JP3503539B2 - 3D graphics display - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional graphics display device, and more particularly to a device provided with means for increasing the rendering speed by appropriately switching models used for rendering three-dimensional computer graphics.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When rendering 3D computer graphics, a 3D model with a large number of polygons,
When a 3D model in which a file size is large and a precise image is texture-mapped is rendered, a large amount of calculation is required, and a lot of time is required for rendering.

In order to speed up the rendering, the number of polygons of the 3D model to be displayed and the size of the texture mapping image are reduced to reduce the resolution of the model to reduce the calculation amount. The resolution increases the quality of computer graphics.

Therefore, LOD (Level of D) was devised as a method for performing high-speed rendering while minimizing the deterioration of the quality of computer graphics.
It is a method called etail). For details of this LOD method, see “VRML97 International Standard, IS”.
O / IEC 14772-1: 1997) Section 6.26 ”.

Since an object at a short distance is displayed large on the screen, if the resolution of the 3D model of the object is reduced, the quality of computer graphics is significantly deteriorated. However, an object at a long distance is displayed on the screen. Since it is displayed in a small size, the quality of computer graphics does not deteriorate so much even if a model in which the number of polygons is reduced or the texture image is reduced in resolution such as size is reduced.

Focusing on this point, the LOD method stores models of several kinds of resolutions in which the number of polygons, the size of the texture image, etc. are changed for each object, and the objects at a short distance have a high number of polygons and a large size. Rendering using a high-resolution model using texture images and rendering with a simplified and low-resolution model as the distance increases, while minimizing the deterioration of computer graphics quality,
We are trying to speed up the rendering time.

[0007]

However, according to the LOD method described above, only the distance between the viewpoint and the object is used as the criterion for switching the resolution of the model.
Even if the target object is near the viewpoint, it is not necessary to use a high-resolution model, for example, even when the object is seen from an oblique direction or the back side direction, rendering will be performed using a high-resolution model,
There is a problem that a large amount of calculation is performed.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional graphics display device capable of increasing the rendering speed by appropriately switching the model used for rendering.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a viewpoint position changing means for changing the viewpoint information of a user and a viewpoint for storing viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user. Suitable for the information storage base, the model storage base that stores multiple models with different resolutions for each object placed in virtual space together with the level of detail, and the observation set for the object
Recommended line-of-sight vector indicating the angle and the viewpoint information storage base
Based on the viewpoint information stored in the
Calculate the line-of-sight deviation angle between the cuttle and the line-of-sight direction,
The detail level calculation means for determining the detail level using the line-of-sight deviation angle, the model switching means for switching the model of each object used for rendering according to the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation means, and the model switching means A three-dimensional graphics display device comprising: a rendering unit that renders 3D computer graphics using the created model; and an output unit that displays the computer graphics generated by the rendering unit. It is provided.

The present invention also achieves the above object.
To change the viewpoint information of the user
And store viewpoint information such as the user's viewpoint position and direction.
Viewpoint information storage base to be placed and each to be placed in virtual space
Multiple models with different resolutions for these objects
With a model storage base that stores
Rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base
Details that calculate the level of detail for each object used for logging
Calculated by the level calculation means and the detailed level calculation means
Each object used for rendering according to the level of detail
Model switching means for switching the model of the
3D computer using model sent from switching means
Rendering means for rendering graphics
And the computer generated by the rendering means.
And an output means for displaying a rafix, the detail level calculating means, a recommended line-of-sight vector storage base for storing a recommended line-of-sight vector indicating a line-of-sight angle suitable for observation of each object, and the viewpoint information storage base The angle between the stored line-of-sight direction and the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base (line-of-sight angle)
Gaze deviation angle calculation means, a gaze deviation angle threshold storage base that stores a gaze deviation angle threshold value for determining a detail level according to the gaze deviation angle, and each object calculated by the gaze deviation angle calculation means Line-of-sight deviation comparison means for determining the level of detail from the line-of-sight deviation angle of
A three-dimensional graphics display device characterized by
It is a thing.

Further, the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes a recommended line-of-sight vector for changing the recommended line-of-sight vector.
It is desirable to have a means for changing the cuttle .

Further, it is preferable that the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes a line-of-sight deviation angle threshold changing means for changing a threshold of the line-of-sight deviation angle of each object stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a viewpoint position changing means for changing the viewpoint information of the user, and a viewpoint information storage base for storing the viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user. And a model storage base that stores multiple models with different resolutions for each object placed in the virtual space, along with the level of detail,
Based on the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint information storage base
With respect to the user's viewpoint position and the object
By using the observation reference point that indicates the part suitable for the set observation
Generated vector and set for the object
With the recommended direction vector that indicates the direction suitable for the selected observation
Calculate the misalignment angle and use the calculated misorientation angle for details.
3D using the detail level calculation means for determining the fine level, the model switching means for switching the model of each object used for rendering according to the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation means, and the model sent from the model switching means A three-dimensional graphics display device comprising: a rendering unit that renders computer graphics; and an output unit that displays the computer graphics generated by the rendering unit.

The present invention also achieves the above object.
To change the viewpoint information of the user
And store viewpoint information such as the user's viewpoint position and direction.
Viewpoint information storage base to be placed and each to be placed in virtual space
Multiple models with different resolutions for these objects
With a model storage base that stores
Rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base
Details that calculate the level of detail for each object used for logging
Calculated by the level calculation means and the detailed level calculation means
Each object used for rendering according to the level of detail
Model switching means for switching the model of the
3D computer using model sent from switching means
Rendering means for rendering graphics
And the computer generated by the rendering means.
And a detail direction calculation means , wherein the detail level calculation means stores an observation reference point indicating a portion suitable for observation of each object, and a recommended direction vector storing a recommended direction vector indicating a direction suitable for observation. A vector storing base, a vector starting from the viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storing base and ending at an observation reference point stored in the recommended direction vector storing base, and stored in the recommended direction vector storing base. Direction deviation angle calculation means for calculating an angle (direction deviation angle) formed by the recommended direction vector, and a direction deviation angle threshold storage base for storing a threshold value of the direction deviation angle for determining the level of detail according to the direction deviation angle. And a direction deviation angle comparison means for determining a detail level from the direction deviation angle of each object calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation means. 3-dimensional graph, wherein Rukoto
Six display device is provided.

Further, the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes a recommended direction vector for changing the recommended direction vector.
It is desirable to have a means for changing the cuttle .

Further, it is preferable that the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes direction deviation angle threshold changing means for changing the direction deviation angle threshold value of each object stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base.

[0017]

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to an embodiment of. This three-dimensional graphics display device includes a viewpoint position changing unit 1 that changes the viewpoint information of the user, a viewpoint information storage base 2 that stores viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user in the virtual space,
Details of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information in the model storage base 3 that stores a plurality of three-dimensional models with different resolutions for each object placed in the virtual space together with their level of detail, and the viewpoint information storage base 2. Detail level calculator 4 for calculating levels
And a model switching unit 6 that switches the model of each object used for rendering according to the level of detail calculated by the level-of-detail calculation unit 4, and 3D computer graphics rendering is performed using the model sent from the model switching unit 6. It is composed of a rendering unit 7 and an output unit 8 for displaying the computer graphics generated by the rendering unit 7.

The detail level calculation unit 4 further determines a detail level according to the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 for storing the recommended line-of-sight vector indicating the line-of-sight angle suitable for observation of each object, and the line-of-sight deviation angle. The line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 42 that stores the threshold of the line-of-sight deviation angle, and the angle between the line-of-sight direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 and the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 (line-of-sight deviation). Angle) and a line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 that calculates the angle) and a line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44 that determines a detail level from the line-of-sight deviation angle of each object calculated by the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43.

In the above configuration, the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is updated as needed by the viewpoint position changing unit 1 which receives a user's operation input or a viewpoint position change request from another module.

In the present embodiment, the detail level is defined such that the detail level of the model with the highest resolution is the detail level 0, and as the value of the detail level increases, the model becomes a simplified low resolution model. To do. The recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 can be set in advance when creating a model of an object, or can be set when arranging the model in the virtual space. It is possible. Similarly, the threshold value of the line-of-sight deviation angle stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 42 can be set either when the model is created or when the model is arranged.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment will be described. When the viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is updated, the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 4
At 3, the angle between the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 and the line-of-sight direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 (line-of-sight deviation angle) is calculated.

The line-of-sight deviation angle of each object calculated by the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 is transmitted to the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44, and stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 42. The detailed level of the object is determined by comparing with the threshold value of the line-of-sight deviation angle of each object, and transmitted to the model switching unit 6. The model switching unit 6 selects a model to be used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base 3 and transfers it to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 renders three-dimensional computer graphics using the transmitted model.

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment, an angle suitable for observation is set for each object, and when observing from a direction close to the angle suitable for observation, When observing a high-resolution model, or when observing at a distance from an angle suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a low-resolution model. In other words, by setting the angle suitable for observation according to the characteristics of the object, displaying in detail the objects viewed from the angle suitable for observation, and simplifying the display of objects viewed from angles not suitable for observation. It is possible to increase the rendering speed without deteriorating the quality of the rendering.

<Example 1-1> Next, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the model stored in the model storage base 3. The model shown in FIG. 2 is a model of a bookshelf object 100 representing a bookshelf accommodating a book, and simplification is achieved by reducing the number of polygons of the model 101 and the model 101 of the bookshelf model that accurately models books and shelves. They are the applied model 102 and model 103. If these models are arranged in descending order of resolution, model 101 and model 1
02 and model 103 in that order. This model 101-1
03 is stored in the model storage base 3 as a model of the bookshelf object 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the bookshelf object 100 and the recommended line-of-sight vector 104. The recommended line-of-sight vector 104 is set so that the angle at which the bookshelf object 100 is viewed from the front becomes an angle suitable for observation, and is stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41.

Further, in the line-of-sight deviation angle storage base 42, angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ are set as threshold values of the line-of-sight deviation angle.
1 <θ2 <π), ・ Detail level 0 when the line-of-sight deviation angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1, ・ Detail level 1 when the line-of-sight deviation angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2 ・ The line-of-sight deviation angle θ , Θ ≧ θ2, the rule of detail level 2 is stored.

The operation of the embodiment 1-1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a scene in which the user observes the model. In this figure, the bookshelf object 10 in which the recommended line-of-sight vector 104 is set
The relationship between 0, the user 105 in the virtual space, and the line-of-sight vector 106 is shown in three scenes. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing processing in the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit in the positional relationship of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of screen output when the process of FIG. 5 is performed in the positional relationship of FIG.

First, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship shown in FIG. 4A will be described. The line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 calculates the line-of-sight deviation angle θa and transmits it to the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44. In the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44, the line-of-sight deviation angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 42.
From the above, the detail level of the bookshelf object 100 is determined to be the detail level 0 (FIG. 5A). The detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 selects the model 101 as a model to be used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base 3 and transmits it to the rendering unit 7. . The rendering unit 7 performs rendering using the model 101, and the output unit 8 obtains the output 111 shown in FIG. 6A.

Next, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship of FIG. 4B will be described. In the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44 to which the line-of-sight deviation angle θb calculated by the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 is transmitted,
The level of detail of the shelving object 100 is determined to be the level of detail 1 from the line-of-sight angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the line-of-sight angle threshold storage base 42 (FIG. 5B). The detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 selects the model 1 from among the models stored in the model storage base 3 as the model to be used for rendering.
02 is selected and transmitted to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 performs rendering using the model 102, and the output unit 8 obtains the output 112 shown in FIG. 6B. In the output 112, because the display area of the book is small,
It can be seen that even if a model in which the polygons of the book portion are simplified is used, the quality deterioration of computer graphics is small.

Next, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship shown in FIG. 4C will be described. The line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 calculates the line-of-sight deviation angle θc, and the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44 calculates the detail level of the shelving object 100 from the line-of-sight deviation angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 42. Is determined as the detail level 2 (FIG. 5 (c)). The detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6
The model used for rendering is determined to be the model 103,
The model 103 is transmitted to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 performs rendering using the model 103, and the output unit 8 obtains the output 113 shown in FIG. 6C. In the output 113, since the display area on the front surface of the bookshelf is very small, it can be seen that the quality of the computer graphics is not significantly deteriorated even if the model in which the polygons on the front surface of the bookshelf are simplified is used.

As described above, in Example 1-1, the recommended line-of-sight vector 104 is set at the angle at which the bookcase object 100 is viewed from the front. As a result, when observing the bookshelf object 100 from the front, a high-resolution model 101 that accurately models the shape of a stored book.
When the bookcase object 100 is viewed from an oblique direction, that is, when the details of the book cannot be observed, a simplified model 102 is used, and when the bookcase object 100 is viewed from a position where the front surface of the bookcase is hardly visible. On the shelf,
Since the rendering can be performed using the model 103 in which the book is completely omitted, the rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics.

<Example 1-2> Another example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of the model stored in the model storage base 3. The model shown in FIG. 7 is a frame object 200 that represents a frame in which an image is fitted, and is the original image 20.
A model 201 in which 1p is texture-mapped, and an image 2 in which the resolution of the image 201p is reduced and the image size is reduced.
02p and image 203p are texture-mapped models 202 and 203. Images 201p, 202
The images 201p, 203p
In 202p and 203p, the image size is proportional to the image resolution. When the models are arranged in the descending order of resolution, the model 201, the model 202, and the model 203 are in that order. The models 201 to 203 are stored in the model storage base 3 as models of the frame object 200.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frame object 200 and the recommended line-of-sight vector 204. The recommended line-of-sight vector 204 is set and stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 with the angle of viewing the frame object 200 from the front as an angle suitable for observation.

Further, in the line-of-sight deviation angle storage base 42, angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ are set as threshold values of the line-of-sight deviation angle.
1 <θ2 <π), ・ Detail level 0 when the line-of-sight deviation angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1, ・ Detail level 1 when the line-of-sight deviation angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2 ・ The line-of-sight deviation angle θ , Θ ≧ θ2, the rule of detail level 2 is stored.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first embodiment will be described.
The operation of -2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a scene in which a user observes a model. In this figure, the frame object 200 in which the recommended line-of-sight vector 204 is set
And the user 105 in the virtual space and their line-of-sight vector 1
The relationship with 06 is shown in three scenes. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of screen output when the same processing as that of the example 1-1 is performed in the positional relationship of FIG.

Since the details of the image embedded in the frame object can be seen in the output 211, the image 201p to be texture-mapped needs to have a high resolution image like the model 201.

At output 212, the frame object 200
It can be seen that since the display area of is small, even if the model 202 in which the image 202p to be texture-mapped has a low resolution is used, the quality of computer graphics is hardly deteriorated.

At the output 213, the frame object 200
Model 203 in which the image 203p to be texture-mapped has a very low resolution because the display area of is very small.
It can be seen that the quality of computer graphics is hardly deteriorated by using.

In Example 1-1, the model was simplified by reducing the number of polygons when the model was simplified. However, as in Example 1-2, the resolution of the image to be texture-mapped is reduced. Also, by simplifying the model by lowering the image size and reducing the image size, the same effect that the rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics can be obtained.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment,
In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9 that appropriately changes the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 is provided. is doing.

The recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9 appropriately changes the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 by a signal from another module. When the recommended line-of-sight vector of the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 is changed, the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 recalculates the line-of-sight deviation angle of the corresponding object, and the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44 determines the detail level of the object. Recalculation is performed, and the model switching unit 6 switches the model used for rendering according to the recalculated level of detail.

As described above, by providing the recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9, for example, the recommended observation angle for each user is individually set to change the appearance of the object, or the recommended observation angle is changed according to parameters such as time. It is possible to finely control the content of the three-dimensional graphics, such as changing the appearance of the object by changing the.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment,
In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the line-of-sight angle threshold that can change the line-of-sight angle threshold of each object stored in the line-of-sight angle threshold storage base 42. It has a changing unit 10.

The line-of-sight deviation angle threshold changing section 10 uses the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base 4 according to a signal from another module or the like.
The threshold value of the line-of-sight deviation angle stored in 2 is changed. When the threshold value of the line-of-sight angle of the line-of-sight deviation angle storage base 42 is changed, the line-of-sight deviation angle calculation unit 43 recalculates the line-of-sight deviation angle of the object, and the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit 44 calculates the detail level of the object. Is recalculated, and the model switching unit 6 switches the model used for rendering in accordance with the recalculated level of detail.

In this way, by providing the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold changing unit 10, for example, the threshold of the line-of-sight deviation angle for each user is individually set, and the deterioration of the quality of computer graphics is controlled for each user. Rendering unit 7
It is possible to control the time required for rendering by changing the recommended observation angle according to the parameters such as rendering time in.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fourth embodiment includes the recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9 and the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold newly provided in the second and third embodiments. This is a three-dimensional graphics display device that also includes a changing unit 10.

According to this, the effect of the second and third embodiments, that is, for example, the recommended observation angle for each user is individually set to change the appearance of the object, Detailed control of the contents of 3D graphics is possible, such as changing the recommended observation angle according to parameters such as time to change the appearance of the object, and individual threshold values for the line-of-sight deviation angle for each user. It is possible to control the deterioration of the quality of computer graphics for each user, or change the recommended observation angle according to parameters such as the rendering time in the rendering unit 7 to control the time required for rendering.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a structure of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a fifth embodiment. This three-dimensional graphics display device includes a viewpoint position changing unit 1 that changes the viewpoint information of a user, a viewpoint information storage base 2 that stores viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user in a virtual space, and a virtual The detail level of each object used for rendering is calculated according to the viewpoint information of the model storage base 3 in which a plurality of models having different resolutions are stored together with the detail level for each object arranged in the space, and the viewpoint information storage base 2. 3D computer graphics using the detail level calculation unit 4, the model switching unit 6 that switches the model of each object used for rendering according to the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation unit 4, and the model sent from the model switching unit 6. The rendering unit 7 that renders An output unit 8 for displaying the made computer graphics, and a.

The detail level calculator 4 further includes an observation reference point indicating a part suitable for observation of each object, and a recommended direction vector storage base 45 for storing a recommended direction vector indicating a direction suitable for observation, which will be described later. A direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 that stores a threshold value of the direction deviation angle to determine the level of detail according to the direction deviation angle, and a recommended direction vector storage base starting from the viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2. A vector whose end point is the observation reference point stored in 45 and a recommended direction vector storage base 45
The direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 that calculates an angle (direction deviation angle) formed with the recommended direction vector stored in, and the detail level is determined from the direction deviation angle of each object calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation unit 47. Direction deviation angle comparison unit 48
It consists of and.

In the above configuration, the viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is updated as needed by the viewpoint position changing unit 1 which receives a user's operation input or a viewpoint position change request from another module.

In the present embodiment, the detail level is set to the detail level 0 of the model having the highest resolution, and as the value of the detail level becomes larger, the model becomes a simplified low resolution model. Define. Also,
The observation reference points and recommended direction vectors stored in the recommended direction vector storage base 45 can be set in advance when creating a model of an object, or can be set when arranging the model in the virtual space. It is also possible. Similarly, the threshold value of the direction deviation angle stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 can be set either when the model is created or when the model is arranged.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. When the viewpoint information such as the user's viewpoint position and direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is updated, the direction deviation angle calculation unit 4
In FIG. 7, for each object stored in the model storage base 3, the recommended direction vector storage base 45 is set starting from the viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2.
The angle (direction deviation angle) formed by the vector whose end point is the observation reference point stored in the recommended direction vector and the recommended direction vector storage base 45 is calculated. The direction deviation angle of each object calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 is transmitted to the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48, and the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48 stores each object stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46. The detail level of the object is obtained by checking the threshold value of the direction deviation angle of. The obtained detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 determines a model to be used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base 3. Then, the determined model is transmitted to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 renders three-dimensional computer graphics using the transmitted model.

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment, a direction suitable for observation is set for each object, and when the viewpoint is close to the direction suitable for observation. Renders using a high-resolution model, or a low-resolution model when the viewpoint is located away from the direction suitable for observation. In other words, by displaying the objects in the direction suitable for observation in detail and simplifying the display of objects in the direction not suitable for observation, the rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics. Will be possible.

<Example 5-1> Next, an example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the model shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the model storage base 3.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the bookshelf object 100, the observation reference point 307, and the recommended direction vector 304 in the embodiment 5-1. Bookcase object 10
An observation reference point 307 is set near the center of the front surface of 0, and is stored in the recommended direction vector storage base 45.

Further, the recommended line-of-sight vector 304 is set so that the direction in which the bookshelf object 100 is viewed from the front is at an angle suitable for observation, and the recommended direction vector storage base 4 is set.
Stored in 5.

Further, in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46, angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ are set as threshold values of the direction deviation angle.
1 <θ2 <π), ・ The direction deviation angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1, the detailed level 0 ・ The direction deviation angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2, the detailed level 1 ・ The direction deviation angle θ , Θ ≧ θ2, the rule of detail level 2 is stored.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a scene in which the user observes the model in the embodiment 5-1. In this figure, the relationship between the observation reference point 307, the bookshelf object 100 in which the recommended direction vector 304 is set, the user 105 in the virtual space, and the line-of-sight vector 106 is shown in three scenes. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing processing in the line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit in the positional relationship of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of screen output when the process of FIG. 17 is performed in the positional relationship of FIG. 16.

First, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship of FIG. 16A will be described. The direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 calculates the direction deviation angle θa and transmits it to the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48. In the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48, the direction deviation angle thresholds θ1 and θ stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46.
The detail level of the bookshelf object 100 is determined to be the detail level 0 from 2 (FIG. 17A). The determined detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 transmits the model 101 used for rendering to the rendering unit 7. In the rendering unit 7, the model 101
18 is used for rendering, and the output unit 8 displays
The output 311 shown in (a) is obtained.

Next, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship shown in FIG. 16B will be described. In the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48 to which the direction deviation angle θb calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 is transmitted, the direction deviation angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 are used to determine the shelving object 100.
The detail level of is determined to be the detail level 1 (FIG. 17).
(B)). Then, the determined detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 determines the model to be used for rendering as the model 102 and transmits it to the rendering unit 7. In the rendering unit 7, the model 102
18 is used for rendering, and the output unit 8 displays
The output 312 shown in (b) is obtained. At the output 312,
Since the display area of the book is small, it can be seen that the quality of computer graphics is not significantly deteriorated even when rendering is performed using the model 102 in which the polygons of the book portion are simplified.

Next, the user 105 and the bookshelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 has the positional relationship shown in FIG. 16C will be described. The direction deviation angle θc is calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 and is transmitted to the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48. In the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48, the direction deviation angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46.
From this, the detail level of the bookshelf object 100 is determined to be the detail level 2 (FIG. 17C). The determined detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 determines the model to be used for rendering as the model 103 and transmits it to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 performs rendering using the model 103, and the output unit 8 obtains the output 313 shown in FIG. 18C. In the output 313, since the display area on the front surface of the bookshelf is very small, the model 103 in which the polygon on the front surface of the bookshelf is simplified.
It can be seen that there is little deterioration in the quality of computer graphics even when rendering is performed using.

In the embodiment 5-1, the bookshelf object 10 is used.
The recommended direction vector 304 is set in the direction in which 0 is viewed from the front. As a result, when observing the bookshelf object 100 from the front direction, a high-resolution model 101 that accurately models the shape of a stored book is used, and when the bookshelf object 100 is viewed obliquely, that is, the details of the book cannot be observed. In this case, a simplified and low-resolution model 102 is used, and when observing in an oblique direction from a position where the front of the bookshelf is almost invisible, a shelf,
Since the rendering can be performed using the model 103 in which the book is completely omitted, the rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the structure of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the sixth embodiment. This three-dimensional graphics display device is the same as the three-dimensional graphics display device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional graphics display device, the recommended direction vector changing unit 1 that can change the recommended direction vector of each object stored in the recommended direction vector storage base 45
Have three.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The recommended direction vector changing unit 13 appropriately changes the recommended direction vector stored in the recommended direction vector storage base 45 by a signal from another module. When the recommended direction vector of the recommended direction vector storage base 45 is changed,
The direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 recalculates the direction deviation angle of the object, and the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48 recalculates the detail level of the object, and the model switching unit according to the recalculated detail level. At 6, the model used for rendering is switched.

By providing the recommended direction vector changing unit 13, for example, the observation recommended direction for each user is individually set to change the appearance of the object, or the observation recommended direction is changed according to parameters such as time. Fine-grained control of the contents of 3D graphics is possible, such as changing the appearance of objects.

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the seventh embodiment. This three-dimensional graphics display device is the same as the three-dimensional graphics display device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional graphics display device, a direction deviation angle threshold changing unit 14 that can change the direction deviation angle threshold value of each object stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 is provided.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The direction deviation angle threshold changing unit 14 changes the direction deviation angle threshold stored in the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 in accordance with a signal from another module. When the threshold of the direction deviation angle of the direction deviation angle threshold storage base 46 is changed, the direction deviation angle calculation unit 47 recalculates the direction deviation angle of the corresponding object, and the direction deviation angle comparison unit 48 calculates the direction deviation angle of the object. The detail level is recalculated, and the model switching unit 6 switches the model used for rendering in accordance with the recalculated detail level.

By providing the direction deviation angle threshold changing unit 14, for example, the direction deviation angle threshold for each user is individually set, and the deterioration of the quality of computer graphics is controlled for each user. It is possible to control the time required for rendering by changing the recommended observation direction according to parameters such as the rendering time.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a structure of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to an eighth embodiment. The three-dimensional graphics display device includes both the recommended direction vector changing unit 13 and the direction deviation angle threshold changing unit 14 which are newly provided in the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment.

According to this, the effects of the sixth and seventh embodiments, that is, for example, the recommended observation direction for each user is individually set, and the appearance of the object is changed, It is possible to finely control the content of 3D graphics by changing the recommended observation direction according to parameters such as time and changing the appearance of the object, and set the threshold value of the direction deviation angle for each user individually. However, it is possible to control the deterioration of the quality of computer graphics for each user, or change the recommended observation direction according to parameters such as the rendering time in the rendering unit 7 to control the time required for rendering.

[Ninth Embodiment] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to the ninth embodiment. This three-dimensional graphics display device includes a model storage base 3 for storing three-dimensional models of a plurality of resolutions of an object placed in a virtual space together with their detail levels, and two or more details for calculating the detail level of the object. Level calculator 4-1 and 4-
2 ,. ． ． , 4-n (n is an integer of 2 or more) and two or more detail level calculation units 4-1 ,. ． ． , 4-n are integrated to determine the detail level of the 3D model to be used for rendering, and an integration rule for integrating the detail levels in the detail level integration unit 16. Integrated rule storage base 1 to be stored
7 and a model switching unit 6 that switches the 3D model used for rendering according to the level of detail determined by the detail level integration unit 16, and rendering that performs computer graphics rendering using the 3D model selected by the model switching unit 6. It is composed of a unit 7 and an output unit 8 for displaying the computer graphics generated by the rendering unit 7.

Here, the detail level calculation units 4-1 and 4-
2 ,. ． ． , 4-n, the detail level can be calculated by any calculation method. For example, the detail level calculation method by the detail level calculation unit 4 in the first embodiment, the detail level calculation method by the detail level calculation unit 4 in the second embodiment, or the conventional LOD method is used. The calculation method of the level of detail can be given.

Further, as an example of the integration rule for integrating the detail levels stored in the integration rule storage base, the average value of the detail levels is rounded up to the nearest decimal point to be an integer. It is possible to use the maximum level in the detail level as the detail level after integration.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the ninth embodiment will be described. When the detail level calculation unit 4-i (1 ≦ i ≦ n) calculates the detail level, the detail level integration unit 16 follows the detail level integration rule stored in the integration rule storage base 17 and then the detail level calculation unit 4-i. 4-1. ． ． , 4-n, the detail level of the model used for rendering is calculated. The detail level calculated by the detail level integration unit 16 is transmitted to the model switching unit 6.

In the model switching unit 6, the model storage base 3
A model to be used for rendering is determined according to the level of detail from the models stored in the model, and the determined model is transmitted to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 renders three-dimensional computer graphics using the transmitted model.

For example, as the detail level calculation unit, the detail level calculation by the detail level calculation unit 4 described in the first embodiment and the detail level calculation by the conventional LOD method are provided, and the integrated rule storage unit is also provided. The case where the integration rule that the maximum value in the detail level is the detail level after integration is stored in will be described.

When the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation unit 4 is the detail level 0 and the detail level calculated by the LOD method is the detail level 0, that is, the object is observed from an angle suitable for observation and from a short distance. In this case, the detail level integrated by the detail level integration unit 16 becomes 0,
Objects are rendered using a high resolution model. On the other hand, when the detail level calculated from the line-of-sight deviation comparison unit 44 is the detail level 0 and the detail level calculated by the LOD method is the detail level 2, that is, the object is observed from an angle suitable for observation and from a long distance. In this case, the detail level integrated by the detail level integration unit 16 is 2, and the object is rendered using the low resolution model.

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the ninth embodiment, when the detail level calculation unit calculates the detail level, the detail level integration unit stores the detail level in the integration rule storage base. According to the detailed level integration rule, the detailed level of the model used for rendering is calculated from the detailed level obtained by the detailed level calculation unit. The detail level calculated by the detail level integration unit is transmitted to the model switching unit. The model switching unit determines a model to be used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base according to the level of detail. By these functions, the level of detail of an object obtained from two or more viewpoints is integrated, and the model used for rendering is switched, thereby increasing the rendering speed without degrading the quality of computer graphics. Will be possible.

[0081]

As described above, the three-dimensional graphics display device of the present invention has the following effects. (1) The first effect is that an angle suitable for observation is set for each object, and when the direction of the user's line of sight is close to the angle suitable for observation of the object, rendering is performed using a high-resolution model, When the direction of the user's line of sight deviates significantly from the angle suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a simplified low-resolution model. That is,
Objects viewed from an angle suitable for observation can be displayed in detail, and objects viewed from an angle not suitable for observation can be simplified and displayed. As a result, rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics. (2) The second effect is to set a direction suitable for observation for each object, and when the position of the user's viewpoint is close to the direction suitable for observation of the object, perform rendering using a high-resolution model, When the position of the user's line of sight deviates significantly from the direction suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a simplified low-resolution model. That is,
Objects viewed from a direction suitable for observation can be displayed in detail, and objects viewed from a direction not suitable for observation can be simplified and displayed. As a result, rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics. (3) The third effect is that the resolution of the model used for rendering can be determined based on the determination of how detailed the object is displayed using two or more parts. As a result, rendering speed can be increased without degrading the quality of computer graphics.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a model stored in a model storage base of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a recommended line-of-sight vector storage base of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a user and an object in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing processing in a line-of-sight deviation angle comparison unit in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing screen output in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a model stored in a model storage base in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a recommended eye-gaze vector storage base in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a user and an object in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen output in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a recommended direction vector storage base in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between a user and an object in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing processing in a direction deviation angle comparison unit in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing screen output in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a ninth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Viewpoint position change unit 2 Viewpoint information storage base 3 model storage base 4 Detail level calculator 4-1 to 4-n Detail level calculator 41 Recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 42 Gaze shift threshold storage base 43 Gaze shift angle calculation unit 44 Line-of-sight angle comparison unit 45 Recommended direction vector storage base 46 direction deviation angle threshold storage base 47 direction deviation angle calculation unit 48-direction deviation angle comparison unit 6 Model switching unit 7 Rendering section 8 Output section 9 Recommended line-of-sight vector change section 10 Eye shift angle threshold changing unit 13 Recommended direction vector change section 14 Directional deviation angle threshold changing unit 16 Detail Level Integration Department 17 Integrated rule storage base 100 bookshelf object 101-103 models 104 recommended line-of-sight vector 105 users 106 gaze direction 111-113 output 200 frame objects 201-203 models 201p-203p images 204 Recommended line-of-sight vector

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-9-259297 (JP, A) JP-A 2000-11203 (JP, A) Kazuo Kunieda Outside 5 people, “Remote use by B-ISDN of the presence library” Experiment ”, IEICE Technical Report, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, 1997, IE96-116, p. 53-60 (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 1/00 G06T 11/00-17/50 JISST file (JOIS)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A viewpoint position changing means for changing the viewpoint information of the user, a viewpoint information storage base for storing viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user, and for each object arranged in the virtual space. Model storage base for storing a plurality of models with different resolutions together with the detail level, a recommended line-of-sight vector indicating an angle suitable for observation set for the object, and viewpoint information stored in the viewpoint information storage base. Based on the, and the detail level calculation means for calculating the line-of-sight deviation angle between the recommended line-of-sight vector and the line-of-sight direction, and determining the level of detail using the calculated line-of-sight deviation angle, calculated by the detail level calculation means It is sent from the model switching means that switches the model of each object used for rendering according to the level of detail, and the model switching means. 3D graphics display apparatus comprising: the rendering means, and an output unit for displaying the generated computer graphics by the rendering means for performing 3D computer graphics rendering using the model. 2. A viewpoint position changing means for changing the viewpoint information of the user, a viewpoint information storage base for storing the viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user, and for each object arranged in the virtual space. Model storage base for storing a plurality of models having different resolutions together with the detail level, detail level calculation means for calculating the detail level of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base, and the detail level calculation Model switching means for switching the model of each object used for rendering according to the level of detail calculated by the means, rendering means for rendering 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching means, and the rendering means. Computer graphics generated And a detail level calculation means for storing a recommended line-of-sight vector storage base storing a recommended line-of-sight vector indicating a line-of-sight angle suitable for observation of each object, and stored in the viewpoint information storage base. A line-of-sight deviation calculation means for calculating an angle (line-of-sight deviation angle) formed between the recommended line-of-sight vector and the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base, and for determining a detail level according to the line-of-sight deviation A visual axis deviation angle threshold storage base for storing a visual axis deviation angle threshold value, and visual axis deviation angle comparison means for determining a detail level from the visual axis deviation angle of each object calculated by the visual axis deviation angle calculation means. 3D graphics display device. 3. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
3. The three-dimensional graphics display device according to claim 2, further comprising line-of-sight deviation angle threshold changing means for changing the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold of each object stored in the line-of-sight deviation angle threshold storage base. 4. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
The three-dimensional graphics display device according to claim 1, further comprising a recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit that changes the recommended line-of-sight vector.