JP2012141820A - Program, information storage medium, image generation system and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system and a server system which can realize appropriate timing determination processing in a stereoscopic viewing system.SOLUTION: An image generation system includes a moving object control unit for performing control of a moving object MOB, a determination unit for performing timing determination processing using the moving object MOB, and an image generation unit for generating a stereoscopic viewing image. The image generation unit generates a stereoscopic viewing image in which the moving object MOB is displayed so as to eliminate an image parallax of the moving object MOB when the moving object MOB passes through a determination criteria area ARB used for the timing determination processing.

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, stereoscopic image generation systems have been spotlighted as systems for generating images that are more realistic in the fields of movies and games. For example, in a binocular stereoscopic image generation system which is one of the stereoscopic image generation systems, a left-eye image and a right-eye image are generated. Then, the player wears stereoscopic glasses, the left eye sees only the left eye image, and the right eye sees only the right eye image, thereby realizing stereoscopic vision. 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. Further, as a stereoscopic viewing method, there is a naked eye type in addition to the glasses type. For example, a parallax barrier creates a state of “visible to the left eye but not to the right eye” or “visible to the right eye but not to the left eye” for each pixel. Visual system can be realized. Also, by utilizing the refraction of light by an optical element such as a lenticular, the direction of the light is controlled for each pixel, and a state similar to the above can be created to realize a stereoscopic vision system with naked eyes.

  On the other hand, in a ball game such as a baseball game or a music game, a moving object such as a ball or a musical note (indicator marker) is moved on the game screen, and the input timing of the player is determined according to a predetermined criterion. A timing determination process is performed to determine whether or not it is within.

  However, in a stereoscopic game realized by a stereoscopic system, when such timing determination processing is performed, an appropriate timing determination processing cannot be realized unless the display state of the moving object in the timing determination is an appropriate display state. There is a fear.

JP 2004-126902 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, a server system, and the like that can realize appropriate timing determination processing in a stereoscopic vision system.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a moving body control unit that controls a moving body, a determination unit that performs a timing determination process using the moving body, and an image generation unit that generates a stereoscopic image. The generation unit generates an image for stereoscopic viewing on which the moving body is displayed so that parallax of the image of the moving body disappears when the moving body passes through a determination reference area used for the timing determination process. Related to the generation system. 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, the timing determination process is performed using the moving body controlled by the moving body control unit. Then, when the moving object controlled by the moving object control unit passes through the determination reference area, the stereoscopic image is generated so that the parallax of the image of the moving object is eliminated. In this way, the timing determination process is performed using a moving body that has no image parallax when passing through the determination reference area, and therefore it is possible to realize an appropriate timing determination process in the stereoscopic system. Become.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit performs the timing determination process based on an input timing of a player and a passage timing of the moving object in the determination reference area, and the image generation unit A stereoscopic image on which the moving body is displayed may be generated so that the parallax of the image of the moving body disappears at the passage timing of the area.

  In this way, the timing determination process is performed based on the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the moving body, and the stereoscopic image is generated so that the parallax of the moving body image is eliminated at the passing timing. Therefore, for example, the player can perform an operation input while viewing an image of a moving body that has no parallax at the passage timing of the determination reference area, and therefore, an appropriate timing determination process in the stereoscopic system can be realized.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a game calculation unit that performs a game calculation process is included (a computer is caused to function as the game calculation unit), and the determination unit performs a timing between the input timing and the passage timing as the timing determination process. An evaluation process based on a relationship may be performed, and the game calculation unit may perform the game calculation process based on a result of the evaluation process.

  In this way, the timing determination process can be realized by using a moving object that has no image parallax at the passage timing of the judgment reference area, and the game calculation is performed based on the result of the evaluation process based on the timing relationship between the input timing and the passage timing. Processing can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the result of the evaluation process of the timing determination process in the game calculation process while realizing an appropriate timing determination process in the stereoscopic vision system.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the game calculation unit performs at least one of a calculation process of a game result of the player, a display control process of the moving object, and a game effect process based on a result of the evaluation process. You may perform as arithmetic processing.

  In this way, the evaluation result of the timing determination process can be reflected in the game result of the player, the display control of the moving body, and the game effect process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may generate a stereoscopic image in which the parallax of the image of the moving body changes according to a timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing.

  In this way, the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing can be expressed by a change in parallax of the moving object image, and a timing determination process in which the player can easily grasp the timing can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may perform a hit determination process in which the mobile object that is a hit object is hit by a hit object in the region where the determination reference area is set as the timing determination process. May be.

  In this way, it is possible to realize the hit determination process in which the moving object is hit by the hit object by effectively using the determination reference area.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the determination unit sets a hit determination volume including the determination reference area, and the hit body is located in the hit determination volume at a player input timing. You may determine with the body that the said mobile body was hit.

  In this way, it is possible to set a hit determination volume including a determination reference area and appropriately determine whether or not the mobile object has been hit by the hit object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image generation unit generates a stereoscopic image in which at least one of the color, shape, and size of the moving body changes when the moving body is located in the hit determination volume. May be.

  In this way, the player can recognize that the moving body is positioned in the hit determination volume by observing the change in the color, shape, or size of the moving body. Judgment processing can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may include a first hit determination volume on the near side as viewed from the viewpoint side with respect to the determination reference area and a second hit determination volume on the back side as viewed from the viewpoint side. If the moving body is located in the first hit determination volume at the input timing of the player, the hit direction of the moving body is set to the first direction side, and the player If the moving body is located in the second hit determination volume at the input timing, the hit direction of the moving body is set to a second direction side different from the first direction side. Also good.

  In this way, it is possible to set the hit direction of the moving object simply by setting the first and second hit determination volumes based on the determination reference area, thereby realizing more realistic hit determination processing and the like. become able to.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may use the hit body according to a positional relationship between a passing position of the moving body in the determination reference area and a hit instruction position of the player in the determination reference area. You may set the hit result parameter which determines the state of the said mobile body after a hit.

  Thus, if the hit result parameter is set according to the positional relationship between the passing position of the moving object and the hit instruction position of the player, a more realistic and appropriate hit process of the moving object can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may generate a stereoscopic image in which an instruction position display object for notifying the hit instruction position of the player is displayed at the position of the determination reference area. .

  In this way, the player can later confirm the designated position on the determination reference area designated by the player by looking at the designated position display object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image generation unit may be used for stereoscopic viewing on which a moving body position display object is displayed for notifying the position of the moving body at an input timing when the player instructs the hit instruction position. An image may be generated.

  In this way, the player can later confirm the position of the moving body at the input timing by looking at the moving body position display object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the image generation unit may be seen from the viewpoint side of the determination reference area when the input timing is later than the passage timing of the moving object through the determination reference area. When the moving body position display object is displayed on the side, and the input timing is earlier than the passing timing of the moving body through the determination criterion area, the heel side is viewed from the viewpoint side than the determination criterion area. Alternatively, a stereoscopic image in which the moving body position display object is displayed may be generated.

  In this way, the player can easily grasp the temporal timing relationship between the input timing and the passage timing by looking at the positional relationship between the moving object position display object and the determination reference area in the front-rear direction. become.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may variably set at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area.

  By changing the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area in this way, various and appropriate timing determination processes can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination unit may variably set at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area based on information on a character operated by the player.

  In this way, for example, the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area change according to character information such as the position, direction, or status of the character, so that a variety of appropriate timing determination processes can be realized. Become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the moving body is a ball in a ball game, and the determination unit includes the determination reference area in an area where the ball is hit by the possession or part of a character appearing in the ball game. May be set.

  In this way, an appropriate timing determination process can be realized in a ball game in which the ball is hit by a character's possession or part.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the ball game is a baseball game, and the determination unit may set the determination reference area on a home base in the baseball game.

  In this way, the timing determination process in batting can be realized using a ball that has no image parallax near the home base.

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may project the object of the moving body on the reference screen set at a position corresponding to the determination reference area, thereby drawing the determination reference area. When the moving body passes through, a stereoscopic image in which parallax of the image of the moving body is eliminated may be generated.

  In this way, by performing perspective projection of the moving object on the reference screen, it is possible to generate an image of the moving object that eliminates parallax when passing through the determination reference area.

  In the aspect of the invention, the image generation unit may generate a stereoscopic image in which at least one of a color, a shape, and a size of the moving body changes when the moving body passes through the determination reference area. Also good.

  In this way, the visibility of the moving body when passing through the determination reference area is improved, and timing determination processing and the like that are easy for the player to grasp can be realized.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a sound generation unit that generates sound (a computer is caused to function as the sound generation unit), and the sound generation unit outputs a sound whose sound image localization changes according to parallax of the moving body. It may be generated.

  In this way, not only the parallax of the moving body but also the sound image localization linked to the parallax of the moving body can be used to make the player feel the stereoscopic effect of the moving body.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a moving body control unit that controls a moving body, a determination unit that performs timing determination processing using the moving body, and image generation data for generating a stereoscopic image are provided. An image generation data generation unit for generating the image generation data generation unit, so that the parallax of the image of the moving object is eliminated when the moving object passes through the determination reference area used for the timing determination process. Further, the present invention relates to a server system that generates image generation data for generating a stereoscopic image on which the moving body is displayed.

1 is a configuration example of an image generation system according to the present embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the drawing position of the object in stereoscopic vision. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of parallax of an image of a moving object. FIGS. 5A to 5E are explanatory diagrams of input timing evaluation processing. 6A and 6B are configuration examples of a portable game device to which this embodiment is applied. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a baseball game. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a baseball game. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a baseball game. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a baseball game. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a baseball game. Explanatory drawing of the hit determination method using hit determination volume. FIGS. 13A and 13B are also explanatory diagrams of a hit determination method using a hit determination volume. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of a hit result parameter setting method based on the positional relationship between the passing position of the moving object and the player's designated position. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are explanatory diagrams of an arrangement method of an indicated position display object and a moving body position display object. Explanatory drawing of the method of variably setting the position of a determination reference area, etc. based on character information. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a music game. The example of the image produced | generated when this embodiment is applied to a music game. FIGS. 19A to 19C are explanatory diagrams of a timing determination method when the present embodiment is applied to a music game. 20A to 20C are explanatory diagrams of an input timing evaluation method when the present embodiment is applied to a music game. FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are explanatory diagrams of a method for changing the color, shape, or size of the moving object when passing through the determination reference area. FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams of a method for changing the color, shape, or size of a moving object when located in the hit determination volume. Explanatory drawing of the method of producing | generating the sound from which sound image localization changes according to the parallax of a moving body. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system 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.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, CD, etc.), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), etc. Can be realized. 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 moving body control unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, a determination unit 110, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130.

  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, freedom, etc.) representing display objects such as characters (people, animals, robots, cars, ships, airplanes, etc.), balls, pointing markers, maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. A process of placing and setting (objects configured with a primitive surface such as a curved surface or a subdivision surface) in the object space is performed. 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 172 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 moving body control unit 106 performs control processing for moving a moving body such as a ball, an instruction marker, and a character. Also, a control process for operating the moving body (moving body object) is performed. That is, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., a moving body (object, model object) is moved in the object space, Performs control processing to move the moving body (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) of a moving body for each frame (1/60 second). I do. A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  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 (viewpoint position) and direction (gaze direction) of the virtual camera are controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or direction of the character. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, direction, or speed of the character obtained by the moving body control 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 virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or direction of the virtual camera.

  The determination unit 110 performs various determination processes. Details of the determination process performed by the determination unit 110 will be described later.

  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. Based on the 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 178 (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, a pixel shader process, or the like.

  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 moving body control unit 106 controls moving bodies such as balls and instruction markers (musical notes). For example, control is performed to move a moving object in the object space. Moreover, the determination part 110 performs the timing determination process using a moving body. For example, timing determination processing in various games such as a baseball game and a music game is performed based on the input timing of the player and the position of the moving body.

  Then, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image. Specifically, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image on which the moving body is displayed so that the parallax of the moving body image disappears when the moving body passes through the determination reference area used for the timing determination process. To do.

  Here, the stereoscopic image is an image for the left eye and an image for the right eye, taking a two-eye separation spectacle system as an example. However, the stereoscopic image is not limited to the left-eye image and the right-eye image of the two-eye separation spectacle method, and may be a naked-eye type stereoscopic image. The naked-eye method includes a multi-eye method, an aerial image method, and the like in addition to the naked-eye binocular method. As the aerial image method, for example, the “fractional view method” has been proposed.

  The determination reference area is an area set for timing determination processing using a moving object. The determination reference area may be a two-dimensional graphic area or a three-dimensional graphic area. Alternatively, the determination reference area may be a position serving as a determination reference.

  Also, the loss of parallax of the moving body image means that the parallax of the moving body image becomes zero, for example. Specifically, the first drawing position, which is the drawing position on the reference screen (perspective projection plane) of the object of the image for the left eye (first viewpoint image in a broad sense), and the image for the right eye (second viewpoint in a broad sense). The second drawing position that is the drawing position on the reference screen of the corresponding object of (image) matches. However, the parallax of the image of the moving body does not have to be completely zero, and the parallax value may be a predetermined threshold value or less. For example, the deviation (difference) between the first drawing position of the object for the left eye image and the second drawing position of the corresponding object of the right eye image may be less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (for example, one pixel or less). Further, the parallax (binocular parallax) in this case is a difference in the positions of the images seen by the left eye (first viewpoint) and the right eye (second viewpoint), and is called a binocular parallax. Is.

  The image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image on which the moving body is displayed so that the parallax of the moving body image becomes a predetermined parallax when the moving body passes through the determination reference area used for the timing determination process. You may make it do. Here, the parallax of the image of the moving body becomes a predetermined parallax means that the parallax of the image of the moving body becomes a parallax assumed in advance, for example, within a predetermined parallax range. Specifically, the first drawing position on the reference screen of the object of the left-eye image (first viewpoint image) and the second drawing position on the reference screen of the corresponding object of the right-eye image (second viewpoint image) The difference (difference) from the above becomes a predetermined reference value or falls within a predetermined reference range. The data of the predetermined reference value and the predetermined reference range is stored in the storage unit 170, for example.

  For example, the determination unit 110 performs timing determination processing based on the input timing of the player and the passage timing of the moving object determination reference area. The image generation unit 120 then displays the stereoscopic image (for the left eye) on which the moving body is displayed so that the parallax of the moving body image is eliminated at the passage timing of the determination reference area (so that the parallax is a predetermined parallax in a broad sense). Image, right eye image). For example, a moving body such as a ball or an instruction marker moves in the object space, for example, under the control of the moving body control unit 106 and passes through a determination reference area set in the object space. When the player performs an operation for timing determination using the operation unit 160, the input timing of the operation (the frame in which the operation is input) is acquired. Then, the determination unit 110 performs a coincidence determination process (match determination process) between the input timing of the player and the passage timing of the determination reference area of the moving object as the timing determination process. In this case, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image so that a moving body such as a ball or an instruction marker has no parallax of the image at the passage timing of the determination reference area. For example, the first drawing position of the moving object in the left-eye image and the second drawing position of the moving object in the right-eye image match (including substantially matching) at the passage timing of the determination reference area. As described above, the left-eye image and the right-eye image are generated.

  The determination unit 110 performs an evaluation process based on the timing relationship between the input timing and the passage timing as the timing determination process. For example, evaluation processing based on the timing difference (time difference, frame difference) between the input timing and the passage timing is performed. Then, the game calculation unit 102 performs a game calculation process based on the result of the evaluation process (whether good evaluation or bad evaluation). Specifically, at least one of the player's game result calculation process, the moving body display control process, and the game effect process is performed as a game calculation process based on the result of the evaluation process.

  Here, the game score calculation processing is calculation processing of player scores, points, and operation evaluations acquired by the game based on the timing determination processing. For example, the smaller the timing difference (time difference) between the input timing and the passage timing, the higher score, high point, and high operation evaluation are given to the player. The mobile object display control process is a mobile object display control process after a determination process based on, for example, an input timing and a passage timing. For example, it is a process of changing the moving direction, moving speed, moving acceleration, or display mode of the moving body based on the evaluation result. The game effect process is an effect process for visually or audibly expressing the result of the timing determination process, and is a process for generating a video effect or a sound effect based on the evaluation result for the game effect.

  In addition, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image in which the parallax of the moving object image changes according to the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing. For example, as the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing increases, a stereoscopic image is generated in which the parallax of the moving object image increases or decreases. More specifically, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image in which the parallax of the moving object image increases as the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing increases. For example, when the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing is large, a stereoscopic image that appears to protrude or retract from the reference screen in the stereoscopic view is generated.

  Further, the determination unit 110 may perform a hit determination process in which a mobile object that is a hit target is hit by a hit object in an area where a determination reference area is set as a timing determination process. Taking a ball game as an example, hit determination processing is performed in which a moving body such as a ball is hit by a hit body such as a character possession (such as a bat) or a part (such as a foot or hand). In this case, the determination reference area is arranged and set at a place where the moving body is assumed to be hit by the hit body (for example, the position of the home base in the baseball game).

  Specifically, the determination unit 110 sets a hit determination volume including a determination reference area. For example, a determination reference area is included, or a hit determination volume centered on the determination reference area is set. Then, when the moving body is located in the hit determination volume at the input timing of the player, it is determined that the moving body has been hit by the hit body. For example, a process of moving the moving body in the hit direction is performed.

  In this case, the image generation unit 120 may generate a stereoscopic image in which at least one of the color, shape, and size of the moving object changes when the moving object is positioned within the hit determination volume. For example, the color, shape, or size of the moving object is set to a color, shape, or size that is different from the period that is not located in the hit determination volume in the period that is located in the hit determination volume. By doing so, the visibility of the moving object at the time of the hit determination process is increased, and a hit determination process in which the player can easily grasp the timing can be realized.

  More specifically, the determination unit 110 includes a first hit determination volume on the near side when viewed from the viewpoint side (virtual camera side) with respect to the determination reference area, and a second hit determination volume on the back side when viewed from the viewpoint side. Set. If the moving body is located in the first hit determination volume at the player input timing, the hit direction of the moving body is set to the first direction side. On the other hand, when the moving body is located in the second hit determination volume at the input timing of the player, the hit direction of the moving body is set to the second direction side different from the first direction side. For example, if the first direction side is the left direction side, the second direction side is the right direction side, and if the first direction side is the right direction side, the second direction side is the left direction side. Alternatively, if the first direction side is the upward direction side, the second direction side is the downward direction side, and if the first direction side is the downward direction side, the second direction side is the upward direction side.

  Further, the determination unit 110 determines the state of the mobile body after the hit by the hit body according to the positional relationship between the passing position of the mobile body in the determination reference area and the hit instruction position of the player in the determination reference area. Parameters may be set. Here, the hit result parameter is a parameter for determining the state of the moving object after the hit, the hit strength parameter for determining the strength of the hit, the hit speed parameter for determining the speed of the moving object after the hit, or the movement after the hit Hit acceleration parameters that determine body acceleration. For example, when the hit result parameter is a hit strength parameter, if the passing position of the moving object is close to the player's hit instruction position, the hit strength is increased, and if the passing position is far from the hit instruction position, Decrease the hit strength.

  Further, the image generation unit 120 generates a stereoscopic image in which an instruction position display object for informing the player of the hit instruction position of the player is displayed at the position of the determination reference area. For example, the indication position display object is arranged at the position of the reference screen (screen surface) corresponding to the determination reference area, and the stereoscopic image including the image of the indication position display object (the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye). ) Is generated.

  Furthermore, the image generation unit 120 displays a three-dimensional object on which a moving body position display object is displayed for informing the player of the position of the moving body (for example, three-dimensional coordinates in the object space) at the input timing when the player instructs the hit instruction position. A visual image may be generated. Specifically, when the input timing is later than the passage timing of the moving object's determination reference area, the image generation unit 120 moves closer to the front side as viewed from the viewpoint side (virtual camera side) than the determination reference area. A stereoscopic image on which the body position display object is displayed is generated. On the other hand, when the input timing is earlier than the passage timing of the moving object judgment reference area, the stereoscopic image in which the moving object position display object is displayed on the heel side when viewed from the viewpoint side than the judgment reference area. Is generated. By doing so, it becomes possible to inform the player of the three-dimensional position of the moving body at the input timing.

  The determination unit 110 may variably set at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area. For example, the arrangement position and orientation of the determination reference area in the object space, the shape and size of the determination reference area, and the like are variably set. In this case, the determination unit 110 may variably set at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area based on information on the character operated by the player. Here, the character information is, for example, the character position, direction, or status information. For example, the position and direction of the determination reference area are set so as to follow the position and direction of the character. Alternatively, the shape (size, etc.) of the determination reference area is changed according to the character status information.

  The moving body used for the determination process of the determination unit 110 is, for example, a ball (an object representing a ball) in a ball game. Then, the determination unit 110 sets a determination reference area in a region where the ball is hit by the possession (bat, racket, etc.) or part (foot, hand, head, etc.) of the character appearing in the ball game. For example, when the ball game is a baseball game, a determination reference area is set on the home base in the baseball game. When the ball game is a tennis game or a soccer game, a determination reference area is set at a location corresponding to the hitting position of the racket or the kicking position of the foot.

  Further, the image generation unit 120 perspectively projects and draws the moving object on the reference screen set at a position corresponding to the determination reference area, so that the moving object passes through the determination reference area. A stereoscopic image that eliminates the parallax of the image is generated. Specifically, a left-eye image is generated by perspectively drawing a moving object on the reference screen from the viewpoint of the left-eye virtual camera. Further, a right-eye image is generated by perspectively projecting and drawing a moving object on the reference screen from the viewpoint of the right-eye virtual camera.

  For example, in the case of the two-eye separation spectacle method, the image generation unit 120 includes a left-eye image generation unit (first viewpoint image generation unit in a broad sense) 122 and a right-eye image generation unit (second viewpoint image in a broad sense). Generating section) 124. Then, the left-eye image generation unit 122 generates a left-eye image (first viewpoint image) that is an image at the viewpoint (first viewpoint) of the left-eye virtual camera. The right-eye image generation unit 124 generates a right-eye image (second viewpoint image) that is an image at the viewpoint (second viewpoint) of the right-eye virtual camera.

  Note that the virtual camera control unit 108 controls a reference virtual camera serving as a reference for setting, for example, left-eye and right-eye virtual cameras. Then, based on the obtained position information and direction information of the reference virtual camera and information on the set inter-camera distance, position information (viewpoint position) and direction information (line-of-sight direction) of the left-eye and right-eye virtual cameras ) Note that the virtual camera control unit 108 may directly control the left-eye and right-eye virtual cameras.

  As a stereoscopic method, various methods such as a two-eye separation spectacle method, a parallax barrier, a lenticular, and a naked eye method using an optical element capable of controlling the direction of light can be assumed. Examples of the binocular separation glasses method include a polarization glasses method, a time separation method, and a 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 for the right eye). Stereoscopic viewing is realized by viewing with a pair of spectacles with a directional polarizing filter. Alternatively, the stereoscopic image may be realized by projecting the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye 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 every predetermined period (for example, every 1/120 second or 1/60 second). In conjunction with the switching of the display, the left and right liquid crystal shutters of the glasses with the liquid crystal shutter are alternately opened and closed to realize stereoscopic viewing. In the color separation method, for example, an anaglyph image is generated and viewed with red-blue glasses or the like to realize stereoscopic viewing.

  In addition, 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 may be provided in the display unit 190 (such as a television). For example, the image generation unit 120 outputs a side-by-side image signal. Then, the display unit 190 displays a field sequential image in which left-eye images and right-eye images are alternately assigned to odd lines and even lines 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.

  The image generation unit 120 may generate a stereoscopic image in which at least one of the color, shape, and size of the moving body changes when the moving body passes through the determination reference area. For example, the color, shape, or size of the moving body is set to a color, shape, or size that is different from the timing other than the passage timing at the passage timing of the determination reference area. By doing so, the visibility of the moving object at the passage timing of the judgment reference area is increased, and a timing judgment process in which the player can easily grasp the timing can be realized.

  The sound generation unit 130 that generates sound such as game sound or sound effect may generate sound whose sound image localization changes according to the parallax of the moving body. That is, the sound image localization of the sound output from the sound output unit 192 is changed according to the degree of stereoscopic vision of the moving body. For example, in the case of parallax (stereoscopic image) where the moving body appears to jump out of the screen, the sound image localization of the sound is set to a position on the near side (player side) of the screen. On the other hand, in the case of parallax such that the moving body retracts to the back side of the screen, the sound image localization of the sound is set to a position on the back side of the screen. By doing so, the stereoscopic effect of the moving object in the stereoscopic image and the stereoscopic effect due to the sound image localization of the sound are linked, and the stereoscopic effect felt by the player can be improved.

  Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be realized by a server system. FIG. 27 shows a configuration example when realized by a server system.

  Server system 500 is communicatively connected to terminal apparatuses TM1 to TMn via network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or a plurality of servers (authentication server, game server, communication server, billing server, etc.). The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal devices TM1 to TMn are realized by, for example, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, or the like. The portable game device may be a dedicated game device or a general-purpose device capable of executing a game program such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal.

  The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, a storage unit 670, an information storage medium 680, and a communication unit 696. The processing unit 600 includes a game calculation unit 602, an object space setting unit 604, a moving body control unit 606, a virtual camera control unit 608, a determination unit 610, an image generation data generation unit 620, and a sound generation data generation unit 630. The functions, operations, etc. of these units (blocks) are the same as those of the units (blocks) in FIG.

  For example, the moving body control unit 606 of the server system 500 controls the moving body, and the determination unit 610 performs timing determination processing using the moving body. Then, the image generation data generation unit 620 generates image generation data data for generating a stereoscopic image. The sound generation data generation unit 630 generates sound generation data for generating a sound.

  In this embodiment, the image generation data generation unit 620 displays the stereoscopic image on which the moving object is displayed so that the parallax of the image of the moving object disappears when the moving object passes through the determination reference area used for the timing determination process. Image generation data for generating a production image is generated.

  Here, the image generation data for generating the image is data for displaying the image generated by the method of the present embodiment on each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn, and even the image data itself. It may be various data (object data, control result data, determination result data, display screen setting data, etc.) used by each terminal device to generate an image. For example, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, generates images, and distributes them to the terminal devices TM1 to TMn (stream distribution) Etc.), the image generation data described above is the image data itself. On the other hand, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are based on the control results and determination results. When an image is generated, the above-described image generation data is control result data, determination result data, object data, or the like. The same applies to the sound generation data generated by the sound generation data generation unit 630.

  It should be noted that the game calculation unit 602, the object space setting unit 604, the moving body control unit 606, the virtual camera control unit 608, the determination unit 610, the image generation data generation unit 620, the storage unit 670, the information storage medium 680, the communication unit 696, etc. Detailed functions and operations are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.

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

2.1 Timing Determination Processing Using Determination Criteria Area First, setting of a view volume in stereoscopic vision will be described before describing the method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in order to generate a stereoscopic image, a left-eye virtual camera VCL and a right-eye virtual camera VCR that are set at positions separated by a given inter-camera distance are used.

  Then, a left-eye view volume VVL (left-eye view frustum) is set corresponding to the left-eye virtual camera VCL, and a right-eye view volume VVR (right-eye view) corresponding to the right-eye virtual camera VCR. Frustum) is set. Specifically, the positions and directions of the left-eye and right-eye view volumes VVL and VVR are set based on the positions and directions of the left-eye and right-eye virtual cameras VCL and VCR.

  In this case, the left-eye image, which is an image that can be seen from the left-eye virtual camera VCL, is generated by perspectively projecting an object that exists in the left-eye view volume VVL onto the screen SC (reference screen). . Similarly, an image for the right eye, which is an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera for right eye VCR, is generated by perspectively projecting an object existing in the right-eye view volume VVR onto the screen SC and drawing it.

  In this case, since objects at positions that are not perspective-projected on the screen SC are not drawn, if perspective projection conversion processing is performed on these objects, processing is wasted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the left-eye and right-eye view volumes VVL are provided so that objects at positions that are not perspective-projected on the screen SC in the left-eye and right-eye virtual cameras do not enter the view volume. , VVR is set. In FIG. 2, CNL and CFL are the front clipping plane and the rear clipping plane of the left eye view volume VVL, respectively. CNR and CFR are the front clipping plane and the rear clipping plane of the right eye view volume VVR, respectively. It is.

  As described above, in the method of generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image to realize stereoscopic viewing, the sense of depth is recognized by the parallax between the left-eye image and the right-eye image.

  For example, in FIG. 2, the drawing position AL in the left-eye image and the drawing position AR in the right-eye image for the object located at the point A on the screen SC are the same position.

  On the other hand, the object located at the point B is drawn at the position of the point BL in the image for the left eye, and is drawn at the position of the point BR in the image for the right eye. Then, by providing a shift in the drawing positions of the left-eye image and the right-eye image in this way, it is possible to realize a stereoscopic expression in which the object located at the point B appears to jump out of the screen toward the user.

  Now, when timing determination processing such as a baseball game and a music game is performed in such a stereoscopic vision system, it has been found that it is difficult to determine the timing of the player unless any measures are taken.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when timing determination is performed using a moving body such as a ball in a baseball game or an instruction marker (musical note) in a music game, the parallax of the image of the moving body is eliminated in the determination criterion area for timing determination. A technique for generating a stereoscopic image is employed. In this way, a stereoscopic image in which the mobile body pops out or retracts with the determination reference area as a boundary is generated, and determination processing using this mobile body is performed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to realize timing determination so that the determination reference area is at the best position, and it is possible to realize appropriate timing determination processing in the stereoscopic system.

  For example, in FIG. 3A, a moving body MOB such as a ball or an instruction marker is moving. Specifically, for example, the moving body MOB moves from the back side to the near side when viewed from the viewpoint side (virtual camera side) in the object space so as to approach the determination reference area ARB. In this case, the image of the moving body MOB is an image with parallax. Specifically, for example, a stereoscopic image is generated in which the moving body MOB appears to be retracted behind the determination reference area ARB.

  In FIG. 3B, the mobile body MOB passes through the determination reference area ARB. In FIG. 3B, the determination reference area ARB is a two-dimensional plane (rectangle) along the vertical direction. As will be described later, taking a baseball game as an example, a determination reference area ARB is set on the home base.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment, the stereoscopic image is generated so that the parallax of the moving body image disappears when the moving body MOB passes through the determination reference area ARB used for the timing determination process. Is done.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3C, the moving body MOB moves to the near side as viewed from the viewpoint side so as to move away from the determination reference area MOB. In this case, the image of the moving body MOB is an image with parallax. Specifically, for example, a stereoscopic image that appears as if the moving body MOB is popping out from the determination reference area ARB is generated.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the player inputs a game operation so that the timing at which the mobile body MOB passes the determination reference area ARB matches the input timing. Taking a baseball game as an example, a game operation input is performed at an input timing such that the bat hits the ball when the ball passes the determination reference area ARB set on the home base. Then, a timing determination process is performed based on the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the determination reference area ARB of the moving body MOB. At this time, the moving body MOB becomes an image having no parallax at the passage timing of the determination reference area ARB.

  In this way, the player can perform an operation input in accordance with the timing when the moving body MOB passes through the determination reference area ARB with no parallax. Therefore, the operation input just timing is in a state in which an image of the moving body MOB having no parallax is displayed, so that the operation input of the player can be facilitated. That is, the location of the determination reference area ARB is a boundary between the moving body and the boundary of whether the moving object appears to protrude or retract in stereoscopic view. Accordingly, by setting the position of the determination reference area ARB to the position of the timing determination just, the player's operation input is facilitated. Taking a baseball game as an example, when the ball passes the determination reference area ARB, an image without parallax is obtained, and the player performs a batting operation so as to hit the ball with the image without parallax. Therefore, it is possible to realize a baseball game that is easy to take for the player. Note that the input timing is not limited to the timing at which the player actually operates the operation unit 160, but is the timing at which the player operates the operation unit 160 and is considered to be the input timing of the player in the timing determination process. May be. Taking a baseball game as an example, when the player performs an action of swinging the bat by operating the operation unit 160, the timing at which the bat passes the determination reference area ARB is set as the input timing of the player. be able to.

  4A and 4B are diagrams for describing parallax of an image in stereoscopic view. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the image with parallax, the drawing position of the object MOBL in the left-eye image is different from the drawing position of the object MOBR in the right-eye image. For example, the object at the position of the point B in FIG. 2 is drawn at the position of the point BL on the screen SC in the image for the left eye, and is drawn at the position of the point BR on the screen SC in the image for the right eye.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the image without parallax, the drawing position of the object MOBL in the left-eye image and the drawing position of the object MOBR in the right-eye image are the same. For example, the object at the position of the point A in FIG. 2 is drawn at the position of the point A on the screen SC in both the left-eye image and the right-eye image.

  Next, details of the timing determination process of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as the timing determination process, an evaluation process based on the timing relationship between the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the moving object in the determination reference area is performed.

  For example, in FIG. 5A, the input timing of the player coincides with the passing timing of the moving object in the determination reference area. For example, in FIG. 3B, it is determined that the player performs an operation input at the timing when the mobile unit MOB passes through the determination reference area ARB, and the passage timing and the input timing match. At this timing, the image of the moving body MOB is an image having no parallax.

  In this embodiment, an evaluation process based on the timing relationship between the input timing and the passage timing is performed, and based on the result of the evaluation process, the player's game result calculation process, the moving body display control process, or the game effect process Such as game calculation processing is performed.

  For example, in FIG. 5A, since it is evaluated that the input timing of the player and the passage timing of the moving object coincide with each other, the game results (scores, points) of the player are high. Taking a baseball game as an example, the moving direction of the ball, which is a moving body, is set to the center direction, which is a straight direction. In addition, a game effect process is performed to indicate the success of the player's input operation.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the moving body do not match, and in FIG. 5B, the input timing is earlier than the passing timing. In FIG. 5C, the input timing is later than the passage timing. Also in this case, the input timing falls within the allowable period TR set with the passage timing as a reference (center). Therefore, it is determined that the player's input operation is successful, and an evaluation process for the player's input operation is performed. This evaluation process is performed based on a timing relationship such as a timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing and a front-rear relationship.

  For example, the shorter the timing difference (time difference) between the input timing and the passage timing, the higher the evaluation of the player's input operation, and the higher the game score given to the player. That is, when the timings coincide as shown in FIG. 5A, the player's score, points, and other game results become higher than those in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Moreover, you may perform display control of the moving body that the speed and acceleration of the moving body after a hit become high, so that a timing difference becomes short. Alternatively, the game effect may be enhanced as the timing difference becomes shorter. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the input timing is just timing with respect to the passage timing, an image or sound having a high game effect effect in timing determination is output. On the other hand, when there is a difference between the input timing and the passage timing as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, it is realized by a game effect display object, a game effect sound, or the like as compared with FIG. The game effect is reduced.

  Further, not the timing difference but the front-rear relationship between the input timing and the passage timing may be evaluated. For example, if the input timing is earlier than the passage timing as shown in FIG. 5B and the input timing is later than the passage timing as shown in FIG. Or change the direction of movement of the moving object after a hit. Or you may change the game production | presentation effect implement | achieved by the display thing for game productions, a game production sound, etc. with the case where an input timing is earlier than the passage timing.

  In the present embodiment, a stereoscopic image in which the parallax of the image of the moving object is generated according to the timing difference between the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the moving object is generated. Specifically, for example, as the timing difference between the player input timing and the moving body passage timing increases, a stereoscopic image in which the parallax of the moving body image increases is generated. For example, in FIG. 5E, the timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing is larger than that in FIG. 5D. Therefore, FIG. 5E is more mobile than FIG. 5D. The parallax of the image becomes larger.

  For example, when the player performs an operation input at the timing when the mobile unit MOB passes the determination reference area ARB as shown in FIG. 3B, the parallax of the image of the mobile unit MOB becomes zero. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the player performs an operation input with a time delay from the passing timing of the determination reference area ARB of the mobile MOB, the parallax of the image of the mobile MOB increases. That is, as the timing difference between the passage timing of the mobile unit MOB and the input timing increases, the parallax of the image of the mobile unit MOB increases accordingly.

  In this way, when the player performs an operation input at a timing when there is no parallax of the moving body image, the evaluation given to the operation of the player becomes high, and the parallax of the moving body image is reduced. When the player performs an operation input at the timing of the increased state, the evaluation or the like given to the player's operation becomes low. Accordingly, the parallax of the image of the moving object and the magnitude of the evaluation given to the operation of the player are linked, so that the input timing evaluation process that is easy for the player to understand and suitable for the stereoscopic system can be realized. .

2.2 Application Example to Baseball Game Next, application examples of the method of the present embodiment to various games will be described. First, a configuration example of a portable game device to which this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B).

  This portable game device has a main display portion 190M and a sub display portion 190S. The sub display unit 190S is realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is provided in the housing 10 of the game apparatus. The main display unit 190M is a display having, for example, a larger number of pixels than the sub display unit 190S, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The main display unit 190M is a display that can display, for example, a stereoscopic image with naked eyes, and the game image is displayed in stereoscopic view.

  A case 10 and a case 20 of the portable game device are provided so as to be freely rotatable, and the case 10 is provided with a direction instruction key 12, an analog stick (joystick) 14, and operation buttons 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, first and second cameras CM1 and CM2 are provided on the back side of the housing 20 (the side opposite to the main display portion 190M). By photographing the subject using the first and second cameras CM1 and CM2, it is possible to obtain a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax, and stereoscopic display is possible.

  Further, the portable game device has a built-in motion sensor (6-axis sensor) not shown. Then, when the player moves the portable game device with his / her hand, using this motion sensor, the acceleration in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in FIG. Angular velocities around the Y axis and Z axis can be detected.

  7 to 11 are examples of images generated when the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game. 7 and 8, an image of a scene in which the pitcher character CHP throws the ball BL (moving body in a broad sense) against the batter character CHB is displayed on the main display portion 190M. The main display portion 190M also displays a determination criterion area ARB, and the sub display portion 190S displays an operation input area ARI corresponding to the determination criterion area ARB. The player performs a batting operation of hitting the ball BL by touching the position of the course in which the ball BL is predicted to fly in the operation input area ARI with the touch pen 30 (pointing device in a broad sense).

  The determination reference area ARB is set, for example, on the home base, and each pointing position of the operation input area ARI pointed by the touch pen 30 corresponds to each position of the determination reference area ARB. For example, when the upper right position of the operation input area ARI is touched, the upper right position of the determination reference area ARB is instructed, and when the lower left position of the operation input area ARI is touched, the lower left position of the determination reference area ARB is instructed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the ball BL passes through the determination reference area ARB, the image of the ball BL is an image with zero parallax. For this reason, it appears to the player's eyes that the ball BL jumps to the front side of the screen from the state of being retracted to the back side of the screen, with the determination reference area ARB as a boundary. Therefore, the player can recognize that the state without parallax in the image of the ball BL is the just timing, and can easily grasp the timing of hitting the ball BL. Thereby, the operation interface environment of the player can be improved.

  7 and 8, the determination reference area ARB and the operation input area ARI are substantially the same size, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the difficulty level of the player's operation input may be set by changing the size of the operation input area ARI. For example, by making the size of the operation input area ARI smaller than the determination reference area ARB, the difficulty level of the player's operation input is set to a high difficulty level.

  In FIG. 9, the player expects the course of the ball BL to have a higher inner angle, and uses the touch pen 30 (or finger) to position the upper right position of the operation input area ARI of the sub display unit 190S as indicated by A1. Touching. In FIG. 9, an image after the ball BL has passed is displayed on the main display portion 190M, and the player's designated position display object DOB and the ball position display object POB are displayed.

  The designated position display object DOB is an object for informing the player's hit designated position, and is displayed at the position of the determination reference area ARB. That is, the indication position display object DOB is arranged and displayed at the same depth position (same Z value) as the determination reference area ARB. In FIG. 9, the player touches the upper right position of the operation input area ARI of the sub display unit 190 </ b> S with the touch pen 30. Therefore, in the main display portion 190M, the indicated position display object DOB is arranged and displayed at the upper right position of the determination reference area ARB. Thus, the player can later confirm which course he / she touched when passing the ball BL by looking at the indicated position display object DOB.

  The ball position display object POB (moving body position display object in a broad sense) is an object for informing the player of the position of the ball BL at the input timing when the player has indicated the hit instruction position. For example, the ball position display object POB is arranged and displayed at the position of the ball BL at the input timing of the player.

  In FIG. 9, the course of the ball BL is in the middle at the input timing when the player designates the hit instruction position with the touch pen 30, and the ball BL passes through the middle of the determination reference area ARB. Accordingly, the ball position display object POB is arranged and displayed near the center. As a result, the player can later confirm the position of the ball BL at the timing when the player inputs the operation and swings the bat.

  The player can confirm the shift between the hit position and the ball position at the input timing by looking at the positional relationship between the designated position display object DOB and the ball position display object POB. For example, in FIG. 9, the positional deviation between the indicated position display object DOB and the ball position display object POB is relatively large. On the other hand, in FIG. 10, the position indicated by A2 is touched by the touch pen 30, and the indicated position display object DOB is displayed near the center of the determination reference area ARB, and the indicated position display object DOB and the ball position display are displayed. The displacement of the position of the object POB is small. Accordingly, in FIG. 10, the player can confirm later that his / her designated position matches the course of the ball BL in FIG. Thereby, an interface environment suitable for a baseball game can be provided to the player.

  9 and 10, a hit determination volume HV including the determination reference area ARB is set. When the ball BL is positioned in the hit determination volume HV at the input timing when the player touches the operation input area ARI with the touch pen 30, it is determined that the batting is successful and the ball hits the bat. Based on the position of the ball BL at the input timing and the relationship between the touch position in the operation input area ARI and the passing position of the ball BL, the hit strength and hit direction of the ball BL are set.

  For example, in the case of a baseball batting practice game, the player's batting results are displayed as shown in FIG. For example, when the player's designated position and the passing position of the ball BL are substantially the same as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the player's designated position and the passing position of the ball BL do not match as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that the player is single base or the like. In this way, the player's batting result is calculated based on the relationship between the player's designated position and the passing position of the ball BL, and is displayed on the main display unit 190M as shown in FIG.

2.3 Hit Determination Processing Details of the baseball game timing determination processing described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, as timing determination processing, hit determination processing is performed in which a moving object such as a ball BL as a hit object is hit by a hit body such as a bat in an area where the determination reference area ARB is set. .

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a hit determination volume HV including a determination reference area ARB is set. That is, the hit determination volume HV is set based on the determination reference area ARB. In FIG. 12, a rectangular parallelepiped hit determination volume HV in which the determination reference area ARB is provided at the center position is set.

  When the ball BL is positioned within the hit determination volume HV at the player input timing (touch pen touch timing) as shown in FIG. 12, the ball BL as the moving body is moved by the bat as the hit body. Judge that it was hit. Then, a process is performed in which the ball BL is hit back by the bat and moved in the strength and hit direction set by hit result parameters such as hit strength and hit direction.

  In this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the ball BL has been hit by setting the hit determination volume HV centered on the determination reference area ARB.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a first hit determination volume HV1 and a second hit determination volume HV2 are set. The first hit determination volume HV1 is arranged and set on the near side when viewed from the viewpoint side with respect to the determination reference area ARB, and the second hit determination volume HV2 is positioned on the back side when viewed from the viewpoint side with respect to the determination reference area ARB. Placement is set.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the ball BL is positioned in the first hit determination volume HV1 at the player input timing (touch timing), the hit direction of the ball BL is set to the first hit direction. Direction DR1 side. Thus, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the batter character CHB is left-handed, it is determined that the ball BL is delayed, and the hit direction of the ball BL is on the left side (first direction DR1 in a broad sense). Side). That is, the ball BL is hit back to the left side. When the batter character CHB is right-handed, the ball BL is hit back in the right direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the ball BL is positioned in the second hit determination volume HV2 at the input timing of the player, the hit direction of the ball BL is set to the first direction DR1. Is set on the second direction DR2 side different from the above. Thus, when the batter character CHB is left-handed, it is determined that the batter character is fast swinging, and the hit direction of the ball BL is set to the right direction side (second direction DR2 side in a broad sense). That is, the ball BL is hit back to the right side. When the batter character CHB is hit right, the ball BL is hit back to the left side.

  In this way, it is possible to determine a swing delay or a fast swing simply by setting the first and second hit determination volumes HV1 and HV2 around the determination reference area ARB, and a more realistic hit determination. Processing can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the movement state of the ball BL after the hit by the hit body is determined according to the positional relationship between the passing position of the ball BL in the determination reference area ARB and the player's hit instruction position in the determination reference area ARB. Has been decided.

  For example, in FIG. 14A, the passing position PP of the ball BL in the determination reference area ARB and the hit instruction position PD of the player in the determination reference area ARB are close to each other. Therefore, in this case, the hit strength parameter, which is a hit result parameter, is set to a large value, and for example, it is determined that the hit is a home run or the like.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 14B, the passing position PP of the ball BL and the hit instruction position PD of the player are in a positional relationship far from those in FIG. Accordingly, in this case, the hit strength parameter, which is a hit result parameter, is set to a small value, and for example, it is determined that the hit is a two-base hit or the like.

  In this way, hit result parameters such as a hit strength parameter are set according to the positional relationship between the passing position PP of the ball BL and the hit instruction position PD of the player, and the movement of the moving body such as the ball after the hit is controlled. For example, more realistic and appropriate hit processing of a moving object can be realized.

  14A and 14B, the passing position PP of the ball BL is located inside the first circle having the smallest radius (radius = r1) in the concentric circle of the player's designated position display object DOB. In this case, it is determined that the home run. Further, when the passing position PP is outside the first circle and inside the second circle (radius = r2> r1), it is determined to be a three-base hit. If the passing position PP is outside the second circle and inside the third circle (radius = r3> r2), it is determined to be a two-base hit. Further, when the ball BL is positioned within the hit determination volume HV at the hit timing, if the passing position PP is outside the indicated position display object DOB, it is determined that the ball is a single hit.

  FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are diagrams for explaining an arrangement method of the indicated position display object DOB and the ball position display object POB.

  As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in this embodiment, the designated position display object DOB for informing the hit designated position of the player is arranged and displayed at the position of the determination reference area ARB. . A ball position display object POB for informing the position of the ball BL at the input timing of the player is arranged and displayed in the hit determination volume area HV.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the input timing is later than the passing timing of the determination reference area ARB of the ball BL, the object for displaying the ball position in front of the determination reference area ARB. The POB is arranged and displayed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the input timing is earlier than the passing timing of the determination reference area ARB of the ball BL, the ball position display object POB is located on the heel side of the determination reference area ARB. Arranged and displayed.

  In this way, when the input timing is later than the passage timing, the ball position display object POB is displayed in front of the determination reference area ARB as shown in FIG. Can easily recognize that his own batting was delayed. In this case, since the ball position display object POB appears to pop out in front of the determination reference area ARB in stereoscopic view, the player recognizes that the ball position display object POB is positioned in front of the determination reference area ARB. It becomes easy to grasp.

  Further, when the input timing is earlier than the passage timing, the ball position display object POB is displayed behind the determination reference area ARB as shown in FIG. It can be easily recognized that batting was fast swinging. In this case, since the ball position display object POB appears to be retracted from the determination reference area ARB in the stereoscopic view, the player recognizes that the ball position display object POB is positioned on the heel side of the determination reference area ARB. It becomes easy to grasp.

  Although the case where the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area ARB are fixed has been described above, at least one of the position, direction, and shape of the determination reference area ARB may be variable.

  For example, FIG. 16 shows an application example of the method of this embodiment to a tennis game, and the player enjoys the tennis game by operating the character CH. In this case, for example, a game image from the first person viewpoint of the player is displayed on the display unit 190.

  In FIG. 16, at least one of the position, direction and shape of the determination reference area ARB is variably set based on information such as the position, direction or status of the character CH operated by the player. For example, when the character CH moves, the determination reference area ARB also moves so as to follow the movement. Specifically, even when the character CH moves, the determination reference area ARB is always arranged at a location corresponding to the hit position of the character CH. When the direction in which the character CH is directed changes, the direction of the determination reference area ARB also changes so as to follow the change in the direction. Specifically, for example, the direction of the determination reference area ARB is set so that the surface of the determination reference area ARB is substantially orthogonal to the ball hitting direction.

  Then, the parallax of the ball image becomes zero in the determination reference area ARB. By doing so, even when the character CH moves, the place where the parallax of the image becomes zero becomes the ball hitting position, so that it is possible to realize a game operation that is easy for the player to understand.

  Alternatively, the shape of the determination reference area ARB may be changed based on the status information (parameters such as physical strength and ability) of the character CH. For example, when the physical strength and ability of the character CH are high, the size of the determination reference area ARB is large, and when the physical strength and ability are low, the size of the determination reference area ARB is small. Alternatively, the graphic shape of the determination reference area ARB may be changed according to the type of the character CH. For example, for the first type character CH, the shape of the determination reference area ARB is set to the first shape, and for the second type character CH, the shape of the determination reference area ARB is set to the second shape. .

  In this way, since the size and graphic shape of the determination reference area ARB change according to the status and type of the character CH, more various timing determination processes can be realized.

2.4 Application Example to Music Game Next, an application example of the method of the present embodiment to a music game will be described. 17 and 18 are examples of images generated when the method of this embodiment is applied to a music game. In the following, a drum playing game will be described as an example of the music game, but the field of the music game to which the method of the present embodiment can be applied is not limited to this.

  In FIGS. 17 and 18, the indication markers MK1 to MK5, the determination reference area ARB, the drum character CHT, the evaluation display object SOB, and the gauge GOB are displayed on the main display portion 190M. The sub display unit 190S displays an image of the drum TOB that the player strikes.

  The instruction markers MK1 to MK5 (moving bodies in a broad sense), for example, move from the back side to the near side when viewed from the viewpoint side (virtual camera side) and pass through the determination reference area ARB. The player touches the screen of the sub display unit 190S with the touch pen 30 (pointing device) at a timing when each of the indication markers MK1 to MK5 passes the determination reference area ARB.

  Specifically, at the timing when the instruction marker MK1 instructing the “don” operation passes through the determination reference area ARB, as shown in B1 of FIG. 17, the image of the drum TOB in the screen of the sub display unit 190S is displayed. The part is touched with the touch pen 30. Thereby, it is possible to make the player simulate the performance of playing a drum that hits the middle part of the drum and produces a “don” sound.

  On the other hand, at the timing when the instruction marker MK2 displayed as “Katsu” passes through the determination reference area ARB, as shown in B2 of FIG. 18, a portion other than the image of the drum TOB is touched on the portion of the screen of the sub display unit 190S. Touch with 30. As a result, the player can simulate the performance of a drum that strikes the drum frame and produces a “cut” sound. Each time the player's drumming operation is successful, the player's earned points represented by gauge GOB increase.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, for example, when the indication markers MK1 to MK3 pass through the determination reference area ARB, the images of the indication markers are images having no parallax. .

  For example, in FIG. 19A, since all of the instruction markers MK1 to MK3 are located on the back side of the determination reference area ARB, MK1 to MK3 are images with parallax.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 19B, the instruction marker MK1 passes through the determination reference area ARB, and the image of MK1 is an image having no parallax. At this time, the instruction markers MK2 and MK3 are located on the far side of the determination reference area ARB, and thus have an image with parallax.

  In FIG. 19C, the instruction marker MK2 passes through the determination reference area ARB, and the image of MK2 is an image having no parallax. At this time, since the instruction marker MK1 is located on the front side of the determination reference area ARB and the instruction marker MK3 is located on the back side of the ARB, MK1 and MK3 are images having parallax. Specifically, the instruction marker MK1 is an image that appears to jump out of the determination reference area ARB in stereoscopic view, and the instruction marker MK3 is an image that appears to be retracted from the determination reference area ARB.

  By doing as described above, it appears to the player's eyes that each indication marker jumps to the near side of the screen from the state of being retracted to the far side of the screen, with the determination reference area ARB as a boundary. Therefore, the player can recognize that the state without parallax of the image of the indication marker is the just timing, and the timing for performing the operation (“don”, “cut” operation) indicated by the indication marker is easy. It becomes possible to grasp. Thereby, the operation interface environment of the player can be improved.

  In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the determination reference area ARB has a two-dimensional square shape, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the determination reference area ARB may have a shape other than a square shape or a three-dimensional shape.

  Next, details of the timing determination process in the application example to the music game of FIGS. 17 to 19C will be described.

  In FIG. 20A, the input timing of the player coincides with the passing timing of the instruction marker MK in the determination reference area ARB. For example, in FIG. 17, the player touches the image of the drum TOB on the sub display unit 190S with the touch pen 30 at the same timing as when the instruction marker MK (MK1) for instructing the “don” operation passes through the determination reference area ARB. ing. At this timing, the image of the instruction marker MK is an image having no parallax.

  When it is determined that the input timing of the player matches the passing timing of the instruction marker in this way, a very high evaluation is given to the input operation of the player, and the evaluation of the input operation is “good”. An evaluation display object SOB for informing is displayed.

  For example, in FIG. 20 (B) and FIG. 20 (C), the input timing of the player does not coincide with the passage timing of the determination marker area ARB of the instruction marker MK, and in FIG. 20B, the input timing is the passage timing. In FIG. 20C, the input timing is later than the passage timing. Also in this case, the input timing is within the allowable period TR set with the passage timing as a reference (center). Therefore, it is determined that the player's input operation has been successful to some extent, and the evaluation display object SOB is displayed informing that the evaluation of the input operation is “OK”.

  By doing as described above, in the music game, it is possible to give an appropriate evaluation according to the timing relationship between the input timing and the passing timing of the instruction marker to the player. In this embodiment, when the player performs an operation input at a timing when the instruction marker MK passes the determination reference area ARB as shown in FIG. 20A, the player is given high evaluation. The image of the marker MK is an image without parallax. Therefore, the player only has to determine the timing at which the parallax of the image of the instruction marker MK disappears and perform an operation input, so that it is possible to provide an operation interface environment that the player can easily grasp intuitively.

2.5 Modifications Next, various modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

  For example, in the present embodiment, a stereoscopic image in which at least one of the color, shape, and size of the moving body such as the pointing marker changes when the moving body passes through the determination reference area may be generated.

  For example, in FIG. 21A, the instruction marker MK is moving toward the determination reference area ARB. As shown in FIG. 21B, the color, shape, size, or the like of the instruction marker MK changes at the passage timing of the determination reference area ARB. That is, in FIG. 21B, the color, shape, size, or the like of the instruction marker MK is different from that in FIG.

  In this way, for example, the color, shape, size, or the like of the instruction marker MK changes at the passage timing of the instruction marker MK, which is the just timing of the timing determination process, thereby increasing the visibility of the instruction marker MK. As a result, the player determines that the timing of FIG. 21B is the passing timing of the indication marker MK, not only the parallax state (the state without parallax, the state of the predetermined parallax) of the indication marker MK, Alternatively, it can be grasped by a change in size. Therefore, it is possible to realize a timing determination process in which the player can easily grasp the timing.

  Note that the change in the image of the instruction marker MK (moving body) may be a change in the display mode other than the change in color, shape, and size as long as the visibility of the passage timing can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the moving object is located in the hit determination volume, a stereoscopic image in which at least one of the color, shape, and size of the moving object changes may be generated.

  For example, in FIG. 22A, the ball BL as a moving body is positioned outside the hit determination volume HV. In this case, the color, shape or size of the ball BL does not change.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 22B, the ball BL is positioned in the hit determination volume HV. When the ball BL is thus positioned in the hit determination volume HV, the hit determination process described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13B and the like is performed. When the ball BL is thus positioned in the hit determination volume HV, the color, shape, or size of the ball BL changes. Thus, the player can easily confirm that the ball BL is located in the hit determination volume HV and has entered the hit determination period by observing changes in the color, shape, size, etc. of the ball BL. Become.

  Note that the change in the image of the ball BL (moving body) is a change in the display mode other than the change in color, shape, and size as long as the visibility when positioned in the hit volume HV can be improved. May be.

  Further, after the ball BL enters the hit determination volume HV, the amount of change in the color, shape, or size of the ball BL may be increased as it approaches the determination reference area ARB. For example, at the timing when the ball BL passes through the determination reference area ARB, control is performed so that the amount of change in color, shape, or size becomes the maximum value.

  In this way, the player can recognize that the timing at which the color, shape or size of the ball BL changes is the timing at which the ball BL enters the hit determination volume HV, and the amount of change is maximized. This timing can be recognized as the passage timing of the determination reference area ARB. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an interface environment for hit determination processing that is easy for the player to grasp.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, you may produce | generate the sound from which sound image localization changes according to the parallax of a moving body. That is, a sound is generated so that the sound output of the stereophonic sound matches the position of the stereoscopic view.

  For example, in FIG. 23, sound output units SP1 and SP2 (speakers) are provided on the main display unit 190M side of the housing 20 of the portable game device of FIG. Further, a virtual instruction marker MKV (virtual moving object in a broad sense) corresponding to the instruction marker MK (moving object) is stereoscopically displayed in the display screen side space of the main display unit 190M (a display part in a broad sense). The virtual instruction marker MKV does not actually exist in the display screen side space, but based on the stereoscopic image (left-eye image, right-eye image) of the instruction marker MK, is the player present at that position? The virtual display object is recognized as follows.

  The sound output units SP1 and SP2 output sound image localization sound (stereo sound) that is linked to the display position (virtual display position) of the virtual instruction marker MKV. For example, when the parallax of the indication marker MK is such that the parallax of the main display unit 190M is on the near side of the screen, and the virtual indication marker MKV is virtually displayed on the near side of the screen, the sound output units SP1 and SP2 The sound image localization formed by the sound is also set at a position on the near side of the screen.

  On the other hand, when the parallax of the indication marker MK is parallax on the heel side of the screen and the virtual indication marker MKV is virtually displayed on the heel side of the screen, the parallax is formed by sound from the sound output units SP1 and SP2. The sound image localization is also set to a position on the back side of the screen.

  In this way, for example, in a situation where the pointing marker (virtual pointing marker) appears to jump out from the screen, the sound image is localized so that it sounds like it pops out from the screen. On the other hand, in a situation where the indication marker appears to be retracted from the screen, the sound image is localized so that it sounds like it is retracted from the screen. Thereby, it becomes possible to emphasize the effect of a stereoscopic vision more, and the game effect effect etc. can be improved.

  Various known methods can be adopted as a method for setting the sound image localization of the sound. For example, it is possible to control stereophonic sound such as sound image localization by changing the volume, time difference, frequency characteristic, phase, or reverberation. When the volume difference is used, the sound image localization of the sound is controlled by, for example, the attenuation of the volume due to the distance or the intensity difference between both ears. When using the time difference, the sound image localization of the sound may be controlled by the time difference that the sound wave reaches. In the case of using a change in frequency characteristics, the sound image localization of the sound may be controlled by a change in the frequency characteristics due to transmission or interruption of sound waves. In the case of using a change in phase, the sound image localization of the sound may be controlled by a change in phase due to transmission or interruption of sound waves. In the case of using reverberation change, the sound image localization of the sound may be controlled by reproducing the sound field of the surrounding environment based on the reverberation characteristics.

2.6 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining details of the overall processing of this embodiment.

  First, the player input timing TMI is acquired (step S1). Taking FIG. 9 as an example, the timing at which the player touches the sub display unit 190S with the touch pen 30 or a finger is acquired. Further, a moving process of a moving body such as a ball and an instruction marker is performed (step S2). For example, a process of moving the moving body from the back side to the near side when viewed from the viewpoint side is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the mobile body has passed the determination reference area (step S3), and if it has passed, the passage timing TMP of the determination reference area is acquired (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not TD = | TMP−TMI | ≦ TR / 2 (step S5). That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, it is determined whether or not the input timing TMI is within the allowable period TR. When TD = | TMP−TMI | ≦ TR / 2, it is determined that the input timing TMI is within the allowable period TR, it is determined that the input is successful, the game result calculation process, Game calculation processing such as display control processing and game effect processing is executed (step S6).

  Next, an image for the left eye that can be seen from the virtual camera for the left eye is generated by perspectively projecting and drawing the object on the reference screen corresponding to the determination reference area (step S7). Further, the right eye image that can be seen from the virtual camera for the right eye is generated by perspectively drawing and drawing the object on the reference screen corresponding to the determination reference area (step S8). Thereby, a left-eye image and a right-eye image that are stereoscopic images are generated. The parallax of the image of the moving object when the moving object passes through the determination reference area by perspectively projecting and drawing the object of the moving object on the reference screen set at a position corresponding to the determination reference area. A stereoscopic image that eliminates the problem is generated.

  25 and 26 are flowcharts for explaining details of processing when the method of the present embodiment is applied to a baseball game.

  First, the input timing and the player's designated position are acquired (step S11). Also, ball movement processing is performed (step S12). For example, a process of moving the ball from the position of the pitcher character on the back side when viewed from the viewpoint side toward the vicinity of the home base on the near side is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ball is positioned in the hit determination volume at the input timing (step S13). If the ball is located in the hit determination volume as described with reference to FIG. 12, it is determined that the ball has been hit by the bat (step S14). Next, it is determined whether or not the ball is positioned in the first hit determination volume on the near side at the input timing (step S15). If it is located within the first hit determination volume, the ball hit direction is set to the first direction as described with reference to FIG. 13A (step S16). On the other hand, if the ball is not located in the first hit determination volume, it is determined that the ball is located in the second hit determination volume, and the ball hit direction is set to the second direction as described with reference to FIG. (Step S17).

  Next, the passing position of the ball in the determination reference area is obtained (step S18). Then, as described in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ball hit strength parameter is set based on the positional relationship between the ball passing position in the determination reference area and the player's designated position (step). S19).

  Next, an instruction position display object is arranged at the player's instruction position in the determination reference area (step S20). Then, it is determined whether or not the player's input timing is later than the ball passage timing (step S21). If it is later, as described with reference to FIG. 15A, the ball is placed in front of the determination reference area. A position display object is arranged (step S22). On the other hand, when the player input timing is earlier than the passage timing, as described in FIG. 15B, the ball position display object is arranged behind the determination reference area (step S23). .

  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, in the specification or the drawings, terms (left-eye image, right-hand image) that are described at least once together with different terms having a broader meaning or the same meaning (first viewpoint image, second viewpoint image, moving object, image of predetermined parallax, etc.) An ophthalmic image, a ball / indicator marker, an image without parallax, etc.) can be replaced by the different terminology anywhere in the specification or drawings. Further, the timing determination method, hit determination method, stereoscopic image generation method, moving object movement control method, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and equivalent methods are also included in the scope of the present invention. It is. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention is applied to various image generation systems such as a business 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 a game image, and a mobile phone. it can.

ARB criteria area, MOB moving object, ARI operation input area,
CHP pitcher character, CHB batter character, BL ball,
DOB indication position display object, POB ball position display object,
HV hit determination volume, HV1, HV2 first and second hit determination volume,
DR1 first direction, DR2 second direction, MK, MK1 to MK5 indicating markers,
SOB evaluation display object, GOB gauge CHT drum character,
TOB drum, VCL virtual camera for left eye, VCR virtual camera for right eye,
SC screen (reference screen), VVL left eye view volume,
VVR Right eye view volume, CNL, CNR, CFL, CFR clipping plane,
CM1, CM2 camera,
MKV virtual instruction marker, PL, player, SP1, SP2 sound output unit,
10 housing, 12 direction instruction keys, 14 analog stick, 16 operation buttons,
20 housing, 30 touch pen, 190M main display section, 190S sub display section,
100 processing unit, 102 game calculation unit, 104 object space setting unit,
106 moving body control unit, 108 virtual camera control unit, 110 determination unit,
120 image generation units, 122 left-eye image generation units, 124 right-eye image generation units,
170 storage unit, 172 object data storage unit,
178 Drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, TM1-TMn terminal device,
600 processing unit, 602 game calculation unit, 604 object space setting unit,
606 moving body control unit, 608 virtual camera control unit, 610 determination unit,
620 Image generation data generation unit, 630 Sound generation data generation unit

Claims (23)

A moving body control unit for controlling the moving body;
A determination unit that performs a timing determination process using the moving body;
As an image generation unit that generates a stereoscopic image,
Make the computer work,
The image generation unit
Generating a stereoscopic image on which the moving object is displayed so that the parallax of the image of the moving object disappears when the moving object passes through a determination reference area used for the timing determination process. program. In claim 1,
The determination unit
Based on the input timing of the player and the passing timing of the moving object in the determination reference area, the timing determination process is performed,
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image on which the moving body is displayed so that parallax of the image of the moving body is eliminated at the passage timing of the determination reference area. In claim 2,
As a game calculation unit for performing game calculation processing,
Make the computer work,
The determination unit
As the timing determination process, an evaluation process based on a timing relationship between the input timing and the passage timing is performed,
The game calculation unit
A program for performing the game calculation process based on a result of the evaluation process. In claim 3,
The game calculation unit
A program characterized in that at least one of a calculation process of game results of the player, a display control process of the moving body, and a game effect process is performed as the game calculation process based on the result of the evaluation process. In claim 3 or 4,
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image in which a parallax of an image of the moving object changes according to a timing difference between the input timing and the passage timing. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The determination unit
As the timing determination process, a program for performing a hit determination process in which the moving object that is a hit object is hit by a hit object in an area where the determination reference area is set. In claim 6,
The determination unit
A hit determination volume including the determination reference area is set, and when the moving body is located in the hit determination volume at a player input timing, it is determined that the moving body has been hit by the hit body. A featured program. In claim 7,
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image in which at least one of a color, a shape, and a size of the moving body changes when the moving body is located in the hit determination volume. In claim 7 or 8,
The determination unit
Set a first hit determination volume on the near side as viewed from the viewpoint side with respect to the determination reference area and a second hit determination volume on the back side as viewed from the viewpoint side,
When the moving body is located in the first hit determination volume at the input timing of the player, the hit direction of the moving body is set to the first direction side,
If the moving body is located in the second hit determination volume at the input timing of the player, the second direction side of the hit direction of the moving body is different from the first direction side. The program characterized by setting to. In any one of Claims 6 thru | or 9.
The determination unit
Hit result parameter that determines the state of the mobile body after a hit by the hit body according to the positional relationship between the passing position of the mobile body in the determination reference area and the hit instruction position of the player in the determination reference area A program characterized by setting. In any of claims 6 to 10,
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image in which an instruction position display object for informing a hit instruction position of the player is displayed at a position of the determination reference area. In any of claims 6 to 11,
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image on which a moving body position display object for informing a position of the moving body at an input timing at which the player indicates the hit instruction position is displayed. In claim 12,
The image generation unit
When the input timing is later than the passage timing of the moving object in the determination reference area, the moving object position display object is displayed on the near side as viewed from the viewpoint side than the determination reference area, When the input timing is earlier than the passage timing of the moving object in the determination reference area, the stereoscopic view in which the moving object position display object is displayed on the heel side as viewed from the viewpoint side than the determination reference area. A program characterized by generating an image for use. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.
The determination unit
A program that variably sets at least one of a position, a direction, and a shape of the determination reference area. In claim 14,
The determination unit
A program characterized in that at least one of the position, direction and shape of the determination reference area is variably set based on information of a character operated by a player. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
The moving body is a ball in a ball game,
The determination unit
A program characterized in that the determination reference area is set in an area where the ball is hit by the possession or part of a character appearing in the ball game. In claim 16,
The ball game is a baseball game,
The determination unit
A program for setting the determination reference area on a home base in the baseball game. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 17,
The image generation unit
An image of the moving object when the moving object passes through the determination reference area by perspectively projecting and drawing the object of the moving object on a reference screen set at a position corresponding to the determination reference area A program for generating a stereoscopic image that eliminates the parallax. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 18.
The image generation unit
A program for generating a stereoscopic image in which at least one of a color, a shape, and a size of the moving body changes when the moving body passes through the determination reference area. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 19.
As a sound generator that generates sound,
Make the computer work,
The sound generator is
A program for generating a sound whose sound image localization changes according to the parallax of the moving body.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is stored. A moving body control unit for controlling the moving body;
A determination unit that performs a timing determination process using the moving body;
An image generator for generating a stereoscopic image;
Including
The image generation unit
Generating a stereoscopic image on which the moving object is displayed so that the parallax of the image of the moving object disappears when the moving object passes through a determination reference area used for the timing determination process. Image generation system. A moving body control unit for controlling the moving body;
A determination unit that performs a timing determination process using the moving body;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating a stereoscopic image;
Including
The image generation data generation unit includes:
For generating an image for generating a stereoscopic image on which the moving object is displayed so that the parallax of the image of the moving object disappears when the moving object passes through the determination reference area used for the timing determination process. A server system characterized by generating data.

Images