Patent ID: 6456283
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
An image generation method for generating a hidden surface removed image, an object located in a three-dimensional space being defined as a collection of primitives which are fundamental shapes, and a hidden surface removal being conducted on the basis of a depth value indicating a distance from a viewpoint to each of pixels in a picture frame composed of pixels arranged in the form of matrix, the method including:dividing said picture frame into a plurality of rectangular blocks having equal shapes and sizes, preparing a cache memory for storing a brightness value and a depth value of each pixel, in the amount of at least one block, and repeating a processing including to segment a portion of each primitive into a collection of in-block spans which are completely included in one block so that a projected image of said portion is completely included in said one block, and to generate on the basis of said collection of in-block spans a hidden surface removed block image in said cache memory, whereby an image of one picture frame is generated.