Image processing unit, game machine, image processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An image processing unit is provided that is configured so that it can display one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so that it can move relative to such object or objects. A processing unit is comprised that is configured so that, when a character has met a certain condition (such as entering or leaving a building) relative to an object (the building), of the display elements configuring an object deployed in an area related to the movement of the character, the display density of at least some specific display elements (such as a wall existing in front of the building) can be gradually altered. It is possible, with such processing, to provide roll-playing games that feature a high sense of realism.

1 . An image processing unit configured to facilitate display of one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so as to be able to move relative to said object or objects; 
 said image processing unit comprising:    a processing unit that, when said character meets a certain condition relative to said object, can gradually alter display transparency of at least some specific display elements of display elements configuring said object deployed in an area related to movement of said character wherein 
 said prescribed condition is that said character enters or leaves interior of said object;  
 said specific display elements for which display transparency is altered are display elements, among display elements configuring said object, which are positioned on side of point of view established in virtual space for generating image display;  
 said processing unit gradually diminishes display transparency of said specific display elements when said character is entering said object, and intensifies same when said object is exiting;  
 a thickness is established beforehand in partitioning members configuring said object; and  
 said processing unit maps and displays prescribed texture data to cross sections of said partitioning members displayed by display elements other than said specific display elements.  
   
   
   
       2 - 14 . (cancel)  
   
   
       15 . The image processing unit according to  claim 24 , wherein said processing unit is configured so that, according to elevation of said object above a reference plane deployed in virtual space, relative positions of said object and said shadow object therefor, as seen from said point of view, can be altered.  
   
   
       16 . The image processing unit according to  claim 15 , configured to facilitate display of an object and a shadow thereof, deployed in virtual space; 
 wherein the processing unit can establish a black light source for shining illuminating light for displaying said shadow onto an area within said reference plans established in virtual space for displaying said shadow of said object, wherein said illuminating light is reflected only from said area.    
   
   
       17 . A game machine comprising an image processing unit according to any one of claims  1 ,  6  to  9 ,  11  to  13 ,  15 ,  16 , and  24 .  
   
   
       18 . An image processing method for displaying one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so as to be movable relative to said object or objects, comprising steps for: 
 judging whether or not said character has met a certain condition relative to said object or objects;    gradually altering display transparency of at least some specific display elements among display elements configuring said object deployed in an area related to movement of said character when said certain condition has been met;    establishing beforehand a thickness in partitioning members configuring said object; and    mapping and displaying prescribed texture data to cross sections of said partitioning members displayed by display elements other than said specific display elements.    
   
   
       19 . (cancel)  
   
   
       20 . (cancel)  
   
   
       21 . An image processing method for displaying an object and a shadow of said object, wherein said shadow is located floating above the ground, deployed in virtual space, comprising: 
 generating, between said object and point of view for displaying images, a shadow object for displaying said shadow; and    altering the relative positions of said object and said shadow object, as seen from said point of view, according to an elevation of said object above a reference plane deployed in virtual space.    
   
   
       22 . The image processing method according to  claim 21 , further comprising establishing a black light source for shining illuminating light that is for displaying said shadow onto an area within said reference plane established in virtual space for displaying said shadow of said object, wherein said illuminating light is reflected only from said area.  
   
   
       23 . A machine-readable recording medium whereon are recorded program data for executing, on a computer, an image processing method according to any one of  claims 18  to  22 .  
   
   
       24 . An image processing unit configured to facilitate display of objects and shadows of those objects wherein said shadows are located floating above the ground, deployed in virtual space, said image processing unit comprising: 
 a processing unit for generating, between at least one of said objects and a point of view for displaying images, a shadow object for displaying a corresponding shadow.