JP2002042152A - Image processing device, image processing method, and recording medium recording image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realistically draw a three-dimensional image such as a tree arranged in a short-range view with a low drawing load in an image processing device for easily drawing a fine three-dimensional image. SOLUTION: A dome-shaped object is constructed by combining a plurality of polygons so that at least one apex projecting from the circumference part is formed in an inner circumference part and no closed space is formed. When a texture including a twig/leaf pattern of the tree and drawn by dots allowing designation of an α-channel is pasted to the dome-shaped object, a twig/leaf part 46 is formed. The tree 40 is expressed when the twig/leaf part 46 is connected to a trunk part 42 and a branch part 44 three-dimensionally constructed of the polygons.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded, and more particularly to an image processing method suitable for easily drawing a detailed three-dimensional image. The present invention relates to an apparatus, an image processing method, and a recording medium that records a program for implementing the image processing method on a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of expressing trees by computer graphics on the background of an image of a video game, a method of pasting a tree texture to a single plate-shaped polygon object, that is, a so-called billboard method Is widely used. The billboard method is effective as a method of drawing a tree or the like arranged in a distant view on the screen while sufficiently suppressing the drawing load because it is not necessary to use a complicated polygon object.

[0003]

However, when a tree or the like drawn by the billboard method is arranged as a close-up view on the screen, it is easily recognized that the shape is a single plate. Further, when trees and the like are drawn by the billboard method, it is difficult to realistically represent the swing of the branches and leaves due to various restrictions. In other words, in order to realistically express the sway of branches and leaves using the billboard method, a large number of textures in which the branches and leaves etc. are drawn in slightly different states are prepared, and these textures are sequentially re-pasted to express the sway. It is necessary to use animation techniques. in this case,
Since a large number of textures need to be stored, a large memory capacity is required. For this reason, it has been difficult to easily and realistically draw a three-dimensional image in which trees and the like are present in the foreground while reducing the drawing load by the conventional method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of realistically drawing a three-dimensional image in which trees and the like are arranged in a foreground with a small drawing load. The first purpose is to do so. Also,
A second object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method for realistically drawing a three-dimensional image in which trees and the like are arranged in a close view with a small drawing load. Further, a third object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program for realizing the image processing method on a computer is described.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In order to achieve the first object, an image processing apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant, wherein at least one vertex protruding from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion and closed. Means for forming a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so as not to form a space; and pasting a texture including a plant pattern and drawn with dots capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. Means for generating an object to be drawn.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the plant is a tree, and the pattern of the plant is a branch and leaf pattern of a tree and includes a plurality of polygons. The apparatus further comprises means for generating a root portion and a branch portion of the tree by pasting a tree texture on the polygon object thus obtained.

[0007] The invention according to claim 3 includes a group of three things.
An image processing apparatus for generating a two-dimensional image, wherein a dome shape is formed by combining a plurality of polygons such that at least one vertex protruding from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion and a closed space is not formed. Means for constructing an object, and means for generating a drawing object by pasting a texture drawn with dots including a pattern of a group of things and capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the means for attaching a texture to the dome-shaped object is provided on both surfaces of the dome-shaped object. It is characterized in that textures are attached.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a pattern representing a drawing object to be expressed using the dome-shaped object, A means for generating a distant view image element by pasting a texture drawn with dots capable of specifying an alpha channel to a single polygon; a means for generating a cross object by a plurality of polygons intersecting with each other; A texture containing a pattern representing a drawing object to be expressed using a shape object, and a texture drawn with dots capable of specifying an alpha channel is attached to each polygon included in the cross object to form a middle-ground image. Means for generating an element and arranging the object generated using the dome-shaped object as a foreground of the image, Place a middle ground image elements as scene in the image, wherein the further comprising means for placing a distant view image element as distant view image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, means for moving the position of the viewpoint with respect to the three-dimensional image, and the distance from the viewpoint is changed with the movement of the viewpoint. An area where the distance is equal to or less than the first distance is a foreground area, an area where the distance from the viewpoint exceeds the first distance and is equal to or less than the second distance is a middle view area, and the distance from the viewpoint is the second distance. Means for updating the near, middle, and distant areas such that the area exceeding the distance of
It is characterized by having.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the shape of the polygon constituting the dome-shaped object is changed to change the shape of the drawing object. It is characterized by comprising means for changing the shape.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the means for changing the shape of the object to be drawn changes point data of a vertex of a polygon constituting the dome-shaped object. The shape of these polygons is changed by performing this.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, the means for changing the shape of the object to be drawn is set to control the shapes of a plurality of polygons collectively. The shape of the polygon forming the dome-shaped object is changed by changing the point data of the vertices of the boundary box.

The invention described in claim 10 is the invention according to claims 1 to 6.
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to change a shape of the object to be drawn by changing a texture to be attached to the dome-shaped object.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the means for changing the shape of the drawing object causes each of the point data to attenuate and vibrate. I do.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the eighth, ninth and eleventh aspects, the means for changing the shape of the drawing object is arranged at a predetermined interval. It is characterized in that the point data of the vertices starts to vibrate sequentially in a predetermined direction.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claims 7, 8,
13. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 9, 11, and 12, further comprising: a unit configured to calculate a magnitude of a force applied to the drawing target in a screen to be generated, and to change a shape of the drawing target. The changing means applies a deformation amount according to the magnitude of the force to the shape of the polygon constituting the dome object.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant in order to achieve the second object, wherein at least one vertex protruding from an inner peripheral portion from a peripheral portion. And forming a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so that a closed space is not formed, and drawing with a dot that includes a plant pattern and can specify an alpha channel Generating a drawing object by pasting the obtained texture to the dome-shaped object.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for generating a three-dimensional image including a group of objects, wherein at least one vertex projecting from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion, and Composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so as not to form a closed space; and providing a texture including a pattern of a group of objects and drawn with dots capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. And generating a drawing target object by pasting the drawing target object to the drawing object.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing method according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, wherein the shape of the polygon constituting the dome-shaped object is changed to represent the dome-shaped object. The method further includes the step of changing the shape of the object to be drawn.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant, in order to achieve the third object. A process of composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons such that at least one vertex protruding from the peripheral portion is formed and a closed space is not formed; A program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating a drawing target by pasting a texture drawn with dots capable of specifying a channel to the dome-shaped object is recorded.

The invention according to claim 18 is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for generating a three-dimensional image including a group of objects is recorded, wherein at least one vertex protruding from an inner peripheral portion from a peripheral portion. To form a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so that a closed space is not formed, and a dot that includes a pattern of a group of things and can specify an alpha channel A program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating a drawing target object by pasting the drawn texture to the dome-shaped object is recorded.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the shape of a polygon constituting the dome-shaped object is changed so as to be expressed using the dome-shaped object. Further, a program for causing a computer to execute a process of changing the shape of the drawing target is recorded.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CP
A U (Central Processing Unit) 10 is provided. C
The PU 10 is connected to a ROM (Read
Only Memory) 14 and RAM (Random Access Me)
mory) 16 is connected. The ROM 14 stores data necessary for initializing the image processing apparatus, a program executed by the CPU 10, data necessary for executing the program, and the like. RAM 16
Is used as a work area for executing various processes.

The bus line 12 is connected to an image processing unit 18 for generating a desired image and a storage device VRAM (Video RAM) 20 used as an image memory. The VRAM 20 has a capacity sufficient to store one screen of data displayed on the display 22. The data stored in the VRAM 22 is supplied to the display 22 after being converted into image data by the image control unit 24. The bus line 12 is also connected to a voice synthesis unit 26. The audio to be output together with the image is output from the speaker 28 after being synthesized by the audio synthesizer 26.

The image processing apparatus further includes an input / output control unit 30 connected to the bus line 12. A recording medium 32 such as a CD-ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD is mounted on the input / output control unit 30. The recording medium 32 stores programs and data necessary for advancing the game or displaying an image.

The game device further includes an input control unit 34 connected to the bus line 12. Input control unit 34
Is connected to the controller 36. The image processing device reads the operation content of the operator according to the input signal supplied from the controller 36 via the input control unit 34.

The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of realizing an image including an object for which fine depiction is required, such as a tree or a group of objects (for example, a group of insects or birds), without causing an excessive drawing load. It has the characteristic that it can be drawn on. For example, according to the image processing device of the present embodiment, it is possible to realistically represent an image for expressing movement in a forest, that is, an image in which trees appear one after another in a foreground.

In the present embodiment, the functions of the image processing apparatus are realized by the CPU 10 and the image processing unit 18 executing appropriate processing according to a program read from the recording medium 32. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13, a procedure or a method by which the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment expresses an object such as a tree in a detailed and realistic manner will be described.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a tree 40 drawn by the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. Tree 40 shown in FIG.
Has a root portion 42, a branch portion 44, and a branch and leaf portion 46. The root portion 42 is the thickest portion extending from the ground, and the branch portion 44 is a portion branched from the root portion 42. Further, the branch / leaf portion 44 is located before the branch portion 44 and includes a large number of leaves, so that a detailed description is required. A general tree can be represented by a root portion, a branch portion, and a branch and leaf portion, similarly to the one shown in FIG.

The root portion 42 and the branch portion 44 are approximately cylindrical and have a simple structure. For this reason, in the present embodiment, those portions are expressed by attaching a texture representing bark to a polygon object formed by combining a plurality of polygons three-dimensionally.

On the other hand, the branch and leaf portion 46 has a complicated shape including a large number of branches and leaves. Therefore, when trying to realistically represent the branch and leaf portion 46 with a polygon object, an extremely large number of polygons are required, and a very large drawing load is generated. Therefore, in this embodiment,
The branch portion 46 is expressed by attaching a texture with a channel (described later) representing a branch and leaf pattern to a dome-shaped object formed by combining a small number of polygons.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of a dome-shaped object 48 used to represent the branch and leaf portion 46, respectively. Domed object 4
Numeral 8 is composed of a plurality of polygons 50 that are combined so that at least one vertex projecting from the peripheral portion is formed in the inner peripheral portion and a closed space is not formed. That is, the dome-shaped object 48
Has a shape such that the inner peripheral portion of one plane is appropriately raised.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the texture 52 with an alpha channel attached to the dome-shaped object 48 shown in FIG. The texture 52 shown in FIG.
It is drawn with dots that can specify the value of the alpha channel in addition to each value of B. The alpha channel of each dot is a value for specifying how much the dot is represented on the screen. In the present embodiment, in a portion corresponding to the background 54 of the texture 52, an alpha channel is set so that each dot does not appear on the screen. In the portion corresponding to the branch and leaf pattern 56 of the texture 52,
The alpha channel is set so that each dot appears 100% on the screen.

Therefore, when the texture 52 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the dome-shaped object 48 to form the branch portion 46 of the tree 40,
(A) or as shown in FIG.
Only the leaf pattern 56 excluding the background 54 appears.

As described above, the dome-shaped object 48
Has a raised central portion compared to the peripheral edge. In this case, the branch portion 46 displayed on the display 22 also has a shape in which the central portion is raised as a whole. Such a shape is always represented three-dimensionally, regardless of the direction in which the viewpoint is set around the shape. Therefore, the branch portion 46 generated using the dome-shaped object 48 is always three-dimensionally displayed on the display 22 regardless of the direction of the viewpoint.

In this embodiment, the texture 5
2 is attached to both sides of the dome-shaped object 48. For this reason, the branch and leaf portion 46 is realistically displayed on the display 22 not only when looking down from above but also when looking up from below. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the branch portion 46 generated using the dome-shaped object 48 is always realistically displayed on the display 22 regardless of the direction and height of the viewpoint.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the branch 46 of the tree for which detailed description is required.
Can be three-dimensionally and realistically represented by a small number of polygons. Therefore, according to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, a three-dimensional image in which trees and the like are arranged in the foreground can be drawn realistically without causing an excessive drawing load.

Next, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second example used by the image processing apparatus of this embodiment to represent a tree will be described.
The method will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second method for expressing the branch part 46 of the tree 40 by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the branch and leaf portion 46 generated by the second method is a dome-shaped object 48.
Are used in combination with the root part 42 and the branch part 44 formed of polygon objects, as in the case of the branch part 46 generated by using.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the second method, three polygon objects 58, 60, 6
2 is used. The polygon object 58 is attached with a texture 66 representing the branch and leaf pattern of the tree 40 from the front or the back.
The polygon object 60 is attached with a texture 68 representing the branch and leaf pattern of the tree 40 from the side (left and right). Further, a texture 70 representing the branch and leaf pattern of the tree 40 from above and below is attached to the polygon object 62.

The textures 66, 68, and 70 to be pasted to the cross object 64 are the textures 5 to be pasted to the dome-shaped object 48, respectively.
4, the texture is set so that the background does not appear on the screen. For this reason,
When the textures 66, 68, and 70 are pasted on the cross object 64, the display 22 displays
The branch part 46 of the tree 40 is represented as shown in FIG.

The branch / leaf portion 46 represented by using the cross object 64 can be moved in any direction around it,
Regardless of the height at which the viewpoint is set, the viewpoint is always represented three-dimensionally. Therefore, according to the above-described second method, the branch and leaf portion 46 required to be finely described can always be realistically and three-dimensionally displayed on the display 22 by using only three polygons.

The image processing apparatus of the present embodiment has
In addition to the two methods, the tree image can be generated by the billboard method, that is, by pasting the texture as shown in FIG. 4 to one polygon object. The image device according to the present embodiment includes a tree generated using the dome-shaped object,
By using a tree generated by using the cross object and a tree generated by the billboard method in accordance with rules described later, a realistic three-dimensional image is efficiently generated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the rules for selectively using the above three types of trees. Points indicated with VP in FIG. 8 are viewpoints that are virtually determined. In the present embodiment, the area at a distance L1 from the viewpoint VP is defined as a foreground area.
Trees generated using are arranged. When a tree using the dome-shaped object 48 is placed in the foreground area,
The reality of the three-dimensional image can be improved.

The distance from the viewpoint VP is larger than L1 and L2
The smaller area is defined as a middle view area. Trees generated by using the cross object 64 are arranged in the middle scene area. The tree using the cross object 64 can be drawn with less load although the reality is inferior to the tree using the dome-shaped object 48. Elements arranged in the middle of the screen have less influence on reality than elements arranged in the foreground. Therefore, when a tree using the cross object 64 is arranged in the middle view, it is possible to prevent the drawing load from becoming excessive without lowering the reality of the three-dimensional image.

An area whose distance from the viewpoint VP exceeds L2 is defined as a distant view area. In the present embodiment, trees generated by the billboard method are arranged in the distant view area. According to the billboard method, the tree drawing load can be sufficiently reduced as compared with the case where the dome-shaped object 48 or the cross object 64 is used. By the way, an element arranged in a distant view of the screen has a smaller effect on image reality than an element arranged in a middle view. Therefore, if a tree in a distant view is drawn using the billboard technique, the drawing load can be appropriately suppressed while ensuring the reality of the three-dimensional image.

As described above, the reality of the tree to be drawn is highest when the dome-shaped object 48 is used, and thereafter decreases in the order of the one using the cross object 64 and the one using the billboard method. On the other hand,
The drawing load for drawing trees is the lightest by the billboard method, and thereafter becomes heavier in the order of those using the cross object 64 and those using the dome-shaped object. Therefore, by arranging the trees using the dome-shaped object 48 in the near view and arranging the trees by the billboard method in the distant view as in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the drawing load as a whole and to increase the reality. High 3
A two-dimensional image can be generated.

The image generated by the image processing device is
For example, when used as a game screen of a video game, the viewpoint VP may move virtually as the game progresses. When the viewpoint VP moves in this manner, the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment always represents a tree in the game screen according to the rule shown in FIG. For this reason, according to the image processing device of the present embodiment, a highly realistic three-dimensional image can always be efficiently provided in real time as the viewpoint VP moves.

In the image including the tree 40, the flow of the wind and the like can be expressed by giving the branch 46 a proper shaking. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11,
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment uses the branch portion 46 of the tree 40.
A method of shaking the camera will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a technique used by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment to give a swing to the branch and leaf portion 46. FIG. 9A shows a single polygon 50 and a part of a branch and leaf pattern 56 drawn therein. The polygon 50 has a plurality of vertices 72 around it. The bonding of the texture to the polygon 50
It is performed so that both vertices match. Therefore, vertex 7
The point data of No. 2 is obtained from the values shown in FIG.
When the value changes to the value shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 9C, the shape of the branch and leaf pattern 56 bonded in the polygon 50 also changes with the change. Thus, the shape of the texture pasted on the polygon 50 can be deformed by changing the point data of the polygon 50.

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C show each vertex 7
Dome-shaped polygon 4 with the change of point data 2
8 shows the change that appears in the shape of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a rule for changing the point data of each vertex 72 of the dome-shaped object 46.

FIG. 11A shows a state in which a virtual wind 74 temporarily flows from the vertex 72B side of the dome-shaped object 48 to the vertex 72C in the image generated by the image processing apparatus. Show. FIGS. 11B and 11C show waveforms of the amplitude given to the vertex 72B or the vertex 72C with the wind 74, respectively.

The wind shown in FIG. 11A reaches the vertex 72B first among all the vertices 72 of the dome-shaped object 48, and then reaches the vertex 72C after a predetermined delay time Δt. In the present embodiment, in consideration of the influence of the delay time Δt, FIGS.
As shown in (C), after starting to vibrate the vertex 72B at the time t1, the vertex 72C starts to vibrate at the time t2 = t1 + Δt. Further, in the present embodiment, the vertices 72B and 72C
Is a damped vibration as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C. Similarly, the dome-shaped object 4
The other vertices 72 included in 8 are also given vibrations in consideration of the delay time required for the wind 74 to reach and the attenuation of the waves.

When the vertices 72 of the dome-shaped object 48 are vibrated according to such a rule, the branch and leaf pattern 56 stuck inside the dome-shaped object 48 can be moved as if it were shaking under the influence of wind. For this reason, according to the image processing device of the present embodiment, the tree 4 arranged in the foreground is
By giving an appropriate swing to the zero-leaf portion 46, the flow of the wind and the like can be realistically expressed on the screen.

The above-described expression of shaking can be applied not only to the branch portion 46 using the dome-shaped object 48 but also to the branch portion 46 using the cross object 64. Therefore, according to the image processing device of the present embodiment, it is possible to realistically express the flow of wind and the like not only in the near-view area but also in the middle-view area.

By the way, in a game screen of a video game or the like, an area called a boundary box may be divided regardless of boundaries of individual polygons. Such a region is used, for example, when it is desired to treat a region contained therein as one unit, irrespective of division by polygons.

In the present embodiment, the swing of the branch portion 46 is expressed by changing the point data of the vertex 72 of the polygon 50 as described above. However, the method of expressing the fluctuation is not limited to this, and an arbitrary boundary box may be set in the screen, and a desired vibration may be expressed by moving the vertex of the boundary box.

The swing of the branch 46 may be expressed by a so-called texture animation technique. That is, the swing of the branch and leaf portion 46 is caused by the dome-shaped object 4.
Alternatively, the textures 52, 66, 68, and 70 pasted on the cloth object 8 and the cross object 64 may be expressed by sequentially pasting them to another plurality of textures prepared in advance.

The swing of the branch 46 is expressed by changing the condition of coordination when the texture is bonded to the dome-shaped object 48, that is, by changing the vertex of the dome-shaped object 48 to which the texture is to be bonded. May be. Furthermore, the shaking of the branch part 46 changes the UV value used to coordinate the texture with the polygon, that is,
The expression may be expressed by a so-called UV scroll method.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, another method in which the image processing apparatus of this embodiment expresses a wind flow or the like on a screen will be described. FIG. 12 shows that the blast generated on one side of the building 76
This shows a state where 0 is sprayed. In this case, the intensity of the blast 78 blown against the tree-lined tree 80 is the strongest on the extension of the path 77, that is, at the center of the tree-lined tree 80 shown in FIG. 12, and becomes weaker as it deviates from its position. Also, in this case, the blast 78 reaches the tree located at the center of the row of trees 80 first, and thereafter sequentially reaches the trees located on both sides thereof.

In the situation shown in FIG. 12, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment gives the largest amplitude to the trees existing on the extension of the path 77, and gradually gives smaller amplitudes to the trees arranged on both sides thereof. Further, the tree existing on the extension of the path 77 is shaken at the earliest time, and thereafter the trees arranged on both sides are sequentially shaken with an appropriate delay time. For this reason, according to the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, the influence of the blast 78
It can be expressed realistically by the swing of 0.

In the first embodiment described above, a case has been described where the object generated by using the dome-shaped object 48, the cross object 64, or the billboard method is a tree, but the object is limited to a tree. It is not something to be done. That is, the target generated by these methods may be a plant other than a tree, a group of insects or birds, or the like. According to the method of the present embodiment, even when they are targeted, without causing an excessive drawing load,
A realistic screen can be efficiently expressed, and a complex motion can be given to those objects by the same method as that for shaking the branches 46 of the tree. The group of insects and birds generated by the above method may be moved in the three-dimensional image by moving the dome-shaped object 48 and the like. In this case, the swarms may move according to a program or according to an operation of an operator.

In the first embodiment described above, objects to be expressed using the dome-shaped object 48 and the like, that is, trees are arranged on the screen according to the program, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not something. For example, a function of leaving the configuration of the screen to the design of the operator may be added, and the arrangement of trees and the like may be determined by the operator. Then, when arranging trees or the like at the position determined by the operator, a method using the dome-shaped object 48 or the cross object 64 or a method using the billboard is appropriately selected to efficiently realize a realistic image with a small drawing load. A three-dimensional image may be generated.

In the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus reads a desired program from the recording medium 32 such as a CD or a DVD. However, the read path of the program is not limited to this. That is,
The image processing apparatus may read, via a communication line, a program downloaded in a state where the program is superimposed on a predetermined carrier.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, by pasting a pattern of plants or objects on a dome-shaped object, the objects to be drawn can be three-dimensionally and effectively with a small number of polygons. Can be expressed

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tree generated by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dome-shaped object used by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment to represent a branch portion of a tree;

FIG. 4 is an example of a texture used when the image processing device of the first embodiment expresses a branch portion of a tree.

FIG. 5 is an example of a branch portion of a tree generated by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment using a dome-shaped object;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cross object used by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment to represent a branch portion of a tree.

FIG. 7 is an example of a branch portion of a tree generated by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment using a cross object;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining rules for selectively using a tree generated by using the dome-shaped object, a tree generated by using the cross object, and a tree generated by the billboard method by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a method in which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment shakes a drawing target;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment deforms a dome-shaped object in order to sway the branches and leaves of a tree.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment vibrates point data of a polygon in order to represent shaking of a branch portion of a tree.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the magnitude of the swing of the drawing target is changed in accordance with the magnitude of the force applied by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 CPU 18 Image processing unit 32 Recording medium 40 Tree 42 Root part 44 Branch part 46 Branch and leaf part 48 Domed object 50 Polygon 52, 66, 68, 70 Texture 54 Background 56 Branch and leaf pattern 64 Cross object 72, 72B, 72C Vertex 76 Building 77 Path 78 Blast 80 Namiki

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant, wherein at least one vertex protruding from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion, and a closed space is not formed. Means for composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons with a dome-shaped object, wherein a texture including a plant pattern and drawn with dots capable of specifying an alpha channel is attached to the dome-shaped object. An image processing apparatus, comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plant is a tree, and the pattern of the plant is a branch-and-leaves pattern of the tree. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that generates a branch portion. 3. An image processing apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image including a group of objects, wherein at least one vertex projecting from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion, and a closed space is not formed. Means for composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons as described above, and drawing by pasting a texture drawn with dots including a pattern of a group of objects and capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. An image processing apparatus, comprising: means for generating an object. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching a texture to the dome-shaped object attaches a texture to both surfaces of the dome-shaped object. 5. A distant view by pasting a texture including a pattern representing a drawing object to be expressed using the dome-shaped object and drawn with a dot capable of specifying an alpha channel to a single polygon. Means for generating an image element; means for generating a cross object by a plurality of polygons intersecting with each other; and a pattern representing a drawing object to be expressed by using the dome-shaped object. Means for generating a middle-ground image element by pasting a texture drawn with possible dots to each polygon provided in the cross object, an object generated using the dome-shaped object,
And means for arranging the middle image element as a middle view of the image, and arranging the distant image element as a distant view of the image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 6. A means for moving the position of a viewpoint with respect to a three-dimensional image, an area in which the distance from the viewpoint is less than or equal to a first distance with the movement of the viewpoint becomes a foreground area, and a distance from the viewpoint. The near view, the middle view, and the near view area are defined such that an area in which the distance exceeds the first distance and equal to or less than the second distance is the middle view area, and an area in which the distance from the viewpoint exceeds the second distance is the far view area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: means for updating a distant view area. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for changing a shape of the drawing object by changing a shape of a polygon constituting the dome-shaped object.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the drawing object changes the shape of the polygons by changing the point data of the vertices of the polygons forming the dome-shaped object. 8. The image processing device according to 7. 9. The dome-shaped object according to claim 1, wherein the means for changing the shape of the drawing object changes the point data of the vertices of a boundary box set for controlling the shapes of a plurality of polygons collectively. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shape of the polygon constituting the image is changed. 10. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a unit configured to change a shape of the object to be drawn by changing a texture to be attached to the dome-shaped object. Processing equipment. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for changing the shape of the drawing target causes each of the point data to attenuate and vibrate. 12. The means for changing the shape of the object to be drawn converts the point data of the vertices arranged at a predetermined interval into:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus starts to sequentially vibrate in a predetermined direction. 13. A means for calculating a magnitude of a force applied to the object to be drawn in a screen to be generated, wherein the means for changing the shape of the object to be drawn includes a shape of a polygon constituting the dome object. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12, wherein a deformation amount according to the magnitude of the force is applied to the image processing apparatus. 14. An image processing method for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant, wherein at least one vertex projecting from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion, and a closed space is not formed. Composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons with each other; and attaching a texture drawn with dots including a plant pattern and capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. Generating an image processing method. 15. An image processing method for generating a three-dimensional image including a group of objects, wherein at least one vertex protruding from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion, and a closed space is not formed. Forming a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons as described above, and drawing by attaching a texture drawn with dots including a pattern of a group of objects and capable of specifying an alpha channel to the dome-shaped object. An image processing method, comprising: generating an object. 16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of changing the shape of a polygon constituting the dome-shaped object to change the shape of a drawing target to be expressed using the dome-shaped object. Item 16. The image processing method according to Item 14 or 15. 17. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for generating a three-dimensional image including a plant, wherein at least one vertex projecting from the peripheral portion is formed in the inner peripheral portion. And a process of composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so that a closed space is not formed; and a dome-shaped texture including a plant pattern and drawn with dots that can specify an alpha channel. A recording medium characterized by recording a program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating an object to be drawn by pasting the object on an object. 18. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for generating a three-dimensional image including a group of objects is recorded, wherein at least one vertex projecting from a peripheral portion is formed in an inner peripheral portion. And a process of composing a dome-shaped object by combining a plurality of polygons so that a closed space is not formed; and a texture drawn with dots including a pattern of a group of things and capable of specifying an alpha channel. A recording medium characterized by recording a program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating a drawing target object by pasting the drawing target object on a dome-shaped object. 19. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of changing the shape of a polygon constituting the dome-shaped object to change the shape of a drawing target to be expressed using the dome-shaped object. 19. The recording medium according to claim 17, further recorded.