JP3272463B2 - Image forming apparatus and method of using the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for generating data of a display output image to be output to an image display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device for display and writing the data in an image memory such as a video memory. The present invention relates to an image creating apparatus and a method for using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a home TV game machine, a personal computer device, a graphic computer device, or the like, image data (display output) output to a television receiver, a monitor receiver, a CRT display device, or the like and displayed. When generating or creating image data, so-called textures (fabrics, ground patterns)
, Or a method of changing the display color by converting the color data of the image through a so-called color look-up table.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus having a texture mapping function. In FIG. 6, a CPU 101 composed of a microprocessor or the like is connected to a main bus 109,
The main bus 109 includes a main memory 102 for storing programs and data, a video memory 103 for storing data of an image serving as a source of the texture (texture source image), and a display / output image generated or created. Video memory 104 where data is stored
Are at least connected. The CPU 101 reads the data of the texture source image from the video memory 103, modifies the data if necessary,
Write to. The data of the display output image written in the display area of the video memory 104 is stored in the D / A converter 10.
In step 5, it is converted into an analog signal and taken out as a video output.

[0006] The processing operation of the image forming apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In the video memory 103, several texture source images serving as original images of the texture mapping, for example, the texture source images 111a, 111a, and 1a shown in FIG.
11b, 111c, etc. are stored. CPU 10
1 reads out image data from a predetermined position in the video memory 103 according to the type and readout position of the texture source image specified by the program stored in the main memory 102, and adds the deformation specified by the program. For example, the deformed image 112 shown in FIG.
It is written in the display area 121 of the video memory 104 as a. The write address in the display area 121 is also specified by the program.

After repeating such operations sequentially,
When all the predetermined texture mapping operations are completed by the program, the display area 121 of the video memory 104 is displayed.
In FIG. 7, for example, an image 113 shown in FIG. 7C is completed. This image 113 is read out according to the address calculated based on the video synchronization signal, and the D / A
Video (video) after D / A conversion by converter 105
Extracted as an output signal.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus having a function of converting image data using a conversion table such as a so-called color lookup table. 8, the CPU 101, the main memory 102, the video memories 103 and 104, the D / A converter 105, and the main bus 109 are the same as those in the configuration of FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 8, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 6, a conversion table memory 106 storing a conversion table such as a color lookup table for converting the data of the display output image read from the video memory 104 is stored. The image data converted and output by the conversion table memory 106 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 105 and taken out as a video output.

The CPU 101 reads the texture source from the video memory 103, modifies the texture source, and stores the texture source in the video memory 104, as described above with reference to FIGS. In the display area 121 of the video memory 104, for example, an image 113 as shown in FIG. 9A is completed. A in FIG. 9 corresponds to C in FIG. 7, and the processing up to this point is the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS. However, the image data at this stage is temporary data and is not output as it is as a video (video) output signal.

The output data, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B read from the display area 121 of the video memory 104 is input as, for example, an address of the conversion table memory 106. The conversion table memory 106 stores, for example, FIG. 9 for performing conversion from temporary data to true data.
The conversion table 114 as shown in C of FIG.
01, and true data corresponding to the image data output from the video memory 104, for example, conversion output data as shown in FIG. 9D is output from the conversion table memory 106. Thereafter, the output image data is D / A converted by the D / A converter 105, and is taken out as a video (video) output signal.

[0009]

In the configuration of FIG. 6, the video memory 1 dedicated to the texture source image is used.
03 is required, which hinders downsizing and cost reduction of the device. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 9, not only the conversion table memory 106 dedicated to the conversion table is required, but also
CPU to access translation table memory 106
A bus must be connected, which hinders miniaturization and cost reduction of the device.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can secure a storage area for a texture source image and a conversion table without increasing the memory, thereby effectively reducing the size and cost of the apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a feasible image creating apparatus and a method for using the same.

[0011]

A memory management method for an image creating apparatus according to the present invention is a memory management method for an image creating apparatus that outputs data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display apparatus. When display output image data is held in the display area set at the first position in the video memory, the display area is set at a second position different from the first position in the video memory. At the same time, new display output image data created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position is written to the display area at the second position. Another memory management method for an image creation device according to the present invention is a memory management method for an image creation device for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, wherein a time of an arbitrary Nth frame is Holding display output image data in the display area set at a first position in the video memory, and setting the display output image data at a second position different from the first position in the video memory at the time of the (N + 1) th frame. Setting a display area, and storing new display output image data created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position in the display area at the second position. It is characterized by. Here, at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position is stored as a texture source image data in an area other than the display area at the second position in the video memory. You may.

[0012] Further, the image data creating method of the image creating apparatus according to the present invention is an image data creating method of an image creating apparatus for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, When display output image data is held in the display area set at the first position in the memory, the display area is set at a second position different from the first position in the video memory; New display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position. An image data creation method of another image creation device according to the present invention is an image data creation method in an image creation device that outputs data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, and includes an arbitrary Nth frame. At time t, display output image data is held in the display area set at the first position in the video memory, and at time N + 1 frame, a second position different from the first position in the video memory The display area is set, and new display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position. Here, at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position is stored as data of a texture source image in an area other than the display area at the second position in the video memory, New display output image data may be created using the data of the texture source image.

Further, an image creating apparatus according to the present invention is an image creating apparatus for creating display output image data to be output to an image display device for display, and comprising a display for storing the display output image data. A video memory in which an area is set, and the display area is set at a first position in the video memory, and when display output image data is held in the display area at the first position, The display area is set at a second position different from the first position, and new display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position. And a processor for writing the new display output image data in the display area at the second position. Another image creating apparatus according to the present invention is an image creating apparatus that creates display output image data for output to an image display device for display, wherein a display area for storing the display output image data is set. A video memory to be set, and at an arbitrary Nth frame time, the display area is set at a first position in the video memory, and display output image data is held in a display area at the first position, and an (N + 1) th frame At a time different from the first position in the video memory,
Setting the display area at a position, creating new display output image data based on at least a portion of the display output image data held at the display area at the first position, and setting the display area at the second position And a processor for storing new display output image data. Here, the processor may further include, in an area other than the display area at the second position in the video memory, at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position. And the new display output image data may be created using the data of the texture source image. Further, the image creating device may further include a converter for converting data in a display area of the video memory into a video output signal.

[0014]

By switching the position of the recording area (display area) of the display output image in the video memory, an image generated or created by a computer can be directly used as a texture source, which is convenient.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a CPU 11 composed of a microprocessor or the like is connected to a main bus 19, which has a main memory 12 for storing programs, data, and the like, and a display output image generated or created. Video memory 14 in which data is stored at least
Is connected. In the video memory 14, a display area is an area in which data of an image output to a television receiver, a monitor receiver, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device and displayed (display output image data) is stored. Information related to the display output image, for example, data of a so-called texture source image (texture source image) and data of a conversion table of image data such as a color look-up table, are written in a vacant area other than. ing. The D / A converter 15 converts the output image data from the video memory 14 into an analog signal.

In such a configuration, the CPU 11
In accordance with the program stored in the main memory 12, the data of the texture source image is read from the video memory 14, modified if necessary, and written to the video memory 14. The data of the display output image written in the display area of the video memory 14 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 15 and taken out as a video output.

FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the contents (internal state) of the video memory 14. FIG. 2A shows an initial state. The inside of the video memory 14 is divided into a display area 21 as an area for storing the display output image data, and a free area 22 other than the display area. This is because, for example, the number of pixels of an image displayed on a CRT display device has a value of 400 × 640 in length or 480 × 720 in width, whereas the configuration of the video memory 14 is 2 in both length and width. In order to store an image having the above number of pixels, 512 × 1024 (words)
Is required, and there is a surplus in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in the free area 22, which is the remaining (remaining) portion where the display area 21 is secured in the video memory 14, images serving as several texture sources are provided. 23a, 23b, and 23c are written, and a conversion table 24 such as a color lookup table is written as shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of this embodiment. Step S1 in FIG.
In the above, before generating or creating the display output image, the CPU 11 sets the images 23a, 23b, 23
c is stored in the video memory 1
4 is stored in a free area 22 other than the display area. In step S2, a conversion table 24 for converting temporary image data into true image data, such as a so-called color lookup table, is stored in the free space 22. Such data of the texture source image can be obtained by reading from an external storage device such as a disk device or a tape device.

Next, the CPU 11 executes a program stored in the main memory 12, performs calculations necessary for generating or creating a predetermined image, and, according to the result, free space in the video memory 14. Region 22
Texture source images 23a, 2a stored in
3b, 23c, etc. are read (step S3), and are referred to the conversion table 24 such as the color look-up table (step S4), and are written in the display area 21 while performing necessary deformation processing (so-called drawing processing, step S5). ). In this case, the data directly obtained from the texture source image is an address for referring to the conversion table for converting the temporary image data to the true image data, and the true image data read therefrom is stored in the video memory. 14 is written in the display area 21.

Next, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the drawing processing has been completed for all polygonal areas (so-called polygons) serving as units of a display output image formed in the display area 21 in the video memory 14. If it is determined that the processing has not been completed (NO), the above-described step S
Steps S3, S4, and S5 are repeated, and when it is determined that the drawing is completed (YES), the image creation processing ends.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the state at the time when the image creation processing is completed, wherein A shows the internal state of the video memory 14 and B shows the display state of the CRT display device 18, respectively. In FIG. 4A, the video memory 14
A display output image 25 is created and written in the display area 21 in the box. The image data in the display area 21 is
The data is read out according to the video synchronization signal, and the D / A
At step 5, the signal is converted into an analog signal and output. For example, an image 25 is displayed on a screen surface 27 which is a display surface of a CRT display device 26 shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, the texture source images 23a, 23b and 23 are stored in the free area 22 which is an area other than the display area 21 in one video memory 14.
Conversion table 24 such as c and color lookup table
, A separate video memory (103 in FIG. 6) for storing the texture source image, a separate conversion table memory (106 in FIG. 8) for storing the conversion table, and the like are not required, and the size of the apparatus is reduced. And lower prices. Also,
The (temporary) data directly obtained from the texture source images 23a, 23b, and 23c in the free area 22 in the video memory 14 is written into the display area 21 while being converted into true data with reference to the conversion table 24. As a result, the conversion table memory 1 as shown in FIG.
It is not necessary to provide another bus for accessing the 06, and from this point, the size and cost of the device can be reduced.

By moving the display area in one video memory 14, the display output image itself created or formed can be used as a texture source and a reference image. This example will be described with reference to FIG.

First, FIG. 5A shows the memory contents at the time of an arbitrary N-th frame. In the N-th frame, a display area 31 is set at a predetermined position in the video memory 14, and several texture source images 33a, 33b, 3
3c is stored. At least a part of the image created at the time of the N-th frame and written in the display area 31 is used as it is as a texture source image in the next (N + 1) -th frame.

FIG. 5B shows the contents of the memory at the time of the next (N + 1) th frame. In the video memory 14 of FIG. 5B, the display area 41 is switched and set to a position different from the set position of the display area 31. A necessary portion of the image written in the display area 31 is stored as a new texture source image 43a in an empty area 42 other than the display area 41. 43b, 43c
Is stored. Such a texture source image 4
3a is read out and modified, and the image 4 is displayed in the display area 41.
5a.

By using such a method, an image generated or created by a computer can be directly used as a texture source, which is convenient.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, program information related to a display output image may be written in a free area other than the display area in the video memory. .

[0030]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for generating data of a display output image to be output to an image display device for display.
An image memory in which the display output image is stored, and information related to the display output image is written in a free area of the image memory other than the storage area of the display output image,
As this information, a texture source image, a conversion table for image data such as a color lookup table, and the like are used, so that a memory dedicated to the texture source image and a memory dedicated to the conversion table are not required. The price can be reduced.

By switching the position of the display output image recording area in the image memory, the created display output image can be used as it is as a texture source image, which is convenient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an embodiment of an image creating apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the contents of a video memory for explaining the processing of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining processing of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the contents of a video memory for describing the processing of another embodiment of the image creating apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing of the conventional device.

FIG. 8 is a block circuit diagram showing another example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining processing of the other conventional apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU CPU 12 Main memory Video memory 15 D / A converter 21, 31, 41 Display area 22, 32 42... Free area 23a, 23b, 23c... Texture source image 24... Conversion table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G09G 5/00-5/42 G06F 3/14-3/153 G06T 11/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A memory management method for an image creating apparatus for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, wherein the data is displayed in the display area set at a first position in the video memory. When the output image data is held, the display area is set in the video memory at a second position different from the first position, and the display output image held in the display area at the first position A memory management method for writing new display output image data created based on at least a part of the data into the display area at the second position. 2. A memory management method for an image creating apparatus for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, comprising: a first position in the video memory at an arbitrary Nth frame time; Holding the display output image data in the display area set in the video memory, and setting the display area at a second position different from the first position in the video memory at the time of the (N + 1) th frame; A new display output image data created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area of the second position, in the display area at the second position. 3. At least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position is stored as a texture source image data in an area other than the display area at the second position in the video memory. 3. The memory management method according to claim 1, wherein: 4. An image data creating method for an image creating apparatus for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, wherein the image data is created in the display area set at a first position in the video memory. When the display output image data is held, the display area is set at a second position different from the first position in the video memory, and the display output held at the display area at the first position is set. An image data creating method for creating new display output image data based on at least a part of the image data. 5. An image data creating method in an image creating device for outputting data stored in a display area of a video memory to an image display device, the method comprising the steps of: Holding display output image data in the display area set at the position, setting the display area at a second position different from the first position in the video memory at the time of the (N + 1) th frame; An image data creation method, wherein new display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in a position display area. 6. At least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position is stored as texture source image data in an area other than the display area at the second position in the video memory. 6. The image data creating method according to claim 4, wherein the new display output image data is created using data of the texture source image. 7. An image creation device for creating display output image data for output to an image display device for display, wherein a video memory in which a display area for storing the display output image data is set; The display area is set at a first position in the video memory, and when display output image data is held in the display area at the first position, a second area different from the first position in the video memory is set. The display area is set at a position, and new display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held at the display area at the first position. A processor for writing the new display output image data. 8. An image creating apparatus for creating display output image data for output to an image display device for display, comprising: a video memory in which a display area for storing the display output image data is set; The display area is set at a first position in the video memory at an arbitrary N-th frame time, and display output image data is held in a display area at the first position. Setting the display area at a second position different from the first position in the memory;
New display output image data is created based on at least a part of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position, and the new display output image data is stored in the display area at the second position. An image creation device including a processor. 9. The processor further stores at least a portion of the display output image data held in the display area at the first position in a region other than the display area at the second position in the video memory. The image creating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the new display output image data is created by using the data of the texture source image while storing as the data of the texture source image. 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a converter for converting data in a display area of said video memory into a video output signal.