JPH0816811A - Computer graphics generation supporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the degree of freedom in plotting and picture quality by means of a CG generation supporting device. CONSTITUTION:This computer graphic generation supporting device is provided with a graphic data input means 111 inputting object information on the shape and the character of an object, a picture data generation means 112 developing the object in the assembly of picture data based on object information, a strength distribution input means 113 inputting a function showing the feature of the shape of the object, a first sampling means 114 sampling the function showing strength distribution, a first strength table 115 holding sampled strength, a first distance index calculation means 116 calculating a distance index showing a sample point corresponding to a distance between a prescribed reference position and respective picture elements, a first retrieval means 117 retrieving strength concerned from the first strength table 115 based on the distance index, a correction means 118 correcting data by multiplying strength corresponding to picture data of the respective picture elements and transmitting it as display data and a display means 119 executing a display processing based on display data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer graphics creation support apparatus for creating an image representing a solid such as a sphere or an ellipse.

In order to realistically represent fog, clouds, fireworks, etc. by computer graphics, it is effective to display each of the transparent particles constituting these.

However, since fog and clouds are composed of an enormous number of particles, it would be enormously laborious to create an image by creating a precise reflection model for each of them.

Therefore, there is a need for a technique for easily and rapidly forming an image of such particles. In response to this, by giving intensity distribution that monotonically decreases from the central part to the periphery to the image data that represents a planar figure, a computer graphic that creates an image that simulates the stereoscopic effect of particles at high speed. Device creation support device has been developed.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of a conventional computer graphics creation support device. When drawing a figure for the first time using this computer graphics creation support apparatus, the input interpreting unit 311 receives the figure information concerning the shape of the figure such as the center of the particle, the depth value and the radius from the user. The above information is registered as graphic data in the graphic database 313 via the search / registration unit 312.

Further, the input analysis unit 311 receives the input of the trait information regarding the material and color of the object represented by the image to be created and the position information regarding the display position and orientation, and converts it together with the above-mentioned graphic data. Processing unit 31
4

On the other hand, when drawing the already registered figure, the input interpreting section 311 instructs the search / register section 312 to search the figure database 313, and the figure data searched according to the instruction The trait information is the conversion processing unit 3
14 is sent.

In response to the input of position information, graphic data and trait information, the conversion processing unit 314 first, based on the position information, enlarges / reduces, rotates, translates, etc. the graphic represented by the graphic data. Required coordinate conversion and send it to the dot development unit 315.

Next, the conversion processing unit 314, based on the information regarding the material of the object included in the trait information, the image data indicating the color of the object designated by the user (for example, R
The GB data) is corrected by, for example, multiplying it by a conversion coefficient according to the material, and the obtained image data is converted into the dot development unit 3
Send to 15.

The dot development unit 315 obtains the coordinates of each pixel belonging to the inside of the figure based on the coordinate conversion result, gives a predetermined value as the depth value (Z value) of each pixel, and the image of these pixels. The image data corrected by the conversion processing unit 314 is sent to the hidden surface removal unit 316 as a data reference value.

At this time, the distance index calculation unit 321 of the strength determination unit 320 receives the coordinates of each pixel described above from the dot expansion unit 315 and determines the distance index based on the distance between each pixel and the center of the figure. It is obtained and is used for the search processing of the strength table 323 by the search processing unit 322.

Here, the strength table 323 holds a value obtained by sampling a value such as a Gaussian function at a predetermined number of sample points, and the search processing unit 322 corresponds to the sample point indicated by the distance index. The strength is retrieved and sent to the hidden surface removal unit 316.

The dot expanding section 315 and the intensity determining section 32
In response to the input of the coordinates, depth value, image data, and intensity of each pixel from 0, the hidden surface removal unit 316 first refers to the Z value buffer 317, and inputs the Z value of each input pixel and the corresponding coordinates. And the Z value of the pixel already displayed in. At this time, if the former is closer, the image data is obtained by multiplying the reference value of the image data described above and the intensity received from the intensity determination unit 320, and this is expanded in the frame buffer 318 and the Z value buffer The contents of the corresponding address of 317 are replaced with the Z value corresponding to the input pixel.

As described above, if the value obtained by sampling the Gaussian function is set as the intensity in the intensity table 323, the image data is multiplied by the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel in this way, and By gradually reducing the value of each component of the image data toward the periphery, a solid such as a sphere can be simulated.

Here, if a Gaussian function or the like is reproduced accurately, the intensity table 323 becomes very large, which is not practical, and since ordinary particles are represented by a small number of pixels, a large intensity table 323 is obtained. It is useless to have.

Therefore, conventionally, the strength table 323 is prepared according to the average size of the particles, and the center is calculated by using the ratio of the radius of the particles to be created and the average radius of the particles. The distance from is normalized, and this value is used as a distance index for searching the strength table 323.

In this way, the conventional computer graphics creation support device creates an image representing each of small water droplets and sparks, and at high speed creates an image representing clouds, fog, and fireworks. Was possible.

[0018]

By the way, the above-mentioned conventional computer graphics creation support apparatus can obtain an image representing these collections at high speed by representing fine water droplets or sparks as a pseudo sphere. Since it is intended for, it is premised that each figure to be created is minute.

Therefore, when a conventional computer graphics creation support device is used to draw a large figure composed of a large number of pixels, inconvenience may occur.

First, in the conventional computer graphics creation support apparatus, the contents of the strength table 323 are fixed, and the strength is determined according to the distance from the center of the figure representing the particle, so that it is pseudo. It was not possible to express figures other than simple spheres.

Further, since the intensity table 323 is made in accordance with the average particle radius as described above, when creating a large figure, it is identical to the area having a width of a plurality of pixels. Will be given the strength of. For this reason,
In the created graphic image, the boundary lines of the regions to which different intensities are given appear concentrically, and the image quality may be significantly deteriorated.

Further, in the conventional computer graphics creation support apparatus, the dot expansion section 315 allows
Since a uniform depth value is given to all the pixels forming one figure, overlapping of figures is expressed in a plane.

If the overlapping figures are minute ones such as particles of clouds or fog, the three-dimensional effect of clouds and fog could be sufficiently expressed by the conventional method, but they are represented by large figures. It is not enough to represent the three-dimensional arrangement of objects,
Therefore, the stereoscopic effect represented by the intensity distribution may be impaired.

These problems are caused by the fact that the conventional computer graphics creation support device aims to support the drawing of fine particles and limits the degree of freedom of drawing.

The computer graphics creation support device is also expected to play a role in drawing a complex object such as an object whose color changes on the surface. It is necessary to improve the flexibility of drawing functions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer graphics creation support apparatus which improves the degree of freedom of drawing and can obtain a high quality image regardless of the size of a figure.

[0027]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of a computer graphics creation support apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, graphic data input means 111 for inputting object information relating to the shape of the object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And an image data creating unit 112 for calculating image data indicating the color, an intensity distribution input unit 113 for inputting a function representing the three-dimensional shape feature of the object as an intensity distribution of the image data, and a function representing the intensity distribution First sampling means 114 for sampling a predetermined number of sample points, and first for holding the intensity sampled for each predetermined number of sample points.
The first distance index calculating means 116 for calculating the distance index indicating the sample point corresponding to the distance between the predetermined reference position and each pixel based on the intensity table 115 of FIG. And based on the distance index,
The image data of each pixel obtained by the first search means 117 and the image data creation means 112 for searching the corresponding intensity from the first intensity table 115 is multiplied by the intensity corresponding to the distance from the reference position, It is characterized by comprising a correction means 118 for correcting the image data and sending it out as display data, and a display means 119 for displaying a figure representing an object based on the display data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, graphic data input means 111 for inputting object information relating to the shape of the object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And an image data creating means 112 for calculating image data showing the color thereof, a feature of the three-dimensional shape of the object, and a value of a function representing the intensity change of the image data depending on the position of each pixel in the figure, a predetermined number of sample points. The second intensity table 121 held as the intensity corresponding to the, the reference position input unit 122 for inputting the reference position of the coordinates indicating the position of each pixel included in the figure representing the object, and the image data creating unit 112. Second distance index calculating means 123 for calculating a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance between the reference position and each pixel based on the coordinates, and a distance finger. Based on the second intensity table 1
21 corresponding to the position of each pixel in the image data of each pixel obtained by the second search means 124 which searches for the corresponding intensity and outputs as the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel. And a display unit 119 for displaying a graphic representing an object based on the display data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, graphic data input means 111 for inputting object information relating to the shape of the object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And an image data creating means 112 for calculating image data showing the color thereof, a feature of the three-dimensional shape of the object, and a value of a function representing the intensity change of the image data depending on the position of each pixel in the figure, a predetermined number of sample points. Based on the intensity value held in the second intensity table 121 and the intensity value of the image data in the figure Interpolating means 131 for reproducing a continuous function representing distribution, and interpolating means 131
The intensity calculation unit 132 for obtaining the intensity of the image data corresponding to the position of each pixel based on the continuous function obtained in the above step and the coordinates obtained by the image data production unit 112 and the image data production unit 112. A correction unit 118 that multiplies the image data of each pixel by the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel to correct the image data and sends it as display data, and displays a figure representing an object based on the display data. Display means 119 for

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, graphic data input means 111 for inputting object information relating to the shape and property of the object to be expressed, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And an image data creating unit 112 that calculates image data indicating the color, a depth value distribution input unit 141 that inputs a function that represents the variation of the depth value depending on the position of each pixel in the figure, and a function that represents the variation of the depth value. Based on the second sampling means 142 that samples a predetermined number of sample points, the depth value table 143 that holds the depth values sampled for each predetermined number of sample points, and the coordinates obtained by the image data creating means 112. , A first distance index calculation for calculating a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance between a predetermined reference position and each pixel A stage 116, on the basis of the distance index,
The third search means 144 for searching the depth value table 143 for the corresponding depth value, the extraction means 145 for extracting the image data to be displayed based on the depth value and sending it as display data, and the display data. Based on the display means 119 for displaying an image representing the object.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, graphic data input means 111 for inputting object information relating to the shape and the property of the object to be expressed, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. Expansion means 151 for obtaining
And a color variation input means 152 for inputting a function representing color variation depending on the position of each pixel in the figure, a third sampling means 153 for sampling the function representing color variation for a predetermined number of sample points, and a predetermined number. Color change table 1 that holds the colors sampled for each sample point
54, a distance index calculation unit 116 that calculates a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance between a predetermined reference position and each pixel based on the coordinates of each pixel representing the object, and a color based on the distance index. Based on the display data, a fourth search unit 155 that searches the change table 154 for the corresponding color and sends the corresponding image data as display data,
And a display unit 119 for displaying an image representing an object.

[0033]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the intensity table 115 corresponding to an arbitrary intensity distribution can be created by sampling the function input via the intensity distribution input means 113 by the sampling means 114. Further, based on the graphic data input by the graphic data inputting means 111, the image data creating means 112 develops into a collection of pixels representing a graphic, and the searching means 117 is the distance index calculating means 116.
The correction unit 118 corrects the image data of each pixel in accordance with the intensity retrieved from the intensity table 115 according to the distance index obtained in step (3), thereby giving an intensity distribution corresponding to the position in the figure.

By displaying the image data thus obtained by the display means 119, it becomes possible to display graphics having various intensity distributions, and the degree of freedom of drawing can be greatly improved. .

According to a second aspect of the invention, the reference position input means 12 is provided.
The distance index corresponding to each pixel is calculated by the second distance index calculation means 123 based on the distance between the reference position and each pixel input via 2, and the second distance index is calculated based on this distance index.
By searching the second intensity table 121 by the search means 124, it is possible to give an intensity distribution centered on an arbitrary position to a collection of image data representing a figure.

As a result, the display means 119 can display a graphic having an asymmetric intensity distribution, and the degree of freedom of drawing can be improved. According to the invention of claim 3, based on the contents of the second strength table 121,
Since the interpolating means 131 obtains a continuous function representing the intensity distribution, the intensity calculating means 13 is based on this continuous function.
By 2, the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel can be accurately calculated. The correcting unit 118 corrects the image data based on the intensity thus obtained, so that the intensity distribution that changes smoothly can be given to the collection of the image data representing the figure. This can improve the quality of an image representing a large figure.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second sampling means 142 samples the function input through the depth value distribution input means 141 to create the depth value table 143 corresponding to an arbitrary depth value distribution. However, by the search processing by the third search means 144, it is possible to give a group of image data representing a figure a depth value that changes according to its position.

Therefore, the extracting means 145 extracts the image data to be displayed based on the depth value given to each pixel in the same manner as in the conventional case, whereby the displaying means 11 is displayed.
9 makes it possible to three-dimensionally represent the overlapping of figures, and in particular, it is possible to improve the quality of an image representing a large object.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the color variation input means 152.
The function inputted via the third sampling means 15
3 makes a sampling to create a color change table 154 representing the distribution of colors that fluctuate according to an arbitrary function, and by the search processing by the fourth searching means 155, each of the pixels representing the figure expanded by the expanding means 151. The image data corresponding to the position can be given to.

As a result, for example, it is possible to easily create an image representing a figure or the like whose color changes according to the distance from the center, and the flexibility of drawing can be greatly improved.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 1 is applied.

In FIG. 6, the image processing system inputs input data from an input device such as a mouse 201 or a keyboard 202 to a computer graphics creation support device via an input control unit 203, and also creates this computer graphics. An image created by the support device is received via the frame memory 318 and displayed on a display device (abbreviated as a display in the drawing) 204.

Further, the computer graphics creation support apparatus in FIG. 6 is the same as the conventional computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG.
Is provided, and according to the instruction from the input interpretation unit 311,
The function input unit 210 is configured to rewrite the contents of the strength table 323 corresponding to the first strength table 115.

In this computer graphics creation support apparatus, the input interpreting unit 311 operates via the search / registering unit 312 in the same manner as in the conventional case in response to a user's instruction input via the input control unit 203. By searching the figure database 313 for corresponding figure data and trait information as object information, the figure data input means 1
It is configured to perform 11 functions.

Further, based on the object information thus obtained, the conversion processing unit 314 performs the same conversion processing as the conventional one, and the dot expansion unit 315 performs the processing, whereby the function of the image data creating means 112 is achieved. Has been fulfilled.

In FIG. 6, the function input unit 210 has a function input control unit 211, which controls the operations of the display data creation unit 212, the designated point holding unit 213, and the interpolation processing unit 214, so that the function representing the intensity distribution is obtained. Upon receiving the input of the designated point above, the value of this function corresponding to the discrete distance index is calculated and stored in the strength table 323 corresponding to the distance index.

When an instruction to input the intensity distribution is given via the input control unit 203, the input interpretation unit 311 activates the function input unit 210. In response to this, the function input unit 210
First, the function input control unit 211 of
12 is instructed to create display data representing a display screen that assists the input of the function representing the intensity distribution.

In response to the above-mentioned instruction, the display data creation unit 212 displays the display data representing the coordinate system in which the vertical axis and the horizontal axis are the strength and the distance index, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7 (a). May be created and displayed via the display device 204.

After that, each time the user operates the mouse 201 or the like to specify a pixel on the display screen of the display device 204, the corresponding coordinates are input.
3 and the input interpreting unit 311, the function input control unit 21
Input to 1.

In response to this, the function input control section 211
The received coordinates are converted into the coordinate system described above, the conversion result is sequentially held in the designated point holding unit 213, and in response to the notification that the input of the designated point is completed, the interpolation processing unit 214 is Just start it up.

The interpolation processing unit 214 interpolates each section delimited by the designated points on the basis of the coordinates of the designated points held in the designated point holding unit 213, and reproduces a function passing through these designated points. It is configured to do.

Here, the interpolation processing unit 214 discretely obtains the value of the above-mentioned function for each pixel constituting the radius Rs of the reference figure, and corresponds to the number of pixels from the center of the reference figure. The obtained value may be stored in the strength table 323 corresponding to the distance index.

In this way, by operating each part of the function input section 210, the functions of the intensity distribution input means 113 and the first sampling means 114 described in claim 1 are fulfilled, and a desired intensity distribution is discretely obtained. It is possible to obtain the intensity table 323 represented by.

As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the intensity distribution increases as the distance index increases, and as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the intensity increases and decreases in a wavy manner. It is possible for the user to freely input various intensity distributions such as the intensity distribution in which the above is repeated and set them in the intensity table 323.

Further, the distance index calculation unit 321 and the search processing unit 322 perform the same processing as in the conventional case, whereby the functions of the first distance index calculation unit 116 and the first search unit 117 are fulfilled, and the figure It is possible to give strength corresponding to the position to each pixel constituting the.

The intensity given to each pixel in this way is input to the hidden surface removal unit 316, and in this hidden surface removal unit 316, the intensity corresponding to the image data received from the dot development unit 315 is performed in the same manner as in the conventional case. And multiplied by and sent to the display device 204 via the frame memory 318.

In this way, the hidden surface erasing section 316 performs the same processing as the conventional one, so that the function of the correction means 118 is fulfilled and the image data to which the intensity distribution represented by various functions is given is displayed. The display device 204 corresponding to the means 119 can be used for display processing.

As a result, objects of various shapes can be represented in a pseudo manner by the intensity distribution of image data, and the degree of freedom of drawing can be greatly improved. For example, when the intensity distribution shown in FIG. 7 (b) is used, it is possible to represent an object like a bubble with a thin central portion, and the intensity distribution shown in FIG. 7 (c) is used. When used, it is possible to represent complex objects such as ripples appearing on the water surface.

The contents of the intensity table 323 created as described above are registered as intensity distributions in the graphic database 313 through the search / registration unit 312, and the search / registration unit 312 receives the input interpretation unit 311 from the input interpretation unit 311. According to the instruction, if the specified intensity distribution is read from the graphic database 313 and written in the intensity table 323, the created information regarding the intensity distribution can be effectively utilized.

As a method of inputting the intensity distribution,
Basic functions may be registered in advance in the graphic database 313 and selected from these functions, or the maximum and minimum values of the strength of these functions may be changed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, a computer graphics creation support apparatus may be configured by including a selection processing section 221 and an update processing section 222 in place of the function input section 210 described above.

The selection processing unit 221 described above holds a list of strength tables registered in the graphic database 313, displays this list on the display device 204, and prompts the user to select the strength table. The search / registration unit 312 may be prompted to receive an instruction from the user via the input interpretation unit 311 and to search the corresponding strength table.

The update processing unit 222 also includes an input interpreting unit 3
According to the instruction from the user received via 11, the intensity value corresponding to each distance index may be changed based on the maximum value or the minimum value of the specified intensity distribution.

By designating the center of the intensity distribution so as to deviate from the center of the particle, an asymmetric intensity distribution can be given to a circular region, and an ellipsoid or the like can be represented in a pseudo manner.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 2 is applied. In FIG. 9, the computer graphics creation support apparatus is configured by adding a distance reference input section 230 corresponding to the reference position input means 122 to the conventional computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG. Further, in FIG. 9, the distance index calculation unit 32
1 operates as the second distance index calculating unit 123, calculates the distance index based on the coordinates of the input reference position and the coordinates of each pixel, and sends the distance index to the search processing unit 322.

In the distance reference input section 230 shown in FIG. 9, the display data creation section 231 creates display data representing a display screen prompting the user to enter the reference point of the intensity distribution,
It is configured to be sent to the display device 204.
The display data creation unit 231 may receive necessary graphic data from the search / registration unit 312 and create display data representing the outline of the graphic to be created based on the graphic data.

For example, if the two-dimensionally projected shape of the object to be created is circular, the display device 204 displays a circular outline as shown in FIG. 10A based on this display data. It While looking at such a display screen, the user may operate the mouse 201 or the like to specify the position of the reference point of the intensity distribution based on the positional relationship with the contour of the displayed graphic.

At this time, the input interpreter 311 determines that the position of the reference point of the intensity distribution has been designated, and the mouse 201
The coordinates on the screen designated by the distance reference input unit 230
The coordinate conversion unit 232 may calculate the coordinates of the distance reference point in consideration of the actual display position of the figure, and may transmit the coordinates to the distance index calculation unit 322. .

In response to this, the distance index calculation unit 321
First, the distance Dx between the obtained distance reference point and each pixel, the distance Dc between the distance reference point and the center of gravity of the figure, the major axis Ra of the figure, and the radius Rs of the reference figure are substituted into the formula shown below, The distance index L may be calculated.

L = (int) (Rs × Dx / (Ra + Dc)) ... Here, in the formula, the operator (int) indicates an operation for converting the value in parentheses into an integer. Thus, the distance index corresponding to each pixel can be obtained with an integer that limits the number of pixels corresponding to the radius Rs of the reference figure.

Therefore, the retrieval processing unit 322 retrieves the corresponding intensity from the intensity table 323 corresponding to the second intensity table 121 based on this distance index, and the hidden surface erasing unit 316 performs the retrieval in the same manner as in the conventional case. By multiplying the image data of each pixel by this intensity, it is possible to create an image representing a figure given an intensity distribution centered on an arbitrary position.

For example, if the position indicated by reference character A in FIG. 10A is designated as a reference point and the intensity distribution represented by a Gaussian function similar to the conventional one is given with this reference point as the center,
As shown in FIG. 10 (b), image data representing a graphic having an asymmetric intensity distribution is obtained, and an ellipsoid can be simulated.

As described above, by making it possible to input the reference points of the intensity distribution independently of the figure to be created, the degree of freedom in drawing is greatly improved and images representing various objects are created. Is possible.

By the way, the strength table 323 described above is used.
Holds the intensity corresponding to the discrete distance index, so the intensity distribution is accurately reproduced based on the intensity corresponding to each distance index and the adjacent distance index, and the obtained intensity distribution is If the intensity is given to each pixel based on this, the image quality of an image representing a large figure can be improved.

A method of precisely reproducing the intensity distribution based on the contents of the intensity table 323 will be described below.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 3 is applied.

In FIG. 11, the computer graphics creation support apparatus additionally includes a decision control section 241, a strength calculation section 242, and a selector 243 in addition to the strength determination section 320 of the computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG. However, the determination control unit 241 is configured to control the operation of each unit according to the length of the major axis of the created graphic.

In FIG. 11, the decision control unit 241 first receives the major axis Ra of the figure to be created from the conversion processing section 314 and compares this major axis Ra with the major axis Rs of the reference figure. When the major axis Ra of the figure to be created is equal to or smaller than the major axis Rs of the reference figure, the decision control unit 241 instructs the distance calculation unit 321 and the search processing unit 322 to calculate the distance index and the strength in the basic mode. Instruct the search processing of.

In response to this, the distance calculation unit 321 calculates a distance index corresponding to each pixel included in the graphic to be created, and the search processing unit 322 determines the strength corresponding to this distance index, as in the conventional case. Is retrieved from the strength table 323 and sent to the hidden surface removal unit 316.

On the other hand, when the major axis Ra of the figure to be created is larger, the decision control unit 241 causes the distance calculation unit 321 and the search processing unit 322 to perform the distance index calculation process and the strength search process in the extended mode, which will be described later. Instruct.

In response to the instruction of the extended mode, the distance calculation unit 3
When obtaining the distance index L, the reference numeral 21 holds the value in the real number format before being integerized by the operator (int) as the actual distance index Lre, and the integerized distance index L is searched.
22 and the actual distance index Lre and the distance index L to the strength calculation unit 242.

Further, in response to the input of the instruction indicating the extension mode, the search processing section 322 causes the strength T corresponding to the distance index L to be detected.
_L and the strength T _{L + 1} corresponding to the distance index (L + 1) obtained by adding 1 to the distance index L are searched and sent to the strength calculation unit 242.

In response to this, the intensity calculation unit 242 interpolates the function of the intensity distribution based on the intensity T _L and the intensity T _{L + 1} and calculates the actual distance having a value between the distance index L and the distance index L + 1. The intensity Tre corresponding to the index Lre is calculated.

For example, the strength calculation unit 242 may substitute the strength T _L , the strength T _{L + 1,} and the actual distance index Lre into the formula and calculate the strength Tre by linear interpolation. Tre = _TL × (L + 1−Lre) + _{TL + 1} × (Lre−L) In this way, according to the instruction from the decision control unit 241, the distance index calculation unit 321, the search processing unit 322, and the strength calculation. The unit 242 operates in the extended mode and calculates the intensity corresponding to the actual distance index to realize the functions of the interpolating unit 131 and the intensity calculating unit 132, and to calculate the intensity based on a continuous function representing the intensity distribution. It can be calculated precisely.

Further, the selector 243 selects the search result by the search processing section 322 according to the instruction of the basic mode, and selects the calculation result by the intensity calculating section 242 according to the instruction of the extended mode to make the hidden surface. It is configured to be sent to the erasing unit 316.

With this, when a figure larger than the reference figure is drawn, it is possible to give each pixel that draws this figure a strength that smoothly changes according to the distance from the center, so that a large figure is represented. The quality of the displayed image can be significantly improved.

Of course, in combination with the invention of claim 1 and the invention of claim 2, it is possible to improve the image quality and the flexibility of drawing. For example, if the determination control unit 241, the intensity calculation unit 242, and the selector 243 described above are added to the computer graphics creation support device shown in FIG. 6 or 9, the intensity distribution represented by various functions or According to the intensity distribution centered on an arbitrary position, the intensity which changes smoothly can be given to each pixel forming the figure.

Furthermore, if the depth value (Z value) of each pixel is appropriately changed according to the distance from the center of the created figure, the hidden surface erasing section 316 performs the processing so that the figures overlap. It can be expressed three-dimensionally, and in particular, the overlapping of large figures can be expressed more realistically.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 4 is applied. 12, the computer graphics creation support apparatus is configured by adding a function input unit 210 and a depth value setting unit 250 to the computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG.

Further, the hidden surface erasing unit 316 performs the hidden surface erasing process as usual based on the depth value set by the depth value setting unit 250, whereby the extraction means 14
It is configured to fulfill the functions of 5. The depth value setting unit 250 shown in FIG. 12 includes a depth value table 143, and the function input unit 210 operates according to an instruction from the input interpretation unit 311 to pass through the function specified by the user. Based on, calculate the value of the function corresponding to each distance index,
The depth value table 143 is configured to be stored corresponding to the distance index.

At this time, the function input unit 210 prompts the user to input a passing point of the function representing the variation of the depth value, in the same manner as the above-described processing for creating the intensity table, so that the passing point between the designated passing points is set. By interpolating, the value of the function corresponding to the distance index indicating the distance from each pixel forming the major axis of the reference figure and the center may be obtained as the variation of the depth value.

As a result, the function input section 210 causes the depth value distribution input means 141 and the second sampling means 1 to operate.
It is possible to realize the function 42 and receive the input of an arbitrary function representing the depth value distribution to create the depth value table 143.

When the reference position of the depth value distribution is limited to the center of the figure, the distance index calculated by the distance index calculation unit 321 of the strength determination unit 320 by the conventional method can be used as it is.

In this case, the search processing unit 252 of the depth value setting unit 250 receives the distance index from the above-described distance index calculation unit 321, and searches the depth value table 143 for the variation of the depth value corresponding to the distance index. do it.

In addition, in the depth value setting unit 250, the addition processing unit 253 receives the reference value of the depth value from the dot expansion unit 315, and the variation of the depth value obtained by the search processing unit 252 and this reference value. And the obtained addition result as a depth value corresponding to each pixel, the hidden surface removal unit 31
6, and the search processing unit 2 described above.
The third search means 14 by 52 and the addition processing unit 253.
4 functions are fulfilled.

As described above, the function input unit 210 and the depth value setting unit 250 perform the above-described processing, whereby it is possible to set the depth value according to the position of each pixel forming the figure to be drawn. Become.

As a result, the overlapping of the figures can be sufficiently three-dimensionally expressed, and an image that more realistically expresses the overlapping of the objects can be created regardless of the size of the figures.

The depth value table created as described above is registered in the graphic database 313 via the search / registration unit 312, and next used by drawing a similar graphic, so that Can omit the process of creating the depth value table.

The invention of claim 2 may be applied to this depth value setting processing. For example, as shown in FIG.
The reference position input unit 230 and the distance index calculation unit 254 described above are added to the computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG. 12, and the distance index calculation unit 254 is based on the coordinates obtained by the reference position input unit 230. May perform the calculation process of the distance index and input it to the search processing unit 252.

At this time, the distance index calculation unit 254 uses the information shown in FIG.
Similarly to the distance index calculation unit 321, the distance Dc between the distance reference point and the center of the figure, the major axis Ra of the figure, the major axis Rs of the reference figure, and the distance Dx between each pixel and the distance reference point are described above. The distance index L corresponding to each pixel may be calculated by substituting into the above equation.

As a result, a depth value distribution centered on an arbitrary position can be given, and the degree of freedom of drawing can be improved. Furthermore, if the color is changed according to the distance from the center of the figure, for example, it is possible to express a more varied object.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 5 is applied. In FIG. 14, the computer graphics creation support apparatus is the same as the computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG.
And a color change processing unit 270 and a function input unit 210 are added,
Instead of the image data of each pixel developed by the dot developing unit 315, the output of the color change processing unit 270 is sent to the hidden surface erasing unit 316.

In the designated color input unit 260, the display data creation unit 261 is configured to create display data representing a display screen for prompting the user to specify two colors to be mixed and send it to the display device 204. ing.

The display data creating section 261 is, for example,
Display data for displaying a color palette and a message prompting the user to specify the color indicated in the color palette may be created.

In this case, when the user operates the mouse 201 or the like to specify the coordinates in the color palette, the input interpreting unit 311 uses the coordinates received via the input control unit 203 as the designated color input unit 260. Designated color calculation unit 26
Enter 2. In response to this, the designated color calculation unit 262
Based on the information about the color palette and the trait information of the object to be drawn, it is converted into designated color data indicating the designated color and sent to the color change processing unit 270 via the designated color holding unit 263. ing.

Here, the designated color calculation unit 262 first identifies the two colors designated by the user based on the input coordinates and the information about the color palette. Next, the trait information of the object is received from the conversion processing unit 314, and based on this trait information, the basic RG indicating the color specified by the user.
By correcting the B data according to the material and surface properties of the object, two specified color data (R ₁ , G ₁ , B ₁ ),
It may be converted to (R ₂ , G ₂ , B ₂ ).

Further, in FIG. 14, the function input unit 210
Operates in response to an instruction from the input interpretation unit 311 and sends the obtained result to the color mixing ratio table 271 provided in the color change processing unit 270.

At this time, the user passes through the function showing the change of the color mixture ratio showing the mixing ratio of the two designated colors, similarly to the input work of the function showing the change of the intensity distribution and the depth value described above. Just enter the points.

In response to this, the function input section 210 interpolates between the input passing points and obtains the value of the function corresponding to each distance index in the same manner as the intensity table creating operation described above, and the color mixture is performed. It may be stored in the ratio table 271 in correspondence with the distance index.

As described above, the function input unit 210 and the designated color input unit 260 operate in accordance with the instruction from the input interpretation unit 311 so that the two designated colors and the color as a function showing the variation of the mixture ratio are colored. It is possible to obtain a color mixture ratio table 271 corresponding to the color change table 153 that discretely represents this function by inputting a function that represents the fluctuation of

That is, the function input section 210 and the designated color input section 260 described above are configured to realize the functions of the color variation input section 151 and the third sampling section 152.

Here, when the reference position of the variation of the color mixture ratio is limited to the center of the figure, the distance index calculated by the distance index calculating section 321 of the intensity determining section 320 as in the conventional case can be used as it is.

In this case, the search processing unit 272 of the color change processing unit 270 searches the color mixing ratio table 271 based on the distance index received from the distance index calculating unit 321, and obtains the obtained color mixing ratio k. The arithmetic processing unit 273 may calculate the image data indicating the color of each pixel on the basis of the designated color data described above, so that the function of the fourth searching unit 155 described in claim 5 is achieved. .

The arithmetic processing unit 273 is a designated color holding unit 2.
Two designated color data (R ₁ ,
_{G 1, B 1), (} R 2, G 2, B 2) and the color mixing ratio k into equation, the image data _{(R O, G O, B} O) may be calculated.

[0114]

[Equation 1]

If the image data obtained in this way is sent to the frame memory 318 via the hidden surface elimination unit 316, it receives inputs of two colors to be mixed and a function representing the color mixture ratio. The color of the figure to be drawn can be changed according to the distance from the center of the figure, and the flexibility of drawing can be improved.

If the color mixture ratios for the designated colors of three or more colors are designated, the image data of each pixel can be obtained as a mixture of the designated colors of three or more colors, and a more complicated object can be represented. Becomes

The invention of claim 2 may be applied to the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 5 described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the computer graphics creation support device shown in FIG. 14 has the reference position input unit 230 and the distance index calculation unit 274 shown in FIG.
The distance index calculation unit 274 may be configured to calculate the distance index by using the above-described formula based on the input distance from the distance reference.

In this case, for example, white and red are input as the two designated colors, and a Gaussian distribution or the like is designated as a function indicating the variation of the color mixture ratio. By designating a different position, a red sphere illuminated by white light from an oblique direction can be simulated.

Furthermore, by applying the invention of claim 3, when drawing a large figure, the color can be changed with a smooth gradation. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the distance index calculation unit 274 is added to the color change processing unit 270 of the computer graphics creation support apparatus shown in FIG.
A change control unit 275, a color mixture ratio calculation unit 276, and a selector 277 are added, and the change control unit 275, similar to the determination control unit 241, shown in FIG. The operation of the distance index calculation unit 274 and the search processing unit 272 is controlled.

In this case, the distance index calculation unit 274 calculates the normal distance index L according to the instruction indicating the basic mode and sends it to the search processing unit, as in the distance index calculation unit 321 shown in FIG. Then, according to the instruction of the extension mode, the real distance index Lre in the real number format is calculated together with the normal distance index L, and the search processing unit 272 and the color mixture ratio calculation unit 276 are respectively calculated.
The configuration may be such that the data is sent to and.

The search processing unit 272 also performs a normal search process according to the instruction of the basic mode and sends the search result to the arithmetic processing unit 273, and according to the instruction of the extended mode, the distance index L and the distance index. The color mixture ratio corresponding to L + 1 may be retrieved and sent to the color mixture ratio calculation unit 276.

Further, in FIG. 16, the selector 277 is used.
Selects the color mixing ratio obtained by the search processing unit 272 when the basic mode is instructed from the change control unit 275, and selects the color mixing ratio calculation unit 2 when the extension mode is instructed.
The arithmetic processing unit 27 selects the color mixture ratio calculated in 76.
It is configured to be sent to No. 3.

As described above, the distance index calculation unit 274, the search processing unit 272, and the selector 277 operate according to the instruction from the change control unit 275, and thus the variation of the color mixture ratio is represented based on the color mixture ratio table 271. The function can be accurately reproduced, and the color mixture ratio that precisely corresponds to the distance between each pixel and the reference position can be used for the calculation processing of the image data by the arithmetic processing unit 273.

Further, of course, claims 1 to 5
The inventions of 1) may be combined to form a computer graphics creation support device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the function input unit 210 and the reference position input unit 230, the depth value setting unit 250 shown in FIG.
The color change processing unit 270 and the designated color input unit 260 shown in FIG. 16 are added, and the output of the depth setting unit 250 and the color change processing unit 270 and the output of the dot development unit 315 are hidden via the selector 281. The configuration may be such that it is input to the erasing unit 316.

At this time, the reference position input unit 230 inputs the reference positions of the intensity distribution, the depth value, and the variation of the color mixture ratio in accordance with the instruction from the input interpretation unit 311, and the corresponding distance index calculation unit 321, It is sufficient to input in 254 and 274.

Further, in FIG. 17, the function input unit 210
Is the intensity distribution in accordance with the instruction from the input interpretation unit 311.
The pass points of the function indicating the variation of the depth value and the color mixture ratio are input, the respective functions are interpolated based on the input pass points, and stored in the intensity table 323, the depth value table 143, and the color mixture ratio table 271, respectively. Good.

Further, the input interpreter 311 has the input controller 2
When the function input unit 210 is instructed to perform the input processing of the function indicating the variation of the depth value and the color mixture ratio in accordance with the user's instruction input via 03, the corresponding flag of the flag holding unit 282 It is configured to operate.

Further, the selector 281 shown in FIG.
It operates according to the contents of the flag holding unit 282, and any of the depth value and image data obtained by the dot expansion unit 315 and the depth value and image data obtained by the depth value setting unit 250 and the color change processing unit 270. It suffices to adopt a configuration in which each of them is selected.

As a result, it is possible to freely change the depth value and the color as well as the strength, and it is possible to provide a computer graphics creation support apparatus capable of drawing various figures freely and at high speed. .

For example, the position indicated by reference character A in FIG. 10 (a) is designated as a reference point, and the reference point is used as the center.
If the intensity distribution and depth value variation shown in (c) are given, it is possible to represent a ripple-like object spreading from the corner of the pond. Furthermore, by adding a color change, it is possible to represent a complicated object such as when ink is dripped on the water surface.

The function input section 210 and the interpolation processing section 220 may be provided corresponding to the intensity table 323, the depth value table 143, and the color mixture ratio table 271, respectively.

[0132]

As described above, the invention of claim 1 is
By sampling the input function and creating an intensity table, it is possible to give an arbitrary intensity distribution to the image data of each pixel that represents a figure, greatly increasing the degree of freedom of drawing by a computer graphics creation support device. Can be improved. As a result, it is possible to quickly create an image that simulates a solid having various characteristics.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the reference position of the distance index can be input, it is possible to give the image data of each pixel representing the figure an intensity distribution centered on an arbitrary position. The degree of freedom of drawing by the computer graphics creation support device can be improved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to give an intensity distribution that smoothly changes according to the position to each pixel that represents a figure based on a continuous function that represents the intensity distribution. High quality images can be obtained regardless of the size of the figure.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, by sampling the input function and creating the depth value distribution table, it is possible to give an arbitrary depth value distribution to each pixel representing the figure, and the figures can be given to each other. It is possible to improve the quality of the image by the computer graphics creation support device by expressing the overlapping of three-dimensionally.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the input function is sampled to create a color variation table, so that each pixel representing a figure has image data representing a color that arbitrarily varies depending on its position. And the degree of freedom of drawing by the computer graphics creation support apparatus can be greatly improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the principle of a computer graphics creation support device according to claim 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the principle of the computer graphics creation support device of claim 2;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the principle of the computer graphics creation support device of claim 3;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the principle of the computer graphics creation support device according to claim 4;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the principle of the computer graphics creation support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 1 is applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a function input process.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 1 is applied.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 2 is applied.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reference position input process and its effect.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 3 is applied.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus according to claim 4 is applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus according to claim 4 is applied.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 5 is applied.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus of claim 5 is applied.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the image processing system to which the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus of claim 5 is applied.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an image processing system to which the computer graphics creation support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is applied.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional computer graphics creation support device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 111 Graphic Data Input Means 112 Image Data Creating Means 113 Intensity Distribution Input Means 114 First Sampling Means 115 First Intensity Tables 116 First Distance Index Calculating Means 117 First Searching Means 118 Correction Means 119 Display Means 121 Second Intensity table 122 reference position input means 123 second distance index calculation means 124 second search means 131 interpolation means 132 intensity calculation means 141 depth value distribution input means 142 second sampling means 143 depth value table 144 third search Means 145 Extraction means 151 Development means 152 Color variation input means 153 Third sampling means 154 Color change table 155 Fourth retrieval means 201 Mouse 202 Keyboard 203 Input control section 204 Display device (display) 210 Function Input unit 211 Function input control unit 212, 231, 261 Display data creation unit 213 Specified point holding unit 214 Interpolation processing unit 221 Selection processing unit 222 Update processing unit 230 Reference position input unit 232 Coordinate conversion unit 241 Determination control unit 242 Strength calculation unit 243, 277 selector 250 depth value setting unit 252, 272, 322 search processing unit 253 addition processing unit 254, 274, 321 distance index calculation unit 260 designated color input unit 262 designated color calculation unit 263 designated color holding unit 270 color change processing unit 271 Color mixing ratio table 273 Calculation processing unit 275 Change control unit 276 Color mixing ratio calculation unit 281 Selector 282 Flag holding unit 311 Input interpretation unit 312 Search / registration unit 313 Graphic database 314 Conversion processing unit 315 Dot expansion unit 316 Hidden surface erasing unit 317 Z Value § 318 frame memory 320 strength determination unit 323 intensity table

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A graphic data inputting means (111) for inputting object information relating to the shape of an object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And image data creation means (112) for calculating image data indicating the color, and intensity distribution input means (113) for inputting a function representing the three-dimensional shape feature of the object as the intensity distribution of the image data. First sampling means (114) for sampling the function representing the intensity distribution for a predetermined number of sample points.
And a first intensity table (115) holding the intensity sampled for each of the predetermined number of sample points, and a predetermined reference position and each of the predetermined reference positions based on the coordinates obtained by the image data creating means (112). First distance index calculating means (116) for calculating a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance to the pixel, and the first intensity table (1) based on the distance index.
First search means (1) for searching the corresponding intensity from 15)
17) and a correction for multiplying the image data of each pixel obtained by the image data creating means (112) by the intensity corresponding to the distance from the reference position to correct the image data and send it as display data. A computer graphics creation support apparatus comprising: a means (118); and a display means (119) for displaying a graphic representing an object based on the display data. 2. A graphic data input means (111) for inputting object information relating to the shape of an object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And an image data creating means (112) for calculating image data indicating the color, and a feature of the three-dimensional shape of the object, a value of a function representing a change in intensity of the image data depending on a position of each pixel in the figure, A second intensity table (121) held as intensities corresponding to a predetermined number of sample points, and reference position input means (122) for inputting a reference position of coordinates indicating the position of each pixel included in the figure representing the object. And calculating a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance between the reference position and each pixel based on the coordinates obtained by the image data creating means (112). That a second distance index calculating means (123), on the basis of the distance index, the second intensity table (1
21) to search for the corresponding intensity and output it as the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel, and to the image data of each pixel obtained by the image data creating unit (112), A correction unit (118) for multiplying the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel to correct the image data and sending it out as display data, and a display unit for displaying a figure representing an object based on the display data ( 119), and a computer graphics creation support device. 3. Graphic data input means (111) for inputting object information relating to the shape of an object to be expressed and the property of said object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing said object based on said object information. And an image data creating means (112) for calculating image data indicating the color, and a feature of the three-dimensional shape of the object, a value of a function representing a change in intensity of the image data depending on a position of each pixel in the figure, A second intensity table (121) held as intensities corresponding to a predetermined number of sample points, and a value of a function between sample points based on the intensity values held in the second intensity table (121) And an interpolating means (131) for reproducing a continuous function representing the intensity distribution of the image data in the figure, and a continuous function obtained by the interpolating means (131). And an intensity calculation means (132) for obtaining the intensity of image data corresponding to the position of each pixel based on the coordinates obtained by the image data creation means (112), and an intensity calculation means (132) obtained by the image data creation means (112). A correction means (118) for multiplying the image data of each pixel by the intensity corresponding to the position of each pixel to correct the image data and sending it as display data, and an object based on the display data. A computer graphics creation support device comprising: a display unit (119) for displaying a graphic. 4. Graphic data input means (111) for inputting object information relating to the shape of an object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And image data creating means (112) for calculating image data indicating the color, and depth value distribution input means (141) for inputting a function representing a variation in depth value depending on the position of each pixel in the figure.
And second sampling means (14) for sampling a function representing the variation of the depth value for a predetermined number of sample points.
2), a depth value table (143) holding depth values sampled for each of the predetermined number of sample points, and a predetermined reference position based on the coordinates obtained by the image data creating means (112). First distance index calculating means (116) for calculating a distance index indicating a sample point corresponding to the distance to each pixel, and the depth value table (14) based on the distance index.
Third retrieval means (144) for retrieving the corresponding depth value from 3), and extraction means (145) for extracting image data to be displayed based on the depth value and transmitting it as display data.
And a display means (119) for displaying an image representing an object based on the display data, the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus. 5. A graphic data inputting means (111) for inputting object information relating to the shape of an object to be expressed and the property of the object, and coordinates indicating the position of each pixel representing the object based on the object information. And a color variation input means (152) for inputting a function representing a color variation depending on the position of each pixel in the figure, and a function representing the color variation for a predetermined number of sample points. Third sampling means (153)
And a color change table (154) holding the colors sampled for each of the predetermined number of sample points, and corresponding to the distance between the predetermined reference position and each pixel based on the coordinates of each pixel representing the object. Distance index calculating means (116) for calculating a distance index indicating a sample point, and the color change table (15) based on the distance index.
Fourth search means (155) for searching the corresponding color from 4) and sending the corresponding image data as display data
And a display means (119) for displaying an image representing an object based on the display data, the computer graphics creation supporting apparatus.