Patent ID: 6346940
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
An image processing system for displaying a three-dimensional object from a viewpoint position and in a view direction, comprising:a three-dimensional model preparation unit configured to construct a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional object; an input unit configured to change the viewpoint position and the view direction by receiving commands to change the viewpoint position and the view direction from an input device; an endoscopic image preparation unit configured to prepare for displaying an endoscopic image of the three-dimensional object as viewed from the viewpoint position and in the view direction; an endoscopic image display which displays the endoscopic image; an outer shape image preparation unit configured to prepare an outer shape image of the three-dimensional object from the three-dimensional model; an indicator preparation unit configured to prepare for displaying an indicator image based on the viewpoint position, the view direction and a body position reference information, wherein the indicator image indicates the viewpoint position, the view direction and a reference direction; and an outer shape image display which displays the indicator image and the outer shape image simultaneously next to the displayed endoscopic image such that the location and orientation of the indicator image relative to the three-dimensional model indicates at least the viewpoint position and view direction relative to the three-dimensional model.