JPH08137388A - Projection picture generating method in planetarium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the amount of computations and data required to generate a picture in a planetarium. CONSTITUTION: Plural number of a picture supplying means 3 are provided to supply various kinds of pictures as video picture data. A picture synthesizing means 5 is also provided to synthesize pictures from the supplied data. Based on a given direction information, an analysis is made for the plural pictures required to generate a desired synthesized projection picture and the synthesis method. An instruction to supply the above is given to the picture supplying means and a desired projection picture is generated by giving the instruction to the picture synthesis means by a control means 2 so as to synthesize the supplied plural projection pictures.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for producing an image required for a performance in a planetarium, and more particularly to a method useful when projecting with a video image projector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In planetariums, in addition to reproducing the starry sky with a star projector, for example, stars such as planets, nebulae, and clusters,
Projecting an object such as a spaceship or a landscape on the ground is required for the performance.

Conventionally, such an image is generally projected by a slide projector using a slide original plate, and recently, an image reproduced by a VTR is also projected by a video image projector. There is.

By the way, due to the nature of the planetarium that scientifically reproduces the celestial body (starry sky) based on astronomical grounds, the contents projected by the planetarium have strong simulation elements due to their nature, and arbitrary dates and places can be set. By doing so, it is required to scientifically reproduce the state of the celestial body at the time and place.

Needless to say, there are endless variations in the appearance of celestial bodies that should be reproduced here, and there are various patterns. These patterns are not limited to the movement of the stars and the phases of the moon. For example, the rotation of Jupiter And, there are various things such as changes in the positions of satellites around it.

In the planetarium of the prior art, the motion of a star can be expressed by a star projector, but the position changes in the projection of a planet that cannot be produced by a planet projector that is usually equipped, and the position is actually changed at that position. I had to project a slide image of the planet.

[0007] In addition, projection of other nebulae, clusters, etc.
I was only able to project a certain range of things that could not be produced with the nebula projectors and star cluster projectors that were normally equipped with a slide projector or a video image projector.

[0008]

As a matter of course, the slide original plate can only represent a still image taken in advance. Therefore, in order to represent the projected object at any date and time, for example, if it is a planet, it is necessary to prepare all the surface data as a master plate, and if the surrounding satellites are also expressed, A master plate corresponding to this combination is required.

However, as described above, the variations to be expressed here are infinite, and it is physically impossible to prepare the number of original plates corresponding to these variations.

On the other hand, a video image projector using a VTR can display an image with motion, but in order to reproduce the image up to the change corresponding to the astronomical time, the current VT is used.
If the R equipment does not have enough capacity, and even if the capacity is sufficient, random access is made by designating an arbitrary date and time, the immediacy is taken with the tape medium.

The above is the reason why the planetarium of the prior art can produce only a very limited range of projection.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention has been made with the object of providing a projection image creating method capable of reproducing infinite variations of the appearance of celestial bodies.

In the projection image creating method of the present invention,
A plurality of image supplying means for supplying various images as video image data are prepared, and an image combining means for synthesizing the images supplied from these is first prepared. Then, based on the provided effect information, a plurality of images required for creating a desired projected image and a synthesizing method thereof are analyzed, and an instruction to supply these is given to the right image supplying means, and at the same time, a plurality of supplied A desired projected image is created by giving an instruction to synthesize the projected image to the right image synthesizing means.

In this case, as the image supply means, various images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium, which is called by an instruction based on the effect information, and means for generating various images by calculation are provided. Examples include those that perform this generation based on information based instructions, or those that include means for inputting an image of the outside scene by the image capturing device and that perform this imaging based on instructions based on effect information.

[0015]

As described above, the present invention is characterized in that a desired projected image is created by synthesizing a plurality of images, and these images are supplied from individual supply means. In other words, in the present invention, one image is composed by combining a plurality of images. Therefore, according to the present invention, a huge number of types of images can be created by combining the images supplied from the image supply means, so that the amount of data can be reduced even when the images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium. The effect that can be produced.

On the other hand, even when various images are generated by calculation, the amount of calculation is reduced by combining them with an image supply means for converting various images into data and storing them in a storage medium in advance. There is also an effect that the amount of data of the image that should be saved in can be reduced.

Further, even when the image supply means for generating various images by calculation are combined with each other, the calculation is dispersed in each image, so that the calculation amount can be reduced.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of an essential part of a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 in the figure is a rendering device, which is rendering information composed of astronomical observation data such as identification of an object to be projected, observation position of the object, observation date and time (in the following embodiments, the observation data is used as the presentation information. , And both are to be used as synonyms.) This performance information may be input by the operator from the console along with the operation of the planetarium, or may be incorporated as part of the performance program for the planetarium and input as the program progresses.

In the figure, reference numeral 2 is a control device, and the production device 1
Based on the rendering information given as astronomical data to the image analysis means, it analyzes a plurality of images required to create the target projected image and a method of synthesizing them. The image combining means is instructed to combine the plurality of projected images.

Two image supply means are provided here, but in this embodiment, as in computer graphics, the image generation devices 3 and 3 that perform calculation based on given data to generate an image are adopted. There is.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit of the image generating apparatus 3. The image generation device 3 receives observation data and numerical data necessary for drawing, and a calculator 3 for substituting this input data into a mathematical expression for drawing and performing calculation.
Drawing unit 3 for drawing an image based on the calculation results of A and right
B, an image output unit 3C that outputs the drawn image data to the synthesizer.

Reference numeral 5 in the figure denotes an image synthesizing device, which synthesizes the images obtained from the image generating devices 3 and 3 in the procedure instructed by the control device 2.

In the figure, reference numeral 6 is a projection device, which projects the image output from the image synthesizing device 5 onto a dome, and a video image projector is used.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S1) Astronomical observation data such as the identification of the object to be projected, the observation position of the object, the observation date and time, etc. is input in the rendering device 1. (Procedure S2) The control device 2 analyzes the generation and synthesis method of the target image to be projected from the above data. (Procedure S3) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be generated is given to each image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S4) Based on the above instruction, each image generating device 3 generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S5) In the control device 2, an instruction of a synthesizing method is given to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S6) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating devices 3 and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Procedure S7) Based on the instruction from the control device 2, the projection result of the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5 is displayed.
To project.

Since this is not the gist of the present invention, description thereof is omitted in this embodiment, but in an actual device, projection position information for controlling the projection position of the projection device 6 is projected by the control device 2. It goes without saying that it is given to the machine attitude control device 2 (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of creating a projected image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image around Jupiter is created. Since Jupiter has a fast rotation cycle, its appearance changes each time, and the satellites around it, Galileo, also have different appearances because the rotation cycle of each satellite is different.
Therefore, in order to generate an image of the surroundings of Jupiter at one time, a large amount of calculation is involved in the image generation, and it is difficult to accurately reproduce the image by the method of the related art. Here, the area around Jupiter is divided into parts called Jupiter and its satellites, and these parts are generated and combined separately to reduce the computational power and the amount of data that can be handled at one time. The same applies to other examples of Saturn and its ring.

In the figure, reference symbol PI is an image of the Jupiter body, P2 is an image of the Galileo satellite, and these are combined to obtain the target image P.

For easier understanding, the flow of processing in this case will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S11) Jupiter is specified as a target to be projected by the rendering device 1, and astronomical observation data such as its observation position and observation date and time are input. (Procedure S12) The control device 2 analyzes the method of generating and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the above data, and gives each image generating device 3 an instruction of the image to be generated. That is, the state of the surface of Jupiter according to the date and time, the position to view Jupiter based on the observation position is determined, and the Galileo satellite also determines the appearance from the observation position, so these are analyzed and the instructions are given. Is given. (Procedure S13) Based on the above instruction, the image of the Galileo satellite is generated in one of the image generating devices 3 and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S14) Based on the above instruction, the other image generation device 3 generates an image of the surface of Jupiter and outputs the image to the image synthesis device 5. (Procedure S15) In the control device 2, the image synthesizing device 5 is instructed to the image synthesizing device 5 on the method of synthesizing the image of the Galileo satellite and the image of the surface of Jupiter based on the analysis result. (Step S16) Based on the above instruction, the image synthesizing device 5 synthesizes the image of the Galileo satellite and the image of the surface of Jupiter, and outputs the image to the projection device 6. (Procedure S17) Based on the instruction from the control device 2, the image around Jupiter output from the image synthesis device 5 is projected by the projection device 6.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram of an essential part of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image generating device 3 for generating an image by calculation is adopted as the image supplying means in the first embodiment, whereas various images are converted into data in advance and stored in the storage medium, and the effect is produced. An image storage device called by an instruction based on information is employed, and the rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the different points in the circuit will be described here.

Reference numerals 4 and 4 in the figure denote image storage devices, and two are provided here. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit of the image storage device 4. The image storage device 4 stores an image storage unit 4E for storing image data, a location of the image data in the image storage unit 4E (an address, an index number, etc.), and an image name or an observation position instructed by the control device. Table 4D is stored in association with each other, and the former is contrasted with the latter.
Referring to D, a search unit 4A that gives a reproduction instruction to the image reproduction unit 4B, an image reproduction unit 4B that calls an image from the image storage unit 4E and reproduces the image, and an image output unit 4C that outputs the image to the synthesizing apparatus. Composed. As the image data storage means, an analog magnetic recording medium such as a VTR, a digital magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical storage medium such as an optical disk, etc. are assumed in this embodiment.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S21) The astronomical observation data such as the identification of the object to be projected, the observation position of the object, and the observation date and time is input in the rendering device 1. (Procedure S22) The control device 2 analyzes the reproduction and composition method of the target image to be projected from the above data. (Procedure S23) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be reproduced is given to each image storage device 4 based on the analysis result. (Step S24) Based on the above instruction, each image storage device 4
The image data is searched at. Output. (Step S25) The image retrieved in each image storage device 4 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S26) In the control device 2, an instruction of a synthesizing method is given to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S27) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image storage devices and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Procedure S28) Based on the instruction from the control device 2, the projection result is projected by the projection device 6 on the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of creating a projected image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image of the obscuration phenomenon in which the stars are hidden behind the moon is created. The change in the positional relationship between the stars hidden behind the moon, that is, the stars, is extremely slow based on human time, and treating it as one that does not change does not prevent accurate celestial object reproduction. For this reason, if this image is created in advance and stored in the storage device, an image generation device having high calculation capability becomes unnecessary. The same can be said for celestial bodies that always show the same appearance, such as the moon.

In the figure, symbol PI is a star image, P2 is an image of the moon, and these are combined to form the target image P.
Get.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, an image generating apparatus as in the first embodiment is used as an image supply means.
Since the image storage device as in the second embodiment is used together, the details of the circuit are based on the description of these embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of creating a projected image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image of the crescent moon is created. The moon is basically seen as a full moon, and it looks like a crescent moon or a half moon due to its shadow. Taking advantage of this, here, an image of the full moon is created in advance and stored in a storage device, and the shadow portion is generated by a shadow generated from the positional relationship between the moon and the sun by an image generation device by calculation,
By synthesizing these, the phase change of the moon such as the crescent moon and half moon is expressed.

In the figure, reference symbol PI is an image of the full moon, P2 is an image of a shadow, and these are combined to form the target image P.
Get.

Up to now, it was necessary to use a large number of slide original plates having the appearance of all the moons in order to express the image of the moon, but this allows only the data for the full moon to generate shadow data, Just by synthesizing, you can express the moon in one phase.

Since the phase change due to the revolution also exists on other planets such as Venus and Jupiter, this shadow generation part can be used, and although the planet could be represented only on one side in the photograph, it is a more accurate planet. You will be able to represent the state of the surface of. Furthermore, by generating an image such as a solar eclipse in consideration of the position and size of the synthesized shadow data of the earth, it is possible to accurately reproduce a partial solar eclipse or an annular eclipse.

When the projection position information for controlling the projection position of the projection device is given from the control device to the projection device attitude control device, the position of the projection device should be changed by changing the altitude of the sun with the mechanical axis. It is possible to reproduce changes in shadows such as solar eclipses with high effect.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram of an essential part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image obtained by the third embodiment is combined with an image obtained by another image storage device 8 by another image synthesizing device 9, and the other constructions are the first to third embodiments. Since the details are the same as those in the embodiments, the details of the circuit are based on the description of these embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S31) The astronomical observation data such as the identification of the object to be projected, the observation position of the object, and the observation date and time is input in the rendering device 1. (Procedure S32) The control device 2 analyzes the generation and synthesis method of the target image to be projected from the above data. (Procedure S33) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be generated is given to the image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S34) Based on the above instruction, the image generation device 3 generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesis device 5. (Procedure S35) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be reproduced to the image storage device 4 based on the analysis result. (Step S36) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 4 searches for image data. Output. (Step S37) The image retrieved in the image storage device 4 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S38) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S39) Based on the above instruction, the image synthesis device 5 synthesizes the images output from the image generation device 3 and the image storage device 4, and outputs the synthesized image to the image synthesis device 9. (Procedure S40) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be reproduced is given to the image storage device 8 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S41) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 8 searches for image data. Output. (Step S42) The image retrieved in the image storage device 8 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 9. (Procedure S43) In the control device 2, an instruction of a synthesizing method is given to the image synthesizing device 9 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S44) Based on the above instruction, the image synthesizer 9 synthesizes the images output from the image synthesizer 5 and the image storage 8 and outputs the synthesized image to the projector 6. (Procedure S45) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 9.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of creating a projected image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a crescent moon is created in an image of mountains. Reference symbol P in the figure
I is a full moon image, P2 is a shadow image,
After synthesizing these to obtain the image P3, this time is synthesized with the mountain range image P4 to obtain the target image P.

By thus increasing the number of combinations of the synthesizing device and the image storage device or the generating device, the expression contents of the video that can be finally synthesized increases.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a block circuit diagram of an essential part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one of the images input to the image synthesizing device 5 in the first embodiment is selected by the image switching device 12 as either the image generating device 10 or the image storage device 11, and the remainder thereof. Since the configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment, the details of the circuit are based on the description of these embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S51) Astronomical observation data such as identification of an object to be projected in the rendering device 1, observation position of the object, observation date and time, etc. is input. (Procedure S52) The control device 2 analyzes the method of generating and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the above data. (Procedure S53) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be generated is given to the image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S54) Based on the above instruction, the image generation device 3 generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesis device 5. (Procedure S55) In the control device 2, the image switching device 12 is instructed to switch the signal line to the device side from which the required image is obtained. -Hereafter, when an image storage device is selected up to step S58 (step S56) In the control device 2, an instruction of an image to be reproduced is given to the image storage device 11 based on the analysis result. (Step S57) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 11
The image data is searched at. Output. (Step S58) The image retrieved in the image storage device 11 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. Hereinafter, when the image generating device is selected up to step S50 (step S59), the control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to the image generating device 10 based on the analysis result. (Step S60) Based on the above instruction, the image generation device 10
At, an image is generated and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S61) In the control device 2, an instruction of a synthesizing method is given to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S62) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating device 3 and the image switching device 12, and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Procedure S63) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the composition result (desired image) output from the image composition device 5. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a block circuit diagram of the essential portions of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one of the images input to the image synthesizing device 5 in the first embodiment is used as the image of the outside scene, and the rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment. Here, only different points in the circuit will be described.

Reference numeral 20 in the figure is a photographing device such as a camera connected to a telescope, for example, which captures an image of a scene of the field in real time and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. At this time, the control device 2 controls the photographing device 2 based on the effect data.
It controls the gantry position of 0 and so on.

As described above, by connecting the camera to the telescope and synthesizing the image data with the shadow generated by the image generation device, it is possible to express the solar eclipse or the like in a form in which the calendar in which the astronomical phenomenon occurs is ignored. it can. In addition, by inputting the image of the starry night from the outside and synthesizing it with the image such as the constellation line, it is possible to explain the constellation using the actual star.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Procedure S71) Astronomical observation data such as identification of an object to be projected in the rendering device 1, observation position of the object, observation date and time is input. (Procedure S72) The control device 2 analyzes the method of generating and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the above data. (Procedure S73) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to each image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S74) Based on the above instruction, each image generation device 3
At, an image is generated and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S75) The control device 2 controls the photographing device 20 based on the analysis result to photograph a required image, and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Procedure S76) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Procedure S77) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating device 3 and the photographing device 20, and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Procedure S78) Based on the instruction of the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5.

Needless to say, the method of the present invention can be carried out by further combining the above embodiments.

[0050]

The present invention having the above construction has the following unique effects. Since a huge number of types of images can be created by combining the images supplied from the image supply means, only a very limited number of images can be projected from the types of slide original plates that can be prepared by the conventional slide projector, which is extremely limited. It is possible to dramatically improve the production of the planetarium, which was capable of producing only a wide range.

The process of collectively generating the projected images themselves requires a large-capacity, ultra-high-speed large computer, which is difficult to realize. However, the present invention uses a classification processing method for a plurality of image data. Since it is made into a composite image after being created, it can be processed by a low-priced small computer in a short time and is easy to realize.

Since a huge number of types of images can be created by combining the images supplied from the image supply means, the amount of data can be reduced even when the images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium. Occurs.

Because of the above-mentioned actions (1) and (2), the load of calculation and data amount for creating a desired image is small. Therefore, if a large number of still images are continuously reproduced, a moving effect can be obtained. It is possible to obtain an effect that the load of calculation and data amount is extremely reduced as compared with the case where moving images are collectively generated by graphics.

In the prior art, the image data creation required for the rendering was complicated and took a lot of time because of analog processing. However, the present invention requires a huge number of types by combining the images supplied from the image supply means. Since the image can be created, the image data can be created in a short time.

In the case of the conventional technique of projecting an image using the VTR, the correction, addition, or change of the production requires complicated editing work of the tape each time, but in the present invention, the production of the production program is performed. Since this is all that is required, editing work has become simpler and the expandability of video production has increased.

Since a composite image can also be created using image data obtained from an externally provided photographic equipment, the astronomical phenomenon can be effectively projected in real time.

A wide image can be obtained by interlocking a plurality of projection devices.

[0058]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the image generating apparatus in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block circuit diagram of the image storage device in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram of the fourth embodiment of the same.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the above.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block circuit diagram of the image storage device in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the fifth embodiment of the same.

FIG. 16 is a block circuit diagram of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Rendering device 2 Control device 3 Image generating device 5 Image combining device

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 19, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of image supply means for supplying various kinds of images as video image data are prepared, and an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the images supplied from these are prepared, and desired synthesis is performed from given effect information. The right image supplying means is instructed to analyze a plurality of images required to create a projected image and a compositing method thereof, and the control means instructs the right image supplying means to combine the supplied plurality of projected images. An image projection method in a planetarium for creating a desired projection image by giving it to the right image synthesizing means. 2. The image projection method for a planetarium according to claim 1, further comprising means for generating various images by calculation, and the image supply means by performing this generation according to an instruction based on effect information. 3. The image projection method for a planetarium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein various images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage means, and the image supply means is called by an instruction based on effect information. 4. An image supply means comprising means for inputting an image of a landscape of the outside by a photographing device, and performing this photographing according to an instruction based on effect information.
An image projection method for a planetarium according to any one of 1.