JP2011215886A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image generation apparatus that generates an image of a game in which a player character can freely move in a virtual space by using input information, and provides a support function that makes it easy to capture a moving object as a target pair on the screen.
The program searches a virtual camera arrangement control unit that performs virtual camera arrangement control based on control information for controlling a virtual camera or a player character, and whether or not a moving object that satisfies an auto-look condition exists. , Causing the computer to function as an autolook target setting unit that sets one mobile object that satisfies the autolook condition as an autolook target, and the virtual camera arrangement control unit, when the autolook target is not set, When the orientation of the virtual camera is controlled based on the movement input information and the auto-look target is set, the image of the mobile object subject to auto-look is set at a given position in the generated image. Look rotation control is performed to rotate the virtual camera until it enters the look range.
[Selection] Figure 21

Description

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

  Conventionally, there has been known an image generation device (game system) that generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character is set. It is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality.

  For example, there is an image generation apparatus in which a player uses an input unit to generate an image of a shooting game in which a bullet is fired to shoot an enemy character in an object space (three-dimensional space).

Patent 3538285

  Among such image generation apparatuses, there is one that can freely move a player character in a game space based on an input operation of the player, and is popular.

  In such an image generating apparatus, the position and orientation of the virtual camera change together with the position and orientation of the player character based on the input of the player, so that it is difficult to capture the target enemy character on the screen while the player is moving. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, in an image generation apparatus that generates an image of a game in which a player character can freely move in a virtual space based on input information, support that makes it easy to capture a mobile object to be noticed on the screen Function can be provided.

(1) The present invention
A program for generating an image obtained by viewing a virtual space where a moving object exists from a virtual camera,
A virtual camera placement control unit that controls placement of the virtual camera based on control information for controlling the virtual camera or the player character;
An auto-look target setting unit that searches whether there is a mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition among the mobile objects that exist in the virtual space, and sets one mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target When,
The computer functions as an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera,
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the auto-look target is not set, the orientation of the virtual camera is controlled based on the movement input information, and when the auto-look target is set, the image of the mobile object that is the auto-look target is Look rotation (turning) control is performed to rotate (turn) the virtual camera until a look range set at a given position of the generated image is entered.

  The present invention relates to a computer-readable information storage medium, and relates to an information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each unit, and an image generation apparatus that includes each unit.

  The direction of the virtual camera may be rotated (turned) until the look reference point of the moving object enters the look range. Note that the position of the look range may be a fixed position of the generated image, or may be a position that changes randomly according to external settings or internal parameters. Further, the size of the look range may be fixed, may be changed according to external settings or internal parameters, or randomly. In addition, the number of look ranges may be set to one for a generated image, a plurality of look ranges may be set, or may be changed according to external settings or internal parameters, or at random.

  The look rotation (turning) control may be performed when an auto-look activation instruction input from the player is received. Even if the auto-look target is set, a configuration in which the look rotation (turning) control is not performed until the auto-look activation instruction is input by the player is within the scope of the present invention.

  The position of the virtual camera may be calculated based on the input information regardless of whether auto-look target is set. When there is a player character that moves according to the input information, the virtual camera may be caused to follow the player character. Further, the present invention can be applied to an image generating apparatus in which the position of the virtual camera is fixed and only the orientation of the virtual camera is changed based on input information.

  The present invention is applicable to any case where a player character exists but a first-person viewpoint image is generated (in the case of FPS) and a third-person viewpoint image is generated (in the case of TPS). Applicable. Further, the player character may be configured to be controlled to freely move in the virtual space according to the input information. The virtual camera may be configured to move following the player character. In this case, the virtual camera is moved and arranged based on input information for moving the player character.

  According to the present invention, in an image generating apparatus that generates an image of a game in which a player character can freely move in a virtual space based on input information, a support function that makes it easy to capture a moving object to be noticed on the screen is provided. Can do.

(2) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
An instruction position or instruction direction calculator for calculating the instruction position or instruction direction in the virtual space based on the input information indicating the instruction position or instruction direction;
The auto look target setting unit
One moving object that satisfies the auto look condition may be determined as an auto look target based on the position of the moving object and the designated position or direction.

(3) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The auto look target setting unit
Determines whether or not the auto-look condition is satisfied for the moving object placed in the virtual space, selects a mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target candidate, and selects the auto-look target from the selected auto-look target candidates You may decide.

  Multiple conditions may be set as auto look conditions, and it may be determined that the auto look condition is satisfied when all the conditions are satisfied, or the auto look condition is determined when at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. You may do it.

  For example, the auto-look condition may be that the player character is a moving object of an enemy character hit by an attack. In this way, the enemy character once hit by the player character is subject to auto-look, so if you can hit the first shot in the setting that you can not defeat unless you hit multiple bullets, After the eyes can be made easier.

(4) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The auto look target setting unit
If any mobile object is set as an autolook target, the autolook target may not be changed until a cancel event occurs.

  When the auto-look mode is set by the player input and the auto-look mode is canceled by the player auto-release cancel input, the player auto-look cancel input becomes a cancel event. When the auto look mode is not activated, the auto look mode can be changed. When the auto look mode is activated, the auto look target may not be changed until the cancel event occurs. Good.

  Also, for example, when the auto-look target mobile object becomes 0 life or disappears, it goes out of the screen (in the case of FPS, outside the player character's field of view, or in the case of TPS, it may be out of the display range). Etc. may be canceled events.

  In this way, since the rotation (turning) of the virtual camera caused by the complicated switching of the autolook target can be reduced, an easy-to-view image can be provided even during autolook.

(5) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The auto look target setting unit
In the virtual space, it is determined whether there is an obstacle on a line segment connecting the virtual camera or the player character and the moving object, and if there is an obstacle, the moving object must satisfy the auto-look condition. You may judge.

  The line segment connecting the virtual camera or player character and the moving object may be, for example, a straight line, or a curved line (ballistic curve, bow-shaped curve, parabola, etc.) depicting a given activation. In this way, the visible object can be preferentially set as an auto-look target.

(6) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
An effective time calculation unit that sets an effective time for the moving object or at least one representative point thereof, and decrements the effective time until the set effective time is exhausted;
The auto look target setting unit
It may be determined that a moving object or a representative point with no valid time remaining does not satisfy the auto-look condition.

  For example, a valid time may be set for a moving object that satisfies a predetermined condition or at least one representative point thereof. For example, when the moving object has attribute information of either an enemy or a friend, the predetermined condition may be that the moving object has an enemy attribute.

(7) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The auto look target setting unit
If the distance between the player character and the moving object is not within the effective range, it may be determined that the auto-look condition is not satisfied.

(8) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The auto look target setting unit
The effective range may be changed based on at least one of the item, attribute, type of event to be generated, and type of game stage.

(9) This program, information storage medium, and image generation device
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the image of the mobile object subject to auto-look is not included in the second range including the look range set at a predetermined position of the generated image, Tracking control for rotating (turning) the virtual camera so that the image is included in the look range or the second range may be performed.

(10) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
A flag setting unit for setting a valid / invalid flag for at least one representative point constituting the moving object;
The auto look target setting unit
A mobile object that does not have a representative point for which an effective flag is set may be determined not to satisfy the auto-look condition.

(11) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
The virtual camera may be rotated (turned) so that the representative point in which the valid flag of the auto-look target moving object is set is included in the look range or the second range.

(12) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the auto look mode is activated based on a given event, look rotation (turning) control is performed when the auto look target is set, and input information is entered when the auto look mode is not activated. Based on this, the orientation of the virtual camera may be controlled.

  The given event may be an auto-look mode transition instruction input from the player.

(13) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
When the auto look mode is not activated, a display control unit that performs a special display indicating that the object is an auto look target may be further included.

  When the normal mode is switched to the auto look mode, the special display may be stopped. The special display may be a mark image display such as a marker on the player character side, or the player character itself may be in a special state or blinked.

  When the marker image is displayed in the normal state as a special display, the marker image is displayed when the mode is shifted to the auto look mode, but the marker image is not noticeable (the display of the player character itself). It may be changed (so as not to get in the way).

(14) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
A player character movement control unit for controlling movement of the player character based on the input information;
The player character movement control unit
When the auto-look target is not set, the player character's moving direction is controlled with the player character's orientation as the reference direction. When the auto-look target is set, the player character and the auto-look target move The moving direction of the player character may be controlled using the direction connecting the body objects as a reference direction.

  During auto look, the virtual camera tracks the enemy character so that it falls within the angle of view of the camera, but in this application, the player character can freely move the player character. Therefore, when the player performs an operation for moving the player character straight, if the auto-look target is not set, the player character moves the player character in a straight direction. The direction connecting the mobile objects to be auto-looked is set as a straight direction and moved toward the position of the auto-look target character.

(15) The program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device
A damage calculation unit for calculating damage that damages the player character based on the attack information;
The damage calculator is
When the auto-look target is set, the amount of damage received by the player character and enemy character and the parameters related to the attack and defense abilities of the player character and enemy character are compared to those when the auto-look target is not set. You may perform the process to change.

  For example, when the auto look target is set, the damage amount when the player character is attacked may be reduced as compared to when the auto look target is not set, and vice versa. . For example, when the auto-look target is set, the amount of damage that the enemy character receives may be reduced compared to when the auto-look target is not set, and vice versa. Further, for example, when the auto-look target is set, the parameters related to the attacking ability and defense ability of the player character may be increased compared to when the auto-look target is not set, and vice versa. Further, for example, when the auto-look target is set, the parameters related to the attacking ability and defense ability of the enemy character may be increased compared to when the auto-look target is not set, and vice versa.

  As described above, when the auto-look target is set, the parameter may be set to be advantageous to the player character compared to the case where the auto-look target is not set, or the parameter is disadvantageously set to the player character. It may be set.

The example of a functional block diagram of the image generation device of this embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining setting of a screen range when performing auto-look. The figure for demonstrating the setting of the valid / invalid flag to the representative point of a moving body object. The figure for demonstrating rotation (turning) operation | movement of the virtual camera with respect to the mobile body object of an autolook object. FIGS. 5A, 5 </ b> B, and 5 </ b> C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the virtual camera during tracking. The figure for demonstrating rotation (turning) operation | movement of the virtual camera in auto look. The figure for demonstrating the ray check with respect to a moving body object. The figure which shows the positional relationship of the visual field range of a virtual camera, and a moving body object. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining auto-look conditions. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the auto look condition. The figure for demonstrating the exclusion condition of an autolook object candidate. The figure for demonstrating the exclusion condition of an autolook object candidate. The figure for demonstrating the exclusion condition of an autolook object candidate. FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams for explaining processing for searching for a moving object closest to the aiming position. The figure for demonstrating the setting of the auto look object when an auto look object candidate does not exist in a visual field range. Marker display example for a moving object that is subject to auto-look. The figure for demonstrating the marker movement at the time of auto look object switching. 18A is a diagram for explaining how to obtain the aiming position, and FIG. 18B is a diagram for explaining how to select an autolook target when the aiming direction is given. The figure for demonstrating an example of the various information set in relation with a moving body object. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the auto look mode. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which determines the object of an auto look. The figure which shows the example of a play of multiplayer mode.

  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 functional block diagram of an image generation device (computer, terminal, game device) of this embodiment. Note that the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The input unit 160 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the input information of the player to the processing unit. The input unit 160 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 162 that detects input information (input signal) of the player. The input unit 160 includes, for example, a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, and the like.

  The input unit 160 may be an input device including an acceleration sensor that detects triaxial acceleration, a gyro sensor that detects angular velocity, and an imaging unit. For example, the input device may be one that the player holds and moves, or one that the player wears and moves. Input devices also include controllers made by imitating actual tools such as sword-type controllers and gun-type controllers held by players, or glove-type controllers worn by players (attached to hands by players) It is. The input device also includes an image generation device, a portable image generation device, a mobile phone, and the like that are integrated with the input device.

  The detection unit 162 performs processing for detecting input information from the input unit 160. For example, the detection unit 162 detects an input signal generated when a trigger (trigger) of the input unit 160 is pulled as input information (attack input information). For example, the detection unit 162 detects input information (instruction input information) indicating the position of the aim (gun site) from the input unit 160.

  For example, when the input unit 160 is a touch panel type display in which a liquid crystal display and a touch panel for detecting the contact position of the player are stacked, the input information on the input position of the instruction input device such as a touch pen or the fingertip is input information. Detect as.

  Further, when the input unit 160 is an input device including an imaging unit, instruction position information in the captured image is detected as input information. More specifically, the imaging unit includes an infrared filter, a lens, an imaging element (image sensor), and an image processing circuit. Here, the infrared filter is disposed in front of the input device, and allows only infrared light to pass through from light incident from light sources (two light sources) disposed in association with the display unit 190. The lens condenses the infrared light transmitted through the infrared filter and emits it to the image sensor. The imaging device is a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, for example, and images captured infrared light collected by the lens to generate a captured image. The captured image generated by the image sensor is processed by the image processing circuit. For example, an input device including an imaging unit processes a captured image obtained from an imaging element to detect a high-luminance portion, and detects position information (indicated position information) of a light source in the captured image as input information.

  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, a VRAM, or the like.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. The information storage medium 180 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, 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 communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, another image generation apparatus), and the function is realized by various processors or hardware such as a communication ASIC, a program, or the like. it can.

  Note that a program or data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment stored in the information storage medium or storage unit of the server is received via the network, and the received program or data is received by the information storage medium 180. Or may be stored in the storage unit 170. The case of receiving the program and data and causing the image generating apparatus to function is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input information from the input unit 160, a program, and the like.

  The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in 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, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, a virtual camera arrangement control unit 111, an auto look target setting unit 112, an arithmetic processing unit 113 (instructed position or instruction direction calculating unit 113-1, a damage calculating unit 113-2, an effective time. Calculation unit 113-3), movement / motion processing unit 114, game calculation unit 115, display control unit 116, flag setting unit 118, image generation unit (drawing unit) 120, and sound processing unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  In addition to the character (enemy object), the object space setting unit 110 performs a process of arranging and setting display objects such as a building, a stadium, a car, a tree, a pillar, a wall, and a map (terrain) in the object space.

  Here, the object space is a virtual game space and includes both a two-dimensional space and a three-dimensional space. The two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged at, for example, two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and the three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged at, for example, three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z). is there.

  For example, when the object space is a three-dimensional space, the object space setting unit 110 arranges an object (an object composed of a primitive such as a polygon, a free-form surface, or a subdivision surface) in the world coordinate system. Also, for example, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with direction and direction) of the object in the world coordinate system is determined, and the rotation angle (X, Y, Z axis rotation) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Position the object at (Angle).

  The virtual camera arrangement control unit 111 controls the arrangement of the virtual camera based on the control information for controlling the virtual camera or the player character. When the auto look target is not set, the virtual camera arrangement control unit 111 controls the virtual camera based on the movement input information. When the auto-look target is set, the virtual object object is in virtual until the image of the auto-look target moving object enters the look range set at a given position in the generated image. Look rotation control to rotate the camera.

  The auto-look target setting unit 112 searches for a mobile object satisfying the auto-look condition among the mobile objects existing in the virtual space, and selects one mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target. Set as.

  The instruction position or instruction direction calculation unit 113-1 calculates the instruction position or instruction direction in the virtual space based on the input information indicating the instruction position or instruction direction, and the auto look target setting unit 112 calculates the position of the moving object. One moving object that satisfies the auto look condition may be determined as the auto look target based on the designated position or the designated direction.

  Further, the auto look target setting unit 112 determines whether or not the auto object that satisfies the auto look condition is satisfied for the mobile object arranged in the virtual space, selects the auto object that satisfies the auto look condition as the auto look target candidate, and is selected. The auto look target may be determined from the auto look target candidates.

  Further, when any mobile object is set as an autolook target, the autolook target setting unit 112 may not change the autolook target until a cancel event occurs.

  Further, the autolook target setting unit 112 determines whether or not there is an obstacle on the line segment connecting the virtual camera or the player character and the moving object in the virtual space, and if there is an obstacle, the moving object The object may be determined not to satisfy the autolook condition.

  The effective time calculation unit 113-3 sets the effective time for the moving object or at least one representative point thereof, performs a process of decrementing the effective time until the set effective time is exhausted, and the autolook target setting unit 112. May determine that a moving object or representative point for which no valid time remains does not satisfy the auto-look condition.

  The auto-look target setting unit 112 may determine that the auto-look condition is not satisfied if the distance between the player character and the moving object is not within the effective range.

  The autolook target setting unit 112 may change the effective range based on at least one of the item, attribute, type of event to be generated, and type of game stage of the player character.

  Further, the virtual camera arrangement control unit 111, when the image of the mobile object subject to auto look is not included in the second range including the look range set at a predetermined position of the generated image, You may perform tracking control which rotates a virtual camera so that the image of the mobile object of the auto look target may be included in the look range or the second range.

  The flag setting unit 118 performs a process of setting a valid / invalid flag for at least one representative point constituting the moving object, and the autolook target setting unit has no representative point for which the valid flag is set. It may be determined that the moving object does not satisfy the auto look condition.

  Further, the virtual camera arrangement control unit 111 may rotate the virtual camera so that the representative point in which the valid flag of the mobile object subject to auto-look is set is included in the look range or the second range.

  Further, when the auto look mode is activated based on a given event, the virtual camera arrangement control unit 111 performs look rotation control when the auto look target is set, and the auto look mode is not activated. In some cases, the orientation of the virtual camera may be controlled based on the input information.

  When the auto look mode is not activated, the display control unit 116 may perform a special display indicating that the auto look target mobile object is the auto look target.

  When the auto-look target is set, the damage calculation unit 113-2 sets parameters relating to the amount of damage received by the player character or enemy character and the attack and defense abilities of the player character or enemy character. Process to change compared to when not set.

  The movement / motion processing unit 114 performs processing for moving / moving an object in the object space. That is, based on input information input from the input unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the object is moved in the object space, or the object is moved (motion, animation). Process. Specifically, object movement information (movement parameters such as position, rotation angle, movement speed, acceleration, movement amount, movement direction) and operation information (positions or rotation angles of parts constituting the object) are set to 1 A process of sequentially obtaining each frame (for example, 1/60 second) is performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing and image generation processing.

  The movement / motion processing unit 114 functions as a player character movement control unit that controls the movement of the player character based on the input information. When the auto-look target is not set, the player character is set with the direction of the player character as a reference direction. When the auto-look target is set, the direction of the player character may be controlled with the direction connecting the player character and the auto-look target moving object as a reference direction.

  The game calculation unit 115 performs various game processes. For example, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for ending a game when the game end condition is satisfied, and an ending when the final stage is cleared There is processing.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 115 determines whether or not the given parameter (physical strength value) of the player character has reached a predetermined value (0), and the given parameter (physical strength value) of the player character is When the predetermined value (0) is reached, a process for determining that the game has ended is performed.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. The image generated by the image generation unit 120 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

  In the case of generating a two-dimensional image, for example, a priority is set for each object (sprite), and rendering is performed in order from an object having a lower priority. When objects overlap, an object with a high priority is drawn on an object with a low priority.

When generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, object data (model data) including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the object (model) ) Is input, and vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed based on the vertex data included in the input object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation, for example, world coordinate transformation, visual field transformation (camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation (projection transformation) ), Geometry processing such as viewport conversion is performed, and based on the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted).

  Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to a drawing buffer (a buffer that can store image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing pixel data (color (RGB), α value, Z value, luminance, etc.) such as pixel data and voxel data in units of pixels is performed. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), it is possible to generate an image that can be seen from each virtual camera.

  The virtual camera arrangement control unit 111 performs virtual camera (viewpoint) control processing for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, when generating a three-dimensional image, the virtual camera position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (for example, from the positive direction of each of the X, Y, and Z axes) in the world coordinate system is used. (Rotation angle when turning clockwise) is controlled. In short, processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the angle of view is performed. Further, the virtual camera control unit 110 may rotate the virtual camera at a predetermined rotation angle. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  In the present embodiment, FPS (First Person Shooting) that generates an image based on the viewpoint (first person viewpoint) of the player character may be used, or a TPS (Third Person) of a type in which the hero appears on the screen and is operated by the user. Shooting). In the present embodiment, the movement, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are controlled based on information input from the program or the input unit 160.

  For example, when an object (for example, a player character) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position of the virtual camera and the orientation of the virtual camera are controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position and orientation of the object. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, orientation, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 114. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be set in a predetermined direction or may be controlled to move along a predetermined movement route. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or orientation of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  The vertex processing and pixel processing are realized by hardware that enables polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of drawing processing is high, and expressive power is greatly improved compared to conventional hardware-based fixed drawing processing. Can do.

  The image generation unit 120 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing an object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, the object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the storage unit 170. .

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the storage unit 170 to an object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the storage unit 170 using texture coordinates or the like set (given) to the vertex of the object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) in which Z values (depth information) of drawing pixels are stored. . That is, when drawing pixels corresponding to the primitive of the object are drawn, the Z value stored in the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value). The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

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

  Note that the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment may be an apparatus for a single player mode that can be played by only one player, or an apparatus that has a multiplayer mode that can be played by a plurality of players.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22, in the multiplayer mode, input units 160-1 and 160-2 for each player are prepared, and based on the aiming positions indicated by the input units 160-1 and 160-2. To hit the enemy characters. In the present embodiment, in the multiplayer mode, data provided to a plurality of players, display output images, arithmetic processing images, and game sounds are generated using a single image generation device. It should be noted that the image generation apparatus transmits / receives data such as input information to / from other image generation apparatuses via the network, and performs image generation processing based on the received data and input information from the input unit 160. Good.

2. Method of this embodiment
(1) Auto Look Mode The auto look function is a function intended to assist the player in targeting. A moving object that satisfies the auto-look condition (for example, an enemy object recognized by the player) is selected, and the virtual camera is looked up and tracked so that the look reference point of the moving object is at the center of the screen.

  When the auto look button provided in the input unit is pressed, the auto look mode is activated, and when released, the auto look mode is terminated. Here, a state other than the auto look mode is called a normal mode. By continuing to hold down the auto look button, the auto look mode can be continued.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual camera may be turned by the player's input operation in the normal mode, and the camera turning operation by the player's input may be disabled in the autolook mode.

(2) Setting of Screen Range FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the setting of the screen range when performing auto-look.

  FIG. 2A shows a first determination line 210, a second determination line 220, and an out-of-screen determination line 230 for a drawing area (which may be considered as a screen) 240. In the first determination line 310, when auto-look is activated, the look reference point (the position of the mobile object or the position of the representative point of the mobile object) of the mobile object subject to auto-look falls within this range. It is a boundary line to make the camera follow automatically. In the present embodiment, when the auto look target is not set, the orientation of the virtual camera is controlled based on the movement input information, and when the auto look target is set, the movement of the auto look target is set. Look rotation (turning) control is performed to rotate (turn) the virtual camera until the image of the body object enters the look range set at a predetermined position of the generated image. That is, the generated image is drawn in the drawing area 240, and the look range is an area surrounded by the first determination line 210.

  The second determination line 220 is a boundary line for starting the rotation (turning) of the camera for tracking after the look rotation (turning) control is performed in the auto look mode, and the look reference point of the moving object is the boundary line. When going outside, the camera is rotated (turned) for tracking. In the present embodiment, when the image of the moving object to be auto-looked is not included in the second range that is set at a predetermined position of the generated image and includes the look range, the auto-look Tracking control is performed to rotate (turn) the virtual camera so that the image of the target moving object is included in the look range or the second range.

  The outside-of-screen determination line 230 is a boundary line that determines that the outside is outside the screen. For each range, you can set the top, bottom, left, and right border lines of the rectangle.

  In FIG. 2B, reference numerals 250-1 and 250-2 denote an image with the first angle of view and an image with the second angle of view (images with different angles of view). In the present embodiment, ranges 210-1, 220-1, 230-1 set for each line at the first angle of view, and ranges 210-2, 210-2, 230-1 set for each line at the second angle of view. 220-2 and 230-2 maintain the same range with respect to the drawing area 240 (which may be considered as a screen).

(3) Setting of Each Moving Object FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of various information set in association with the moving object of this embodiment. Here, information related to the processing of the present embodiment is described.

  In the present embodiment, the attribute information of each moving object (which may be a universally set attribute or an attribute that changes according to the game situation) 520, parameters (position information 530, rotation information 540, Look valid time 550, representative point valid / invalid flag 560, etc.) are stored in association with object ID 510, which is the identification ID of each moving object. The attribute information 520 is information related to the attributes of each moving object such as sex, type, and enemy ally, and may be a universally set attribute or an attribute that changes according to the game situation. The position information 530 is position coordinates (x1, y1, z1) of the moving object in the virtual space. The rotation information 540 represents the direction of the moving object by rotation in three axis directions. The look valid time 550 is a valid time set for a moving object that is determined to be an autolook target candidate, and if the valid time is 0 (including a case where it is not set), Indicates that it must not be. The representative point validity / invalidity flag 560 is a flag indicating validity / invalidity set in association with the representative point of the moving object, and is a flag used to determine whether or not to be an autolook target candidate. Information. The moving object has at least one representative point. Since the valid / invalid flag is provided for each representative point, an object having one representative point such as the moving object OB1 has one valid / invalid flag, and a plurality of objects such as the moving object OB2. Those having representative points also have a plurality of valid / invalid flags. When there are a plurality of representative points, the data may be held in an array structure of structures. That is, the arrangement of representative points may be determined in advance, and the valid / invalid flag may be stored in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement. A joint point of a moving object may be used as a representative point.

  In the present embodiment, when performing auto-look, a plurality of representative points (for example, joints) of the moving object may be used as reference points, and auto-look may be performed for joints that are turned on.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of representative points 312-1 to 312-15 are set for the moving object 310, and the valid / invalid flag is set corresponding to each representative point. Good. A mobile object that does not have a representative point for which an effective flag is set may be determined not to satisfy the auto-look condition. Further, the orientation of the virtual camera may be controlled so that the position of the representative point in which the valid flag of the moving object to be auto-looked is set is included in the look valid range in the generated image.

  In FIG. 3A, the valid / invalid flag corresponding to the representative point 312-4 is valid, and the valid / invalid flags of other representative points are invalid.

  In FIG. 3B, the valid / invalid flags corresponding to the representative points 312-4, 312, and 312-15 are valid, and the valid / invalid flags of the other representative points are invalid. .

  A mobile object having these valid flags may be selected as an autolook target candidate.

  A mobile object in which the valid / invalid flag of all representative points (joints) is invalid is not subject to auto-look. For a moving object having a plurality of representative points (joints) having an effective flag, for example, the representative point (joint) closest to the aiming position may be set as an auto-look target.

  The valid / invalid flag of the representative point of the moving object may be set according to a predetermined rule.

  For example, a plurality of representative points (joints) may be provided on a large moving object. In this way, the target position of a large object can be set for each part.

(4) Auto Look and Tracking Operation FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the rotation (turning) operation of the virtual camera with respect to the auto-look target moving object.

  In the auto look mode, when there is a moving object 310 that satisfies the auto look condition, the virtual camera is rotated (turned) so that the moving object 310 falls within the look range 320. Note that if there is no target that satisfies the auto-look condition even in the auto-look mode, the virtual camera is not rotated (turned), and is in a state of waiting for the target to appear in the camera fixed state.

  As shown in the images 330-1 and 320-2, when the mobile object 310 to be auto-looked is determined, the look reference point 312 of the mobile object 310 (when there are a plurality of representative points and representative points of the mobile object) Rotate (turn) the virtual camera so that one of the representative points is at the center of the virtual camera. The center of the look range 320 may be the center of the virtual camera. Then, as shown in an image 330-3, when the look reference point 312 enters the look range (look determination line) 320, the rotation (turning) operation of the camera ends.

  The parameter of the rotation (turning) speed of the virtual camera at this time may be adjustable from the outside.

  After the look reference point 312 of the moving object 310 to be auto-looked enters the look range (look determination line) 320, tracking control is performed. If the transition is not made to tracking, the auto look for the moving object 310 may end.

  Note that the time may be counted from the start of the look, and if the counted time exceeds the look limit time, the look may be canceled as a target LOST. AutoLook and tracking are also canceled when the AutoLook target dies.

  Also, when the auto-look mode is activated by player input, the auto-look target is fixed, and the auto-look target is not switched unless the auto-look target dies or goes out of the trackable range. To do. For example, if control is frequently performed to switch the autolook target candidate closest to the autolook target, if there is another autolook target candidate near the autolook target, the virtual camera rotation ( May cause a phenomenon that the screen vibrates violently. However, this phenomenon can be prevented by fixing the autolook target as in the present embodiment.

  During zooming, a magnification may be applied to the turning speed of the virtual camera at the time of auto-lock so that the screen scrolls to the same extent as in normal times according to the zoom magnification. The magnification may be applied to the turning speed of the virtual camera at the time of auto-lock so that the turning speed of the virtual camera becomes slower as the zoom magnification becomes higher.

  5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the virtual camera that is being tracked.

  An image 330-3 in FIG. 5A is an image at the time when auto-look is completed, and tracking control is performed from this point. As shown in the images 330-4 and 330-5 in FIG. 5B, during tracking control, the second reference line 312 surrounds the look reference point 312 of the moving object 310 to be auto-looked. When moving outside the area 340, the camera is rotated (turned) at the turning speed at the time of auto-lock so that the moving object 310 is placed in the center of the virtual camera, and the moving object 310 is moved to the second area 340. The camera rotation (turning) may be stopped when entering.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, if the look reference point 312 unit of the moving object 310 goes out of the screen during tracking, the tracking is canceled and the target LOST is handled.

  When the turning limit of the virtual camera is reached during auto look control or tracking control, the turning is not performed according to the turning limit of the camera. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the orientation of the virtual camera 360 comes to the turning limit 352 of the turnable range 350 while tracking the moving object 310 to be auto-looked, the moving object 310 is Even if it cannot be captured in the second area 340 surrounded by the second determination line, the turning operation is stopped.

(5) Selection of Autolook Condition and Autolook Target Candidate A mobile object that satisfies the autolook condition may be selected as an autolook target candidate, and the autolook target may be determined from the selected autolook target candidate. The auto-look condition and auto-look candidate selection method will be described below.

  For example, it may be determined whether the mobile object satisfies the auto-look condition every predetermined time, and the look effective time may be set for the mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition. In this way, it can be determined whether or not the auto look condition is satisfied depending on whether or not the look valid time is set. Therefore, it is possible to determine an auto-look target from among the mobile objects for which the look effective time is set. In this way, the timing of determining the auto look condition and the timing of determining the auto look target may be different, so that the processing load can be distributed.

  The look valid time may be set for each moving object. The auto look condition may be, for example, the following condition.

  For example, in an online match, a friendly mobile object may be excluded from auto-look. That is, it is good also as an auto look condition that the attribute of a mobile object is not a friend. If the attribute of the moving object is a friend, the look valid time may not be set or the numerical value 0 may be set as not satisfying the auto look condition.

  Further, objects other than the moving object existing within the player's field of view may be excluded from the auto look target. For example, for a moving object that exists within the player's field of view every predetermined time, for a moving object that does not have a valid look time, a ray is skipped between the moving object and the virtual camera 360 to move the object. It may be determined whether a body object is visible (ray determination), and a process of setting a look effective time for the visible object may be performed. Ray determination is not performed for a mobile object that already has a valid look time or a mobile object that is outside the player's field of view.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining ray check for a moving object.

  When there is one representative point of the moving object, the ray is skipped from the virtual camera to one representative point, and if there is no obstacle on the ray, it is determined that it is visible.

  When there are a plurality of representative points of the moving object, for example, when there are a plurality of representative points 312-4, 312-14, and 312-15 having valid flags as shown in FIG. 4,370-14, 370-15 are skipped and a ray check is performed.

  If there is an obstacle that the ray penetrates in the ray check, it is determined that the representative point cannot be seen. When there are a plurality of representative points in the moving object, the look valid time may be set when all representative points are visible, or the look valid time may be set if there is one representative point that can be seen. If the visible representative points are equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the look valid time may be set.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the visual field range of the virtual camera and the moving object.

  Since the player's view range may be considered as the view range 370 of the possible camera 360, the moving object 390, 392, 394, 396 existing in the virtual space is in the view range 370 of the possible camera 360 based on the position information. Determine whether or not. Here, since the mobile object 390, 392 is in the view range 370 of the possible camera 360, the look effective time is set, and since the mobile object 394, 396 is outside the view range 370 of the possible camera 360, the look effective time is set. Is not set or the value 0 is set.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing how the moving object 398 attacks the player character 300, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing how the moving object 398 damages the player character 300. is there.

  In the case of an online game, as shown in FIG. 9A, a moving object 398 that has attacked the player character 300 as an attack target may be set as an autolook target candidate. Accordingly, when the effective look time is not set for the moving object 398 that has attacked the player character 300 as an attack target, the effective look time may be set during the attack. Regarding this condition, the look valid time may be set regardless of whether or not the attack is hit. In addition, ray check may not be performed for this condition.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, if a ray passes through a moving object 398 that has damaged the player character 300, it may be a candidate for an auto look. Therefore, if the valid look time is not set for the moving object 398 that has damaged the player character 300, ray check may be performed, and if the ray passes, the look valid time may be set.

  Since the look valid time is set for the representative point for which the valid flag is set, the invalid flag is set at the representative point of the moving object if it is not subject to auto-look. May be.

  The set look valid time may be controlled under the following conditions. As shown in FIG. 10A, for the mobile objects 404 and 406 that are outside the field of view 370 of the virtual camera 360, the set look valid time is counted down (decremented).

  As for the moving object within the field of view range, it may be counted down if the ray does not pass through. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the ray check is performed on the moving objects 412 and 414 within the field-of-view range 370 of the virtual camera 360 by skipping the rays 422 and 424, respectively. Then, the set valid look-up time is counted down (decremented) even for objects that have an obstacle 430 and do not pass the ray 424, such as the moving object 414.

  In addition, when the effective look time of the unit in which the ray passes in the view range 370 of the virtual camera 360 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, a value planned as the minimum value when visible), the predetermined value is used. Reset to.

  In addition, when the auto look mode activation start time is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, the minimum value at the time of look), it is reset to a predetermined value (for example, the minimum value at the time of look). Set. In this way, it is possible to prevent the effective time from becoming zero immediately after being hidden by an obstacle when the auto look mode is activated.

  Also, when a player character is fired as an attack target or receives damage, the look valid time is reset to a predetermined value (for example, a timer value that is set at the time of attack) for the moving object that performed the attack. May be.

  When the mobile object dies, the look valid time set for the mobile object may be reset (a numerical value of 0 is set).

(6) Determination of auto-look target The auto-look target is determined periodically as needed while the auto-look button is not pressed (when the auto-look mode is not activated). Identification ID etc. are memorize | stored as autolook object information.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the auto look mode.

  When there is an auto-look mode transition input, the following processing is performed (step S10).

  If a cancel event occurs, the process ends (in the case of Y in step S20).

  When the auto look target information is set (step S30), the virtual camera is turned until the look reference point of the moving object set in the auto look target information enters the look range (step S40).

If a cancel event occurs, the process is terminated (step S50).
When the look reference point of the mobile object set in the auto-look target information is outside the second range (step S60), the look reference point of the mobile object set in the auto-look target information is the look range. Control is performed to turn the virtual camera until it enters (step S70), and the process returns to step S50 to execute the transition step again.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining an auto-look target.

  First, the look effective time of the mobile object is checked, and the mobile object whose look valid time is 0 (or not set) is excluded from the autolook target candidates (step S110). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the effective look times of the moving object 610, 620, and 630 are 5 sec (see 612), 0 sec (see 622), and 3 sec (see 624), the look valid time is 0 sec. A moving object 620 (see 622) is excluded from candidates for auto-look. Note that the autolook target candidates may be set with all moving objects except the player character as an initial setting.

  Next, the effective state of the representative point (joint) is checked, and a mobile object having no effective representative point (joint) is excluded from the autolook target candidates (step S120). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the moving object 640 has no effective representative point (joint), the moving object 650 has one effective representative point (joint) (652), and the moving object 660 is effective. If there are three representative points (662, 664, 666), the mobile object 640 having no effective representative (joint) is excluded from the auto-look candidates.

  Next, the distance from the player character is checked, and a moving object that is separated from the player character by a certain distance (referred to as a look effective distance) is excluded from the autolook target candidates (step S130). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the look effective distance. The look effective distance is a distance from the player character 670. For example, when the look effective distance is r1, the area having the radius r1 from the position of the player character is set as the look effective area 680 and is not included in the look effective area 680 (position position). Mobile objects that do not have a table are excluded from auto-look candidates. For example, the mobile objects 720 and 730 are excluded from the auto-look target candidates because they do not enter the look effective area 680 (there are no position maps).

  The look effective distance may be changed depending on the item, attribute, etc. of the player character. For example, when the weapon used by the player is a normal pistol and a rifle, the look effective distance may be longer for a rifle with a longer range than for a pistol. For example, if the look effective distance in the case of a pistol is r1, the look effective distance r2 (r2> r1) in the case of a rifle may be used. In this case, for example, the moving object 730 is not included in the look effective area 680 (there is no position map), and is therefore excluded from the autolook target candidates.

  If the auto-look target candidate does not exist due to the exclusion process (N in step S140), the process ends without target.

  If there is a mobile object that is an autolook target candidate (Y in step S140), it is determined whether or not there is a mobile object that is an autolook target candidate in the field of view (step S150). If it exists, the mobile object of the auto look target candidate closest to the aiming position is searched and set as the auto look target (step S160). FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams for describing processing for searching for a moving object closest to the aiming position. A search is performed for a mobile object within the field of view from among the mobile objects that are candidates for autolook. Whether or not it is within the field of view is determined by whether or not the look reference points 822, 832, 842, and 852 of the respective moving object 820, 830, 840, and 850 are inside the out-of-screen determination line 230. The determination may be made based on a three-dimensional positional relationship, or based on the two-dimensional positional relationship after projection conversion to the screen coordinate system.

  In FIG. 14A, since the look reference points 822, 832, and 842 of the moving objects 820, 830, and 840 are inside the outside-of-screen determination line 230, the moving objects 820, 830, and 840 are within the visual field range. to decide.

  When the aiming position is given by position coordinates in the virtual space, as shown in FIG. 14B, look reference points 822 of the respective moving object 820, 830, 840 in the virtual space (three-dimensional space). , 832 and 842 and the distances 824, 834 and 844 between the center position 810 of the aiming are measured, and the moving object having the closest distance is set as the auto look target. Here, since the distance 824 between the look reference point 822 and the aiming position 810 of the moving object 820 is the shortest, the moving object 820 is an auto-look target.

  FIG. 18A is a diagram for explaining how to obtain the aiming position. The aiming position 810 can be obtained from the aiming direction 860, the muzzle position (virtual camera position or player character position) 850, and the flight distance L.

  FIG. 18B is a diagram for explaining how to select an autolook target when the aiming direction 860 is given. When the aiming direction 860 is given, the direction connecting the look reference points 822, 832, and 842 of the moving object 820, 830, and 840 and the virtual camera (player character) 850 in the virtual space (three-dimensional space). The angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 formed by 824, 834, and 844 and the aiming direction 860 are measured, and the moving object having the smallest (acute angle) angle is set as an autolook target. Here, since the Nasu angle θ1 between the direction 824 connecting the look reference point 822 of the moving object 820 and the virtual camera (player character) 850 and the aiming direction is the most acute angle, the moving object 820 is an auto-look target.

  If there is no autolook target candidate in the field of view in step S150, the mobile object of the autolook target candidate closest to the player character is searched and set as the autolook target (step S170). As shown in FIG. 15, when there is no moving object within the player character's visual field range 750, the distances l 1, l 2, and 13 between the moving object 770, 780, 790 and the player character 670 that exist outside the visual field range Since l1 <l2 <l3, the moving object 770 closest to the player character is set as an autolook target.

(7) Marker Display on Auto Look Target FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a marker display example for a moving object that is an auto look target. In the present embodiment, marker display 890 is performed in 2D on the moving object 820 to be auto-looked. The 2D marker may be displayed such that the center of the marker is the look reference point 822.

  In addition, it is preferable to display the marker display for the auto look target when the auto look mode is not activated. Then, the display is turned off during the auto look mode, and when the auto look mode is canceled, it may be moved to the target after appearing outside the screen. If the autolook target changes, the marker moves to it.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining marker movement during auto-look target switching. If the auto-look target changes, move the marker to move there. That is, when the auto-look target is switched from the moving object 820 to the moving object 830, the marker image 890 is not switched at the same time, but display control for moving from the moving object 820 to the moving object 830 is performed. Is called.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous terms in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

  For example, the above embodiment can be configured as a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate. The multiplayer game may be realized by being executed on a game device connected to another game device or server connected via a network, and exchanging game data with the other game device or server.

  In such a multi-player game, when a player character of a given player is subject to auto-look for another player's player character, a warning message or a warning display for notifying that effect is performed. May be. For example, a warning message such as “Aimed” may be displayed on the game screen of the player corresponding to a given player character that is subject to auto-look.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the game apparatus is a photographing apparatus has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the game device can be configured by any type of business game system, home game system, portable game system, and the like, and the type of game is various, such as a shooting game, a race game, a role playing game, and a puzzle game. Applicable to game systems.

100 processing unit, 110 object space setting unit, 111 virtual camera arrangement control unit,
112 auto look target setting unit, 113 calculation processing unit, 113-1 pointing position or pointing direction calculation unit, 113-2 damage calculation unit, 113-3 effective time calculation unit, 114 movement / motion processing unit, 115 game calculation unit, 116 display control unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound processing unit, 160 input unit, 162 detection unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 170 storage unit, 172 main storage unit, 192 sound output unit, 196 communication unit

Claims (17)

A program for generating an image obtained by viewing a virtual space where a moving object exists from a virtual camera,
A virtual camera placement control unit that controls placement of the virtual camera based on control information for controlling the virtual camera or the player character;
An auto-look target setting unit that searches whether there is a mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition among the mobile objects that exist in the virtual space, and sets one mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target When,
The computer functions as an image generation unit that generates an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera,
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the auto-look target is not set, the orientation of the virtual camera is controlled based on the movement input information, and when the auto-look target is set, the image of the mobile object that is the auto-look target is A program for performing look rotation control for rotating a virtual camera until a look range set at a given position of a generated image is entered. In claim 1,
An instruction position or instruction direction calculator for calculating the instruction position or instruction direction in the virtual space based on the input information indicating the instruction position or instruction direction;
The auto look target setting unit
A program for determining, as an auto-look target, one mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition based on the position of the mobile object and the indicated position or direction. In claim 1 or 2,
The auto look target setting unit
Determines whether or not the auto-look condition is satisfied for the moving object placed in the virtual space, selects a mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target candidate, and selects the auto-look target from the selected auto-look target candidates A program characterized by deciding. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The auto look target setting unit
A program characterized in that when any moving object is set as an auto-look target, the auto-look target is not changed until a cancel event occurs. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The auto look target setting unit
In the virtual space, it is determined whether there is an obstacle on a line segment connecting the virtual camera or the player character and the moving object, and if there is an obstacle, the moving object must satisfy the auto-look condition. A program characterized by judgment. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
An effective time calculation unit that sets an effective time for the moving object or at least one representative point thereof, and decrements the effective time until the set effective time is exhausted;
The auto look target setting unit
A program characterized by determining that a moving object or representative point for which no valid time remains does not satisfy the auto-look condition. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The auto look target setting unit
A program characterized in that if the distance between the player character and the moving object is not within the effective range, it is determined that the auto-look condition is not satisfied. In claim 7,
The auto look target setting unit
A program for changing the effective range based on at least one of an item, an attribute, an event type to be generated, and a game stage type. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the image of the mobile object subject to auto-look is not included in the second range including the look range set at a predetermined position of the generated image, A program for performing tracking control for rotating a virtual camera so that an image is included in the look range or the second range. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
A flag setting unit for setting a valid / invalid flag for at least one representative point constituting the moving object;
The auto look target setting unit
A program characterized by determining that a moving object without a representative point having a valid flag set does not satisfy the auto-look condition. In claim 10,
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
A program for rotating a virtual camera so that a representative point in which a valid flag of a moving object subject to auto-look is set is included in the look range or the second range. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the auto look mode is activated based on a given event, the look rotation control is performed when the auto look target is set, and the virtual camera based on the input information when the auto look mode is not activated. A program characterized by controlling the orientation of the program. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
A program, further comprising: a display control unit for performing a special display indicating that an object is to be auto-looked on a mobile object to be auto-looked when the auto-look mode is not activated. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.
A player character movement control unit for controlling movement of the player character based on the input information;
The player character movement control unit
When the auto-look target is not set, the player character's moving direction is controlled with the player character's orientation as the reference direction. When the auto-look target is set, the player character and the auto-look target move A program for controlling a moving direction of a player character using a direction connecting body objects as a reference direction. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
A damage calculation unit for calculating damage that damages the player character based on the attack information;
The damage calculator is
When the auto-look target is set, the amount of damage received by the player character and enemy character and the parameters related to the attack and defense abilities of the player character and enemy character are compared to those when the auto-look target is not set. A program characterized by performing processing to be changed.   A computer-readable information storage medium in which the program according to claim 1 is stored. An image generation device that generates an image of a virtual space in which a moving object is present viewed from a virtual camera,
A virtual camera placement control unit that controls placement of the virtual camera based on control information for controlling the virtual camera or the player character;
An auto-look target setting unit that searches whether there is a mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition among the mobile objects that exist in the virtual space, and sets one mobile object that satisfies the auto-look condition as an auto-look target When,
An image generation unit that generates an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual camera,
The virtual camera arrangement control unit
When the auto-look target is not set, the orientation of the virtual camera is controlled based on the movement input information, and when the auto-look target is set, the image of the mobile object that is the auto-look target is An image generation apparatus characterized by performing look rotation control for rotating a virtual camera until a look range set at a given position of a generated image is entered.