Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Animation
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-10
2001-07-31
Nguyen, Phu K. (Department: 2772)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Animation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268873
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image generation device for generating an image as seen from a given viewpoint within an object space, and an information storage medium.
2. Description of Related Art
An image generation device is known in the art for disposing a plurality of display objects within an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and generating an image as seen from a given viewpoint within that object space, which is highly popular for enabling players to experience a virtual reality. Taking the example of an image generation device for a driving game, a player manipulates a vehicle (moving body) to cause it to travel over a course within an object space, to enjoy a three-dimensional game.
In such a three-dimensional game, the player plays the game while viewing an image at a given viewpoint within the object space. Therefore, if the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction move in an unnatural manner, or the movement is not as the programmers had intended, the player will experience an unnatural feeling. If an intended game effect cannot be achieved, the player's concentration on the game will be lost. This is why there is currently a great deal of effort and time being invested in the development of programs that control the viewpoint.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention was devised in order to solve the above technical problem, and has as an objective thereof the provision of an image generation device and an information storage medium that enable sophisticated viewpoint control by simple processing.
According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided an image generation device in order to solve the above described technical problem. This image generation device for generating an image as seen from a given viewpoint within an object space, comprises: means for performing calculations for causing a moving body to move on a course within the object space; means for selecting one viewpoint control program from a plurality of viewpoint control programs, based on program selection data set for the course, and controlling a viewpoint that follows the movement of the moving body, based on the selected viewpoint control program; and means for generating an image as seen from the viewpoint within the object space.
The program selection data that is set for the course is used as the basis for selecting a viewpoint control program, and the viewpoint is controlled on the basis of the selected viewpoint control program. A viewpoint control program that can handle all of the course conditions that can occur is required to have a high-level, complicated structure, so it is not easy to develop. This invention makes it possible to provide a number of viewpoint control programs for handling different areas of the course, enabling the system to cope with various changes in the course conditions. This means that sophisticated viewpoint control can be provided, but with a simple program structure and simple processing. Thus the work required in program development can be reduced, leading to a shortening of the development period.
The viewpoint control means may control the viewpoint on the basis of the selected viewpoint control program and a viewpoint control parameter that is set for the course and linked to the program selection data. This makes it unnecessary to have various programs that differ only in the setting of viewpoint control parameters, making the overall program smaller. In addition, the processing can cope with different changes in course conditions by simply changing a viewpoint control parameter.
The viewpoint control means may select based on the program selection data, a viewpoint control program that causes a line-of-sight direction to vary in accordance with changes in the inclination of the course, when the moving body is moving through an ordinary area of the course; and the viewpoint control means may also select based on the program selection data, a viewpoint control program that holds the line-of-sight direction in a fixed direction irrespective of changes in the inclination of the course, when the moving body is moving in a first area that differs from the ordinary area. This makes it possible to prevent a phenomenon wherein the line-of-sight direction vibrates up and down very slightly in an area of the course when the inclination of the course varies at short intervals.
The viewpoint control means may select based on the program selection data, a viewpoint control program that causes a line-of-sight direction to change to a target direction during a fixed time after the moving body has jumped in an ordinary area of the course; and the viewpoint control means may also select based on the program selection data, a viewpoint control program that causes the line-of-sight direction to change to the target direction after the moving body has jumped in a second area different from the ordinary area, and also provides variable control over the time during which the line-of-sight direction is changed to the target direction. This makes it possible to obtain a more natural image during a jump to a high landing point or a jump to a low landing point, for example.
The viewpoint control means may provide variable control over the time during which the line-of-sight direction is changed to the target direction, based on a viewpoint control parameter that is set for the course and linked to the program selection data. This makes it possible to control the view-point as appropriate, to handle course areas with landing points at different heights.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6081271 (2000-06-01), Bardon et al.
patent: 7-178241 (1995-07-01), None
patent: A-9-167256 (1997-06-01), None
Nguyen Phu K.
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
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