JP2000137563A - Electronic book device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic book device capable of simultaneously displaying the data of surface and rear pages on the same screen, changing the contents of each page to a more readable display format and changing the position of a viewing point. SOLUTION: The electronic book device for three-dimensionally displaying document data consisting of plural pages on a virtual space is provided with a model generating means 9 for generating a three-dimensional(3D) model consisting of plural faces formed by bending them like bellows, a texture mapping processing means 11 for mapping the document data of respective pages to respective facts of the 3D model generated by the means 9 and a page development control means 5 for changing the developed states of respective pages by adjusting the bent angle of the 3D model generated by the means 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic book device capable of displaying information recorded electronically on a recording medium and information distributed by communication and allowing the contents to be viewed. The present invention relates to an electronic book device that three-dimensionally displays document data including a plurality of pages in a virtual space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, floppy disks, CD-
Multimedia information, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, including text, still images, moving images, and music data, read from an electronic recording medium such as a ROM or obtained through communication, can be displayed on a display and viewed. Book devices have been proposed.

In a conventional electronic book device of this type, a book is usually opened, and the state viewed from the front is displayed two-dimensionally, and the page is turned by scrolling the display screen. Document data is 1
There is a problem that a plurality of discontinuous pages cannot be viewed simultaneously, which is as small as two pages or two pages.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 5-189492.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 9-303969 proposes a three-dimensional display of an image of a book opened, and a screen display of page data corresponding to desired position coordinates and a plurality of other page data.

According to this, since a plurality of page data are displayed three-dimensionally at the same time with the book open, it is possible to perform operations such as turning pages at once.
A fuzzy search can be performed visually with a feeling similar to that of a human being handling a book.

[0006]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-189492,
Since a normal book form is reproduced by a three-dimensional model, there is a problem that the data contents of the front and back of a certain page cannot be displayed in a list at the same time.

[0007] In addition, although turning of the page is enabled by specifying the coordinates of the page displayed on the screen, it is not possible to change the contents of each page to a display form that is easier to see or to change the viewpoint position. There was a problem of bad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and it is possible to simultaneously display a list of data on the front and back of a page, and to change the contents of each page into a display form that is easier to see. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic book device that can change a viewpoint position.

[0009]

An electronic book device according to the first aspect of the present invention is an electronic book device for three-dimensionally displaying document data composed of a plurality of pages in a virtual space. Model generating means for generating a three-dimensional model composed of a plurality of surfaces formed by bending, and texture mapping processing means for mapping document data of each page to each surface of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generating means And a page development control unit that adjusts a bending angle of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit to change a development state of each page.

[0010] With this, the document data of arbitrary plural pages can be developed and displayed in a bellows-like manner, so that the document data of plural pages can be checked at once regardless of the front and back of the page. . In addition, since the bellows-like developed state of the three-dimensional model, that is, the bending angle of each surface can be arbitrarily adjusted, it is possible to change the contents of each page to a display form that is easier to see.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic book device according to the first aspect, a viewpoint for changing a viewpoint position of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generating means. A position changing means is provided.

[0012] This makes it possible to arbitrarily change the viewpoint position with respect to the three-dimensional model developed in a bellows shape, so that it is possible to move to a more easily viewable viewpoint position and check the contents of each page.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic book device according to the first or second aspect, the bending angle of the three-dimensional model adjusted by the page expansion control means is provided. Is smaller than a predetermined value, a model accuracy switching means for switching a plurality of surfaces forming the bent portion to a single simple model is provided.

Thus, when the bending angle of the three-dimensional model developed in a bellows shape is smaller than a predetermined value, a plurality of page models forming the bent portion are switched to a simple model, so that the number of drawn polygons is reduced. Can be reduced, and the load of the three-dimensional display processing can be reduced.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the electronic book apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of an electronic book apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes document data (various data such as text data and image data) composed of a plurality of pages. Remember C
An external storage device such as a D-ROM, an operation unit 2 for a user to perform various operations such as a page operation, and 3 an operation unit 2
Is a data reading unit that reads document data to be displayed on the three-dimensional model from the external storage device 1 and temporarily stores the document data in the texture memory 4 in accordance with the user's operation.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a page development control unit for controlling a page development state such as a folding angle in a bellows-like three-dimensional model in accordance with a user operation of the operation unit 2. A representative tab control unit 7 for adding a representative tab for selecting a group and for opening a page to which the selected representative tab is added. 7 represents vertex data of polygons constituting each surface of the three-dimensional model data. This is a stored shape data memory.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a polygon type 3D graphics engine (three-dimensional image processing circuit) having a texture mapping function, based on model information read from the shape data memory 7 based on control information from the page development control unit 5. A model generation unit 9 for generating a desired bellows-shaped three-dimensional model, and a viewpoint coordinate conversion unit 10 for converting a viewpoint position of the three-dimensional model in a three-dimensional space according to a user operation of the operation unit 2. ing.

Also, the 3D graphics engine 8
A texture mapping processing unit 11 for mapping document data stored in the texture memory 4 onto the three-dimensional model whose viewpoint position has been converted; and a pixel processing or a hidden surface elimination process for the texture-mapped three-dimensional model. And an image processing unit 12 for performing a rendering process.

When the bending angle (the angle between the peak and the valley) of the bellows-shaped three-dimensional model controlled by the page development control unit 5 is smaller than a predetermined value, the model generating unit 9 determines the bent portion. Is provided with a model accuracy switching unit 9a for switching a plurality of models forming a simple model to a simple model. Also, the model generation unit 9 includes the representative tab control unit 6
Based on the control information from, a model of the representative tab is generated and added at a predetermined position, and the development state of the three-dimensional model is controlled so that the page to which the representative tab is added is developed.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a display control unit for performing predetermined video signal processing to display the image rendered by the image processing unit 12 on a display device 14 such as an LCD.

Next, the three-dimensional model generated by the model generating unit 9 will be specifically described below. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the structure of the three-dimensional model according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of page models 16 connected and arranged in a horizontal row.
Is formed in a bellows shape alternately bent into peaks and valleys.

Here, the angle A and the angle B formed by each page model 16 when alternately bent into peaks and valleys are determined by the operation unit 2.
2A. When the angles A and B are small as shown in FIG. 2A, the page models 16 are dense and many page data can be visually recognized at a time. When the angle A and the angle B are large as shown in FIG. 2B, the page model 16 is flattened, and each page data can be visually recognized in more detail and accurately.

When the page model 16 is developed, the actual book is basically opened and displayed at an angle such that the actual book is turned one page at a time, but as shown in FIG.
The model load is reduced by reducing the number of polygons by replacing a plurality of closed page models (a page model whose bending angle is smaller than a predetermined value) with one simple model 17 in the model accuracy switching unit 9a and displaying the model. Can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the left and right closed page models 18 and 19 are changed so as to correspond to the thickness of the page, so that the position of the currently opened page can be intuitively sensed. You may be able to understand. Further, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3C, a plurality of pages at distant positions may be opened at the same time, or as shown in FIG. 3D, a wide open page and a small open page may be mixed.

As described above, in response to a user operation on the operation unit 2, the page development control unit 5 can change the bellows-like three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit 9 to a desired development state. Since it is possible, it is possible to perform optimal page development according to the situation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in response to a user operation on the operation unit 2, the representative tab control unit 6 categorizes a plurality of pages into a bellows-like three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit 9. A representative tab 20 that is marked every time can be added. Also, the representative tab control unit 6
Controls the model generation unit 9 to expand the plurality of page models 16 to which the representative tab 20 selected by the operation unit 2 is added.

Here, the representative tab 20 of the animal category is used.
Is selected to open and display a plurality of pages about animals. In addition, each representative tab shows the number of pages 21 indicating the amount of page data included in the category, the figure 22, the graph 23, and the like, and how much data exists in each category without opening a page. It is possible to confirm whether or not.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The viewpoint coordinate conversion unit 10 can arbitrarily change the viewpoint position with respect to the bellows-shaped three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit 9 in accordance with the user operation in. FIG.
(A) shows a state when the page model 16 is viewed from the front viewpoint position 24.

Here, when the viewpoint position 24 is moved to the viewpoint position 25 in the left direction, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to display such that only the odd-numbered pages can be easily viewed. Is moved to the viewpoint position 26 of FIG.
As shown in (c), the display can be made such that only the even-numbered pages are easy to see.

As described above, the user can freely change the viewpoint position by operating the operation unit 2 as needed. For example, an image is displayed on an even-numbered page, and a description is displayed on an odd-numbered page. Thus, usability can be improved.

Next, a page operation method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the page operation panel 32 on the screen includes a fast reverse key 33 for turning pages continuously in the reverse direction, a return key 34 for turning pages one by one in the reverse direction, a book close key 35 for closing a book, and a page. A fast-forward key 36 for turning pages continuously in the feed direction and a feed key 37 for turning pages one by one in the feed direction are displayed.
To turn the page.

Further, the page turning may be performed by directly grasping and moving an arbitrary page model 16 by the cursor 38. Similarly, by directly grasping and moving an arbitrary page model 16 with the cursor 38, the development state of the page model 16 can be changed, and a representative tab can be selected.

The electronic book device of the present embodiment can be applied to various applications. For example, when displaying a TV program table distributed by communication, as shown in FIG. A TV station name 27, a program broadcast time 28, a program image 29, and a program title 30 are displayed on 16. As a result, it is possible to confirm a program by an image or a title by opening only a page in a program column of a TV station to be viewed or changing a viewpoint position.

In the case where the present invention is applied to an application such as an electronic catalog, a picture book, an electronic album, etc., as shown in FIG. 2D shape 3
8A. When the page model 16 has a large page development angle as shown in FIG. 8B, the page model 16 is displayed as a three-dimensional shape 31b protruding from the surface of the page model 16. This makes it possible to add a staging effect such that the displayed content jumps out accordingly.

Further, the schematic steps of the operation and processing in the electronic book device of the embodiment described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the initial state, when there is an operation to change the set value of the page development state from the operation unit 2 (step 1), the page development control unit 5 controls the development state of the page model 16 generated by the model generation unit 9. (Step 2).

When an operation for specifying a page using a representative tab is performed from the operation unit 2 (step 3), the model generation unit 9 generates a plurality of pages corresponding to the designated representative tab. Of the page model 16 is controlled (step 4). Further, when there is a page turning operation from the operation unit 2 (step 5), the development state of the page model 16 generated by the model generation unit 9 is controlled so as to turn the designated page in a predetermined direction (step 6). .

When the operation of changing the viewpoint position is performed by the operation unit 2 (step 7), the viewpoint coordinate conversion unit 1
0, the page model 1 generated by the model generation unit 9
The viewpoint position with respect to No. 6 is moved to the designated position (step 8). Next, when the bookbinding operation is performed by the operation unit 2 (step 9), the page development control unit 5 controls the development state of the page model 16 generated by the model generation unit 9 so as to close the book. (Step 10). The steps 1 to 9 are repeated until the bookbinding operation is performed.

[0039]

Since the electronic book device according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to develop and display arbitrary plural pages of document data in a bellows shape. Regardless of the front and back of a page, it is possible to confirm document data of a plurality of pages at once. In addition, since the bellows-like developed state of the three-dimensional model, that is, the bending angle of each surface can be arbitrarily adjusted, it is possible to change the contents of each page to a display form that is easier to see.

The electronic book device according to the second aspect of the present invention can arbitrarily change the viewpoint position with respect to the three-dimensional model developed in a bellows shape. Can be confirmed.

In the electronic book device according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the bending angle of the three-dimensional model developed in a bellows is smaller than a predetermined value, a plurality of page models forming the bent portion are used alone. Since the simple model is switched to the simple model, the number of drawing polygons can be reduced, and the load of the three-dimensional display processing can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part in an embodiment of an electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a three-dimensional model in one embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a developed state of a three-dimensional model in an embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a representative tab in an embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a viewpoint position in one embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a page operation panel in one embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the electronic book device according to the present invention, which is a TV set.
It is an explanatory view showing the case where it is applied to an application for displaying a program guide.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where an embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention is applied to an application such as an electronic catalog, a picture book, and an electronic album.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing schematic steps of operation and processing in an embodiment of the electronic book device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 external storage device 2 operation unit 3 data readout unit 4 texture memory 5 page expansion control unit 6 representative tab control unit 7 shape data memory 8 3D graphics engine 9 model generation unit 9a model precision switching unit 10 viewpoint coordinate conversion unit 11 texture mapping Processing unit 12 Image processing unit 13 Display control unit 14 Display device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic book device for three-dimensionally displaying document data consisting of a plurality of pages in a virtual space, comprising: a model generating means for generating a three-dimensional model consisting of a plurality of surfaces formed in a bellows shape. Texture mapping processing means for mapping the document data of each page to each surface of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generating means; adjusting a bending angle of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generating means An electronic book apparatus, further comprising a page expansion control means for changing the expansion state of each page. 2. The electronic book device according to claim 1, further comprising a viewpoint position changing unit for changing a viewpoint position of the three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit. apparatus. 3. The electronic book device according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion is formed when a bending angle of the three-dimensional model adjusted by the page expansion control means is smaller than a predetermined value. An electronic book apparatus comprising a model accuracy switching means for switching a plurality of surfaces to a single simple model.