JP2000331189A - Method for constituting virtual three-dimensional space and storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method by which a user can constitute a virtual three- dimensional space even though the person is not a technical expert and constitute the space by using the parts that the user possesses. SOLUTION: The method for constituting virtual three-dimensional space includes a parts data registering step (307) in which a client PC registers the parts data held by the client PC in a server (307), a synthesizing step (315) in which the server synthesizes a picture gallery template having a three- dimensional structure and stored in the server with the part data registered by the client PC, and a describing language converting step (316) in which the server converts the synthesized results into a describing language. The method also includes a displaying step (318) in which the server transfers the generated describing language to the client PC and the client PC three- dimensionally displays the language.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for constructing a virtual three-dimensional space and a storage medium, and more particularly, to a method for constructing a virtual three-dimensional space even without a specialized engineer and a component which a user has independently. The present invention relates to a virtual three-dimensional space configuration method that can be used to configure a virtual three-dimensional space, and a storage medium for implementing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The cost performance of computers has improved, and general-purpose computers have become able to handle three-dimensional computer graphics. When creating three-dimensional computer graphics, it is necessary to perform three-dimensional modeling. For this three-dimensional modeling work, software called a dedicated shape modeler has been developed. Precise three-dimensional modeling is performed using a shape modeler, and then a three-dimensional shape model, a texture image, and the like are converted through a process called rendering to generate an image displayed three-dimensionally.

On the other hand, VRML (Virtual Reality Modeli)
ng Language) and VRML
Browsers that can display three-dimensional computer graphics based on the description have become widespread, and three-dimensional computer graphics can be easily used on the Internet. That is, a VRML description is sent from a server to a client via the Internet, and a three-dimensional image can be displayed from the VRML description on a client browser. For VRML, see “Knowing VRML: Mark Pessi: Prentice Hall, 19
Published in 1996. Further, VRML 2.0, whose specifications have been subsequently determined, is described in "VRML 2.0 Handbook: Jed Hartman, Josie Wernecke: Addison Wesley, published in 1997".

[0004]

As described above, three-dimensional computer graphics requires a three-dimensional modeling operation. However, the three-dimensional modeling operation is complicated, and precise three-dimensional modeling cannot be performed without mastering the operation of the shape modeler. Further, even when VRML is described using a text editor without using the shape modeler, precise modeling cannot be performed unless the grammar of VRML is well understood. For this reason, conventionally, there has been a problem that a virtual three-dimensional space cannot be practically constructed without a specialist engineer.

On the other hand, there has been proposed a method in which three-dimensional model parts are prepared in advance, and they are combined to form a virtual three-dimensional space. Can be configured. However, since it is not considered that the user uses parts that the user owns, for example, a virtual 3D that displays an artist who wants to construct a virtual 3D space where his or her work is displayed or its own products is displayed.
There was a problem that it was not possible to meet the demands of shop owners who wanted to construct a three-dimensional space.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a virtual three-dimensional space configuration that allows a non-technical engineer to configure a virtual three-dimensional space and to configure a virtual three-dimensional space using a user's own parts. It is to provide a method and a storage medium for performing the method.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component data registering step of registering component data held by a client in a server, and a space template having a three-dimensional structure stored in the server and a client. A synthesizing step in which the server synthesizes the registered component data with the server, a descriptive language conversion step in which the server converts the synthesized result into a descriptive language, and the server transfers the generated descriptive language to the client or another client. A method for constructing a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising a display step of displaying three-dimensionally. In the virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to the first aspect, a client can register a held component data in the server, and can configure a virtual three-dimensional space using the component data. In other words, a virtual three-dimensional space can be configured even by a non-technical engineer, and a virtual three-dimensional space can be configured using parts that the user has. Further, since the space template is stored in the server, the storage area of the client (for example, the area for the client's Web page on the Internet) is hardly consumed. Furthermore, a client that displays a virtual three-dimensional space three-dimensionally only receives a description language,
A third party (a client different from the client configuring the virtual three-dimensional space) can freely browse the virtual three-dimensional space.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides the virtual three-dimensional space construction method according to the first aspect, wherein the data to be registered in the data registration step is two-dimensional data or virtual three-dimensional data described in a description language. A virtual three-dimensional space construction method is provided, which is structured data or a URL representing a referenceable location. In the virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to the second aspect, since two-dimensional data can be registered, image data can be arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space. Also, since data having a virtual three-dimensional structure described in a description language can be registered, component data can be produced with a text editor. In addition, since the URL can be registered,
The transfer of the entity of the component data becomes unnecessary.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides the virtual three-dimensional space construction method according to the second aspect, wherein in the synthesizing step, the component data is stored in a capturing template having a three-dimensional structure for capturing the component data. A virtual three-dimensional space construction method characterized in that a virtual template having a three-dimensional structure is synthesized with a spatial template having the three-dimensional structure. In the virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to the third aspect, the two-dimensional data is fetched into the capture template and is synthesized with the space template. Therefore, if only the capture template is changed without changing the space template, the virtual The impression of the three-dimensional space can be easily changed according to the component data.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the virtual three-dimensional space construction method according to the third aspect, wherein the part data is exhibit data such as an art object, an excavated object, or a painting, and the space template is A virtual three-dimensional space configuration method is provided, which is an exhibition space template for an art museum, a museum, a gallery, or the like, and wherein the capturing template is an exhibition installation tool template such as an exhibition case, a mounting table, and a picture frame. In the virtual three-dimensional space construction method according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to easily construct a virtual museum, museum, or gallery exhibiting an exhibit created by the user or an exhibit of his / her preference.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a recording medium storing at least one of a program and data for executing on a computer the virtual three-dimensional space construction method according to the first to fourth aspects. . By causing a computer to read the program or data stored in the storage medium according to the fifth aspect, the virtual three-dimensional space configuration methods according to the first to fourth aspects can be suitably performed.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited by this. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system that implements a virtual three-dimensional gallery according to an embodiment of the present invention. This network system includes a client PC (110) and a server (120) connected via the Internet (130). Client PC
(110) includes a CPU (111) and a memory (11).
2), auxiliary storage device (113), communication control device (11)
4), external storage device (115) and display device (11)
6) is included. The server (120) has a CPU (1)
21), a memory (122), an auxiliary storage device (123),
Communication control device (124) and external storage device (125)
Is included. Note that a client PC (1
The communication means for connecting 10) and the server (120) may be other than the Internet (130). Further, the auxiliary storage devices (113) and (123) and the external storage devices (115) and (1)
It is also possible to change the configuration of the client / server system such as the presence or absence of 25).

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram necessary for implementing a virtual three-dimensional gallery according to one embodiment of the present invention. The client PC (110) has a virtual three-dimensional space configuration definition function (210) for notifying the server of various conditions possessed by the client, and a virtual three-dimensional space for visually outputting the created virtual three-dimensional space. Dimensional space display function (220)
There is. The virtual three-dimensional space definition function (210) has a virtual three-dimensional space generation condition definition function (211) for setting the generation conditions of the virtual three-dimensional space to be created, and the client holds it in the parts database (250). There is a component registration function (212) for registering image data and virtual three-dimensional objects in the server (120).

The server (120) has a user object management function (230) for managing data held by the client and a virtual 3 for synthesizing a virtual 3D space.
There is a dimensional space dynamic generation function (240). The user object management function (230) includes a component management function (231) for managing objects registered by the client for creating a virtual three-dimensional space, and an gallery management function (Management of an gallery created for each client). 232). Further, the user object management function (23)
0) utilizes the user database (260). The virtual three-dimensional space dynamic generation function (240) includes a component extraction function (241) for extracting components required for creating a virtual three-dimensional space from the 3D template database (270) based on conditions specified by the client. Virtual 3 by combining the extracted parts with the parts registered by the client
Virtual three-dimensional space synthesis function for generating two-dimensional space (242)
There is.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for creating a virtual three-dimensional gallery. The left half of the figure shows the client PC (11
0), and the right half of the figure shows the server (12).
0). First, in the client PC (110), user information for performing user registration with the server (120) is input (30).
1). Note that user registration is performed by a plurality of users on the server (1).
20) is necessary to manage the information of the virtual three-dimensional gallery created for each user.
Therefore, when only one user uses the server (120) (including a case where another server is prepared for each user)
Does not require this user registration. In addition, the server (12
User registration is not required even when a user registered in 0) creates a new virtual three-dimensional gallery. The input user information is sent to the server (120) via the Internet (130) (302).

The server (120) registers the sent user information in a user database (260),
Management is performed for each user (303).

Subsequently, in the client PC (110), type information of the virtual three-dimensional gallery to be created is input (304). As an input method, a keyword corresponding to a gallery template prepared by the server (120) may be directly input, or an abstract image word such as "modern" or "gorgeous" may be input. The input gallery type information is sent to the server (120) via the Internet (130) (305).

The server (120) searches the 3D template database (270) using the sent gallery type information as a keyword, and extracts a gallery template that is the basis of the virtual 3D gallery to be created (30).
6). If the type information of the received gallery is an abstract image word, it is converted into a keyword that is convenient for searching the 3D template database (270), and the 3D template database (270) is searched. Then, an gallery template serving as a basis of the virtual three-dimensional gallery to be created is extracted (306).

Next, in the client PC (110), component data held by the user is designated (30).
7). This part data is used when there is image data that is two-dimensional data, three-dimensional object data that is data having a virtual three-dimensional structure described in VRML, or part data that can be referenced via the Internet (130). Is a URL indicating the location. The specified component data or URL is stored on the Internet (13
0) to the server (120) (30)
8).

The server (120) registers the sent component data in the user database (260),
Management is performed for each user (309). When the URL is sent, the part data is acquired based on the URL, registered in the user database (260), and managed for each user (3
09).

Next, the server (120) creates summary information such as the layout of the virtual three-dimensional gallery to be created (310). The summary information of the created virtual 3D gallery is
Client PC via the Internet (130)
It is sent to (110) (311).

The client PC (110) displays the sent summary information of the virtual three-dimensional gallery on the screen and prompts the user to confirm (312). The user determines from the summary information of the virtual three-dimensional gallery displayed on the screen whether or not the creation of the virtual three-dimensional gallery can be started, and if so, instructs the start of the creation (313). The instruction to start creation is sent to the server (120) via the network (130) (314).

When the server (120) receives an instruction to start creation, a virtual three-dimensional gallery is created by combining the extracted gallery template and the part data registered by the user (315). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, the created virtual three-dimensional gallery is converted into a description language that can be expressed by the client PC (110) (316). The virtual three-dimensional gallery converted into a description language that can be expressed by the client PC (110) is sent to the client (110) via the network (130) (317).

In the client PC (110), a virtual three-dimensional gallery is displayed on a screen on a browser based on the received description language (318).

The above steps (301) to (30)
The client PC (110) that performs the process of 7) and the client PC (110) that performs the processes of the above steps (312) to (318) may be different clients. That is, one client may create a virtual three-dimensional gallery, and another client may view the virtual three-dimensional gallery.

Also, by describing a set of component data used for the virtual three-dimensional gallery and parameters for specifying information of the gallery template on the user's Web page, another user can access the client PC (through the user's Web page). 110) as the above step (301)
(318) can be performed. Even in this case, a certain user can create a virtual three-dimensional gallery, and a third party can reproduce and view the virtual three-dimensional gallery.

FIG. 4 shows a process for creating a virtual three-dimensional gallery by combining an gallery template and component data (315).
It is a flowchart of. In step 401, the extracted gallery template is opened. In step 402, it is determined whether or not data remains in the opened gallery template. If data remains, the process proceeds to step 403. If not, the process proceeds to step 413.

In step 403, one line of data is read from the gallery template. In step 404, it is determined whether the read data of one line is a special comment line. If the data is not a special comment line, the process proceeds to step 405. If the data is a special comment line, the process proceeds to step 406.

In step 405, the read data for one line is stored in the output buffer.
Return to

In step 406, the contents of the read data for one line are analyzed, and data other than those described in the gallery template and described in the gallery template are output to the output buffer according to the contents of the special comment line. Suppress the output of the data that is being performed. Here, an example is shown in which paintings and objects are displayed in a virtual three-dimensional gallery by outputting data other than those described in the gallery template. In this case, if the content of the special comment line is not "part data insertion position", the process returns to step 402. If the content of the special comment line is "component data insertion position", the process proceeds to step 407.

In step 407, part data is obtained from the user database (260). Step 408
Then, the type of the acquired part data is determined, and if the acquired part data is three-dimensional data described in VRML like a three-dimensional object, the process proceeds to step 409, and the acquired part data is displayed as a picture. If the data is two-dimensional data, the process proceeds to step 410.

In step 409, the component data or the description indicating the storage location of the component data is stored in the output buffer. Then, the process returns to step 402.

In step 410, a frame template for exhibiting in the virtual three-dimensional gallery is obtained from the 3D template database (270). The frame template is described in the same format as the gallery template, but takes in two-dimensional data and turns it into three-dimensional data.
It has a function that can be arranged in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.
In step 411, the obtained frame template is corrected according to the component data of the two-dimensional data. For example,
Correct the aspect ratio of the frame template according to the painting. In step 412, the component data of the two-dimensional data and the modified frame template are combined, and the result is stored in the output buffer. And step 402
Return to

In step 413, the file of the gallery template is closed, and the process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the main part of the gallery template. The gallery template is a file in which special annotation lines (501, 502) are embedded in a file representing a virtual three-dimensional space based on the VRML 2.0 specification. Therefore, the gallery template itself functions as a VRML file, and a virtual three-dimensional space can be viewed by using a VRML-compatible browser.

FIG. 6 shows that all the component data to be inserted are empty.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing a state in which an gallery template is displayed on a browser when the gallery template is dimensional data (that is,
Represents a gallery without exhibits).

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example in which a gallery template when a picture is inserted as part data is displayed on a browser. The paintings held by the client are embedded in a frame template and converted into three-dimensional data, which is arranged in a virtual three-dimensional gallery. The place where the painting (or object) is placed is described in a special annotation line in the gallery template. That is, step 406 in FIG.
Through the processing of steps 412 to 412, the special annotation line is replaced with the component data, and a virtual three-dimensional gallery as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained.

[0038]

According to the virtual three-dimensional space construction method of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Virtual 3 by a combination of the component data registered by the client and the space template stored in the server
Since a three-dimensional space is automatically generated, a virtual three-dimensional space can be configured without requiring special knowledge about three-dimensional computer graphics and a description language. (2) Since the part data registered by the user can be used, a virtual three-dimensional space utilizing the uniqueness of the user can be configured. (3) By using the template for capturing two-dimensional data, the user can use the component data held by the user without being conscious of whether the data is two-dimensional data or three-dimensional data. (4) Since the virtual three-dimensional space is dynamically generated by the server,
Not only the user who configures the virtual three-dimensional space, but also a third party can reproduce and view the same virtual three-dimensional space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system that implements a virtual three-dimensional gallery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a virtual three-dimensional gallery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of functional processing of a virtual three-dimensional gallery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process of step 315 in FIG. 3 (process of combining component data and an gallery template).

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing a part of a gallery template.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an gallery template before synthesizing component data.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an gallery template after component data has been combined.

[Explanation of symbols]

110 client PC, 111 CPU, 112
... Memory, 113, auxiliary storage device, 114, communication control device, 115, external storage device, 116, display device, 120
... server, 121 ... CPU, 122 ... memory, 123 ...
Auxiliary storage device, 124 communication control device, 125 external storage device, 130 Internet, 210 virtual three-dimensional space configuration definition function, 211 virtual three-dimensional space generation condition definition function, 212 component registration function, 220 virtual 3D space display function, 230: user object management function, 2
31 ... parts management function, 232 ... gallery management function, 240 ...
Virtual three-dimensional space dynamic generation function, 250: parts database, 260: user database, 270: 3D template database, 501 to 502: special annotation line.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A component data registration step of registering component data held by a client to a server, a combining step of combining a spatial template having a three-dimensional structure stored in the server with component data registered by the client, A description language conversion step of converting a synthesis result into a description language by the server; and a display step of transferring the generated description language to the client or another client and displaying the transferred client three-dimensionally. Virtual three-dimensional space construction method. 2. The virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to claim 1, wherein the data registered in the data registration step is two-dimensional data or data having a virtual three-dimensional structure described in a description language or can be referred to. UR indicating location
L. A method for constructing a virtual three-dimensional space. 3. The method of constructing a virtual three-dimensional space according to claim 2, wherein in the synthesizing step, the component data is captured into a capturing template having a three-dimensional structure for capturing the component data, and the component data is captured. A method of constructing a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising combining a template for capturing data with a space template having the three-dimensional structure. 4. The virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to claim 3, wherein the component data is exhibit data such as a work of art, an excavation, or a painting, and the space template is a display of an art museum, a museum, a gallery, or the like. Is a spatial template,
A method for constructing a virtual three-dimensional space, wherein the capture template is an exhibit installation tool template such as an exhibition case, a mounting table, a picture frame, and the like. 5. A recording medium storing at least one of a program and data for executing a virtual three-dimensional space configuration method according to claim 1 on a computer.