used in this embodiment.

The volume object 230 shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the boat object (second object) in order to detect an intersection specified by the boat object (second object) and the water surface object (first object) in a state where the boat is not floating. It is a third object provided for determination.

As shown in the figure, the volume object 230 has a shape in which the space of the concave portion of the boat located below the water surface (below the water surface when the boat is not floating) is cut out, and the concave portion of the boat and the water surface ( It can be configured as a convex volume (cut out) specified by (without the boat floating). Even if the position of the boat changes, the same model can be used as the model corresponding to this volume object.

The convex object is an object having no two or more primitive surfaces that overlap each other in the line-of-sight direction, for example.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining the detection of the intersection specified by the first object (for example, the water surface) and the third object (volume object) for determination.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which the boat object 320 and the water surface object 310 are arranged in the object space when the image is generated, and FIG. 7B shows the volume object 330 and the water surface object 310 when the intersection is detected. It shows how to place in the object space.

When the intersection is detected, the volume object 330 is set to the boat object 3 in the object space.
Place it in the same position as 20. Here, the position of the object is, for example, the position (position coordinate in the world coordinate system) at which the representative point of the object is arranged.

For example, when the intersection detection processing is performed by using the hardware having the shadow volume function, the model information and the arrangement position used to generate the image of the water surface object and the model information and the arrangement position of the volume object. May be specified to perform the processing of determining the intersection of the hardware volumes.

As a result, the intersection of the water surface object and the volume object (hatched portion in FIG. 7B)
Can be determined. Then, the model information of the water surface object corresponding to the detected intersection is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the bottom (recess) of the boat object can be seen.

For example, the texture information to be mapped to the water surface object at the intersection may be changed, or the α value associated with the primitive of the water surface object may be changed. Further, for example, when the back surface erasing method is used as the rendering method of the water surface object for the intersecting portion, the determination of the front surface and the back surface may be reversed.

FIG. 8 is an image of the water surface object with the intersection cut out. For the water surface other than the intersection 350, the water surface texture is mapped. Here, for example, the model information can be modified to map a transparent texture for the intersection 350.
In this way, at the intersection 250, an image of the bottom of the boat located in the depth direction from the water surface can be seen (Fig. 2).
Reference) can be generated.

3. Process Example of Present Embodiment Next, a detailed example of the process of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The following steps S10 to S are performed for each frame.
The processing of 50 is repeated.

First, in an object affected by a volume object (eg shadow volume), a volume object (eg shadow volume)
It is set to replace the texture of the inner part of the with a transparent one (step S10).

Next, the water surface model for generating the image of the water surface object is arranged in the object space under the influence of the volume object (for example, shadow volume) (step S20). Here, the state of being affected by the volume object (for example, shadow volume) means that the water surface object is placed in a state where rendering is performed in the setting of step S10. For example, the setting for indicating that the water surface object is affected by the volume object (for example, shadow volume) may be turned on.

Next, the boat model for generating the image of the boat object is placed in the object space under the influence of the volume object (eg shadow volume) (step S30).

Next, the determination volume prepared in association with the boat is arranged as a volume object (for example, shadow volume) at the same coordinates as the boat object in the object space (step S4).
0).

Then, rendering processing of an object space including the water surface object and the boat object is performed (step S50). When performing this rendering processing, an object (eg, a water surface object) set to be affected by a volume object (eg, shadow volume) in step S10.
The process of replacing the texture of a portion (intersection with the volume object) inside the volume object (for example, shadow volume) with a transparent one is performed.

Note that the hardware may determine the intersection of an object set to be influenced by a volume object (for example, shadow volume) and the volume object (for example, shadow volume), or a program may be used. May be performed in.

When the program is performed, step S
After 40, the determination process of the intersection of the object set to be influenced by the volume object (for example, shadow volume) and the volume object (for example, shadow volume) may be performed.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
It operates based on a program stored in the (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media), game processing, image processing,
Various processing such as sound processing is executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and executes matrix calculation (vector calculation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires a process such as a matrix calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the coprocessor 902 to perform the process. ) Do.

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and performs matrix calculation (vector calculation). Calculation) is executed at high speed. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, the program running on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data expansion processor 906 performs a decoding process for expanding the compressed image data and sound data, and a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG system or the like can be displayed on the opening screen, the intermission screen, the ending screen, the game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950,
It is stored in the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 is for executing the drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitives (primitive surfaces) such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to draw the object data into the drawing processor 910.
To the texture storage unit 924, if necessary.
Transfer the texture to. Then, the drawing processor 91
0 draws an object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on these object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (semi-transparency processing), depth cuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. And 1
When the frame image is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source, etc., and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

The operation data from the game controller 942 (lever, button, housing, pad type controller, gun type controller, etc.), save data from the memory card 944, and personal data are transferred via the serial interface 940. .

The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

The DMA controller 970 is a DM between processors and memories (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
It controls the A transfer.

The CD drive 980 is a CD 982 for storing programs, image data, sound data and the like.
(Information storage medium) is driven to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data with the outside via a network. In this case, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), high-speed serial bus, or the like can be considered as the network connected to the communication interface 990. Then, by using the communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, it becomes possible to transfer data with another image generation system.

Note that each of the means of the present invention may be realized (executed) entirely by hardware, or by means of a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. May be realized. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is realized by both hardware and a program, the information storage medium stores a program for realizing each means of the present invention by using hardware. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, which is hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary.
Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 91
0, 930 and the like realize each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

FIG. 11A shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the buttons 1104, etc. while watching the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, etc. are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in the memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as stored information.

FIG. 11B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. While watching the game image displayed on the display 1200, the player operates the game controllers 1202 and 1204 to enjoy the game. In this case, the above-mentioned stored information is stored in the CD 1206 or the memory cards 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium that can be detachably attached to the main body system.

FIG. 11C shows a host device 1300,
This host device 1300 and network 1302 (LA
A terminal 130 connected via a small network such as N or a wide area network such as the Internet)
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the stored information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device or a memory. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of standalone generation of game images and game sounds, the host device 1300 sends game images,
A game program or the like for generating a game sound is provided on the terminal 1
It is delivered to 304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, when it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and the terminal device 1304-1 ...
It will be transmitted to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration of FIG. 11C, the respective means of the present invention may be distributed and executed by the host device (server) and the terminal. In addition, the above stored information for executing each means of the present invention is stored in the host device (server).
The information storage medium and the information storage medium of the terminal may be distributed and stored.

Further, the terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a portable information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and also with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is preferably used.

The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

In the invention according to the dependent claim of the present invention, a part of the constituent elements of the claim on which the invention is dependent can be omitted. Further, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention can be made dependent on another independent claim.

For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the image of the bottom of the boat floating on the water surface is generated by using the first object as the water surface object and the second object as the boat object has been described. Not limited.

For example, fluid or gas (first object)
When generating an image in which at least a part of the second object that is located in the depth direction from at least a part of the first object when viewed from the viewpoint is generated for another object (second object) having a concave portion But it's okay.

Further, when the second object does not have a concave portion, an image in which the surface of at least a part of the second object positioned in the depth direction from at least a part of the first object can be seen from the viewpoint is displayed. It may be generated.

The present invention can be applied to various games (fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role-playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention is also applicable to various image generation systems (games) such as an arcade game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which many players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating game images. System).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an image of a boat (second object) moving on the water surface (first object) in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of an image of a boat object generated using a boat model.

FIG. 4 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated using a water surface model.

FIG. 5 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated using a water surface model.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a volume object (third object for determination) used in the present embodiment.

7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining detection of an intersection specified by a first object (for example, a water surface) and a third object (volume object) for determination. .

FIG. 8 is an image of a water surface object with an intersecting portion cut out.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining a detailed example of processing of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

11 (A), (B), and (C) are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 intersection setting setting processing unit 120 intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main Memory (main storage unit) 174 Frame buffer (drawing buffer) 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image generation system for generating an image, the second object including a first object and a recess at least in a part thereof.
And a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object are provided in correspondence with the second object in the object space. Change the model information of the first object so that the concave portion of the second object can be seen at the intersection specified by the means for arranging the first object and the third object for determination. An image generation system comprising: a unit configured to change a rendering method to generate an image of an object space including a first object and a second object. 2. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising means for arranging a first object and a second object at a given position in an object space, and a means provided in association with the second object. Means for arranging the third object for judgment at a given position in the object space corresponding to the second object, and the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for judgment And a method of changing the model information of the first object or changing the rendering method so that the surface of the second object can be seen, and generating an image of an object space including the first object and the second object. An image generation system comprising: 3. The image generation system according to claim 1, wherein a texture to be mapped to a portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed to a transparent texture. 4. The semi-transparent composition according to claim 1, wherein the semi-transparent information of the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent. An image generation system characterized by performing processing. 5. The first object according to claim 1, wherein the first object is an object for expressing a fluid, and the second object is an object floating on a fluid surface, which is deeper than the fluid surface when viewed from the viewpoint. An image generation system, characterized in that the model information or the rendering method of the first object is changed so that the second object located in the direction can be seen. 6. A computer-executable program comprising a first object and a second object including a recess at least in a part thereof.
And a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object are provided in correspondence with the second object in the object space. Change the model information of the first object so that the concave portion of the second object can be seen at the intersection specified by the means for arranging the first object and the third object for determination. A program for causing a computer to realize a means for generating an image of an object space including a first object and a second object by changing a rendering method. 7. A computer-executable program, means for arranging a first object and a second object at given positions in an object space, and a determination prepared in association with the second object. A means for arranging a third object for use at a given position in the object space corresponding to the second object, and an intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination , Means for changing the model information of the first object or changing the rendering method so that the surface of the second object can be seen, and generating an image of an object space including the first object and the second object, A program that causes a computer to realize. 8. The program according to claim 6, wherein the texture to be mapped to the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed to a transparent texture. 9. The semi-transparent composition according to claim 6, wherein the semi-transparent information of the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent. A program characterized by performing processing. 10. The object according to claim 6, wherein the first object is an object for expressing a fluid, and the second object is an object floating on a fluid surface, which is deeper than the fluid surface when viewed from the viewpoint. A program for changing the model information or the rendering method of the first object so that the second object located in the direction can be seen. 11. An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the information storage medium stores the program according to any one of claims 6 to 10.