Image Processing Apparatus Viewpoint Rendering

The patent segments the virtual space into multiple display areas (first display area, second display area, etc.) that can be independently rendered. Each display area corresponds to a specific viewpoint direction, allowing the system to render only the necessary portions of the virtual space rather than the entire scene from all viewpoints simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the overall processing load while maintaining the ability to present diverse images from different viewpoints.

The patent implements selective rendering by determining whether to render images from multiple viewpoint directions based on predetermined conditions. The system performs partial rendering actions - rendering from multiple viewpoints only when necessary (e.g., when objects are positioned to benefit from multi-viewpoint display), and single-viewpoint rendering when sufficient. This partial action approach maintains image variety when needed while reducing processing load during routine operations.

The patent introduces dynamic rendering control where the system adaptively determines the number of viewpoint directions to render based on real-time conditions. The rendering process transitions between static single-viewpoint mode and dynamic multi-viewpoint mode depending on object positions, display area configurations, and predetermined conditions. This dynamic approach ensures complete virtual space representation is maintained when necessary while reducing processing time during standard operations.

The patent changes the parameter of viewpoint direction count dynamically. Instead of always rendering from a fixed number of viewpoints, the system adjusts this parameter based on predetermined conditions such as object positioning, display area availability, and scene complexity. When conditions warrant, the system increases the number of viewpoint directions for comprehensive representation; otherwise, it reduces to a single viewpoint to minimize processing time.

The patent implements periodic multi-viewpoint rendering where the system alternates between single-viewpoint and multi-viewpoint rendering modes. During normal operation, the system uses a single viewpoint to maintain low processing load. Periodically, when predetermined conditions are met (such as specific object positions or user interactions), the system switches to multi-viewpoint rendering to provide image variety and maintain user interest. This periodic action ensures processing load remains manageable while preventing image monotony.

The patent creates a universal rendering system that can function in multiple modes - single-viewpoint mode for routine operations and multi-viewpoint mode for special cases. The same rendering engine handles both modes, making the system multi-functional. This universality allows the system to maintain low processing load during standard operations while retaining the capability to provide diverse, interesting images when needed, without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.