JP2000268198A - Stereoscopic image processor and stereoscopic image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further enhance operation convenience in a stereoscopic image processor. SOLUTION: A desired reference direction is selected among plural reference directions that are preset on a display screen of a display means 21 and the reference directions are successively switched in predetermined order while performing a desired image processing based on the selected reference direction for a stereoscopic image that is displayed on the display screen. Thus, the reference direction in easily selected only by performing easy operation since separate and independent execution of operation to select the reference direction and operation to perform the image processing is not required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image processing apparatus and method, and is suitably applied to, for example, a video title generating apparatus for generating a video title to be displayed on a video.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a video title generating apparatus for generating a video title to be superimposed on a video, when displaying the video title in three dimensions, a shadow is applied to the generated two-dimensional characters. By performing image processing two-dimensionally, the two-dimensional character has to be displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional manner. Therefore, when it is desired to generate a three-dimensional video title, it is generated using a computer graphics (CG) production application composed of an algorithm called a three-dimensional modeling system.

[0003]

However, such a 3
When rotating a video title existing in the virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the display means, the dimensional modeling system firstly selects a desired one of a plurality of types of rotation axes displayed on the display means in accordance with a user operation. It is necessary to perform a two-stage operation of selecting a rotation axis and adjusting the rotation angle of the video title based on the selected rotation axis.

Therefore, in a three-dimensional modeling system,
When fine adjustment of the rotation angle is performed, the above-described two-stage operation must be repeatedly performed, and there is a problem that operability is poor. Incidentally, there is a method of adjusting the rotation angle without fixing the rotation axis. However, this method has a problem that the operation of the user is difficult because the rotation axis moves freely.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to propose a stereoscopic image processing apparatus and a method thereof which can further improve the usability as compared with the conventional art.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of criteria set in advance on a display screen of a display means in response to a user's operation input entered through an input means. While selecting a desired reference direction from the directions, and performing desired image processing on the stereoscopic image displayed on the display screen with the selected reference direction as a reference, the reference direction is determined in a predetermined order. By sequentially switching, the desired image processing based on each of the above-described reference directions is sequentially performed on the stereoscopic image.

A desired reference direction is selected from a plurality of reference directions preset on the display screen of the display means, and the selected reference direction is used as a reference for the stereoscopic image displayed on the display screen. By sequentially switching the reference directions in a predetermined order while performing the desired image processing, it is necessary to separately perform the operation of selecting the reference direction and the operation of performing the image processing as in the related art. The reference direction can be easily selected simply by performing a simple operation.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of Video Title Generating Device In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a video title generating device as a whole, which can generate a video title in response to a user operation and display the video title superimposed on the video. It has been made like that. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3 is for controlling the entire video title generating apparatus 1 and performing predetermined arithmetic processing, and is provided to the memory 7 and the cache 9 via the system controller 5 connected to the host bus B1. It is made accessible.

The CPU 3 accesses the memory 7 composed of, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Memory) via the system controller 5 to write and store the data in the memory 7 and to store the data stored in the memory 7. Is read. The cache 9 is for storing data frequently accessed by the CPU 3 among data stored in the memory 7. Therefore, among the data stored in the memory 7, the CPU 3 stores the data once accessed in the cache 9, and when the same data is required again, accesses the cache 9 and stores the required data. It is read out.

Further, the CPU 3 transmits a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) through the system controller 5.
t) It is connected to the bus B2 and can access an I / O (Input / Output) controller 11, a graphics accelerator 13, and a frame buffer 15 connected to the PCI bus B2. The I / O controller 11 is connected to the PCI bus B2 and an ISA (Industry
Standard Architecture) connected to bus B3,
The transmission and reception of data is controlled via the CI bus B2 and the ISA bus B3. The hard disk controller 17 is connected to the I / O controller 11 and based on an access request supplied from the CPU 3 via the I / O controller 11, a predetermined area of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19 as program data storage means. Read and write data to HDD 19 is
A built-in hard disk stores software resources including an operating system (OS) and an application program for generating a video title.

The graphics accelerator 13 has a C
Based on a drawing command supplied from the PU 3 via the system controller 5, an image corresponding to an operating system, an application program, or the like is drawn and displayed on a display 21 as a display unit. The frame buffer 15 is transmitted from the CPU 3 to the system controller 5.
The video signal supplied from the external video supply means is displayed on the monitor 23 as the composite display means based on the display command supplied via the.

The keyboard controller 25 notifies the CPU 3 of input information input from a keyboard 27 as input means in response to a user's input operation, via the I / O controller 11 and the system controller 5, and transmits the input information to the CPU 3. The image is transmitted to the graphics accelerator 13 via the / O controller 11, and an image corresponding to the input information is displayed on the display 21.

When a mouse 31 as an input means is moved by a user's operation, the mouse controller 29 transmits the movement information indicating the moving direction and the distance of the mouse 31 to the CP via the I / O controller 11 and the system controller 5.
U3 is notified, and the mouse cursor on the display 21 is moved according to the movement of the mouse 31 under the control of the CPU3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the application program 40 stored in the HDD 19 is created in an object-oriented programming language.
More specifically, it is composed of components of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) object 42, a rendering object 44, a modeling object 46, a document object 48, and a frame buffer object 50.

The GUI object 42 defines all operations performed by the user, saves various parameters specified by each operation, and updates the display on the display 21 by each operation. The GUI object 42 is a user interface with each object, and the rendering object 4 according to each operation.
The message information M1 for operating the document object 4, the message information M2 for operating the document object 48, and the message information M3 for operating the frame buffer object 50 are generated and notified to the corresponding objects.

Upon receiving the message information M1 from the GUI object 42, the rendering object 44 as display control means receives parameter information consisting of parameters necessary for drawing from the document object 48, and performs display based on the parameter information. A drawing process is executed at 21. The modeling object 46 as a three-dimensional unit generates a three-dimensional character composed of polygonal surfaces (hereinafter, referred to as polygons) based on character data specified from the keyboard 27 (FIG. 1). By the way, the rendering object 44 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to update the display in the GUI object 42. As a result, if the rendering object 44 determines that the operation to update the display has been performed, the rendering object 44 By generating message information M4 for activation and providing the message information M4 to the modeling object 46, the modeling object 46 is activated.

A document object 48 as a storage control means holds operations and various parameters defined in the GUI object 42. Shape data, position data, posture data, color data, lighting data, and the like related to the three-dimensional characters displayed on the display 21.
Data necessary for creating movement data, scale data, and the like is sent from the GUI object 42 as message information M2, and is used every time a rendering update is performed by the rendering object 44. The frame buffer object 50 as the composite display control means drives the frame buffer 15 (FIG. 1) by the message information M3 supplied from the GUI object 42, and drives the monitor 23 ( A drawing process is performed on FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 shows a GUI screen 60 for executing the application program 40 as described above.
Is displayed on the display 21 (FIG. 1).
First, among operations performed on the GUI screen 60, operations for inputting, arranging, and displaying characters in the virtual three-dimensional space displayed in the scene window 62 of the GUI screen 60 will be described. GUI screen 60
When a new group creation button 64 is clicked in response to a user input operation, a new group is created in which a plurality of characters are regarded as one set. Incidentally, all characters have a data structure that belongs to any one group, and zero or more characters can belong to one group.

The GUI screen 60 displays the keyboard 2
When a character is input from FIG. 7 (FIG. 1), a three-dimensional character corresponding to the input character is instantaneously displayed in the scene window 62. Note that the GUI screen 60 can delete the input three-dimensional character when the backspace key of the keyboard 27 (FIG. 1) is pressed according to the input operation of the user.

The GUI screen 60 is displayed after moving the cursor position on the scene window 62 using the cursor keys of the keyboard 27 according to the input operation of the user.
When the backspace key of the keyboard 27 (FIG. 1) is pressed, a desired character existing at the position indicated by the cursor can be deleted. GUI
The screen 60 is provided so that when a character is input from the keyboard 27 after moving a cursor position using a cursor key in response to a user's input operation, a new desired character can be inserted at a position indicated by the cursor. It has been done. Such drawing and redrawing processing for the scene window 62 can instantaneously display a desired image in the scene window 62 without taking time for the rendering processing of the rendering object 44.

Next, the operation of moving the display position of the character input to the scene window 62 in parallel will be described. First, on the GUI screen 60, when an area indicating a desired group is double-clicked in response to a user's input operation,
Select the group to which the character whose display position is to be changed belongs. In response to this, the GUI screen 60 displays a selection frame 66 around the selected group and notifies the user that the characters existing in the selection frame 66 are in a selected state.

Subsequently, the GUI screen 60 displays an operation of placing a mouse cursor on a selected group in response to a user input operation and moving the mouse cursor while pressing the mouse cursor (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as a drag operation). Is performed, the character can be translated in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) and the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) in the virtual three-dimensional space. Furthermore, when a drag operation is performed at the position of the rotation center axis 68 of the group in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 can be translated in the depth direction (Z-axis direction) in the virtual three-dimensional space. Has been made. Such an operation can be performed in real time without having to wait for the rendering result by the rendering object 44.
2 can be displayed quickly and accurately.

Next, an operation for changing the display position of the character input to the scene window 62 by rotating will be described. When a desired group is double-clicked on the GUI screen 60 in response to a user input operation, a group to which a character whose display position is to be changed belongs is selected. In response to this, the GUI screen 60 displays a selection frame 66 for all the characters belonging to the selected group, and notifies the user that the group in which the selection frame 66 is displayed is in a selected state. In this state, the GUI screen 60
When the rotary axis switch 69 is clicked in response to a user's input operation, one of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis is selected as a coordinate axis to be used as the center axis of the rotational movement operation.

Thereafter, the GUI screen 60 can be rotated and moved in a virtual three-dimensional space when a drag operation is performed in response to a user's input operation.
In the case of such a rotational movement operation, similarly to the above-described parallel movement operation, the change result is displayed in the scene window 62 in real time without waiting for the rendering processing, so that the desired movement operation can be performed quickly and accurately. It can be carried out.

When the drawing mode switch 70 is switched in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays
The drawing of characters or graphics can be switched. When the group property setting button 71 is selected in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays a predetermined screen so that a detailed setting operation regarding the group can be performed.

Next, among operations performed on the GUI screen 60, an operation for modifying various characters of a character to modify the character will be described. First, an operation for changing the display size of characters will be described. G
When a desired group is double-clicked in response to a user operation, the UI screen 60 selects a group to which the character whose size is to be changed belongs.

In response to this, the GUI screen 60 displays a selection frame 66 for all the characters belonging to the selected group,
Indicates that the current state is selected. Further, the GUI screen 60 displays a size change switch 72 according to a user operation.
Is pressed, one of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is selected as the direction to be subjected to the size change operation.

Next, on the GUI screen 60, when a drag operation is performed on the selected group in accordance with a user's input operation, the size of the character can be expanded or contracted to a desired size. Since the change result is displayed on the scene window 62 in real time in the size change operation, the desired operation can be performed quickly and accurately.

Next, an operation for changing the display font (typeface) of a character will be described. When a desired group is double-clicked in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 selects a group to which a character whose font is to be changed belongs. In response to this, the GUI screen 60 displays a selection frame 66 for all the characters belonging to the selected group, indicating that the character is currently selected. Next, when the font setting menu 73 is clicked in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays a menu related to font setting, and then selects a desired font from a plurality of displayed fonts. The display font can be changed, and the change result is instantly displayed in the scene window 62.

Next, an operation for changing a material attribute indicating an attribute relating to the material and texture of the character surface will be described. First, on the GUI screen 60, when a desired group is double-clicked in response to a user's input operation, a group to which a character whose material is to be changed belongs is selected. In the GUI screen 60, a selection frame 66 is displayed for all characters belonging to the selected group, and indicates that the character is currently selected. Next, when the material setting menu 74 is selected in response to the user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays a menu for material setting. In the displayed menu, the user inputs the setting values of material attributes such as environment diffuse light reflectance, specular light reflectance, emitted light, and gloss according to the input operation of the user, and changes the material attribute for the group. . By adjusting the material attributes in this manner, the color and glossiness of the character surface can be arbitrarily set by the user, and the changed material attributes are instantaneously displayed in the scene window 62.

Next, an operation for adding a border to a character, that is, adding an edge, will be described. The GUI screen 60 is
When a desired group is double-clicked in response to a user input operation, a group to which a character to which an edge is to be added belongs is selected. GUI screen 60 in response to this
Is displayed in the selection frame 66 for all the characters belonging to the selected group.
Is displayed to indicate that it is currently selected. Next, the GUI screen 60 displays an edge image in response to a user input operation.
When the shadow setting menu 76 is selected, a menu for edge setting is displayed.

In the GUI screen 60, when each set value of the edge attribute, for example, edge thickness, edge color, gradation switch, and edge type is input in the displayed menu, the edge attribute is designated for the group. I do. The edge type includes a normal edge in which a planar edge is added around the character, a bevel edge in which a three-dimensional edge around the character is chamfered, and an edge off in which no edge is added. The edge attribute specified in this way is instantaneously displayed in the scene window 62.

Next, of the operations performed on the GUI screen 60, operations for controlling pages and layers will be described. First, an operation regarding a page will be described. Here, the page is a concept introduced to manage a plurality of editing results at the same time.
The editing content for one screen displayed in 2 is held as one page. In the GUI screen 60, a page selector 78 and a new page addition button 80 are provided for centrally managing a plurality of pages. Page selector 78
Is designed to display a list of pages currently held by the program and to select a desired page from the list of pages.

When a new page addition button 80 is selected in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 newly creates a page in an initial state that does not include any characters, and displays the page in the scene window 62. Display the newly created initial page. At that time, the GUI screen 60 displays
A newly created headline image (hereinafter, referred to as a thumbnail image) obtained by reducing the image displayed in the scene window 62 is displayed on the page selector 78. This added new page can be subjected to a desired editing operation by the above-described character input operation.

The user can perform an editing operation only on a page displayed in the scene window 62 (hereinafter, referred to as a current page). GUI screen 6
0 is a page selector 78 according to a user's input operation.
When a thumbnail image indicating a desired page is clicked from the page list displayed in the above, the current page is selected and displayed in the scene window 62. Such a change in the current page is instantly reflected in the scene window 62.

Next, operations related to layers will be described. Here, the layer is a concept introduced for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the editing work by controlling a plurality of groups, classifying them, and processing them. A page includes a plurality of layers (layers), and one page is generated by superimposing the respective layers. GUI screen 60
So, one page contains five layers,
Each layer is identified by being assigned a layer number of 0 to 4 (integer value). Thus, each group created in the page always belongs to any one of the five layers.

The GUI screen 60 displays an operation for designating one of the five layers to be edited (hereinafter, referred to as a current layer) in response to a user input operation by a current layer selector 81. The current layer is designated by inputting a desired layer number to the current layer selector 81. In the GUI screen 60, editing operations such as character input and layout change are performed on only the specified current layer. Incidentally, each group is created so as to belong to the layer corresponding to the layer number specified at the time of group creation. The GUI screen 60 is
According to the user's input operation, display or non-display of the five layers can be individually designated by on / off operation of the five buttons arranged in the layer switch unit 82, and the change result is instantaneously set to the scene. Reflected in window 62.

Next, the operation for changing the setting of the illumination will be described. Here, the lighting is an object designed to exhibit the same behavior as the lighting in the real world, and exists in the virtual three-dimensional space displayed in the scene window 62, but is actually in the scene window. 62 is not displayed. The GUI screen 60 is capable of arbitrarily specifying the appearance of characters arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space when the setting value of the illumination is adjusted according to the input operation of the user.

When the lighting setting button 84 is clicked on the GUI screen 60 in response to a user's input operation, a lighting dialog is displayed, and lighting setting is performed in the lighting dialog. In this state, the GUI screen 60 changes the lighting condition for the page when each set value of the lighting condition, for example, the environment light, the diffuse reflection light, the specular reflection light, and the lighting position is input according to the input operation of the user. . By the way, GU
In the I-screen 60, the same illumination is set for all the characters existing in the same page, and different illumination is not set for each individual character.

Finally, of the operations performed on the GUI screen 60, operations for transmitting a still image and a moving image will be described. The transmission here means the scene window 62
The page data edited above is stored in the frame buffer 15
(FIG. 1) is an operation for displaying an image corresponding to the page data on the monitor 23. First, an operation of transmitting page data as a still image will be described. GUI
When a desired page is selected from the page selector 78 in response to a user's input operation, the screen 60 displays an image corresponding to the selected page in the scene window 62 so that the page to be transmitted becomes the current page. Set. In this state, when the still send button 86 is selected according to the user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays
The current page is sent.

Next, the operation of transmitting the moving image of the current page will be described. When a desired page is selected from the page selector 78 in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays an image corresponding to the selected page in the scene window 62 to display a page to be transmitted. Is set to the current page.

In this state, the GUI screen 60 displays an animation sending button 88 in response to a user input operation.
Is selected, the current page is sent. However, if there is no data related to the moving image on the current page (hereinafter, referred to as key frame data), the animation sending button 88 is disabled. By the way, when the key frame addition button 90 is clicked in response to a user's input operation, the GUI screen 60 displays a predetermined screen to create key frame data.

Here, a three-dimensional character composed of a plurality of polygons (hereinafter referred to as a polygon model) by the CPU 3.
Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step SP entered from step SP1
In 2, the CPU 3 responds to an input operation by the user,
Polygon model material settings, light source settings,
A parse setting value for determining the appearance of an image in the scene window 62 is stored in the application program 4.
0 document object 48 (FIG. 2). As these setting values, values specified by the user are used, but when not specified by the user, default values prepared in advance are used.

In step SP3, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a desired key has been input from the keyboard 27 by the user. As a result, when the CPU 3 determines that the key is input, the CPU 3 transmits the key input information to the GUI.
While sending to the object 42 (FIG. 2), if it is determined that the key has not been input, it waits until the key is input. At step SP4, the CPU 3
By causing the I-object 42 (FIG. 2) to analyze the key input information, the key input information is converted into a character code, the character code information is stored in the document object 48 (FIG. 2), and the modeling object 46 is stored. To generate a polygon model.

In step SP5, the CPU 3 generates a polygon model using the modeling object 46 based on the character code information held in the document object 48. A specific method of generating the polygon model will be described with reference to FIG. The modeling object 46 includes outline data D corresponding to the character code information held in the document object 48 based on the currently set font format.
1 is generated.

Next, the modeling object 46 generates a face polygon model D3 corresponding to a face portion of the polygon model based on the outline data D1. Subsequently, the modeling object 46 generates an edge polygon model D5 corresponding to an edge portion of the polygon model based on the currently set edge parameters. Subsequently, the modeling object 46 generates a shadow model D7 corresponding to a shadow portion of the polygon model based on the currently set shadow parameters. Thus, the modeling object 46 is based on the three polygon models generated for one character, and the polygon model D
9 is generated.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step SP6,
The CPU 3 uses the GUI object 42 to set a material for each polygon of the polygon model D9 held by the modeling object 46 based on each parameter related to the material held in the document object 48. . Step SP7
In, the CPU 3 causes the GUI object 42 to set the parse for the rendering object 44 based on each parse-related parameter held in the document object 48.

The perspective setting means, specifically, a view volume (oblique lines in FIG. 6) corresponding to the viewpoint 100 and the viewing angle 102 as shown in FIG. This indicates that the shape and direction of the indicated area 104 are designated. This view volume determines how the polygon model 106 is projected onto the scene window 62 (FIG. 3) of the GUI screen 60, and which polygon model 106 among the plurality of polygon models 106 is projected onto the scene window 62. The polygon model 10 existing in the visual volume
6 is displayed in the scene window 62.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step SP8,
The CPU 3 uses the GUI object 42 to render the rendering object 44 based on the light source parameters held in the document object 48.
Set lighting for. In step SP9,
The CPU 3 uses the rendering object 44 to draw a polygon model on the scene window 62 based on each parameter.

As described above, the CPU 3 operates the keyboard 2
7 can be displayed on the display 21 as three-dimensional characters, and when a plurality of three-dimensional characters are to be displayed, the process returns to step SP2 and the same processing is repeated. Can display a video title corresponding to the user's input operation.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3 includes an HDD
19 based on the operating system and application programs stored in the keyboard 27.
The outline data indicating the outline of the character is obtained based on the character specified through the character data, face data surrounded by the outline of the character based on the outline data, edge data for emphasizing the outline of the character, and the character data of the character. By generating shadow data indicating the depth and synthesizing the face data, the edge data, and the shadow data, three-dimensional character data corresponding to an externally supplied video to be edited is generated, and the generated 3D character data is generated. An image corresponding to the dimensional character data is displayed on the display 21 in conjunction with the designation of a character via the keyboard 27.

According to the above configuration, face data, edge data, and shadow data are generated based on outline data of a character specified by the user via the keyboard 27, and these are combined to generate a three-dimensional character. At the same time, by displaying the generated three-dimensional character on the display 21 in conjunction with the designation of the character via the keyboard 27, the three-dimensional character can be displayed using a general-purpose CG production application program as in the related art. 3D characters can be quickly generated by a simple operation in which the user simply designates a character via the keyboard 27, and thus operability is further improved as compared with the related art. The resulting video title generation device can be realized.

(2) Polygon Model Generation Procedure Here, the polygon model generation step (S
P5) will be specifically described. First, CPU3
A three-dimensional character generation procedure for generating a three-dimensional character will now be described. First, in step SP16 entered from step SP15, the CPU 3 determines the HDD 19 (FIG. 1) based on the character code information corresponding to the user's input operation.
The font data composed of a combination of a straight line and a curve is read from the operating system recorded in. Incidentally, this font data is a set of closed loops, and the number of loops differs depending on the character. In the loop forming a character, a space to be filled and a blank space are alternately repeated in order from the outer loop to the inner loop.

At step SP17, the CPU 3
The character data is treated as vertex data by designating a curvature to the data of the curved part of the character data corresponding to the read font data and calculating the coordinate data of the straight line. The curve used here is

[0056]

(Equation 1)

And is divided into arbitrary points. Here, points A and C indicate points on the curve, and point B indicates a control point for dividing the curve.

Subsequently, at step SP18, the CPU
3 calculates a normal vector in each of the above-described vertex data, and proceeds to step SP19 to collectively hold the respective vertex data and the normal vector as font data. In step SP20, the CPU 3 creates a triangular division table for generating polygons called a scan line segment arrangement table based on the calculated vertex data.

Here, a method of creating the scan line segment arrangement table will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 8A shows that a line segment number has been added to the line segment between all vertices in the character “Z”, and FIG. 8B shows a scan line created using the numerical value of the Y coordinate at which each vertex exists as an index. A line segment arrangement table is shown. In this scan line segment arrangement table, line data starting from the Y coordinate in the + Y direction is defined as from (From) data with reference to an arbitrary Y coordinate, and the Y data is determined in the + Y direction. The line segment data whose end point is the coordinate is defined as to data, and the line data passing through the Y coordinate is passed through (Throug).
h) Data. In this line arrangement table for scan lines, for example, focusing on the line segment data of Y = 5, the line segment data “3, 7, 8” is registered as the from data,
The line segment data “4, 6, 8” is registered as to-data, and there is no corresponding line segment data in the through data.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step SP21, the CPU 3 uses the generated scan line segment arrangement table to generate 3D for generating polygons for the character data.
The face surface polygon is generated by performing the polygon division processing. The CPU 3 focuses on a desired line segment among the line segments connecting the vertices, and determines whether or not the focused line segment can be a dividing line for dividing the polygon. That is, CPU
3 determines whether or not the line segment of interest intersects with all other line segments. If it is determined that the line segment does not intersect, the line segment further passes through the polygon. It is determined whether or not it is a segment. If it is determined that the line passes through the polygon, the line segment is determined as a dividing line for triangular division. Hereinafter, the CPU 3 generates a list of dividing lines for triangular division by performing the same processing for all the line segments.

For example, referring to FIG. 9, from vertex P2 to vertex P4
A case will be described in which it is determined whether or not the line segment L1 going to is a division line. First, the CPU 3 pays attention to the line segment data of Y = 5, and arranges the line segment data “3, 8” corresponding to the from-data in ascending order of the value of the coordinate X. At this time, line segment data registered in both the to data and the from data are excluded. Then, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the X coordinate value of the vertex P4 is equal to or larger than the X coordinate value of the line segment data “3” and equal to or smaller than the X coordinate value of the line segment data “8”.
It is determined that the X coordinate value of the vertex P4 is within the above range, and attention is paid to the line data of Y = 26. CPU3
Arranges line segment data “3, 8” corresponding to the toe data in ascending order of the value of the coordinate X. At this time, line segment data registered in both the to data and the from data are excluded. Then, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the X coordinate value of the vertex P2 is equal to or larger than the X coordinate value of the line segment data “3” and equal to or smaller than the X coordinate value of the line segment data “8”.
Is determined not to be within the above range, and it is determined that the line segment L1 is not a line segment passing through the polygon.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step SP22, the CPU 3 uses the scan line segment arrangement table to determine which side of the two spaces sandwiching the line segment of the closed loop of interest as the polygon. By determining the face part of the character, the normal vector of the polygon in the depth direction, that is, the front direction of the face depth polygon is specified. Next, in step SP23, the CPU 3
Generates a face depth polygon by adding a normal vector specified in step SP22 to each vertex, while generating a polygon having a desired length for all vertex data. In step SP24, the CPU
No. 3 generates a face rear polygon having a normal vector in the −Z direction by setting a value obtained by subtracting the depth length from all the vertex data as the Z coordinate value of the rear polygon.

FIG. 10 shows a generation procedure for generating an edge model for enhancing the outline of a character applied to the face polygon model generated according to the above-described procedure.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step SP
In step SP31 entered from step 30, the CPU 3 as a three-dimensional element generation unit generates and holds a unit vector in the enlargement or reduction direction using the coordinate values and the normal vectors for each vertex forming the outline of the character. .

For example, a method of generating a unit vector in the enlargement direction will be described with reference to FIG. For all vertices of the character Z, two vectors in the enlargement direction can be generated based on the vertex data consisting of the coordinates and the normal vectors of the vertices and the vertex data of the vertices located before and after the vertex. That is, in the character Z, a vector created using the vertex data below the focused vertex is set as a vector Ba, and a vector created using the upper vertex data is set as a vector Bb. These vectors Ba and Bb
Are vectors extending in the vertical direction from the line segments forming the outline of the character. When auxiliary lines La and Lb that intersect perpendicularly with these two vectors Ba and Bb are respectively generated, these generated auxiliary lines La and Lb become enlarged contours, and an intersection Pa at which the auxiliary lines La and Lb intersect is generated. A vector drawn from the origin is defined as a vector Bc in the enlargement direction. Hereinafter, similarly, unit vectors in the enlargement and reduction directions are generated and held for all vertices.

At step SP32, the CPU 3
By determining and registering an enlargement / reduction coefficient indicating the size of enlargement / reduction based on a value specified in advance by the user, the actual vertex position of the edge polygon model is determined using the registered value. In step SP33, when determining the vertex position of the edge polygon model from the generated unit vectors in the enlargement and reduction directions according to the enlargement / reduction coefficient, the CPU 3 sets the enlargement / reduction direction subtracted from the origin to the vertex position of the edge polygon model. It is determined whether adjacent enlargement / reduction vectors among the vectors intersect. As a result, when it is determined that the adjacent scaling direction vectors intersect, the CPU 3 determines in step SP3
The process proceeds to step SP35, and if it is determined that they do not intersect, the process proceeds to step SP35.

At step SP34, the CPU 3
Recalculation of the scaling direction vector is performed so that adjacent scaling direction vectors do not intersect, thereby avoiding generation of concave polygons and failure of the three-dimensional character generation algorithm as shown in FIG. . For example, FIG.
As shown in (2), when the CPU 3 intersects with a plurality of enlargement direction vectors B4 and B5 like the enlargement direction vector B1 at the vertex Pb of the character b, the CPU 3 searches for an enlargement direction vector B2 that does not intersect. Then, the CPU 3 determines the orthogonal line segments L _B2 and L _{B3 of the} searched enlarged direction vector B2.
Are defined as the vertices of the intersecting enlargement direction vectors B1, B4, and B5.
1, B4 and B5 are prevented from intersecting.

Further, the CPU 3 may completely block the space when the coefficient for determining the size of the edge is increased, such as a blank portion inside the character O. In this case, the CPU 3 treats the vertex of the contour of the original character as the vertex of the edge, assuming that there is no enlargement direction vector.

At step SP36, the CPU 3
A line arrangement table for scan lines as shown in FIG. 8 is created using the vertex and character contour data created for the edge. In step SP37, the CPU 3 generates a depth polygon using the vertex coordinates and the normal vector of the edge, and in the next step SP38, generates an edge back polygon corresponding to the created edge back portion. Incidentally, since the enlargement and reduction coefficients of the front surface and the back surface may be different depending on the type of edge, it is necessary to perform the same processing as for the front polygon.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3 obtains outline data D1 indicating the outline of the character based on the character specified via the keyboard 27, and based on the outline data D1, the face polygon model D3 and the shadow polygon model. An edge polygon model D for generating three-dimensional character data D5 and emphasizing the outline according to the outline of the generated character data
5 is generated. And CP
U3 generates three-dimensional character data composed of the polygon model D9 by adding edge data to the character data, and displays an image corresponding to the three-dimensional character data on the display 21.

According to the above configuration, three-dimensional character data is generated based on the character specified via the keyboard 27, and the three-dimensional character data for emphasizing the outline in accordance with the outline of the generated character data. Generate dimensional edge data,
When the edge data is added to the character data to generate the three-dimensional character data, the three-dimensional character corresponding to the three-dimensional character data is displayed over the editing target video which is the background of the three-dimensional character. If the color of the background and the color of the edge portion of the three-dimensional character are specified to be different colors, the boundary between the three-dimensional character and the background can be emphasized, and thus the video title of the three-dimensional character can be edited. Can be surely displayed on the image of.

(3) Color selection procedure by color picker incorporated in application program Here, the color selection procedure by color picker performed in the material setting step (SP6) of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG.
The flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the color picker for performing this color selection is incorporated in an application program for generating a video title. First, in step SP45 entered from step SP44, the CPU 3 executes
When the edge / shadow setting menu 76 is selected as in the GUI screen 60 shown in FIG. 14, when the material setting menu 74 is selected in accordance with the operation of the user, FIG.
Is displayed on the GUI screen 60 as shown in FIG. The color picker 120 displays a color selection operation section 122 near the center thereof, and
2 shows a rough color sample.

At step SP46, the CPU 3
In response to the user's operation, the mouse pointer 124 is moved to a portion of the color sample displayed on the color selection operation section 122 of the color picker 120 that is closest to the desired color,
The mouse button (not shown) is held in a clicked state (hereinafter, this is referred to as hold). Step SP4
At 7, the CPU 3 presses, for example, a preset enlargement key on the right button of the mouse 31, for example, in response to a user operation, and keeps the enlargement key pressed.

Then, in step SP48, the CPU
3 displays an enlarged window 126, and enlarges and displays a color sample around a portion designated by the mouse pointer 124 on the enlarged window 126 with a sufficient resolution. In step SP49, the CPU 3 determines the color by moving the mouse pointer 124 to a desired color portion from the color sample displayed in the enlargement window 126 and releasing the hold state in accordance with the operation of the user. The scene window 62 serving as the image editing screen
Apply to the above three-dimensional character. Next, in step SP50, when the CPU 3 releases the pressing of the enlargement key in response to the user's operation, the enlargement window 126 is deleted from the GUI screen 60 in step SP51. Next, the process moves to step SP52 and ends.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3 enlarges the display area of the color picker 120 by enlarging and displaying a part of the color selection operation unit 122 of the color picker 120 in the enlargement window 126 at a high resolution as necessary. Display all existing colors without any changes.

According to the above configuration, the color picker 12
By enlarging and displaying a part of the 0 color selection operation unit 122 as necessary, all existing colors can be displayed without increasing the display area of the color picker 120. While maintaining the desired color.

(4) Color Selection Procedure Using Group Property Dialog The color selection procedure using the group property dialog performed in the material setting step (SP6) in FIG. 4 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the color selection dialog for selecting the color is built into the operating system.

First, in step SP61 entered from step SP60, when the CPU 3 clicks the group property setting button 71 in response to the user's operation input while the GUI screen 60 shown in FIG. Proceeding to SP162, a group property dialog 130 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed.

This group property dialog 130
Is a color setting button 132 for setting the color of the face polygon model D3 of the polygon model D9 (FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 5, and a color setting for setting the gradation (gradation) of the face polygon model D3. Button 1
33, a color setting button 134 for setting the color of the shadow polygon model D7 and a color setting button 1 for setting the gradation of the shadow polygon model D7
35, a color setting button 136 for setting the color of the edge polygon model D5, and the edge polygon model D5
Color setting button 13 for setting the gradation of
7. Color setting button 1 for setting the shadow color of polygon model D9 displayed in scene window 62 (FIG. 3)
38 and a color setting button 139 for setting the gradation of the shadow. These color setting buttons 1
32 to 139 indicate RGB parameter values currently set on the buttons, respectively.

At step SP63, the CPU 3
Color setting buttons 132 to 13 according to user's input operation
When the color setting button of the polygon model whose color is to be changed is clicked, the process proceeds to step SP64.
A color selection dialog 145 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In step SP65, while displaying the color selection dialog 145, the CPU 3 selects a desired color from the basic colors 147 in accordance with the user's input operation, and then specifies the color by clicking the OK button 149. Determine the color of the polygon model.

At step SP66, the CPU 3
The color selection dialog 145 is closed, the group property dialog 130 is displayed, and the parameter values of the selected color setting buttons 132 to 139 in the group property dialog 130 are changed to the set parameter values and displayed. In this state, the CPU 3
When the OK button 151 is clicked in response to the user's input operation, the group property dialog 130 is closed, and the three-dimensional characters displayed in the scene window 62 (FIG. 3) are colored. Next, the process moves to step SP67 and ends.

In the above configuration, the group property dialog 130 displays the currently set RGB parameter values on the color setting buttons 132 to 139, thereby providing an area for displaying the color setting button as in the related art. Is compared to displaying parameter values in another area,
The limited display area of the group property dialog 130 is effectively used.

According to the above configuration, the color selection dialog 1
By displaying each of the currently set RGB parameter values on the color setting buttons 132 to 139 for displaying the image 45, the parameter values are set in an area different from the area where the color setting button is displayed as in the related art. Compared to displaying,
The limited display area of the group property dialog 130 can be effectively used, and thus a more efficient display screen can be generated as compared with the related art.

(5) Perspective projection conversion Here, the perspective projection conversion procedure performed in the perspective setting step (SP7) of FIG. 4 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step SP76, which is entered from step SP75, the CPU 3 individually performs perspective projection conversion on a character string composed of the polygon model D9 (FIG. 5) according to user input information (hereinafter referred to as multi-perspective). It is determined whether or not there is a designation. As a result, when it is determined that the multi-parse designation has been made, the process proceeds to step SP77, and when it is determined that the multi-parse designation has not been made, the process proceeds to step SP78.

At step SP77, the CPU 3
Perspective projection conversion is performed by performing parse setting on a character string for which multi-perspective designation has been made. At this time, the character string subjected to perspective projection conversion is displayed in a display area called a frameless window. Proceeding to step SP78, the CP
U3 performs perspective setting by performing parse setting on the entire scene window 62, thereby performing parse setting on a character string that has not been designated for multi-perspective.

FIG. 20 shows a scene window 62 in which character strings 160 to 162 not to be designated for multi-perspective display and character strings 163 and 164 to be designated for multi-perspective are displayed in frameless windows 163W and 164W.
Is shown. The sizes of the frameless windows 163W and 164W are determined based on the size of the scene window 62 when the character string is perspectively transformed, and is determined by the smallest rectangular parallelepiped including the perspectively transformed character string. Since the size on the scene window 62 cannot be obtained unless the drawing process is performed to the scene window 62 to the end, the size in the second and subsequent drawing processes is based on the size determined by the first drawing process. Calculate the required minimum size.

FIG. 21 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 20 are assigned the same reference numerals, shows an animation process for moving the character string 162 not to be designated for multi-parse and the character string 164 to be designated for multi-parse upward. At this time, the character string 162 that is not a multi-perspective designation target is moving the position of the character string with respect to the viewpoint, while the character string 164 that is a multi-perspective designation target is not changed by the perspective projection conversion. As described above, in the scene window 62, the animation processing of the character string 162 displayed without the frameless window and the change of the display position of the frameless window 164W are performed.
Various types of animation processing can be performed.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3
A plurality of types of three-dimensional character strings constituting a video title are independently displayed by performing perspective projection conversion on a video title composed of three-dimensional characters generated in a three-dimensional space individually for each character string and displaying the same in a scene window 62. When there is a request to display the three-dimensional character strings in such a manner that they exist in the space, there is no need for the trouble of composing a screen obtained by individually performing perspective projection conversion of a plurality of types of three-dimensional character strings. CPU3
Displays, on the same scene window 62, a plurality of three-dimensional character strings subjected to a plurality of different types of perspective projection conversion, and in response to a user request, displays the three-dimensional character strings in a space where the three-dimensional character strings exist. Or by moving the space where the three-dimensional character string exists together with the three-dimensional character string,
An animation according to the user's request is created.

According to the above configuration, the video title composed of the three-dimensional characters generated in the virtual three-dimensional space is individually subjected to the perspective projection conversion for each character string and displayed in the scene window 62. Thus, a video title consisting of a three-dimensional character string existing in an independent space can be easily generated according to the above, and thus the usability of the user can be further improved as compared with the related art.

(6) Rotational operation of three-dimensional characters Here, the drawing step (S
The procedure for rotating the three-dimensional character, which is performed as necessary after the completion of P9), will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step SP86 entered from step SP85, the CPU 3 responds to a user's operation input by pressing the left button (not shown) of the mouse 31 on a desired three-dimensional character in a video title displayed in the scene window 62. Is double-clicked, the three-dimensional character is selected.

In step SP87, the CPU 3 determines
In response to a user's operation input, when a desired one of the rotation axes displayed on the rotation axis switch 69, that is, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is clicked by the mouse 31, the clicked rotation axis is displayed. select. Next, step SP
In 88, when the left button of the mouse 31 is pressed on the selected three-dimensional character in response to the user's operation input, the CPU 3 starts rotating the three-dimensional character, and proceeds to step SP89. By moving the mouse 31 while holding down the left button of the mouse 31 (hereinafter referred to as drag), the 3
Adjust the rotation angle of 3D characters.

At step SP90, the CPU 3
It is determined whether or not the left button of the mouse 31 has been released in response to the user's input operation. As a result, if it is determined that the left button has been released, the process proceeds to step SP91 to determine the display state of the selected three-dimensional character. If it is determined that the release has not been performed, the process proceeds to step SP92.

At step SP92, the CPU 3
It is determined whether or not the right button of the mouse 31 has been pressed according to the user's input operation. If it is determined that the right button has not been pressed, the process returns to step SP89 and repeats the operation. In step SP93, the CPU 3
, Sequentially switches the rotation axis in the order of X axis, Y axis, Z axis, X axis,..., Returns to step SP89, and adjusts the rotation angle of the switched rotation axis.

In the above configuration, in a state where the rotation angle of the three-dimensional character on the desired rotation axis is adjusted while pressing and dragging the left button of the mouse 31, the CPU 3 adjusts the rotation angle on the rotation axis. Is completed, the right button of the mouse 31 is pressed to switch the rotation axis for adjusting the rotation angle in a predetermined order. Thus, the rotation axis can be switched without performing an operation of selecting a desired rotation axis from the rotation axis switches 69 as in the related art.

According to the above configuration, each time the right button of the mouse 31 is pressed, the rotation axis is sequentially switched according to a predetermined order, so that a desired rotation axis is selected from among the rotation axis switches 69 as in the prior art. The rotation axis can be selected more easily than in the case of selection, and thus the rotation operation of the three-dimensional character can be performed more easily than in the conventional case.

(7) Creation and Management of Animation Data Here, a description will be given of a method of creating and managing three-dimensional character animation data performed as necessary after the drawing processing step (SP9) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is completed. . The video title generation device 1 first prepares a plurality of reference frames (hereinafter, referred to as key frames) as an animation technique for adding a smooth motion to the generated video title, and sets each key between the key frames. A technique called key frame animation is used in which animation data is generated by inserting a plurality of images obtained by interpolating the positions of three-dimensional characters in a frame with straight lines or curves.

Hereinafter, the key frame animation creation procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step SP1 entered from step SP100
At 01, the CPU 3 creates a three-dimensional character by sequentially repeating the polygon model generation procedure shown in FIG. In step SP102, the CPU 3 creates a moving image by performing image processing such as movement, enlargement / reduction, and rotation on the above-described three-dimensional character according to a user's input operation.

Next, at step SP103, the CPU
When a key frame addition button 90 is clicked on the GUI screen 60 shown in FIG. 3 in response to a user input operation, the GUI object 42 shown in FIG. The display state is sent as message information M2, and the process proceeds to step SP104, where the CPU 3 adds animation data to each node of a hierarchical data structure called a scene graph as shown in FIG. It has been made like that. At this time, the CPU 3 adds data only to nodes that perform an animation operation, and does not add data to nodes that do not perform an animation operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the scene graph 170 includes a page node 171 and a layer node 17.
2, group node 173, material node 174,
Translate node 175, scale node 176,
It is composed of a rotate node 177 and a model node 178.

The page node 171 holds information on the entire moving picture, the layer node 172 holds information on layers, and the group node 173 holds information on groups. The material node 174 holds information on the color and texture of the polygon model, and the translate node 175 holds information on the position of the polygon model in the virtual three-dimensional space. The scale node 176 holds information on the scaling ratio of the polygon model, the rotate node 177 holds information on the rotation state of the polygon model, and the model node 178.
Holds information on characteristics of the display model itself, such as fonts and character data.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3 stores only the data of the three-dimensional character which performs the animation operation on the key frame, thereby making the entire video title a moving image as in the related art. The amount of data to be stored is reduced as compared with the case where all data is stored. Further, since the still image and the moving image are managed by the same data structure in the CPU 3, the management of the video title is simplified as compared with the conventional case where the still image and the moving image are separately managed. Is done.

According to the above configuration, by sequentially storing only the image data in the area where the animation operation is performed on the reference still image, compared with the case where all the image data of each frame is stored. The data of the data to be stored can be reduced, and thus the image data can be managed more efficiently than before.

(8) Video Title Transmission Procedure Here, a series of operations related to generation, editing and transmission of a video title will be described. Hereinafter, the procedure for transmitting the video title will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step SP111 entered from step SP110, when a desired character is designated from the keyboard 27 in accordance with the user's input operation, the CPU 3 outputs a three-dimensional character corresponding to the character via the graphics accelerator 13 (FIG. 1). And instantaneously displays it on the display 21 (FIG. 1).

At step SP112, the CPU 3
When various attribute values such as a position, a size, and a material are set in accordance with a user's input operation, a three-dimensional character corresponding to the set attribute value is transmitted via the graphics accelerator 13 (FIG. 1). And instantaneously displays it on the display 21 (FIG. 1). As described above, in the video title generation device 1, when input information is input by the user from the keyboard 27 (FIG. 1), three-dimensional characters corresponding to the input information can be immediately displayed on the display 21. Can perform editing work while checking input results interactively.

At step SP113, the CPU 3
Determines whether or not to end the editing work based on the user's operation input. If it is determined that the three-dimensional characters displayed on the display 21 need to be further modified, the process proceeds to step SP111. The process returns to continue the editing operation, and if it is determined that the editing operation is to be ended, the process proceeds to step SP114.

At step SP114, the CPU 3
Supplies the video title from the graphics accelerator 13 to the frame buffer, combines the video title with an externally supplied video, and outputs the synthesized video title to the monitor 23 for display. Next, the process moves to step SP115 and ends.

In the above configuration, the CPU 3 converts the three-dimensional character generated according to the input operation of the user into an image for image synthesis corresponding to the three-dimensional character via the graphics accelerator 13 and displays the image on the display 21. , The user performs an editing operation while interactively checking the input result. CPU3
Is to transfer a video title from the graphics accelerator 13 to the frame buffer 15 in response to a user's operation input, combine the video title with the video to be edited by the frame buffer 15, and output the resultant to the monitor 23 for display. Thus, labor and time required for the sending operation are reduced.

According to the above configuration, an image for a video title composed of three-dimensional characters in accordance with a user's operation input is immediately displayed on the display 21, and upon transmission, the graphics accelerator 13 transmits the image to the frame buffer 1.
5 by transferring the video title data to the frame buffer 15 and synthesizing the video title and the video supplied from the outside by the frame buffer 15 and displaying the synthesized video title on the monitor 23. The work involved can be reduced, and the usability can be further improved as compared with the related art.

(9) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the case where the right button of the mouse 31 is used as the enlargement key has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The key may be an enlarged key.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a desired color is selected from the basic colors 147. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The color is set by selecting a desired color sample from the color display area 153 displaying a more detailed color sample compared to 147, or by setting a numerical value in the color parameter setting area 155. Is also good.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where RGB parameter values are displayed on the color setting buttons 132 to 139 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, H (Hue) L (Luminance) S (Satura
), other various parameter values may be displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a three-dimensional character corresponding to a designated character is generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various other display elements such as a graphic may be used. The present invention can be widely applied to a display element three-dimensionalization device for three-dimensionally displaying the image.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, a desired reference direction is selected from a plurality of reference directions set in advance on the display screen of the display means, and a stereoscopic image displayed on the display screen is selected. By sequentially switching the reference directions in a predetermined order while performing the desired image processing based on the selected reference direction, the operation of selecting the reference direction and the image processing as in the related art can be performed. Since it is not necessary to execute the operation to be performed separately and independently, it is possible to easily select the reference direction only by performing a simple operation, and thus it is possible to further improve the usability as compared with the related art.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a video title generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an application program.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a GUI screen.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a polygon model generation procedure by a CPU.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram used for describing generation of a polygon model.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining setting of a perspective.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a three-dimensional character generation procedure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining creation of a scan line segment arrangement table;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a triangle division process for generating a polygon;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an edge generation procedure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining generation of a unit vector in an enlargement direction;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for describing recalculation of an enlargement direction vector.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a color selection procedure using a color picker.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display screen of a color picker.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display screen of a color picker.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a color selection procedure using a group property dialog.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram used for describing a display screen of a group property dialog.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display screen of a color selection dialog.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a perspective projection conversion procedure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a scene window when a multi-perspective is designated;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scene window when a multi-perspective is designated;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a rotation operation procedure of a three-dimensional character.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a key frame animation creation procedure.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scene graph.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a video title transmission procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Video title generating device, 3 ... CPU, 5 ... System controller, 7 ... Memory, 9 ... Cache, 11 ... I / O controller, 13 ... Graphics accelerator, 15 ... Frame buffer, 17
…… Hard disk controller, 19 …… HDD, 2
1 ... display, 23 ... monitor, 25 ... keyboard controller, 27 ... keyboard, 29 ... mouse controller, 31 ... mouse.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method for selecting a desired reference direction from a plurality of reference directions set in advance on a display screen of a display means in response to a user's operation input entered through an input means, A three-dimensional image processing apparatus characterized by sequentially switching the reference directions in a predetermined order while performing desired image processing on the displayed three-dimensional image based on the selected reference direction. 2. The three-dimensional image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional image is subjected to image processing such as a rotation operation, a parallel movement, or a scaling operation based on the reference direction. 3. A desired reference direction is selected from a plurality of reference directions set in advance on a display screen of a display means in accordance with a user's operation input entered through an input means, and the display screen is displayed on the display screen. A stereoscopic image processing method characterized by sequentially switching the reference directions in a predetermined order while performing desired image processing on the displayed stereoscopic image based on the selected reference direction. 4. The stereoscopic image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the stereoscopic image is subjected to image processing such as a rotation operation, a parallel movement, or a scaling operation based on the reference direction.