JP4425963B2 - Image generating apparatus, image generating method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program capable of generating an image in which an attention character is appropriately captured even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices (video game devices and the like) that can enjoy a three-dimensional action game, a role playing game, and the like have been developed for home use and business use. In such a three-dimensional action game or the like, for example, an image obtained by photographing (viewing) the main character is generated and displayed by a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint.

Since various objects are arranged in the virtual space in addition to the main character, other objects may be located between the main character and the camera. For example, if a tree object is positioned between the main character and the camera, the tree object becomes an obstacle that blocks the line of sight of the camera.
If an image taken directly from the camera is generated in this state, the hero character is hidden behind the obstacle (all or part of it cannot be seen), and the player's operation is hindered.

As a countermeasure against such a problem, there is also disclosed a technique in which when a hero character is hidden by an obstacle, the hero character is drawn with higher transparency so that the hero character can be seen more easily (for example, see Patent Document 1). .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-42370 (page 5-12, FIG. 8)

In the action game with the three-dimensional display as described above, for example, when an event occurs, the shooting position is determined in advance from the camera that has been the viewpoint until then when the main character is to be paid more attention. It switches to the production camera (virtual camera for production), the main character is photographed by the photographing operation for production such as zooming up and panning, and such production image is displayed.
In this effect camera, since it is most important to display an effect image for attracting the eyes of the player, it is unacceptable that the main character to be imaged is blocked by an obstacle. Therefore, in the past, it is common to use such a production camera only in situations where there are no other objects that can become obstacles around the main character (for example, large places where there are no buildings, trees, etc.). Met.

  However, recently, games with a wide variety of game contents (scenes, situations, etc.) are increasing depending on how the player proceeds, and even in situations where such obstacles may exist, display using a production camera is performed. There is a demand for it. In order to satisfy such a requirement, for example, it is confirmed whether there is an obstacle before shooting with the production camera. If there is an obstacle, the production camera is closer to the main character side than the obstacle. (Move) and take a picture so that it is not obstructed by an obstacle.

However, if the production camera is simply moved to the main character side rather than the obstacle, the production camera may be too close to the main character depending on the position of the obstacle.
In this case, the hero character is displayed larger than necessary (too much up), and the role of the production camera cannot be sufficiently fulfilled.

  For this reason, there has been a demand for a technique that can appropriately capture images with a production camera while taking obstacles into account.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and an image generation method capable of generating an image in which an attention character is appropriately captured even in a situation where an obstacle may exist. And it aims at providing a program.

  An image generation apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus that generates an image obtained by photographing a target character placed in a virtual space with a virtual camera as a viewpoint, and includes an object position storage unit, a camera A position storage unit, an obstacle determination unit, a camera selection unit, a camera control unit, and an image generation unit are configured.

  First, the object position storage unit stores the positions in the virtual space for a plurality of objects including the target character. Further, the camera position storage unit stores the positions of a plurality of cameras arranged for photographing the target character from different directions. The obstacle determination unit determines whether or not there is an object serving as an obstacle that blocks between each camera and the target character based on the stored position of each camera and the position of each object. The camera selection unit selects any one of the cameras determined to have no obstacle. The camera control unit controls the selected camera to perform a shooting operation for effects such as zooming up and panning, for example. The image generation unit generates an image captured by the controlled camera.

That is, since a plurality of cameras that shoot from different directions are used, and a camera that can shoot the attention character without being obstructed by the obstacle is selected, the attention character can be captured even in a situation where an obstacle may exist. Can be taken.
As a result, it is possible to generate an image that appropriately captures the character of interest even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

The camera selection unit selects the camera with the longest distance between the target character and the obstacle when the obstacle determination unit determines that there is an obstacle for all the cameras.
For example, the camera control unit may perform a shooting operation for production after moving the selected camera to the attention character side from the obstacle.
In this case, even when all the cameras are obstructed by the obstacle, select the camera of the obstacle farthest from the attention character, and the front of the obstacle (position where the viewpoint can pass through the obstacle and photograph the attention character) ) Move the camera to). For this reason, an appropriate image can be generated without the camera being too close to the target character.

For example, after the camera control unit starts a shooting operation for production, the obstacle determination unit sequentially determines the presence or absence of an obstacle that blocks between the camera being photographed and the character of interest,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle and the distance between the attention character and the obstacle is equal to or greater than a reference value, the camera control unit moves the camera to the attention character side with respect to the obstacle. The shooting operation may be continued.
In this case, even if a situation occurs in which the selected camera starts a shooting operation and is obstructed by a new obstacle, the front of the obstacle is at the very front (position where the viewpoint can penetrate the obstacle and photograph the attention character). The camera is moved until the shooting operation continues. For this reason, an appropriate image can be continuously generated.

After the camera control unit starts a shooting operation for production, the obstacle determination unit sequentially determines the presence or absence of an obstacle that blocks between each camera and the character of interest,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle that blocks between the camera being photographed and the target character, and the distance between the target character and the target obstacle is shorter than a reference value, the camera selection unit determines that there is no obstacle. If any one of the selected cameras is selected, any one of the other cameras determined not to be obstructed is reselected,
The camera control unit may control the reselected camera, for example, to continue the shooting operation for production.
In this case, even if a situation occurs in which the selected camera starts a shooting operation and is blocked by a new obstacle (an obstacle close to the target character), the camera is reselected and switched to another camera. For this reason, an appropriate image can be continuously generated.

  An image generation method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a drawing unit, and an image obtained by capturing a target character placed in a virtual space with a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint. An image generation method in an image generation apparatus for generating, wherein the storage unit includes a plurality of objects arranged to capture positions of a plurality of objects including a target character in a virtual space and a target character from different directions. The camera position is stored, and includes an obstacle determination step, a camera selection step, a camera control step, and an image generation step.

  In the obstacle determination step, based on the position of each camera and the position of each object stored in the storage unit, the presence / absence of an object serving as an obstacle blocking between each camera and the target character is determined. In the camera selection step, one of the cameras determined to have no obstacle is selected. In the camera control step, the selected camera is controlled to perform, for example, an effect shooting operation. In the image generation step, an image captured by the controlled camera is generated.

That is, since a plurality of cameras that shoot from different directions are used, and a camera that can shoot the attention character without being obstructed by the obstacle is selected, the attention character can be captured even in a situation where an obstacle may exist. Can be taken.
As a result, it is possible to generate an image that appropriately captures the character of interest even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the above-described image generation apparatus.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which an attention character is appropriately captured even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing devices such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. it can. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical game device in which the image generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ) -ROM drive 107, image processing unit 108, audio processing unit 109, and NIC (Network Interface Card) 110.

  Note that a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the game apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program. Realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire game apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes the game. For example, the controller 105 accepts input of a character string (message) or the like according to the operation input.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the progress of the game, chat communication log (record) data, and the like in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.
In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various kinds of texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendered image is obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information defining the character shape. is there. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  The NIC 110 is for connecting the game apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, analog modems for connecting to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, cables for connecting to the Internet using cable television lines A modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

In addition, the game apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so that the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like function. It may be configured.
Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a keyboard for accepting a character string editing input from a user, a mouse for accepting various position designations and selection inputs, and the like are connected.

  Further, instead of the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general-purpose personal computer or the like) can be used as an image generation apparatus. For example, a general computer, like the game apparatus 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and an image processing unit that has simpler functions than the game apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is used as an input device instead of a controller. Then, after the game program is installed, when the program is executed, it functions as an image generation device.

(Schematic configuration of the image generation device)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment. As an example, this image generation device uses a virtual camera that has been the viewpoint until now when it is desired to pay attention to the main character, such as when a predetermined event occurs in an action game or a role-playing game in a three-dimensional display. This is a device that switches to a production camera (a virtual camera for production) and performs a shooting operation for production such as zooming up and panning on the character of interest (the main character to be noticed). Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated, the image generation apparatus 200 includes an object information storage unit 210, an operation reception unit 220, an object position management unit 230, a camera position management unit 240, an obstacle determination unit 250, a camera list 260, A camera selection unit 270, a camera control unit 280, and an image drawing unit 290 are provided.

First, the object information storage unit 210 stores information on various objects such as a hero character (player character), enemy characters, trees, rocks, and buildings arranged in the virtual space. Specifically, information such as a three-dimensional model and a texture is stored for each object.
Note that the RAM 103 or the like can function as such an object information storage unit 210.

The operation accepting unit 220 accepts an operation input such as an operation instruction for the main character operated by the player. For example, the operation reception unit 220 moves in a predetermined direction, uses a sword weapon (shoots a gun or shakes a sword), picks up an object, squats down, and lies down with a plurality of buttons (for example, Any one of a direction key, an A button, a B button, an X button, a Y button, and the like disposed on the controller 105 is pressed by the player, and an operation input directed to the main character is accepted.
Note that the controller 105 can function as such an operation receiving unit 220.

The object position management unit 230 manages position information (current position, orientation, etc.) of an object whose position changes in a virtual space such as a hero character or an enemy character. For example, since the position and orientation of the main character change in the virtual space according to the movement instruction received by the operation receiving unit 220, the position information is managed by the object position management unit 230. Further, since the enemy character also moves appropriately according to a predetermined logic and the position in the virtual space changes, the position information is similarly managed.
In addition, the object position management unit 230 also manages position information of an object whose position in the virtual space such as a building, a tree, and a stone does not change.
Note that the RAM 103 and the CPU 101 can function as such an object position management unit 230.

The camera position management unit 240 stores the positions of a plurality of effect cameras facing the main character from different directions.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the camera position management unit 240 manages position information of the three effect cameras EC1 to EC3 arranged in front of the main character SC. Note that the direction (shooting direction) of each of the effect cameras EC1 to EC3 is managed so as to face the hero character SC at the time of shooting. In FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, the main character SC in the virtual space is shown in a plan view as viewed from above. In the subsequent drawings, such a plan view will be described as appropriate.
The position information of the effect cameras EC1 to EC3 may be an absolute position determined according to the event, or a relative position determined according to the position of the main character SC.
As an example of the absolute position, when an event occurs when the hero character picks up (obtains) a special weapon, it is determined to face the initial position of the weapon (the position where it was placed). There are three positions.
Further, as an example of the relative position, in the case where an event occurs during the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, explosion of a time bomb set), there are three positions facing the main character at a predetermined distance away from each other. .
Note that the RAM 103 and the CPU 101 can function as such a camera position management unit 240.

Returning to FIG. 2, the obstacle determination unit 250 performs each effect based on the position information of each object stored in the object position management unit 230 and the position information of each effect camera stored in the camera position management unit 240. The presence or absence of an obstacle that blocks between the camera and the main character is determined.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the obstacle determination unit 250 determines whether or not there is an object serving as an obstacle on the line of sight VL from the effect camera EC (EC1 to EC3) toward the main character SC. To do.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the obstacle determination unit 250 uses a plurality of auxiliary visual lines HL that form a predetermined angle θ with the visual line VL, with the production camera EC as a base point, on each auxiliary visual line HL. In addition, it may be determined whether or not the object exists. In FIG. 4B, for ease of explanation, the auxiliary visual line HL spreads only in the horizontal direction, but actually, the auxiliary visual line HL spreads in the vertical direction as well. It shall be.
When the auxiliary line of sight HL is used in this way, it is also possible to determine when a part of the main character is blocked by an obstacle.
The CPU 101 can function as such an obstacle determination unit 250.

Returning to FIG. 2, the camera list 260 stores information on effect cameras determined by the obstacle determination unit 250 as having no obstacles.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when there is an obstacle SB so as to block the line of sight VL2 of the effect camera EC2 (when the lines of sight VL1 and VL3 are not blocked), the camera list 260 includes a line (FIG. As shown in b), information on the production cameras EC1 and EC3 is stored.
That is, the camera list 260 stores information on the production cameras that can shoot the main character without being blocked by an obstacle.
Note that the RAM 103 can function as such a camera list 260.

Returning to FIG. 2, the camera selection unit 270 randomly selects one of the effect cameras stored in the camera list 260, for example. That is, one of the cameras determined to have no obstacle is selected.
Note that there may be a case where it is determined that there are obstacles in all the production cameras, and no production camera information is stored in the camera list 260. In this case, the camera selection unit 270 selects a production camera corresponding to the one having the longest distance between the main character and the obstacle.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that all the lines of sight VL1 to VL3 of the effect cameras EC1 to EC3 are blocked by the obstacles SB1 to SB3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the camera selection unit 270 determines the distance d1 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB1, the distance d2 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB2, the main character SC and the obstacle SB3. The distance d3 is obtained. Then, the effect camera EC3 corresponding to the distance d3 that is the largest (far) distance is selected.
Note that a plurality of obstacles may exist on the line of sight of the production camera. In this case, an obstacle closer to the hero character is a target for which distance is to be obtained.
The CPU 101 can function as such a camera selection unit 270.

Returning to FIG. 2, the camera control unit 280 controls the selected effect camera to perform an effect shooting operation.
For example, the camera control unit 280 performs a shooting operation for effects such as zooming up, panning, shaking, and the like, and shoots an image that moves the hero character to the player.
When it is determined that there is an obstacle for all the production cameras, and the production camera having the longest distance between the main character and the obstacle is selected by the camera selection unit 270 described above, the camera control unit 280 After the selected production camera is moved to the main character side from the obstacle, the production shooting operation is performed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the state where the production cameras EC1 to EC3 are blocked by the obstacles SB1 to SB3, the production camera EC3 having the longest distance is selected. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the camera control unit 280 can photograph the main character SC with the substantial viewpoint (the lens unit in the drawing) passing through the obstacle SB3 with the position of the effect camera EC3. After moving to the position, a shooting operation for production is performed. That is, the effect camera EC3 is moved to a position where the main character SC can be photographed from as far away as possible without being obstructed by the obstacle SB3. Then, the production operation is started from the movement position.
The CPU 101 can function as such a camera control unit 280.

Returning to FIG. 2, the image drawing unit 290 is based on the object information stored in the object information storage unit 210 and the character position information managed by the object position management unit 230. A game image is drawn with the object as a viewpoint of a normal virtual camera or a production camera controlled by the camera control unit 280 described above.
Specifically, when a predetermined event occurs and one effect camera is selected by the camera selection unit 270 described above, the image drawing unit 290 uses the effect camera controlled by the camera control unit 280 as a viewpoint. An image will be drawn.
For example, when the shooting operation for production controlled by the camera control unit 280 is zooming up, the viewpoint of the virtual camera EC moves from the position X to the position Y as shown in FIG. . Therefore, the image drawing unit 290 draws a game image taken by the effect camera EC at the position X as shown in FIG. 8B, and as the effect camera EC moves from the position X to the position Y, The main character SC is enlarged (zoomed up), and eventually a game image taken by the effect camera EC at the position Y as shown in FIG.
In addition to this, even when the production operation is panning or shaking, the image drawing unit 290 draws an image according to the position and orientation (viewpoint position and line of sight) of the production camera as described above. .
Note that the image processing unit 108 can function as such an image drawing unit 290.

(Operation of image generation device)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of image generation processing executed in the image generation apparatus 200 having the above-described configuration. Hereinafter, the operation of the image generation apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. This image generation process is executed prior to the event process, for example, when a predetermined event occurrence condition is satisfied during the game execution. It is assumed that the camera list 260 is cleared (nothing is registered) at the start of the image generation process.

When a predetermined event occurrence requirement is satisfied during the game, first, the image generation device 200 sets the position of the effect camera (step S301).
That is, in the camera position management unit 240, positions of a plurality of effect cameras facing the main character from three different directions are set. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 described above, the position information of each effect camera EC1 to EC3 facing the main character is set and managed in the camera position management unit 240. Note that the positions of these effect cameras EC1 to EC3 may be absolute positions determined according to the event as described above, or may be relative positions determined according to the position of the main character SC.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether there is an obstacle that blocks between each effect camera and the main character, and registers the effect camera without an obstacle in the camera list 260 (step S302).
That is, the obstacle determination unit 250 performs each effect toward the hero character based on the position information of each object stored in the object position management unit 230 and the position information of each effect camera stored in the camera position management unit 240. The presence or absence of an obstacle that blocks the camera's line of sight is determined. Then, the obstacle determination unit 250 stores in the camera list 260 information on the effect cameras determined to have no obstacles.
That is, the camera list 260 stores information on effect cameras that can shoot the main character without being blocked by an obstacle. If it is determined that all effect cameras are blocked by obstacles, the camera list 260 does not store any information on effect cameras.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not the information on the effect camera is registered in the camera list 260 (step S303). That is, it is determined whether or not one or more production camera information capable of shooting the hero character without being obstructed by the obstacle is stored in the camera list 260.
If the image generating apparatus 200 determines that the information about the production camera is registered in the camera list 260 (step S303; Yes), the process proceeds to step S305 to be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the information on the production camera is not registered (step S303; No), the image generation device 200 obtains the distance between the main character and each obstacle (step S304). That is, since all the production cameras are obstructed by the obstacle, the image generation apparatus 200 determines the distance d1 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB1, the main character SC, as shown in FIG. A distance d2 between the obstacle SB2 and a distance d3 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB3 are obtained.

The image generation device 200 selects one effect camera (step S305).
First, when information on a production camera is registered in the camera list 260, the camera selection unit 270 randomly selects one production camera from the list. That is, any one of the effect cameras determined as having no obstacle is selected. If only one camera is registered in the camera list 260, the effect camera is automatically selected.
Further, when the information of the production camera is not registered in the camera list 260, the camera selection unit 270 is the largest (far) among the distances (distances between the main character and each obstacle) obtained in step S304. Select a production camera corresponding to the object. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 7A described above, the effect camera EC3 blocked by the obstacle SB3 farthest from the main character is selected.

The image generation apparatus 200 generates a game image shot from the effect camera while performing an effect shooting operation on the effect camera (step S306).
That is, the camera control unit 280 controls the selected effect camera and starts an effect shooting operation such as zoom-up, for example. When the production camera information is not registered in the camera list 260 and the production camera having the longest distance between the main character and the obstacle is selected, the camera control unit 280 selects the selected production camera. After moving to the hero character side from the obstacle, a shooting operation for production is started. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B described above, the position of the production camera EC3 is moved to a position where the substantial viewpoint (the lens portion in the figure) can penetrate the obstacle SB3 and photograph the main character SC. Later, a shooting operation for production is performed.
Then, the image drawing unit 290 draws a game image with the controlled production camera as a viewpoint.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not there is an obstacle that blocks between the selected effect camera (the effect camera performing the shooting operation) and the main character (step S307).
That is, it is determined whether or not a new obstacle exists between the effect camera and the main character while the selected effect camera is in the effect operation.
If the image generating apparatus 200 determines that there is no obstacle (step S307; No), the process proceeds to step S310 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an obstacle (step S307; Yes), the image generating apparatus 200 determines whether the distance between the main character and the obstacle is equal to or less than a reference value (step S308).
For example, when the reference distance in the virtual space is set to 1.5 m, it is determined whether or not the distance between the main character and the obstacle is 1.5 m or less. The reference distance may be changed as appropriate according to the situation during the game.

If the image generating apparatus 200 determines that the distance between the main character and the obstacle is not less than the reference value, that is, greater than (or far from) the reference value (step S308; No), the process proceeds to step S310 to be described later. That is, the effect camera is controlled to maintain the effect shooting operation.
At that time, the camera control unit 280 continues the effect operation after moving the position of the effect camera to the front of the obstacle (position where the viewpoint can penetrate the obstacle and photograph the main character). Note that, when the obstacle is temporarily moving due to movement or the like, the rendering operation may be continued without changing the position of the rendering camera. That is, with reference to the object position management unit 230, when it is determined that the obstacle (object) is a moving object and is moving at a predetermined speed (movement amount) (movement direction of the obstacle). However, the camera control unit 280 continues the effect operation without changing the position of the effect camera.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the distance between the main character and the obstacle is equal to or less than the reference value (step S308; Yes), the image generation apparatus 200 performs the effect camera selection process again (step S309).
That is, the image generation device 200 performs the same process as steps S302 to S305 described above, and reselects the effect camera.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not the shooting operation for production has ended (step S310).
That is, it is determined whether or not an effect operation such as zooming up by the camera control unit 280 is completed.

If it is determined that the shooting operation has not ended (step S310; No), the image generating apparatus 200 returns the process to step S306, and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S306 to S310 described above.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the shooting operation has ended (step S310; Yes), the image generation apparatus 200 ends the image generation process.

Even in situations where obstacles may exist due to such image generation processing, shooting is performed by appropriately selecting a stage camera capable of shooting the main character without being obstructed by the obstacle from three direction cameras. Can be made.
Also, for example, even if all the production cameras are obstructed by obstacles, select the production camera of the obstacle farthest from the main character, and the front of the obstacle (the hero character with the viewpoint penetrating the obstacle) The effect camera is moved to a position where the hero character can be photographed, and the main character is photographed. For this reason, it is possible for the production camera to generate an appropriate image without being too close to the main character.
As a result, it is possible to generate an image that appropriately captures the main character to be noticed even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the production operation such as zooming of the production camera is normally performed (similar to the conventional case) has been described. However, when the movement amount of the production camera is larger than the specified value, the production camera gradually performs position interpolation or the like. You may make it move instantaneously, without performing to move to.
For example, when the moving amount of the production camera moves a certain distance or more within a certain time (for example, 1/60 second), the production camera is moved instantaneously instead of being moved by interpolation. As a result, it is possible to draw an image in which images are switched so as to perform cut switching.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where a character to be noticed is a hero character as an example and this hero character is photographed by a production camera has been described. ) May be taken as a character to be noticed, and this character may be photographed with a production camera.
For example, when an event occurs in which a character X who becomes a friend of the main character appears, there may be a situation where an effect operation is performed on the character X. Also in this case, the effect camera is arranged so as to face the character X from three directions as described above. Then, any effect camera or the like that can be photographed without being obstructed by an obstacle is selected, and an image of the character X photographed while performing the effect operation from the effect camera is generated.
Also in this case, it is possible to generate an image that appropriately captures the character to be noticed in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where three effect cameras are arranged so as to be able to shoot from any one of the three directions has been described. However, the number of effect cameras is not limited to such three. The above is applicable as appropriate.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which an attention character is appropriately captured even in a situation where an obstacle can exist.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the information processor concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between the production camera arrange | positioned and a hero character. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the obstruction which obstruct | occludes the eyes | visual_axis of a production camera. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between a production camera and an obstruction, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a camera list. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a production camera and each obstacle. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating control of a production camera when all the production cameras are obstruct | occluded by the obstruction. (A) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a production camera and a hero character, (b), (c) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game image produced | generated. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image generation process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 game machine 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Image generator 210 Object information storage part 220 Operation reception part 230 Object position management part 240 Camera position management part 250 Obstacle discrimination | determination part 260 Camera list 270 Camera selection part 280 Camera control part 290 Image drawing part

Claims (5)

An image generation device that generates an image obtained by photographing a target character placed in a virtual space with a virtual camera as a viewpoint,
An object position storage unit for storing positions in a virtual space of a plurality of objects including the target character;
A camera position storage unit that stores the positions of a plurality of cameras arranged to photograph the target character from different directions;
An obstacle determination unit for determining the presence or absence of an object serving as an obstacle that blocks between each camera and the target character, based on the position of each camera and the position of each object stored;
A camera selection unit for selecting any one of the cameras determined to have no obstacles;
A camera control unit that controls the selected camera to perform a predetermined shooting operation;
An image generation unit that generates an image captured by the controlled camera,
The camera selection unit selects the camera with the longest distance between the target character and the obstacle when the obstacle determination unit determines that there is an obstacle for all the cameras.
The camera control unit causes the selected camera to perform a shooting operation after moving the selected camera closer to the attention character side than the obstacle.
An image generation apparatus characterized by that. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1,
After the camera control unit starts a shooting operation, the obstacle determination unit sequentially determines the presence or absence of an obstacle that blocks between the camera being shot and the target character,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle and the distance between the attention character and the obstacle is equal to or greater than the reference value, the camera control unit continues the shooting operation after moving the camera to the attention character side from the obstacle To
An image generation apparatus characterized by that. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1,
After the camera control unit starts a shooting operation, the obstacle determination unit sequentially determines whether there is an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle that blocks between the camera being photographed and the target character, and the distance between the target character and the target obstacle is shorter than a reference value, the camera selection unit determines that there is no obstacle. Reselect one of the other cameras
The camera control unit controls the reselected camera to continue the shooting operation.
An image generation apparatus characterized by that. An image generation method in an image generation apparatus that includes a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a drawing unit, and that generates an image obtained by photographing a target character placed in a virtual space with a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint,
The storage unit stores positions in a virtual space for a plurality of objects including a target character, and positions of a plurality of cameras arranged for photographing the target character from different directions,
Obstacle determination performed by the calculation unit for determining the presence or absence of an object that blocks between the camera and the target character based on the position of each camera and the position of each object stored in the storage unit Steps,
A camera selection step for selecting any one of the cameras determined by the arithmetic unit to be free of obstacles;
A camera control step for controlling the selected camera and performing a predetermined photographing operation performed by the arithmetic unit;
An image generation step for generating an image taken by the controlled camera performed by the drawing unit,
In the camera selection step, when it is determined that there is an obstacle for all the cameras in the obstacle determination step, a camera with the longest distance between the target character and the obstacle is selected,
In the camera control step, after the selected camera is moved to the attention character side from the obstacle, a shooting operation is performed.
An image generation method characterized by the above. An object position storage unit that stores positions in a virtual space of a plurality of objects including the target character, and a camera position storage unit that stores the positions of a plurality of cameras arranged to capture the target character from different directions. A computer that generates an image of the character of interest placed in the virtual space, taken by a virtual camera as a viewpoint ,
Serial based on the position and the position of each object of each camera to be憶, the obstacle determining unit for determining the presence or absence of the obstacle objects respectively for shielding between the target character and the camera,
A camera selection unit that selects any one of the cameras determined to have no obstacles;
A camera control unit for controlling the selected camera to perform a predetermined shooting operation;
Function as an image generation unit that generates an image captured by the controlled camera,
The camera selection unit selects the camera with the longest distance between the target character and the obstacle when the obstacle determination unit determines that there is an obstacle for all the cameras.
The program for causing the camera control unit to perform a shooting operation after moving the selected camera to the attention character side from the obstacle.

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