JP2001076180A - Three-dimensional graphics display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a rendering speed fast by properly switching a model used for the rendering. SOLUTION: This three-dimensional graphics display device is composed of a viewpoint position change part 1 which changes viewpoint information on a user, a viewpoint information storage base 2 which stores the viewpoint information on the viewpoint position, direction, etc., of the user in a virtual space, a model storage base 3 which stores three-dimensional models differing in resolution for objects to be arranged in the virtual space together with their detail levels, a detail level calculation part 4 which calculates the detail levels of each of the models used for rendering according to the viewpoint information in the viewpoint storage base 2 a model switching part 6 which switches the models for each of the objects used for rendering according to the detail levels calculated by the calculation part 4, a rendering part 7 which renders 3D computer graphics by using the models sent from the model switching part 6, and an output part 8 which displays the computer graphics generated by the rendering part 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional graphics display device, and more particularly to a device having means for increasing a rendering speed by appropriately switching a model used for rendering three-dimensional computer graphics.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When rendering three-dimensional computer graphics, a 3D model having a large number of polygons,
Rendering a 3D model obtained by texture-mapping a precise image with a large file size requires a large amount of calculation and requires a lot of time for rendering.

In order to speed up the rendering, the amount of calculation may be reduced by reducing the resolution of the model, such as reducing the number of polygons of the 3D model to be displayed and reducing the size of the texture mapping image. When the resolution is increased, the quality of computer graphics deteriorates.

Therefore, LOD (Level of D) has been devised as a technique for performing high-speed rendering while minimizing deterioration in the quality of computer graphics.
etail). The details of this LOD method are described in "VRML97 International Standard", IS
O / IEC 14772-1: 1997) Section 6.26 ”.

[0005] Since an object at a short distance is largely displayed on the screen, if the resolution of the 3D model of the object is reduced, the quality of computer graphics is remarkably reduced. , The quality of computer graphics does not decrease so much even if a model with a reduced resolution such as a reduction in the number of polygons or a reduced size of the texture image is used.

Focusing on this point, the LOD method stores models of several types of resolutions with different numbers of polygons and texture images for each object, and stores objects at short distances with a high polygon count and high size. Rendering using a high-resolution model using a texture image, and as the distance increases, rendering using a simplified and low-resolution model minimizes the degradation of computer graphics,
The rendering time is shortened.

[0007]

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

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

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a viewpoint position changing means for changing viewpoint information of a user, and a viewpoint for storing viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user. An information storage base, a model storage base for storing a plurality of models having different resolutions for each object arranged in the virtual space together with a detail level, and a model storage base for each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base. Detail level calculating means for calculating a detail level; model switching means for switching a model of each object used for rendering according to the detail level calculated by the detail level calculating means;
A three-dimensional computer comprising: a rendering unit for rendering 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching unit; and an output unit for displaying the computer graphics generated by the rendering unit. A graphics display device is provided.

In the above configuration, the detail level calculation means includes a recommended gaze vector storage base for storing a recommended gaze vector indicating a gaze angle suitable for observation of each object, and a gaze stored in the viewpoint information storage base. Gaze shift angle calculation means for calculating an angle (gaze shift angle) between a direction and a recommended gaze vector stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base, and a gaze shift angle for determining a detail level according to the gaze shift angle It is desirable to have a gaze shift angle threshold value storage base for storing the threshold values of the above, and a gaze shift angle comparison unit that determines a detail level from the gaze shift angle of each object calculated by the gaze shift angle calculation unit.

It is preferable that the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes recommended gaze vector changing means for changing a recommended gaze vector of each object stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base.

It is preferable that the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes a line-of-sight misalignment threshold changing unit that changes a threshold of the line-of-sight misalignment of each object stored in the visual line misalignment threshold storage base.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a viewpoint position changing means for changing the viewpoint information of a user, and a viewpoint information storage base for storing viewpoint information such as the viewpoint position and direction of the user. And a model storage base for storing a plurality of models having different resolutions for each object arranged in the virtual space together with a detail level,
Detail level calculating means for calculating the detail level of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information based on the viewpoint information storage base, and model switching for switching the model of each object used for rendering according to the detail level calculated by the detail level calculating means Means, rendering means for rendering 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching means, and output means for displaying the computer graphics generated by the rendering means. To provide a three-dimensional graphics display device.

In the above configuration, the detail level calculation means includes an observation reference point indicating a site suitable for observation of each object and a recommended direction vector storage base for storing a recommended direction vector indicating a direction suitable for observation. A vector with the viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storage base as a starting point and an end point with an observation reference point stored in the recommended direction vector storage base, and a recommended direction vector stored in the recommended direction vector storage base. Direction deviation angle calculation means for calculating an angle (direction deviation angle) formed by the direction deviation direction threshold value storage base for storing a direction deviation angle threshold value for determining a detail level according to the direction deviation angle, and a direction deviation angle Direction deviation angle comparison means for determining a detail level from the direction deviation angle of each object calculated by the calculation means. Masui.

Further, it is preferable that the three-dimensional graphics display device further includes a recommended direction vector changing means for changing a recommended direction vector of each object stored in the recommended direction vector storage base.

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

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a model storage base for storing a three-dimensional model of a plurality of resolutions of an object arranged in a virtual space together with its detail level, and a detail level of the object. Two or more detail level calculating means for calculating, a detail level integrating means for determining a detail level of a 3D model to be used for rendering from the detail levels obtained by each of the two or more detail level calculating means, and a detail level integrating means An integration rule storage base for storing integration rules for integrating the detail levels by the means, a model switching means for switching a 3D model used for rendering according to the detail level determined by the detail level integration means, and a model switching means. A computer graphics rendering using the sent 3D model. And Daringu means, there is provided an output unit for displaying the generated computer graphics rendering unit, a three-dimensional graphics display apparatus characterized by having a.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to an embodiment. The three-dimensional graphics display device includes a viewpoint position changing unit 1 for changing viewpoint information of a user, a viewpoint information storage base 2 for storing viewpoint information such as a viewpoint position and a direction of the user in a virtual space, and
A model storage base 3 for storing a plurality of three-dimensional models having different resolutions for each object arranged in the virtual space together with its detail level, and details of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base 2. Detail level calculator 4 for calculating the level
A model switching unit 6 for switching models of each object used for rendering in accordance with the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation unit 4, and rendering of 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching unit 6. It comprises a rendering unit 7 and an output unit 8 for displaying computer graphics generated by the rendering unit 7.

The detail level calculator 4 further includes a recommended gaze vector storage base 41 for storing a recommended gaze vector indicating a gaze angle suitable for observing each object, and a detail level according to the gaze shift angle. An angle between the gaze direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 and the recommended gaze vector stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base 41 (gaze shift). Angle), and a gaze shift angle comparison unit 44 that determines a detail level based on the gaze shift angle of each object calculated by the gaze shift angle calculation unit 43.

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

In this embodiment, the detail level is defined such that the detail level of the model having the highest resolution is defined as detail level 0, and as the numerical value of the detail level increases, the model becomes a simplified low resolution model. I do. In addition, the recommended gaze vector stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base 41 can be set in advance when creating a model of an object, or can be set when placing a model in a virtual space. It is possible. Similarly, the threshold value of the eye-gaze shift angle stored in the eye-gaze shift angle threshold storage base 42 can be set both at the time of model creation and at the time of model placement.

Next, the operation of the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment will be described. When the viewpoint information such as the user's viewpoint position and direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is updated, the gaze shift angle calculation unit 4
In step 3, the angle (gaze shift angle) between the recommended gaze vector stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base 41 and the gaze direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2 is calculated for each object.

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

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment, an angle suitable for observation is set for each object, and when observing from a direction close to the angle suitable for observation. When observing a high-resolution model at a distance from an angle suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a low-resolution model. In other words, an angle suitable for observation is set in accordance with the characteristics of the object, objects viewed from an angle suitable for observation are displayed in detail, and objects viewed from an angle unsuitable for observation are displayed in a simplified manner. It is possible to increase the rendering speed without deteriorating the quality of the rendering.

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

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

The gaze shift angle threshold value storage base 42 stores angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ
1 <θ2 <π), when the gaze shift angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1, the detail level is 0. When the gaze shift angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2, the detail level is 1. , Θ ≧ θ2, a rule of detail level 2 is stored.

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

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

Next, the user 105 and the shelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 becomes the positional relationship of FIG. 4B will be described. The gaze shift angle comparison unit 44 to which the gaze shift angle θb calculated by the gaze shift angle calculation unit 43 is transmitted,
The detail level of the bookshelf object 100 is determined to be the detail level 1 from the gaze shift angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the gaze shift angle threshold storage base 42 (FIG. 5B). The detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 selects a model 1 as a model used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base 3.
02 is transmitted to the rendering unit 7. The rendering unit 7 performs rendering using the model 102, and the output unit 8 obtains an output 112 shown in FIG. In the output 112, since the display area of the book is small,
It can be seen that even if a model in which the polygon of the book portion is simplified is used, the quality of the computer graphics is not significantly reduced.

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

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

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

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

The gaze shift angle threshold value storage base 42 stores angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ
1 <θ2 <π), when the gaze shift angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1, the detail level is 0. When the gaze shift angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2, the detail level is 1. , Θ ≧ θ2, a rule called detail level 2 is stored.

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

In the output 211, since the details of the image fitted to the frame object can be seen, the image 201p to be texture-mapped needs to be a high-resolution image such as the model 201.

In the output 212, the frame object 200
It can be seen that the quality of computer graphics is hardly degraded even if the model 202 in which the texture mapping image 202p has a low resolution is used.

In the output 213, the frame object 200
Is very small, and the image 203p to be texture-mapped has a very low resolution model 203p.
It can be seen that the use of the computer graphics hardly reduces the quality of computer graphics.

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

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

The recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9 appropriately changes the recommended line-of-sight vector stored in the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 based on signals from other modules. When the recommended line-of-sight vector of the recommended line-of-sight vector storage base 41 is changed, the line-of-sight angle calculating unit 43 recalculates the line-of-sight angle of the object, and the line-of-sight angle comparing unit 44 determines the detail level of the object. The recalculation is performed, and the model switching unit 6 switches the model used for rendering according to the recalculated detail level.

By providing the recommended line-of-sight vector changing unit 9 as described above, for example, the observation recommended angle for each user is individually set to change the appearance of the object, or the observation recommended angle according to a parameter such as time. , The appearance of the object can be changed, and the detailed control of the contents of the three-dimensional graphics can be performed.

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

The gaze shift angle threshold value changing unit 10 stores the gaze shift angle threshold value storage base 4 based on a signal from another module or the like.
The threshold value of the eye-gaze shift angle stored in No. 2 is changed. When the threshold of the gaze shift angle of the gaze shift angle threshold storage base 42 is changed, the gaze shift angle calculation unit 43 recalculates the gaze shift angle of the corresponding object, and the gaze shift angle comparison unit 44 calculates the detail level of the object. Is recalculated, and the model switching unit 6 switches the model used for rendering in accordance with the recalculated detail level.

As described above, by providing the gaze shift angle threshold value changing unit 10, for example, the gaze shift angle threshold value for each user is individually set, and the degradation of computer graphics quality is controlled for each user. Rendering unit 7
It is possible to control the time required for rendering by changing the recommended observation angle in accordance with parameters such as the rendering time in.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fourth embodiment includes a recommended gaze vector changing unit 9 and a gaze shift angle threshold newly provided in the second embodiment and the third embodiment. This is a three-dimensional graphics display device including both the changing unit 10.

According to this, the effects of the second embodiment and the third embodiment, that is, for example, the observation recommended angle for each user is individually set to change the way of showing the object, Fine-grained control of the contents of 3D graphics is possible, such as changing the recommended observation angle according to parameters such as time, and changing the way the object is shown. To control the degradation of the quality of computer graphics for each user, or to control the time required for rendering by changing the recommended observation angle in accordance with parameters such as the rendering time in the rendering unit 7.

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

The detail level calculation section 4 further includes an observation reference point indicating a site suitable for observation of each object, and a recommended direction vector storage base 45 for storing a recommended direction vector indicating a direction suitable for observation, and will be described later. A direction shift angle threshold value storage base 46 for storing a threshold value of the direction shift angle for determining a detail level according to the direction shift angle, and a recommended direction vector storage base starting from the viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storage base 2. A vector ending with the observation reference point stored in 45 and a recommended direction vector storage base 45
, And a detail level is determined from the direction shift angle of each object calculated by the direction shift angle calculation unit 47. Direction shift angle comparison unit 48
And is composed of

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

In this embodiment, the detail level of the model having the highest resolution is set to detail level 0, and as the value of the detail level increases, the model becomes a simplified low-resolution model. Define. Also,
The observation reference point and the recommended direction vector stored in the recommended direction vector storage base 45 can be set in advance when a model of an object is created, or set when a model is arranged in a virtual space. It is also possible. Similarly, the threshold value of the direction shift angle stored in the direction shift angle threshold value storage base 46 can be set at any of the time of model creation and model placement.

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

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment, a direction suitable for observation is set for each object, and when the viewpoint is in a direction close to the direction suitable for observation. Renders with a high-resolution model, and with a low-resolution model when the viewpoint is away from the direction suitable for observation. In other words, the object in the direction suitable for observation is displayed in detail, and the object in the direction unsuitable for observation is simplified and displayed, thereby increasing the rendering speed without deteriorating the quality of computer graphics. Becomes possible.

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

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

The recommended line-of-sight vector 304 is set so that the direction in which the book shelf object 100 is viewed from the front is set to an angle suitable for observation.
5 is stored.

The direction shift angle threshold storage base 46 stores angles θ1 and θ2 (0 <θ
1 <θ2 <π); ・ Detail level 0 when the direction shift angle θ is 0 ≦ θ <θ1 ・ Detail level 1 when the direction shift angle θ is θ1 ≦ θ <θ2 ・ Direction shift angle θ is , Θ ≧ θ2, a rule called detail level 2 is stored.

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

First, the user 105 and the shelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 becomes the positional relationship of FIG. 16A will be described. The direction shift angle calculator 47 calculates the direction shift angle θa and transmits the calculated direction shift angle θa to the direction shift angle comparator 48. In the direction shift angle comparison unit 48, the direction shift angle thresholds θ1 and θ stored in the direction shift angle threshold storage base 46 are stored.
From 2, the detail level of the shelf object 100 is determined to be the detail level 0 (FIG. 17A). The determined detail level is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, and the model switching unit 6 transmits the model 101 used for rendering to the rendering unit 7. In the rendering unit 7, the model 101
Rendering is performed by using
An output 311 shown in FIG.

Next, the user 105 and the shelf object 1
The flow of processing when 00 becomes the positional relationship in FIG. 16B will be described. The direction shift angle comparison unit 48 to which the direction shift angle θb calculated by the direction shift angle calculation unit 47 is transmitted is used as the shelf object 100 based on the direction shift angle thresholds θ1 and θ2 stored in the direction shift angle threshold storage base 46.
Is determined to be the detail level 1 (FIG. 17).
(B)). Then, the determined level of detail is transmitted to the model switching unit 6, which determines the model to be used for rendering as the model 102 and transmits it to the rendering unit 7. In the rendering unit 7, the model 102
Rendering is performed by using
An output 312 shown in (b) is obtained. At output 312,
Since the display area of the book is small, even if rendering is performed using the model 102 in which polygons of the book part are simplified, it is understood that the quality of computer graphics does not deteriorate much.

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

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

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

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

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

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to a seventh embodiment. This three-dimensional graphics display device is similar to the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of the three-dimensional graphics display device, the image processing apparatus includes a direction shift angle threshold changing unit 14 that can change the threshold of the direction shift angle of each object stored in the direction shift angle threshold storage base 46.

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

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

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a three-dimensional graphics display device according to an eighth embodiment. This is a three-dimensional graphics display device provided with both a recommended direction vector change unit 13 and a direction shift angle threshold value change unit 14 newly provided in the sixth and seventh embodiments.

According to this, the effect of the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, that is, for example, the observation recommendation direction for each user is individually set to change the way of showing the object, Fine-grained control of the contents of 3D graphics is possible, such as changing the recommended observation direction according to parameters such as time, etc., and setting the threshold of the direction shift angle for each user individually Then, it is possible to control the deterioration of the quality of the computer graphics for each user, and to control the time required for rendering by changing the observation recommended direction according to parameters such as the rendering time in the rendering unit 7.

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

Here, the detail level calculation units 4-1 and 4-
2,. . . , 4-n, the detail level can be calculated by an arbitrary calculation method. For example, a detail level calculation method by the detail level calculation unit 4 in the first embodiment, a detail level calculation method by the detail level calculation unit 4 in the second embodiment, or a LOD method which is a conventional technique. There is a detailed level calculation method.

Examples of integration rules for integration of detail levels stored in the integration rule storage base include: an average value of the detail level, rounded up to the nearest integer, and converted to an integer;・ The maximum value in the detail level is considered to be the detail level after integration.

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

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

For example, as the detail level calculation unit, the detail level calculation by the detail level calculation unit 4 described in the first embodiment and the detail level calculation by the conventional LOD method are provided. In the following, a description will be given of a case where an integration rule that the maximum value in the detail level is set as the detail level after integration is stored.

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

As described above, in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the ninth embodiment, when the detail level is calculated in each detail level calculation unit, the detail level integration unit stores the detail level in the integration rule storage base. The detail level of the model used for rendering is calculated from the detail level calculated by the detail level calculation unit according to the detail level integration rule. The detail level calculated by the detail level integration unit is transmitted to the model switching unit. The model switching unit determines a model to be used for rendering from the models stored in the model storage base according to the level of detail. By these functions, by integrating the level of detail of the object obtained from two or more viewpoints and switching the model used for rendering, the rendering speed can be increased without lowering the quality of computer graphics. Becomes possible.

[0081]

As described above, according to the three-dimensional graphics display device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The first effect is that an angle suitable for observation is set for each object, and when the direction of the user's line of sight is close to the angle suitable for observation of the object, rendering is performed using a high-resolution model, If the direction of the user's line of sight deviates significantly from the angle suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a simplified low-resolution model. That is,
Objects viewed from an angle suitable for observation can be displayed in detail, and objects viewed from an angle unsuitable for observation can be displayed in a simplified manner. As a result, the rendering speed can be increased without lowering the quality of the computer graphics. (2) The second effect is that a direction suitable for observation is set for each object, and when the position of the user's viewpoint is close to a direction suitable for observation of the object, rendering is performed using a high-resolution model. If the position of the user's line of sight deviates significantly from the direction suitable for observation, rendering is performed using a simplified low-resolution model. That is,
Objects viewed from a direction suitable for observation can be displayed in detail, and objects viewed from a direction unsuitable for observation can be displayed in a simplified manner. As a result, the rendering speed can be increased without lowering the quality of the computer graphics. (3) A third effect is that it is possible to determine how detailed an object is to be displayed using two or more units, and to determine the resolution of a model used for rendering based on the determination. As a result, the rendering speed can be increased without lowering the quality of the computer graphics.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a process in a gaze shift angle comparison unit in the three-dimensional graphics display device according to the first embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 viewpoint position changing unit 2 viewpoint information storage base 3 model storage base 4 detail level calculation unit 4-1 to 4-n detail level calculation unit 41 recommended gaze vector storage base 42 gaze shift angle threshold storage base 43 gaze shift angle calculation unit 44 Gaze shift angle comparison unit 45 Recommended direction vector storage base 46 Direction shift angle threshold storage base 47 Direction shift angle calculation unit 48 Direction shift angle comparison unit 6 Model switching unit 7 Rendering unit 8 Output unit 9 Recommended gaze vector change unit 10 Gaze shift angle Threshold change unit 13 Recommended direction vector change unit 14 Direction shift angle threshold change unit 16 Detail level integration unit 17 Integration rule storage base 100 Bookcase object 101-103 Model 104 Recommended gaze vector 105 User 106 Gaze direction 111-113 Output 200 Frame object 201 ~ 203 Model 201p~203p image 204 Recommended line-of-sight vector

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A viewpoint position changing means for changing viewpoint information of a user; a viewpoint information storage base for storing viewpoint information such as a viewpoint position and a direction of the user; A model storage base for storing a plurality of models having different resolutions together with a detail level, and a detail level calculating means for calculating a detail level of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base; Model switching means for switching a model of each object used for rendering according to the level of detail calculated by the means; rendering means for rendering 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching means; Generated computer graphics Output means for displaying graphics. 3. A three-dimensional graphics display device, comprising: 2. The detail level calculation means, comprising: a recommended gaze vector storage base for storing a recommended gaze vector indicating a gaze angle suitable for observing each object; a gaze direction stored in the viewpoint information storage base; Gaze shift angle calculation means for calculating an angle (gaze shift angle) formed by the recommended gaze vectors stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base; and a gaze shift angle threshold for determining a detail level according to the gaze shift angle. The gaze shift angle threshold value storage base to be stored, and a gaze shift angle comparison unit that determines a detail level from the gaze shift angle of each object calculated by the gaze shift angle calculation unit. 3D graphics display device. 3. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
3. The three-dimensional graphics display device according to claim 1, further comprising a recommended gaze vector changing unit configured to change a recommended gaze vector of each object stored in the recommended gaze vector storage base. 4. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
4. The three-dimensional graphic according to claim 1, further comprising a gaze shift angle threshold changing unit that changes a gaze shift threshold of each object stored in the gaze shift threshold storage base. Display device. 5. A viewpoint position changing means for changing viewpoint information of a user, a viewpoint information storage base for storing viewpoint information such as a viewpoint position and a direction of the user, and A model storage base for storing a plurality of models having different resolutions together with a detail level, and a detail level calculating means for calculating a detail level of each object used for rendering according to the viewpoint information of the viewpoint information storage base; Model switching means for switching a model of each object used for rendering according to the level of detail calculated by the means; rendering means for rendering 3D computer graphics using the model sent from the model switching means; Generated computer graphics Output means for displaying graphics. 3. A three-dimensional graphics display device, comprising: 6. The detail level calculation means includes: an observation reference point indicating a site suitable for observation of each object;
And a recommended direction vector storage base for storing a recommended direction vector indicating a direction suitable for observation, and an observation reference point stored in the recommended direction vector storage base starting from a viewpoint position stored in the viewpoint information storage base. And a direction shift angle calculating means for calculating an angle (direction shift angle) between the vector having the ending point and the recommended direction vector stored in the recommended direction vector storage base, and determining a detail level according to the direction shift angle. A direction deviation angle threshold value storage base for storing a threshold value of the direction deviation angle, and a direction deviation angle comparison means for determining a detail level from the direction deviation angle of each object calculated by the direction deviation angle calculation means. The three-dimensional graphics display device according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
7. The three-dimensional graphics display device according to claim 5, further comprising a recommended direction vector changing means for changing a recommended direction vector of each object stored in the recommended direction vector storage base. 8. The three-dimensional graphics display device,
8. The three-dimensional graphic according to claim 5, further comprising a direction shift angle threshold changing unit for changing a threshold of a direction shift angle of each object stored in the direction shift angle threshold storage base. Display device. 9. A model storage base for storing a three-dimensional model of a plurality of resolutions of an object to be placed in a virtual space together with its detail level, two or more detail level calculating means for calculating the detail level of the object, The detail level integration means for determining the detail level of the 3D model to be used for rendering from the detail levels obtained by each of the two or more detail level calculation means, and the integration rules for integrating the detail levels by the detail level integration means. According to the integration rule storage base to be stored and the level of detail determined by the level of detail integration,
Model switching means for switching a 3D model used for rendering, rendering means for rendering computer graphics using the 3D model sent from the model switching means, and output means for displaying computer graphics generated by the rendering means A three-dimensional graphics display device, comprising: