JP7577014B2 - Game program, information processing device, and object display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game program, an information processing device, and an object display method.

There are known games in which objects may be hidden behind obstructions. For example, in a game in which the viewpoint is a virtual camera placed in a virtual three-dimensional space, there may be multiple objects in the field of view, and the player may see multiple objects overlapping. For example, in a fighting game, an enemy character may be hiding behind a building, or an item may be placed in the shade of a tree. In such cases, a technique is known that adds visual effects to objects hidden behind obstructions so as not to diminish the interest of the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent document 1 discloses a technology that displays a silhouette, arrow, or frame as a marker when a character is hidden by an obstacle.

Patent No. 3637031

However, conventional technology has a problem in that it may reduce the interest of the game. For example, if a second object hidden by a first object is displayed as a silhouette, it may be difficult for the player to notice the existence of the second object, which may reduce the interest of the game.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a game program that improves the entertainment value of the game.

In view of the above problem, the present invention provides a game program for causing an information processing device to function as an image data generating unit that generates image data of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space photographed by a virtual camera, a determination unit that determines whether a first object and at least a portion of a second object overlap as viewed from the virtual camera by referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of the plurality of objects, and a color setting unit that changes the color of at least a portion of the portion of the image data where the second object and the first object overlap when the first object and at least a portion of the second object that is located behind the first object overlap.

It is possible to provide a game program that improves the entertainment value of the game.

11 is an example of a diagram showing a monster object projected onto a virtual camera in a game world. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a game system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating functions of an information processing device divided into blocks. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute of an object. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a captured image. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating rasterization of polygons by scanlines. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a Z-buffer and a frame buffer. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a hidden surface removal process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure in which a color setting unit emphasizes, by using a color, at least a part of an overlapping portion between a second object and a first object; FIG. 13 is an example of a captured image in which color is set only to the outer edge of a second object. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a second object.

Below, a description will be given of an embodiment of the game program disclosed herein with reference to the drawings. Note that in this specification and the drawings, substantially identical configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

<Overview of Operation of the Game System of the Present Embodiment>
First, the general operation of the game system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a monster object 21 photographed by a virtual camera 10 in a virtual space (e.g., a virtual three-dimensional space). In reality, a player character operated by the player himself often exists in the game world, but this is omitted in Fig. 1.

From the viewpoint of the virtual camera 10, there is a wall object 11 in front of the monster object 21. In an image of the objects in the game world captured by the virtual camera 10 (hereinafter referred to as a captured image), the monster object 21 is hidden by the wall object 11. For this reason, the game player cannot notice the presence of the monster.

Traditionally, known techniques for informing players of the presence of objects hidden behind obstructions include a technique for displaying the silhouette of the object on the obstruction, and a technique for displaying the object through the obstruction. However, using the technique for displaying a silhouette can make it difficult for players to notice objects hidden behind obstructions, while using the technique for displaying through the obstruction can make it difficult for players to see the object.

The game program of this embodiment therefore highlights hidden objects with a colour, and furthermore displays objects that are hidden at least through obstructions so that they can be seen.

Figure 1 (b) is an example of a captured image. In the captured image of Figure 1 (b), a monster object 21 is displayed on a wall object 11. The color of the monster object 21 is at least different from that of the wall object 11, and is preferably a color that can emphasize the presence of the monster object 21. For example, the color of the monster object 21 is emphasized with a higher density of red than when it is not hidden. The emphasized color may be any color, such as blue, green, yellow, or gold. Also, the wall object 11 may be semi-transparent, allowing the monster object 21, whose color is emphasized, to be seen through it.

This improves the visibility of objects hidden behind obstructions, making the game program more interesting.

<Terminology>
The game program of this embodiment emphasizes the color of the monster object 21 in order to improve the visibility of the monster object 21 hidden by the wall object 11. Visually, the player sees in the image data that at least a part of the overlapping portion between the wall object 11 and the monster object 21 is a different color from the surroundings. Also, as image processing, a process is performed to change the color of the wall object 11 in the overlapping portion with the monster object 21.

<Game System>
Next, an example of the configuration of a game system will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 includes an information processing device 3, a game controller 5, and a display device 7. Each of the game controller 5 and the display device 7 is connected to the information processing device 3 so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

The information processing device 3 is, for example, a stationary game console. However, this is not limited to this, and the information processing device 3 may be, for example, a portable game console that is equipped with an input unit, a display unit, etc.

In addition, the information processing device 3 does not have to be a dedicated game machine, and may be, for example, a computer, desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, etc. that is manufactured and sold as a computer, or a smartphone, mobile phone, etc. that is manufactured and sold as a telephone. These devices are usually used as general-purpose information processing terminals, but when a player executes the installed game program, the player can progress through the game just like a dedicated game machine.

The game program of this embodiment is installed in the information processing device 3. The game program is distributed in a state stored on an optical storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a semiconductor memory such as a USB memory, or is distributed by being downloaded from a server.

The player uses the game controller 5 to perform various operational inputs. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the game controller 5 has, for example, a cross key 9 and a plurality of buttons 8. Note that the game controller 5 may have, for example, a joystick or a touchpad instead of or in addition to the above. The game controller 5 may also have a microphone, allowing voice operation. The game controller 5 may also have a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., allowing operation by the player changing the attitude of the game controller 5.

In addition, the information processing device 3 may further communicate with a server on the network. In this case, multiple information processing devices 3 executing the same game program connect to the server, making so-called online games possible. An online game is, for example, a game in which multiple players can operate the same game program in a cooperative manner. The server of an online game performs the minimum processing of accepting the positions and operation commands of other players and transmitting them to the information processing devices 3 of the other players. The information processing device 3 performs the actual game processing, such as drawing each player and reflecting the operation commands.

The game system 1 may also be of the so-called P2P (Peer To Peer) type, in which an information processing device 3 communicates with another information processing device 3.

The game system 1 may also be a so-called cloud game.

The following describes the game system 1 of this embodiment, mainly using the configuration in Figure 2.

<Example of hardware configuration of information processing device>
Fig. 3 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing device 3 includes, for example, a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a GPU 504, a dedicated integrated circuit 505 constructed for a specific purpose such as an ASIC or an FPGA, an input device 506, an output device 507, a recording device 508, a drive 509, a connection port 510, and a communication device 511. These components are connected to each other via a bus 513, an input/output interface 514, etc. so as to be able to transmit signals to each other.

The game program can be recorded, for example, in ROM 502, RAM 503, recording device 508, etc.

The CPU 501 may, for example, directly read and execute the game program from the recording device 508, or may first load the game program into the RAM 503 and then execute it. Furthermore, when the CPU 501 receives the game program via the communication device 511, the drive 509, or the connection port 510, for example, the CPU 501 may directly execute the received game program without recording it in the recording device 508.

In addition, the CPU 501 may perform various processes based on signals and information input from an input device 506, such as a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc. (not shown), including the aforementioned game controller 5, as necessary.

The GPU 504 performs image display processing, such as rendering processing, in response to instructions from the CPU 501.

The CPU 501 and GPU 504 then output the results of the above processing from an output device 507, which may include, for example, the display device 7 and audio output unit described above. If necessary, the CPU 501 and GPU 504 may transmit the results of this processing via a communication device 511 or a connection port 510, or may record the results in the recording device 508 or recording medium 512.

The hardware configuration of the server or general-purpose information processing device may be the same as that of the information processing device 3, or may be different, but for the sake of convenience in explaining this embodiment, it will not cause any problems.

<Game Overview>
The method of displaying an object hidden by an obstruction in this embodiment can be applied regardless of the type (genre) of the game. That is, any game in which an object may be hidden by an obstruction can be applied. Note that this obstruction is also an object in the game program. Hereinafter, the obstruction may be referred to as a "first object" and the object hidden by the obstruction may be referred to as a "second object."

For example, game types include action games, shooting games, simulation games, racing games, adventure games, role-playing games, and sports games. There are also many games that combine multiple of these elements.

In addition, the objects that appear in the game are not limited to, for example, human male characters, female characters, or others, but also include non-human animals, creatures other than humans and animals, virtual creatures (e.g., monsters, spirits, aliens, etc.), robots, natural objects such as mountains and oceans, goods and objects, etc. In this embodiment, any object that can appear in the game can be a first object or a second object.

<Functions of the information processing device>
Fig. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram for explaining functions of the information processing device 3 in blocks. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 3 has an object generation unit 31, an object management unit 32, an image data generation unit 33, a color setting unit 34, a display control unit 35, and a determination unit 36. Each of these functional units of the information processing device 3 is a function or means realized by the CPU 501 shown in Fig. 3 executing a game program expanded in the RAM 503.

First, in this embodiment, an image of multiple objects is obtained by a virtual camera 10 placed in a virtual space. The objects are also three-dimensional solid objects. Therefore, in this image, it is assumed that a second object is overlapping a first object. In computer graphics, three-dimensional objects are composed of polygons (or a collection of three-dimensional points). A polygon is polygonal data made up of three or more vertices, and is the smallest unit that makes up a curved surface.

The object generation unit 31 places various objects in the virtual space. The object generation unit 31 converts objects created in a local coordinate system into world coordinates that represent the game world and places them. Furthermore, the object generation unit 31 performs view coordinate transformation on each object. View coordinate transformation is a process that transforms the coordinates of an object so that the virtual camera 10 becomes the origin, and reflects the associated effects (movement and rotation) on the object.

The object management unit 32 manages information about objects in the object data storage unit 39. This will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

Figure 5(a) shows an example of object attributes. Object attributes are information that indicates the characteristics of each object. Attributes vary depending on the game program, and Figure 5(a) is merely one example.

Each item will be explained below.
- Object ID is identification information of an object that is unique in the game world.
The object type indicates what kind of object it is. Object types vary depending on the game genre, but may include, for example, humans, items, robots, animals, etc.
・Gender is the gender of the character in the game program.
- Ally/Enemy indicates whether the character corresponding to each player is an ally or enemy when playing a game in which multiple players are fighting.
The rarity level indicates how difficult it is to obtain an item. For example, the rarity levels are S, A, B, and C in descending order. The rarity level is an example of a predetermined value.
- HP (Hit Point) is the remaining physical strength when the object is a character. Normally, when HP reaches zero, the character dies. HP is an example of a predetermined value.
- MP (Magic Points) is the remaining magical power when the object is a character. Usually, the player can use magic by consuming MP according to the type of magic until MP becomes zero. MP is an example of a predetermined value.
Weapon is the type of weapon the character carries.
Medicinal herbs are one of the recovery items carried by characters. They restore a certain amount of HP.

Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of the position information and shape information of an object. The object data storage unit 39 stores the position information and shape information of the object for each object. Since objects are formed from polygons, Figure 5(b) shows three coordinates (world coordinate system) of each polygon that the object has. In addition to being shown in the figure, each polygon also has normal vectors, vertex color information, blending weights (combining ratio of colors at each vertex), etc.

Returning to FIG. 4, the image data generation unit 33 converts objects in the game world viewed from the virtual camera 10 into a captured image (image data). Details will be described in FIG. 6.

The determination unit 36 determines whether or not a first object overlaps with at least a portion of a second object that is located behind the first object as viewed from the virtual camera 10. The determination unit 36 refers to an object data storage unit 39 that stores position information and shape information of multiple objects, and determines whether or not there are two or more overlapping objects based on the object position information and shape information. Details are described in FIG. 6.

The color setting unit 34 emphasizes at least a part of the overlapping portion between the second object and the first object by using a color. In simple terms, the color setting unit 34 sets a color for the first object, allowing the player to see the second object that would otherwise be hidden by the first object. In terms of image processing, when there is a second object that is at least partially hidden by the first object with respect to the viewpoint from the virtual camera 10, the color of the portion of the first object's area in the captured image that overlaps at least a part of the second object is changed to a color different from that of the first object. Details are described in FIG. 7 and subsequent pages.

The display control unit 35 displays on the display device 7 the captured image generated by the image data generation unit 33 and in which the color setting unit 34 has improved the visibility of the second object.

<About generating captured images>
Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for generating a captured image. As shown in Fig. 6, a virtual camera 10 is placed in a virtual space. The position of this virtual camera 10 is a viewpoint 203, the direction of the virtual camera 10 is an optical axis 206, and the area formed by four straight lines connecting the viewpoint 203 and the four corners of the vertices of a virtual screen 202 is a field of view 204. A virtual screen 202 is placed at a certain short distance from the viewpoint 203 in the direction of the optical axis 206.

Within the field of view 204, a front clipping plane 205 is set at a fixed short distance from the viewpoint 203 in the direction of the optical axis 206, and a rear clipping plane 207 is set at a fixed long distance. The range from the front clipping plane 205 to the rear clipping plane 207 within the field of view 204 is defined as the visual field space 208, which is the range in which the image is rendered by perspective projection transformation. However, for image processing purposes, the front clipping plane is normalized to 0 and the rear clipping plane is normalized to 1.0.

In this way, the coordinate system used to project an image onto the virtual screen 202 (the coordinate system after view coordinate transformation) is the viewpoint coordinate system (X', Y', Z'), and the direction of the optical axis 206 is the Z' axis of the viewpoint coordinate system. The coordinates of the world coordinate system (X, Y, Z) (including coordinates transformed from coordinates of the local coordinate system) are transformed into coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system.

The image data generation unit 33 performs perspective projection processing, during which hidden surface removal processing using a Z-buffer is performed. After hidden surface removal, the color setting unit 34 sets a color for the first object in order to improve the visibility of the second object.

Note that a coordinate transformation matrix (not shown) is used for the perspective projection transformation. The coordinate transformation matrix only needs to include the viewing angle, aspect ratio, near clip value, and far clip value. The viewing angle is half the field of view 204 (the right or left half angle from the optical axis). The aspect ratio is the aspect ratio of the screen on which the captured image is displayed. For example, the size (aspect ratio) of the display device 7 or window is used. The near clip value and far clip value are the Z' coordinates of the front clip plane 205 and rear clip plane 207. These values may be set in the game program or may be dynamically set by events that occur in the game.

<Hidden surface removal and color change>
Next, hidden surface removal and color change will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. First, hidden surface removal will be described.

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the rasterization of polygon 300 by scan line. The image data generating unit 33 scans all polygons 300 constituting an object with scan line 301 to determine pixels to be converted (rasterized) into the captured image. Scan line 301 is a straight line horizontal to the X' axis of the camera coordinate system, and the interval d is determined by the resolution of the captured image. The pixels between intersections A and B of the three sides of polygon 300 and scan line 301 are pixels within the polygon. Since polygon 300 in Figure 7 is projected onto the XY plane, intersections A and B with scan line 301 can be obtained (it does not matter whether scan line 301 and the sides of polygon 300 intersect in virtual space). Note that it is not necessary to obtain the coordinates of the pixels between intersections A and B. For the sake of later explanation, the coordinates of intersection A are (xa, ya) and the coordinates of intersection B are (xb, yb). Note that the z coordinate does not need to be obtained at the time of scanning.

The image data generating unit 33 prepares a Z buffer 311 and a frame buffer 312 as shown in FIG. 8. The squares in the Z buffer 311 and the frame buffer 312 represent each pixel in the captured image. The coordinates of a pixel are specified by (i, j).

The Z buffer 311 stores the distance to the object corresponding to each pixel in the captured image. In other words, the value of the Z' axis in Figure 6 is stored. The frame buffer 312 stores the color of each pixel. For this reason, a frame buffer 312 is prepared for each RGB. The image data generation unit 33 initializes the Z buffer 311 for each frame. The initial value is the maximum value (for example, the far clip value of 1.0). The image data generation unit 33 initializes the frame buffer 312 to the background color (the color displayed when nothing is present) for each frame.

Figure 9 is an example of a flowchart explaining the hidden surface removal process. As described above, the image data generation unit 33 initializes the Z buffer 311 and the frame buffer 312 (S1).

Next, the image data generating unit 33 extracts polygons 300 one by one from all objects in the visual field space 208 (S2). The order of extraction may be on an object-by-object basis, or may be sorted by polygon coordinates regardless of object.

The image data generating unit 33 converts the polygon 300 into a captured image by performing perspective projection transformation (S3). Only the vertices of the polygon 300 need to be transformed here. This allows the coordinates (i, j) of each vertex of the polygon 300 in the captured image to be determined.

The image data generating unit 33 also scans the polygon 300 with the scan line 301 to determine intersections A and B between the polygon 300 and the scan line 301 (S4). A triangle onto which the polygon 300 is projected is obtained by perspective projection transformation in the Z buffer 311 and the frame buffer 312 as shown in FIG. 8. The pixel (i, j) that forms the left side of this triangle is intersection A. Similarly, the pixel (i, j) that forms the right side of the triangle is intersection B.

The image data generating unit 33 calculates the Z value for each pixel inside the polygon (intersections A and B, and the pixels between intersections A and B) (S5). Although the derivation is omitted, the Z value is calculated using formula (1).

Additionally, (xi, yi, zi) are the coordinates of one of the three vertices of polygon 300. The normal vector (nx, ny, nz) of polygon 300 is known. Therefore, information processing device 3 can calculate d. Substituting the virtual space coordinates (xa, ya) of intersection A for x and y in formula (1) gives the Z value of intersection A on the Z' axis. Substituting the virtual space coordinates (xb, yb) of intersection B gives the Z value of intersection B on the Z' axis. For pixels between intersections A and B, image data generation unit 33 divides the difference in the Z values of intersections A and B by the number of pixels between intersections A and B to apportion the difference.

Next, the image data generation unit 33 determines whether the value stored at (i, j) in the Z buffer 311 is smaller than the calculated Z value (S6).

If the value of the Z buffer 311 is smaller than the calculated Z value, the polygon 300 is closer, so the image data generation unit 33 stores the color of the polygon at (i, j) in the frame buffer 312 (S7). The image data generation unit 33 stores the color of the polygon 300 in each of the RGB frame buffers 312.

The image data generating unit 33 also updates the value of the Z buffer 311 with the Z value calculated in step S5 (S8). This is to compare with the Z value of the next and subsequent polygons 300.

The image data generating unit 33 determines whether processing of one polygon 300 is complete (S9). If processing of one polygon 300 is not complete, the image data generating unit 33 repeats from step S5.

When processing of one polygon 300 is completed, the image data generation unit 33 determines whether processing has been completed for all polygons 300 in the visual field space 208 (S10).

If processing of all polygons 300 has not been completed, the image data generation unit 33 repeats from step S2.

As a result of the above processing, the captured image (which has pixel values from frame buffer 312) displays the pixel values (RGB) of the foreground object for each pixel. For example, when Figure 9 is completed, the captured image will be in the state shown in Figure 10.

Note that the hidden surface removal method shown in Figure 9 is merely an example, and objects in virtual space can be converted into captured images in any manner.

Once hidden surface removal is performed, only the wall object 11 is displayed in the captured image.

<Changing the color of the first object>
Next, color setting unit 34 calculates the Z value of the object having the attribute to be highlighted, and if it is greater than the value in Z buffer 311 (the object is at the back), sets a color in frame buffer 312 to improve the visibility of the second object.

Figure 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure (object display method) in which the color setting unit 34 highlights at least a part of the overlapping portion between the second object and the first object by using a color. The determination unit 36 and the color setting unit 34 perform the process of Figure 10 for each object.

First, the determination unit 36 prepares a second Z buffer, initializes it to a maximum value (e.g., 1.0), and initializes the second frame buffer to the background color (S11). For the sake of explanation, the Z buffer 311 used in FIG. 9 is referred to as the first Z buffer, and the frame buffer 312 used in FIG. 9 is referred to as the first frame buffer.

The determination unit 36 calculates Z values for all polygons 300 of an object with a specified attribute for which visibility is to be improved (S12). The object with the specified attribute is, for example, an object such as a character or a specified item. For the polygons 300 of the object that overlap each other, the Z value of the foreground polygon 300 is stored in the second Z buffer. The method of calculating the Z value is the same as in FIG. 9, and the coordinates (i, j) and Z value of each polygon 300 are calculated. The determination unit 36 stores this Z value in the second Z buffer, and stores the color of the polygon in the second frame buffer.

The determination unit 36 compares the values of the same coordinates (i, j) in the second Z buffer and the first Z buffer to determine whether the second Z buffer has a larger Z value than the first Z buffer (S13). In other words, it determines whether the second object is hidden by the first object or the like. Although a Z buffer is used here, the determination unit 36 refers to the object data storage unit 39 that stores the position information and shape information of multiple objects, and determines whether there are two or more overlapping objects based on the object position information and shape information.

If the determination in step S13 is Yes, the object with the specified attribute is what is referred to as the second object in this embodiment. The color setting unit 34 sets a color to the coordinates of each pixel in the first frame buffer where the second object exists (S14). In this way, a captured image such as that shown in FIG. 1(b) is obtained. In this way, the color setting unit 34 can change the color of the first object based on the shape of the second object.

For example, the color setting unit 34 can emphasize the red of the second object. In this case, the color setting unit 34 increases the R value and decreases the G and B values of the R, G, and B of the second frame buffer. The color set in the second frame buffer is usually guaranteed to be different from the color of the first object in the first frame buffer. In other words, the color setting unit 34 changes the color of the portion where the second object and the first object overlap (changing it from both the color of the second object and the color of the first object).

The color setting unit 34 may also increase or decrease the saturation or the brightness of the color of the second object. In this way, the color setting unit 34 changes the color of the first object using the color of the second object.

Then, the color setting unit 34 sets the changed color of the second frame buffer to the same pixel of the first frame buffer. The color setting unit 34 may not simply store this changed color in the first frame buffer, but may combine it with the color of the first frame buffer at a predetermined ratio. The player sees the second object as if it is transparent to the first object.

If the color set in the second frame buffer is the same as the color of the first object in the first frame buffer, the color setting unit 34 performs processing such as changing the color set in the second frame buffer to its complementary color.

Also, the color setting unit 34 may simply set a predetermined color in the first frame buffer. For example, when the color setting unit 34 sets red, it sets (R, G, B) = (255, 0, 0) to the coordinates of the first frame buffer where the second object is located. When the color setting unit 34 sets blue, it sets (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 255) to the coordinates of the first frame buffer where the second object is located. When the color setting unit 34 sets green, it sets (R, G, B) = (0, 255, 0) to the coordinates of the first frame buffer where the second object is located. When the color setting unit 34 sets yellow, it sets (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 0) to the coordinates of the first frame buffer where the second object is located.

In this way, the color setting unit 34 can improve the visibility of the second object that would otherwise be hidden by the first object, by setting a color to the first object. To indicate that the second object is hidden by the first object, the brightness or saturation of the changed color can also be reduced. The brightness is changed by converting the pixel value represented by RGB to brightness (e.g., Y in the YUV color space), reducing the brightness, and then converting back to RGB. The saturation is changed by converting the pixel value represented by RGB to saturation (e.g., S in the HSV color space), reducing the saturation, and then converting back to RGB.

<Other display examples of captured images>
The color setting unit 34 may set a color only to the outer edge of the second object, instead of applying a color to the entire second object as in FIG. 1B.

Figure 11 is an example of a captured image in which color is set only to the outer edge of the second object. With the emphasis method shown in Figure 11, the player can notice the second object that is emphasized by the outer edge 320, and since the shape is emphasized, it is easy to determine what the second object is.

Such a display method can be generated by using a second Z buffer. In step S12 of FIG. 10, the Z value of the second object is set in the second Z buffer. The Z value of the second object is smaller (closer) than the initial value of the second object. Therefore, if the color setting unit 34 applies a filter that detects edges of only the outer frame to the second Z buffer, the outer edge of the second object can be obtained.

In addition, there may be cases where only a portion of the second object is hidden by the first object. In this case, the color setting unit 34 may highlight with color only the portion hidden by the first object, or may highlight with color the portion that is not hidden by the first object as well.

Figure 12 (a) is an example of a captured image in which only the portion overlapping with the second object is highlighted with color. Only the portion of the wall object 11 (first object) where the monster object 21 is hidden is colored.

In the display method shown in FIG. 12(a), the color setting unit 34 only needs to set colors to pixels in the first frame buffer that have a Z value in the second Z buffer used in FIG. 10 that is greater than the value in the first Z buffer (however, not including the maximum value, which is the initial value). Note that the parts of the second object that are not hidden by the first object may be displayed normally. When the processing in FIG. 9 is completed, the original color of the second object is set to the parts of the second object that are not hidden by the first object. Also, in FIG. 12(a), the color setting unit 34 can set color only to the outer edge.

Figure 12 (b) is an example of a captured image in which color is set to the parts of the second object that are not hidden by the first object. Color is set to the entire second object.

The display method shown in FIG. 12(b) can be achieved by setting a color in the first frame buffer at the same coordinates as the coordinates at which the color of the polygon is set in the second frame buffer, similar to step S14 in FIG. 10. Note that, even in FIG. 12(b), the color setting unit 34 can set a color only to the outer edge.

<Change color according to attributes>
In the following, a captured image in which the color setting unit 34 changes the color to emphasize the presence of a second object according to the attribute of the object will be described.

For example, the color setting unit 34 may change the color depending on the gender of the character. For female characters, for example, red is set or red is emphasized. For male characters, for example, blue is set or blue is emphasized. For characters of other genders, for example, yellow is set or yellow is emphasized.

The color of the second object changes depending on the gender, making it easier for players to determine whether the character hiding behind the first object is female or male.

The color setting unit 34 may also change the color depending on whether the character is an ally or enemy. For example, green may be set for an ally character, or green may be emphasized. For example, red may be set for an enemy character, or red may be emphasized.

The color of the second object changes depending on whether it's an ally or enemy, allowing the player to approach if it's an ally character and avoid approaching if it's an enemy character.

The color setting unit 34 may change the color depending on the rarity of the object. For example, an object with a high rarity may be set to yellow or the yellow may be emphasized. For example, an object with a low rarity may be set to blue or the blue may be emphasized.

The color of the second object changes depending on its rarity, making it easier for players to decide whether or not to go for the second object.

In addition to these, the color setting unit 34 may change the color according to the HP of the second object (ally character). If there is a character with little HP remaining and waiting for support from an ally, the player can proactively give the character an item such as a medicinal herb.

The color setting unit 34 may also change the color depending on whether or not the second object (ally character) is carrying a weapon. If there is a character without a weapon, it becomes easier for the player to take action such as handing over the weapon.

The color setting unit 34 may also change the color depending on whether the second object (ally character) does not have a recovery item and has little HP remaining. If there is a character with no recovery item and little HP remaining, it becomes easier for the player to take action such as handing over a recovery item.

<Major Effects>
According to the game system of the present embodiment, the position and shape of an object hidden by an obstruction can be visibly displayed, and the player can also recognize the attributes of the object.

<Other application examples>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and technical concept of the present invention.

For example, the information processing device 3 may make a hole in the first object and display the second object with the same color or with a different color. Making a hole means that the color of the hole in the first object is not used in the frame buffer. The information processing device 3 can achieve this by, for example, placing a transparent circular object in front of the first object.

In addition, in this embodiment, at least a part of the overlapping portion between the second object and the first object is emphasized by color, but a gradation may also be applied to the shape of the second object. The information processing device 3 may also divide the shape of the second object into a mosaic pattern to emphasize the color of the second object. The color of the first object may also be emphasized by a circle or a square, regardless of the shape of the second object. The position of the circle or square may be anywhere, such as the center of gravity or the top of the second object.

The color setting unit 34 may also perform the color highlighting process of this embodiment only on second objects that are stationary. This is because stationary objects are difficult for a player to notice. The color setting unit 34 displays a silhouette of a moving second object, and when the object comes to a standstill, performs the color highlighting process of this embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, the process of highlighting the second object is performed after hidden surface removal, but the process of highlighting the second object and the process of removing hidden surfaces may be performed in parallel.

The configuration examples in FIG. 4 and the like are divided according to main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing by the information processing device 3. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing by the information processing device 3 can be divided into even more processing units depending on the processing content. It can also be divided so that one processing unit includes even more processes.

In addition, in this embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the game program may be performed by hardware processing circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), or FPGA (field programmable gate array).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Game system 3 Information processing device 5 Game controller 7 Display device 33 Image data generating unit 34 Color setting unit

Claims (10)

An information processing device,
an image data generating unit that generates image data of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space photographed by a virtual camera;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a first object and a second object at least partially overlap with each other as viewed from the virtual camera by referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
a color setting unit that changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data;
Functioning as a
the color setting unit changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object based on a shape of the second object ;
If only a portion of the second object is obscured by the first object,
The color setting unit changes the color of an overlapping portion of the second object and the first object, and further changes the color of a portion of the second object that does not overlap with the first object to the same color as the changed first object. An information processing device,
an image data generating unit that generates image data of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space photographed by a virtual camera;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a first object and a second object at least partially overlap with each other as viewed from the virtual camera by referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
a color setting unit that changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data;
Functioning as a
The color setting unit changes the color of at least a portion of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object using the color of the second object and the color of the first object . The game program according to claim 2, wherein the color setting unit changes the color of at least a portion of the overlapping area between the second object and the first object to a color obtained by combining the modified color obtained by using the color of the second object with the color of the first object in a predetermined ratio. The game program according to claim 1, wherein the color setting unit sets the color of at least a portion of the overlapping portion between the second object and the first object to a predetermined color. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the color setting unit changes the color of at least a portion of the overlapping area between the second object and the first object in accordance with an attribute of the second object. The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the color setting unit changes saturation of a portion of the image data where the second object and the first object overlap. an image data generating unit that generates image data of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space photographed by a virtual camera;
a determination unit that determines whether or not at least a part of a first object and a second object overlap with each other as viewed from the virtual camera by referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
a color setting unit that changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data;
having
the color setting unit changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object based on a shape of the second object;
If only a portion of the second object is obscured by the first object,
The color setting unit changes the color of the portion where the second object and the first object overlap, and further changes the portion of the second object that does not overlap with the first object to the same color as the changed first object . an image data generating unit that generates image data of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space photographed by a virtual camera;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a first object and a second object at least partially overlap with each other as viewed from the virtual camera by referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
a color setting unit that changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data;
having
The color setting unit changes a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object by using a color of the second object and a color of the first object. A step in which an information processing device generates image data obtained by capturing images of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space with a virtual camera;
a step of the information processing device referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects and determining whether or not at least a part of a first object and a second object overlap as viewed from the virtual camera;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
changing a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data by the information processing device ;
having
In the changing step, a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object is changed based on a shape of the second object,
If only a portion of the second object is obscured by the first object,
The object display method includes a step of changing a color of an overlapping portion of the second object and the first object, and further changing a portion of the second object that does not overlap with the first object to the same color as the changed first object . A step in which an information processing device generates image data obtained by capturing images of a plurality of objects arranged in a virtual space with a virtual camera;
a step of the information processing device referring to a storage unit that stores position information and shape information of a plurality of the objects and determining whether or not at least a part of a first object and a second object overlap as viewed from the virtual camera;
When the first object and the second object located behind the first object overlap with each other at least in part,
changing a color of at least a part of an overlapping portion between the second object and the first object in the image data by the information processing device;
having
The object display method, wherein the changing step includes a step of changing the color of at least a portion of the overlapping area between the second object and the first object using the color of the second object and the color of the first object.

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