Information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method and a program capable of reducing processing time and errors in a process of applying desired image processing to an image of a predetermined file format and converting the image into another file format.SOLUTION: An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes preparing an input image for confirmation, an input image for implementation, and an input image for temporary implementation according to an output image (step S31); controlling predetermined image processing software to perform corresponding image processing on each of the input image for confirmation, the input image for implementation, and the input image for temporary implementation (step S33); and converting the file format of each of the input image for confirmation, the input image for implementation, and the input image for temporary implementation on which the image processing has been performed from a first file format to a second file format (step S35).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method and a program.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of Computer Graphics (CG) technology, the images of games and animations have become increasingly attractive. For example, when generating a background image for a game, image editing software such as Photoshop (registered trademark) is often used, and the background image created with such image editing software is input into a game engine such as Unity after being subjected to predetermined image processing as necessary.

[0003] In general games and animations, a large amount of data is required to handle various scenes, taking the background image as an example. On the other hand, for example, when an image is generated using Photoshop (registered trademark) by a designer or creator, the file format of the data is often output in a format such as PSD. For a certain background image, the file size of this PSD format is about 100 MB. If the number of background images required for the game is 1000, the file size of only the background images will be about 100 GB by simple calculation.

[0004] The data of the above background images is frequently uploaded to or downloaded from an online storage or a development platform for group work. In such a situation, the enlargement of data becomes a problem. If the file size of the background image is large, depending on the specifications of the Personal Computer (PC) and the line used for processing, a situation where "the download may not finish even after half a day" may occur. Since the time taken for data upload and download directly affects work efficiency and man-hours, it can be said that setting an appropriate file size is an important factor.

[0005] Therefore, before images generated by designers or other users are input into the game engine, they are sometimes converted to other file formats that result in smaller file sizes. For example, by converting a PSD file to PNG format, the file size can be reduced from approximately 100MB (PSD format) to approximately 1.0MB (PNG format).

[0006] Furthermore, depending on the game, before converting the above file format for game engine input, the background image may undergo the aforementioned image processing. Such image processing may include, for example, changing the canvas size or changing the image resolution.

[0007] To summarize one example of the process described above, a designer or similar person creates a background image using Photoshop® and generates background image data in PSD format. Next, a worker uses Photoshop® to perform predetermined image processing (such as changing the canvas size or image resolution) on the above PSD background image data, generating processed background image data in PSD format. Then, in order to generate data for a game engine with an appropriate file size, the same worker converts the file format of the processed background image data in PSD format to PNG format, and generates background image for the game engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] How to change canvas size and resolution in Photoshop, Internet<https: / / tutusia.com / photshop-resolution-resizing> [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] As mentioned above, when performing predetermined image processing (such as changing the canvas size or image resolution) using image editing software, these processes must be performed manually. For example, when changing the canvas size, the operator opens a window for executing the canvas size change, enters the desired canvas size in that window, and presses the execute button to perform the change (see Non-Patent Literature 1). Also, as mentioned above, the file format input to the game engine may be changed, for example, from a file format that generates background images and performs predetermined image processing (e.g., PSD format) to a PNG format, for the purpose of reducing file size, but this change in file format is also performed manually.

[0010] Image processing and file format conversion are performed manually, but when a single image has many such processes, the amount of manual work increases, making it easier for human errors such as input mistakes to occur. If such human errors occur and are not detected, it can lead to a decrease in quality (for example, an image with an incorrect canvas size may be included), and even if errors are detected, it creates extra work in terms of finding and correcting the location of the error. When dealing with large numbers of images, such as in games and animation, these problems are even more likely to occur.

[0011] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when image processing or file format conversion is performed manually, it is necessary to open a window to execute the process and perform specific input operations, which increases processing time.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and its objective is to provide an information processing method and program that can reduce processing time and errors in the process of applying desired image processing to an image of a predetermined file format and converting it to another file format. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve this objective, a first aspect of the present invention provides a first image in a first file format to be subjected to predetermined image processing, and a second file format different from the first file format to which the image processing has been applied. Multiple types, each with a different purpose. An information processing method for outputting a second image, wherein, depending on the second image to be output, The aforementioned multiple types Image 2 The same number The process involves preparing a first image and controlling predetermined image processing software. The same number as the aforementioned multiple types of second images For each of the first images, Based on pre-stored information for specifying the image processing corresponding to each of the multiple types of second images The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: performing image processing; and converting the file format of each of the first images on which the image processing has been performed from the first file format to the second file format. A second aspect of the present invention involves a computer performing predetermined image processing on a first image in a first file format, and then processing the image into a second file format different from the first file format. Multiple types, each with a different purpose. A program that causes an information processing method to output a second image, wherein the information processing method, according to the second image to be output, The aforementioned multiple types Image 2 The same number The process involves preparing a first image and controlling predetermined image processing software. The same number as the aforementioned multiple types of second images For each of the first images, Based on pre-stored information for specifying the image processing corresponding to each of the multiple types of second images The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: performing image processing; and converting the file format of each of the first images on which the image processing has been performed from the first file format to the second file format. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, in a process of applying desired image processing to an image of a predetermined file format and converting it to another file format, it is possible to reduce the processing time and errors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the flow from an input image to an output image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of predetermined image processing and file format conversion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing information for specifying a method of image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings described below, those having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description may be omitted.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, predetermined image processing (for example, changing the canvas size) is performed on a predetermined image (for example, a background image) of a game or an animation in a first file format (for example, PSD format) by predetermined image editing software, and it is converted into a second file format (PNG format) different from the first file format, and the above image processing and file format conversion are automatically performed. Since the predetermined image in the first file format is an image input to the processing (the above automatically executed image processing and file format conversion) according to an embodiment of the present invention, it will also be referred to as an "input image". Also, since the image in the second file format is an image output by the processing according to an embodiment of the present invention, it will also be referred to as an "output image".

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 102, a storage 103, a memory 104, an output interface (I / F) 105, a reader 106, a reader interface (I / F) 107, an input interface (I / F) 108, and a communication module 109. A display unit 110 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 via the output I / F 105, and an input unit 111 is connected via the input I / F 108.

[0019] The CPU 101 executes processing operations such as various computations, controls, and discriminations. For example, the CPU 101 loads a predetermined program from the storage 103 into the memory 104 and executes a series of instructions included in the program to function so as to execute various processes. The GPU 102 is a processor for performing image processing. The GPU 102 draws an image in response to a predetermined instruction from the CPU 101 and causes the display unit 110 to display the image.

[0020] The storage 103 stores a program (for example, the program shown in FIG. 3, Photoshop (registered trademark) as image editing software, etc.) that the CPU 101 reads and executes, and various data. The memory 104 temporarily holds data and programs. The memory 104 is a volatile memory and temporarily stores data during the processing operations of the CPU 101 and the GPU 102, input data, and further data (such as images) read by the reader 106. For example, the memory 104 is a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The output interface 105 displays video on the display unit 110, such as a display, according to commands from the CPU 101 and GPU 102. The reader 106 is provided on the information processing device 100 and is configured to accept external storage media such as a memory card or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) containing input images such as background images. It reads predetermined data (such as input images) from the inserted external storage media. The reader interface 107 reads data from the external storage media inserted in the reader 106 in response to commands from the CPU 101. The input interface 108 receives input signals related to operations performed by the player via an input unit 111, such as a keyboard. The communication module 109 is connected to a communication network and communicates with other computers connected to the communication network. This communication may be wired or wireless. Predetermined data, such as input images, may also be acquired via the communication module 109.

[0022] This embodiment relates to game background images, and involves applying predetermined image processing to an input image generated by a creator, converting the file format, and outputting an output image for input into a game engine. In this embodiment, the first file format is PSD format (input image file format), the second file format is PNG format (output image file format), and the image editing software used for predetermined image processing is Photoshop®. Furthermore, three types of output images can be produced: a confirmation image, an implementation image, and a temporary implementation image.

[0023] In this embodiment, a "confirmation image" is a reference image used to confirm, compare, and evaluate the appearance at the ratio displayed on the game screen when communicating with other workers or members of other departments using project management tools, etc. An "implementation image" is an image formatted to a rectangular size suitable for the game and is the image that is actually incorporated into the game and used. A "provisional implementation image" has the same basic specifications as the implementation image, but is an image with text or shapes drawn on it so that it can be recognized as "this is provisional" when the background content has not yet been decided. In this embodiment, the above three images are listed as output images, but the embodiment is not limited to these. In other words, in this embodiment, it is not important what the output image is or the number of types of images, but rather that various types of images (at least one image) can be output as output images (images in the second file format) depending on the application.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow from the input image to the output image according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the input image 201 is an image generated by a creator and is data in PSD format (first file format). The output image 202 is an image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the input image 201 and converting it to PNG format, which is the second file format. In this embodiment, the output image 202 is a confirmation image 202a, an implementation image 202b, and a provisional implementation image 202c. Therefore, the input image 201 is prepared as a confirmation input image 201a corresponding to the confirmation image 202a, an implementation input image 201b corresponding to the implementation image 202b, and a provisional implementation input image 201c corresponding to the provisional implementation image 202c. These confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and provisional implementation input image 201c are all the same as the input image 201. On the other hand, the verification image 202a, the implementation image 202b, and the provisional implementation image 202c are different images with different roles, as described above.

[0025] The information processing device 100 prepares, for example, copies of the input image 201 to create the required number of identical images to the input image 201 (confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c) as output images. Next, the information processing device 100 has image editing software (in this case, Photoshop®) perform the corresponding image processing 202 on the prepared confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c. Then, the information processing device 100 converts the file format of each of the processed confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c from PSD format to PNG format. As a result, confirmation image 202a, implementation image 202b, and temporary implementation image 202c are obtained, which have undergone the predetermined image processing and are in PNG format.

[0026] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for predetermined image processing and file format conversion according to this embodiment. This processing is performed by the CPU 101 reading the program shown in Figure 3 stored in the storage 103 and executing the program. As a premise of the present invention, it is assumed that the game according to this embodiment was running before the processing according to this embodiment shown in Figure 3 was realized, and that before this realization, image processing of background images generated by the creator was performed manually using predetermined image editing software (here referred to as Photoshop®).

[0027] In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 acquires an input image 201 in PSD format via an external storage medium attached to the reader 107 or a communication module 109. Alternatively, the input image 201 may be generated by a creator using the input unit 111 in the information processing device 100. The input image 201 acquired in this way is stored in the memory 104. When an operator inputs an instruction to start this process via the input unit 111, in step S31 the CPU 101 acquires a confirmation input image 201a, an implementation input image 201b, and a temporary implementation input image 201c, respectively. In other words, in this embodiment, three types of images will be generated as output images: a confirmation image 202a, an implementation image 202b, and a temporary implementation image 202c. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare three copies of the same image as the input image 201. Therefore, the CPU 101 generates three copies of the input image 201 stored in memory 104, thereby creating a verification input image 201a, an implementation input image 201b, and a temporary implementation input image 201c (all in PSD format).

[0028] In step S32, the CPU 101 issues an execution command to Photoshop® to perform the image processing described above, in order to apply appropriate image processing to each of the following: the confirmation input image 201a, the implementation input image 201b, and the temporary implementation input image 201c. In this embodiment, the image processing of the input images is performed using Photoshop®, which has been used manually for this game in the past, as described above. Therefore, the CPU 101 instructs Photoshop® to perform the image processing in order to use the same image processing as before the implementation of this process.

[0029] In step S33, the CPU 101, in response to the execution command issued in step S32, causes Photoshop® to perform the corresponding image processing on each of the confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c acquired in step S31. That is, the CPU 101 reads Photoshop® stored in storage 103 and controls Photoshop® to perform the corresponding image processing on each of the confirmation input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c acquired in step S31. For example, method information 401 to 403 showing the image processing method shown in Figure 4 can be stored in storage 103, and Photoshop® can be executed according to this method information. In this embodiment, the image processing performed on each of the confirmation image, implementation image, and temporary implementation image is "changing the canvas size" and "changing the image resolution," and the temporary implementation image is further "adding a warning."

[0030] In Figure 4, method information 401 is information that details the image processing method for the verification image, and includes information indicating "change canvas size" and "change image resolution" as the corresponding image processing, and parameters related to these processing (for example, parameters that specify the changed size). Method information 402 is information that details the image processing method for the implementation image, and includes information indicating "change canvas size" and "change image resolution" as the corresponding image processing, and parameters related to these processing. Method information 403 is information that details the image processing method for the temporary implementation image, and includes information indicating "change canvas size," "change image resolution," and "add disclaimer" as the corresponding image processing, and parameters related to these processing. The above "add disclaimer" is the process of adding a disclaimer to the target image, for example, "This is temporary data." Therefore, the parameter corresponding to "add disclaimer" in method information 403 is the text information to be added as the disclaimer "This is temporary data." For example, for the verification input image 201a, the CPU 101 controls Photoshop (registered trademark) to perform the image processing "change canvas size" and "change image resolution" instructed in method information 401, according to method information 401 stored in storage 103, so that the parameters are the same as those held in method information 401, and causes the verification input image to be processed. Similarly, the CPU 101 causes Photoshop (registered trademark) to perform the image processing required for the implementation input image 201b and the temporary implementation input image 201c according to method information 402 and 403, respectively. In this way, the CPU 101 obtains PSD format input images (verification input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c) that have been processed by the image editing software.

[0031] In step S34, the CPU 101 saves the image-processed verification input image 201a, the implementation input image 201b, and the provisional implementation input image 201c acquired in step S33 to memory 104. The file formats of the verification input image 201a, the implementation input image 201b, and the provisional implementation input image 201c saved here are each in the first file format, PSD format.

[0032] In step S35, the CPU 101 converts the file format of the processed input images (verification input image 201a, implementation input image 201b, and temporary implementation input image 201c) stored in memory 104 to a second file format, PNG format. In this way, the CPU 101 obtains output images (verification image 202a, implementation image 202b, and temporary implementation image 202c) in the second file format, PNG format.

[0033] As described above, according to this embodiment, a control unit such as the CPU 101 controls the image editing software on the input image to perform predetermined image processing, and furthermore, the control unit converts the file format of the processed input image from a first file format, which is the format of the input image, to a second file format, which is the format required for the output image. This reduces the amount of manual work required by humans and reduces human errors such as operational mistakes and processing time.

[0034] Now, regarding so-called online games, it's not uncommon for them to be operated for a long time with various updates over time, such as the implementation of new functions and characters, expansion of the story, and the resolution of bugs. In other words, there are many games that last for 5 or 10 years, and during that time, the development environment is also improved and evolved. When we focus on graphics, such as background images, in these improvements and evolutions, depending on the image processing applied to such images, if the software used is changed, even if the parameters are adjusted to maintain the same quality, a "shift" may occur in certain parts of the image. If such a "shift" occurs, even if it's the same ocean background image, the appearance and atmosphere may change from before, and quality may not be guaranteed.

[0035] For example, consider the case of changing image resolution using a certain image processing method (e.g., bicubic interpolation). Even if two different image editing software programs implement a certain image processing method, the processing methods in each of these two programs may differ slightly, resulting in slight differences in the resulting image after the resolution change. If this happens, and the image editing software or image processing module used for image processing in an already released game is changed due to improvements in the development environment, it could lead to a situation where the appearance and atmosphere of the images (background images, etc.) change before and after the change.

[0036] In contrast, in this embodiment, in the automated image processing and file format conversion processes, instead of creating a new image processing module in conjunction with the automation of the process, image processing is performed using existing, predetermined image editing software. Therefore, as described above in this embodiment, even in situations where, for example, image processing has been performed using Photoshop® since the initial release of the game, image processing can still be performed using Photoshop®. This reduces the occurrence of the aforementioned "discrepancies" even when the characteristic automation of the present invention is implemented in the development of a game that is already in operation, and reduces variations in quality before and after the implementation.

[0037] Improvements to the development environment of a game during its operation, as described above, are not limited to long-term operation; they can also occur in games with short operating periods. In other words, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied regardless of the length of the game's operation period.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the first file format is assumed to be PSD format, but it is not limited to this format; for example, it may be JPEG, PNG, or other formats. Similarly, the second file format is assumed to be PNG format, but it is not limited to this format; it may be PSD, JPEG, or other formats as long as it is different from the first file format.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the output images include a confirmation image, an implementation image, and a temporary implementation image, but the type and number of output images can be any of these. Moreover, the type and number of output images can be arbitrarily set. In this case, a step should be provided before step S31 in which the operator can specify the type and number of output images.

[0040] (Other embodiments) A processing method that involves storing a program that operates the configuration of the above-described embodiment to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment (for example, a program that performs the processing shown in Figure 3) in a storage medium, reading the program stored in the storage medium as code, and executing it on a computer is also included in the scope of the above-described embodiment. In other words, a computer-readable storage medium is also included in the scope of the embodiment. Furthermore, the storage medium on which the aforementioned computer program is stored, as well as the computer program itself, are included in the above-described embodiment. Examples of such storage media include floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, etc. Moreover, the scope of the above-described embodiment is not limited to programs that perform processing on their own stored in the above-described storage medium, but also includes programs that operate on the OS in cooperation with other software and the functions of expansion boards to perform the operations of the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 100 Information Processing Devices 101 CPU 103 Storage 104 memory 201 Input Images 201a Input image for verification 201b Input image for implementation 201c Input image for temporary implementation 202 Output Image 202a Verification image 202b Implementation Image Image for 202c provisional implementation 203 Image Processing 204 File Conversion Process 401 Information on how to use verification images 402 Method information for implementation images 403 Method information for images used in the provisional implementation

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising applying predetermined image processing to a first image in a first file format, and outputting multiple types of second images in a second file format different from the first file format, each with a different purpose, which have undergone the image processing, The process of preparing the same number of first images as the plurality of types of second images, according to the second image to be output, A step of controlling predetermined image processing software to perform image processing on each of the same number of first images as the plurality of second images, based on pre-stored information for specifying the image processing corresponding to each of the plurality of second images, A step of converting the file format of each of the first images on which the image processing has been performed from the first file format to the second file format. An information processing method characterized by having the following features.

2. On the computer, A program that performs an information processing method on a first image in a first file format, and outputs multiple types of second images in a second file format different from the first file format, each with a different purpose, which have undergone the image processing. The aforementioned information processing method is: The process of preparing the same number of first images as the plurality of types of second images, according to the second image to be output, A step of controlling predetermined image processing software to perform image processing on each of the same number of first images as the plurality of second images, based on pre-stored information for specifying the image processing corresponding to each of the plurality of second images, A step of converting the file format of each of the first images on which the image processing has been performed from the first file format to the second file format. A program characterized by having the following features.

Images