JP7335695B2 - Image generation system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and the like.

In recent years, a technique called photogrammetry that generates a three-dimensional model from a photographed image has been in the spotlight. In photogrammetry, analysis processing is performed based on two-dimensional photographed images obtained by photographing an object, which is an object in the real world, from a plurality of photographing directions, and the shape, dimensions, etc. of the object are obtained. Then, a three-dimensional model that can be arranged in a virtual space is generated based on the determined shape, dimensions, and the like. Photogrammetry is also called 3D scanning. As a conventional technique of 3D scanning, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. Further, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200322 as a conventional technique of an imaging system for imaging an object from a plurality of imaging directions.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-130008 JP 2013-152332 A

In 3D scanning, a photographed image taken by an imaging unit such as a camera is used, but the resolution of the photographed image is limited. For this reason, when a subject, which is an object, has a fine shape, it is difficult to generate a three-dimensional model that faithfully reproduces this fine shape. In addition, the analysis processing based on the photographed image of the object imposes a very heavy processing load on the computer. It is difficult to make it appear in a virtual space that is a three-dimensional space.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image generation system, a program, and the like that can cause a display object corresponding to an object to appear in a virtual space in various modes.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a first group of photographed images obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with an accompanying object, or An acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by photographing the shape-deformed object from a plurality of photographing directions, or a second group of photographed images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of photographed images. a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second groups of captured images; a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space; It relates to an image generation system including a texture generator that generates a texture to be mapped onto a primitive, and an image generator that maps the texture onto the primitive and generates a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space. . The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the above units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a first captured image group is obtained by capturing images of an object from a plurality of capturing directions. In addition, by photographing an object with a changed pose, an object with attached objects, or an object with a deformed shape from a plurality of photographing directions, or by processing the first group of photographed images, the second A captured image group is acquired. Textures generated from the first and second captured image groups are then mapped onto primitives that move in the virtual space to generate a virtual space image viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space. In this way, textures are generated using not only the first captured image group but also the second captured image group, and a virtual space image including primitive images to which the generated textures are mapped can be generated. become. For example, not only the photographed image of the object, but also the photographed image of the object with changed pose, the photographed image of the object with attached objects, the photographed image of the object whose shape is deformed, or the photographed image of the object is processed. A texture is generated based on the photographed image, and a virtual space image including a primitive image to which the texture is mapped can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image generation system or the like that can make a display object corresponding to an object appear in a virtual space in various modes.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the texture generation unit selects one of the first and second captured image groups according to the player's operation input information, and selects one of the selected captured image groups. The texture may be generated based on the captured images of the image group.

In this way, an appropriate captured image group is selected according to the operation input information of the player, and the texture-mapped image based on the captured image of the selected captured image group is displayed on the display object corresponding to the target object. It can be generated as an image.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the texture generation unit generates the one of the first and second captured image groups according to the analysis result of the target object and the operation input information of the player. may be selected, and the texture may be generated based on the selected photographed image of the one photographed image group.

In this manner, not only the operation input information of the player but also the appropriate photographed image group corresponding to the analysis result of the object is selected, and an image in which the texture based on the photographed image of the selected photographed image group is mapped is generated. , can be generated as an image of a display object corresponding to the object.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the movement processing unit performs processing for moving the primitive in the virtual space based on movement control information, and the texture generation unit moves the first and second captured image groups. The texture is generated based on the photographed image selected from one photographed image group according to the movement control information, and the image generation unit applies the texture, which changes according to the movement control information, to the primitive. Mapping may be performed to generate the virtual space image.

By doing so, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped onto the primitive, and a virtual space image viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space is generated. Therefore, a texture image corresponding to the movement control state of the primitive is mapped to the primitive, and a virtual space image including an image of a displayed object corresponding to the object can be generated.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the movement processing unit performs processing for moving the primitive and the virtual camera according to the movement control information in a state where the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed. good too.

By doing so, it is possible to generate an image that appears to be a pseudo three-dimensional image as an image of a display object displayed by mapping the texture onto the primitive.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the movement processing unit performs movement processing of a second primitive whose relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive changes according to the movement control information, and the image generation unit performs movement processing in which the texture is An image including the mapped image of the primitive and the image of the second primitive may be generated as the virtual space image.

In this way, it becomes possible to display an image of an object that does not exist in the real world using the image of the second primitive.

In one aspect of the present invention, the texture generation unit may generate the texture by synthesizing the captured image of the first captured image group and the captured image of the second captured image group.

In this manner, the texture is generated by reflecting both the captured image of the first captured image group and the captured image of the second captured image group, and the image mapped with the generated texture is applied to the object. It becomes possible to generate an image of the corresponding display object.

Further, one aspect of the present invention may include a game processing unit that sets game parameters of a game played by the player based on the analysis result of the object, and performs game processing based on the set game parameters. .

In this way, it is possible to display the display object based on the photographed image of the object, and to set the game parameters used in the processing of the game in which the display object appears, based on the analysis result of the object.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when the obtaining unit receives the second group of captured images after receiving the first group of captured images, the second group of captured images is obtained from the first group of captured images. It may be determined whether or not the group of captured images is different from the group of captured images, and when it is determined that the group of captured images is different, the second group of captured images may be stored in the storage unit.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a group of similar captured images are wastefully stored in the storage unit.

Further, one aspect of the present invention may further include an editing processing unit that accepts editing of the shot image by a player when the texture is generated from the first and second shot image groups.

In this way, it is possible to generate a texture using a photographed image after desired editing by the player, and display an image of a primitive to which the texture is mapped.

In one aspect of the present invention, the photographing unit photographs the object and the background of the object, and the texture generation unit causes the color of each pixel of the photographed image to correspond to the color of the background. color, and if it is determined that the pixel has a color corresponding to the background color, the pixel having the color corresponding to the background color is made transparent. You can also generate textures.

In this way, an appropriate virtual space image in which other objects in the virtual space are displayed in the background portion can be generated by simple processing with low processing load.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first and second groups of captured images may be groups of images in which a change in the direction of capturing of the imaging unit with respect to the object is 180 degrees or more.

In this way, even if the primitive moves in various directions, it is possible to generate a suitable texture based on the captured image and map it to the primitive.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the image generation unit generates an image including an image of the primitive and images of a plurality of objects set in the virtual space as the virtual space image, and the generated image may be subjected to post-effect processing.

By performing such post-effect processing, it is possible to generate a virtual space image in which the image of the character generated based on the photographed images of the photographed image group blends seamlessly into the surrounding virtual space. .

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the photographing unit, the arrangement unit in which the object is arranged, and a rotational movement for changing the photographing direction of the photographing unit with respect to the object arranged in the arrangement unit are performed. and a rotational movement mechanism.

By providing such an arrangement unit and a rotation movement mechanism, it is possible to obtain a group of captured images in which the imaging direction of the imaging unit with respect to the object is within a predetermined angle or more.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image generation system according to this embodiment; FIG. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of a method of generating a virtual space image based on a photographed image; FIG. 3(A) and 3(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method of acquiring photographed images obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions. 4(A) and 4(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method of generating a texture from a photographed image. Explanatory drawing about the relationship between a primitive and a virtual camera. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a texture mapping technique that changes according to movement control information; Explanatory drawing of the generation method of an effect image. 5 is a flowchart of processing for generating a virtual space image based on a captured image group; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of photographing an object in a 360-degree photographing direction range; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of selecting a photographed image according to movement control information from a photographed image group; 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams of a method of moving a primitive and a virtual camera with their positional relationship fixed. 4 is a flow chart of processing to make pixels of a color corresponding to the background color transparent. 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams of a method of generating an effect image using primitives for effect images. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting initial placement positions of primitives for effect images; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of post-effect processing for a virtual space image; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of generating an image of another display object corresponding to another object; Explanatory diagram of a method of arranging particles around a primitive. A configuration example of an image generation system provided with an imaging unit, an arrangement unit, and a rotation movement mechanism. An example of a supporting part that supports an object while floating in the air. 4 is a flowchart of processing for generating a virtual space image based on first and second captured image groups; 21(A) and 21(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method of acquiring a second group of captured images by capturing an object with its pose changed. FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams of a method of acquiring a second captured image group by capturing an object to which an accompanying object has been added or whose shape has been deformed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method of acquiring a second group of captured images by processing a first group of captured images; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method of selecting one of the first and second captured image groups according to the player's operation input information to generate a virtual space image; 10 is a flowchart of processing for selecting one of the first and second captured image groups according to the analysis result of the object and the player's operation input information to generate a virtual space image. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of generating a texture based on a photographed image selected from one of the first and second photographed image groups according to movement control information; 27A and 27B are explanatory diagrams of a method of synthesizing captured images of first and second captured image groups to generate a texture. 4 is a flowchart of processing for setting game parameters and executing game processing based on the analysis result of the object; 9 is a flowchart of processing for storing a second captured image group different from the first captured image group in the storage unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of editing processing of photographed images when textures are generated from first and second photographed image groups;

The present embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the claims. Moreover, not all the configurations described in this embodiment are essential configuration requirements.

1. 1. Image Generation System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image generation system (image generation device, game device, terminal device) according to the present embodiment. The image generation system of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of its constituent elements or adding other constituent elements are possible.

The operation unit 160 is used by a player (user) to input various operational input information (input information). The operation unit 160 can be implemented by, for example, operation buttons, direction keys, joysticks, levers, touch panel type displays, or the like.

The photographing unit 162 is for photographing an object, and is realized by an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor and an optical system including a focus lens and the like. As the imaging unit 162, a camera such as a digital camera or a video camera can be used, for example. A physical object is, for example, an object in the real world, and is a subject of the imaging unit 162 .

The storage unit 170 stores various information. The storage unit 170 functions as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like. Programs and data necessary for executing the programs are held in this storage unit 170 . The function of the storage unit 170 can be realized by a semiconductor memory (DRAM, VRAM), HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), optical disk device, or the like. The storage unit 170 includes a captured image information storage unit 176 , a virtual space information storage unit 177 and a drawing buffer 178 . The captured image information storage unit 176 stores information of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 162 . For example, it stores information about a group of captured images. The virtual space information storage unit 177 stores information about virtual space, which is a three-dimensional object space. For example, it stores information about objects placed in the virtual space. The drawing buffer 178 is a buffer that can store image information in units of pixels, such as a frame buffer and a work buffer.

The information storage medium 180 is a computer-readable medium and stores programs, data, and the like. The information storage medium 180 can be realized by an optical disk (DVD, BD, CD), HDD, semiconductor memory (ROM), or the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180 . That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each unit) for functioning a computer (a device having an input device, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) as each unit of the present embodiment is stored. is stored.

The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to this embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an HMD (Head Mounted Display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated according to this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

An I/F (interface) unit 194 performs interface processing with the portable information storage medium 195, and its function can be realized by an ASIC for I/F processing. The portable information storage medium 195 is used by the player to store various types of information, and is a storage device that retains the storage of this information even when the power is not supplied. The portable information storage medium 195 can be implemented by an IC card (memory card), USB memory, magnetic card, or the like.

The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (another device) via a wired or wireless network, and its function is implemented by hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, and communication firmware. It can be realized by

Note that programs (data) for causing a computer to function as each part of the present embodiment are delivered from an information storage medium of a server (host device) to the information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. You may The use of information storage media by such servers can also be included within the scope of this embodiment.

The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, editing processing, acquisition processing, analysis processing, movement processing, texture generation processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation input information from the operation unit 160, programs, and the like. etc.

Each process of this embodiment performed by each part of the processing unit 100 can be realized by a processor (a processor including hardware). For example, each process of this embodiment can be implemented by a processor that operates based on information such as a program and a memory that stores information such as the program. In the processor, for example, the function of each section may be implemented by separate hardware, or the function of each section may be implemented by integrated hardware. For example, a processor includes hardware, which may include circuitry for processing digital signals and/or circuitry for processing analog signals. For example, the processor can be configured with one or more circuit devices (such as ICs) or one or more circuit elements (such as resistors and capacitors) mounted on a circuit board. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor is not limited to the CPU, and various processors such as GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) can be used. Alternatively, the processor may be a hardware circuit based on ASIC. The processor may also include amplifier circuits, filter circuits, and the like that process analog signals. The memory (storage unit 170) may be a semiconductor memory such as SRAM or DRAM, or may be a register. Alternatively, it may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk device (HDD) or an optical storage device such as an optical disk device. For example, the memory stores instructions readable by a computer, and the instructions are executed by the processor to implement the processing of each part of the processing unit 100 . The instruction here may be an instruction set that constitutes a program, or may be an instruction that instructs a hardware circuit of a processor to operate.

The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 106 , an editing processing unit 108 , an acquisition unit 110 , an analysis unit 111 , a movement processing unit 112 , a texture generation unit 114 , an image generation unit 120 and a sound generation unit 130 . As described above, each process of this embodiment executed by these units can be realized by a processor (or processor and memory). It should be noted that various modifications such as omitting some of these constituent elements (each section) or adding other constituent elements are possible.

The game processing unit 106 performs various game processes for the player to play the game. Game processing includes, for example, processing for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, processing for progressing a started game, processing for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied, or calculating a game result. processing, etc.

The edit processing unit 108 performs edit processing for the player to edit the shot image. The acquisition unit 110 performs acquisition processing of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 162 . For example, it performs a process of receiving or reading information of a captured image from the imaging unit 162 . The analysis unit 111 performs analysis processing on the object. For example, analysis processing such as silhouette analysis of the object is performed based on the photographed image of the object.

The movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving objects such as primitives in the virtual space. For example, in the present embodiment, processing for setting a virtual space (object space) in which a plurality of objects are arranged is performed. For example, moving objects (people, robots, cars, trains, airplanes, ships, monsters or animals, etc.), maps (terrain), buildings, spectator seats, courses (roads), trees, walls, water surfaces, etc. A process of arranging and setting objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, subdivision surfaces, etc.) in the virtual space is performed. That is, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with orientation and direction) of the object in the world coordinate system are determined, and at that position (X, Y, Z) at that rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) the object is placed. Specifically, in the virtual space information storage unit 177 of the storage unit 170, object information such as the position, rotation angle, movement speed, movement direction, etc. of an object in the virtual space is stored as virtual space information. are stored in association with A process of updating the object information, which is the virtual space information, for each frame, for example, is performed. Then, the movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving objects such as primitives in the virtual space thus set. For example, a process of updating information of objects such as primitives is performed. It also performs motion processing for moving objects.

The texture generation unit 114 performs processing for generating textures to be mapped onto primitives. For example, processing for generating a texture is performed based on the captured image acquired by the acquisition unit 110 .

The image generator 120 performs image generation processing. For example, drawing processing is performed based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100 to generate an image and display it on the display unit 190 . Specifically, geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors or alpha values, etc.) are created. Based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), an object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is drawn in the drawing buffer 178 . As a result, a virtual space image viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space is generated. Note that the drawing processing performed by the image generation unit 120 can be realized by vertex shader processing, pixel shader processing, or the like.

The sound generation unit 130 performs sound generation processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100 . Specifically, it generates music (music, BGM), sound effects, voice, or the like, and causes the sound output unit 192 to output it.

The image generation system of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 170, a movement processing unit 112, a texture generation unit 114, and an image generation unit 120, as shown in FIG.

The acquiring unit 110 acquires a captured image group obtained by capturing an object from a plurality of capturing directions using the capturing unit 162 . The captured image group may be, for example, a plurality of still images captured by a digital camera, or may be a plurality of images forming a moving image captured by a digital camera or a video camera. In this case, the photographed image group becomes a group of images constituting a moving image encoded by MPEG or the like. That is, the photographed image group may be movie images such as MPEG. Note that the image generation system of this embodiment may not have the imaging unit 162 , and in this case, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the captured image via the I/F unit 194 and the communication unit 196 .

The storage unit 170 stores the acquired photographed image group. For example, when the acquisition unit 110 acquires a group of captured images, information on the acquired group of captured images is saved and stored in the storage unit 170 . Specifically, the captured image information storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170 stores the information of the captured image group.

The movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving primitives in the virtual space based on the movement control information. For example, based on the movement control information, the primitive is translated or rotated in the virtual space. The movement control information is information for controlling the movement of primitives. Operation input information input by the player using the operation unit 160, for example, can be used as the movement control information. Alternatively, movement control information for controlling a series of movements of primitives may be stored in the storage unit 170, and the stored movement control information may be read from the storage unit 170 to control the movement of primitives. In this way, it is possible to implement movement control such that the primitive automatically moves according to the movement control information. As a result, for example, an image generation system that enables viewing of display objects (for example, fish, animals, etc.) corresponding to the target object can be realized.

The texture generation unit 114 creates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive based on the captured image selected from the captured image group (one of the first and second captured image groups) according to the movement control information of the primitive. Do the process to generate. For example, based on the movement control information of the primitive, a photographed image corresponding to the movement control information is read from the storage unit 170 from the photographed image group (one photographed image group of the first and second photographed image groups). The texture generation unit 114 then generates a texture based on the read photographed image. For example, of a photographed image of an object, a portion of the object in which the object is captured is generated as a texture image. Specifically, the background image portion of the captured image is made transparent, and the image portion of the object is cut out to generate the texture. By mapping the texture to the primitive, it becomes possible to display the image of the display object corresponding to the target object. Here, the primitive is, for example, a primitive surface, such as a polygon. Specifically, the primitives are billboard polygons placed facing the virtual camera. The primitive may be a free-form surface, a subdivision surface, or the like.

The image generation unit 120 maps textures that change according to movement control information to primitives to generate a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera in the virtual space. For example, by mapping a texture based on a captured image selected from a captured image group according to movement control information to a primitive, the texture mapped to the primitive changes according to the movement control information of the primitive. That is, from among a group of captured images obtained by capturing images of an object from a plurality of capturing directions, a captured image that conforms to the primitive movement control state is selected, and a texture generated based on the selected captured image is Mapping to primitives. By doing so, a texture image corresponding to the movement control state of the primitive is mapped to the primitive, and a virtual space image in which a display object corresponding to the object is displayed can be generated.

The movement processing unit 112 also performs processing for moving the primitive and the virtual camera according to the movement control information while the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed. For example, the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed so that the distance between the primitive and the virtual camera is constant. As an example, the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed so that the primitive faces the virtual camera and the distance between the primitive and the virtual camera is constant. The state in which the primitive faces the virtual camera is, for example, the state in which the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is orthogonal to the surface of the primitive. Then, the movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving the primitive and the virtual camera integrally while the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is thus fixed. For example, in the case of movement control information for upward, downward, leftward, or rightward translational movement in the virtual space, the movement processing unit 112 performs processing for upward, downward, leftward, or rightward translational movement of the primitive and the virtual camera. Alternatively, in the case of the movement control information for rotating around the X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis in the virtual space, the movement processing unit 112 rotates the primitive and the virtual camera around the X-axis, Y-axis or Z-axis. process to cause

Further, the photographing unit 162 photographs the object and the background of the object. The imaging unit 162 may be included in the image generation system, or may be provided separately from the image generation system. The texture generation unit 114 determines whether the color of each pixel in the captured image corresponds to the background color. Then, when it is determined that the pixel has a color corresponding to the background color, a texture is generated by performing processing to make the pixel having a color corresponding to the background color transparent. For example, the texture generation unit 114 determines whether or not the color of each pixel of the captured image corresponds to the background. For example, when the photographing unit 162 photographs an object, the background color is set to a predetermined color such as green or blue. For example, the background color is set to a predetermined color different from the color of the object. For example, if the object has multiple colors, the background color is set to a predetermined color different from any of these multiple colors. For example, a background object arranged around an object at the time of photographing is set to a predetermined color. The background color is preferably set to a color that is complementary to the color of the object. Then, when the pixel to be processed is determined to be a pixel of a color (for example, green or blue) corresponding to the background, the texture generation unit 114 performs processing to make the pixel transparent. For example, in alpha compositing, which is translucent processing, by setting the alpha value of the pixel to 0, the pixel is made transparent. Note that the pixel-by-pixel processing as described above can be realized by a pixel shader or the like.

Further, the texture generation unit 114 selects a captured image from the captured image group and generates a texture based on the selected captured image by performing seek control of a moving image composed of the captured image group based on the movement control information. do. For example, it performs seek control for fast-forwarding and rewinding of a moving image (movie) of the captured image group, and seeks and selects the captured image corresponding to the movement control information. A texture is then generated based on the selected photographed image. Textures generated in this manner are mapped onto primitives that are translated or rotated according to the movement control information.

The photographed image group (first and second photographed image groups) is a group of images in which the change in the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object is a photographing direction range of 180 degrees or more. Desirably, as shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later, the photographed image group is an image group in which the change in the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object is within a photographing direction range of 360 degrees. For example, the imaging direction of the imaging unit 162 is directed toward the object, and the imaging direction is set in the direction in which the object is gazed at. The shooting direction range is a range in which the angle of the shooting direction changes from 0 degrees to β while the object is being gazed at. In this embodiment, β is set to 180 degrees or more, preferably β=360 degrees as shown in FIG.

The movement processing unit 112 also performs movement processing of a second primitive whose relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive changes according to the movement control information. For example, a movement process such as rotationally moving the second primitive with reference to the primitive is performed. Then, the image generation unit 120 generates, as a virtual space image, an image including the texture-mapped primitive image and the second primitive image. For example, the primitive is for displaying an image of a display object corresponding to the object, and texture based on the photographed image of the object is mapped to the primitive. On the other hand, the second primitive is for displaying, for example, an image of an accompanying object corresponding to the object. The accompaniment is, for example, a display item such as an effect of a display item, a possession, an accessory, equipment, a weapon or armor, and a second primitive image is an effect of a display item, an accessory, an accessory, an accessory, or the like. , images of weapons or armor. The second primitive may be, for example, a polygon such as a billboard polygon, a free-form surface, a subdivision surface, or the like. Alternatively, the second primitive may constitute a three-dimensional object representing an appendage of the representation. By using such a second primitive, images such as effects, belongings, ornaments, equipment, weapons, and armor that are not found in objects in the real world can be displayed by adding them to display objects corresponding to the objects. become able to.

Further, the movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving the second primitive based on the primitive from the initial placement position of the second primitive set based on the analysis result of the object. For example, a process of moving the second primitive from the initial placement position with reference to the primitive is performed based on the movement control information. For example, the analysis unit 111 performs analysis processing of a target object, which is an object in the real world. For example, the analysis unit 111 performs analysis processing such as silhouette analysis of the target object to identify the type, shape, and the like of the target object. Then, the movement processing unit 112 arranges the second primitive at the initial arrangement position according to the type and shape of the target object, and rotates or translates the second primitive from the initial arrangement position with reference to the primitive. Perform processing to move. For example, when the object is of the first type or the first shape, the second primitive is placed at the first initial placement position and the movement processing is performed, and the object is of the second type or the second shape. If it is a shape, the second primitive is placed at the second initial placement position and movement processing is performed.

The image generator 120 also performs hidden surface removal processing for the second primitive in accordance with the movement control information. That is, the second primitive rotates or translates so that the relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive changes according to the movement control information. Then, when it is determined based on the movement control information that the accompanying object represented by the second primitive has come to a position hidden from the virtual camera with respect to the display object represented by the primitive, the second primitive is moved. Perform hidden surface removal processing. Then, hidden surface removal processing is performed so that the attached object represented by the second primitive appears to be hidden by the display object represented by the primitive. By doing so, it is possible to display images of the display object and its accompanying objects without contradiction.

The image of the second primitive is, for example, an effect image. For example, the second primitive image is an effect (game effect) image, which is a special graphic representing light, flame, smoke, jetting, blinking, explosion, weapon attack, magic attack, or the like. By using the effect image as the second primitive image in this way, it is possible to generate an effect in the virtual space, which is the game space, that cannot be generated with the object in the real world.

The image generator 120 also generates, as a virtual space image, an image including a primitive image and images of a plurality of objects set in the virtual space. Then, post-effect processing is performed on the generated virtual space image. For example, post-effect processing such as blur processing, brightness adjustment processing, or hue adjustment processing is performed. Specifically, the image generation unit 120 performs post-effect processing on a virtual space image in which other objects are displayed so that objects represented by primitives are displayed without discomfort. For example, post-effect processing is performed to blur the outline of the display object represented by the primitive so that the outline, which is the boundary between the display object and the virtual space image, becomes inconspicuous. Also, if there is a difference between the brightness of the displayed object and the brightness of the surrounding virtual space image, the image generator 120 performs post-effect processing to reduce this difference. For example, a texture mapped to a primitive is generated based on a photographed image obtained by photographing an object in the real world. For this reason, the brightness of the texture image also fluctuates according to the shooting environment, and a difference occurs between the brightness of the image of the displayed object and the brightness of the virtual space image around the displayed object. The image generator 120 performs post-effect processing to reduce the difference.

The acquiring unit 110 also acquires a captured image group for another display object obtained by capturing another object corresponding to another display object from a plurality of shooting directions. That is, a captured image group for another display object obtained by capturing another target object corresponding to another display object different from the display object corresponding to the primitive is acquired. For example, if the displayed object represented by the primitive is a character, the other displayed object is, for example, an enemy character that fights against the character. Then, the texture generation unit 114 generates the texture for the other display object based on the captured image selected from the captured image group for the other display object according to the movement control information for the other display object. The image generation unit 120 then maps the texture for the other display object, which changes according to the movement control information for the other display object, onto the primitive for the other display object, thereby generating a virtual space image. For example, the movement processing unit 112 performs processing for moving primitives for other display objects in the virtual space according to movement control information for other display objects. Then, the texture for the other display object that changes according to the movement control information for the other display object is mapped onto the primitive for the other display object that moves in this way. This makes it possible to generate realistic images of other displayed objects, such as enemy characters, with a small processing load.

The image generator 120 also generates an image in which particles are displayed around the primitive as a virtual space image. For example, in a virtual space, particles are generated so that the particles are arranged around primitives to generate a virtual space image. For example, the image generator 120 performs effect processing (post-effect processing) for generating particles. Since particles are present around the primitives in this way, it is possible to generate a virtual space image in which the displayed objects corresponding to the primitives move naturally in the virtual space.

18, the image generation system of this embodiment includes a photographing unit 162 such as a camera, a placement unit 10 (placement unit) on which the object POB is placed, and a rotation movement mechanism 12. be able to. The rotational movement mechanism 12 is a mechanism that performs rotational movement for changing the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object POB arranged in the arrangement unit 10 . In FIG. 18, by rotating the placement unit 10 like a turntable with a rotary movement mechanism 12 realized by a driving unit such as a motor, the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object POB is changed. By providing the placement unit 10 and the rotational movement mechanism 12 as described above, it is possible to acquire a group of captured images in which the imaging direction of the imaging unit 162 with respect to the object POB is in the imaging direction range of a predetermined angle or more.

Further, the image generation system of the present embodiment may include a support section that supports the object in a state of being suspended in the air. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, which will be described later, by supporting the object POB with the supporting portion 16, the object POB can be photographed by the photographing portion 162 while floating in the air. For example, the target object POB is supported by the support unit 16 in a state where the legs or the like of the target object POB are separated from the placement unit 10, and the image capturing unit 162 captures the target object POB from a plurality of capturing directions to obtain a group of captured images. get it. By doing so, for example, a plastic model such as a robot that appears as a flying character in animation can be photographed as the object POB and made to appear in the virtual space.

The acquisition unit 110 also acquires a first captured image group and a second captured image group. Note that the number of captured image groups to be acquired is not limited to two, and three or more captured image groups may be acquired. That is, the acquisition unit 110 can acquire the first to Kth captured image groups (K is an integer equal to or greater than 2). A first captured image group is a captured image group obtained by capturing an object from a plurality of capturing directions by the capturing unit 162 . On the other hand, the second photographed image group is a group of images obtained by photographing an object with a changed pose, an object with attached objects, or an object whose shape has been deformed from a plurality of photographing directions. For example, an object (second object) obtained by changing the pose (attitude) of the object in the first group of photographed images is photographed from a plurality of photographing directions by the photographing unit 162, thereby obtaining the second photographed image group. get. Alternatively, an object (second object) obtained by adding (equipping or possessing) accessories such as weapons, armor, equipment, accessories, or belongings to the object in the first captured image group, A second photographed image group is acquired by photographing from a plurality of photographing directions by the photographing unit 162 . Alternatively, a second captured image group is obtained by capturing an object (second object) obtained by deforming the shape of the object in the first captured image group from a plurality of capturing directions by the capturing unit 162 . For example, a transformation state in which the object is transformed into different shapes is set, and images are taken from a plurality of shooting directions to acquire a second group of shot images. Alternatively, an image group obtained by processing the first captured image group may be acquired as the second captured image group. For example, processing such as size change processing such as reduction and enlargement of the first captured image group is performed, processing processing such as image effect processing such as blur processing is performed on the first captured image group, and processing of the first captured image group is performed. Acquire a second captured image group by performing processing such as changing the color, brightness or contrast of the first captured image group, or performing processing such as horizontal inversion, vertical inversion or rotation of the first captured image group do. The storage unit 170 (captured image information storage unit 176) stores the first and second captured image groups thus acquired, and the movement processing unit 112 performs processing to move the primitive in the virtual space. . Then, the texture generation unit 114 generates textures to be mapped onto the primitives from the first and second captured image groups, and the image generation unit 120 maps the generated textures onto the primitives, and the virtual camera in the virtual space. Generate a virtual space image that can be seen from For example, the texture generation unit 114 generates textures from the first and second captured image groups based on the captured images obtained by performing a predetermined procedure. The image generation unit 120 maps the texture based on the captured image obtained by the processing of the predetermined procedure to primitives that move in the virtual space, thereby generating a virtual space image in which the object corresponding to the object is displayed. Generate.

Also, the texture generation unit 114 selects one of the first and second captured image groups according to the player's operation input information. Then, a texture is generated based on the photographed images of one of the selected photographed image groups. For example, operation input information input by the player using the operation unit 160 is acquired, and one of the first and second captured image groups is selected based on this operation input information. For example, when it is determined that the player has performed the first operation based on the operation input information, the first captured image group is selected, and based on the captured images of the first captured image group, the primitives are mapped. generate a texture that On the other hand, when it is determined that the player has performed the second operation, the second captured image group is selected, and textures mapped to primitives are generated based on the captured images of the second captured image group. . In this manner, a photographed image is selected from the photographed image group corresponding to the operation input information of the player from among the first and second photographed image groups, the texture is generated, and the display object corresponding to the target object is displayed. Allows mapping to primitives for display. Therefore, it is possible to cause a display object on which an appropriate photographed image corresponding to the player's operation input information is mapped to appear in the virtual space.

Further, the texture generation unit 114 selects one of the first and second captured image groups according to the analysis result of the object and the player's operation input information, and selects one of the selected captured image groups. Generates textures based on the captured images. For example, the analysis unit 111 performs analysis processing such as silhouette analysis of the target object to identify the type, shape, and the like of the target object. Then, the texture generation unit 114 selects one of the first and second captured image groups based on the type, shape, etc. of the target object, which is the analysis result of the target object, and the player's operation input information. do. For example, the analysis process analyzes that the object is of the first type or the first shape, and if it is determined that the player has performed the first operation based on the operation input information, the first operation is performed. A captured image group is selected, and textures mapped to primitives are generated based on the captured images of the first captured image group. On the other hand, the analysis processing analyzes that the object is of the second type or the second shape, and if it is determined that the player has performed the second operation based on the operation input information, the second operation is performed. A captured image group is selected, and textures mapped to primitives are generated based on the captured images of the second captured image group. By doing so, it is possible to make a display object on which an appropriate photographed image is mapped according to both the analysis result of the target object and the operation input information of the player appear in the virtual space.

Also, the texture generation unit 114 generates a texture by synthesizing the captured image of the first captured image group and the captured image of the second captured image group. For example, by performing synthesis processing such as α-synthesis of the captured images of the first and second captured image groups, a synthesized image is generated, texture is generated based on the synthesized image, and mapped onto a primitive corresponding to the display object. . For example, after mapping the texture based on the captured image of the first captured image group to the primitive, the texture based on the combined image of the captured images of the first and second captured image groups is mapped to the primitive. After that, textures based on the captured images of the second captured image group are mapped to the primitives. In this way, it is possible to smoothly switch from the image of the display object based on the captured image of the first captured image group to the image of the display object based on the captured image of the second captured image group. Motion interpolation processing and the like can be realized.

The game processing unit 106 also sets game parameters for the game played by the player based on the analysis result of the object, and performs game processing based on the set game parameters. For example, the type, shape, etc. of the object are specified based on the analysis result of the object. Then, based on the type, shape, etc. of the object, game parameters of a display object such as a character corresponding to the object are set. For example, game parameters such as attack power, defense power, endurance, movement ability, running ability, special ability, special skill, hit points, magic points, or level are set. Then, based on the set game parameters, game processing in which display objects such as characters appear is performed. For example, a game start process, a game progress process, a game end process, or a game result calculation process is performed.

Further, when receiving the second group of captured images after receiving the first group of captured images, the acquiring unit 110 determines whether the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images. to judge. Then, when the photographed image group is determined to be different, the second photographed image group is stored in the storage unit 170 . That is, when the second captured image group is received, it is determined whether or not the second captured image group is different from the previously captured first captured image group. Then, when the second captured image group is a captured image group different from the first captured image group, the acquisition unit 110 stores and saves the second captured image group in the storage unit 170 . For example, if the object appearing in the second photographed image group is the object whose pose has been changed, the object to which an accompanying object has been added, or the object whose shape has been deformed, the second photographed image group is determined to be a photographed image group different from the photographed image group of . Also when the third group of captured images is received, it is determined whether or not the third group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images and the second group of captured images. In some cases, the third captured image group is stored in the storage unit 170 and saved. Whether or not the photographed image groups are different can be determined based on, for example, the shape or color of the object appearing in the photographed images.

Further, the editing processing unit 108 performs an editing process for accepting player's editing of the shot image when generating the texture from the first and second shot image groups. For example, in the present embodiment, textures are generated based on the captured images of the first and second captured image groups. When the textures are generated, the player can edit the captured images. For example, the player can perform editing such as correcting the captured image, adding additional display objects such as marks and icons to the captured image, and modifying the captured image. Then, textures are generated based on the edited photographed image and mapped onto primitives that move in the virtual space.

2. Method of this Embodiment Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail.

2.1 Overview First, an overview of the method of this embodiment will be described. Conventionally, a technique called photogrammetry has been known, and in this photogrammetry, a 3D scan is performed based on the captured images of objects in the real world taken from multiple shooting directions, and can be placed in virtual space. generate a three-dimensional model. However, in 3D scanning, there is a limit to the resolution of captured images, so when an object has a fine shape, it is difficult to generate a 3D model that faithfully reproduces this fine shape. . In addition, the process of generating a 3D model by 3D scanning puts a heavy processing load on the computer. There is also the problem that it is difficult to

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the texture is generated using the photographed image of the object instead of performing the analysis processing of the 3D scanning based on the photographed image of the object. Then, by mapping the texture generated based on the captured image to the primitives in the virtual space, a virtual space image is generated in which the display object corresponding to the object is displayed. Specifically, based on the movement control information, primitives realized by polygons or the like are moved within the virtual space. As the movement control information, for example, player's operation input information can be used. Alternatively, it may be movement control information for moving a primitive along a predetermined trajectory. Then, using the movement control information used for primitive movement control, an appropriate photographed image is selected from a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing the object. Then, the texture generated based on the selected captured image is mapped to the primitive that moves based on the movement control information to generate a virtual space image, which is an image viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space. That is, by mapping textures on primitives, an image of a display object such as a character corresponding to the object is generated, and a virtual space image including the image of this display object is generated. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate a virtual space image including an image of a display object in which the shape of the object is faithfully reproduced without performing heavy-load processing such as 3D scanning.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, in this embodiment, the photographing unit 162 photographs the object POB from a plurality of photographing directions. In FIG. 2A, the object POB is a plastic model of a robot. This target object POB is placed on a placement section 10, which is a turntable, and the placement section 10 is rotated using a rotational movement mechanism 12 realized by a motor or the like. For example, the placement unit 10 is rotated 360 degrees during the imaging time of about 30 to 60 seconds. As the background of the object POB, a monochromatic background portion 20 such as a green background or a blue background is arranged. In this way, the object POB can be photographed by the photographing unit 162 in a 360-degree photographing direction range, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later. can be obtained. Specifically, by shooting a movie using the shooting unit 162, it is possible to obtain a group of shot images that are moving images (movies) shot in a shooting direction range of 360 degrees.

In the present embodiment, after such photographing is completed, the character CH (display object in a broad sense) corresponding to the target object POB is displayed in the virtual space in a short period of time with one action as shown in FIG. 2(B). The character CH is made to appear so that the player can play a game using this character CH. For example, in FIG. 2B, three-dimensional objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 such as rocks are arranged in a virtual space, which is a three-dimensional object space, and an enemy character CHE, which is an enemy robot, also appears. By operating the operation unit 160 such as a game controller, the player can move the character CH as indicated by A1 and A2. In the image of the robot character CH, an image of the jet flame VN of the vernier, which is an auxiliary device, is also displayed.

In the following description, the case where the object is a plastic model of a robot will be mainly described as an example, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The object may be, for example, a ship such as a battleship, an airplane such as a fighter plane, a tank, a car, or a plastic model such as a monster. Also, the target object is not limited to a plastic model or model, and may be any object that actually exists in the real world. For example, objects include dolls, figures, real-world vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and automobiles, everyday items such as home appliances, stationery, and clocks, works of art such as sculptures and paintings, and construction of buildings and bridges. Various objects (subjects) such as things can be assumed.

Next, the image generation method of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 7. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the object POB is placed on the placement section 10, which is a turntable. Then, for a photographing time of 30 to 60 seconds, the object POB is photographed by the photographing unit 162 against the background portion 20 such as a green screen while rotating the placement unit 10 by 360 degrees as shown in B1 and B2. Moving image data obtained by, for example, movie shooting by the shooting unit 162 is taken into the processing device 200 . This moving image corresponds to a group of photographed images obtained by photographing the object POB from a plurality of photographing directions by the photographing unit 162 .

Although FIG. 3A shows an example in which the processing device 200 that implements the image generation system of the present embodiment is a PC (personal computer), the present embodiment is not limited to this. The processing device 200 that implements the image generation system may be a commercial game device as shown in FIG. 18, which will be described later, or may be another type of device such as a home game device. For example, the processing device 200 may be a mobile communication terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet PC. In this case, the photographing unit 162 can be realized by a built-in camera of the portable communication terminal or the like.

A group of captured images, which are moving images captured by the capturing unit 162 , are stored in the storage unit 170 of the processing device 200 . For example, in a specified folder of the storage unit 170, data of a moving image, which is a group of shot images in a shooting direction range of 360 degrees, for example, is automatically saved. FIG. 3B is an example of the captured image IM included in the captured image group (moving image). This photographed image IM is a photographed image obtained by photographing the rear side, that is, the back side of the object POB in FIG. The photographed image IM includes an image of the object POB and an image of the background BG formed by the background portion 20 of FIG. 3(A). The background BG is, for example, a monochromatic background such as a green background or a blue background. In FIG. 3A, a group of captured images is acquired by capturing a movie of the object POB by the capturing unit 162. For example, frame-by-frame capturing of the object POB is performed while changing the capturing direction of the capturing unit 162. You may acquire a picked-up image group by performing.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the texture TEX generated based on the captured image IM of FIG. 3B is mapped onto the primitive PM. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the background BG in FIG. 3(B) is transparently processed in real time, and the texture TEX in which only the character CH corresponding to the object POB is displayed is mapped onto the primitive PM. be done. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 4B, among the pixels of the texture TEX, the pixels corresponding to the background BG are set to transparent, and only the pixels corresponding to the character CH are cut out to generate the texture TEX. be done. A character CH is a display object that appears in the game corresponding to the object POB. Since the image of the character CH is based on the photographed image IM described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the detailed shape of the object POB can be reproduced more faithfully than when 3D scanning is used. image.

The primitive PM is placed in a virtual space that is a three-dimensional object space, and various objects such as objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 representing rocks are placed in this virtual space. In this embodiment, this primitive PM moves in the virtual space according to the movement control information. Specifically, the operation input information input by the player using the operation unit 160 is used as movement control information to rotate or translate the primitive PM in the virtual space. Alternatively, the primitive PM may rotate or translate in the virtual space based on movement control information for automatically moving the primitive PM. Then, as will be described later, a texture TEX is generated based on a photographed image selected from among the photographed images of the moving images photographed in FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with the movement control information. The generated texture TEX is mapped to the primitive PM. As a result, the texture TEX, which changes according to the movement control information, can be mapped onto the primitive PM to generate a virtual space image viewed from the virtual camera in the virtual space. According to this embodiment, the target object POB, such as a plastic model of a robot, appears in the virtual space, which is the game space, as it is. Therefore, the player can feel the virtual reality as if the object POB owned by the player, such as a plastic model, really appeared in the virtual space, and the realization of an unprecedented type of image generation system is possible. be possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC in the virtual space. Objects OB1 to OB3 representing rocks, an enemy character CHE that is an enemy robot, and the like are arranged in the virtual space. VM is the view volume of the virtual camera VC and corresponds to the display range (drawing range) of the virtual camera VC.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is fixed. For example, while the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is fixed, the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC are moved according to the movement control information. For example, the rail RL connecting the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is moved according to the movement control information. Specifically, in FIG. 5, billboard polygons are used as primitive PMs. For example, the distance between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is constant, and the primitive PM is arranged to face the virtual camera VC. For example, the primitive PM is arranged such that the distance between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is constant, and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is orthogonal to the plane of the primitive PM. In this way, even when the primitive PM is arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space, it is possible to produce an effect in which the primitive PM does not appear flat from the player's point of view. It is possible to give the player a virtual reality feeling as if the CH exists in the virtual space.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the image of the texture TEX to be mapped onto the primitive PM is changed according to the movement control information of the primitive PM. Specifically, according to the player's operation input to the operation unit 160, C1, C2, C3, C3, C3, C3, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C3, C3, C1, C2, C3, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C2, C3, C1, C3, C3, C3, C3, C3, C3 Rotate the primitive PM as indicated by C4. That is, the rail RL connecting the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM is rotated around the position of the virtual camera VC. In the case of translational movement, the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM are translated integrally. That is, the rail RL connecting the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM is translated. For example, when an operation input instructing the left direction is performed, the primitive PM is rotationally moved in the direction indicated by C1 with the position of the virtual camera VC as the fulcrum. When an operation input instructing the right direction is performed, the primitive PM is rotationally moved in the direction indicated by C2 with the position of the virtual camera VC as the fulcrum. Similarly, when an operation input instructing the downward direction or the upward direction is performed, the primitive PM is rotationally moved in the directions indicated by C3 and C4, respectively, with the position of the virtual camera VC as the fulcrum. By doing so, the process of moving the primitive PM according to the operation input information, which is the movement control information, is realized.

In conjunction with such movement of the primitive PM, the texture TEX mapped to the primitive PM is changed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a moving image of the object POB in a 360-degree photographing direction range is reproduced in conjunction with the movement of the primitive PM. , changes the texture TEX mapped to the primitive PM in conjunction with the movement of the primitive PM. For example, when the player performs an operation input pointing to the left direction to rotate the primitive PM around the position of the virtual camera VC as a fulcrum as shown in C1 in FIG. A moving image is reproduced as shown in the reproduction direction DR of . For example, it is possible to reproduce a moving image such that the photographed image of the object POB (character CH) from the rear side as shown in D1 in FIG. 6 changes to the photographed image of the object POB from the left rear side as shown in D2. conduct. Furthermore, moving image reproduction is performed such that the image is changed to the photographed image of the object POB from the left front side as shown in D3, and the photographed image of the object POB is changed to the photographed image of the object POB from the front side as shown in D4. The photographed images indicated by D1, D2, D3, and D4 constitute the photographed image group of this embodiment. By doing so, it is possible to generate a virtual space image that looks as if the character CH, which is a three-dimensional display object, is rotating and moving in the virtual space while using the texture TEX based on the two-dimensional photographed image. Become.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, this embodiment also performs effect processing for realizing 3D effect expression such as the jet flame VN of a vernier and the beam BM emitted by a beam cannon. In this embodiment, in order to realize such effect processing, the relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive PM changes according to the movement control information, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. Prepare primitives PMV and PMB to be used. Primitives PMV and PMB are second primitives, for example polygons. An image (texture) representing the jet flame VN is drawn on the primitive PMV, and an image (texture) representing the beam BM is drawn on the primitive PMB. Then, according to movement control information (operation input information) for moving the primitive PM, the relative positional relationship of the primitives PMV and PMB with respect to the primitive PM is changed as indicated by E1 and E2 in FIG. Then, an image including an image of the primitive PM to which the texture TEX is mapped and images of the primitives PMV and PMB (second primitives) is generated as a virtual space image.

For example, when the primitive PM rotates, the primitive PMV for the injection flame VN is rotated as indicated by E1 in FIG. That is, as indicated by F1 in FIG. 7, the primitive PMV on which the jet flame VN is drawn is rotated so that the jet flame VN appears to be jetted from the auxiliary device of the vernier of the character CH drawn on the texture TEX. Further, when the primitive PM is rotationally moved, the primitive PMB for the beam BM is rotationally moved as indicated by E2 in FIG. 7 in conjunction therewith. That is, as indicated by F2 in FIG. 7, the primitive PMB on which the beam BM is drawn is rotationally moved so that the beam BM appears to be emitted from the beam cannon of the character CH drawn on the texture TEX.

As described above, in this embodiment, the primitives PMV and PMB representing the injection of the jet flame VN and the emission of the beam BM are moved in conjunction with the reproduction of the moving images shown in D1 to D4 in FIG. This makes it possible to realistically express effects such as jet flame VN and beam BM. Also, as will be described later, by controlling the drawing order of the primitive PMV and PMB from the position of the virtual camera VC, it is possible to realize the appearance and gameplay of a 3D model while being a 2D model. ing. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a virtual space image including an image of the character CH corresponding to the object POB, such as a plastic model, is generated based on the photographed image of the object POB. However, the jet flame VN and the beam BM cannot be represented by the real-world object POB. Therefore, the jet flame VN and the beam BM are expressed using primitives PMV and PMB (second primitives) whose relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive PM changes. Then, the relative positional relationship of the primitives PMV and PMB with respect to the primitive PM is changed so as not to contradict the moving image reproduction of the character CH as shown in D1 to D4 in FIG. As a result, it becomes possible to realize effect expression of jet flame VN and beam BM that cannot be expressed with the object POB in the real world.

2.2 Texture Mapping According to Movement Control Information Next, details of the technique of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing for generating a virtual space image based on a captured image group. First, a photographed image group obtained by photographing the object POB from a plurality of photographing directions is acquired (step S1). For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the image capturing unit 162 captures a movie, thereby obtaining a captured image group, which is a moving image of the target object POB, and imports it into the processing device 200 . Then, the captured image group obtained is stored in the storage unit 170 (step S2). That is, the data of the photographed image group, which is a moving image, is stored and saved in the memory of the processing device 200 . Next, the texture TEX is generated based on the photographed image selected according to the movement control information of the primitive PM (step S3). For example, based on movement control information (operation input information), a corresponding captured image is selected from a group of captured images such as D1 to D4 in FIG. Generate a texture TEX like this. Then, the texture TEX that changes according to the movement control information is mapped onto the primitive PM that moves according to the movement control information to generate a virtual space image seen from the virtual camera in the virtual space (step S4). For example, as indicated by C1 to C4 in FIG. 6, the primitive PM rotates about the position of the virtual camera VC, or the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM are integrated in accordance with the movement control information (operation input information). to move in translation. Then, the texture TEX that changes in conjunction with the movement of the primitive PM is mapped onto the primitive PM. For example, when the primitive PM rotates leftward about the position of the virtual camera VC as a fulcrum (rotational center) as indicated by C1 in FIG. , a photographed image corresponding to the rotation angle of the primitive PM is selected, and the texture TEX based on the selected photographed image is mapped onto the primitive PM. This makes it possible to generate a realistic virtual space image in which the three-dimensional model character CH corresponding to the object POB appears to be moving in the virtual space while using the two-dimensional photographed image.

Further, in the present embodiment, the captured image group (first and second captured image groups) is an image group in which the change in the imaging direction of the imaging unit 162 with respect to the object POB is 180 degrees or more. . For example, in FIG. 9, the object POB is photographed by the photographing unit 162 in the photographing direction range RDR in which the change of the photographing direction DCM with respect to the object POB is 360 degrees. For example, in FIG. 9, the angle of the imaging direction DCM of the imaging unit 162 when imaging the back of the object POB is 0 degrees, and the angle of the imaging direction DCM when imaging the left side of the object POB is 0 degrees. The angle is 90 degrees. Further, the angle of the imaging direction DCM when imaging the front of the object POB is 180 degrees, and the angle of the imaging direction DCM when imaging the right side of the object POB is 270 degrees. . A shooting direction range RDR in FIG. 9 is a range in which the shooting direction DCM of the shooting unit 162 changes from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. However, for example, the photographing direction range RDR may be set to 180 degrees such that the photographing direction DCM changes from 0 to 90 degrees and from 360 degrees to 270 degrees. You can also set the direction range.

By using a group of photographed images in which the change in the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object POB is 180 degrees or more in this manner, even when the primitive PM is rotated in various directions, the photographing direction can be changed. It becomes possible to generate a texture based on a suitable corresponding photographed image and map it to the primitive PM.

Note that FIGS. 3A and 9 show the case where the imaging direction DCM is rotated around the vertical direction along the main axis of the object POB, for example, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the photographed image group may be obtained by photographing the object POB while rotating the photographing direction DCM about the horizontal direction, which is the direction orthogonal to the main axis of the object POB, as the rotation axis. In this way, even when the primitive PM is rotationally moved in the direction of C3 or C4 in FIG. 6, for example, it is possible to map the texture TEX based on the suitable photographed image corresponding to the rotational movement to the primitive PM. In FIG. 3A, by rotating the object POB, a group of photographed images in the photographing direction range RDR as shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. A captured image group in the shooting direction range RDR may be acquired by rotating around the center. That is, the photographing unit 162 is moved on a circle centered on the object POB in the photographing direction DCM such that the object POB is gazed at.

Further, when photographing is performed in a plurality of photographing directions as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable that the number of photographing directions, that is, the number of images in the photographed image group is as large as possible. For example, when the number of image frames per second is p (eg, p=30, 60, etc.), the number of images in the captured image group corresponding to the number of shooting directions is preferably p or more. That is, the object POB is photographed in at least p photographing directions, and a photographed image group including at least p photographed images is obtained. In this way, smooth and well-textured animation can be played back and mapped onto the primitive PM for at least one second.

Further, in this embodiment, a texture to be mapped onto the primitive PM is generated based on the captured image selected from the captured image group (first and second captured image groups) according to the movement control information of the primitive PM. . Specifically, for example, a captured image is selected from the captured image group and a texture is generated based on the selected captured image by performing seek control of a moving image composed of a captured image group based on the movement control information. .

For example, in FIG. 10, the photographed images IM1 to IMj are the photographed image group, and textures are generated from the photographed image group based on the photographed image IMi selected according to the movement control information of the primitive PM, and mapped to the primitive PM. be. Here, i and j are integers satisfying 1≤i≤j. For example, j is the number of images in the captured image group, and if p is the number of image frames per second as described above, it is desirable that j≧p.

Then, in FIG. 10, seek control of a moving image composed of a group of photographed images IM1 to IMj is performed based on movement control information. For example, in the case of seek control for rewinding, seek control is performed in the direction DS1 in FIG. 10, and a photographed image corresponding to the movement control information is selected from a group of photographed images IM1 to IMj. On the other hand, in the case of fast-forward seek control, seek control is performed in the direction DS2, and a photographed image corresponding to the movement control information is selected from a group of photographed images IM1 to IMj. For example, it is assumed that seek numbers SN1 to SNj are associated with captured images IM1 to IMj. In this case, for example, one of the seek numbers SN1 to SNj is selected according to the movement control information of the primitive PM, the captured image associated with the selected seek number is selected, the texture is generated, and the primitive Mapped to PM. For example, when the seek number SNi is selected by the movement control information, the captured image IMi associated with the seek number SNi is selected, the texture is generated, and the texture is mapped onto the primitive PM. In this way, it is possible to effectively utilize the seek control of a moving image composed of a group of photographed images, select an appropriate photographed image corresponding to the movement control information of the primitive PM, generate a texture, and map it to the primitive PM. become.

Further, in the present embodiment, the processing of moving the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC according to the movement control information is performed while the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is fixed. For example, in FIGS. 11A to 11C, a texture representing an image of the character CH is mapped onto the primitive PM.

Note that the image of the character CH is actually a two-dimensional image. described in The same applies to the following description.

In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM is constant and fixed. That is, the distance between the viewpoint position PS of the virtual camera VC and the plane of the primitive PM is constant. The primitive PM is arranged so as to face the virtual camera VC, and the primitive PM is arranged so that the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is orthogonal to the plane of the primitive PM. As described above, in this embodiment, the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC are moved in the virtual space while the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC is fixed. For example, billboard polygons are used as primitive PMs. By doing so, it is possible to generate an image that looks like a pseudo three-dimensional image as an image of a display object such as the character CH that is displayed by mapping the texture onto the primitive PM.

As shown in C1 of FIG. 6, for example, when the player performs an operation input pointing to the left, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC is changed as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11B. The primitive PM rotates counterclockwise with the PS as a fulcrum (rotation center). At this time, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM is constant, and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is perpendicular to the plane of the primitive PM. With the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC fixed as described above, the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC are rotationally moved based on the movement control information indicating the left direction as indicated by C1 in FIG. ing. The image of the character CH mapped to the primitive PM at this time is an image obtained by rotating the character CH so that the orientation changes to the left (counterclockwise), as indicated by D2 in FIG. For example, the image of the character CH is an image of the object POB corresponding to the character CH viewed from the left rear side. With this configuration, when the player issues a leftward operation instruction, the image of the character CH turned counterclockwise is displayed as a virtual space image. It is possible to display an appropriate image of the character CH according to the movement control information.

As shown in C2 of FIG. 6, for example, when the player's operation input pointing to the right direction is performed, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC is changed as shown in FIGS. The primitive PM rotates clockwise with the PS as a fulcrum. At this time, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the primitive PM is constant, and the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is perpendicular to the plane of the primitive PM. With the positional relationship between the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC fixed as described above, the primitive PM and the virtual camera VC rotate and move based on the movement control information indicating the right direction as indicated by C2 in FIG. ing. At this time, the image of the character CH mapped to the primitive PM is an image obtained by rotating the character CH so that the orientation changes to the right (clockwise) direction. For example, the image of the character CH is an image of the object POB corresponding to the character CH viewed from the rear right. With this configuration, when the player issues a rightward operation instruction, the image of the character CH turned clockwise is displayed as a virtual space image. It is possible to display an appropriate image of the character CH according to the movement control information.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the photographing unit 162 photographs the object POB and the background BG of the object POB. For example, by photographing the background portion 20 in FIG. 3A, a monochromatic background BG is photographed as shown in FIG. 3B. Then, it is determined whether or not the color of each pixel of the photographed image corresponds to the color of the background. Then, when it is determined that the pixel has a color corresponding to the background color, a texture is generated by performing processing to make the pixel having a color corresponding to the background color transparent.

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of processing for making pixels of a color corresponding to the background color transparent. The processing in FIG. 12 can be implemented by, for example, a pixel shader. First, the color of the pixel to be processed is determined (step S11). Then, it is determined whether or not the color of the pixel to be processed corresponds to the color of the background (step S12). For example, in the case of a green screen, when the color of the pixel to be processed is green, it is determined that the color corresponds to the background color. In the case of blue background, when the color of the pixel to be processed is blue, it is determined that the color corresponds to the background color. Then, when it is determined that the color of the pixel to be processed corresponds to the color of the background, the pixel to be processed is set to transparent (step S13). Taking the alpha compositing process as an example, if the color of the pixel to be processed is determined to correspond to the color of the background, the alpha value of the pixel to be processed is set to zero. Then, it is determined whether or not all the pixels of the captured image have been processed (step S14), and if not all the pixels have been processed, the pixel to be processed is set to the next pixel (step S15), and step Return to S11. On the other hand, when all the pixels of the captured image have been processed, the process ends.

By performing the processing shown in FIG. 12, the texture TEX shown in FIG. 4B can be generated from the captured image IM shown in FIG. 3B. This makes it possible to generate an appropriate virtual space image in which other objects in the virtual space are displayed in the background BG portion. Further, the processing shown in FIG. 12 can be realized by a pixel shader based on a shader program, and can be realized by simple processing with a light processing load. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the process of photographing the object POB and making a displayed object such as the character CH corresponding to the object POB appear in the virtual space with one action is as follows. It can be easily realized.

Note that the background color does not have to be a fixed color, and the background color may be set variably. For example, the background color is variably set according to the color of the object POB. For example, the background color is set to a color that does not exist in the object POB, or the complementary color of the color of the object POB is set as the background color. Specifically, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a background portion 20 whose color can be variably set is used. For example, the color of the background portion 20 is variably set by projecting light of a predetermined color, which is the background color, using a projector. Alternatively, a display device such as a curved display device is used as the background portion 20 to display a screen of a predetermined color as the background color, thereby setting the color of the background portion 20 variably. By doing so, it becomes possible to set the background color to an appropriate color according to various objects POB.

In addition, in this embodiment, movement processing is performed for a second primitive whose relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive changes according to the movement control information. Then, an image including the texture-mapped primitive image and the second primitive image is generated as a virtual space image.

For example, in FIG. 13A, primitives PMV and PMB are arranged as a second primitive with reference to the position of primitive PM. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the primitive PMV is a primitive for displaying an image of the vernier jet flame VN, and the primitive PMB is a primitive for displaying an image of the beam BM fired by the beam cannon. The images of the jet flame VN and the beam BM may be generated using a three-dimensional object. In this case, the primitives PMV and PMB are polygons or the like that constitute the object.

13(A) to 13(C), as described with reference to FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C), the process of moving the primitive PM according to the movement control information is performed. An image (texture) of the character CH mapped onto the primitive PM is also generated using an appropriate photographed image corresponding to the movement control information. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, movement processing of the primitives PMV and PMB is performed so that the relative positional relationship with respect to the primitives PM changes according to the movement control information.

For example, in FIG. 13A, an image in which the character CH is directed in the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is mapped onto the primitive PM. Specifically, as in the case where the shooting direction DCM is 0 degrees in FIG. 9, the texture generated based on the photographed image of the object POB photographed directly behind is mapped to the primitive PM as the image of the character CH. . In this case, the primitive PMV for the injection flame VN is arranged at the position directly behind the character CH. Also, since the character CH has a beam cannon in its right hand, for example, a primitive PMB for beam BM is arranged in the front right direction of the character CH. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, an appropriate virtual space image can be generated in which the jet flame VN is jetted from the position of the vernier, which is an auxiliary device, and the beam BM is jetted from the position of the beam cannon.

On the other hand, in FIG. 13(B), as indicated by C1 in FIG. 6, the player has given an operation instruction to the left direction, so that the position of the virtual camera VC is used as a fulcrum to turn left (counterclockwise). ), the primitive PM is rotating. Along with such rotational movement of the primitive PM, the image of the character CH mapped on the primitive PM also turns counterclockwise as indicated by D2 in FIG. The relative positional relationship of the primitives PMV and PMB with respect to the primitive PM also changes so that the image of the character CH turns counterclockwise in this way. That is, the relative positional relationship of the primitive PMV with respect to the primitive PM is changed so that the primitive PMV is positioned behind the character CH whose direction is turned counterclockwise. Specifically, the primitive PMV is rotationally moved counterclockwise with respect to the primitive PM. Also, the relative positional relationship of the primitive PMB with respect to the primitive PM is changed so that the primitive PMB is positioned in the front right direction of the character CH whose direction is turned counterclockwise. Specifically, the primitive PMB is rotationally moved counterclockwise with respect to the primitive PM. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate an appropriate virtual space image in which the jet flame VN is ejected from the position of the vernier and the beam BM is emitted from the position of the beam cannon.

Also, in FIG. 13C, as shown in C2 of FIG. 6, the player has given an operation instruction to the right direction, so that the virtual camera VC moves rightward (clockwise) with the position of the virtual camera VC as a fulcrum. A primitive PM is rotating. Along with such rotational movement of the primitive PM, the image of the character CH mapped on the primitive PM also turns clockwise. The relative positional relationship of the primitives PMV and PMB with respect to the primitive PM also changes so that the image of the character CH turns clockwise in this way. That is, the primitive PMV is rotationally moved clockwise on the basis of the primitive PM so that the primitive PMV is positioned behind the character CH whose direction has been turned clockwise. Also, the primitive PMB is rotationally moved clockwise on the basis of the primitive PM so that the primitive PMB is positioned in the front right direction of the character CH whose direction is changed clockwise. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate an appropriate virtual space image in which the jet flame VN is ejected from the position of the vernier and the beam BM is emitted from the position of the beam cannon.

Further, in this embodiment, the hidden surface removal processing of the second primitive is performed according to the movement control information. For example, in FIG. 13B, the image of the beam BM is an image that should be hidden behind the character CH when viewed from the virtual camera VC. For example, in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 13A, the image of the beam BM is an image that should be displayed without being hidden by the character CH. However, when the primitive PM is rotationally moved as shown in FIG. 13B and the primitive PMB is rotationally moved counterclockwise with respect to the primitive PM, the image of the beam BM of the primitive PMB is hidden by the character CH. Becomes an image that should be displayed. Therefore, in this case, processing for hidden surface elimination is performed on the primitive PMB for the beam BM. By performing the hidden surface removal processing of the primitive PMB in this way, the image of the beam BM is hidden from the virtual camera VC, and an appropriate virtual space image can be generated. That is, normally, hidden surface removal processing is performed by judging the anteroposterior relationship (depth value) of the primitives PM, PMV, and PMB as seen from the virtual camera VC. In this regard, in this embodiment, the hidden surface removal process is performed by judging the anteroposterior relationship between the character CH mapped onto the primitive PM and the beam BM or jet flame VN based on the movement control information. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate a virtual space image in which hidden surface removal has been appropriately performed.

Further, in this embodiment, processing is performed to move the second primitive based on the primitive PM from the initial placement position of the second primitive set based on the analysis result of the target object POB. For example, in FIG. 14, the injection position of the injection flame VN of the vernier and the emission position of the beam BM are specified by performing analysis processing such as silhouette analysis of the object POB. That is, the ejection position of the jet flame VN and the ejection position of the beam BM differ according to the type and shape of the object POB. Therefore, by performing analysis processing such as silhouette analysis based on the photographed image of the object POB, the type and shape of the object POB are specified, and the ejection position of the jet flame VN and the emission position of the beam BM are specified. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the specified injection position of the injection flame VN is set to the initial placement position PI1 of the primitive PMV for the injection flame VN. Also, the identified beam BM emission position is set to the initial arrangement position PI2 of the primitive PMB for the beam BM. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the primitives PMVs and PMBs are moved from these initial placement positions PI1 and PI2 with reference to the primitives PMVs. That is, with PI1 and PI2 as initial placement positions, the primitives PMV and PMB are rotationally moved with reference to the primitive PMV. In this way, the primitives PMV and PMB are placed at the appropriate initial placement positions PI1 and PI2 according to the analysis result of the target object POB, and when the primitive PM moves according to the movement control information, the movement is interlocked with the movement. The image of the injection flame VN and the image of the beam BM can be displayed at the appropriate position.

In the target object POB, markers are attached to the jetting position of the jet flame VN and the emitting position of the beam BM, and in the analysis processing of the target object POB, the initial arrangement position of the second primitive is obtained by performing the recognition processing of these markers. may be determined. That is, the initial arrangement position PI1 of the primitive PMV for the jet flame VN and the initial arrangement position PI2 of the primitive PMB for the beam BM are determined based on the result of the marker recognition processing.

In this embodiment, the images of the jet flame VN and the beam BM, which are the images of the primitive PMV and PMB, are effect images. That is, in the present embodiment, the image of the object POB is photographed by the photographing unit 162 to generate the texture and display the image of the character CH corresponding to the object POB. cannot be photographed by photographing by the photographing unit 162 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, images of effects such as jet flame VN and beam BM are generated using primitives PMV and PMB arranged relative to primitive PM. In this way, an effect image that cannot be photographed by the photographing unit 162 can be displayed along with the image of the character CH corresponding to the object POB.

Also, in this embodiment, an image including a primitive image and images of a plurality of objects set in the virtual space is generated as the virtual space image, and post-effect processing is performed on the generated virtual space image. For example, in FIG. 15, as virtual space images, an image of a character CH, which is an image of a primitive PM, and an image including rock objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 set in the virtual space and an object image of an enemy character CHE are generated. ing. Then, post-effect processing is performed on the virtual space image generated in this manner. For example, post-effect processing such as blur processing, brightness adjustment processing, or hue adjustment processing is performed. For example, post-effect processing is performed on the virtual space image in which the other objects OB1, OB2, OB3, etc. are displayed so that the image of the character CH represented by the primitive PM is displayed in a natural manner. For example, post-effect processing is performed to blur the outline of the character CH represented by the primitive PM so that the outline, which is the boundary between the character CH and the virtual space image, becomes inconspicuous. Also, if there is a difference between the brightness of the image of the character CH and the brightness of the surrounding virtual space image, post-effect processing is performed to reduce this difference. By doing so, it is possible to generate a high-quality and realistic virtual space image in which the image of the character CH generated based on the captured image blends seamlessly into the surrounding virtual space.

Further, in this embodiment, a group of photographed images for another display object obtained by photographing another object corresponding to another display object from a plurality of photographing directions is acquired. Then, according to the movement control information for the other display object, the texture for the other display object is generated based on the photographed image selected from the group of photographed images for the other display object. Then, the texture for the other display object, which changes according to the movement control information for the other display object, is mapped to the primitive for the other display object to generate a virtual space image. Here, another display object is, for example, an enemy character.

For example, in FIG. 16, a virtual space image including images of enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2, which are other displayed objects, is generated. In this case, a group of photographed images obtained by photographing objects corresponding to enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 from a plurality of photographing directions is obtained. For example, in the same manner as in FIGS. 3A and 3B, plastic models of enemy robots corresponding to enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 are photographed from a plurality of photographing directions. (for display object) is acquired. Textures TEXE1 and TEXE2 for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 are generated based on the captured images selected from the group of captured images for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 according to the movement control information for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2. That is, the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 move in the virtual space based on the movement control information for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2. Based on the movement control information for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2, captured images are selected from a group of captured images for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 to generate textures TEXE1 and TEXE2 for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2. By doing so, textures TEXE1 and TEXE2 that reflect the movement control information can be generated, as in the case of the player's character CH. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, a virtual space image is generated by mapping the generated textures TEXE1 and TEXE2 onto the primitives PME1 and PME2 for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2.

In this manner, for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2, as in the case of the character CH, an effect can be achieved in which plastic models of the enemy robots, which are objects corresponding to the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2, appear in the virtual space. be possible. As a result, it is possible to realize an unprecedented game in which the plastic model of the player's robot and the plastic model of the enemy robot compete in a virtual space. In addition, the images of the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2 can also be images that reflect the movement control information for the enemy characters CHE1 and CHE2, making it possible to generate more realistic images. For example, in FIG. 16, for the enemy character CHE1, an image is generated that looks forward right with respect to the primitive PME1, and an image of the enemy character CHE1 that faces the character CH is generated as a virtual space image. become. As for the enemy character CHE2, an image is generated that looks forward left based on the primitive PME2, and an image of the enemy character CHE2 that faces the character CH is generated as a virtual space image. As a result, the player's sense of virtual reality can be improved.

Also, in this embodiment, an image in which particles are displayed around the primitive PM is generated as a virtual space image. For example, in FIG. 17, particles PT are generated around the primitive PM on which the image of the character CH is mapped. The display processing of the particles PT is processing for representing an event composed of particles in motion, and for example, controls the movement of the particles PT by physics simulation. For example, more precise particle control can be achieved by setting environmental conditions such as the initial velocity and weight of the particles PT, gravity, and air resistance when they are generated. As an example, the storage unit 170 is provided with a buffer for managing the vertex coordinates of the particles PT, and the behavior of the particles PT is controlled by recursively performing shader calculations.

That is, in the present embodiment, the image of the character CH that looks like a pseudo three-dimensional image is generated using the two-dimensional captured image of the object POB. On the other hand, other objects in the virtual space are represented by three-dimensional models. Therefore, unless some measures are taken, the image of the character CH, which is a pseudo three-dimensional image, and the image of another object, which is a three-dimensional model, will cause a sense of incongruity, and the player's sense of virtual reality will be spoiled. There is a risk of loss. In this regard, if the particles PT are generated around the primitive PM to which the image of the character CH is mapped as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to create a three-dimensional sense of space. This makes it possible to give the player a virtual reality feeling as if the three-dimensional model character CH were moving in a three-dimensional virtual space.

FIG. 18 shows an application example of the image generating system of this embodiment to a business game device 210 . In the image generation system of FIG. 18, in addition to the commercial game device 210 which is the main device, a photographing section 162, an arrangement section 10 in which the object POB is arranged, and a rotational movement mechanism 12 are provided. Specifically, in the image generation system of FIG. 18, a photographing housing 220 is provided, and this photographing housing 220 is provided with a photographing section 162 , a placement section 10 , and a rotational movement mechanism 12 . A background section 20 is also provided in the imaging housing 220 . The rotational movement mechanism 12 is a mechanism that performs rotational movement for changing the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object POB arranged in the arrangement unit 10 . In FIG. 18, the rotational movement mechanism 12 rotates the placement unit 10 to change the photographing direction of the photographing unit 162 with respect to the object POB. The game device 210 (body-side housing) and the shooting housing 220 are connected for communication, for example, by wire or wirelessly. ing.

In the image generation system of FIG. 18, the player first places an object POB, such as a plastic model of a robot that the player wishes to photograph, in the arrangement section 10 of the photographing housing 220 . Then, when the player performs an operation for instructing, for example, photographing on the game device 210, the rotation movement mechanism 12 rotates the placement unit 10, and the photographing unit 162 moves the object within a 360-degree photographing direction range as shown in FIG. Take a picture of POB. Data of the moving image (captured image group) obtained by shooting is transferred to the game device 210 and stored in the storage unit 170 of the game device 210 . As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the player can play a game in which the character CH corresponding to the object POB appears in the virtual space with one action after photographing the object POB. become. As a result, the player can make the character CH corresponding to the object POB such as a plastic model owned by the player appear in the virtual space and enjoy the game using the character CH, realizing an unprecedented game. becomes possible.

Also, as shown in FIG. 19, it is desirable to provide a support portion 16 for supporting the object POB in a state of being suspended in the air. In FIG. 19 , one end of a rod-shaped support portion 16 is attached to the placement portion 10 . A hole is provided in the buttocks of the object POB, which is a plastic model of the robot. By inserting the other end of the rod-shaped support part 16 into this hole, the object POB is suspended in the air. can be supported by In this way, it is possible to make the character CH in a floating pose appear as the character CH corresponding to the object POB, and it is possible to meet various demands of the player.

In FIG. 19, the other end of the rod-shaped support portion 16 is inserted into the hole of the buttocks of the object POB to support the object POB in a floating state in the air. is not limited to this. For example, by suspending the object POB in the air using a thin transparent linear member such as a piano wire, the object POB may be supported while floating in the air. Alternatively, by providing a hole in the head of the object POB and inserting the other end of the support part 16 into the hole in the head, the object POB can be floated in the air and supported upside down. may In this case, the photographed images of the acquired photographed image group may be vertically inverted.

2.3 Generating Textures from First and Second Groups of Photographed Images The case where there is one group of photographed images has been mainly described above. A method of generating a texture based on captured images of a plurality of captured image groups such as the first and second captured image groups, mapping the textures onto the primitive PM, and generating a virtual space image will be described below. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of virtual space image generation processing based on the first and second captured image groups.

First, a first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by the photographing unit 162 is obtained (step S21). That is, a first captured image group (first moving image) is obtained by the imaging method described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Next, a second photographed image group obtained by photographing the object with the changed pose, the object with the attached object, or the object with the deformed shape from a plurality of photographing directions is acquired (step S22). . For example, as shown in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B) described later, an object POB obtained by changing the pose of the object in the first photographed image group is captured in a plurality of photographing directions (a 360-degree photographing direction range). ) to acquire a second captured image group (second moving image). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22A, an object POB in which a weapon such as a cannon CN or accessories such as armor are added to the object in the first photographed image group is photographed from a plurality of photographing directions. A second photographed image group is acquired by photographing. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22B, a second captured image group is obtained by capturing an object POB obtained by deforming the shape of the object in the first captured image group from a plurality of capturing directions. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23, a second captured image group is obtained by processing the first captured image group. Then, the first and second captured image groups acquired in this way are stored and saved in the storage unit 170 (step S23).

Next, textures to be mapped to primitives are generated from the first and second photographed image groups (step S24). For example, textures are generated based on the captured images of the first and second captured image groups by the method described with reference to FIGS. Then, the generated texture is mapped to primitives to generate a virtual space image seen from the virtual camera in the virtual space (step S25). For example, by performing processing to move primitives in virtual space and mapping textures generated from the first and second captured image groups to the primitives that move in virtual space, images in which textures are mapped to primitives are included. Generate a virtual space image.

In this way, textures are generated using not only the first captured image group but also the second captured image group, and a virtual space image including primitive images to which the generated textures are mapped can be generated. become. For example, not only the photographed image of the object, but also the photographed image of the object with changed pose, the photographed image of the object with attached objects, the photographed image of the object whose shape is deformed, or the photographed image of the object is processed. A texture is generated based on the photographed image, and a virtual space image including a primitive image to which the texture is mapped can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to make a display object corresponding to the target object appear in the virtual space, and to generate virtual space images based on captured images of various modes of the target object.

For example, FIG. 21A is an example of the object POB. This target object POB is a plastic model of a robot and is arranged in the arrangement section 10 . By rotating the placement unit 10 with the rotation movement mechanism 12, it is possible to obtain a group of captured images of the object POB captured in a plurality of capturing directions. As described with reference to FIG. 3B, the photographed images of this photographed image group are images in which the object POB is captured and the background BG by the background section 20 is captured.

Then, in FIG. 21B, the object POB whose pose has been changed is arranged in the arrangement section 10 . That is, the object POB in FIG. 21(B) takes a pose different from that in FIG. 21(A). The object POB shown in FIG. 21B may be the object POB shown in FIG. It may be an object (second object) separately prepared by the player. For example, the object POB in the basic pose as shown in FIG. 21A is arranged in the arrangement unit 10, and photographed from a plurality of photographing directions to acquire a first photographed image group. Also, by arranging the target object POB in a predetermined pose as shown in FIG. Furthermore, three or more photographed image groups such as the third and fourth photographed image groups may be acquired by photographing the object POB with different poses.

Also, in FIG. 22A, the object POB to which the accompanying cannon CN is added is arranged in the arrangement section 10 . That is, the object POB in FIG. 22(A) is added with a cannon CN that is not in FIG. 21(A). The object POB of FIG. 22(A) may be the object POB itself of FIG. may be an object with an accompanying object (second object) separately prepared by the player. For example, an object POB without a cannon CN as shown in FIG. 21A is arranged in the arrangement unit 10, and photographed from a plurality of photographing directions to obtain a first photographed image group. Also, the object POB equipped with the cannon CN as shown in FIG. 22A is arranged in the arrangement unit 10 and photographed from a plurality of photographing directions to obtain a second photographed image group. Further, by photographing the object POB to which different accompanying objects are added, three or more photographed image groups such as the third and fourth photographed image groups may be acquired. Attachments added to the target object POB are not limited to the cannon CN, but weapons other than the cannon CN, armor, equipment (equipment other than weapons and armor), decorations (accessories, ornaments, etc.) , or personal belongings (bag, watch, etc.).

Also, in FIG. 22B, the object POB whose shape has been deformed by transformation or the like is arranged in the arrangement section 10 . That is, the object POB in FIG. 22(B) is deformed into a shape different from that in FIG. 21(A). For example, a ground robot is transformed into an airplane-shaped robot. The object POB of FIG. 22(B) may be obtained by changing the parts of the object POB itself of FIG. may be an object (second object) separately prepared by the player. For example, a first captured image group is acquired by arranging a normal type target object POB as shown in FIG. Also, the object POB deformed into a special shape as shown in FIG. 22B is arranged in the placement unit 10 and photographed from a plurality of photographing directions to obtain a second photographed image group. Furthermore, three or more photographed image groups such as third and fourth photographed image groups may be acquired by photographing the object POB deformed into third and fourth different shapes.

Also, in FIG. 23, the second captured image group is obtained by processing the first captured image group. For example, the second photographed image group is acquired by performing enlargement processing for size change such that a display object such as a character appearing in the photographed images of the first photographed image group is stretched in the horizontal direction. For example, processing to make the display mode of a display object such as a character appearing in the shot images of the first shot image group and the display aspect of the display object such as a character appearing in the shot images of the second shot image group different. is being done. Alternatively, processing processing such as image effect processing such as blur processing may be performed on the first captured image group, processing processing may be performed to change the color, brightness or contrast of the first captured image group, or the first captured image group may be processed. A second group of captured images may be acquired by performing processing such as left-right inversion, up-down inversion, or rotation of a group of captured images. Alternatively, the second captured image group may be obtained by performing processing such that displayed objects such as characters are destroyed by an attack from an enemy.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, one of the first and second captured image groups is selected according to the player's operation input information. For example, when it is determined that the player has performed the first operation input, the first captured image group is selected from the first and second captured image groups. On the other hand, when it is determined that the player has performed the second operation input, the second captured image group is selected from the first and second captured image groups. Then, textures are generated based on the captured images of one of the selected captured image groups, and the generated textures are mapped to the primitives, thereby generating a virtual space image viewed from the virtual camera. In this way, an appropriate captured image group is selected according to the operation input information of the player, and the texture-mapped image based on the captured image of the selected captured image group is displayed on the display object corresponding to the target object. It can be generated as an image.

For example, when the player performs a normal operation input (first operation input) such as moving a character, the object POB in the normal pose as shown in FIG. select the first group of captured images. On the other hand, when the player performs an operation input (second operation input) for attacking an enemy with a weapon, the target object POB is photographed in a pose of attacking with the weapon as shown in FIG. 21(B). A second captured image group obtained is selected. This makes it possible to generate a virtual space image including an image of the character in an attacking pose with a weapon. Alternatively, when the player performs an operation input (second operation input) to mount the cannon CN, the object POB to which the cannon CN is mounted as shown in FIG. select the second group of captured images. As a result, a virtual space image including an image of a character equipped with a cannon CN can be generated. Alternatively, when the player performs an operation input (second operation input) for deforming (transforming) into a special shape, the object POB deformed into a special shape as shown in FIG. 22B is photographed. A second captured image group obtained by the above is selected. As a result, it becomes possible to generate a virtual space image including an image of a character transformed into a special shape.

Further, in this embodiment, one of the first and second captured image groups is selected according to the analysis result of the object and the player's operation input information, and the selected one captured image group is selected. A texture is generated based on the captured image. In this manner, not only the operation input information of the player but also the appropriate photographed image group corresponding to the analysis result of the object is selected, and an image in which the texture based on the photographed image of the selected photographed image group is mapped is generated. , can be generated as an image of a display object corresponding to the object. FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining virtual space image generation processing by such a method.

First, the object is analyzed based on the photographed image or the like (step S31). For example, silhouette analysis of the object is performed to specify the type and shape of the object. Also, the operation input information of the player is determined (step S32). For example, based on the operation input information input by the player using the operation unit 160, it is determined what kind of operation input the player has performed. Then, one of the first and second captured image groups is selected according to the analysis result of the object and the player's operation input information (step S33). For example, based on the analysis result of the object, the type of the object is identified, and it is determined whether the player has performed a specific operation input prepared for that type of object. Then, textures are generated based on the captured images of one of the selected captured image groups, and the generated textures are mapped to generate a virtual space image seen from the virtual camera in the virtual space (steps S34, S35). .

For example, if the target object is a plastic model of a robot, there are a plurality of types of plastic models of the robot, so silhouette analysis or the like is used to identify which type of plastic model of the robot is photographed. In the case of the plastic model of the first type of robot, the game is set such that when the player performs the first operation input, the corresponding character performs a special technique. In this case, the analysis processing based on the photographed image specifies that the plastic model of the robot, which is the target object, is of the first type, and when the player performs the first operation input, the special technique is executed. Select a second group of captured images to be used when moving out. Then, textures generated based on the captured images of the second captured image group are mapped to primitives to generate virtual space images. By doing so, an image in which the character corresponding to the plastic model of the first type of robot performs a special technique is generated, and the virtual reality can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, a process of moving the primitive in the virtual space is performed based on the movement control information. Then, as shown in FIG. 26, a texture is generated based on a photographed image selected from one of the first and second photographed image groups according to the movement control information. Then, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped onto the primitive to generate a virtual space image. In this way, it becomes possible to generate a virtual space image by the method described with reference to FIGS. be able to generate.

Further, in the present embodiment, the texture is generated by synthesizing the photographed images of the first photographed image group and the photographed images of the second photographed image group.

For example, in FIG. 27A, captured images IMX1 to IMXj as a first captured image group and captured images IMY1 to IMYj as a second captured image group are acquired. Then, the captured image IMXi of the first captured image group and the captured image IMYi of the second captured image group are combined to generate a combined image IMXY. For example, synthesis processing such as α synthesis is performed to generate a synthesized image IMXY. A texture is then generated based on the composite image IMXY and mapped to the primitive. As a result, a virtual space image including images of primitives is generated. In this manner, the texture is generated by reflecting both the captured image of the first captured image group and the captured image of the second captured image group, and the image mapped with the generated texture is applied to the object. It becomes possible to generate an image of the corresponding display object.

For example, in FIG. 27B, the first group of captured images is a group of captured images when the object is in the first pose, and the second group of captured images is a group of captured images when the object is in the second pose. Assume that it is a group of captured images in the case. The first pose is, for example, the pose shown in FIG. 21(A), and the second pose is, for example, the pose shown in FIG. 21(B). Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, based on the player's operation input information, the character image is generated with the texture based on the first captured image group, and the character is generated with the texture based on the second captured image group. Suppose that the processing to switch to the generation of the image of By doing so, it becomes possible to switch from the virtual space image in which the image of the character in the first pose is displayed to the virtual space image in which the image of the character in the second pose is displayed. For example, it is possible to switch from the virtual space image in which the image of the character in the pose of FIG. 21A is displayed to the virtual space image in which the image of the character in the pose of FIG. 21B is displayed. In this case, during the switching period of the switching process, a texture based on the composite image IMXY of the captured images of the first and second captured image groups is generated and mapped to the primitive. By doing so, it is possible to display the image of the character in a pose that interpolates the first pose and the second pose during the switching period. For example, it is possible to display an image of a character in an intermediate pose that interpolates the pose of FIG. 21(A) and the pose of FIG. 21(B) during the switching period. This makes it possible to perform processing such as motion interpolation, enabling smooth transition processing between character poses.

Note that the photographed image of the first photographed image group obtained by photographing the object POB as shown in FIG. 21A and the second photographed image obtained by photographing the shape-deformed object POB such as FIG. Switching processing as shown in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to generate a virtual space image in which the character is smoothly deformed.

Further, in this embodiment, the game parameters of the game played by the player are set based on the analysis result of the object, and the game processing is performed based on the set game parameters. FIG. 28 shows a flowchart for performing such processing.

First, an object analysis process is performed based on a photographed image or the like (step S41). For example, silhouette analysis of the object is performed to specify the type and shape of the object. Then, the game parameters of the game played by the player are set based on the analysis result of the object (step S42). For example, game parameters such as attack power, defense power, endurance, movement ability, running ability, special ability, special skill, hit point, magic point, or level of the character corresponding to the object are set. For example, initial parameter values, which are basic game parameter values, are set. Then, the game process is executed based on the set game parameters (step S43). For example, based on the set game parameters, a game process in which a character or the like appears is performed. For example, a game start process, a game progress process, a game end process, or a game result calculation process is performed.

In this way, a display object such as a character can be displayed based on the photographed image of the object, and game parameters used in the processing of the game in which the display object such as the character appears can be set based on the analysis result of the object. become able to. As a result, it is possible to realize a game in which displayed objects corresponding to the objects appear in the virtual space, and to set the game parameters for the processing of the game based on the type of the object, which is the analysis result of the object. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize a game with unprecedented interest.

It should be noted that the game parameters may be set based on the player information as well as the result of analysis such as silhouette analysis of the object. For example, based on the player's personal information, etc., the value of the game parameter set as the initial value is changed.

Further, in the present embodiment, when receiving a second group of captured images after receiving a first group of captured images, whether or not the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images is determined. to judge. Then, when the captured image group is determined to be different, the second captured image group is stored in the storage unit 170 . For example, when an object is photographed by the photographing unit 162, the photographed second photographed image group (second moving image) is different from the previously photographed first photographed image group (first moving image). It is determined whether or not it is an image group (moving image). Then, on condition that the captured image groups are different, the captured second captured image group (second moving image) is stored in the storage unit 170 . For example, if the second group of captured images is a group of captured images obtained by capturing the same object as the first group of captured images, they are not stored in the storage unit 170 . FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining such processing for saving a captured image group.

First, the first captured image group is received and stored in the storage unit 170 (step S51). Then, it is determined whether or not the second captured image group has been received (step S52). For example, it is determined whether or not the second captured image group has been acquired by the imaging unit 162 and accepted. Then, when the second group of photographed images is accepted, it is determined whether the second group of photographed images is a group of photographed images different from the first group of photographed images (step S53). Then, when it is determined that the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images, the second group of captured images is stored and saved in the storage unit 170 (step S54).

By performing the above-described processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a group of similar captured images (moving images) are wastefully stored in the storage unit 170 . On the other hand, when the object appearing in the second group of captured images is the object in which the pose of the object in the first group of captured images has been changed, the object to which accompaniments have been added, or the object whose shape has been deformed. is determined that the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 20, an appropriate texture is generated from the first and second photographed image groups, mapped to the primitive, and the virtual space in which the display object corresponding to the target object is displayed. images can be generated.

Further, in this embodiment, when textures are generated from the first and second groups of captured images, editing of the captured images by the player is accepted. That is, an editing process is performed to enable the player to edit the photographed image. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the player's editing of the photographed image selected from the first and second photographed image groups is accepted. For example, the player can perform editing such as correcting the captured image, adding additional display items such as marks and icons to the captured image, and modifying the captured image. Then, textures are generated based on the edited photographed image, and the generated textures are mapped to the primitives, thereby generating a virtual space image including the images of the primitives.

In this way, instead of using the photographed image of the object itself, the photographed image after desired editing by the player is used to generate the texture, and the image of the primitive to which the texture is mapped is displayed. become able to. As a result, when an image of a display object such as a character corresponding to an object is displayed using a primitive image, the image of the display object can be displayed based on the corrected photographed image, or additional displays such as marks and icons can be displayed. It becomes possible to display an image of a display object to which an object is added.

Further, in the present embodiment, common points may be consumed for photographing an object by the photographing unit 162 and for playing a game using a character or the like corresponding to the object. That is, the cost required for photographing an object and the cost required for game play are made common. For example, the player is permitted to shoot an object by spending points earned by playing the game. For example, game play is charged, and the player pays real currency or virtual currency such as in-game currency to play the game. Then, when the player acquires points in the game, the photographing unit 162 is permitted to photograph the object on condition that the acquired points are consumed. For example, when the player plays the game for the first time, the player is permitted to take a picture of an object such as a plastic model possessed by the player once. The player then plays a game in which a character or the like corresponding to the photographed object appears. When the player obtains points in this game and the points reach a certain value or more, the player is permitted to take the next photograph. As a result, the player can, for example, use plastic models (objects in a broad sense) with different poses as shown in FIG. 21(B), plastic models equipped with weapons as shown in FIG. B) It becomes possible to photograph a deformed plastic model. Characters corresponding to these plastic models can be made to appear in the game, and the game can be played.

Further, in this embodiment, various correction processes and correction processes may be performed when generating textures from captured images. For example, machine learning such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) may be used to generate textures from captured images. For example, captured images acquired by the player capturing an object may be stored in the storage unit 170 and accumulated, and machine learning such as AI may be performed based on the accumulated captured images. Then, using a trained model generated by machine learning, correction processing, modification processing, or the like may be performed on the captured image to generate textures, and the generated textures may be mapped to primitives.

Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a term (plastic model, character, etc.) that is described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term (object, display object, etc.) that has a broader definition or has the same meaning cannot be used anywhere in the specification or drawings. Different terms can be substituted. In addition, the acquisition processing of the photographed image group, the primitive movement processing, the texture generation processing, the virtual space image generation processing, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and equivalent methods, processing, and configurations are also possible in the present invention. Included within the scope of disclosure.

POB object, PM, PMV, PMB, PME1, PME2 primitive,
TEX, TEXE1, TEXE2 Texture, PT Particle,
CH character, CHE, CHE1, CHE2 enemy character, CN cannon,
OB1 to OB3 Object, IM Photographed image, BG Background,
RDR shooting direction range, VC virtual camera, VL viewing direction,
PS viewpoint position, RL rail, VM view volume,
VN jet flame, BM beam, DCM shooting direction,
10 placement part, 12 rotation movement mechanism, 16 support part, 20 background part,
100 processing unit, 106 game processing unit, 108 editing processing unit, 110 acquisition unit,
111 analysis unit, 112 movement processing unit, 114 texture generation unit,
120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit, 162 imaging unit,
170 storage unit, 176 captured image information storage unit, 177 virtual space information storage unit,
178 drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 I/F unit, 195 portable information storage medium, 196 communication unit,
200 processing device, 210 game device, 220 housing for photographing

Claims (19)

A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
an image generation unit that maps the texture onto the primitive to generate a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space;
including
The texture generation unit
An image generating system, wherein the texture is generated by synthesizing a photographed image of the first photographed image group and a photographed image of the second photographed image group. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
an image generation unit that maps the texture onto the primitive to generate a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space;
including
The movement processing unit
performing a process of moving the primitive and the virtual camera according to movement control information in a state where the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed;
The texture generation unit
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; generating an image as the texture;
The image generator is
By mapping the texture generated from the photographed image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and the virtual space An image generation system characterized by generating an image. In claim 2,
The movement processing unit
performing movement processing of a second primitive whose relative positional relationship with respect to the primitive changes according to the movement control information;
The image generator is
An image generation system, wherein an image including an image of the primitive to which the texture is mapped and an image of the second primitive is generated as the virtual space image. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
an image generation unit that maps the texture onto the primitive to generate a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space;
including
The acquisition unit
After receiving the first group of captured images, when receiving the second group of captured images, determining whether the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images. An image generation system characterized by: A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
an editing processing unit that receives a player's editing of the shot image when generating the texture from the first and second shot image groups;
An image generation system comprising: A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
An image generation system comprising: A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
A game in which the object in the first and second captured image groups is analyzed, game parameters of a game played by the player are set based on the analysis results, and game processing is performed based on the set game parameters. a processing unit;
An image generation system comprising: a photographing housing having a photographing unit, an arrangement unit in which an object is arranged, and a background unit;
A first photographed image group obtained by photographing the object from a plurality of photographing directions by the photographing unit, the object with a changed pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with deformed shape an acquisition unit that acquires an image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions, or a second photographed image group that is an image group obtained by processing the first photographed image group;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
including
The photographing unit photographs the object and the background,
The texture generation unit
determining whether or not the color of each pixel of the captured image of the imaging unit corresponds to the color of the background portion; 7. An image generation system, wherein the texture is generated by performing processing to make pixels of a color corresponding to the color of the background portion transparent. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
The texture generation unit
One of the first and second groups of captured images is selected according to player's operation input information, and the texture is generated based on the selected captured image of the selected one group of captured images. An image generation system characterized by: In claim 9,
The texture generation unit
one of the first and second captured image groups is selected according to the analysis result of the object and the operation input information of the player; An image generation system that generates the texture based on a photographed image. In any one of claims 1 to 10,
The image generating system, wherein the first and second captured image groups are image groups in which the change in the imaging direction of the imaging unit with respect to the object is an imaging direction range of 180 degrees or more. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
The image generator is
An image characterized by generating an image including an image of the primitive and images of a plurality of objects set in the virtual space as the virtual space image, and performing post-effect processing on the generated image. generation system. In any one of claims 1 to 12,
the imaging unit;
an arrangement unit in which the object is arranged;
a rotational movement mechanism that performs rotational movement for changing an imaging direction of the imaging unit with respect to the object placed in the placement unit;
An image generation system comprising: A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
As an image generation unit that maps the texture to the primitive and generates a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space,
make your computer work
The texture generation unit
A program for generating the texture by synthesizing the captured image of the first captured image group and the captured image of the second captured image group. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
As an image generation unit that maps the texture to the primitive and generates a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space,
make your computer work
The movement processing unit
performing a process of moving the primitive and the virtual camera according to movement control information in a state where the positional relationship between the primitive and the virtual camera is fixed;
The texture generation unit
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; generating an image as the texture;
The image generator is
By mapping the texture generated from the photographed image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and the virtual space A program characterized by generating images. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving primitives in a virtual space;
a texture generation unit that generates a texture to be mapped onto the primitive from the first and second captured image groups;
As an image generation unit that maps the texture to the primitive and generates a virtual space image viewed from a virtual camera in the virtual space,
make your computer work
The acquisition unit
After receiving the first group of captured images, when receiving the second group of captured images, determining whether the second group of captured images is a group of captured images different from the first group of captured images. A program characterized by: A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
An editing processing unit that receives a player's editing of the shot image when generating the texture from the first and second shot image groups,
A program characterized by making a computer work. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space As an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera,
A program characterized by making a computer work. A first photographed image group obtained by photographing an object from a plurality of photographing directions by a photographing unit, the object with a different pose, the object with attached objects, or the object with a deformed shape. an acquisition unit that acquires a group of images obtained by shooting from a plurality of shooting directions, or a second group of captured images that is a group of images obtained by processing the first group of captured images;
a storage unit that stores the acquired first and second captured image groups;
a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a primitive in a virtual space based on the movement control information ;
selecting a photographed image that is a two-dimensional image from one of the first and second photographed image groups based on the movement control information of the primitive; a texture generation unit that generates an image as a texture to be mapped onto the primitive;
By mapping the texture generated from the captured image selected based on the movement control information to the primitive, the texture that changes according to the movement control information is mapped to the primitive, and in the virtual space an image generator that generates a virtual space image seen from a virtual camera;
A game in which the object in the first and second captured image groups is analyzed, game parameters of a game played by the player are set based on the analysis results, and game processing is performed based on the set game parameters. As a processing unit,
A program characterized by making a computer work.

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