JP2001331813A - Device and method for generating signboard image in three-dimensional city - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional city in which a user can take a walk inside the city through the Internet and also a device and a method for displaying a signboard in the three-dimensional city. SOLUTION: This city is provided with a three-dimensional city database 11, databases 1 to 3 for signboards and a CG generating part 12 and provides the image of a virtual city and signboard images displayed inside the virtual city. The virtual city is realized on the Internet by using data conforming to an actual city or three-dimensional virtual city data, and a signboard group generated with images there is made to have a function as an advertising medium as in the actual city. The signboard group on the three-dimensional city data is a directional object that individually has a different attribute, and the user can access a company being the sponsor of the signboards and homepages needing advertisement for the purpose of commercial use. If the a shop is set up in the virtual city, the user can directly access the shop.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a signboard image in a three-dimensional city.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, electronic commerce using the Internet has been put to practical use. In addition to posting a product catalog on a homepage to carry out advertising, orders can be received via the Internet. When many users visit the homepage, they will not only promote products but also promote sales. Therefore, various attempts have been made so that more users visit the homepage. A widely used technique is to display a banner advertisement on a homepage of a famous search engine, and when an interested user clicks the advertisement, the user jumps to the homepage of the advertiser. To attract the interest of many users, banner ads have been devised with animation and other techniques.

[0003] Conventional banner advertisements are exclusively planar, and none are displayed three-dimensionally. This is due to the limitation of the medium that the homepage provided by the current WWW is flat. However, it is thought that users who are moving or three-dimensional are more intriguing than advertisements. In the future, when three-dimensional image services will be provided on the Internet,
It is expected that displaying a sign in three dimensions will be important.

[0004] In the world of the Internet, a flat advertisement expression is mainly performed, but an attempt has been made to display an advertisement in a three-dimensional space in a TV game handling a stereoscopic image. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-51519 discloses a method for arbitrarily changing the content of an advertisement displayed on a game screen so that the content of the advertisement is displayed without a sense of incongruity with the game screen and flexibly controlling the date and time when the content of the advertisement is changed. In a game device that composes a game screen with a three-dimensional image, advertisement data is acquired by communication, and pasted by texture mapping to a partial area in the three-dimensional game screen for display. It is disclosed that the posting period data including the posting end date and time is added, and the advertisement data is posted only during the posting period.

[0005]

The above prior art relates only to the expression of an advertisement in a game screen, and does not relate to the expression of an advertisement in a three-dimensional city.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for generating a signboard image in a three-dimensional city that enables a three-dimensional advertisement.

[0006]

A signboard image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city according to the present invention is provided on a feature in a city together with data on the position, shape and texture of the feature including buildings and roads. A three-dimensional city database that stores signboard installation coordinate data, a viewpoint and line-of-sight generation unit that generates a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction in the city, and a viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction based on the three-dimensional city database A signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisements and attribute information about an installation location of the signboard in the city, and a three-dimensional city database. Receiving the signboard installation coordinate data, and adding the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates to the front. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting the signboard based on the attribute information, and receiving the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database and generating detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data. A signboard coordinate generation unit, a signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of texture data of the signboard at the generated installation coordinates, and a viewpoint / viewpoint movement detection unit that detects a change in the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight. And the signboard direction generation unit sets the direction of the signboard based on the output of the viewpoint / viewing line movement detection unit so that the signboard faces the direction of the viewpoint.

A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data on the position, shape, and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generating unit for generating the direction of the texture data of the signboard, and tracking the position of the viewpoint and the movement of the direction of the line of sight when the direction of the line of sight changes greatly, and the position of the future viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight And a signboard coordinate generator, based on an output of the viewpoint and gaze tracking unit, when a change in the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the gaze is within a predetermined range. The coordinates of the signboard are reset so that the signboard enters the field of view of the viewpoint, and the signboard direction generation unit, based on the output of the viewpoint / gaze tracking unit, There set the direction of the signboard so as to face the direction of the viewpoint.

[0008] A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of the texture data of the signboard, wherein the signboard database includes a plurality of shape data corresponding to at least one signboard, and the signboard selector selects the plurality of shape data. The shape of the signboard is changed by switching in a short time.

Preferably, the signboard database includes a plurality of textures corresponding to one signboard, and the signboard selector implements the signboard animation by switching between the plurality of textures in a short time.

[0010] A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generation unit for generating a direction of the texture data of the signboard in the signboard coordinate generation unit, wherein the signboard coordinate generation unit is located in the air separated from a feature specified by the signboard installation coordinates stored in the three-dimensional city database. By determining the coordinates of the position, the coordinates of the signboard are set in a space that cannot be physically installed in a real city.

A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of the signboard texture data in the signboard database, the signboard database includes texture data for long distance and texture data for short distance, and the signboard selector selects the signboard from the viewpoint. When the distance to the coordinates is large, the texture data for long distance is selected, and when the distance from the viewpoint to the coordinates of the signboard is small, the texture data for short distance is selected.

For example, in the case of a long distance, a sign A for a long distance
Select The sign A can be easily understood even from a long distance, that is, a symbol, an image of a product, a deformed character, and the like that can be expressed with a small number of pixels are displayed. In the case of the medium distance, the signboard B for the medium distance is selected. For the sign B, a provider name, a product name, and the like are added in addition to the symbols and the like. In the case of the short distance, the sign C for the short distance is selected. The signboard C displays a catch phrase, a selling point, an effect, a price, and the like in addition to the contents of the signboard B. If you can't see the entire signboard very close,
The display of a symbol, an image of a product, or the like over substantially the entire signboard may be omitted. Further, the signboard advertisement is not always displayed from the beginning, and may appear only when the user approaches a certain distance by moving the viewpoint. In this case, the image of the signboard A may be left blank or the signboard coordinates may not be generated. By such processing, it is possible to prevent the signboards from being disordered in the virtual city, and to provide a virtual city in consideration of the landscape.

The signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data on the position, shape, and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generating unit for generating the direction of the texture data of the signboard, and a user registration database for storing information of a user accessing the three-dimensional city, wherein the signboard database includes a category of a user to which the signboard is directed. The signboard selector obtains information on the accessed user from the user registration database and selects a suitable signboard from the signboard database based on the information on the user.

The categories are divided, for example, for each user group targeted by the signboard. For example, when the user is a young man, a sign for young men is selected.

When the user needs a predetermined restriction, the contents of the sign may be changed according to the user (security processing). For example, the sign may be replaced with another sign, the publication is being prepared, or the back side of the sign may be directed to the user so as not to show the obscene thing to the minor.

A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A signboard direction generating unit for generating a direction of the texture data of the signboard, and a user registration database for storing information of a user who accesses the three-dimensional city, wherein the viewpoint / sight line generating unit accesses the three-dimensional city. When the user is a preferential user, a viewpoint is set at an arbitrary position in the three-dimensional city based on the operation of the preferential user, otherwise, a non-preferred user viewpoint is set at a predetermined position, and the signboard is used. The coordinate generation unit sets coordinates of a plurality of signboards along the route of the non-preferred user viewpoint, and Direction generating unit sets the direction of the texture data of the signboard in the direction of the non-preferential-user perspective.

A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, as well as installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database And a signboard database storing texture data of a plurality of signboards for advertisement and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city, and setting coordinate data of the signboard from the three-dimensional city database. Receives the signboard texture data corresponding to the installation coordinates based on the attribute information. And a sign selector which selects and outputs,
A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database, and generates detailed setting coordinates of the texture data of the selected signboard based on the setting coordinate data; and the signboard coordinate generating unit. A billboard direction generator that generates the direction of the texture data of the signboard, a billing processor that performs billing processing based on the output of the billboard coordinate generator, and a billing database that stores billing information. Charges a higher fee when the generated signboard coordinates are at a position that can be seen from a preset route so that many users pass through.

Preferably, when the signboard direction generation unit sets the direction of the signboard such that the signboard faces the direction of the viewpoint based on the output of the viewpoint / viewing line movement detection unit, the billing processing unit includes: , Make higher billing.

Preferably, the signboard database includes link information corresponding to the signboard, and when the signboard on the screen is clicked, browser software is started, and automatically displayed on the homepage of the signboard provider. to access.

A signboard image generating method in a three-dimensional city according to the present invention includes the data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city, together with the installation coordinate data of the signboard provided on the feature. A three-dimensional city database to be stored, a viewpoint and gaze generation unit for generating a viewpoint position and a gaze direction in the city, and a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and gaze direction based on the three-dimensional city database Accessing a virtual city server including an image generation unit that generates an image, a step of determining whether the accessed user is a preferential user, and, if the user is a preferential user, changing the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight by operating the user. Setting step, and if not a preferential user, by the virtual city server Setting a determined viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction; generating a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction based on the three-dimensional city database; Setting the coordinates of a plurality of signboards in the vicinity of; the step of setting the direction of the texture data of the plurality of signboards in the direction of the non-preferred user viewpoint; and the position of the viewpoint and the line of sight by the user's operation. The method includes a step of moving the direction and a step of generating a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint after the movement and the direction of the line of sight.

According to the present invention, a real city
Alternatively, a virtual city can be realized on the Internet using virtual three-dimensional city data, and a group of signboards generated there can have a function as an advertisement medium like an actual city. The signboard group on the three-dimensional city data is a directional object with different attributes, and the user of the virtual city clicks on the signboard installed, and the advertiser of that signboard and the advertisement are displayed. It leads to a homepage for the commercial use you need. If you have a store in a virtual city, you can access it directly. The signboards of a virtual city have special effects that cannot be possessed in a real city.

A recording medium according to the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to function as the device or the method.

Examples of the medium include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD, ROM cartridge,
It includes a RAM memory cartridge with a battery backup, a flash memory cartridge, a nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

The communication medium also includes a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line. The Internet is also included in the communication medium mentioned here.

A medium is a medium on which information (mainly digital data and programs) is recorded by some physical means, and which allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. You can do it.
In short, any method may be used as long as the program is downloaded to the computer by some means and a predetermined function is executed.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional city image generating apparatus including a signboard image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a signboard attribute database, 2 is a signboard texture database, and 3 is a signboard link database. Each of the databases 1 to 3 stores a plurality of signboard data. 4 is 1 from database 1 to 3
Or a signboard selector for selecting and outputting data relating to a plurality of signboards. The signboard selector 4 selects a suitable signboard within a predetermined period based on a signal from the calendar clock device 5, and selects a suitable signboard according to other conditions based on an external selection signal. Reference numeral 6 denotes a signboard coordinate generation unit that generates coordinates of a three-dimensional city where the selected signboard is to be arranged. Reference numeral 7 denotes a signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction in which the signboard should face in the coordinates generated by the signboard coordinates 6. .

Signboard coordinate generator 6 and signboard direction generator 7
Installs a signboard in a three-dimensional city at a predetermined position and direction, and changes coordinates and directions based on the position of the user's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight and / or the amount of change. The databases 1 to 3 store data of a plurality of signboards. These signs are respectively assigned to a plurality of predetermined places in the virtual city, or one sign is assigned to a plurality of places. In the former case, a plurality of types of signboards are displayed in the virtual city, and in the latter case, one signboard is displayed in a plurality of places. For example, the former is a normal advertisement form, and the latter is an advertisement form for a concentrated campaign of a specific product / service. In the latter case, the same product / service is displayed at all advertisement display positions, or the same product / service is displayed at the same category (for example, the rooftop of a building). This process is automatically executed based on the attribute information in the signboard attribute database 1. Databases 1 to 3
The position and direction of the signboard are not fixed, and change in accordance with the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight and / or the amount of change thereof. The details will be described later. This is to enhance the effect of the advertisement by the signboard. Since the display of the signboard according to the present invention is in a three-dimensional city, a special display method different from an actual signboard is possible. The present invention is characterized by this point.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a viewpoint / view generation unit that generates a viewpoint position and a view direction in the three-dimensional city in accordance with user operations such as walking in the three-dimensional city, looking left and right, turning around, and turning up and down. The viewpoint and line-of-sight generation unit 8 generates a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction in accordance with a predetermined condition together with a user operation. Reference numeral 8a denotes a user registration database in which user registration information is stored.
The database 8a stores information such as whether the accessed user is a general registered user, a preferentially registered user, a guest, a primary user, and the like. For example, in the case of a primary user, the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction are predetermined and cannot be set freely. For example, a preset route is set so as to move along the main street from the entrance of the city. In the case of a registered user, it is considered that the user walks around the virtual city several times and knows its contents to some extent, so that the viewpoint position and the line of sight can be set relatively freely. In these cases, since it is necessary to show the user a signboard serving as a fund for operating the virtual city, the user's travel route is the main street where many signboards are installed. On the other hand, the special treatment registered user or the user paying the membership fee can freely set the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction, and can pass through the back street without a signboard.
Alternatively, the signboard may not be displayed for the special treatment registered user or the like.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a viewpoint / gaze movement detection unit which receives an output of the viewpoint / gaze generation unit 8 and detects a change in viewpoint and / or gaze, and 10 receives an output of the viewpoint / gaze generation unit 8 to detect a user's viewpoint and And / or a viewpoint / gaze tracking unit that tracks the gaze. The signboard coordinate generation unit 6 and the signboard direction generation unit 7 receive signals from the viewpoint / viewpoint movement detection unit 9 and the viewpoint / viewpoint tracking unit 10, respectively, and generate signboard coordinates and signboard direction.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a three-dimensional city database imitating a virtual or real city (including a completely virtual city). The three-dimensional city database 11 uses computer graphics (CG) for buildings, roads, and other features.
To store data for 3D display. Patent No. 3015353 as an example of a three-dimensional city database
There is what was disclosed in the issue. Coordinates for displaying a signboard are predetermined at predetermined positions such as a rooftop, a wall surface, and a window of the building. The coordinates for signboard display are predetermined along the road. Reference numeral 12 denotes a computer graphic (CG) generation unit that receives three-dimensional city data from the database 11 and receives signboard data from the databases 1 to 3 to generate an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint. CG generator 12
The image of the signboard is synthesized with the image of the three-dimensional city, and the synthesized image is provided to the user.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a charging unit for charging a provider of a signboard displayed in the virtual city. Reference numeral 14 denotes a charging database that stores charging information. While billing is performed according to the length of the display period of the signboard or the number of times the signboard is clicked, in the embodiment of the present invention,
The billing amount is automatically determined according to the position where the signboard is displayed and what special effect has been applied to the signboard. For this, the billing processing unit 13 receives signboard coordinate data and signboard direction data from the signboard coordinate generation unit 6 and the signboard direction generation unit 7. For example, if the signboard is installed on the main street in the virtual city, the fee will be charged higher, and if the signboard is installed on a route with relatively less traffic, the fee will be charged lower. High or low traffic is not only a matter of user preference,
It can be adjusted to some extent by setting the virtual city providing side by a method such as presetting a route. If the sign is always directed toward the user or if the user is tracked, the user will be charged a higher fee.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of signboard data. The attribute information includes, for example, a category indicating to whom the sign is directed, a display location indicating a place where the sign is to be displayed, a display period indicating a time zone and / or a period in which the sign is to be displayed. Including. The texture information is an image indicating the content of the signboard, for example, a common image applied to all signboards, a distant view image and a near view image, a large signage image and a small signage image, and a plurality of animation images. And images corresponding to a plurality of shapes for the signboard to take various forms. The link destination information is the URL of the signboard provider. The signboard selector 4 looks at the data of the signboard data during the display period, determines whether or not to display the signboard, and sends the signboard data to the signboard coordinate generation unit 6 and the signboard direction generation unit 7 if it should be displayed. . Signboard coordinate generator 6
Generates the coordinates of the signboard in the three-dimensional city by looking at the display position data of the signboard data. As the display position of the signboard data, for example, the roof of the building A, the wall surface, the road B
Along the railroad C, along the railroad C, and the like. The signboard coordinate generation unit 6 specifically obtains signboard coordinates by searching the three-dimensional city database for a building or the like designated by the signboard data. In addition, all buildings or specific types of buildings (all condominiums, etc.) may be displayed as signage data.
Comprehensive designations such as rooftops and roadsides are also possible. In this case, the signboard coordinate generation unit 6 determines the coordinates so that the signboard is displayed in all applicable buildings and the like.

The display content of the signboard data is graphic data. Of the display contents, the distant view data is used when the distance from the viewpoint to the signboard is relatively long and the signboard cannot be precisely expressed. The foreground data is used when the distance is relatively short and the user can clearly read the contents of the signboard. By preparing a plurality of signboards for a distant view / near view in this way, the effect of the signboard is improved. If there is only one type of signage display, the user will not be able to read distant signs. For example, as a display content of a signboard for a distant view, a display of only the name of a company or a product, or an image or a symbol thereof can be considered. The display contents of the signboard for the foreground are not only the names of companies and products, but also
Their characteristics, catch phrase, contact information, and how to obtain them can be considered. It is desirable that the display content of the signboard for the distant view be expressed with a small number of pixels and appeal to the user intuitively.

FIG. 3 shows a use form of a three-dimensional city image generating apparatus including a signboard image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional city image generation apparatuses 100 and 101 in FIG. 1 are connected to the Internet 130 and accessed by a general user's personal computer (client) 120. If a user finds an intriguing product or service while moving around in the three-dimensional city provided by the virtual city server 100, the advertiser who provides the product or service by clicking on the signboard You can jump to the homepage. FIG. 4 shows this state. The user 120 is provided with a service of enjoying a walk in the three-dimensional city from the virtual city server 100 and reaches the advertiser's server 110 through an act of clicking a signboard advertisement displayed in the virtual city. Can be. The advertiser can guide the user to the company's homepage through the act of putting out a signboard advertisement within the virtual year. In this way, the signboard advertisement in the virtual city performs a publicity advertisement function like the real signboard advertisement. The advertiser pays a predetermined advertisement fee to the operator of the virtual city server 100. For example, the fee for using a signboard or the like is added according to the number of hits of the signboard. The fee for using signboards and the like differs for each area in a three-dimensional city. The prominent part of the city center is high,
Less obvious places in the suburbs are relatively cheap.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional city image generating apparatus including the signboard image generating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps used by the user. When the user (client 120) accesses the virtual city server 100 (S1), FIG.
The screen as shown in is displayed. This screen includes a main screen M, an interface screen I for moving a viewpoint and / or a line of sight, and a sub-screen S on which a current position, names and attributes of buildings in the field of view, and the like are displayed. When the user of the virtual city positions the cursor on the sign in the main screen, more detailed information on the advertisement written on the sign is displayed in the sub-screen. When the user enters the three-dimensional city, he descends from above into the city as shown in FIG. 7A, and a predetermined screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B.

If the user is a preferential user, the user can arbitrarily set the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction (S3). Otherwise, the preset viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction are forcibly set for the user (S4). In this case, the user can set an arbitrary viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction by subsequent operations. At first, a signboard provided in a building as shown in FIG. 7B is also displayed on the screen. In addition, for non-preferred users, the rank is also divided, and a user of a certain rank can set an arbitrary viewpoint position and a gaze direction, but a user of another rank can set it only in a limited range, or a certain rank can be set. The user may be set so that free setting is not allowed and the user can only move on a predetermined route.

A CG screen is generated based on the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction set in S3 or S4 (S5).
The user moves in a desired direction in the three-dimensional city using the user interface of FIG. 6 (S6). Accordingly, the viewpoint position and / or the line-of-sight direction change. The viewpoint / gaze generation unit 8 generates these pieces of information, and the CG generation unit 12 generates a screen based on the new viewpoint position and gaze direction.

A screen as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed, and when the user is interested in the signboard provided in the building on the screen, the user moves to the position of the signboard as shown in FIG. By moving and clicking the cursor, it is possible to jump to the homepage of the signboard provider.

The size and / or contents of the signboard to be displayed may be changed for each user. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 8A is provided to a registered user, and a larger signboard screen as shown in FIG. 9 is provided to a temporarily used user. The signboard may not be displayed for paid members.

Next, a signboard coordinate generating unit 6, a signboard direction generating unit 7, a viewpoint / viewpoint movement detecting unit 9, and a viewpoint / viewpoint tracking unit 10
Will be described. These perform rotation processing so that the signboard always faces the front of the user in accordance with the movement of the viewpoint of the user. Some real signs may rotate themselves, but in this way in the real world, some people may find the sign easy to read, but others will find it harder to see. . The signboard according to the embodiment of the present invention rotates so as to be most appealing to the user. Such processing can be realized only by accurately grasping the viewpoint and the line of sight of the user in the virtual city and by providing a virtual city screen individually to each of a plurality of users.

When the user U goes straight along a certain street as shown in FIG. 11A, the angle to the signboard 200 changes as the user moves. Therefore, when the user is at the position U1, the signboard 20 is positioned with respect to the straight line connecting the signboard 200 and the user U.
0 is almost vertical (position 200-
1) Rotate the sign 200 as the user moves,
At the position U2, the signboard 200 is rotated such that the signboard 200 is substantially perpendicular to the straight line connecting the signboard 200 and the user U (position 200-2). However, in order to make the CG screen look three-dimensional and more realistic,
The signboard 200 may be rotated so that the signboard 200 is viewed from a slight angle. The viewpoint / line-of-sight movement detection unit 9 detects such a movement of the user U and obtains and outputs a vector for the signboard 200 from the user U. Based on this vector, the signboard direction generator 7 gives a predetermined rotation to the signboard. In this case, if the user passes right beside the signboard, the signboard becomes invisible, but the position of the signboard may be moved forward of the user so that the signboard can be seen again.

When the user turns a corner as shown in FIG. 11B, the user's line of sight changes at some point. The viewpoint / gaze tracking unit 10 detects the movement of the user when the direction of the gaze changes greatly as described above. The signboard coordinate generation unit 6 and the signboard direction generation unit 7 such that the signboard is at the position 200-3 when the user is at the position U3, and is at the position 200-4 when the user is around the corner and is at the position U4. Generates the coordinates and direction of the sign 200. The viewpoint / gaze tracking unit 10 detects such a movement of the user and obtains and outputs a vector for the signboard 200 from the user. In addition, since it is unnatural and sometimes annoying to see the signboard in front of the user, the tracking process may be performed within a predetermined range. For example, the tracking process is performed when the change in the user's line of sight is an acute angle, but not performed when the change is an obtuse angle (such as when making a U-turn). Tracking processing is performed when the user's line of sight after looking up looks up close, but is not performed when looking far away.

The above processing will be described in more detail. FIG.
0 indicates the relationship between the building B in the virtual city and the viewpoint / gaze vector of the user. FIG. 1A is a plan view, and FIG. 1B is a side view. It is assumed that the user moves from the position P1 to the position P2, is facing the direction D1 at the position P1, and is facing the method D2 at the position P2. When the user is at the position P1, the sign 200 is denoted by reference numeral 200.
When the user is at the position P2 and the user is at the position P2, the signboard 200 is at the position and direction 200-2.
The screen viewed from the position P1 and the direction D1 is, for example, FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a screen viewed from the position P2 and the direction D2.
It looks like 2 (b). As can be seen from this figure, the sign can face the user and appeal to the user despite the movement of the user's viewpoint and line of sight.

The other operations of the signboard coordinate generation unit 6, signboard direction generation unit 7, viewpoint / gaze movement detection unit 9, and viewpoint / gaze tracking unit 10 will be described. The signboard provided in the virtual city can have a different effect from the real signboard.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, it is possible to express such that the sign 200 is moved in the air away from the building B where the sign 200 is installed. In FIG.
Reference numeral 0-3 indicates a state where the signboard 200 is located on the roof of the building B, and reference numerals 200-4 and 200-5 indicate states where the signboard 200 moves away from the roof and approaches the viewpoint P3. Symbol 200-
The screen at the time of No. 4 is shown in FIG. 14A, and the screen at the time of the sign 200-5 is shown in FIG.

Further, a signboard coordinate generating unit 6, a signboard direction generating unit 7, a viewpoint / viewpoint movement detecting unit 9, and a viewpoint / viewpoint tracking unit 1
Other operations of 0 will be described. As described above, it is conceivable to change the display content of the signboard according to the distance from the viewpoint to the signboard. The processing for this is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The viewpoint / gaze movement detection unit 9, viewpoint / gaze tracking unit 10, and signboard coordinate generation unit 6 determine the distance between the viewpoint and the signboard (S10), and output it to the signboard selector 4. The signboard selector 4 selects and outputs an optimum signboard from a plurality of signboards prepared in advance based on the given distance (S11).
For example, in the case of a long distance, the signboard A for a long distance is selected.
The sign A can be easily understood even from a long distance, that is, a symbol, an image of a product, a deformed character, and the like that can be expressed with a small number of pixels are displayed. In the case of the medium distance, the signboard B for the medium distance is selected. For the sign B, a provider name, a product name, and the like are added in addition to the symbols and the like. For short distances,
The sign C for the short distance is selected. The signboard C displays a catch phrase, a selling point, an effect, a price, and the like in addition to the contents of the signboard B. When it is difficult to see the entire signboard very close, the display of a symbol, a product image, or the like, which covers almost the entire signboard, may be omitted. Further, the signboard advertisement is not always displayed from the beginning, and may appear only when the user approaches a certain distance by moving the viewpoint. In this case, the image of the signboard A may be left blank or the signboard coordinates may not be generated. By such processing, it is possible to prevent the signboards from being disordered in the virtual city, and to provide a virtual city in consideration of the landscape.

By using the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a three-dimensional city can be configured on the Internet, and images and information of this city can be provided to unspecified third parties. Those who provide goods and services can purchase tenants, signboards, etc. in this three-dimensional city and put out their own advertisements and stores. Tenants on a three-dimensional city are all composed of three-dimensional images so that they can enter the tenant, walk around the store and do shopping. Not only the exterior but also the interior of the building is composed of three-dimensional data, and the user can walk around the store and do shopping. Although the virtual store has a data configuration separated from the three-dimensional city in order to reduce the data capacity, since the entrance of the three-dimensional city that displays the shape of the store appearance and the entrance of the store itself are partially common,
The user can go back and forth between both without being aware of the internal data structure. The virtual store reproduces the inside of a real store as a three-dimensional image, but can easily be changed or expanded in the store without depending on restrictions on structures such as site area. The virtual virtual image display unit includes a main screen on which a store is displayed in a three-dimensional image, a sub-screen on which character information and an image of the product or the store itself displayed on the main screen are stored, and a user's store. It consists of an interface that metabolizes the action of the user. The user can freely move the viewpoint three-dimensionally in the main screen, and can compare products placed in the store from the three-dimensional viewpoint. Also, as a deciding factor of the purchase of the user, while the existing catalog index Internet shopping depends only on the attractiveness of the product, the virtual store creates the atmosphere that is part of the original store role in the computer This will make it possible to increase the willingness to purchase. The goods placed in the store have attributes that are independent of each other, and are stored in the sub-screen as a three-dimensional image when specified by the user in the main screen. The merchandise stored in the sub-screen can be rotated, enlarged and reduced, and the color, pattern, size and the like can be changed in the sub-screen, and the user can check the details of the merchandise. The payment of the buyer is made by a designated credit card or electronic money. When you purchase a product in a virtual store and register for a credit card, that information is automatically stored on the buyer's computer, and the next time you make a purchase,
The trouble of registering a credit card can be omitted.

When an ordinary person accesses this virtual city and clicks on a signboard, it leads to the homepage of the company or store. That is, in a virtual city on the Internet, commercial activities similar to those of a real city can be conducted. In order to obtain funds for operating this virtual city, for example, a fee for using a signboard is added according to the number of hits of the signboard. If the signboard has a special effect, an additional fee will be collected to follow it. The fee for using signboards and the like varies depending on the area within the three-dimensional city. The former is more expensive when comparing the prominent parts of the city center with the less prominent parts of the suburbs. Areas where users are concentrated (such as the top page of a virtual city) are expensive, and conversely areas in the suburbs of a three-dimensional city where users are dispersed are proportionately cheaper. Further, the fee may be changed depending on time and / or period. Since the number of users accessing the virtual city is expected to increase or decrease during the day and late at night, the fee varies depending on the time. It also varies depending on the period (such as Christmas) for the same reason as described above.

A client accessing a virtual city server having a three-dimensional city database sets a viewpoint at the entrance of the virtual city or at a desired designated place. For free visitors, set the former perspective. There are many advertisements on the way to the city. The latter viewpoint is set for visitors who have registered as a paid member. Paid visitors can quickly go to the desired location.

As described above, according to the present invention, a virtual city is realized on the Internet using real or virtual three-dimensional city data. Like a city, it can function as an advertising medium. The signboard group on the three-dimensional city data is a directional object with different attributes, and the user of the virtual city clicks on the signboard installed, and the advertiser of that signboard and the advertisement are displayed. It leads to a homepage for the commercial use you need. If you have a store in a virtual city, you can access it directly. The signboards of a virtual city have special effects that cannot be possessed in a real city.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the contents of the advertisement displayed on the signboard may be changed in seconds. Further, the form of the signboard itself may be changed over time (shape changing process). When the user needs a predetermined restriction, the contents of the signboard may be changed according to the user (security processing). For example, the sign may be replaced with another sign, the publication is being prepared, or the back side of the sign may be directed to the user so as not to show the obscene thing to the minor.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims, which are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, this is done.

Further, in this specification, means does not necessarily mean physical means, but also includes a case where the function of each means is realized by software.
Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing contents of a signboard database according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a use mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a use mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of a screen provided by the device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a screen provided by the device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a use example of a screen provided by the device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a screen provided by the device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a signboard rotation process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of signboard rotation / movement processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen provided by a signboard rotation process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a signboard moving process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an example of a screen provided by a signboard moving process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of signboard selection processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signboard attribute database 2 Signboard texture database 3 Signboard link database 4 Signboard selector 5 Calendar clock device 6 Signboard coordinate generation unit 7 Signboard direction generation unit 8 Viewpoint / viewpoint generation unit 8a User registration database 9 Viewpoint / viewpoint movement detection unit 10 Viewpoint / line-of-sight tracking unit 11 3D city database 12 CG generation unit 13 Billing processing unit 14 Billing database M Main screen S Subscreen I Interface K Signboard

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 502 G06F 17/60 502 (72) Inventor Mitsuhiro Ota 9 Kita 2 Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 6th Floor Wall Annex Building, Wall Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigeyasu Takahashi 9th Kita 2-Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 9th Wall Wall Annex Building 6th Floor, Wall Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Seiji Kinmi Sapporo Central, Hokkaido (72) Inventor Naohiro Kita 2-Jo Nishi 9-chome Wall Annex Building, 6th Floor, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido F-term (reference) 5B049 AA01 AA02 BB11 BB49 CC02 DD01 EE00 EE07 FF03 GG02 GG04 GG07 5B050 AA08 BA 07 BA09 BA11 CA07 CA08 EA24 EA27 FA02 FA19 5E501 AA02 AC06 AC33 EA05 EA13 EB05 FA14 FA27

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional city database that stores data on the position, shape, and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city, and installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generation unit that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the database and generates detailed installation coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the installation coordinate data; and the signboard texture at the generated installation coordinates. A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of data; a viewpoint that detects a change in the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight;
A sight line movement detection unit, wherein the signboard direction generation unit sets the direction of the signboard such that the signboard faces the direction of the viewpoint based on the output of the viewpoint / viewpoint movement detection unit. Signboard image generator in former city. 2. A three-dimensional city database for storing data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in the city together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of texture data; and a viewpoint that predicts a future viewpoint position and a future line-of-sight direction by tracking the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction movement when the line-of-sight direction changes greatly. A gaze tracking unit, wherein the signboard coordinate generation unit is configured such that, based on the output of the viewpoint / gaze tracking unit, when the change in the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the gaze is within a predetermined range, the signboard is generated. Reset the coordinates of the signboard so as to enter the visual field of the viewpoint, the signboard direction generation unit, based on the output of the viewpoint and gaze tracking unit, the signboard of the viewpoint Signboard image generating apparatus in the three-dimensional city and sets the direction of the signboard so as to face the direction. 3. A three-dimensional city database storing data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city, together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generating unit that generates a direction of texture data, wherein the signboard database includes a plurality of shape data corresponding to at least one signboard, and the signboard selector switches between the plurality of shape data in a short time. A signboard image generating apparatus for a three-dimensional city, wherein the signboard shape is changed by changing the shape of the signboard. 4. The signboard database includes a plurality of textures corresponding to one signboard, and the signboard selector implements a signboard animation by switching between the plurality of textures in a short time. The signboard image generating apparatus according to claim 3. 5. A three-dimensional city database storing data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generating unit that generates a direction of texture data, wherein the signboard coordinate generating unit sets coordinates to an air position separated from a feature specified by the signboard installation coordinates stored in the three-dimensional city database. The signboard image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city, wherein the coordinates of the signboard are set in a space that cannot be physically installed in a real city by setting the coordinates. 6. A three-dimensional city database which stores data relating to the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city, together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on said feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of texture data, wherein the signboard database includes texture data for long distance and texture data for short distance, and the signboard selector selects a distance from the viewpoint to the coordinates of the signboard. When the distance is large, the texture data for long distance is selected, and when the distance from the viewpoint to the coordinates of the signboard is small, the texture data for short distance is selected. . 7. A three-dimensional city database that stores data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city, together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generation unit that generates a direction of texture data; and a user registration database that stores information of a user who accesses the three-dimensional city. The signboard database includes information on a category of a user targeted by the signboard. The signboard selecting device obtains information on a user who has accessed from the user registration database, and selects a suitable signboard from the signboard database based on the information on the user, the signboard image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city. 8. A three-dimensional city database that stores data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generating unit for generating the direction of the texture data; and a user registration database for storing information on a user accessing the three-dimensional city, wherein the viewpoint / gaze generating unit prefers a user accessing the three-dimensional city. When the user is a user, a viewpoint is set at an arbitrary position in the three-dimensional city based on the operation of the preferential user, and otherwise, a non-preferred user viewpoint is set at a predetermined position. Setting the coordinates of a plurality of signboards along the route of the non-preferred user viewpoint, Signboard image generating apparatus in the three-dimensional city and sets the direction of the texture data of the signboard in the direction of the non-preferential-user perspective. 9. A three-dimensional city database storing data on positions, shapes, and textures of features including buildings and roads in the city together with installation coordinate data of signboards provided on the features, A viewpoint and line of sight generating unit that generates a position of a viewpoint and a direction of a line of sight; an image generating unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of a line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; A signboard database that stores texture data of the signboard and attribute information about an installation place of the signboard in the city; and a signboard texture corresponding to the signboard coordinates that receives the signboard installation coordinate data from the three-dimensional city database. A signboard selector for selecting and outputting data based on the attribute information; A signboard coordinate generating unit that receives the signboard setting coordinate data from the database and generates detailed setting coordinates of the selected signboard texture data based on the setting coordinate data; and A signboard direction generator that generates the direction of the texture data; a billing processor that performs billing processing based on the output of the signboard coordinate generator; and a billing database that stores billing information. A signage image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city, wherein a higher billing is performed when the signboard coordinates are at a position where a large number of users can view the signboard from a preset route. 10. When the signboard direction generation unit sets the direction of the signboard such that the signboard faces the direction of the viewpoint based on the output of the viewpoint / viewpoint movement detection unit, the billing processing unit includes: The signage image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city according to claim 9, wherein higher billing is performed. 11. The signboard database includes link information corresponding to the signboard, and when the signboard on the screen is clicked, browser software is activated to automatically access a homepage of the signboard provider. The signboard image generating apparatus in a three-dimensional city according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein 12. A three-dimensional city database which stores data on the position, shape and texture of a feature including buildings and roads in a city together with installation coordinate data of a signboard provided on the feature, and A virtual city server, comprising: a viewpoint and line-of-sight generation unit that generates a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction; and an image generation unit that generates a computer graphic image viewed from the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction based on the three-dimensional city database. Accessing; and determining whether the accessed user is a preferential user. If the preferential user is a preferential user, setting a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction by operating the user. Set the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction predetermined by the city server Generating a computer graphic image viewed from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight based on the three-dimensional city database; and setting coordinates of a plurality of signboards near the viewpoint for the non-preferred user, Setting the direction of the texture data of the plurality of signboards in the direction of the viewpoint of the non-preferred user; moving the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight by the user's operation; Generating a computer graphic image viewed from the direction of the line of sight.