US5971852A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image processing method and apparatus
Assignee: Sega Corp
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Filing: 1995-06-20
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Granted: 1999-10-26
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Expires: 2015-06-20
Abstract
Abstract An image processing method and apparatus is provided which is capable of reducing the load to be processed and displaying a more realistic picture. The image processing device includes camera control matrix processing means (121), object matrix processing means (122), and object pattern display means (123). The camera control matrix processing means (121) obtains a matrix of information on the position, etc. of a camera on the basis of control information from the control unit 20 and stores it in a data RAM (104). The object matrix processing means (122) fetches the matrix of information on the camera stored in the data RAM (104), performs coordinate conversion of the matrix of information with the aid of a conversion matrix, and sets rotational components of the coordinate-converted matrix so as to compose a unit matrix thereby creating display data which causes an object such as an explosion pattern to face in an eye direction at all times.
Inventors
- 👤 Katunori Itai
- 👤 Shunsuke Sekikawa
- 👤 Masayuki Sumi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:57
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T15/00; A; A63; A63F; A63F13/00; A63F13/40; A63F13/42; A63F13/45; A63F13/50; A63F13/52; A63F13/525; A63F13/55; A63F13/80; A63F13/803; G06T17/00; A63F13/20; A63F13/24; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/10; A63F2300/1043; A63F2300/20; A63F2300/203; A63F2300/60; A63F2300/6045; A63F2300/66; A63F2300/6661; A63F2300/80; A63F2300/8017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A game device comprising: image processing means for displaying a three-dimensional coordinate space including a plurality of objects as a two-dimensional image seen from a prescribed viewpoint, wherein said plurality of objects contain an object of said three-dimensional coordinate space formed into a two-dimensional object; and means for arranging said two-dimensional object to face in a prescribed direction relative to said viewpoint when said two-dimensional object is within a field of view of said viewpoint.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A game device comprising: image processing means for displaying a three-dimensional coordinate space including a plurality of objects as a two-dimensional image seen from a prescribed viewpoint, wherein said plurality of objects contain an object of said three-dimensional coordinate space formed into a two-dimensional object; and means for arranging said two-dimensional object to face in a prescribed direction relative to said viewpoint when said two-dimensional object is within a field of view of said viewpoint.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A game device according to claim 1, wherein said image processing means comprises means for arranging said two-dimensional object so that one side of the object faces in a direction of view of said viewpoint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A game device according to claim 2, wherein said image processing means comprises an object rotation display means for displaying a rotated view of said two-dimensional object so that one side of the object faces in the direction of view of said viewpoint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A game device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said two-dimensional object is defined by image data of only one side.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for producing in an image processing apparatus a view of an object represented by image data in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of one side of the object defined in the virtual three-dimensional space; determining in the virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; modifying rotational coordinates of the object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to the object so that said one side of the object is kept displayed at all times when the object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera; and generating image data for displaying a view of said one side of the object based on said modified rotational coordinates.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for producing in an image processing apparatus a view of an object represented by image data in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of one side of the object defined in the virtual three-dimensional space; determining in the virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; modifying rotational coordinates of the object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to the object so that said one side of the object is kept displayed at all times when the object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera; and generating image data for displaying a view of said one side of the object based on said modified rotational coordinates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the rotational coordinates of the object are modified so that said one side of the object faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the object is defined two-dimensionally in the virtual three-dimensional space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the rotational coordinates of the object are modified so that a normal line of said one side of the object defined two-dimensionally faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the object is defined by the image data defining said one side of the object and image data lacks for sides of the object other than said one side of the object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
154 words
An image processing apparatus for producing a view of an object represented by image data in a virtual three-dimensional space, the apparatus comprising: means for providing image data indicative of one side of the object defined in the virtual three-dimensional space; means for determining in the virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; means for modifying rotational coordinates of the object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said object so that said one side of the object is kept displayed at all times when the object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera; and means for generating image data for displaying a view of said one side of the object based on said modified rotational coordinates.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
154 words
An image processing apparatus for producing a view of an object represented by image data in a virtual three-dimensional space, the apparatus comprising: means for providing image data indicative of one side of the object defined in the virtual three-dimensional space; means for determining in the virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; means for modifying rotational coordinates of the object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said object so that said one side of the object is kept displayed at all times when the object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera; and means for generating image data for displaying a view of said one side of the object based on said modified rotational coordinates.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rotational coordinates of the object are modified so that said one side of the object faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said object is defined two-dimensionally in the virtual three-dimensional space.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the rotational coordinates of the object are modified so that a normal line of said one side of the object defined two-dimensionally faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the object is defined by the image data defining said one side of the object and image data lacks for other sides of the object other than said one side of the object.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
130 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data of one view side; means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view from said view points wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
130 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data of one view side; means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view from said view points wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The game device of claim 15, wherein said particular object is defined two-dimensionally in said virtual three-dimensional space.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The game device of claim 16, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that a normal line of said one view side of the two-dimensionally defined object faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
The game device of claim 16, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that a normal line of said one view side of the two-dimensionally defined object faces said eye direction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The game device of claim 15, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
The game device of claim 15, wherein said object is defined by image data defining said one view side of the particular object and image data lacks for other sides of the particular object other than said one view side.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
156 words
A method executed by an image processing apparatus with a control unit manipulatable by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in said virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data defining one view side thereof; determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of the particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is positioned within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
156 words
A method executed by an image processing apparatus with a control unit manipulatable by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in said virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data defining one view side thereof; determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of the particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is positioned within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
162 words
A method executed by an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in said virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally with data defining one view side thereof; determining positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point in said virtual three-dimensional space to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction at all times when said particular object is positioned within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
162 words
A method executed by an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in said virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally with data defining one view side thereof; determining positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point in said virtual three-dimensional space to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction at all times when said particular object is positioned within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
38 words
The game software storing method of claim 22, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of the particular object so that a normal line of said one view side faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The game software storing method of claim 22, wherein the rotational coordinates of the particular object are modified so that a normal line of said one view side faces said eye direction.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
136 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally in said virtual three-dimensional space with data defining one view side; means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
136 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally in said virtual three-dimensional space with data defining one view side; means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
The game device of claim 25, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The game device of claim 25, wherein said modifying means modifies the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object faces said eye direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
139 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally in said virtual three-dimensional space with data defining a front view thereof; view determination means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates and an image pick-up direction of a virtual camera to define a displayed view; and coordinate modification means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said image pick-up direction of said virtual camera with respect to said particular object so that said front view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view of said virtual camera, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
139 words
A game device comprising: means for providing image data defining a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally in said virtual three-dimensional space with data defining a front view thereof; view determination means for determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates and an image pick-up direction of a virtual camera to define a displayed view; and coordinate modification means for modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response to a change in said image pick-up direction of said virtual camera with respect to said particular object so that said front view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is within a field of view of said virtual camera, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
65 words
The game device of claim 28, wherein said coordinate modification means comprises means for modifying the rotational coordinates of said particular object so that a normal line of said front view faces in a direction along said image pick-up direction when data of the objects disposed in said virtual three-dimensional space are converted to a visual field coordinates system determined by said view determination means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
166 words
A game software storing medium for use with an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, said game software storing medium storing programs for executing the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data of one view side thereof; determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of the particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is positioned within the field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
166 words
A game software storing medium for use with an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, said game software storing medium storing programs for executing the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined by data of one view side thereof; determining in said virtual three-dimensional space positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of the particular object in response to a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object so that said one view side of the particular object is kept displayed at all times when said particular object is positioned within the field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
170 words
A game software storing medium for an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, said game software storing medium storing programs for executing the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally with data of one view side thereof; determining positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point in said virtual three-dimensional space to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response so a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object to that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction at all times when said particular object is positioned within the field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
170 words
A game software storing medium for an image processing apparatus with a control unit controlled by a player for controlling movement of an object in a virtual three-dimensional space, said game software storing medium storing programs for executing the steps of: providing image data indicative of a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space, said plurality of objects including a particular object defined two-dimensionally with data of one view side thereof; determining positional coordinates of a view point and an eye direction from said view point in said virtual three-dimensional space to define a displayed view; and modifying rotational coordinates of said particular object in response so a change in the eye direction from said view point with respect to said particular object to that said one view side of the particular object faces in a direction along said eye direction at all times when said particular object is positioned within the field of view from said view point, wherein said change corresponds to movement of a virtual camera.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
A game software storing medium of claim 31, wherein said modifying step includes a step of modifying the rotational coordinates of the particular object so that a normal line of said one view side faces in a direction along said eye direction.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-25 | 2003-04-26 | 2003-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | 2007-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-25 | 2011-04-26 | 2011-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |