Patent ID: 6268873
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: A63F,G06T

Abstract:
An image generation device for generating an image as seen from a given viewpoint within an object space, comprising:means for performing calculations for causing a moving body to move on a course within said object space;means for selecting one viewpoint control program from a plurality of viewpoint control programs, based on program selection data set for said course, and controlling a viewpoint that follows the movement of said moving body, based on the selected viewpoint control program;means for generating an image as seen from said viewpoint within said objectwherein switchover points are set on the course, and whether or not said moving body has passed each switchover point is determined by comparing a distance between said moving body and a start point and a distance between each switchover point and the start point;wherein when said moving body passes each switchover point, a viewpoint control program which is set to the passed switchover point is selected, and the viewpoint that follows the movement of said moving body is controlled based on the selected viewpoint control program;wherein said viewpoint control means selects based on said program selection data, a viewpoint control program that causes a line-of-sight direction to vary in accordance with changes in the inclination of said course, when said moving body is moving through an ordinary area of said course; andwherein said viewpoint control means selects based on said program selection data, a viewpoint control program that holds said line-of-sight direction in a fixed direction irrespective of changes in the inclination of said course when said moving body is moving in a first area that differs from said ordinary area.