JPH09223242A - Animation preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily prepare character data with images or the like fetched to a computer by using skeleton information, deformation area information and deformation information, deforming a deformation area in the images and generating deformed images. SOLUTION: An image fetching part 102 fetches image data to be an operation object from a storage part 101 and sends them to a skeleton information specifying part 103. The skeleton information specifying part 103 specifies the skeleton information as line graphic information to be a skeleton for the deformation of the image data. A deformation area specifying part 104 specified an area to be the deformation object of the image data affected by the skeleton information. A deformation information specifying part 105 specifies information for deforming the specified skeleton information. An image deformation part 106 deforms the image data based on the specified skeleton information, deformation area information and deformation information and tentatively stores them in the storage part 101 separately from the original image data. The stored respective image data are edited by using an image editing part 107 as needed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an animation creating apparatus obtained by sequentially displaying a plurality of image data on a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the performance and cost of personal computers have increased, so-called end-users have become increasingly open to multimedia data creation. A conventional animation creating device is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-2.
90144.

A conventional animation creating apparatus will be described below.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a conventional animation creating apparatus. A conventional animation creating apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 17, 171 is a basic shape data storage device for storing basic shape data, 172 is a basic shape data selection device for selecting basic shape data, 173 is a character data creation device for creating character data,
174 is a character data storage device that stores character data and basic shape data, 175 is a data management device that manages data, 176 is a character action description creation device that describes the action of character data, and 177 is an action description that stores action description data. The storage device 178 is a drawing device that draws based on the behavior description data and the character data.
A display device 79 displays an image.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus configured as described above will be described below. First, basic shape data for creating an animation is stored in the basic shape data storage device 171 as basic shape data. The basic shape data storage device 171 is a kind of database. Then, the basic shape data selection device 172 receives the shape data required for the animation.
Is selected from the basic shape data storage device 171 and stored in the character data storage device 174. Next, shape data that is not stored in the basic shape data storage device 171 is created using the character data creation device 173 and stored in the character data storage device 174. The data management device 175 manages such data for each scene and sends it to the drawing device 178.

Next, with respect to the shape data, the action description data such as position and action is determined by the character action description creation device 176 and stored in the action description storage device 177.
When all the character shape data necessary for the scene and all the motion description data have been created, the character data storage device 174 and the motion description storage device 176 send the data necessary for the scene to the drawing device 178. The drawing device 178 creates image data based on the shape data and the behavior description data, and the image display device 179 displays the image data.

[0008]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional techniques, it is difficult to use the character data not stored as the basic shape data or the image captured by the creator as the shape data. . Even if such data could be used as shape data, much work was required.

Further, when the basic shape data is used to check the motion of the animation, it is necessary to finally recreate all the shape data, so that the end user is forced to do much work. I had a problem.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention allows the creator to easily designate a graphic as an operation reference for an image imported into a computer or an image created on the computer. An object is to provide an animation creating device capable of creating character data.

Further, the present invention provides an animation creating apparatus which enables an creator to freely create a scene image by freely moving a figure which is a reference of an operation, and can easily create an animation. The purpose is to

[0012]

According to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, when a deformed image is generated by deforming an image, the deformed region of the image which is the object of the deformation is represented. A deformation area designation unit for specifying the deformation area information,
A skeleton information specifying unit that specifies skeleton information for the deformation region, a deformation information specifying unit that receives deformation information added to the skeleton information in order to deform the deformation region in the image, the skeleton information and the deformation region. An image deforming unit that deforms the deformed area in the image using the information and the deformed information to generate the deformed image, and the skeleton information serves as a reference when deforming the deformed area. An animation creating apparatus characterized by being line figure information.

The deformation information may be information on the position of at least one point on the line figure formed by the skeleton information after the deformation.

Further, the image transformation unit changes the skeleton information in accordance with the transformation information to generate transformed skeleton information which is the skeleton information after the transformation, and changes the skeleton information in all or part of the inside of the transformation area. Pixels are mapped based on the deformed skeleton information to generate combined deformed region information that is the deformed region information after the deformation, and each pixel in all or a part inside the deformed region is deleted from the image. Then, the synthesis image information may be generated, and the deformation image may be generated using the synthesis deformation area information and the synthesis image information.

Further, the skeleton information designating section identifies the skeleton information based on designation by an operator, and the deformation area designating section identifies the skeleton information based on the skeleton information identified by the skeleton information designating section. The deformation area information may be specified.

The deformation area designating unit identifies the deformation area information based on the designation of the operator, and the skeleton information designating unit based on the deformation area information identified by the deformation area designation unit. The skeleton information may be specified.

Further, the animation creating apparatus further comprises a width information designating section for receiving width information for changing the width of all or part of the line figure formed by the skeleton information,
The image transformation unit changes the width of all or part of the line figure formed by the skeleton information based on the width information, and changes the skeleton information whose width has been changed according to the transformation information. , Deformed skeleton information which becomes the skeleton information after the deformation, and maps each pixel in all or a part of the inside of the deformed area based on the deformed skeleton information to obtain the deformed area information after the deformation. Generating deformation region information for synthesis, deleting all pixels in the deformation region from all or part of the inside of the deformation region to generate image information for synthesis, and generating the deformation region information for synthesis and the image for synthesis. The deformed image may be generated using information and.

Further, the animation creating apparatus includes a deformation animation designating section for specifying deformation animation information which is movement information for the skeleton information, and a deformation for generating a plurality of skeleton information while performing a deformation animation according to the deformation animation information. An animation playback unit may be further provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when an image is deformed, a deformation area designating unit for specifying deformation area information representing a deformation area of the image which is an object of the deformation, and skeleton information for the deformation area. And a skeletal information specifying section that specifies
A deformation animation designation unit that specifies deformation animation information that is movement information with respect to the skeleton information, a deformation animation reproduction unit that generates a plurality of skeleton information while performing a deformation animation according to the deformation animation information, and the deformation animation reproduction unit. Deform the image according to the generated plurality of skeleton information,
An animation creating apparatus, comprising: an image transforming unit that generates a plurality of transformed images, wherein the skeleton information is line figure information serving as a reference when transforming the deformed region.

It should be noted that the animation creating apparatus is further provided with an animation reproducing section for reproducing the deformed image generated by the image deforming section, and a display section for displaying the deformed image reproduced by the animation reproducing section. Good.

The animation creating apparatus may further include an image editing section for editing the modified image generated by the image modifying section.

Further, the animation creating apparatus may further include an animation playing information creating section for editing or newly creating the animation playing information used by the animation playing section for playing the transformed image.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a configuration diagram of the animation creating apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment, 101 is a storage unit, 102 is an image capturing unit,
Reference numeral 3 is a skeleton information designation unit, 104 is a deformation region designation unit, and 105.
Is a transformation information designation unit, 106 is an image transformation unit, 107 is an image editing unit, 108 is an animation reproduction information creation unit, 10
Reference numeral 9 is an animation reproducing unit, and 110 is an output unit.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the image capturing section 102 includes the storage section 101.
The image data to be operated is extracted from and is sent to the skeleton information specifying unit 103.

The skeleton information designating section 103 is an image capturing section 10.
The skeletal information is designated for the image data received from 2. The skeleton information is line drawing information that serves as a skeleton for transforming image data using an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. FIG. 3 shows the skeleton information specifying unit 103.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example when skeleton information is designated and an image is deformed in FIG. In FIG. 3, 31 is image data before deformation, and 32 is skeleton information specified by the skeleton information specifying unit 103 for the image data 31 before deformation. Further, 34 is the skeleton information after deformation specified by the deformation information specifying unit 105 described later, and 33 is image data deformed by the image deformation unit 106 described later. Information that serves as a skeleton of deformation of a portion to be deformed in the captured image is called skeleton information. The skeleton information may be designated based on the input by the operator.

The deformation area designating section 104 is an area to be transformed in the image data (hereinafter referred to as a transformation target area, which is affected by the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designating section 103).
It is called a deformation area. ) Is specified. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transformation area designated by the transformation area designating unit 104. In FIG. 4, 41 is image data before deformation, 43 is image data after deformation, 42 is a deformation area before deformation, and 43 is a deformation area after deformation. Hereinafter, the deformed region that is the target for deforming the image data together with the deformed skeleton information will be referred to as deformed region information when it is associated with the skeleton information. The deformation area information may be designated based on the input by the operator.

The transformation information designating section 105 designates information for transforming the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designating section 103 (hereinafter referred to as transformation information). FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of modification information designated by the modification information designation unit 105. In FIG. 5, 51 is the skeleton information before the deformation, 54 is the skeleton information after the deformation, 52 and 55 are fulcrums serving as a reference when the skeleton information is deformed, and 53 and 5
Reference numeral 6 is a skeleton line that is actually deformed. In this example, the skeleton line 53 and the skeleton line 5 are centered around the fulcrum 52 or the fulcrum 55.
It is specified to rotate to position 6. The modification information may be designated based on the input by the operator.

The image transformation unit 106 includes a skeleton information designation unit 10
Skeleton information designated by 3 and deformation area designation unit 104
Deformation area information and deformation information designating unit 10 designated by
The image data is transformed based on the transformation information designated by 5. The image data transformed by the image transformation unit 106 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 101 separately from the original image data.

The image data transformed in this way is created in the required number for animation. Each image data stored in the storage unit 101 is edited using the image editing unit 107 if necessary. The animation reproduction information creation unit 108 creates information necessary for displaying a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 101 as an animation. In order to display it as an animation, for example, animation group information that stores the image data used for the animation in the order of display, and animation timeline information that stores the display time and the display location for each image data are required. is there.
The animation reproduction information created by the animation reproduction information creating unit 108 is also stored in the storage unit 101. The animation reproduction unit 109 sequentially reads the image data based on the animation reproduction information stored in the storage unit 101 and outputs the image data to the output unit 110. The output unit 110 displays the image data received from the animation reproduction unit 109 on a display device like a display.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a program running on the animation creating apparatus. The processing of the program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, when the program is started, the target image data is taken in (S201). Next, the skeleton information is designated (S202), and subsequently the deformation area is designated (S203). Next, the deformation information is designated (S204), and the image conversion processing is performed on the image data according to the skeleton information, the deformation area information, and the deformation information (S205). Here, if it is desired to edit the deformed image, the image editing process is performed (S207), and if not, it is checked whether or not the deformation is performed again (S206). When the deformation is performed again, the process returns to the image capturing process (S201) and the processes from S201 to S208 are repeated. If the deformation is not performed again, it is checked whether or not the animation reproduction information needs to be created (S209). If new animation reproduction information is created or existing animation reproduction information is edited, animation reproduction information creation processing is performed (S210). When the existing animation reproduction information is used, it is checked whether or not animation reproduction is performed (S211). When performing animation reproduction, animation reproduction processing is performed (S21).
2). The animation reproduction process is a process of sequentially reading image data according to animation reproduction information and outputting the image data to a display device or the like. When the animation reproduction processing is not performed or when the animation reproduction processing is ended, it is checked whether or not the animation creation is ended (S213). When ending, the processing is ended as it is. If not completed, the process returns to the image capturing process (S201), and the processes from S201 to S213 are repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by making it possible to specify skeleton information, deformation area information, and deformation information, it is possible to add desired deformation processing to existing image data, It is possible to provide an animation creating device that can easily create an animation obtained by sequentially displaying image data including frames.

In the present embodiment, the end check of the process is performed at the end, but it is needless to say that the end check may be performed at any time so that the process can be ended at any time.

In the present embodiment, the image editing process,
Although the animation reproduction information creation processing and the animation reproduction processing are performed in order, it goes without saying that a branch processing may be provided in the program so that necessary processing can be selected.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the re-transformation is performed or when the processing is not finished, the processing at the beginning is always returned, but it goes without saying that the processing desired to return may be selected. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the process from the image capturing process to the image transformation is sequentially performed without checking, but it goes without saying that each process may be repeated a plurality of times. Yes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image editing process can be performed, but the modified image data can be edited, but it goes without saying that the image editing may not be performed. .

In the present embodiment, the image is fetched from the storage unit, but it goes without saying that it may be fetched directly from an image data input device such as a scanner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one stage, but it is possible to designate the transformation in multiple stages, and a plurality of transformed image data are created at one time. It goes without saying that you can do so.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information in one step and one transformed image data is created at a time, but from the transformation start position to the transformation end position. It is needless to say that may be divided into a desired number of frames and transformed to create a plurality of transformed image data at once.

Further, in the present embodiment, the skeleton information in the undeformed portion is also designated, but it goes without saying that the skeleton information may be designated only in the portion that needs to be transformed.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the animation creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which 601 is a storage unit, 602 is an image capturing unit, and
Reference numeral 3 is a skeleton information designation unit, 604 is a deformation area detection unit, and 605
Is a transformation information designation unit, 606 is an image transformation unit, 607 is an image editing unit, 608 is an animation reproduction information creation unit, 60
Reference numeral 9 is an animation reproducing unit, and 610 is an output unit.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the image capturing unit 602
The image data to be operated is extracted from the storage unit 601 and sent to the skeleton information designation unit 603. Skeleton information designation unit 60
3 specifies the skeleton information for the image data received from the image capturing unit 602.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the deformation area detection unit 604 automatically detects the deformation area 83 based on the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 603. In FIG. 8, 82 and 85 are fulcrums serving as a reference for deformation, 81 and 84 are skeleton lines designated by the skeleton information designation unit 603, and 83 and 86 are fulcrums and skeleton lines designated by the skeleton information designation unit 603. The method of detecting this frame, which is a deformation area detection frame calculated based on, is not specified. The portion surrounded by the deformation area detection frame is the deformation area.

The transformation information designating unit 605 designates transformation information in order to transform the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 603.

The image transforming unit 606 includes a skeleton information designating unit 60.
Skeleton information designated by 3 and deformation area detection unit 604
Deformation area information detected by the
The image data is transformed based on the transformation information designated by 5. The image data transformed by the image transformation unit 606 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 601 separately from the original image data.

The image data thus transformed is created in the required number for animation. Each image data stored in the storage unit 601 is edited using the image editing unit 607 if necessary. The animation reproduction information creation unit 608 creates information necessary for displaying the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 601 as an animation. In order to display it as an animation, for example, animation group information that stores the image data used for the animation in the order of display, and animation timeline information that stores the display time and the display location for each image data are required. is there.
The animation reproduction information created by the animation reproduction information creation unit 608 is also stored in the storage unit 601. The animation playback unit 609 sequentially reads the image data based on the animation playback information stored in the storage unit 601, and outputs the image data to the output unit 610. The output unit 610 displays the image data received from the animation reproduction unit 609 on a display device like a display.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a program running on the animation creating apparatus. The processing of the program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, when the program is started, the target image data is taken in (S701). Next, the skeleton information is designated (S702), and subsequently the deformation area detection process is performed (S703). Next, the deformation information is specified (S704), and the image conversion processing is performed on the image data according to the skeleton information, the deformation area information, and the deformation information (S705). Here, when it is desired to edit the deformed image, image editing processing is performed (S707),
If not, it is checked whether or not the deformation is performed again (S706). When the image is to be deformed again, the process returns to the image capturing process (S701) and the processes from S701 to S708 are repeated. If the deformation is not performed again, it is checked whether or not the animation reproduction information needs to be created (S709). Here, in the case of newly creating the animation reproduction information or editing the existing animation reproduction information, the animation reproduction information creation processing is performed (S710). When the existing animation reproduction information is used, it is checked whether or not animation reproduction is performed (S711). When performing animation playback, animation playback processing is performed (S71).
2). The animation reproduction process is a process of sequentially reading image data according to animation reproduction information and outputting the image data to a display device or the like. When the animation reproduction processing is not performed or when the animation reproduction processing is ended, it is checked whether or not the animation creation is ended (S713). When ending, the processing is ended as it is. If the process is not completed, the process returns to the image capturing process (S701) and the processes from S701 to S713 are repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the skeletal information and the deformation information can be designated, and the deformation area can be automatically detected from the skeletal information, so that the desired image data can be obtained. It is possible to provide an animation creating apparatus that can add the deformation processing described above and can easily create an animation obtained by sequentially displaying image data composed of a plurality of frames.

In the present embodiment, the end check of the process is performed last, but it is needless to say that the end check may be performed at any time so that the process can be ended at any time.

In the present embodiment, the image editing process,
Although the animation reproduction information creation processing and the animation reproduction processing are performed in order, it goes without saying that a branch processing may be provided in the program so that necessary processing can be selected.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the re-transformation is performed or when the processing is not finished, the processing is always returned to the head processing, but it goes without saying that the processing desired to return may be selected. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the process from the image capturing process to the image transformation is sequentially performed without checking, but it goes without saying that each process may be repeated a plurality of times. Yes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image editing process can be performed, but the modified image data can be edited, but it goes without saying that the image editing may not be performed. .

In the present embodiment, the image is fetched from the storage unit, but it goes without saying that the image may be fetched directly from an image data input device such as a scanner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one stage, but it is possible to designate the transformation in multiple stages and create a plurality of transformed image data at a time. It goes without saying that you can do so.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one stage and one transformed image data is created at a time, but from the transformation start position to the transformation end position. It is needless to say that may be divided into a desired number of frames and transformed to create a plurality of transformed image data at once.

Further, in the present embodiment, the skeleton information in the undeformed portion is also designated, but it goes without saying that the skeleton information may be designated only in the portion that needs to be transformed.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the animation creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which 901 is a storage unit, 902 is an image capturing unit, and
Reference numeral 3 is a deformation area designation unit, 904 is a skeleton information detection unit, and 905
Is a transformation information designation unit, 906 is an image transformation unit, 907 is an image editing unit, 908 is an animation reproduction information creation unit, 90
Reference numeral 9 is an animation reproducing unit, and 910 is an output unit.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the image capturing unit 902
The image data to be operated is extracted from the storage unit 901 and sent to the deformation area designation unit 903. Deformation area designation unit 90
Reference numeral 3 designates deformation area information for the image data received from the image capturing unit 902.

FIG. 11 shows the skeleton information detecting unit 904 based on the deformation area information specified by the deformation area specifying unit 903.
It is a figure which shows the example which detected the skeleton information automatically. FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1101 and 1104 are designated deformation area information, 1102 and 1103 are skeleton information detection units 90.
The skeleton line and the fulcrum detected in FIG.

The transformation information designating section 905 designates information for transforming the skeleton information detected by the skeleton information detecting section 904. The image transformation unit 906 transforms the image data based on the transformation region information designated by the transformation region designation unit 903, the skeleton information detected by the skeleton information detection unit 904, and the transformation information designated by the transformation information designation unit 905. . The image data transformed by the image transformation unit 906 is stored in the storage unit 90 separately from the original image data.
It is temporarily stored in 1.

The image data transformed in this way is created in the required number for animation. Each image data stored in the storage unit 901 is edited using the image editing unit 907 if necessary. The animation reproduction information creation unit 908 creates information necessary for displaying a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 901 as an animation. In order to display it as an animation, for example, animation group information that stores the image data used for the animation in the order of display, and animation timeline information that stores the display time and the display location for each image data are required. is there.
The animation reproduction information created by the animation reproduction information creation unit 908 is also stored in the storage unit 901. The animation reproduction unit 909 sequentially reads the image data based on the animation reproduction information stored in the storage unit 901 and outputs it to the output unit 910. The output unit 910 displays the image data received from the animation reproducing unit 909 on a display device like a display.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a program that runs on the animation creating apparatus. The processing of the program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, when the program is started, the target image data is taken in (S1001). next,
A deformation area is designated (S1002), and subsequently, skeleton information detection processing is performed (S1003). Next, the deformation information is specified (S1004), and the image conversion process is performed on the image data according to the deformation area information, the skeleton information, and the deformation information (S1005). Here, when it is desired to edit the deformed image, image editing processing is performed (S10).
07), otherwise, it is checked whether or not the deformation is performed again (S1006). If the image is to be deformed again, the process returns to the image capturing process (S1001) and S1001.
The processes from to S1008 are repeated. If the deformation is not performed again, it is checked whether the animation reproduction information needs to be created (S1009). If new animation reproduction information is created or existing animation reproduction information is edited, animation reproduction information creation processing is performed (S1010). When using the existing animation reproduction information, it is checked whether or not animation reproduction is performed (S1011).
When performing animation reproduction, animation reproduction processing is performed (S1012). The animation reproduction process is a process of sequentially reading image data according to animation reproduction information and outputting the image data to a display device or the like.
If the animation reproduction processing is not performed or if the animation reproduction processing is ended, it is checked whether or not the animation creation is ended (S1013). When ending, the processing is ended as it is. If not completed, the process returns to the image capture process (S1001),
The processing from S1001 to S1013 is repeated.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the deformation area information and the deformation information can be designated, and further, the skeleton information can be automatically detected from the deformation area information, so that the existing image data can be obtained. It is possible to provide an animation creating apparatus capable of adding desired deformation processing to the above and easily creating an animation obtained by sequentially displaying image data composed of a plurality of frames.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the end check of the process is performed last, but it is needless to say that the end check may be performed at any time so that the process can be ended at any time.

In the present embodiment, the image editing process,
Although the animation reproduction information creation processing and the animation reproduction processing are performed in order, it goes without saying that a branch processing may be provided in the program so that necessary processing can be selected.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the re-transformation is performed or when the processing is not finished, the processing is always returned to the head processing, but it goes without saying that the processing desired to return may be selected. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the process from the image capturing process to the image transformation is sequentially performed without checking, but it goes without saying that each process may be repeated a plurality of times. Yes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image editing process can be performed, but the modified image data can be edited, but it goes without saying that the image editing may not be performed. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the image is fetched from the storage unit, but it goes without saying that it may be fetched directly from an image data input device such as a scanner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one stage, but it is possible to designate the transformation in multiple stages and create a plurality of transformed image data at a time. It goes without saying that you can do so.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one step and one transformed image data is created at a time. However, from the transformation start position to the transformation end position. It is needless to say that may be divided into a desired number of frames and transformed to create a plurality of transformed image data at once.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an animation creating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which 1201 is a storage unit, 1202 is an image capturing unit, 1203. Is a skeleton information designation unit, 1204 is a width information designation unit, 1205 is a transformation area designation unit, 1206 is a transformation information designation unit, 1207 is an image transformation unit, 1208 is an image editing unit, 1209 is an animation reproduction information creation unit, 1209.
Reference numeral 210 is an animation reproducing unit, and 1211 is an output unit.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the image capturing unit 1202 is provided in the storage unit 12.
The image data to be operated is extracted from 01 and sent to the skeleton information specifying unit 1203. The skeleton information specifying unit 1203 specifies skeleton information for the image data received from the image capturing unit 1202. The width information specifying unit 1204 specifies the skeleton information having the width information obtained by adding the width information to the skeleton information specified by the skeleton information specifying unit 1203. The deformation area designation unit 1205 designates a deformation area for the skeleton information having the width information designated by the width information designation unit 1204. The transformation information designation unit 1206 is a skeleton information designation unit 12
03 and the deformation information for the skeleton information having the width information designated by the width information designation unit 1204. The image transformation unit 1207 is designated by the skeleton information having the width information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 1203 and the width information designation unit 1204, the deformation region information designated by the transformation region designation unit 1205, and the transformation information designation unit 1206. The image data is transformed using the transformed information.

FIG. 14 shows the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 1203, the width information designated by the width information designation unit 1204, the deformation area information designated by the transformation area designation unit 1205, and the transformation information designation. Part 1206
The image transformation unit 120 using the transformation information specified by
7 is an example of image data transformed by 7. In FIG. 14, 1401 and 1402 are original image data, 1403 is skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 1203, 1404 is skeleton information having width information designated by the width information designation unit, and 1405 is width information. , 14
Reference numeral 06 is the image data transformed by the image transformation unit.

The image data transformed by the image transformation unit 1207 is stored in the storage unit 12 separately from the original image data.
It is temporarily stored in 01. The image data transformed in this way is created in the required number for animation. Each image data stored in the storage unit 1201 is edited using the image editing unit 1208 if necessary. The animation reproduction information creation unit 1209 creates information necessary for displaying a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 1201 as an animation. In order to display it as an animation, for example, animation group information that stores the image data used for the animation in the order of display, and animation timeline information that stores the display time and the display location for each image data are required. is there. Animation reproduction information creation unit 12
The animation reproduction information created by 09 is also stored in the storage unit 1201. Animation playback section 1
210 sequentially reads the image data based on the animation reproduction information stored in the storage unit 1201 and outputs the image data to the output unit 1211. The output unit 1211 displays the image data received from the animation reproduction unit 1210 on a display device like a display.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a program running on the animation creating apparatus. The processing of the program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, when the program is started, the target image data is taken in (S1301). next,
The skeleton information is designated (S1302), and then the width information is designated (S1303). Next, the deformation area is specified (S1304), and the deformation information is specified (S130).
5). Next, skeleton information with width information, deformation area information,
Image conversion processing is performed on the image data according to the deformation information (S1306). Here, it is checked whether or not to edit the deformed image (S130).
7). If editing is desired, image editing processing is performed (S1308), and if not, it is checked whether or not to perform transformation again (S1309). When the image is to be deformed again, the process returns to the image capturing process (S1301) and the processes from S1301 to S1308 are repeated. If the deformation is not performed again, it is checked whether the animation reproduction information needs to be created (S1310). Here, when newly creating the animation reproduction information or editing the existing animation reproduction information, the animation reproduction information creation processing is performed (S131).
1). When the existing animation reproduction information is used, it is checked whether or not animation reproduction is performed (S1312). If you want to play the animation,
Animation reproduction processing is performed (S1313). If the animation reproduction processing is not performed or if the animation reproduction processing is ended, it is checked whether or not the animation creation is ended (S1314). When ending, the processing is ended as it is. If the process is not completed, the process returns to the image capturing process (S1301) and S13.
The processing from 01 to S1313 is repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the desired deformation processing can be added to the existing image data by making it possible to specify the skeleton information, the width information, the deformation area information, and the deformation information. Thus, it is possible to provide an animation creating apparatus which can easily create an animation obtained by sequentially displaying image data composed of a plurality of frames.

In the present embodiment, the end check of the process is performed at the end, but it is needless to say that the end check may be performed at any time so that the process can be ended at any time.

In the present embodiment, the image editing process,
Although the animation reproduction information creation processing and the animation reproduction processing are performed in order, it goes without saying that a branch processing may be provided in the program so that necessary processing can be selected.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the re-transformation is performed or when the processing is not finished, the processing is always returned to the head processing, but it goes without saying that the processing desired to return may be selected. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the process from the image capturing process to the image deformation is sequentially performed without checking, but it goes without saying that each process may be repeated a plurality of times. Yes.

In the present embodiment, the image editing process can be performed, but the modified image data can be edited. However, it goes without saying that the image editing may not be performed. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the image is fetched from the storage unit, but it goes without saying that it may be fetched directly from an image data input device such as a scanner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one step, but it is possible to designate the transformation in multiple steps and create a plurality of transformed image data at a time. It goes without saying that you can do so.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation information designating section designates the transformation information of one step and one transformed image data is created at a time. However, from the transformation start position to the transformation end position. It is needless to say that may be divided into a desired number of frames and transformed to create a plurality of transformed image data at once.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an animation creating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which 1501 is a storage unit, 1502 is an image capturing unit, and 1503 is skeletal information. Designating unit, 1504 is a transformation area designating unit, 1505 is a transformation animation designating unit, 1506.
Is a transformation animation playback unit, 1507 is an image transformation unit,
1508 is an image editing unit, 1509 is an animation reproduction information creating unit, 1510 is an animation reproduction unit, 151
1 is an output unit.

The operation of the animation creating apparatus of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the image capturing section 1502 is provided in the storage section 15
The image data to be operated is extracted from 01 and sent to the skeleton information specifying unit 1503. The skeleton information designation unit 1503
The skeleton information is designated for the image data received from the image capturing unit 1502. The transformation area designation unit 1504 designates a transformation area of the image data corresponding to the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designation unit 1503.

The transformation animation designating section 1505 designates the movement information of the skeleton information designated by the skeleton information designating section 1503 as a transformation animation. The transformation animation referred to here is a process of moving the skeleton information based on timeline format information based on time and position. The transformation animation designating unit 1505 performs processing for setting at least two sets of this time and position.

The transformation animation reproducing unit 1506 uses the information designated by the transformation animation designating unit 1505 to move the skeleton information so that the image transformation unit 1 can move at any moment.
The skeleton information at that time is sent to 507. The timing at which the transformation animation reproduction unit 1506 sends the skeleton information to the image transformation unit 1507 is also designated by the transformation animation designation unit 1505.

The image transformation unit 1507 has arbitrary skeleton information sent from the transformation animation reproduction unit 1506,
The image is transformed according to the transformation area information, and the storage unit 15
01 is stored.

The image data thus transformed is created in the required number for animation. Storage unit 1501
If necessary, each image data stored in is edited using the image editing unit 1508. The animation reproduction information creation unit 1509 creates information necessary for displaying a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit 1501 as an animation. In order to display it as an animation, for example, animation group information that stores the image data used for animation in the order in which it is displayed, and animation timeline information that stores the display time and the display location for each image data are required. is there. The animation reproduction information created by the animation reproduction information creation unit 1509 is also stored in the storage unit 15.
It is stored in 01. The animation playback unit 1510
Based on the animation reproduction information stored in the storage unit 1501, the image data is sequentially read out and output by the output unit 1511.
Output to The output unit 1511 displays the image data received from the animation reproduction unit 1510 on a display device like a display.

FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of a program running on the animation creating apparatus. The processing of the program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, when the program is started, the target image data is fetched (S1601). next,
The skeleton information is designated (S1602), and subsequently the deformation area is designated (S1603). A transformation animation is designated (S1604), and the transformation animation is reproduced (S1605). While playing the transformation animation,
Image modification processing is performed as necessary (S1608), and the modified data is stored. When the reproduction process of the deformation animation is completed, it is checked whether or not the deformation is performed again (S1609). When the image is to be deformed again, the process returns to the image capturing process (S1601) and S1601 to S16.
The process up to 08 is repeated. If the deformation is not performed again, it is checked whether the animation reproduction information needs to be created (S1610). If new animation reproduction information is created or existing animation reproduction information is edited, animation reproduction information creation processing is performed (S1611). When the existing animation reproduction information is used, it is checked whether the animation reproduction is performed (S1612). When performing animation reproduction, animation reproduction processing is performed (S1613). If the animation reproduction processing is not performed or if the animation reproduction processing is ended, it is checked whether the animation creation is ended (S1614). When ending, the processing is ended as it is. If the process is not completed, the image capture process (S1
It returns to 601) and repeats the processing from S1601 to S1613.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the desired deformation processing can be added to the existing image data by making it possible to specify the skeleton information, the width information, the deformation area information, and the deformation animation. Thus, it is possible to provide an animation creating apparatus which can easily create an animation obtained by sequentially displaying image data composed of a plurality of frames.

In the present embodiment, the end check of the process is performed at the end, but it goes without saying that the end check may be performed at any time so that the process can be ended at any time.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transformation animation process, the image editing process, the animation reproduction information creating process, and the animation reproduction process are performed in order, but a branch process is provided in the program so that necessary processes can be selected. It goes without saying that it is okay.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the re-transformation is performed or when the processing is not completed, the processing at the beginning is always returned, but it goes without saying that the processing desired to return may be selected. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the process from the image capturing process to the image deformation is sequentially performed without checking, but it goes without saying that each process may be repeated a plurality of times. Yes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image editing process can be performed, but the modified image data can be edited, but it goes without saying that the image editing may not be performed. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the image is fetched from the storage section, but it goes without saying that it may be fetched directly from an image data input device such as a scanner.

The output units 110, 610, 910, 1
211 and 1511 are included in the display unit of the present invention.

Further, the image transformation unit changes the skeleton information according to the transformation information to generate transformed skeleton information which becomes the skeleton information after transformation, and transforms each pixel in all or part of the transformation area into the transformation skeleton information. Based on the mapping, to generate the deformation area information for combination which becomes the deformation area information after deformation, delete each pixel in all or part of the inside of the deformation area from the image, to generate the image information for combination, A modified image may be generated using the modification area information for composition and the image information for composition.

Further, the image transformation unit of the animation creating apparatus having the width information designating unit changes the width of all or part of the line figure formed by the skeleton information based on the width information, and according to the transformation information, Change the skeleton information whose width has been changed to generate deformed skeleton information that will be the skeleton information after deformation,
All or a part of the inside of the deformation area is generated from the image by mapping each pixel in all or a part of the inside of the deformation area based on the deformation skeleton information to generate combining deformation area information that becomes the deformation area information after the deformation. It is also possible to delete each pixel in, generate the image information for composition, and generate the deformed image by using the modification area information for composition and the image information for composition.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, each of the constituent elements of the animation creating apparatus has the same structure as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6, FIG.
Although it is assumed that the hardware configuration is performed based on the block diagram shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 15, some of the components of the animation creating apparatus of the present invention are related to the operation described in the above embodiment. It may be configured as a software by a program for executing and a computer on which the program is executed. Then, the computer, at least a CPU that performs arithmetic processing and control by the program when loaded, and a memory that is connected to the CPU via an internal bus and that is used for storage of the program and a work area, And an auxiliary storage device for reading and writing data.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing a means for providing deformation information that is intuitively easy to understand with respect to existing image data, it is possible to easily create animation image data. Since the device can be provided, its practical effect is great.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to apply a desired deformation operation to an image, skeleton information serving as a reference of the deformation operation,
By designating the deformation area information corresponding to the skeleton information and the deformation information which is the method of the deformation operation, it is possible to create desired image data to be used for animation.

Further, according to the present invention, by adding the deformation area detecting section for automatically detecting the deformation area from the skeleton information, desired image data can be created only by specifying the skeleton information and the deformation information. .

Further, according to the present invention, by adding a skeleton information detecting section for automatically detecting skeleton information from the deformation area information, desired image data can be created only by designating the deformation area information and the deformation information. You can

Further, according to the present invention, by adding the width information to the skeleton information, it is possible to specify more diverse deformation information, and it is possible to create image data with more complicated deformation.

Further, according to the present invention, continuous deformation operations can be performed on skeletal information, and more complex and long continuous image data can be created.

Further, according to the present invention, since the created deformed image can be reproduced as an animation, the operation and appearance of the animation can be confirmed on the spot.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to edit the created deformed image or create a new image, and at the same time, it is possible to create more sophisticated image data.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to edit the animation reproduction information or newly create it, and while creating the transformed image and the animation itself while confirming the transformed image displayed on the display section. Can also be done at the same time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an animation creating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a program according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of specifying skeleton information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of designation of a modified area in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of specifying modification information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an animation creating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a program according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of deformation area detection according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an animation creating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a program according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of skeleton information detection according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an animation creating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a program according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of image transformation using width information according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an animation creating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a program according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a conventional animation creating device.

[Description of sign]

 101 Storage Unit 102 Image Capture Unit 103 Skeleton Information Designation Unit 104 Transformation Area Designation Unit 105 Transformation Information Designation Unit 106 Image Transformation Unit 107 Image Editing Unit 108 Animation Playback Information Creation Unit 109 Animation Playback Unit 110 Output Unit 601 Storage Unit 602 Image Capture Incorporation unit 603 Skeleton information designation unit 604 Deformation region detection unit 605 Deformation information designation unit 606 Image transformation unit 607 Image editing unit 608 Animation playback information creation unit 609 Animation playback unit 610 Output unit 901 Storage unit 902 Image capture unit 903 Deformation region designation Part 904 Skeleton information detecting part 905 Deformation information designating part 906 Image transforming part 907 Image editing part 908 Animation reproducing information creating part 909 Animation reproducing part 910 Output part 1201 Storage part 1202 Image capturing part 1203 Skeleton information Designation section 1204 Width information designation section 1205 Transformation area designation section 1206 Transformation information designation section 1207 Image transformation section 1208 Image editing section 1209 Animation playback information creation section 1210 Animation playback section 1211 Output section 1501 Storage section 1502 Image capture section 1503 Skeleton information designation Part 1504 Deformation area designation part 1505 Deformation animation designation part 1506 Deformation animation reproduction part 1507 Image transformation part 1508 Image editing part 1509 Animation reproduction information creation part 1510 Animation reproduction part 1511 Output part 171 Basic shape data storage device 172 Basic shape data selection device 173 Character data creation device 174 Character data storage device 175 Data management device 176 Character behavior description creation device 177 Behavior description storage device 1 8 drawing device 179 image display device

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Mitsuko Fujita 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor, Ryo Ishikawa 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. When a deformed image is generated by deforming an image, a deformed region specifying unit that specifies deformed region information that represents a deformed region of the image that is a subject of the deformation, and skeleton information for the deformed region is specified. Using a skeleton information specifying unit, a deformation information specifying unit that receives deformation information added to the skeleton information in order to deform the deformation region in the image, the skeleton information, the deformation region information, and the deformation information And an image deforming unit that deforms the deformed region in the image to generate the deformed image, and the skeleton information is line graphic information that serves as a reference when the deformed region is deformed. An animation creation device. 2. The animation creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation information is information regarding a position of at least one point on a line figure formed by the skeleton information after the deformation. 3. The image transformation unit changes the skeleton information according to the transformation information to generate transformed skeleton information to be the skeleton information after the transformation, and to change all or part of the inside of the transformation region. Pixels are mapped based on the deformed skeleton information to generate combined deformed region information that is the deformed region information after the deformation, and each pixel in all or part of the inside of the deformed region is deleted from the image. 2. The synthetic image information is generated, and the modified image is generated using the synthetic deformation area information and the synthetic image information.
Alternatively, the animation creating device described in 2. 4. The skeleton information designating unit identifies the skeleton information based on designation by an operator, and the deformation area designating unit identifies the skeleton information based on the skeleton information identified by the skeleton information designating unit. The animation creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation area information is specified. 5. The deformation area designating unit identifies the deformation area information based on designation by an operator, and the skeleton information designating unit based on the deformation area information identified by the deformation area designation unit. The animation creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the skeleton information is specified. 6. The animation creating device further comprises a width information designating unit that receives width information for changing the width of all or part of the line figure formed by the skeleton information, and the image transforming unit is configured to provide the width. Based on the information, the width of all or part of the line figure formed by the skeleton information is changed, the skeleton information having the changed width is changed according to the deformation information, and the skeleton information after the deformation is changed. To generate the deformed skeleton information, and map each pixel in all or part of the inside of the deformed area based on the deformed skeleton information to obtain the combined deformed area information that becomes the deformed area information after the deformation. Generating, deleting each pixel in all or a part of the inside of the deformation area from the image to generate image information for synthesis, and using the deformation area information for synthesis and the image information for synthesis, The shape image is generated.
The described animation creation device. 7. When deforming an image, a deformation area specifying unit that specifies deformation area information that represents a deformation area of the image that is a target of the deformation, and a skeleton information specifying unit that specifies skeleton information for the deformation area. A deformation animation designation unit that specifies deformation animation information that is movement information with respect to the skeleton information; a deformation animation playback unit that generates a plurality of skeleton information while performing a deformation animation according to the deformation animation information; An image transforming unit that transforms the image according to a plurality of skeleton information generated by the above to generate a plurality of transformed images, and the skeleton information is line drawing information serving as a reference when transforming the deformed region. An animation creation device characterized in that 8. The animation creating apparatus includes a deformation animation designating unit that specifies deformation animation information that is movement information with respect to the skeleton information, and a deformation that generates a plurality of skeleton information while performing a deformation animation according to the deformation animation information. 7. The animation creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an animation reproducing unit. 9. The animation creating device further includes an animation reproducing unit that reproduces the deformed image generated by the image deforming unit, and a display unit that displays the deformed image reproduced by the animation reproducing unit. The animation creating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The animation creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the animation creating apparatus further includes an image editing unit that edits the transformed image generated by the image transforming unit. . 11. The animation creating apparatus further comprises an animation playing information creating section for editing or newly creating animation playing information used by the animation playing section for playing the deformed image. Item 9. An animation creating apparatus according to Item 9.