Multilayer Polygon Rendering with Height Map Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for representing complex three-dimensional objects in virtual spaces, such as snow or sand, require complex polygonal models that increase processing loads due to the need for detailed shape representation.
Innovation Solution
An image processing program and apparatus that utilize multilayer polygonal models and height maps to efficiently draw three-dimensional objects by determining visible regions and adjusting height data values, allowing for simplified representation with fewer polygons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a polygonal model in shape corresponding to the shape of the snow surface is used to represent an accumulation of snow, then the shape accuracy is improved, but the number of polygons increases extremely large, increasing the processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the accumulation object into multiple layers (first accumulation object, second accumulation object, etc.) positioned at different heights. Each layer is represented by a separate polygonal model with fewer polygons compared to a single comprehensive model. This segmentation allows the system to maintain shape accuracy for each layer while reducing the total polygon count and processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension (height) to organize the polygonal models into multiple layers. By stacking simpler 2D-like polygonal models at different heights rather than creating one complex 3D model, the system achieves comparable visual fidelity with reduced polygon complexity. The height information is used to determine visibility and rendering order.
2Productivity
If the number of polygons is reduced to decrease processing load, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the ability to represent complex shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the accumulation object into multiple layers, each layer can be represented with a manageable number of polygons. The cumulative effect of multiple simplified layers reconstructs the complex overall shape, maintaining shape representation capability while improving processing efficiency through reduced polygon counts in each individual model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses height information as an intermediary to bridge between simple polygonal models and complex accumulation shapes. The height data determines which parts of each layer are visible and how layers overlap, enabling the system to represent complex shapes through composition of simpler elements rather than requiring each element to be highly detailed.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of polygonal models are used to represent accumulation objects at different heights, then the shape accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the accumulation representation into discrete height-based layers, where each layer is a separate polygonal model. This segmentation improves shape accuracy by capturing vertical variations in the accumulation, while the modular layer structure actually reduces overall complexity compared to a single monolithic model, as each layer can be independently managed and rendered.
Data Source
AI summary
Multilayer polygon data for constructing multilayer polygonal models and a height map including height data values, arranged in a two-dimensional array, each of which indicates the height of each position provided on a three-dimensional object to be drawn, are read from a storage device. Then, the height of a layer of the multilayer polygonal models is compared to the height data value of a position provided on the height map, so as to determine a visible region provided on the layer of the multilayer polygonal models. And then, the visible region which is determined as described above and provided on the layer of the multilayer polygonal models is drawn in a predetermined color. Thus, it is possible to easily draw, in three-dimensional image processing, a three-dimensional object, such as an accumulation of snow, soil, sand, or bricks, positioned in the virtual space, regardless of the shape of the object.