JPH09171567A - System and method for generating picture and device and method for reproducing picture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce labor for generating a picture in an absolute coordinate system and also to reduce the number of polygons while smoothly displaying a curved surface. SOLUTION: A system is provided with an instruction input means 3a capable of inputting the instruction of an operator, an execution editing means 3b executing the editing and generation of the picture in a view-point coordinate system based on instruction contents and a transforming means 3c transforming the picture expressed by the view-point coordinate system into the picture of the absolute coordinate system, etc. Besides, a curvature calculating means 3e calculating the curvature of a course provided in the absolute coordinate system and a control means 3g deciding the length of the polygon in accordance with the course curvature are provided so that the number of polygons are reduced while smoothly displaying a course curved part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image creating system, an image creating method, an image reproducing apparatus, and an image reproducing method. And an image reproducing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of computer technology, video game machines using three-dimensional graphics technology have come into use. In such a video game machine, the background image of the game is represented as polygon data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the background image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint coordinate is displayed on the display as two-dimensional coordinate data.
Then, as the game progresses, the viewpoint coordinates move,
Background images sequentially captured from different angles are displayed on the display. That is, after the polygon data expressed in absolute coordinates is coordinate-converted into a three-dimensional viewpoint coordinate system,
Further, it is perspective-transformed into a two-dimensional screen coordinate system.
Then, after clipping and texture mapping are performed on the two-dimensional image on the screen coordinate system, this image is displayed on the display.

For example, in a game in which a vehicle drives a course on a course in a forest to destroy an enemy (enemy), the forest is represented as polygon data in an absolute coordinate system, and the position of the vehicle in this absolute coordinate system. The viewpoint coordinates are set to. And as the vehicle runs,
The viewpoint coordinates move, and the forest viewed from the vehicle (viewpoint coordinates) is displayed on the display. Further, when the vehicle passes a predetermined position on the course, a plurality of enemies appear on both sides of the course. These enemies can be shot down by operating a joystick attached to the video game machine.

As a system capable of creating the background data described above, an image creating system including a workstation has been used conventionally. The process of creating the background data in which the background image is represented by the absolute coordinate system is what is called modeling, and is performed by the following procedure. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the entire background map,
For example, the entire forest is divided into multiple sectors. And
Polygon data in the absolute coordinate system is created for the sector including the course. The portion of the background map that is displayed on the display is only the portion where the vehicle at the viewpoint coordinates passes, that is, the sector where the course is laid.
Therefore, it suffices to create the sector in which the course is spread as polygon data. The polygon data thus created is stored in the memory of the video game machine as background data.

Further, in order to smoothly display the curved portion of the course, the polygon representing the course is divided into predetermined distances along the traveling direction thereof, as shown in FIG. The division density of polygons is determined by the curvature of the curved portion 1501 where the curve is the tightest, and the greater the curvature, the greater the polygon density (the greater the number of polygons). Further, the division density of polygons is uniform in the traveling direction of the course, and the number of polygons in the entire course having a curved portion with a large curvature becomes extremely large.

Further, in order to enhance the realism of the game, it is desirable to prepare a plurality of types of objects such as buildings in the background. For example, when a building having windows is displayed in the background, it is necessary to prepare only the types of polygons and textures representing the buildings in which the windows are arranged for display.

[0007]

However, the conventional image creating system and image reproducing apparatus have the following problems.

First, a great deal of time and labor were required for the processing (modeling) of creating a three-dimensional image. As described above, the background data to be created by modeling is represented by the absolute coordinate system. However,
The image displayed on the display is obtained by converting the background data into the viewpoint coordinate system and then perspective-transforming into the screen coordinate system. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the desired background data is created, it is necessary to perform coordinate conversion on the background data expressed in the absolute coordinate system and display the background data after the coordinate conversion on the display. . That is, in the conventional image creating system, since the coordinate system in which modeling is performed is different from the coordinate system displayed in the display, modeling and display confirmation work cannot be performed at the same time. Therefore, the modeling process must be performed while repeating trial and error, which requires a great deal of time and labor.

Further, in the case where trees are arranged on both sides of the course, if the position of the course is changed, the position of the tree must be changed similarly. However, since the data indicating the position of the tree is managed separately from the data indicating the position of the course, the work of changing each position must be performed separately, which requires complicated processing.

Second, it was not possible to reduce the number of polygons while smoothly displaying a curved surface. For example, in order to smoothly display a curved portion such as a course, the polygon must be finely divided. However, if the polygons are finely divided, the number of polygons increases, and the processor of the video game machine is overloaded. As a result, there arises a problem that the processing speed decreases. In addition, when the number of polygons that can be displayed at the same time is limited, a large number of polygons are consumed to display the course, which causes a problem that some of the polygons forming the character are lost.

Thirdly, the memory of the image reproducing device such as a game machine cannot be effectively used. A conventional game machine has a polygon and a texture of a whole building in which windows are arranged in advance in a memory. Therefore, even when displaying a building in which only windows are different from others, it is necessary to prepare polygons and textures of the entire building including the windows in the memory of the game machine. So if you wanted to display different buildings in the background, you would need polygons and textures to represent all of these buildings,
I was forced to waste the memory of the game console.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an image creating system and an image creating method capable of easily creating an image. is there. A second object of the present invention is to provide an image creating system and an image creating method capable of reducing the number of polygons. A third object of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing device and an image reproducing method that can effectively use a memory.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
To solve the first problem, an instruction input means capable of inputting an instruction to create an image, and an editing means for editing an image represented by viewpoint coordinates in accordance with the instruction input to the instruction input means And an image creating system including display means for displaying the image on the viewpoint coordinate system and coordinate converting means for converting the image on the viewpoint coordinate system into an image on the absolute coordinate system.

The invention according to claim 2 is to solve the first problem, wherein the origin of the viewpoint coordinate system is movable on a predetermined orbit on the absolute coordinate system. The image creation system according to claim 1.

A third aspect of the present invention is to solve the first problem, wherein the editing means can generate a stereoscopic image by sweeping a planar image of a predetermined shape. It is the described image creation system.

The invention according to claim 4 is to solve the first problem, wherein the image on the absolute coordinate system is a background image, a stationary object in the background image, and the background. The image creating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a character that can move in an image.

The invention according to claim 5 is for solving the above-mentioned first problem, wherein the instruction input means is
The action content of the character can be instructed and input, the editing means generates data representing the instructed action content, and the display means operates the character in accordance with the instructed action content. 4 is an image creating system described in 4.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned second problem. Among the above-mentioned orbits, there is a polygon generating means for generating polygons along a predetermined orbit. The image creating system is provided with control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the polygon along the longitudinal direction for a portion that is sharper than the curved shape.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, which is for solving the above-mentioned second problem, polygon generating means for generating polygons along a predetermined trajectory, and the curvature of the trajectory are calculated. Of the curvature calculation means and the orbit,
The image forming system is provided with a control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the polygon along the longitudinal direction of the trajectory for a portion where the cumulative value of curvature exceeds a predetermined value.

The invention according to claim 8 is for solving the above-mentioned second problem, wherein the control means is such that the length of the polygon in the longitudinal direction of the track is longer than a predetermined maximum length. The image creating system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the polygon generating means is controlled so as to be short. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, which is for solving the above first and second problems, there is provided an instruction input means capable of inputting an instruction to create an image, and an instruction input to the instruction input means. In accordance with the above, editing means for editing the image represented by the viewpoint coordinates, coordinate conversion means for converting the image on the viewpoint coordinate system into an image on the absolute coordinate system, and a predetermined trajectory on the absolute coordinate system. Polygon generating means for generating polygons along the direction, curvature calculating means for calculating the curvature of the trajectory, and, of the trajectory, for portions where the cumulative value of curvature exceeds a predetermined value, the polygon is moved in the longitudinal direction of the trajectory. An image creating system comprising a control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the image across the whole area, a display means for displaying the image on the viewpoint coordinate system, and an image composed of the polygons. That.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, which is to solve the first problem described above, an instruction is made to create an image, and in accordance with the instruction, the image represented by the viewpoint coordinates is edited to obtain a viewpoint coordinate system. It is an image creating method for displaying the above image and converting the image on the viewpoint coordinate system into an image on the absolute coordinate system.

The invention described in claim 11 is to solve the first problem, wherein the origin of the viewpoint coordinate system is movable on a predetermined orbit on the absolute coordinate system. An image creating method according to claim 10.

The invention according to claim 12 is for solving the above-mentioned second problem, wherein a predetermined trajectory is virtually divided in the longitudinal direction, and the curvature of each division is in order. If the calculated total of the curvatures exceeds a predetermined value, a new polygon is generated, and even if the total of the calculated curvatures does not exceed the predetermined value, the polygon is divided into a predetermined number of sections. This is an image creating method for creating a new polygon when one polygon is created.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, which is for solving the above-mentioned third problem, there is provided an image reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing an image in which a second image is superposed on a first image. And a storage unit capable of storing the second image and the number of second images that can be arranged on the first image, and according to the calculation result,
The image reproducing device includes an image arranging unit that arranges the second image on the first image.

The invention according to claim 14 is for solving the above-mentioned third problem, wherein the image arranging means comprises:
14. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a quotient obtained as a result of dividing the total length of the first image by the total length of the second image is the number of second images that can be arranged on the first image. .

The invention according to claim 15 is to solve the third problem, wherein the first image represents a building and the second image represents a window. 15. The image reproducing device according to any one of 14.

The invention according to claim 16 is for solving the above-mentioned third problem, wherein the number of second images that can be arranged on the first image is calculated, and the first image is calculated according to the calculation result. This is an image reproduction method in which the second image is arranged on the image.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Overall Configuration of Image Creating System) FIG. 1 is an external view of an image creating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image creating system 1 includes a main body 1a, a display 1b, a mouse 1c, and a communication system 1d. The main body 1a is composed of a so-called workstation or the like, and performs various processes such as modeling of a three-dimensional image. The display 1b is of a so-called CRT type, and can display a created image, various commands in modeling processing, and the like. The mouse 1c is a device that inputs a desired command to the main body 1a by instructing a menu displayed on the display 1b. That is, the user can interactively perform modeling by operating the mouse 1c while watching the display on the display 1b. The communication system 1d does not communicate data with other workstations. By providing the communication system 1d in this way, it is possible to perform distributed processing of modeling.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image creating system shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the main body 1
a is a CPU 1e, RAM 1f, ROM 1g, video R
AM1h, DMA1i, encoder 1j, hard disk 1k, magneto-optical disk 1m, I / F1p, I / F1
t, communication I / F 1t. And this body 1
a includes a display 1b, a keyboard 1n, a mouse 1
c, the joystick 1s is connected.

The CPU 1e is for modeling a three-dimensional image,
And a circuit that executes control processing of the entire main body 1a. The RAM 1f is a work memory for modeling processing,
Used as a work memory for operating system programs. For example, coordinate data representing a background image of the game is temporarily stored in the ROM 1f, and various coordinate conversions are performed on the coordinate data by the CPU 1e.

Program data and the like of the initial program loader (IPL) of the CPU 1e are written in the ROM 1g. That is, when the main body 1a is powered on, the CPU 1e executes the IPL processing, and the CPU 1e reads a predetermined operating system program from the hard disk 1k.

The video RAM 1h is for storing display data. By directly rewriting the display data on the video RAM 1h, the display 1b
You can change the image displayed above. DMA
(Direct Memory Access) 1i is a circuit that can directly transfer the display data on the video RAM 1h to the encoder 1j. The encoder 1j adds a synchronization signal to the transferred display data and outputs it to the display 1b. As a result, an image or the like when the three-dimensional image is edited is displayed on the display 1b (see FIG. 7). The operator
A three-dimensional image can be created while looking at the screen displayed on the display 1b.

On the hard disk 1k, three-dimensional image data such as an operating system program, an image creating program and background data are written. Also,
Three-dimensional image data for storage is stored in the magneto-optical disk 1m. The keyboard 1n is a device for inputting various commands to the main body 1a when creating a three-dimensional image. Such command input is performed by the mouse 1c described above.
It is also possible to use. Also, the main body 1a has an I
The joystick 1s is connected via / F1p. The joystick 1s is used, for example, when moving the position of the viewpoint in three-dimensional coordinates. That is, when the operator operates the joystick 1s, the position of the viewpoint with respect to the three-dimensional image moves, and the three-dimensional image (for example, background image) viewed from the moved viewpoint is displayed on the display 1b. The joystick 1s is also used when setting an enemy (enemy character) on the background image.

The communication I / F 1t is a circuit that transmits and receives data to and from the communication system 1d, and can input and output signals corresponding to the communication system of the communication system 1d. As a communication method, any method can be used from Ethernet, RS-232C and the like. The internal bus 1u includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, and transfers various data between the CPU 1e, the RAM 1f, the ROM 1g, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image creating system. In this figure, the instruction input means 3a is composed of a keyboard 1n, a mouse 1c, a joystick 1s, etc., and can input an operator's instruction. The editing means 3b is the CPU 1
e, RAM 1f, ROM 1g, and an image on the viewpoint coordinate system (background data, object data, enemy data) based on the instruction content input from the instruction input means 3b.
Can be edited and created. Display means 3
d is for displaying the image created by the editing means 3b on the two-dimensional display. This display means 3d
Is a display 1b, a video RAM 1h, a DMA1
i, the encoder 1j and the like. The coordinate conversion means 3c is composed of a CPU 1e, a RAM 1f, and a ROM 1g, and has a function of expressing an image represented by viewpoint coordinates by absolute coordinates. Therefore, the operator can generate a background image or the like on the viewpoint coordinate system, and thus can create an image assuming a screen during game execution. This makes it possible to efficiently create an image.

Curvature calculation means 3e, polygon generation means 3
f, control means 3g are CPU 1e, RAM 1f, ROM 1
g. The curvature calculating means 3e calculates the curvature of the course (the reciprocal of the radius of curvature) provided on the absolute coordinate system. The control means 3g determines the size of the polygon (size in the longitudinal direction of the course) according to the curvature of the course. In accordance with the polygon size thus determined, the polygon generating means 3f generates the background image and the polygon of the object. That is, the polygon is finely divided in the curved portion where the curvature of the course is large (the radius of curvature is small),
The polygon becomes long in the straight line portion where the curvature of the course is small. As a result, the curved portion of the course can be smoothly represented by polygons, and the total number of polygons can be reduced.

(Structure of Game Machine) FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the game machine 4. The game machine 4 shown in this figure is capable of reproducing a game screen based on the enemy data, background data, and object data created by the image creating system.

As shown in this figure, the game machine 4 is
Game console body 4a, 3D model data 4b, program data 4c, RAM 4d, joystick 4e, I /
F4f, CPU 4g, coordinate conversion circuit 4h, enemy generation circuit 4i, sound circuit 4j, polygon circuit 4k, texture mapping 4m, frame buffer 4n, speaker 4s, and display 4t.

From the main body 1a of the image creating system 1, enemy data, background data, and object data are sent to the RO, for example.
It is supplied to the game machine body 4a in the form of an M board. Here, the object data is data representing an object in the background image, such as a tree in a forest. The enemy data, background data, and object data are stored inside the game machine body 4a.
It is saved as 3D model data 4b. The program data 4c is an application program such as a game program. The program data 4c is supplied by the ROM board described above. RAM4d is CP
Used as work memory for U4g.

The joystick 4e is connected to the internal bus 4u via the I / F 4f. The joystick 4e is used to move the aim displayed on the display 4t. For example, it is assumed that the player operates the joystick 4t and sets the aim at the enemy. Then, when the player presses the firing switch (not shown), the enemy on the display 4t is shot down.

The CPU 4g executes game processing according to the program data 4c and controls the entire game machine main body 4a. The enemy generation circuit 4i is a circuit for generating an enemy at a predetermined timing. As will be described later, the enemy data is set corresponding to the position of the course. Therefore, every time the viewpoint passes a predetermined position on the course, the enemy data is read from the 3D model data 4b by the enemy generating circuit.

The coordinate conversion circuit 4h performs coordinate conversion on the background data, the object data, and the enemy data read by the enemy generation circuit 4i. That is, the background data, the object data, and the enemy data, which are respectively represented by the absolute coordinate system which is the three-dimensional coordinate system, are converted into the data of the viewpoint coordinate system. In the conversion from the absolute coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system, the coordinates of the background data and the like are converted so that the viewpoint becomes the origin and the line of sight faces the positive direction of the Z axis (see FIG. 8). Affine transformation is used for coordinate transformation. Further, the coordinate conversion circuit 4h projects the background data and the like represented by the viewpoint coordinate system onto the screen coordinate system which is a two-dimensional coordinate system (see FIG. 9).

The polygon circuit 4k generates a polygon based on the background data projected on the screen coordinate system. The texture mapping circuit 4m performs texture mapping processing on polygons, and, for example, attaches patterns representing leaves to polygons representing trees. The video data thus generated is stored in the frame buffer 4n and then read out in synchronization with vertical synchronization. The read-out video data is D / A converted and then added with a synchronizing signal and output to the display 4t. The sound circuit 4j is a circuit that generates a sound effect according to the game. That is, the sound circuit 4j generates an audio signal according to the PCM system or the FM system, and outputs this audio signal to the speaker 4a.

An example of a game screen displayed on the display 4t of the game machine 4 is shown in FIGS. As shown in these figures, a course rail 5a is laid on the background forest or plain, and a truck 5c carrying a character 5b glides on the course rail 5a. The enemy 5d appears at a predetermined position beside the course rail 5a and attacks the character 5b. The target 5e is displayed on the screen, and this target 5e is displayed.
Can be moved by the player operating the joystick 4c. It is assumed that the player presses the fire switch near the joystick 4c when the target 5e overlaps the enemy 5d. Then, enemy 5
d falls and a predetermined score is added to the game score. The operation of this enemy 5d is supplied from the image creating system as enemy data. The images of the background and objects in the game screen are supplied as background data and object data from the image creating system.

(Coordinate Transformation in Image Creating System) FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen in the image creating system. This display screen is composed of a window 7a for displaying a background image and the like, a window 7b for controlling movement of the viewpoint with time, a window 7c for inputting various commands and the like. When the operator clicks the window 7c with the mouse cursor, the desired course position of the background image can be displayed on the window 7a. When "PLAY" is clicked in the window 7b, the course viewed from the viewpoint moving at a predetermined speed is displayed.

That is, the course displayed in the window 7a changes with time. Also, "FORWAR
When "D" is clicked, the viewpoint moves on the course faster than the speed at "PLAY", and "REV
When "ERSE" is clicked, the viewpoint moves in the opposite direction. Further, when "STOP" is clicked, the viewpoint stops at a predetermined position on the course and the course at that position is displayed in the window 7a. In this way, the operator sets the desired course position in the window 7a.
It is possible to generate and edit a background image including a course and the like while displaying the above.

The background image displayed in the window 7a is represented by the background data on the viewpoint coordinate system, and the background data is generated and edited on the viewpoint coordinate system. The completed background data is coordinate-converted into the absolute coordinate system background data by the CPU 1e and stored in the hard disk 1k. In this way, by editing the background data on the viewpoint coordinate system, it is possible to generate the background image while assuming the image displayed on the display 4t (FIG. 4) when the game is executed.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the absolute coordinate system and the viewpoint coordinate system. In this figure, the absolute coordinate system is represented by the X, Y, Z axes, and the viewpoint coordinate system is represented by the x, y, z axes. The origin O ₂ of the viewpoint coordinate system corresponds to the viewpoint, and the positive direction of the z axis of the viewpoint coordinate system coincides with the line of sight. Therefore, the position of the origin O ₂ on the absolute coordinate system moves as the viewpoint moves, As the line of sight changes, the angles of the x, y, and z axes with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes of the absolute coordinate system change.

The coordinates of the point P in the viewpoint coordinate system are (x _p ,
y _p , z _p ), the coordinates (X _p , Y _p , Z _p ) of the point P in the absolute coordinate system are represented by the following formula.

[X _p Y _p Z _p 1] = [x _p y _p z _p
1] T _d T _r T _s Here, T means an affine transformation matrix, and is generally represented by the following equation.

[0052]

[Equation 1]

In this matrix, the coefficient Td represents a parallel movement component, the coefficient Tr represents a rotational movement component, and the coefficient Ts represents a scaling (enlargement / reduction) component.

The coordinates of point P in the absolute coordinate system (X _p ,
From Y _p , Z _p ) to the coordinates (x _p ,
y _p , z _p ), the matrices Td, Tr,
An inverse matrix of Ts may be used. That is, the coordinates (X _p , Y _p , Z _p ) of the point P in the absolute coordinate system are obtained by the following formula.

[X _p y _p z _p 1] = [X _p Y _p Z _p
1] T _d ^-1 T _r ^-1 T _s ^-1 FIGS. 9 and 10 show conceptual diagrams of perspective transformation from the viewpoint coordinate system to the screen coordinate system. The object 9a in the viewpoint coordinate system
A screen coordinate system 9b is provided between and the viewpoint (origin) O ₂ . This screen coordinate system 9b is a two-dimensional coordinate system represented by the uv axis, and x of the viewpoint coordinate system.
It is composed of a two-dimensional plane parallel to the y-plane. Viewpoint O
_The display image 9c is obtained by projecting the object 9a on the screen coordinate system 9b with ₂ as the center. The display image 9c corresponds to an image obtained when the object 9a is viewed from the viewpoint O _2, and is displayed on the window 7a of the image creating system 1 or the display 4t of the game machine 4.

(Background Data / Object Data Creation Command) In this image creation system, various commands are prepared for creating background data and object data. The following shows an example of the command. A character string starting with "-" represents a command that can be directly input to the image creating system, and a symbol in [] represents a variable.

(1) Sweeping mode −s [cross-section file] (2) Sweep & attach bases from ground −b [cross-section file] [bottom height] [exec t
imes from start & end] (3) Pillar building mode −p [object file] [source height] [bottom heigh
t] [ground height] (4) Calculate bank from Y-slope -cb [bank weight] (5) Set start-end offset & step -o [start offset] [end offset] [execution (defau
lt 0 0 1)] (6) Set start-end point number & step by relative −r [offet] [start point No.] [end point No.] [s
tep] (7) Set total texture coordination range −uv [U-range] [V-range] (8) Set texture coordination step −UV [U-step] [V-step] (9) Auto mapping mode −am [ U-scale] [V-scale] (10) Set tex coordination offset −to [U-offset] [V-offset] (11) Set rotation weight −rw [xyz] (default 1.0 1.0 1.0) (12) Set scale weight −sw [xyz] (default 1.0 1.0 1.0) (13) Skip by degree of control curve −ds [threshold degree] [max skip times] The command (Sweeping mode) in (1) above sweeps the course.
That is, it is for making a certain range of a predetermined course into a predetermined cross-sectional shape. For example, the command (1) is used when creating a tunnel in a certain area of the course. The cross section of the course is [cross-section file]
Can be specified by. Therefore, when creating a tunnel on the course, the [cross
-sect file] should be prepared.

The command (2) above (Sweep & attach base
s from ground) is used, for example, when creating a bridge on the course. The cross section of the bridge is [cross-section fil
e] and the height of the course above the ground is [bot
tom height]. Also, the sweep range is specified by [exec times from start & end].
By previously determining only the position of the course on the absolute coordinate system, the position on the course can be expressed by a function of time. That is, when the viewpoint moves on the course at a constant speed, the position of the course can be specified by the time required to move the viewpoint.

The command of (3) above (Pillar building mod
e) is for creating objects such as columns and buildings. Command (4) (Calculate bank from Y-slope)
Is used when calculating the slope of the course. Also,
Command (5) (Set start-end offset & step), (6)
Command (Set start-end point number & step by r
elative) is for specifying the range of the course. The position of the course is [start point No.], [end point
No.] etc.

The command (7) above (Set total texture c
oordination range), command (9) (Auto mapping m
ode) and (10) command (Set tex coordinatio
n offset) relates to texture mapping. For example, the command (7) is for specifying the range in which texture mapping is performed in the background image on the screen coordinate system. The coordinates on the screen coordinate system are designated by the coordinate values of the U axis and the V axis.

The command (11) above (Set rotation weigh
The commands (Set scale weight) of t) and (12) are used when designating the inclination and size of an object (for example, a tree). If you do not specify the xyz coordinate values,
(1.0 1.0 1.0) is specified as the default value.

The command of (13) above (Skip by degree of
control curve) is a command for reducing the number of polygons in the course. The number of polygons is reduced when the curvature of the course exceeds a predetermined value [threshold degree].
The variable [max skip times] is for designating the maximum length of the polygon in the straight line portion of the course. The algorithm for reducing the number of polygons will be described later.

(Enemy data) The enemy data is composed of appearance position data of the enemy on the course, relative position data of the enemy with respect to the course, enemy moving speed data, enemy lifetime data, enemy moving direction data, and the like. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display 1b of the image creating system.
It is possible to specify the appearance position and the like of b. That is, when the operator operates the joystick 1s to move the enemy 14b on the screen to a desired position, the CPU 1e calculates the enemy data based on the position of the enemy 14b on the screen and the like. In this way,
Since the operator can create the enemy data while looking at the game screen, it is possible to efficiently create the enemy data.

(Operation of Image Creating System) Next, the operation of the image creating system will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1) Outline of Operation of Image Creating System FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of the operation of the image creating system. First, the operator creates a course on the absolute coordinate system using the image creating device (S101). As shown in FIG. 11, the course represents a trajectory on the XZ plane of the absolute coordinate system and serves as a travel route of the truck 5c (FIGS. 5 and 6) during the game. That is, the origin of the viewpoint coordinate system during the execution of the game moves on the course.

Subsequently, the operator creates background data (S102). As described above, the background data is data representing the background image viewed from the course, and, for example,
It consists of data representing forests, tunnels, bridges, etc. FIG.
The background image being created is displayed in the window 7a in the screen of FIG. 1, and the operator can create and edit the background data by instructing a predetermined command while looking at this screen. In addition, the operator uses window 7
The object image is arranged while looking at a. Window 7a
The rectangular frame in the middle indicates the object image of the tree, and by arranging this frame at a predetermined position on the course, the position of the object image can be designated. The size and orientation of this frame can be set freely, and a tree of a desired size can be placed at a desired position. Data such as the position of the object image designated in this way is included in the background data.

According to this embodiment, since the background image on the viewpoint coordinate system is displayed on the window 7a, the background data of the background data can be confirmed while confirming the same screen as the game screen displayed on the display 4t when the game is executed. Can be created. The CPU 1e converts the background image displayed in the window 7a, that is, the background image on the viewpoint coordinate system into an image on the absolute coordinate system.

Similarly, the operator creates object data while looking at the display 1b (S103). For example, object data representing a tree can be created by representing the trunk portion, branch portion, and the like of a tree with a plurality of polygons. The object data may be created while displaying an object image representing a tree or the like on the window 7a. The created object data is arranged at a designated position in the background image when the game is executed.

After the background data and object data are created in this way, the operator confirms the created background image and object image while looking at the window 7a (S104). Since the background image and the object image displayed on the window 7a are images on the viewpoint coordinate system, the operator can easily assume the screen when the game is executed, and the image can be efficiently created.

When the operator determines that the created course data, background data, and object data need to be corrected (NO in S105), the processes of S101 to S105 are repeated. On the other hand, when the operator determines that the desired course data, background data, and object data have been created (YES in S105), the processing from S106 onward is executed.

In S106, the operator creates enemy data. The operator can freely arrange the enemy 14b at a desired position on the course while looking at the screen shown in FIG. That is, the operator creates the enemy data representing the position, orientation, appearance time, etc. of the enemy 14b on the course while operating the joystick 1s. Since the screen 14a displayed on the display 1b is an image on the viewpoint coordinate system, that is, an image at the time of game execution, the operator can create enemy data while assuming the screen at the time of game execution. When the creation of the desired enemy data is completed by repeating this process (YES in S107),
All processing ends. The course data, background data, object data, and enemy data created by the above processing are provided to the game machine 4 (see FIG. 4) in the form of a ROM or the like.

(2) Creation of background data In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the above-mentioned background data creation (S102)
The subroutine will be described in detail. The operator inputs the file name of the course data, parameters and the like to the image creating system 1a while referring to the screen (FIG. 7) displayed on the display 1b (S201). That is, the parameters such as the cross-section file, the height from the XZ plane of the absolute coordinate system to the course (bottom heigh
t), the range of the course (exec times from start & end),
Parameter that represents the cross-sectional shape of the tunnel (cross-section
file), parameters for sweeping (Sweeping mode), parameters for building (Pillar building mode), parameters for polygon generation (Set total texture coord)
ination range, Set texture coordination step, Auto
mapping mode, Set tex coordination offset, Set rot
ation weight, Set scale weight, Skip by degree of
control curve) and a parameter (Skip by degree of control curve) related to the reduction of the number of polygons.

For example, when an object such as a tree is to be placed on the course, the operator operates the mouse 1c, the joystick 1s or the like to operate the window 7a.
The upper rectangular frame 7d is moved to a desired position. This rectangular frame 7d represents the outline of an image of an object such as a tree, and by enlarging or reducing the frame 7d to a desired size, an image is created so that an object of any size is placed on the background image. Can instruct the system.

After this input processing, the CPU 1e reads out course data and background data corresponding to the input file name from the hard disk 1k and initializes a variable N representing the course position (S202). And C
PU1e is the final position Nma of the course where the variable N is in a predetermined range.
It is determined whether or not x has been reached (S203). At this time, since the variable N is "0", the result of the determination is NO, and S
The processing after 204 is executed.

In S204, the CPU 1e calculates the tangent line and the normal line at the position represented by the variable N on the course. These tangents and normals are used in the coordinate conversion process (S211) described later.

The CPU 1e performs a duplication process of the object at the course position represented by the variable N or the course cross section according to the parameter input at S201 (S20).
5). Further, at the course position represented by the variable N, it is determined whether or not the foundation of the course is to be created and the sweep is to be performed,
When it is instructed in 201 to perform the foundation creation and the sweep (YES in S206), the texture coordinates of the foundation at the course position represented by the variable N and the texture coordinates of the course after the sweep processing are generated ( S207).
The “sweep process” here means a process of generating a three-dimensional image of a course, a tunnel, etc. based on the movement trajectory of a cross section of a predetermined shape.

Next, the CPU 1e converts the coordinates of each point at the course position represented by the variable N into arbitrary coordinates according to the input parameters and the like (S208). For example, the CPU 1e enlarges or reduces an image representing a tree,
Coordinate conversion such as rotation is performed, and the object is placed on the course as instructed by the operator. Furthermore, when it is necessary to create an image of the base, pillars, etc. of the course at the course position represented by the variable N (YES in S209), the base, pillars, etc. of the course are deformed to transform the base, The pillar or the like is grounded on the ground on the background (S210).

Subsequently, the CPU 1e converts the coordinates of each point of the course position represented by the variable N into the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system (S211). Further, when it is necessary to create the foundation of the course and sweep the predetermined cross section (YES in S212), the CPU 1e causes the base section and the previous point (variable N) of the local point (the course position represented by the variable N). Sweep processing is performed between the base cross sections at the course position represented by -1) (S
213). The CPU 1e then generates the coordinates of the texture that forms the base or the like that is the three-dimensional image obtained as a result (S214).

After the above processing, the CPU 1e increments the variable N (S215) and returns to the processing of S203. In this way, the above-described processing of S202 to S215 is repeatedly executed until the variable N reaches the course final position Nmax, that is, until the processing in the course of the designated range is completed. Variable N is the final position N of the course
When max is reached (YES in S203), the CPU 1e displays a background image including the course, the object, etc. (S216).

The above-described parameter input processing (S20
In 1), the divided course data can be designated and linked to other divided course data. Further, by editing the already designed course data and using it as new course data, the labor and time required to design the course data can be reduced.

(3) Creation of Object Data FIG. 19 shows a subroutine for creating object data. This subroutine is the main flow chart described above (Fig. 16).
This is a detailed description of S103 in the table.

In the flow chart of the figure, the operator uses the keyboard 1n to input the processing file name in which the object data is stored into the image creating system (S3).
01). Then, the CPU 1e reads the file corresponding to the instructed file name from the hard disk 1k (S302). Then, the operator designates a base object (primitive) (S303). For example, when creating a tree, a cylindrical primitive corresponding to the trunk of the tree and an ellipse primitive representing the branches and leaves are specified. Further, the operator combines the respective primitives while looking at the display 1b (S304) and creates a desired three-dimensional model (S305).

The CPU 1e generates polygons based on this three-dimensional model (S306) and represents the tree with a plurality of polygons. Further, the CPU 1e attaches a tree pattern to the polygons by performing texture mapping (rendering) on each polygon (S30).
7). The object data created in this manner is given a predetermined file name and then stored in the hard disk 1k.

In the present embodiment, when object data is created, window designating data designating the type of window to be placed on each face of the building, building polygons excluding windows, window polygons, etc. are created. By doing so, it is possible to automatically arrange the optimal number of window polygons for the building polygons when the game is executed. That is, the number and positions of window polygons are automatically calculated in the game machine without specifying the number and positions of window polygons to be arranged in the polygon of the building. Therefore, when creating the object data, it is sufficient to create window designation data for designating the type of windows to be arranged on each surface of the building, polygons of the building excluding the windows, polygons of the windows, and the like.

(4) Creation of enemy data FIG. 20 shows a subroutine for creating enemy data. This subroutine is the main flow chart (see FIG. 1).
It is a detailed description of S106 in 6), which is executed after the background data and the object data are created.

First, the operator gives the created course data to the image creating system. In the present embodiment, this course data corresponds to the track of the rail on the absolute coordinate system. The CPU 1e reads the designated course data from the hard disk 1k (S401), and displays the read course on the display 1b (S40).
2). When the operator designates a desired location on the course to the image creating system (S403), the CPU 1b reads the background data and the object data of the designated location from the hard disk 1k, and coordinates these data into data on the viewpoint coordinate system. Convert. The coordinate-converted background data and object data are displayed on the display 1b as shown in FIG.

The operator operates the joystick 1s to set the position and orientation of the enemy 14b (see FIG. 14) on the designated course point (S404). That is, the operator operates the enemy 14 on the background image displayed on the display 1b.
b is moved to a desired position and the orientation of the enemy 14b is set. In addition, the operator
The speed of b is input (S405) and the moving direction is input (S406). These speeds and moving directions can be set for each enemy.

Next, the operator inputs a lifetime representing the time during which the enemy 14b is displayed (S40
7) Instruct the sound effect when the enemy 14b appears (S408). In this way, the operator can set the arrangement of the enemy etc. while looking at the screen during game execution,
The work efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the enemy is arranged only by the coordinate data.

(5) Reduction of Number of Polygons FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of polygon reduction processing. This process corresponds to the above-mentioned background data creation process (see FIGS. 17 and 1).
This is done in 8).

First, the operator inputs the lower limit cumulative curvature R _L into the image forming apparatus main body 1a from the keyboard 1n or the like (S501). This lower limit cumulative curvature R _L serves as a threshold value for whether or not to create a polygon. That is, when the cumulative curvature R of the course is larger than the curvature _RL (when the course is sharply curved), the polygons forming the course are subdivided. Furthermore, the operator uses the keyboard 1n to set the maximum number Nmax of continuous sections that represents the maximum length of one polygon.
Etc. to the image creating apparatus main body 1a (S502).
Even if the curvature of the course is small (the course is a straight line), a polygon having a length exceeding the maximum continuous section Nmax specified here is not generated. Next, the image forming apparatus main body 1 clears the values of the cumulative curvature R and the polygon length N (S503). Here, the polygon length N is the length (number of sections) of the polygon to be generated.
Is a variable that represents.

In S504, the image forming apparatus main body 1
Calculates the curvature r of the point to be processed in the course. Since this curvature r is expressed by the reciprocal of the radius of curvature, it can be said that the larger the curvature r, the steeper the curve of the course. The image forming apparatus main body 1 adds the calculated curvature r to the cumulative curvature R (S505). At this time point, since the cumulative curvature R has just been cleared, the value of the cumulative curvature R after addition is r.

Next, the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus 1 has a cumulative curvature R
Is smaller than the lower limit cumulative curvature R _L (S
506). When the cumulative curvature R is smaller than the lower limit cumulative curvature R _L (YES in S506), that is, when the course curve is gentle, the process of S507 is executed. In S507, the image creating apparatus body 1 determines whether the polygon length N is shorter than the maximum continuous section Nmax,
If the determination result is YES, the value of the polygon length N is incremented without creating a polygon (S508) (S513). Along with this, the image creating apparatus body 1 moves the processing coordinate point on the course (S514),
It is determined whether the processing coordinate point is the end point of the designated course (S515). Since the position of the processing coordinate point is located at the starting point of the designated range on the course at the time of starting the processing, the determination result of S515 is NO. Therefore, the processing from S504 onward is repeatedly executed.

At S504, the image forming apparatus main body 1
Calculates the curvature r at a new processing coordinate point on the course. This curvature r is added to the cumulative curvature R (S50
5) It is determined whether the cumulative curvature R after addition is smaller than the lower limit cumulative curvature R _L (S506). When the cumulative curvature R is larger than the lower limit cumulative curvature R _L , that is, when the course is steeply curved (NO in S506), a new cross section of the current processing target point on the course is generated (S51).
0), the cross section after generation is represented by a coordinate system centered on the processing target point (S510). Then, the image creating apparatus body 1 creates a polygon that connects the newly created cross section and the previously created cross section (S511). That is, a polygon having a length of the polygon length N is newly generated. After that, the image forming apparatus main body 1 clears the values of the cumulative curvature R and the polygon length N (S512), and executes the processing of S513 and thereafter.

In this way, the image forming apparatus main body 1 is
While sequentially moving the processing coordinate points on the course (S
514), it is determined whether or not a polygon is generated (S).
506, S507). When the processing coordinate point moves to the end point of the designated course (YES in S515), the image creating apparatus main body 1 returns the processing to the flowchart of FIG.

As described above, when the curve of the course is steep (NO in S506), the polygon is subdivided, so that the curved portion of the course can be expressed smoothly. On the other hand, when the curve of the course is gentle (Y in S506)
In ES, a relatively long polygon (maximum continuous section Nmax) is generated. Therefore, according to the image creating system of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of polygons in the entire course while smoothly displaying the curve of the course (see (C) of FIG. 15).

(Operation in Game Machine) The enemy data, background data, and object data created by the image creating system according to this embodiment are supplied to the game machine body 4a in the form of, for example, a ROM board (see FIG. 4). .

The operation of the game machine (image reproducing apparatus) according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4, 22, and 23, focusing on the reproduction processing of object data of buildings and windows.

In the flowchart of FIG. 23, first,
The CPU 4g initializes the game machine body 4a (S60).
1). The initialization processing includes clearing the RAM 4d, reading the program data 4c representing the game program, and 3D model data (enemy data, background data,
(Object data) is read out.

When an interrupt is generated by the vertical synchronizing signal (YES in S602), the CPU 4g causes S603 to S61.
The processing after 1 is executed. That is, S603 to S61
The process of 1 is the period of the vertical synchronizing signal (1 / NT for NTSC
Every 60 seconds). In S603, the CPU4
The g executes game processing such as detecting the state of the joystick, determining the collision between the enemy and the bullet, determining the action of the enemy (S603), and calculates the viewpoint coordinates in the three-dimensional space (S604).

Next, the CPU 4g generates an image representing a building among the images captured from the viewpoint coordinates based on the object data (S605, S606). In S605, CP
U4g is the number of windows to be attached to each face of the building based on the window designation data, which is a part of the object data, which indicates the type of window to be placed on each face of the building, the polygon of the building, and the polygon of the window. And the position is calculated. As shown in FIG. 23, if the width of the wall of the building is "L" and the width of the window is "a", the number of windows that can be arranged on the wall of the building is the value of the quotient of "L / a". . On the wall of the building shown in the figure, four windows can be arranged at equal intervals. It should be noted that the value a ′ obtained by adding the size α of the gap to the actual width a of the window so that a gap is formed between the windows
The above equation may be calculated using (a ′ = a + α). Furthermore, when arranging windows on the wall of a high-rise building, the number of windows that can be arranged not only in the width direction of the wall but also in the height direction of the wall may be calculated.

Then, the CPU 4g arranges the number of window polygons calculated in S605 on the wall of the building designated by the window designation data (S606). In this way, when the game is executed, the optimal number of window polygons are arranged on the wall of the building.

In S607, the CPU 4g generates an image based on each of the background data, the enemy data and the object data (S607), and coordinate-converts these images and the above-mentioned building image into an image in the viewpoint coordinate system ( S6
08). After that, the CPU 4g performs a hidden surface process on each polygon using a Z sort algorithm or the like (S609), and also performs a rendering process such as attaching a texture to each polygon. The texture specified by the window specifying data is attached to the above-mentioned window polygon. The image subjected to the rendering processing is stored in the frame buffer 4n and then displayed on the display 4t (S611). After that, the CPU 4g returns to S602 and repeatedly executes the processing of S603 to S611 every 1/60 seconds.

As described above, in the game machine according to the present embodiment, by designating the type of window to be attached to the wall using the window designating data, the optimum number of windows for the wall is automatically created. It can be pasted. Since the window and wall polygons are combined in the game machine, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of wall polygons in which windows are arranged in advance. Therefore, many types of buildings can be represented with a smaller number of data, and the memory of the game machine can be effectively used. Needless to say, the game machine according to the present embodiment can be applied to other objects as well as the building in which the windows are arranged. For example, the game machine according to the present embodiment is applied to all objects in which predetermined images are regularly arranged, such as vehicles (buses and the like) in which windows are arranged, towns in which buildings are arranged, towns in which roads are arranged, etc. Can be applied.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified and implemented within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the generation of background data and the generation of enemy data may be performed by separate hardware. This enables distributed processing,
Image creation can be completed in a short time by performing work by a plurality of operators. However, in this case, it is necessary to use common course data in both hardware.

[0105]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

First, it becomes possible to easily carry out the three-dimensional image creation process in a short time. As described above, in the present invention, the image of the viewpoint coordinate system is displayed on the display, and the operator can edit the image in an interactive format. Then, the image in the viewpoint coordinate system is converted into an image in the absolute coordinate system, and the data of this image is supplied to the game machine. In the game machine, after the image in the absolute coordinate system is converted into the image in the viewpoint coordinate system as the game progresses,
Appears on the display. That is, according to the image creating system and the image creating method of the present invention, it is possible to create an image on the same viewpoint coordinate system as the coordinate system when the game screen is displayed. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not a desired image has been created, no complicated work such as converting the created image into an image of the viewpoint coordinate system and then displaying the image is unnecessary.

When the origin of the viewpoint coordinates (viewpoint) moves along a predetermined course (trajectory) on the absolute coordinate system, only the image seen from the viewpoint needs to be created. The capacity of can be reduced. Further, when a tree image is arranged on both sides of the course, the relative position of the image with respect to the course is input to the image creating system. Therefore, as the position of the course is changed, the position of the tree is also changed, so that the image creation work can be easily performed.

Secondly, it is possible to reduce the number of polygons while smoothly displaying a curved surface. According to the present invention,
When the curve of the course is steep, the polygon is subdivided, so that the curved portion of the course can be smoothly expressed. On the other hand, when the course curve is gentle, a relatively long polygon is generated. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of polygons in the entire course while smoothly displaying the curve of the course.

Thirdly, it becomes possible to effectively use the memory of the image reproducing device such as a game machine. According to the invention, by specifying the type of window to be placed on the wall,
The optimal number of windows will be automatically attached to the wall. Since the window and wall polygons are combined in the game machine, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of wall polygons in which windows are arranged in advance. Therefore, many types of buildings can be represented with a smaller number of data, and the memory of the game machine can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image creating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an image creating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen in operation holding of the image creating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an absolute coordinate system and a viewpoint coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining perspective transformation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a course and an absolute coordinate system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a course and an absolute coordinate system in a conventional image creating system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a course and a background image before texture mapping according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a course, a background, and an enemy according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a polygon reduction algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation of the image creating system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a background data creation subroutine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a background data creation subroutine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an object data creation subroutine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an enemy data creation subroutine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a polygon reduction subroutine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view for explaining the operation of the game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a Image creating apparatus main body (editing means, coordinate conversion means, curvature calculation means, polygon generation means) 1b display 3a instruction input means 3b editing means 3c coordinate conversion means 3d display means 3e curvature calculation means 3f polygon generation means 3g control means 4 games Machine (image reproducing device) 4d RAM (storage means) 4g CPU (image arranging means) 5a Course (orbit) 5d Enemy (character)

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An instruction input means capable of inputting an instruction to create an image, an editing means for editing an image represented by viewpoint coordinates in accordance with an instruction input to the instruction input means, and an image on the viewpoint coordinate system. An image creation system comprising display means for displaying and coordinate conversion means for converting the image on the viewpoint coordinate system into an image on the absolute coordinate system. 2. The origin of the viewpoint coordinate system is movable on a predetermined trajectory on the absolute coordinate system.
Image creation system described. 3. The image creating system according to claim 1, wherein the editing means is capable of generating a stereoscopic image by sweeping a planar image of a predetermined shape. 4. The image on the absolute coordinate system is a background image,
The image creating system according to claim 1, further comprising a stationary object in the background image and a character movable in the background image. 5. The instruction input means is capable of inputting the action content of the character, the editing means generates data representing the action input action, and the display means is an instruction input. The image creating system according to claim 4, wherein the character is caused to move in accordance with the content of the performed action. 6. A polygon generating means for generating a polygon along a predetermined trajectory, and a portion of the trajectory which is steeper than a predetermined curve, the polygon is extended in the longitudinal direction. An image creating system comprising control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the polygon. 7. A polygon generating means for generating polygons along a predetermined trajectory, a curvature calculating means for calculating a curvature of the trajectory, and a portion of the trajectory where a cumulative value of curvature exceeds a predetermined value. With regard to (1), an image creating system comprising: a control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the polygon along the longitudinal direction of the trajectory. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the control means controls the polygon generating means such that the length of the polygon in the longitudinal direction of the trajectory is shorter than a predetermined maximum length. Image creation system described. 9. An instruction input means capable of inputting an instruction to create an image, an editing means for editing an image represented by viewpoint coordinates according to an instruction input to the instruction input means, and an image on the viewpoint coordinate system. Coordinate conversion means for converting into an image on an absolute coordinate system, polygon generation means for generating polygons along a predetermined trajectory on the absolute coordinate system, curvature calculation means for calculating the curvature of the trajectory, For a portion of the trajectory in which the cumulative value of curvature exceeds a predetermined value, control means for controlling the polygon generating means so as to divide the polygon along the longitudinal direction of the trajectory, and the image on the viewpoint coordinate system , And a display unit for displaying an image composed of the polygon. 10. An image creation instruction is given, an image represented by viewpoint coordinates is edited according to the instruction, the image on the viewpoint coordinate system is displayed, and the image on the viewpoint coordinate system is displayed on the absolute coordinate system. Image creation method to convert to an image. 11. The image creating method according to claim 10, wherein the origin of the viewpoint coordinate system is movable on a predetermined trajectory on the absolute coordinate system. 12. A predetermined orbit is virtually divided along the longitudinal direction, and the curvature of each division is calculated in order. When the total of the calculated curvatures exceeds a predetermined value, a new An image creating method for creating a new polygon when a polygon is created and one polygon is created over a predetermined number of divisions even when the total does not exceed a predetermined value. 13. An image reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing an image in which a second image is overlaid on a first image, the storage device being capable of storing the first image and the second image, and being able to be arranged on the first image. An image reproducing apparatus comprising: an image arranging unit that calculates the number of the second images and arranges the second image on the first image according to the calculation result. 14. The image arranging means divides a value of a total length of the first image by a value of a total length of the second image to obtain a quotient,
14. The number of second images that can be arranged on the first image.
The image reproducing device described. 15. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first image represents a building and the second image represents a window. 16. An image reproducing method in which the number of second images that can be arranged on the first image is calculated, and the second image is arranged on the first image according to the calculation result.