JP2011212270A - Program, information storage medium and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program for displaying an information display object in a display state suitable for stereoscopic viewing, and also to provide an information storage medium, and an image generation system, etc.SOLUTION: The image generation system includes an object space setting part, a virtual camera control part, and an image generation part. The object space setting part sets the arrangement of the information display object for displaying information to a viewer on a curved surface having a curvature center on the side of a virtual camera in an object space. The image generation part generates a left eye image being the image to be viewed from a left eye virtual camera in the object space and a right eye image being the image to be viewed from a right eye virtual camera in the object space, thereby to generate the image where the information display object is stereoscopically displayed.

Description

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

  In recent years, in the field of movies and the like, a stereoscopic image generation system has been spotlighted as a system for generating an image with more realistic presence. In this stereoscopic image generation system, a left-eye image seen from the left-eye camera and a right-eye image seen from the right-eye camera are generated. The player wears stereoscopic glasses, and the left eye sees only the left-eye image, and the right eye sees only the right-eye image, thereby realizing stereoscopic viewing. As a conventional technique of an image generation system that realizes such a stereoscopic view, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  If a game image is generated using such a stereoscopic view, the player can easily grasp the three-dimensional positional relationship of each object arranged in the game field. That is, in a normal pseudo three-dimensional game that is not stereoscopic, a final image to be displayed is displayed in spite of the fact that a three-dimensional object is arranged and drawn in a three-dimensional space. This results in a pseudo three-dimensional image generated by performing perspective projection transformation on the object. In this pseudo three-dimensional image, it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship of each object in the depth direction as compared to a stereoscopic image. For this reason, when the player operates the character to move it on the game field, there is a problem that it is difficult to move the character smoothly. For example, it is assumed that a road exists between the first object and the second object that is on the back side as viewed from the viewpoint of the first object. In this case, in the pseudo three-dimensional image, the player cannot grasp the position in the depth direction of the road, so that it becomes difficult to move the character along the road.

  On the other hand, in the stereoscopic image, the position in the depth direction of the road existing between the first and second objects can be easily grasped. Accordingly, the player can easily move the character, and the character can be smoothly moved in the three-dimensional space.

  On the other hand, even when a game image is generated using stereoscopic vision, for example, the physical strength of the character operated by the player, the equipment items of the character, information on the map on which the character moves, and the like need to be displayed on the game screen. There is.

  In the above-described pseudo three-dimensional image game, an object (sprite) for displaying such information is drawn with the two-dimensional coordinates of the screen. In other words, an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in a three-dimensional object space is drawn, and a pseudo three-dimensional image is generated. Combine the objects to generate the final game image.

  However, if such a two-dimensional rendering method of the information display object is applied to a stereoscopic game image as it is, an image unnatural for the player may be generated. That is, the game image is displayed as a stereoscopic image that is not a pseudo three-dimensional image, but an information display object such as a physical strength gauge is displayed as a planar image at the position of the screen. . Therefore, in the world of three-dimensional stereoscopic vision, a planar information display object looks as if it is sticking to the screen, which impairs the realism of stereoscopic vision. Further, the planar display of the information display object causes the player to feel the presence of the display screen, and the virtual reality of the player is impaired.

JP 2002-281526 A

  According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, and the like that enable display of an information display object in a display mode suitable for stereoscopic viewing.

  One aspect of the present invention includes an object space setting unit that performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera, and an image generation unit that generates an image. The object space setting unit sets and arranges an information display object for displaying information to a viewer on a curved surface having a center of curvature on the virtual camera side in the object space, and the image generation unit An image in which the information display object is stereoscopically displayed by generating a left-eye image that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space and a right-eye image that is an image seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space Relates to an image generation system for generating The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an information display object for displaying information to the viewer is arranged and set on the curved surface set in the object space. This curved surface is, for example, a curved surface whose center of curvature is on the virtual camera side. According to one aspect of the present invention, in the state where the information display object is arranged and set on the curved surface in this way, the left-eye image that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space, and the right-eye virtual camera A right-eye image that is a visible image is generated, and an image in which the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a position on the curved surface is generated. In this way, it is possible to display an information display object that looks natural when viewed from the viewer, compared to a method of drawing an information display object using only coordinates on the screen, and a display mode suitable for stereoscopic viewing. The information display object can be displayed on the screen.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may place and set the information display object for displaying information about the game on the curved surface of the object space for the player who is the viewer. Also good.

  This makes it possible to display the information display object in a display mode suitable for a stereoscopic game. Information relating to the game includes information on characters appearing in the game, information indicating the game situation of the player, and the like.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the information display object includes an object for displaying status information of a character operated by the player, an object for displaying information on equipment items of the character, and a map of the object space. It may include at least one object for displaying information.

  Note that the information display objects for displaying information related to the game are not limited to these objects.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may place and set a three-dimensional object on the curved surface of the object space as the information display object.

  In this way, the information display object arranged three-dimensionally on the curved surface can be seen three-dimensionally due to its three-dimensional shape, so that an unprecedented interface environment can be provided to the viewer.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may include the first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) in which the information display object is arranged and set on each curved surface and the distance from the virtual camera is different from each other. ) May be set.

  If a plurality of first to Nth curved surfaces are set in this way and an information display object is arranged and set on each curved surface, an interface environment that could not be realized so far can be provided to the viewer.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may receive information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces from the virtual camera based on input information from the viewer. You may perform the rearrangement process which moves to the position where distance differs.

  In this way, the arrangement position of the information display object can be rearranged according to the input information from the viewer, so that an interface environment that is easy for the viewer to use can be provided.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, information display priorities are set for the information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces, and the object space setting unit is set with a high priority. The information display object may be arranged and set on a curved surface at a position close to the virtual camera among the first to Nth curved surfaces.

  In this way, information display objects having a high priority for information display are arranged on the front side when viewed from the virtual camera, so these information display objects are stereoscopically displayed at a position that is easy for the viewer to see. It becomes like this.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a character control unit that controls a character operated by the player who is the viewer (a computer is caused to function as the character control unit), and the object space setting unit includes the virtual camera The i-th curved surface at the i-th distance from the virtual camera is set in front of the character when viewed from the virtual camera, and the j-th (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N) at the j-th distance from the virtual camera. ) May be set on the heel side of the character as viewed from the virtual camera.

  In this way, it is possible to arrange the i-th curved surface and the j-th curved surface in a place where the relative positional relationship with the character is determined, for example, and it is possible to present information that is easy for the viewer to see. become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image generation unit includes an i-th information display object arranged and set on an i-th curved surface at an i-th distance from the virtual camera, and a j-th information display object from the virtual camera. An image having a display mode different from the jth information display object arranged and set on the jth (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N) curved surface at a distance may be generated.

  In this way, since the display mode of the generated image changes depending on the arrangement position of the information display object, for example, it is possible to display the image of the information display object in a display mode that is easy for the viewer to see. .

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may be disposed on the j-th curved surface when the j-th curved surface is farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface. A translucent process may be performed in which the set j-th information display object is made more transparent than the i-th information display object arranged and set on the i-th curved surface.

  In this way, the j-th information display object on the back side is more transparent than the i-th information display object on the near side, so that the j-th information display object hinders the viewer's field of view. Etc., and a suitable interface environment can be provided to the viewer.

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may be disposed on the j-th curved surface when the j-th curved surface is farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface. The i th information display object arranged and set on the i th curved surface may generate an image with a higher level of detail of display information than the j th information display object set. .

  In this way, the i-th information display object on the near side has a higher level of detail of the display information than the j-th information display object on the far side, so that the content of the displayed information can be accurately determined for the viewer. Can be grasped.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may change the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on predetermined information.

  In this way, the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface can be variably controlled based on the predetermined information.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a screen distance information acquisition unit that acquires screen distance information representing a distance from the screen of the display unit to the viewer as the predetermined information (the computer functions as the screen distance information acquisition unit). The object space setting unit may change the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on the acquired screen distance information.

  In this way, since the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface changes according to the screen distance, for example, the curved surface is set at a position where the positional relationship with the screen is fixed, and the information display object is displayed. Is possible.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a game environment setting unit that performs a game environment setting process of the player based on input information from the player who is the viewer (the computer functions as the game environment setting unit), The screen distance information acquisition unit may acquire the screen distance information based on input information input by the player in the setting of the game environment.

  In this way, the display of the information display object can be effectively used to allow the player to grasp the distance from the player's viewpoint to the screen.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may include the virtual camera based on the screen distance information so that the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a position corresponding to the screen of the display unit. The distance from the curved surface may be changed.

  In this way, even if the screen distance changes, the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a fixed position corresponding to the screen, and it is possible to display the information display object that is easy for the viewer to see.

  In the aspect of the invention, the object space setting unit may set the curved surface at a position circumscribing the screen of the display unit.

  The setting position of the curved surface is not limited to such a circumscribed position, and for example, the curved surface may be set at a position slightly deviated from the circumscribed position.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the screen distance information acquisition unit acquires depth information when the viewer side is viewed from the display unit side using a depth sensor, and based on the acquired depth information. The screen distance information may be acquired.

  In this way, it is possible to automatically acquire screen distance information using a depth sensor and set the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the screen distance information acquisition unit acquires color image information when the viewer side is viewed from the display unit side using a color image sensor, and the acquired color image The screen distance information may be acquired based on the information and the depth information.

  In this way, since screen distance information is acquired using not only the depth information obtained by the depth sensor but also the color image information obtained by the color image sensor, more efficient and appropriate acquisition of screen distance information can be achieved. It becomes possible. The depth sensor and the color image sensor may be configured separately, or may be configured as one image sensor.

1 is a configuration example of an image generation system according to the present embodiment. The example of the image produced | generated by the image production | generation system of this embodiment. FIGS. 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of a stereoscopic image generation method according to this embodiment. The example of the image produced | generated by the method of a comparative example. An example of a game environment setting screen. 6A to 6C are explanatory diagrams of a curved surface setting method based on screen distance information input on the game environment setting screen. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are explanatory diagrams of a method for acquiring screen distance information using an image sensor. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of a curved surface setting method based on screen distance information acquired using an image sensor. Explanatory drawing of the method which arrange | positions the information display object of a three-dimensional shape. Explanatory drawing of the method of arrange | positioning and setting an information display object on the some curved surface from which the distance from a virtual camera differs. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are explanatory diagrams of a method for rearranging information display objects. Explanatory drawing of the method of setting a curved surface to the near side and back side of a character. Explanatory drawing of the translucent processing method of the information display object arrange | positioned and set to a some curved surface. Explanatory drawing of the detail setting method of the information display object arrange | positioned and set to a some curved surface. FIGS. 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of a technique for changing the transparency and information detail of information display objects arranged and set on a plurality of curved surfaces. The flowchart of the process which implement | achieves the method of this embodiment. The flowchart of the process which implement | achieves the method of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the image generation system of the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and various modifications may be made such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components. .

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction instruction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel type. This can be realized with a display.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof by an optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), and the like. realizable. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present 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 by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another image generation system, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC, a communication processor, or the like. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 102, an object space setting unit 104, a character control unit 105, a virtual camera control unit 108, a screen distance information acquisition unit 110, a game environment setting unit 112, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Including. The character control unit 105 includes a movement processing unit 106 and a motion processing unit 107. Various modifications may be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The game calculation unit 102 performs game calculation processing. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 104 performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, various objects (polygon, free-form surface or subdivision surface) representing display objects such as characters (people, animals, robots, cars, ships, airplanes, etc.), maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. The object is configured to place and set in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects. Specifically, the object data storage unit 171 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the object (part object) in association with the object number. . The object space setting unit 104 performs a process of updating the object data for each frame, for example.

  The character control unit 105 controls a character that moves (moves) in the object space. For example, the movement processing unit 106 included in the character control unit 105 performs a process of moving a character (model object, moving object). For example, the character is moved in the object space based on operation information input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement algorithm), various data, and the like. Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining character movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) every frame (for example, 1/60 second) is performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing a movement process, a motion process, and an image generation process. The motion processing unit 107 included in the character control unit 105 performs motion processing (motion reproduction, motion generation) that causes the character to perform motion (animation). This motion processing can be realized by reproducing the motion of the character based on the motion data stored in the motion data storage unit 172.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control processing of a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  For example, when a character is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle (the direction of the virtual camera) of the virtual camera is controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the character. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the character position, rotation angle, or speed obtained by the movement processing unit 106. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera.

  The screen distance information acquisition unit 110 performs processing for acquiring screen distance information. This screen distance information is information representing the distance from the screen (display screen) of the display unit 190 to the viewer.

  The game environment setting unit 112 performs a game environment setting process. For example, the game environment setting process of the player is performed based on input information from the player. Specifically, the display unit 190 displays a game environment setting screen (option setting screen). Then, based on information input by the player using the operation unit 160 on the displayed game environment setting screen, processing for setting various game environment information necessary for the player to play the game is performed. The set game environment information is stored in the game environment information storage unit 177.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 179 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that the rendering process can be realized by a vertex shader process or a pixel shader process.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  In this embodiment, the object space setting unit 104 sets the information display object on the curved surface in the object space. For example, the three-dimensional coordinates of the information display object are set at a position on the curved surface. Here, the curved surface is, for example, a curved surface whose center of curvature (one or more centers of curvature) is on the virtual camera side. That is, the curved surface is curved toward the virtual camera. As this curved surface, for example, a spherical surface centered on the position of the virtual camera can be assumed. The information display object is an object for displaying various types of information to the viewer (player in a narrow sense). Taking a game as an example, it is an object for displaying various statuses of a character, the situation of a game, and the like on a player. This information display object may be a two-dimensional object or a three-dimensional object.

  Then, the image generation unit 130 generates a left-eye image (left-eye video) that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space, and a right-eye image (right-eye video) that is an image seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space. Generate. That is, the left eye image is generated by rendering an object such as an information display object arranged in the object space from the viewpoint of the left eye virtual camera. In addition, an image for the right eye is generated by rendering an object such as an information display object arranged in the object space from the viewpoint of the virtual camera for the right eye. Thereby, an image in which an object such as an information display object is stereoscopically displayed is generated.

  Note that the virtual camera control unit 108 controls a reference virtual camera serving as a reference for setting, for example, a left-eye virtual camera and a right-eye virtual camera. Then, based on the obtained position information and direction information of the reference virtual camera and information on the set inter-camera distance, the position information (viewpoint position) and the direction information (line-of-sight direction) of the left-eye virtual camera and the right-eye virtual camera ) The virtual camera control unit 108 may directly control the left-eye virtual camera or the right-eye virtual camera. In the stereoscopic mode, the image generation unit 120 generates a left-eye image from the left-eye virtual camera and a right-eye image from the right-eye virtual camera. On the other hand, for example, in a pseudo three-dimensional image display mode that is not the stereoscopic mode, an image that can be seen from the reference virtual camera is generated as a pseudo three-dimensional image.

  As a stereoscopic method, various methods such as a two-eye separation spectacle method and a naked eye method using a lenticular lens can be assumed. Examples of the two-eye separation spectacle method include a polarizing spectacle method, a continuous separation method, and a two-color separation method. In the polarized glasses method, for example, the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately displayed on the odd-numbered and even-numbered lines of the display unit 190, and this is displayed on the polarized glasses (for example, the horizontal polarization filter for the left eye and the vertical polarization filter for the right eye). 3D viewing is realized by viewing with eyeglasses. Alternatively, the stereoscopic image may be realized by projecting the left-eye image and the right-eye image with a projector having a special polarization filter and viewing the projection image with polarized glasses. In the continuous separation method (page flip method), the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately displayed on the display unit 190 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 1/120 seconds or 1/60 seconds). In conjunction with the switching of the display, stereoscopic vision is realized by alternately opening and closing the left-eye and right-eye liquid crystal shutters of the glasses with the liquid crystal shutter. In the two-color separation method, an anaglyph image is generated and viewed with red-blue glasses or the like to realize stereoscopic viewing.

  Further, the function of generating a stereoscopic image from the left-eye image and the right-eye image may be provided in the image generation unit 120 or the display unit 190. For example, the image generation unit 120 outputs a side-by-side image signal. Then, the display unit 190 displays a field sequential type image in which the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately assigned to the odd-numbered line and the even-numbered line based on the side-by-side image signal. Alternatively, a frame sequential image in which the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately switched every predetermined period is displayed. Alternatively, the image generation unit 120 may generate a field sequential method or frame sequential method image and output the generated image to the display unit 190.

  Further, the object space setting unit 104 sets an information display object for displaying information related to the game on a curved surface of the object space to a player who is a viewer. Here, the information related to the game displayed by the information display object is information related to the character operated by the player and information representing the game situation such as a map and a score. For example, the information display object includes an object for displaying information on a character operated by the player (status information such as physical strength), an object for displaying information on equipment items of the character (information on equipment items such as weapons), And at least one of objects for displaying object space map information (information representing a simplified terrain of the map).

  In this case, the object space setting unit 104 may place and set a three-dimensional object on the curved surface of the object space as the information display object. For example, in the case of a map information display object, a three-dimensional map model in which the shape of the map in the object space is simplified is prepared, and a three-dimensional object representing the map model (three-dimensionally formed by a plurality of polygons). Object) is set as an information display object of the map.

  The object space setting unit 104 sets a plurality of first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) curved surfaces on which information display objects (one or a plurality of information display objects) are arranged and set on each curved surface. May be. These first to Nth curved surfaces are curved surfaces having different distances from the virtual camera (for example, distances in a direction connecting the virtual camera and the screen center).

  In this case, the object space setting unit 104 may perform a rearrangement process of the information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces. For example, based on input information from the viewer, a rearrangement process is performed in which the information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces are moved to positions at different distances from the virtual camera. Specifically, an information display object placed and set on a curved surface (i.sup.th curved surface) that is close to the virtual camera is displayed on a curved surface (jth curved surface) that is far from the virtual camera. An information display object that is moved to a position or placed and set on a curved surface (jth curved surface) that is far from the virtual camera, and a curved surface that is close to the virtual camera (i-th curved surface) The sorting process to move to the position of is performed. Alternatively, the rearrangement process of the curved surface itself may be performed.

  When the priority of information display is set for the information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces, the object space setting unit 104 sets the information display object with a high priority set. Are arranged and set on the curved surface at a position close to the virtual camera among the first to Nth curved surfaces. For example, the information display object is arranged and set so that the higher the priority, the closer to the virtual camera.

  When the character control unit 105 controls the character operated by the player who is the viewer, the object space setting unit 104 displays the i-th curved surface at the i-th distance from the virtual camera as the virtual camera. Set to the near side of the character as viewed from the front side (front side in the depth direction as viewed from the virtual camera). On the other hand, the j-th (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N) curved surface at the j-th distance from the virtual camera is set on the heel side of the character as viewed from the virtual camera. For example, the i-th curved surface and the j-th curved surface are set so that the character is positioned between the i-th curved surface and the j-th curved surface.

  In addition, the image generation unit 130 arranges and sets the i-th information display object on the i-th curved surface at the i-th distance from the virtual camera and the j-th curved surface at the j-th distance from the virtual camera. An image having a display mode different from the j-th information display object set to be arranged may be generated. For example, image processing is performed so that display modes such as translucency (transparency), information detail, and color of the i-th information display object and the j-th information display object are different to generate an image.

  For example, the image generation unit 130 performs image processing for changing the translucency of the information display objects arranged and set on the curved surfaces. Specifically, when the j-th curved surface is located farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface, the j-th information display object placed and set on the j-th curved surface is represented by the i-th curved surface. The semi-transparent process is performed so that the i-th information display object placed and set on the curved surface becomes more transparent than the i-th information display object. In addition, the image generation unit 130 performs image processing that varies the level of detail of the display information of the information display object set to be arranged on each curved surface. Specifically, when the j-th curved surface is farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface, the j-th curved surface is set to be more than the j-th information display object. The i-th information display object arranged and set on the curved surface of i generates an image with a higher level of detail of display information. The level of detail of display information represents the amount of information to be displayed. An information display object with a high level of detail of display information is displayed compared to an information display object with a low level of detail of display information. The amount of information is relatively large.

  In the present embodiment, the object space setting unit 104 changes the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on predetermined information. By doing so, the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface can be variably controlled according to the predetermined information. Here, the predetermined information includes, for example, game stage information, game field information, character position information in the game field, equipment item information such as equipment weapons, character status information, enemy status information, and display unit. Various information such as 190 display size information, player information such as age and sex, or screen distance information described later can be assumed.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the screen distance information acquisition unit 110 acquires screen distance information (screen distance parameter) that represents the distance from the screen of the display unit 190 to the viewer. For example, it is assumed that the game environment setting unit 112 performs a game environment setting process for a player based on input information from a player who is a viewer. In this case, the screen distance information acquisition unit 110 acquires screen distance information based on input information (screen distance setting information) from the player who is the viewer.

  The screen distance information may be the distance from the screen (display screen) of the display unit 190 to the viewer itself, or information equivalent to the distance. The screen distance information may be acquired based on input information of the player on the game environment setting screen. For example, the depth information or the color image information is acquired using an image sensor (depth sensor, color image sensor) or the like. Screen distance information may be acquired.

  When such screen distance information is acquired, the object space setting unit 104 changes the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on the set screen distance information. For example, the curved surface is set at a position away from the position of the virtual camera by a distance corresponding to the screen distance information. Specifically, as the distance represented by the screen distance information increases, the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface also increases.

  More specifically, the object space setting unit 104 changes the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on the screen distance information so that the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a position corresponding to the screen of the display unit 190. Let For example, even when the distance between the screen of the display unit 190 and the viewer changes, the distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface is changed so that the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a position corresponding to the screen. Let

  Here, the position corresponding to the screen is, for example, a position where a relative positional relationship with the screen is determined in advance. Specifically, the object space setting unit 104 sets a curved surface at a position circumscribing the screen of the display unit 190 as a position corresponding to the screen. That is, even when the distance between the viewer and the screen changes, the curved surface is set so as to circumscribe the screen.

  The screen distance information acquisition unit 110 uses a depth sensor (image sensor) to acquire depth information when the viewer side is viewed from the display unit 190 side, and obtains screen distance information based on the acquired depth information. You may get it. For example, a viewer is imaged by a depth sensor (depth camera) that is an image sensor, and depth information (depth image) in a direction (Z direction) facing the viewer is acquired from the display unit 190. The depth information is image information in which a depth value (depth value) is set (stored) at each pixel position, for example. Then, screen distance information is acquired based on the acquired depth information. By doing so, for example, the screen distance information can be automatically acquired even if the player does not input the screen distance information on the game environment setting screen.

  In this case, the screen distance information acquisition unit 110 acquires color image information (RGB image data) using a color image sensor, acquires screen distance information based on the acquired color image information and depth information. Also good. For example, a viewer is imaged by a color image sensor that is an image sensor (CCD, CMOS sensor, or the like that is an RGB sensor), and color image information (captured image information) is acquired. This color image information is image information in which color information (RGB information) is set (stored) at each pixel position, for example. Then, the screen distance information acquisition unit 110 acquires screen distance information based on the acquired color image information and depth information. For example, based on the color image information, the face area of the viewer is recognized as an image. Then, based on the depth information, the depth value in the face area where the image is recognized is acquired, and the screen distance information is specified based on the acquired depth value. In this way, when processing for automatically obtaining screen distance information is performed, the processing load can be reduced.

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

2.1 Arrangement Setting of Information Display Object on Curved Surface FIG. 2 shows an example of an image generated by the image generation system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, information display objects such as IOB1, IOB2, and IOB3 are arranged and set on a curved surface in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) and displayed in a stereoscopic view.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the curved surface CSF is set so that the information display objects IOB1, IOB2, and IOB3 are stereoscopically displayed at positions corresponding to the screen SC (display screen) of the display unit 190. Then, information display objects IOB1, IOB2, and IOB3 are arranged along the curved surface CSF to generate a stereoscopically displayed image. Here, the information display object is an object for displaying information about the game on the player. Specifically, the IOB 1 is an object for displaying information on the physical strength (remaining physical strength) of the character CH operated by the player (character status information in a broad sense). IOB2 is an object for displaying information on a weapon item that is an equipment item EOB of the character CH. The IOB 3 is an object for displaying information on a map of an object space in which the character CH moves.

  For example, FIG. 3A is a view of the screen SC and the virtual camera VC as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a view as viewed from the side. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the curved surface CSF is a curved surface whose center of curvature is on the virtual camera VC side. Specifically, it is a spherical surface (including a substantially spherical surface) arranged so as to cover the virtual camera VC corresponding to the viewpoint of the player. For example, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the curved surface CSF is arranged so as to circumscribe the screen SC of the display unit 190 (for example, circumscribe at the center of the screen SC). The curved surface is not limited to a spherical surface, and may be, for example, a cylindrical curved surface.

  In this embodiment, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are arranged and set on the curved surface CSF in this way, and the left-eye image that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera VCL as shown in FIG. A right-eye image that is an image seen from the right-eye virtual camera VCR is generated. By doing in this way, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 arranged on the curved surface CSF are also stereoscopically displayed, and the information display object can be displayed in an unprecedented display mode.

  The left-eye virtual camera VCL and the right-eye virtual camera VCR can be arranged and set based on the position VP and line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC (reference virtual camera) corresponding to the player's viewpoint and the inter-camera distance DS. Further, FIG. 2 shows an example of a third-person viewpoint image in which the character CH operated by the player is displayed, but a first-person viewpoint image may be used. In the case of the first person viewpoint, the character CH becomes a virtual object that is not displayed on the display unit 190, the viewpoint of the virtual camera VC becomes the viewpoint of the player, and the player moves in the object space.

  For example, FIG. 4 shows a display method of a comparative example of the information display object. In the method of this comparative example, the information display object that displays information such as physical strength, equipment items, and maps is not an object that is placed and set in the object space. That is, these information display objects do not have three-dimensional coordinate information (X, Y, Z coordinates) and are drawn as sprites on the screen. That is, it is drawn using only the coordinates on the screen. For this reason, these information display objects are always displayed as planar images at positions corresponding to the screen.

  In a pseudo three-dimensional game image that is not stereoscopic display, even if the information display object is displayed as a two-dimensional picture pasted on the screen as shown in FIG. 4, the player does not feel so uncomfortable. .

  However, in the stereoscopic display image, the stereoscopic effect and the depth feeling of the character and the map are realistically expressed as in the real world, compared to the pseudo three-dimensional image. Therefore, in such a world with a three-dimensional effect, as shown in FIG. 4, if only information display objects such as physical fitness gauges are always displayed in a plane on the screen, the created three-dimensional effect is lost. As a result, the virtual reality of the player is reduced.

  In this regard, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 that appear to be floating in the air around the player are displayed stereoscopically. Accordingly, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are displayed with the same stereoscopic effect and depth feeling as other objects such as the character CH and the map. For this reason, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are also melted and displayed in a world with a three-dimensional effect, and a situation where the virtual reality of the player is lowered due to the display of the information display object can be prevented. That is, in the present embodiment, three-dimensional coordinate information (X, Y, Z coordinates) is also given to the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3, and the positions are equidistant from the viewpoint of the player (the position of the virtual camera), for example. To place. For example, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are arranged on a spherical or cylindrical curved surface CSF. In this way, it is possible to display the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 that look more natural when viewed from the player, instead of being displayed as shown in FIG.

2.2 Arrangement of Information Display Object According to Screen Distance In the present embodiment, the information display object is displayed according to screen distance information representing the distance from the screen SC to the player (viewer).

  For example, FIG. 5 shows an example of a game environment setting screen (option setting screen) for the player to set his game play environment.

  In FIG. 5, the player can set the stereoscopic viewing method, the stereoscopic viewing strength, the screen size, the screen distance, and the like as the stereoscopic viewing options for the game environment setting. As the stereoscopic viewing method, various methods such as a polarizing method using polarized glasses and a shutter method using a liquid crystal shutter can be set as described above.

  The stereoscopic intensity corresponds to the inter-camera distance DS, and the player can view a stereoscopic image with the stereoscopic effect desired by the player by setting the stereoscopic intensity.

  The screen size is the size (television size) of the display screen of the display unit on which the stereoscopic image is displayed. The screen distance is a distance from the viewing position of the player to the display unit (television). For example, when the screen size or the screen distance changes, even if the same inter-camera distance setting is used, the strength of the stereoscopic effect that the player feels is different. For this reason, it is necessary to perform correction processing such as the inter-camera distance in accordance with the screen size and the screen distance.

  In the present embodiment, screen distance information is acquired based on, for example, player input information on the game environment setting screen of FIG. Then, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF is changed according to the acquired screen distance information. For example, based on the screen distance information, the relative distance between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF is set, and the curved surface CSF is arranged.

  In this way, the display of the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 can be effectively used to allow the player to grasp the distance from the player's viewpoint (virtual camera) to the screen SC.

  That is, even if the player inputs the screen distance on the game environment setting screen of FIG. 5, the player cannot confirm whether or not the input screen distance matches the actual distance between the player and the display unit. . If the input screen distance does not match the actual distance, the displayed stereoscopic game image is a stereoscopic image having a setting different from the stereoscopic setting intended by the game maker. End up. In other words, the intensity of the stereoscopic effect set according to the distance between the cameras becomes a setting different from the setting intended by the game maker, and there is a possibility that a stereoscopic image that is uncomfortable for the player may be generated. .

  In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the curved surface CSF is arranged and set at a position corresponding to the screen distance input by the player, and the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are stereoscopically displayed. Therefore, the player can confirm whether or not the setting of the screen distance input by himself / herself is correct by looking at the stereoscopic image screen as shown in FIG.

  For example, when the screen distance input by the player is shorter than the actual distance (distance from the viewing position to the screen), as shown in FIG. 6A, the curved surface CSF is more than the circumscribing position to the screen SC. Also, it is arranged on the near side (position of the distance LS1) from the viewpoint of the player PL. Therefore, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are also stereoscopically displayed in front of the screen SC as viewed from the viewpoint of the player PL.

  On the other hand, when the screen distance input by the player is longer than the actual distance, as shown in FIG. 6B, the curved surface CSF is farther from the screen SC (distance from the viewpoint of the player PL (distance). LS3 position). Therefore, the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are also stereoscopically displayed behind the screen SC.

  Therefore, when the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are stereoscopically displayed on the front side as shown in FIG. 6A, the player sets the screen distance to a large value on the game environment setting screen of FIG. On the other hand, when the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are stereoscopically displayed on the back side as shown in FIG. 6B, the screen distance is set to a small value on the game environment setting screen of FIG. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 6C, the curved surface CSF is arranged at a position (circumscribed position) corresponding to the screen SC, and the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are also arranged on the screen SC. The stereoscopic display is started at the corresponding position.

  Therefore, the player can input an appropriate screen distance on the game environment setting screen of FIG. 5 using the stereoscopic display positions of the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 as a clue. Then, by setting an appropriate screen distance, correction processing such as the distance between cameras becomes appropriate, and a stereoscopic image can be displayed with the stereoscopic intensity intended by the game maker.

  In the above description, the screen distance information is acquired based on the input information of the player. However, the screen distance information may be automatically calculated and acquired using a depth sensor or the like.

  For example, in FIG. 7A, an image sensor ISE realized by a depth sensor (such as an infrared sensor) or a color image sensor (such as an RGB sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor) is installed at a position corresponding to the display unit 190. . The image sensor ISE is installed such that its imaging direction (optical axis direction) is directed from the display unit 190 toward the player PL, and the depth information and color image of the player PL viewed from the display unit 190 side. Image information. The image sensor ISE may be built in the display unit 190 or may be prepared as an external component.

  Then, using the image sensor ISE of FIG. 7A, color image information and depth information as shown in FIG. 7B are acquired. For example, in the color image information, color information of the player PL and the surrounding scenery can be obtained. On the other hand, in the depth information, the depth values (depth values) of the player PL and the surrounding scenery are obtained as gray scale values, for example. For example, using the color image information, the face area RFA is extracted by a known image recognition process. Then, the depth value in the face area RFA is referred to using the depth information, and the screen distance information is acquired based on the obtained depth value. In this way, the screen distance information can be automatically acquired even if the player does not input the screen distance on the game environment setting screen of FIG.

  The image sensor ISE may be a sensor in which a depth sensor and a color image sensor are separately provided, or may be a sensor in which a depth sensor and a color image sensor are combined. Various methods can be assumed for obtaining depth information. For example, light such as infrared rays is projected from an image sensor ISE (depth sensor), and depth information is acquired by detecting time (Time Of Fright) until the reflected light of the projection light or the projected light returns. The shape of an object such as a viewer viewed from the position of the sensor ISE is detected. Specifically, the depth information is expressed as grayscale data that becomes brighter for an object close to the image sensor ISE and darker for an object far from the image sensor ISE, for example. The depth information acquisition method can be variously modified. For example, an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor may be used to acquire depth information (distance information to the subject) simultaneously with the color image information. . Further, the depth information may be acquired by a distance measuring sensor using ultrasonic waves or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF is changed using the screen distance information acquired using the image sensor ISE.

  For example, in FIG. 8A, a short screen distance is detected using the image sensor ISE, and in FIG. 8B, a long screen distance is detected. Accordingly, in FIG. 8A, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF is set to a short distance LS1, and in FIG. 8B, the distance between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF is set to a long distance LS2. . For example, in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the curved surface CSF is arranged so that the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are stereoscopically displayed at positions corresponding to the display unit 190. Specifically, the curved surface CSF is disposed so as to circumscribe the screen SC of the display unit 190, and the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are disposed along the curved surface CSF.

  In this way, the screen distance information can be automatically detected by the image sensor ISE, and the curved surface CSF can be arranged at a position corresponding to the screen SC using the detected screen distance information. Therefore, even when the viewing position of the player changes, it is possible to generate a stereoscopic image in which the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are always arranged at the positions as shown in FIG. Further, by using the screen distance information detected by the image sensor ISE, correction processing of the inter-camera distance between the left-eye virtual camera and the right-eye virtual camera is performed, and a stereoscopic image having an appropriate stereoscopic intensity is generated. Is possible.

  2 illustrates a case where the information display objects IOB1 to IOB3 are two-dimensional objects having three-dimensional coordinate information (three-dimensional position information), but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a three-dimensional object may be arranged as the information display object.

  That is, in FIG. 9, the information display object IOB3 for displaying the map information is a three-dimensional object. For example, a map display object (an object formed by a plurality of polygons) that simplifies the map shape of the game feel that the character moves is prepared, and the map display object is arranged on the curved surface CSF. By doing so, a map with a three-dimensional effect is displayed around the player, so that a map that is easier to see can be provided to the player. In addition, since the binocular parallax is also set for the three-dimensional map display object and the stereoscopic display is performed, an unprecedented game interface environment can be provided to the player.

  In this embodiment, the distance LS (position of the information display object) between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF may be controlled based on not only the screen distance information but also various information (predetermined information). . For example, the distance LS between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF may be controlled according to information on the game stage where the player plays the game. For example, the distance LS is made different between the first game stage and the second game stage, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (C). Alternatively, when the character operated by the player moves on the game field, the distance LS may be controlled based on the position information of the character on the game field. For example, when the character position is the first position, the distance LS is shortened, and when the character position is the second position, the distance LS is lengthened. Alternatively, the distance LS is controlled based on the equipment item such as the equipment weapon of the character and the status information of the character's physical strength, attack power, defense power, etc., or according to the status information of the enemy character's physical strength, attack power, weapon, etc. The distance LS may be controlled. Furthermore, the distance LS may be shortened or lengthened according to the display size of the display unit 190. Alternatively, the distance LS may be controlled according to player information such as the age and sex of the player, and the distance LS between the virtual camera VC and the curved surface CSF may be set to an optimum distance according to the age of the player.

2.3 Setting a plurality of curved surfaces In the above, the case where one curved surface is set as the curved surface on which the information display object is arranged has been described, but a plurality of curved surfaces may be set.

  For example, in FIG. 10, a plurality of curved surfaces CSF1 to CSF3 (first to Nth curved surfaces in a broad sense) having different distances from the virtual camera VC are set, and an information display object is set on each curved surface of these CSF1 to CSF3. Is arranged. For example, information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 are arranged on the curved surface CSF1, information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 are arranged on the curved surface CSF2, and information display objects IOB31 and IOB32 are arranged on the curved surface CSF3. The distances of the curved surfaces CSF1, CSF2, and CSF3 from the virtual camera VC are L1, L2, and L3, respectively, which are different from each other.

  As described above, if the plurality of curved surfaces CSF1 to CSF3 are arranged in a layered structure as viewed from the virtual camera VC, a game interface environment that could not be realized can be provided to the player. For example, a large number of information display objects can be classified and arranged for each curved surface, or information display objects can be arranged in a hierarchical structure. It is also possible to arrange an information display object that displays important information on the curved surface CSF1 on the near side and an information display object that displays information that is not very important on the curved surface CSF3 or CSF2 on the back side. .

  If such curved surfaces CSF1 to CSF3 are set, it is possible to perform a rearrangement process of information display objects arranged on the curved surfaces CSF1 to CSF3.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, curved surfaces CSF1 to CSF3 (first to Nth curved surfaces) based on input information (input information for instructing rearrangement) from a player (viewer). The rearrangement process of moving the information display object set to () to a position where the distance from the virtual camera is different is possible. For example, in FIG. 11A, the information display object IOB12 arranged on the curved surface CSF1 on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera VC is moved to the curved surface CSF3 on the back side, or arranged on the curved surface CSF3 on the back side. The rearrangement process such as moving the information display object IOB31 to the curved surface CSF1 on the near side becomes possible.

  In this case, for example, the curved surfaces of CSF1 to CSF3 may be rearranged. For example, the curved surface CSF1 on the near side is moved to the position of the curved surface CSF3 on the back side, or the curved surface CSF3 on the heel side is moved to the position of the curved surface CSF1 on the near side. In this way, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 move to the back side as the curved surface CSF1 moves, and the information display objects IOB31 and IOB32 move to the near side as the curved surface CSF3 moves. become. Moreover, you may rearrange an information display object on each curved surface of CSF1-CSF3. For example, on the curved surface CSF1, rearrangement processing is performed in which the IOB 12 is moved to the position of the information display object IOB13 and the IOB 13 is moved to the position of the IOB12. This rearrangement process may be automatically performed according to various game situations, or may be performed manually based on input information of the player. For example, the arrangement position of the information display object on each curved surface may be set on the option screen of the game environment setting screen.

  When this embodiment is applied to a menu screen display in a video recording apparatus such as a hard disk recorder or an image generation system such as a television, program information broadcast on each channel on each curved surface of CSF1, CSF2, and CSF3, for example. It is possible to arrange an information display object for displaying. For example, an information display object for program information broadcast on channel 1 is arranged on the curved surface CSF1, and an information display object for program information broadcast on channel 3 is arranged on the curved surface CSF2. When the viewer selects channel 3, for example, a rearrangement process is performed, and the information display object of the program information of channel 3 moves to the position of the curved surface CSF1 on the near side. On the other hand, the information display object of the program information of channel 1 moves to the position of the back curved surface CSF2. Or you may arrange | position the information display object which displays the information of the content of each genre on each curved surface of CSF1, CSF2, and CSF3. For example, a sports genre content information display object is placed on the curved surface CSF1, and a music genre content information display object is placed on the curved surface CSF2. When the viewer selects a music genre, for example, the information display object of the music genre content moves to the position of the curved surface CSF1 on the near side. On the other hand, the information display object of the sports genre content moves to the position of the back curved surface CSF2.

  Moreover, you may set the priority of an information display with respect to the information display object arrange | positioned and set to the curved surface of CSF1-CSF3. For example, FIG. 11B shows an example of a table in which each information display object is associated with the priority of information display. As shown in FIG. 11B, the physical strength, the map, and the weapon item information have a high priority for information display in the game, and therefore a high priority (= 1) is set for these information display objects. That is, since the information on the physical strength, the map, and the weapon item is information that the player needs to check frequently during the game, a high priority is set. On the other hand, a medium priority (= 2) is set for the statuses of characters other than physical strength and information display objects of items other than weapons. Further, low priority (= 3) is set in the detailed information on the character status and the detailed information on the item. This is because the detailed information is not information that needs to be constantly confirmed during the game, but is information that can be confirmed slowly in a situation where there is a margin, for example, where no battle with the enemy is being performed.

  In FIG. 11A, for the information display object with a high priority set, the curved surface (first to Nth curved surfaces) of CSF1 to CSF3 is located near the virtual camera VC. Arranged on the surface CSF1. In other words, the physical strength, map, and weapon item information display objects set at a high priority in FIG. 11B are arranged on the curved surface CSF1 on the near side.

  On the other hand, the information display object for which the low priority is set is arranged on the curved surface CSF3 located far from the virtual camera VC. That is, the information display object of the detailed information of the character or item set at a low priority in FIG. 11B is arranged on the curved surface CSF3 on the heel side.

  In this way, an information display object with a high information display priority is displayed on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera VC, and an information display object with a low priority is displayed on the heel side. . Therefore, for example, an information display object that displays important information that needs to be frequently viewed during game play is displayed stereoscopically at a position that is easy to see from the player. Thereby, the game interface environment of the player can be improved.

  On the other hand, an information display object that displays information that only needs to be viewed from time to time is displayed stereoscopically at a position far from the player. Thereby, it is possible to prevent such information display objects from interfering with the game play of the player. Further, when information (detailed information on characters and items) displayed by these information display objects is required, as described with reference to FIG. By moving the display object to the near side, the player can check the information.

  Note that the priority order described in FIG. 11B and the like may be set variably. For example, the priority order is automatically changed based on information such as a game situation, or the player can manually set the priority order on a setting screen such as a game environment setting screen. Here, the game situation information includes game stage information played by the player, game field information, character position information on the game field, character status information operated by the player, enemy character status information, or character Information on equipment items can be assumed. For example, the priority of information display objects that display information that is highly necessary to display information in each game stage may be increased. Alternatively, the priority order may be changed according to the position of the character on the game field. Alternatively, when a predetermined status parameter among the status parameters of the character changes greatly, the priority of the status parameter may be increased. Further, when the player gives priority to the display of the predetermined information display object, the player may be able to manually set the display priority order on the setting screen.

  In FIG. 12, curved surfaces are set before and after the character CH operated by the player using the game controller 162 (operation unit), and information display objects are arranged. That is, the curved surfaces CSF1, CSF2, and the like are arranged so as to sandwich the character CH that moves by the player's operation.

  For example, a curved surface CSF1 (i-th curved surface) located at a distance L1 (i-th distance) from the virtual camera VC is disposed on the near side of the character CH when viewed from the virtual camera VC. On the other hand, a curved surface CSF2 (jth curved surface) located at a distance L2 (jth distance) from the virtual camera VC is arranged on the heel side of the character CH when viewed from the virtual camera VC. In other words, the character CH is arranged between the curved surfaces CSF1 and CSF2.

  In this way, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 are arranged on the curved surface CSF1 located on the front side of the character CH, and for example, information with high display priority can be presented to the player. On the other hand, the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 are arranged on the curved surface CSF2 located on the back side of the character CH, so that information with a display priority that is not so high can be presented to the player. In addition, the curved surfaces CSF1 and CSF2 can be arranged so that, for example, the relative positional relationship with the character CH is fixed, thereby preventing confusion of the player and presenting information that is easy to see for the player. It becomes possible.

  Further, when a plurality of curved surfaces are arranged in this way, an image may be generated by changing the display mode of the information display object arranged on each curved surface according to the distance from the virtual camera VC. . For example, information display objects IOB11, IOB12, IOB13 (i-th information display object) arranged on the curved surface CSF1 (i-th curved surface) at a distance L1 (i-th distance) from the virtual camera VC, and the virtual camera Generating an image in which the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 (jth information display object) disposed on the curved surface CSF2 (jth curved surface) at a distance L2 (jth distance) from the display surface are different from each other. To do. Similarly, the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 arranged on the curved surface CSF2 and the information display objects IOB31 and IOB32 arranged on the curved surface CSF3 at the distance L3 from the virtual camera VC are displayed in different display modes. Generate.

  In this case, as a method of changing the display mode of the information display object, for example, a method of changing the transparency (semi-transparency) and the information detail level can be considered.

  For example, in FIG. 13, the transparency of the information display object is varied according to the distance from the virtual camera VC. That is, in FIG. 13, the curved surface CSF2 (jth curved surface) is located farther from the virtual camera VC than the curved surface CSF1 (ith curved surface). That is, the curved surface CSF1 is at a distance L1 from the virtual camera VC, the curved surface CSF2 is at a distance L2 from the virtual camera VC, and L2> L1.

  In this case, the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 (jth information display object) arranged on the curved surface CSF2 are changed to the information display objects IOB11, IOB12 and IOB13 (i-th information display object) arranged and set on the curved surface CSF1. ) Translucent processing to make it closer to transparency. For example, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 arranged on the curved surface CSF1 on the near side are set to be an opaque object, for example, by reducing the transparency (translucency). On the other hand, the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 arranged on the curved surface CSF2 on the heel side have higher transparency than the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13. Further, the information display objects IOB31 and IOB32 arranged on the curved surface CSF3 on the heel side are made more transparent than the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22.

  In this way, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 on the most front side are low in transparency, for example, become opaque objects, so that the visibility of the player can be improved and important information is accurately presented to the player. become able to.

  On the other hand, the transparency of the information display objects IOB21, IOB22, IOB31, and IOB32 on the back side is increased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the presence of these information display objects IOB21, IOB22, IOB31, and IOB32 hinders the player's game play.

  Further, in FIG. 14, the level of detail of the display information of the information display object is varied according to the distance from the virtual camera VC.

  For example, rather than the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 (jth information display object) arranged on the curved surface CSF2, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 (i th information display object) arranged and set on the curved surface CSF1. In this way, an image with a higher level of detail of display information is generated. For example, for the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 arranged on the curved surface CSF1 on the near side, the level of detail of display information is increased so that the amount of display information to the player is increased. On the other hand, with respect to the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22 arranged on the curved surface CSF2 on the heel side, the level of detail of display information is lowered so that the amount of display information to the player is reduced. Further, for the information display objects IOB31 and IOB32 arranged on the curved surface CSF3 on the heel side, the level of detail of the display information is made lower than that of the information display objects IOB21 and IOB22.

  In this way, the information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 on the foremost side have a high degree of detail of display information, so that a lot of information can be presented to the player. The information display objects IOB11, IOB12, and IOB13 on the near side are arranged at positions that are easy for the player to see and have high visibility. Therefore, even if the level of detail of the display information is increased in this way, the player can accurately grasp the contents of the displayed information.

  On the other hand, for the information display objects IOB21, IOB22, IOB31, and IOB32 on the back side, the level of detail of the display information is low. Therefore, the player can grasp only the contents of the rough information display object, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

  A high level of detail of display information means that a large amount of information is presented, and a low level of detail of display information means that a small amount of information is presented. For example, the level of detail of display information is set by the definition of the image displayed by the information display object, the amount of text (characters) displayed by the information display object, and the like.

  For example, in FIG. 15A, the information display object IOBK (information display object arranged in CSF1) arranged on the near side is set to low transparency (for example, opaque), and the detail level of the display information is also high. That is, many texts (characters) such as “knife A”, “pistol B”, and “rifle C” are displayed, and the definition of the image is increased. On the other hand, the information display object IOBL arranged on the heel side (information display object arranged on the CSF 2) is set to high transparency (translucent), and the detail level of display information is also low. That is, the amount of text is minimized and the definition of the image is also reduced.

  In FIG. 15B, the information display object rearrangement process as described in FIG. 11A is performed. Specifically, the information display object IOBK that was on the near side (CSF1) in FIG. 15A has moved to the far side (CSF2) in FIG. 15B. In addition, the information display object IOBL that was on the back side (CSF2) in FIG. 15A has moved to the near side (CSF1) in FIG. 15B.

  In this case, in FIG. 15A, when the information display object IOBK whose transparency is low moves to the back side as shown in FIG. 15B, the transparency becomes high. On the other hand, in FIG. 15A, when the information display object IOBL having a high transparency moves to the near side as shown in FIG. 15B, the transparency becomes low.

  In FIG. 15A, when the information display object IOBK having a high information detail level moves to the back side as shown in FIG. 15B, the information detail level decreases. For example, an image of a knife or the like displayed on the information display object IOBK in FIG. 15A is not displayed on the IOBK in FIG. 15B.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 15A, when the information display object IOBL whose information detail level is low moves to the near side as shown in FIG. 15B, the information detail level becomes high. For example, the explanatory text of “knife A” that was not displayed in the information display object IOBL in FIG. 15A is displayed in the IOBL in FIG. 15B.

  In this way, by enabling rearrangement processing of information display objects while controlling transparency, information detail level, etc., it is possible to realize a game interface environment that is easy for the player to view and can display necessary information accurately. become.

2.4 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing of this embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is a frame update timing (step S1). If it is a frame update timing, a character control process is performed (step S2). For example, on the basis of player operation information, motion data, and the like, control is performed to move or move (motion) a character on the game field in the object space. In addition, the control process of the virtual camera (reference virtual camera) is performed (step S3). For example, processing for specifying the position and direction of the virtual camera is performed based on the operation information of the player, the position and direction of the character, and the like. Also, an object placement setting process in the object space is performed (step S4). For example, processing (object data update processing, etc.) for arranging and setting a plurality of objects other than information display objects in the object space is performed.

  Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8B and the like, a process of setting a curved surface based on the screen distance information is performed (step S5). For example, when the screen distance information is input by the player on the game environment setting screen, the curved surface is set at a position corresponding to the screen distance information. Alternatively, when the screen distance information is acquired by an image sensor or the like, the curved surface is set at a position corresponding to the screen (for example, a circumscribed position). Then, the information display object is arranged and set on the set curved surface (step S6). For example, when a plurality of curved surfaces are set as shown in FIG. 10, a corresponding information display object is arranged and set for each curved surface.

  Next, a left-eye virtual camera and a right-eye virtual camera are set based on the position and direction of the virtual camera and the inter-camera distance (step S7). For example, the position and direction of the reference virtual camera following the character are obtained, and the positions and directions of the left-eye virtual camera and the right-eye virtual camera are set based on the position and direction of the reference virtual camera and the inter-camera distance. Then, an image visible from the set left-eye virtual camera is drawn to generate a left-eye image (step S8). Further, an image visible from the set right-eye virtual camera is drawn to generate a right-eye image (step S9). Then, the generated left-eye image and right-eye image are output to the display unit 190 as an image signal such as a side-by-side method.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart regarding the information display object rearrangement process.

  First, it is determined whether or not an information display object rearrangement operation has been performed (step S11). For example, when the player performs a predetermined operation for instructing rearrangement using the operation unit 160, it is determined that the rearrangement operation of the information display objects has been performed.

  When the rearrangement operation is performed, the information display object selected by the player is placed and set on the curved surface on the near side as viewed from the virtual camera (step S12). For example, in FIG. 15A, when the information display object IOBL on the back side is selected, the information display object IOBL is moved to the curved surface CSF1 on the near side as shown in FIG. 15B. On the other hand, the information display object that has not been selected by the player is placed and set on the curved surface on the back side as viewed from the virtual camera (step S13). For example, the information display object IOBK arranged on the near side in FIG. 15A is moved and arranged on the curved surface CSF2 on the heel side as shown in FIG.

  Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15B, the translucency changing process and the information detail changing process of the information display object are performed (steps S14 and S15). For example, when the rearrangement process from FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B is performed, the transparency of the information display object IOBL is lowered and the information detail level is raised. Further, the transparency of the information display object IOBK is increased and the information detail level is decreased. In this way, even when the information display objects are rearranged, the information display objects can be displayed in an accurate display manner that is easy for the player to see.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (player, physical fitness information, etc.) described with a broader or synonymous different term (viewer, status information, etc.) at least once in the specification or drawing is used anywhere in the specification or drawing. It can be replaced by that different term. Further, the information display object and curved surface arrangement setting process, the information display object rearrangement process, the information display object display mode change process, the screen distance information acquisition process, and the like are not limited to those described in this embodiment. These techniques are also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. In addition, the present invention is a game game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating game images, a mobile phone, a video recording device, a television, and the like. It can be applied to the image generation system.

CH character, VC virtual camera, EOB equipment item,
IOB1 to IOB3, IOB11 to IOB32 information display objects,
CSF, CSF1-CSF3 curved surface, SC screen,
VCL virtual camera for left eye, VCR virtual camera for right eye, DS camera distance,
100 processing unit, 102 game calculation unit, 104 object space setting unit,
105 character control unit, 106 movement processing unit, 107 motion processing unit,
108 virtual camera control unit, 110 screen distance information acquisition unit,
112 game environment setting unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit,
170 storage unit, 171 object data storage unit,
172 motion data storage unit, 177 game environment information storage unit,
179 Drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit

Claims (20)

An object space setting unit for setting an object space in which a plurality of objects are arranged;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
As an image generator that generates images,
Make the computer work,
The object space setting unit
In the object space, an information display object for displaying information to the viewer is arranged and set on a curved surface having a center of curvature on the virtual camera side,
The image generation unit
A left-eye image that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space and a right-eye image that is an image seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space are generated, and the information display object is stereoscopically displayed. A program characterized by generating an image. In claim 1,
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that the information display object for displaying information related to a game is arranged on the curved surface of the object space for the player who is the viewer. In claim 2,
The information display object is:
Including at least one of an object for displaying status information of a character operated by the player, an object for displaying information on equipment items of the character, and an object for displaying map information of the object space A program characterized by In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that a three-dimensional object is arranged and set on the curved surface of the object space as the information display object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that the information display object is arranged and set on each curved surface, and first to Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) curved surfaces having different distances from the virtual camera are set. In claim 5,
The object space setting unit
Based on the input information from the viewer, the information display object arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces is subjected to a rearrangement process for moving to a position where the distance from the virtual camera is different. Program. In claim 5 or 6,
Priorities of information display are set for the information display objects arranged and set on the first to Nth curved surfaces,
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that an information display object set with a high priority is arranged and set on a curved surface at a position close to the virtual camera among the first to Nth curved surfaces. In claim 5 or 6,
As a character control unit that controls a character operated by the player who is the viewer,
Make the computer work,
The object space setting unit
The i-th curved surface at the i-th distance from the virtual camera is set in front of the character when viewed from the virtual camera, and the j-th (1 ≦ i <) at the j-th distance from the virtual camera. The curved surface of j ≦ N) is set on the heel side of the character as viewed from the virtual camera. In any of claims 5 to 8,
The image generation unit
The i-th information display object arranged and set on the i-th curved surface at the i-th distance from the virtual camera, and the j-th (1 ≦ i <j ≦ N) at the j-th distance from the virtual camera A program for generating an image having a display mode different from that of the jth information display object arranged and set on the curved surface of the program. In claim 9,
The image generation unit
When the j-th curved surface is located farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface, the j-th information display object placed and set on the j-th curved surface is A program for performing a semi-transparency process to make the i-th information display object arranged transparently closer to the transparent surface than the i-th information display object. In claim 9,
The image generation unit
When the j-th curved surface is at a position farther from the virtual camera than the i-th curved surface, the j-th curved display surface is arranged more than the j-th information display object. A program characterized in that the i-th information display object arranged and set on the i-th curved surface generates an image with a higher level of detail of display information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The object space setting unit
A program for changing a distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on predetermined information. In claim 12,
Screen distance information representing the distance from the screen of the display unit to the viewer as the screen distance information acquisition unit for acquiring the predetermined information as the predetermined information,
Make the computer work,
The object space setting unit
A program for changing a distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on the acquired screen distance information. In claim 13,
As a game environment setting unit for performing a game environment setting process for the player based on input information from the player who is the viewer,
Make the computer work,
The screen distance information acquisition unit
A program for obtaining the screen distance information based on input information input by the player in the setting of the game environment. In claim 13,
The object space setting unit
A program for changing a distance between the virtual camera and the curved surface based on the screen distance information so that the information display object is stereoscopically displayed at a position corresponding to the screen of the display unit. . In claim 15,
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that the curved surface is set at a position circumscribing the screen of the display unit. In claim 13, 15 or 16,
The screen distance information acquisition unit
A program for acquiring depth information when the viewer side is viewed from the display unit side using a depth sensor, and acquiring the screen distance information based on the acquired depth information. In claim 17,
The screen distance information acquisition unit
Using a color image sensor, obtain color image information when the viewer side is viewed from the display unit side, and obtain the screen distance information based on the obtained color image information and depth information. A program characterized by that.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is stored. An object space setting unit for setting an object space in which a plurality of objects are arranged;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
An image generation unit for generating an image,
The object space setting unit
In the object space, an information display object for displaying information to the viewer is arranged and set on a curved surface having a center of curvature on the virtual camera side,
The image generation unit
A left-eye image that is an image seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space and a right-eye image that is an image seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space are generated, and the information display object is stereoscopically displayed. An image generation system characterized by generating an image.