JP2010067227A - Graphic processing apparatus, graphic processing method, and graphic processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a graphic processing apparatus, a graphic processing method, and a graphic processing program that visualize information or the like of earth maps more effectively by enabling a user to arbitrarily specify a display mode of the earth maps to interpret the world from new points of view through experience by interaction and to simultaneously compare and examine a plurality of map information. <P>SOLUTION: The graphic processing apparatus includes: an expansion display means of displaying an expanded globe model as an earth map in the form of a continuous animation, a reverse expansion display means of displaying the displayed earth maps reversely expanded as the globe model in the form of a continuous animation, and a switching means of continuously switching the expansion display means and reverse expansion display means through one operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for displaying a global map that enables interaction with a user, and in particular, by changing the display mode of the global map, visual comparison between various information displayed on the global map is possible. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

  In recent years, an earth map that operates interactively on a computer (for example, a globe model that can be viewed as a three-dimensionally visible globe model or a two-dimensionally visible earth map) World map application.) (For example, Google Earth http://earth.google.co.jp/), Earth map (hereinafter, globe model that can be viewed three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally visible) In addition to reading and interpreting various types of information (for example, place names or topography of countries around the world, hereinafter referred to as map information) represented in a flat earth map that can be displayed as possible. It became possible to interpret this information through the experience. These global maps are one of the frequently used map software.

  However, many of the above earth maps directly map the earth's surface to primitives such as spheres and planes, and information visualization for these earth maps (for example, an overview of information, on different earth maps) There has been little discussion on the comparison and examination of the details of the map information at this point, or the simultaneous display and observation of remote climates and topography.

  On the other hand, it is known that those who use the global map want the information visualization.

  For example, even if the user tries to compare details of map information on different global maps at the same time, for example, the currently used global map does not support multi-focus for realizing the comparison. It was difficult to compare and examine details of the map information.

  In view of these points, the present invention enables the user to arbitrarily specify the display mode of the global map and interpret the world from a new viewpoint based on the experience of interaction, and simultaneously compare and examine a plurality of map information. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a graphic processing device, a graphic processing method, and a graphic processing program capable of more effectively realizing information visualization on a global map.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a globe model in which ground data indicating the shape of the earth's surface is mapped to a three-dimensional object and displayed so as to be visible in three dimensions, and A graphic processing device that displays on a display unit a planar earth map that is mapped to a dimensional coordinate system space and is displayed in a two-dimensional manner so as to be visible, and displays the globe model as the earth map. An unfolding display means for displaying the unfolding mode as a continuous animation display when displaying, and an unfolding animation for the unfolding mode when the displayed earth map is unfolded and displayed as the globe model. The reverse expansion display means for displaying as a display, the expansion display means and the reverse expansion display means are linked by an instruction from the operation unit by the user. Characterized in that it comprises a switching means for switching a manner.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer is caused to function as the graphic processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a terrestrial globe model that maps the ground surface data indicating the shape of the earth surface to a three-dimensional object and is displayed so as to be visible in three dimensions, and maps the ground surface data into a two-dimensional coordinate system space. A graphical processing method for displaying on a display unit a planar earth map that is displayed in a two-dimensionally recognizable manner, when the displayed globe model is expanded and displayed as the earth map. An unfolding display step for displaying the aspect as a continuous animation display, and a reverse unfolding display step for displaying the reverse unfolding aspect as a continuous animation display when the displayed global map is reversely expanded and displayed as the globe model. And a switching step of continuously switching the unfolded display unit and the reverse unfolded display unit with one operation.

  According to the present invention, the globe model and the earth map can be developed mutually, and the manner in which the globe model is developed can be displayed as a continuous animation, so that the user can interpret the world from a new viewpoint. it can. In addition, since a point on the globe model and a global map can be selected and the map information of the selected point can be displayed at the same time, it is possible to simultaneously compare and examine the map information. Through these, it is possible to more effectively realize information visualization on the global map.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A graphic processing apparatus and method according to the present invention includes a processing unit (comprising a CPU, etc.), a storage unit (comprising a VRAM, ROM, a hard disk drive, etc.), a display unit (comprising a display, etc.), and an operation unit (mouse and keyboard). It is realized by installing and starting up a global map creation software (including the three-dimensional object processing program according to the present invention) on a general-purpose personal computer equipped with a computer. In this embodiment, the processing unit includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for real-time calculation processing of a display color determination program.

  In this embodiment, the processing unit functions as unfolded display means, reversely unfolded display means, switching means, scroll display means, enlargement / reduction display means, display mode control means, and the like.

  The graphic processor processing unit functions as the above-described units and the like when the processing unit reads and executes the earth map creation software described later.

[1. Basic algorithm]
First, the basic algorithm of the global map creation software according to this embodiment will be described.

  By this algorithm, the earth surface model showing the earth's surface shape is mapped to a three-dimensional object and displayed in a three-dimensionally visible manner, and the earth surface data is mapped in a two-dimensional coordinate system space and is two-dimensionally visible. A flat earth map displayed on the screen is displayed and can be switched to each other. Note that the static data of the globe model can be referenced and presented regardless of the presence or absence of map projection.

  The display switching between the globe model and the earth map is performed by a continuously changing animation. In such an animation, the processing unit as the unfolding display means displays the unfolding form as a continuous animation display when the displayed globe model is unfolded and displayed as a planar earth map. Further, when the displayed earth map is reversely expanded and displayed as the globe model, the processing unit as the reverse expansion display means displays the reversely expanded aspect as a continuous animation display.

  The processing unit as the switching means is configured to continuously switch the expansion and reverse expansion of the processing unit according to an instruction from the operation unit by the user. More specifically, using a single type of the operation buttons provided on the operation unit, the continuous switching (for example, using only the wheel provided on the wheel mouse, (By rotating operation).

  In the terrestrial globe mode, by the processing unit as the rotation display means, as the operation of the terrestrial globe model that affects the map, the user drags the terrestrial globe model while moving the mouse (moves the pointer) on the display. The displayed globe model can be rotated. The rotation of the terrestrial model is applied to the terrestrial globe model before projecting a map, and a known quota anion is used to perform an intuitive operation in a spherical state and to prevent gimbal lock. Further, the globe model can be rotated 360 degrees in any direction. Furthermore, the speed when the pointer is moved while dragging the globe model with the mouse is measured, and the globe model is rotated at the speed.

  On the other hand, in the map mode, deformation and perspective projection are performed on the globe model and mapped to a flat earth map. Also in this case, an image corresponding to the latitude and longitude can be mapped (texture mapping) to a corresponding position on the map plane.

  In this embodiment, equirectangular projection and equirectangular projection are used as an example of the map projection method according to the above modification. Since these projection methods are well-known, detailed explanations are omitted, but equirectangular projection is a method in which the vertical lines of the orthogonal grid are meridians and the horizontal lines are parallels, and all meridians and parallels on the equator are equidistant. It is like this. The equirectangular projection is a projection that is developed in polar coordinates from the center point of the map, and has a feature that the distance and direction from the center are correct.

  The processing unit as the scroll display means indicates, for example, an operation collectively referred to as a pan operation. Specifically, the processing unit is a planar earth map and cannot be displayed on the display unit (for example, displayed on the display area of the display). In the case where there is a hidden part, the hidden part can be displayed by, for example, an operation of the operation unit (for example, operation of a mouse and a keyboard) by the user.

  The processing unit as the enlargement / reduction display means displays the manner in which the point is enlarged or reduced as a continuous animation display when the displayed global map is enlarged or reduced.

  The control unit as the display mode control unit is configured to display the selected point in any of the scroll display (pan), the enlarged display, and the reduced display by an operation (for example, an instruction with a mouse or the like) as the selection unit. Even in this case, the display mode of the global map is controlled so that it is always displayed on the display unit.

[2. Coordinate system series algorithm]
Next, the coordinate system series algorithm of the global map creation software according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Specifically, (1) An algorithm for creating a globe model that is displayed in a three-dimensional view by mapping the ground surface data indicating the earth surface shape to a 3D object (creating a globe model) (from DataLngLat coordinate system to DataSphere (2) Algorithm relating to rotation of the globe model (transformation and inverse transformation from DataSphere coordinate system to StaticSphere coordinate system), (3) Expanding the displayed globe model and the earth map When displaying as a continuous animation display, the displayed state is displayed as a continuous animation display, or when the displayed global map is reversely expanded and displayed as the globe model, the reversely expanded aspect is displayed as a continuous animation display. In the case of display as (conversion and inverse transformation from StaticSphere coordinate system to Atlas coordinate system), (4 Algorithm for displaying the aspect in which the point is enlarged or reduced as a continuous animation display when the displayed global map is enlarged or reduced (conversion from the Atlas coordinate system to the Client coordinate system and inverse conversion) It is realized by.

  Hereinafter, the details of the coordinate system algorithms (1) to (4) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of a coordinate system series algorithm. In FIG. 1, the coordinate systems used at each stage ((1) to (4)) of the above-described coordinate system algorithm are DataLngLat coordinate system 1, DataSphere coordinate system 2, StaticSphere coordinate system 3, Atlas coordinate system 4 and Client, respectively. The coordinate system is a coordinate system 5.

  The conversion from the DataLngLat coordinate system 1 to the DataSphere coordinate system 2 is (a), and the inverse conversion is (h). Similarly, the transformation from the DataSphere coordinate system 2 to the StaticSphere coordinate system 3 is (b) its inverse transformation (g), the transformation from the StaticSphere coordinate system 3 to the Atlas coordinate system 4 (c) its inverse transformation (f) The transformation from the Atlas coordinate system 4 to the Client coordinate system 5 is (d) and the inverse transformation is (e).

  Hereinafter, (1) to (4) will be described in more detail.

(1) An algorithm related to the creation of a globe model that maps the surface data indicating the earth's surface shape to a three-dimensional object and is displayed in a three-dimensional view (conversion from DataLngLat coordinate system to DataSphere coordinate system and inverse conversion)
The surface data indicating the earth surface shape exists in the DataLngLat coordinate system 1. In the DataLngLat coordinate system 1, the vertical axis lat (latitude) indicates latitude, and the horizontal axis lng (longitude) indicates longitude.

  For example, altitude values, meteorological data, or satellite images are converted into image data using the ground surface data indicating the surface shape of the earth, and the drawing color is determined by a GPU fragment program at the time of drawing and displayed as a globe model or an earth map. ing.

  Further, as an example, the ground surface data indicating the earth surface shape uses SRTM30 PLUS which is a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) provided by UCSD. SRTM30 PLUS is a DEM that adds seafloor topographic data to 30-second mesh data measured from the space shuttle. The range of about 900 [m] × 900 [m] per sample is covered, and the number of samples is 432000 [Sample] in the longitude direction and 216000 [Sample] in the latitude direction. The altitude has an accuracy of 1 [m].

  In the present embodiment, the data is divided into 256 × 256 images in a tile shape, and an image that is twice as accurate as a mipmap is created and layered. Then, a 9-layer pyramid with a vertex as one image is formed. Similar to a general LOD (Level of Detail) method, appropriate data displayed on the display is searched from the pyramid. At this time, there arises a problem that it is difficult to examine how the image in the pyramid is converted into the display coordinate system due to the influence of the map projection.

In this embodiment, the hierarchy level is
floor (λ / Z)
... Formula (1)
The data displayed on the display in this hierarchy is acquired.

  Where λ is the size of one pixel of the display. Z represents an enlargement factor, which will be described in detail later.

  Whether or not it is displayed is obtained by randomly obtaining the position of the display coordinates, performing the conversion (e) to (h) shown in FIG. 1, and determining the corresponding data. Since the amount of data that can be held in the memory is limited, it is necessary to delete unnecessary data as appropriate. Generally, data that is determined to have a long geometric distance is deleted. However, in this embodiment, since the distance dynamically changes, an image that has not been displayed on the display for a while is deleted from the memory. To do. This determination can be realized by holding the time when the image read into the memory was last displayed.

  The ground surface data indicating the earth surface shape existing in such DataLngLat coordinate system 1 is mapped to DataSphere coordinate system 2, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, and a globe model is generated. The mapping is realized by conversion (a), and is specifically represented by the following formula (2).

x = cos (lat) ・ sin (lng)
y = sin (lat)
z = ―cos (lat) ・ cos (lng)
... Formula (2)
Here, lat represents latitude and lng represents longitude.

  In this way, a globe model is generated by performing conversion (a) on the above-mentioned ground surface data.

  Further, the conversion (h) is an inverse conversion of the conversion (a), and is specifically represented by the following formula (3).

Lat = sin ⁻¹ (y)
Lng = atan2 (x, y)
... Formula (3)

(2) Algorithm related to the rotation of the globe model (Conversion from DataSphere coordinate system to StaticSphere coordinate system and inverse transformation)
As described above, the globe model can rotate the globe model displayed on the display by moving the mouse while dragging the globe model with the mouse. Such rotation of the globe model is realized by conversion (b) and inverse conversion (g) from the DataSphere coordinate system to the StaticSphere coordinate system.

The conversion (b) is represented by the following formula (4).
M _b = M _I M _U M _A
... Formula (4)
Here, an algorithm related to rotation is generally represented by a 4 × 4 matrix M, for example. For example, when a certain object is rotated around the x axis, the point (x ′, y ′, z ′) on which the point (x, y, z) on the object is moved by the rotation is calculated using the matrix Mx. And represented by the following formula (formula 5).

そして、ある物体に対して、回転に関する要素（例えば、ｘ、ｙ、ｚ各軸周りの回転等）が生じた結果、当該物体が最終的に回転する量（アルゴリズム）は、前記各要素の行列の積で求められる。

Then, as a result of the occurrence of an element related to rotation (for example, rotation around each axis of x, y, z, etc.) for a certain object, the amount (algorithm) that the object finally rotates is a matrix of each element. It is calculated by the product of

Returning to equation (4), M _I is rotation indicating the initial position (matrix), M _U intended rotation by a user operation, but M _A is described in detail later replaced with a rotation matrix bread, the default (initial Value) is I.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the globe model is rotated.

  In the example of FIG. 2A, the north pole is located at the top edge of the screen, the south pole is located at the bottom edge of the screen, and the axis G passing through the north pole and the south pole is the y axis of the DataSphere coordinate system 2 and the StaticSphere coordinate system 3. It will be equivalent. In such a display state, when the user drags the earth with the mouse and moves the mouse diagonally upward to the right, for example, and stops, the globe model OB rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2A, and FIG. Will be displayed. In the example of FIG. 2B, the north pole is no longer positioned at the top end of the screen, and the south pole is no longer positioned at the bottom end of the screen. In other words, the rotation of the globe model OB makes it possible to locate points other than the North Pole and the South Pole (for example, Japan) at the uppermost end of the screen and the lowermost end of the screen.

Moreover, conversion (g) is represented by following formula (6).
M _g = M _b ⁻¹
... Formula (6)
Note that conversion (g) indicates reverse rotation when the rotation direction by conversion (b) is the forward direction.

(3) When the displayed globe model is expanded and displayed as the earth map, the expansion mode is displayed as a continuous animation display, or the displayed earth map is reversely expanded as the globe model. When displaying the reverse expansion mode as a continuous animation display (algorithm from the StaticSphere coordinate system to the Atlas coordinate system and reverse conversion)
Here, deformation and perspective projection are performed, and the globe model of the StaticSphere coordinate system 3 is mapped to the Atlas coordinate system 4 as the planar earth map. By the mapping, the development or reverse development mode is displayed as a continuous animation display.

  First, the case of using equirectangular projection will be described.

  Hereinafter, the mode of the above expansion or reverse expansion will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for displaying the above-described expansion or reverse expansion.

  In the example of FIG. 3, first, the screen sc is arranged at z = −1 of the StaticSphere coordinate system 3, and the camera Cam that looks at the positive z-axis direction is arranged for perspective projection (0, 0, cz). Here, cz (<−1) is a constant parameter, and Cam basically does not move. If the transformation is not performed, of course, a perspective view of the sphere is drawn in the Atlas coordinate space, but the map can also be drawn by deforming the sphere. In order to display the unfolded or reverse-developed aspect as a continuous animation display, it is necessary to continuously perform this deformation. However, a projection screen deformation method for viewing a panoramic image (Kopf et al. 2007) Is applied to the earth shape.

  Next, the state of the deformation will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of deformation in the longitude direction.

First, in order to deform the sphere E having the center Ec and the radius Er, a cross-sectional circle C ₀ of the sphere E with y = ₀ is considered. These relationships are expressed by equation (7).

Ec = (0, 0, 0)
Er = 1
... Formula (7)
The circle C ₁ is assumed to be a circle that passes through the point a 1 on C ₀ and the guide point b 1 that moves with the parameter α and whose center exists on the z-axis. In this case, the circle _{C 1} is the radius _{C 1r,} the center _{C 1c.} These relationships are expressed by equation (8). That is, the deformable circle circle C _1, so that the manner of the development or reverse development is determined in accordance with the shape of the circle C _1.

a1 = (0, 0, -1)
α∈ [0, sin ⁻¹ (0.5)]
b1 = (cos (α), 0, sin (α) −1)
C _1r = 1 / (2sin (α))
C _1c = (0, 0, C _1r −1)
... Formula (8)
When α = sin ⁻¹ (0.5), the circle C ₁ and the circle C ₀ coincide, and as α approaches 0, the center C _1c moves in the positive z-axis direction and the value of the radius C _1r increases. . In other words, so that the circle C ₁ is deformed. Further, when α = 0, it is a special case and a straight line with z = −1.

In Figure 4, an example of the movement of the circle _{C 1,} it is indicated by dashed arcs _C A -C _D. Further, the locus of the point b1 becomes a broken line portion _{Cb1 due to} the α. An arc connecting point a1 and point b1 is like arc t.

Therefore, from the above conditions, the arc t is deformed according to the value of the point b1 that moves along the locus of the broken line portion _Cb1 . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the length of the arc t is always 2π.

The longitude of the circle C ₀ is mapped to this circle C ₁ so as to correspond to the length of the arc t with reference to the point a 1. As a result, longitude lng the point a2, and the point a2 on the circle _{C 1} of the circle C ₀ is represented by the formula (9).

_{a2 = (C 1r · sin (} lng / C 1r), 0, (C 1r -1) -C 1r · cos (lng / C 1r))
... Formula (9)
Then, by performing the mapping on all the cross sections of the sphere E, the expansion or reverse expansion in the longitude direction is displayed as a continuous animation display.

For the conversion in the direction of the latitude, the same method as described above is adopted, and the circle C ₂ is used instead of the deformable circle C ₁ . Figure 5 shows a conceptual view showing the positional relationship of the circle C _2.

Circle C ₂ is in contact with a point a2 on the circle C _1, there are centered on a straight line C _2L, and a circular deformed by b2 points represent guide point moving at parameter beta.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the center of the circle _{C 2} is present on the straight line _{C 2L} contact point a2 on the circle _{C 1.} 5 (b) is a diagram showing a circle C ₂ that is present as the y-axis and the plane parallel to the straight line C _2L. In other words, the circle _{C 2} passes the point a2 and a point b2, the center is a circle that is present on the straight line _{C 2L.} These relationships are represented by the formula (10).

v = (a2- _C1c ) / _C1c
b2 = a2 + (− vx · sin (β), cos (β), −vz · sin (β))
C _2L = C _1c + v · t
... Formula (10)
The circle C ₂ has a radius C _2r and a center C _2c , and these relationships are expressed by Expression (11).

C _2r = 1 / (2sin (β))
C _2c = ((C _1r −1 / (2 sin (β))) · sin (lng / C _1r ), 0, (C _1r −1) − (C _1r −1 / (2 sin (β))) · cos (Lng / C _1r ))
... Formula (11)
From these relationships, the latitude and longitude (lat, lng) of the sphere E is expressed by equation (12).

x = ( _C1r + _C2r (cos (lat / _C2r ) -1)) sin (lng / _C1r )
y = C _2r · sin (lat / C _2r )
z = C _1r −1− (C _1r + C _2r (cos (lat / C _2r ) −1)) cos (lng / C _1r )
... Formula (12)
In this way, the sphere E is mapped. The shape of the mapping result is a torus having a main radius C _1r −C _2r and a sub radius C _2r .

  In this study, parameters can be set independently for α and β, but in reality, it seems that α and β always operate cooperatively when α and β are always the same value. Hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that parameter setting is performed with α = β.

  6A to 6C are screen examples showing how the sphere E is deformed.

  FIGS. 6A, 6A, 6C, and 6F are display screens DS showing how the sphere E is deformed when expanded. FIGS. 6A and 6A show a globe model before deployment, and FIGS. 6C and 6F show an earth map after deployment.

When the expansion starts from FIGS. _{6A and 6A} (when the center C _1c moves in the positive z-axis direction and the value of the radius C _1r increases as α approaches 0), the display screen DS is displayed. 6 (A) (b), FIG. 6 (B) (c), FIG. 6 (B) (d), and FIG. 6 (e).

  Further, the equirectangular projection is calculated in the same manner as described above, and the latitude and longitude (lat, lng) of the sphere E is expressed by Expression (13). However, polar coordinates are displayed.

x = C _1r · sin (q / C _1r ) · cos (θ)
y = C _1r · sin (q / C _1r ) · sin (θ)
z = C _1r −1−C _1r · cos (r / C _1r )
... Formula (13)
Here, q, θ, and p are expressed by Expression (14).

q = cos ⁻¹ (−p · z)
θ = atan2 (py, px)
p = (cos (lat) · sin (Ing), sin (lat), -cos (lat) · cos (Ing))
... Formula (14)
Atlas coordinates (space) are obtained by performing perspective projection from Cam on this shape.

  The above is the transformation (c) from the StaticSphere coordinate system 3 to the Atlas coordinate system 4 (ie, the above expansion), and the inverse transformation (f) (ie, the above reverse expansion) is the intersection of the ray from the cam and the torus. The position is calculated, and the equation (12) or the equation (13) can be obtained by transforming into the equations of lat and lng.

  As a result of applying this algorithm, a visual effect such that the animation display changes smoothly appears, and as a result, contributes to the information visualization.

(4) An algorithm (conversion from Atlas coordinate system to Client coordinate system and a case where the aspect in which the point is enlarged or reduced is displayed as a continuous animation display when the displayed global map is enlarged or reduced. Reverse conversion)
Here, in order to perform enlargement and reduction display, conversion is performed to extract a part of the Atlas coordinate system. Specifically, the equivalent conversion of FIG. 1 (d), the position vector P _A of Atlas coordinate system, the position vector P _C of Client coordinate system, it is converted by the equation (15).

P _C = P _C0 + (P _A −P _A0 ) / Z
... Formula (15)
Here, P _A0 is a position vector serving as a reference for the Atlas coordinate system, P _C0 is a position vector serving as a reference for the Client coordinate system to which P _A0 is mapped, Z is an enlargement factor, and the larger the value, the zoom out (reduced display) ) In the present embodiment, P _C0 is the center position of the screen. _{PA 0} is changed by the pan operation of the user, and Z is changed by the zoom operation.

  When the aspect in which the point is enlarged or reduced is displayed as a continuous animation display, that is, automatic view switching is realized by making the deformation parameter α dependent on the enlargement factor Z. In the form, for example, using a sigmoid function, it is expressed by equation (16).

α (= β) = sin ⁻¹ (0.5) / (1 + exp (S ₀ · Z−S ₁ ))
... Formula (16)
Expression (16) indicates that one or more parameters can be set.

  Here, as an example in which the parameter α is used alone, a case where an earth map expressed using the equirectangular projection method is displayed in an enlarged or reduced manner can be considered. Since the equidistant azimuth projection correctly displays the distance and orientation from the center of the earth map, the enlargement / reduction ratio (enlargement factor) can be determined uniquely when the earth map is enlarged or reduced. The ratio displayed after enlargement / reduction does not change before and after enlargement / reduction.

  On the other hand, in the global map expressed using equirectangular projection, the vertical direction (y axis of the client coordinate system in FIG. 1) of the global map is read as latitude and the horizontal direction (x axis of the client coordinate system in FIG. 1) is read as longitude. It is equidistant on the standard parallel and in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the earth map is enlarged and reduced, the enlargement ratio in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction needs to be set separately. Therefore, in this case, the parameters α and β are used.

  In the parameters in equation (16), a sigmoid function is used as an example, but various functions such as other exponential functions can be applied.

Or conversion from Atlas coordinate system 4 to Client coordinate system 5 (d) (i.e., the expansion), and its inverse (e) (i.e., the reverse development) obtains the P _A formula (15) It is replaced with an expression.

  In this way, the earth map and the globe model displayed on the display unit are displayed on the client coordinate system 5. In other words, the Client coordinate system 5 represents a coordinate system displayed on the display unit.

  As described above, the coordinate system series algorithm of the earth map creation software according to the present embodiment is realized by various conversions (calculations) from the ground surface data indicating the earth surface shape.

[3. Interface algorithm]
Next, the interface algorithm will be described.

With the parameters of the coordinate system algorithm described above, the user operates rotation (M _U ), pan (P _A0 ), and zoom (Z). Such an operation is possible in both the globe model and the earth map, but in this embodiment, it is possible to continuously switch from rotation in the globe model to pan in the globe map with one operation. .

  That is, the expansion and reverse expansion from the globe model to the earth map can be continuously switched by one operation.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the threshold μ is used, for example, the same mouse button is assigned to a mouse as an example of an operation unit for rotation and panning (more specifically, for example, provided on a wheel mouse. An operation mode that performs distribution so that panning (the Earth map) is performed when the map is expanded (by rotating the wheel), that is, if α ≦ μ, and rotating (the globe model) otherwise. provide.

  More specifically, the expansion and the reverse expansion are switched according to a threshold value.

  The inventors determined the threshold value by trial and error, and empirically confirmed that μ = 0 is felt naturally.

[4. Pan to rotation algorithm]
Next, an algorithm from pan to rotation will be described. Such an algorithm is possible for both the globe model and the earth map, but in the present embodiment, it is possible to continuously switch from rotation in the globe model to pan in the globe map with one operation. . That is, the algorithm in the expansion and reverse expansion from the globe model to the earth map is shown.

Specifically, for example, the user pans the global map and operates P _C0, that is, P _A0 corresponding to the center of the screen. Now, when _PA0 is in a state other than the origin position of the display screen (for example, other than (0, 0) which is the coordinate of the display unit or the display center) (when a pan operation is performed even a little), the user Suppose that an operation of enlargement display (zoom-in) is performed. At this time, the user expects that the vicinity of the data displayed in _PC0 immediately before zooming in is expanded (reverse development). However, when the zoom-in and the deformation of the earth (terrestrial globe model) are synchronized, as the problem (1), the deformation of the sphere of the transformation (c) is performed around the z axis of the static sphere coordinate system 3, Since _{PC 0} displays different data before and after zooming in, and as problem (2), _{PA 0} is not the origin position of the display screen, the center of the globe model (globe model) is other than the screen center _{PC 0} . The present inventors have empirically confirmed that problems such as being located in a place occur.

Accordingly, the present inventors have, always display the same data before and after the zoom in P _C0, when the globe model is displayed to rotate from such processing (panning as continue to position the center of the sphere to the P _C0 The algorithm was devised. Hereinafter, the algorithm from pan to rotation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a screen showing the state of the problem (1) and the problem (2) caused by the zoom-in operation. In FIG. 7, FIG. 7A shows an example of a screen after the user pans the global map, and in FIG. 7B, after the pan, the user starts zooming in and the reverse development is performed. FIG. 7C shows an example of a screen showing a state in which zooming is continued, and FIG.

In such an algorithm, the problem (2) is solved by performing correction so that P _A0 automatically approaches the origin position of the display screen (for example, the coordinates (0, 0)) as zooming in. The problem (1) is taking into account the P _A0 go is the correction, the P _C0 is required to display the same data before and after the zoom. Therefore, in this algorithm, an approach is adopted in which the difference between the data that is expected to be displayed and the data that is displayed is replaced with a rotation matrix. Mentioned above, the M _A conversion (b), is a rotation matrix of the replacement results.

First, _PA0 is corrected. Position after correction _{P A0} ^'by using the coefficient k, the formula (17).

P _A0 ^' = P _A0 · ^kr
k = 1-α / sin ⁻¹ (0.5)
... Formula (17)
Here, the coefficient k is a value that changes from 1 to 0 as the earth map (when α = 0 described above) is transformed into a globe model (α = sin ⁻¹ (0.5)). r is a parameter for adjusting the “speed” of correction. In this embodiment, r = 3, but can be arbitrarily changed.

Next, the longitude and latitude (determined by conversions (f) and (h)) of the data (data to be displayed) displayed by the corrected position vector P _A0 ^′ , and PC ₀ before zooming in are displayed. and the difference data (obtained by converting (e) and (h)) longitude and latitude (data display is expected) is expressed by a rotation matrix M _a.

The rotation matrix M _A to set a different value by the map projection to be used. In the case of equirectangular projection, the rotation of longitude and latitude is divided so that the top of the map is north, and is expressed by equation (18).

M _A = M _Ax · M _Ay
... Formula (18)
Here, M _Ax is a matrix that is rotated by the difference in latitude with the x axis as the rotation axis, and _MAy is a matrix that is rotated by the difference in longitude with the y axis as the rotation axis.

For azimuthal equidistant projection, M _A is a rotation matrix that takes the shortest route in DataSphere coordinate system.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when the pan-to-rotation algorithm according to the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 8A is a screen example of the display unit when the user starts a zoom-in operation, and FIGS. 8B to _8D automatically show PAO as the origin of the display screen as the algorithm zooms in. It is a figure which shows a mode that it correct | amends so that it may approach a position.

By applying this algorithm, even after zooming in, the center of the earth is finally located at the location of the screen center _{PC 0} as shown in FIG.

[5. Algorithm that enables comparison between arbitrary areas]
Next, an algorithm that enables comparison between arbitrary regions in the displayed globe model and the earth map in the earth map creation software according to the present embodiment will be described.

  More specifically, an algorithm that enables comparison between arbitrary regions includes (1) a region designation algorithm using a rectangle, (2) a parameter correction algorithm for a coordinate system series, (3) a screen division algorithm, and ( 4) Realized by a context recognition algorithm.

  First, (1) the user selects an arbitrary region on the globe model or the previous earth map by the region specifying algorithm using a rectangle (for example, the region is selected by a rectangle).

  (2) The coordinate system series parameter correction algorithm ensures that the globe model or the region on the early earth map arbitrarily specified by the user is always displayed on the display unit (for example, the center of the display unit). It is guaranteed to be displayed on the part).

  (3) When the user gives an instruction to enlarge or reduce the area by the screen division algorithm and the area is no longer displayed on the display unit (cannot be displayed at the center of the display unit) In the case), for example, the posture and the view are corrected and corrected so as to be displayed on the display screen.

  When such correction does not solve the problem (for example, when a plurality of the areas are selected and both of the areas cannot be displayed on the display screen), the display unit is divided and each is divided. It correct | amends so that the area | region of may be displayed. When the division is performed, it is necessary to recalculate the movement of the center point of the display unit and the posture described above. However, these are displayed as continuous animations (the motions generated here are continuously processed). This prevents sudden screen transitions.

  In the context recognition algorithm (4), the recognition of the plurality of selected areas is complemented.

  Hereinafter, the details of the algorithms (1) to (4) will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1) Region Specification Algorithm Using Rectangle As described above, this algorithm allows the user to select any region on the globe model or the earth map. Specifically, as an example of the operation unit, a rectangle is created at an arbitrary point on the globe model displayed on the display unit or the earth map by a mouse drag operation.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen when an area is designated using a rectangle. FIG. 9A shows an example of a screen when a region is specified using a rectangle in the global map, and FIG. 9B shows an example of a screen when a region is specified using a rectangle in the globe model. Yes.

  In FIG. 9A, the earth map LM is displayed on the display screen DS, and an arbitrary area is selected by the rectangle C1 and the rectangle C2. In FIG. 9B, the globe model OB is displayed on the display screen DS, and an arbitrary area is selected by the rectangle C3 and the rectangle C4.

  The creation of the rectangle selects the data (for example, the actual latitude / longitude information at the point where the rectangle was created) that the rectangle is mapped to the Client coordinate system 5. The region is selected in the DataSphere coordinate system 2 by performing transformation (e), transformation (f) and transformation (g) in FIG. A rectangle is drawn by converting again from the DataSphere coordinate system 2 to the Client coordinate system 5.

  Here, for example, a rectangle is created on the globe model, and then after operations such as rotation (conversion (b) or (g)), expansion (conversion (c)), or reverse expansion (conversion (f)) When the client coordinate system 5 is converted to display the rectangle, the rectangle is not displayed.

  That is, in order to accurately express that a desired point on the globe model is selected by a rectangle, the selected region is a relationship between the ground surface represented by the globe model and an offset (shape along the ground surface shape). Because it should be, it will not be a rectangle.

  This causes a difficulty in recognizing and manipulating the selected area. Therefore, in this algorithm, correction is performed so that the display is always performed in a rectangle in the Client coordinate system 5.

  Specifically, the center of the rectangle created in the Client coordinate system 5 and the five points on the top, bottom, left, and right are used for conversion (calculation) as representative points. Each of the representative points is converted (e), converted (f), and converted (g), and the position of the corresponding DataSphere coordinate system 2 is acquired. Each of the representative points is corrected so as to be rectangular when converted to the client coordinate system 5 again.

  More specifically, among the representative points, the center point is used as a reference, the positions of the upper and lower points and the left and right points are averaged and rearranged to form a straight line, and each point other than the center point is rectangular. Connect with a straight line. And it correct | amends so that the angle | corner which an adjacent side among the sides of the said rectangle may become a right angle, and it displays as a rectangle again.

(2) Coordinate system series parameter correction algorithm By the coordinate system series parameter correction algorithm, the globe model or the area on the earth map arbitrarily specified by the user is always displayed on the display unit (in the visible area). It comes to guarantee that. That is, a rectangle created on the globe model or the earth map is always displayed in the visible region.

  If the user rotates the globe model or pans (manipulates) the earth map after selecting the rectangle, the rectangle may disappear from the visible region. In this algorithm, when such a rectangle disappears, the rotation or panning is limited.

Specifically, a set selected by the rectangle is represented by R _c and represented by Expression (19).

R _c = {R _c0 ,..., R _cn-1 }
... Formula (19)
Here, R _c indicates, for example, coordinates within a range selected by the rectangle from the coordinate information of the Client coordinate system 5. An arbitrary element of R _c is _defined as R _ci .

ここで、Ｊ₁は矩形が表を向いているか否か（可視領域に表示されているか）を、Ｊ₂は矩形の中心（座標）が可視領域にあるか否かを、そして、Ｊ₃は矩形がClient座標系５の中心（座標）を含むかどうかを、それぞれ示す。 Whether or not R _ci is in the visible region is determined by Expression (20).

Here, J ₁ is whether the rectangle is facing the table (displayed in the visible region), J ₂ is whether the center (coordinates) of the rectangle is in the visible region, and J ₃ is Whether the rectangle includes the center (coordinates) of the Client coordinate system 5 is shown.

Then, when it is determined by Expression (20) that R _ci is not in the visible region, an operation of returning R _ci to the visible region is performed.

In addition, the inventors set the above-mentioned J ₂ and J ₃ to a value smaller than the actual value (actually measured value), thereby increasing the area ratio of the rectangle actually included in the visible region, and further visually It is confirmed empirically that it is possible.

  FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram when the coordinate system series parameter correction is applied to the globe model.

  In FIG. 10A, in the globe model OB displayed on the display screen DS, the user selects an area on the globe model by a rectangle C5. Now, it is assumed that the globe model is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR1 or the arrow AR2 by a user operation.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a screen example when the globe model is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR1. The globe model rotated in the direction of the arrow AR1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR1 within the range in which the rectangle C5 is displayed in the visible region according to the equation (20). Therefore, even if the user further rotates the globe model in the direction of the arrow AR1, it does not rotate beyond the position shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a screen example when the globe model is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR2. The globe model rotated in the direction of the arrow AR2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR2 within the range in which the rectangle C5 is displayed in the visible region according to the equation (20). Therefore, even if the user further rotates the globe model in the direction of the arrow AR2, it does not rotate beyond the position shown in FIG.

(3) Screen division algorithm This algorithm is a technique for displaying geographically separated areas in a multi-focus view.

  As described above, in this algorithm, even when the user gives an instruction to enlarge or reduce the selection area, the display area displayed on the display unit is divided (screen division), thereby making the selection area visible. Is to guarantee.

  Details of the algorithm will be described below.

  In this algorithm, screen division is realized by using tree structure data (tree structure). The tree structure refers to a data structure having a tree structure of graph theory, but is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail.

  Each node stores all data (parameter information) at each stage of the coordinate system algorithm shown in FIG. In the leaf node (node), coordinate system series data displayed on the display unit (screen) is stored.

In this algorithm, the tree structure ST has only one node ST _root in the initial state. This indicates that the screen is not divided because the number of nodes is one.

In the ST _root coordinate system series (for example, the Client coordinate system 5 in which rectangles are displayed), a) the set of rectangles R _c is not displayed, and b) parameter correction of the coordinate system series is performed. If you can't fix it, the screen will be split.

Specifically, two new nodes ST _leaf0 and ST _leaf1 are created under ST _root . The initial values of ST _leaf0 and ST _leaf1 are the same as ST _root .

Then, to correct each node so as to include all of the above R _c. Correction parameter correction of the coordinate system sequence is applied, specifically, when a rectangular set to be displayed outside the visible region and R _ci, searches the node closest to R _ci, displayed within the node Modify the parameters so that

  In order to realize this algorithm, it is desirable that one rectangle is displayed on the divided screen, and it is necessary to avoid that no rectangle is displayed on the screen. The present inventors have solved these problems by using Equation (21), Equation (22), and the like.

NC _L + ND _L ≠ 0
... Formula (21)
NC _L + ND _L ≧ 2
... Formula (22)
Here, NC _L is the number of elements R _c in the visible region of a node L, and the number of elements of the ND _L is a node L is outside the visible region determined to the nearest R _c.

Expression (21) is an expression indicating a condition for always displaying one rectangle in one divided screen. If NC _L and ND _L are both 0, since the serving rectangular set R _c in the divided screen does not exist, so that no rectangle exists in the divided screens. Thus, the present algorithm, in order to avoid that the rectangle does not exist in the screen, the sum of the NC _L and ND _L is prevented from becoming zero.

If node N ₀ is found, which is a node that does not have a rectangle in the divided screen, there should be two or more rectangles in the other divided screens. That is, as shown in Expression (22), there are divided screens satisfying NC _L + ND _L ≧ 2.

Therefore, in this case, the node N ₁ which is a divided screen that is closest to the node N ₀ and satisfies NC _L + ND _L ≧ 2 is searched, and the node N _{0 is the} most among the elements _RC belonging to N _1. and it performs a correction so as to display as a node N ₀ to close to. In other words, a process of moving a rectangle from a divided screen on which two or more rectangles are displayed is performed.

In this embodiment, the screen is divided in the vertical direction or horizontal direction in the display unit, and the area ratio of the divided screens is 1: 1. Further, the node to be divided selects the node closest to R _ci . In addition, the said division | segmentation aspect and the node to divide are not limited to these, It can change arbitrarily.

  As described above, when the enlargement or reduction display of the area selected by the rectangle is instructed by the user and the area is no longer displayed on the display unit, a new node is created and the display unit is displayed. Is corrected so that each area is displayed.

At this time, when a new node is created, its parent (ST _root described above) is not displayed. Therefore, the display mode in the ST _root and the newly created node is discontinuous when no processing is performed. This causes the visual recognition of the relationship between the ST _root and the newly created node and hinders context recognition due to continuity.

In the case where new nodes are created in this way, the inventors of the present invention make continuous animation display when changing the display mode from ST _root to the newly created node. It has become. As a result, the relevance between the ST _root and the newly created node is visually recognized, and the context recognition by the continuity and the sudden screen transition are prevented.

Specifically, a coordinate system series parameter that looks the same as ST _root is set by combining two newly created nodes ST _leaf0 and ST _leaf1 . The parameter can take the same form as ST _root , but Cln _{0, which} is the display center (the center of the displayed map), is not the center (center coordinates) on the divided screen but the ST _root . The position corresponds to the center of the display unit (before being divided).

Thereafter, Cln ₀ which is the display center of the nodes ST _leaf0 and ST _leaf1 is moved to the center of the divided screen (display unit).

  FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are diagrams illustrating screen examples when the screen is divided. In FIGS. 11A and 11A, the user designates a region using a rectangle C10 and a rectangle C11 in order to compare two regions on the globe model OB. Here, when an instruction to enlarge the two areas is given by the user's operation, the manner in which the areas are enlarged is displayed as a continuous animation (FIGS. 11A and 11B). And FIG. 11 (B) (c)).

Then, as described above, b) a state the rectangular set R _c are not all displayed, and the screen division is performed if it is unable to modify even if the parameter correction of b) the coordinate system sequence (FIGS. 11B and 11D).

  Specifically, in the process of enlarging and displaying the two areas, the two areas cannot be displayed at the center of the display unit (in the case of FIGS. 11B and 11C). If the two regions are not displayed on the display unit when the display is further enlarged, the display unit is divided according to the above algorithm.

  11B and 11D show a display mode in which the screen is divided. The area selected by the rectangle C10 is displayed on the display screen DS1 and the area selected by the rectangle 11 is displayed on the display screen DS2 across the boundary line DL.

  In addition, the screen division mode is not limited to this, and the boundary line DL may be provided in the horizontal direction or the diagonal direction of the display unit, and the division is not limited to two, and may be divided into a plurality of divisions. Also good.

  Next, the operations of the above algorithms (1) to (3) when the user gives an instruction to enlarge or reduce the display of the area selected by the rectangle will be described with reference to FIGS.

  12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the operation of the above algorithms (1) to (3) when the user gives an instruction to enlarge and display a region selected in a rectangle.

  First, when an enlargement display of the area selected by the rectangle is instructed by the area specifying algorithm using the rectangle, it is determined whether or not the element of Rc is in the visible area (step S1).

  If it is determined that it is in the visible region (step S1: YES), the current display mode is engaged, and the processing of this algorithm is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in the visible region (step S1: NO), the rectangle created on the globe model or the earth map is always displayed in the visible region by the parameter correction algorithm of the coordinate system series described above.

  Next, after the correction, it is determined whether the element of Rc is in the visible region (step S3). If it is determined that the element is in the visible region (step S3: YES), the present display mode is engaged, and the present algorithm Terminate the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in the visible region even after the correction (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to the screen division algorithm.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen division algorithm.

  When the screen division algorithm is executed, the screen of the display unit is divided by the above-described algorithm (step S11).

  Then, using the above formula (21) or the like, whether or not one rectangle is displayed on the divided screen, in other words, whether or not there is a screen that does not display the rectangle among the divided screens. Is determined (step S12).

  If there is no screen on which no rectangle is displayed among the divided screens, the process is terminated (step S12: YES).

  On the other hand, when there is a screen on which no rectangle is displayed among the divided screens (step S12: NO), the above-described equation (22) or the like is used to divide and display two or more rectangles. A process of moving the rectangle from the screen is performed (step S13). Then, the process ends.

[6. Help with context recognition]
In this algorithm, when the screen is divided and displayed, a circle indicating the direction and distance in which another rectangle exists on the divided display portion is displayed.

Specifically, the position of the rectangular node shown on another divided screen or the data about the element _{RC to} which the node belongs is converted into a point in the client coordinate system 5. Then, with the converted point as the center, a circle having a radius from the center to the end (と し て) of the visible region is drawn.

  In this way, it is possible to recognize the distance and direction of the other area which is a rectangle selected by the user and is not displayed on the screen by the size of the circle. It has become.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen example when the distance and direction of the other area not displayed on the screen are represented by the size of a circle.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the rectangle C20 and the rectangle C21 are selected by the user.

The direction of the rectangle C21, which is another rectangle based on the rectangle C20, indicates the east side on the earth map, and the direction of the rectangle C20, which is another rectangle based on the rectangle C21, indicates the west side on the earth map.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a display screen after the user has performed an operation for enlarging and displaying FIG. The area selected by the rectangle C20 is displayed on the display screen DS3, and the area selected by the rectangle 21 is displayed on the display screen DS3. The direction of the other rectangle C21 with respect to the rectangle C20 has a circle P1 as a method for indicating the direction, and the direction of the other rectangle C20 with respect to the rectangle C21 has a circle P2 as a method for indicating the direction. Are displayed. The size of the circle is arbitrarily changed according to the distance between the rectangles.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the globe model and the earth map can be developed mutually, and the manner in which the globe model is expanded can be displayed as a continuous animation. Can interpret the world.

In addition, since the globe model and a point on the global map can be selected by a rectangle and the map information of the selected point can be displayed at the same time, the map information can be simultaneously compared and examined. Through these, it is possible to more effectively realize information visualization on the global map.
In addition, since the area and the direction of the other area which are selected by the user in a rectangle and are not displayed on the screen can be recognized by the size of the circle, The distance between each other can be visually grasped.

  In the present embodiment, the globe model has been described as an example of a three-dimensional object. However, the present invention can be applied to other star objects and the like, or a process of developing a sphere on a plane.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the concept of conversion and reverse conversion of a coordinate system series. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when a globe model rotates. It is a figure which shows an example of the mechanism which displays the aspect to expand | deploy or reverse-deploy. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of a deformation | transformation of the longitude direction. It is a diagram showing a conceptual view showing the positional relationship of the circle C _2. It is an example of a screen which shows the mode of deformation of sphere E. It is an example of a screen which shows the mode of deformation of sphere E. It is an example of a screen which shows the mode of deformation of sphere E. It is an example of a screen which shows the mode of problem (1) and problem (2) which arise by zoom-in operation. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen at the time of applying the algorithm from pan to rotation concerning this embodiment. The example of a screen when the area | region specification using a rectangle is made is shown. The conceptual diagram at the time of the parameter correction of a coordinate system series being applied in the globe model is shown. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when the division | segmentation of a screen is performed. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when the division | segmentation of a screen is performed. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the algorithm of said (1)-(3) when the enlarged display of the area | region selected with the rectangle was instruct | indicated by the user. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the algorithm of said (1)-(3) when the enlarged display of the area | region selected with the rectangle was instruct | indicated by the user. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen at the time of expressing the distance and direction of the said other area | region which are not displayed on the said screen with the magnitude | size of a circle.

Explanation of symbols

OB Globe Model DS Display Screen LM Plane Map G Center Axis

Claims (6)

A terrestrial globe model that maps surface data representing the shape of the earth's surface to a three-dimensional object and is displayed in a three-dimensional view, and displays the surface data in a two-dimensional coordinate system space and is displayed in a two-dimensional view. A graphic processing device for displaying a planar earth map on a display unit,
When the displayed globe model is expanded and displayed as the global map, the expansion display means for displaying the expansion mode as a continuous animation display;
When the displayed global map is reversely expanded and displayed as the globe model, reverse expansion display means for displaying the reversely expanded aspect as a continuous animation display;
Switching means for continuously switching the unfolded display means and the reverse unfolded display means according to an instruction from the operation unit by the user;
A graphic processing apparatus comprising: The graphics processing device according to claim 1,
The unfolded display means can be switched to the reverse unfolded display means during the unfolding,
The graphic processing apparatus, wherein the reverse development display means can be switched to the development display means even during the reverse development. The graphic processing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The graphic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the earth map is mapped by a map projection method of at least one of an equirectangular projection and an equirectangular projection. The graphic processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The graphic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is executed by operating a wheel mouse.   A graphic processing program for causing a computer to function as the graphic processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A terrestrial globe model in which ground surface data representing the shape of the earth surface is mapped to a three-dimensional object and displayed in a three-dimensional view, and the ground surface data is mapped in a two-dimensional coordinate system space and displayed in a two-dimensional view. A graphic processing method for displaying a planar earth map on a display unit,
When the displayed globe model is expanded and displayed as the global map, an expanded display step of displaying the expanded aspect as a continuous animation display;
When the displayed global map is reversely expanded and displayed as the globe model, the reversely expanded display step of displaying the reversely expanded aspect as a continuous animation display;
A switching step of continuously switching the unfolded display means and the reverse unfolded display means by one operation;
A graphic processing method comprising:

Images