JP2919282B2 - Projection image creation method for planetarium - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for producing an image required for production in a planetarium, and more particularly to a method useful for projecting using a video image projector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a planetarium, in addition to reproducing a starry sky using a stellar projector, for example, stars such as planets, nebulae, and clusters,
It is demanded in production to project an object such as a spacecraft or a landscape on the ground.

Conventionally, such an image is generally projected by a slide projector using a slide original, and recently, an image reproduced by a VTR is projected by using a video image projector. I have.

By the way, the nature of the planetarium, which scientifically reproduces the celestial body (starry sky) on the basis of astronomical grounds, the nature of the contents projected by the planetarium has a strong element of simulation, and any date and place can be set. In doing so, it is requested that the state of the celestial body at that date and time be scientifically reproduced.

Needless to say, the variations of the state of the celestial body that should be reproduced here are endless, and there are various patterns. These patterns are not limited to the operation of the stars and the phases of the moon. For example, the rotation of Jupiter And the change in the position of satellites around it.

[0006] In the prior art planetarium, the movement of stars can be expressed by a stellar projector. However, in the projection of a planet that cannot be produced by a normally equipped planetary projector, the position changes, We stopped at projecting a slide image of the planet.

Also, projection of other nebulae, star clusters, etc.
A limited range of projectors, which cannot be produced with the normally installed nebula projector or star cluster projector, was only projected by slide projectors or video image projectors.

[0008]

As a matter of course, the original slide can express only a still image taken in advance. For this reason, in order to represent the projection object at an arbitrary date and time, for example, if the planet is a planet, it is necessary to prepare all surface data as a master plate, and if the state of satellites around it is also expressed, An original plate corresponding to this combination is required.

However, as described above, the variations to be expressed here are infinite, and it is physically impossible to prepare a corresponding number of original plates.

On the other hand, a video image projector using a VTR can show a moving image. However, in order to reproduce an image up to a change corresponding to astronomical time, the current VT
In the case of the R device, the capacity is insufficient, and even if the capacity is sufficient, if random access is performed by designating an arbitrary date and time, immediateness is applied to the tape medium.

[0011] The above is the reason why the conventional planetarium could only produce an extremely limited range of projections.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention has been made with the object of providing a projection image creation method capable of reproducing an infinite variation of the state of a celestial body.

[0013] In the projection image creating method of the present invention,
A plurality of image supply means for supplying various kinds of images as video image data are prepared, and an image combining means for combining images supplied from these is first prepared. Then, a plurality of images required for creating a desired projection image and a method of synthesizing the images are analyzed from the provided effect information, and an instruction to supply them is given to the right image supply unit, and the supplied plurality of images are supplied. By giving an instruction to combine the projected images to the right image combining means, a desired projected image is created.

In this case, the image supply means includes means for converting various images into data in advance and storing them in a storage medium and calling them by an instruction based on the effect information, and means for generating various images by calculation. Examples include an apparatus that performs this generation according to an instruction based on information, and an apparatus that includes a unit that inputs an image of an external scenery by an imaging apparatus and performs this imaging according to an instruction based on production information.

[0015]

As described above, the present invention is characterized in that a desired projection image is created by synthesizing a plurality of images, and these images are supplied by individual supply means. In other words, in the present invention, one image is formed by combining a plurality of images. Therefore, according to the present invention, an enormous number of types of images can be created by combining the images supplied from the image supply means, so that the data amount can be reduced even when the images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium. Produces an action that can be performed.

On the other hand, even when various images are generated by calculation, the amount of calculation is reduced by combining the various images in advance with image supply means for storing the data in a storage medium. Also, there is an effect that the data amount of the image to be stored can be reduced.

Further, even when image supply means for generating various images by calculation are combined with each other, since the calculation is performed by dispersing the images into individual images, the effect of reducing the amount of calculation is produced.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes an effect device, which is effect information composed of astronomical observation data such as identification of an object to be projected, an observation position of the object, observation date and time (in the following embodiments, the effect data is used as the effect information. , Both of which are used as synonyms). The effect information may be input by the operator from the console along with the operation of the planetarium, or may be incorporated as part of the effect program of the planetarium and input as the program proceeds.

In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a control device,
Analyze the plurality of images required to create the target projection image and the method of synthesizing them from the presentation information given as astronomical data, and give instructions to supply these to the image supply means, and supply An instruction to combine the plurality of projected images is given to the image combining means.

Although two image supply means are provided here, this embodiment employs image generation devices 3 and 3, which perform calculations based on given data and generate images, like computer graphics. I have.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit of the image generating apparatus 3. The image generating device 3 receives observation data and numerical data required for drawing, and substitutes the input data into a mathematical expression for drawing to calculate.
A, a drawing unit 3 for drawing an image based on the calculation result on the right
B, an image output unit 3C that outputs the drawn image data to the synthesizing device.

In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes an image synthesizing device, which synthesizes images obtained from the image generating devices 3 and 3 according to a procedure instructed by the control device 2.

In the drawing, reference numeral 6 denotes a projection device for projecting an image output from the image synthesizing device 5 on a dome, and employs a video image projector.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S1) Input of astronomical observation data such as identification of an object to be projected by the effect device 1 and observation position of the object, observation date and time. (Step S2) The control device 2 analyzes a method of generating and synthesizing a target image to be projected from the above data. (Step S3) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to each image generating device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S4) Based on the above instruction, each image generating device 3 generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S5) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S6) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the respective image generating devices 3 and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Step S7) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the combining result (desired image) output from the image combining device 5 is displayed on the projection device 6.
Projection.

Although not described in the present embodiment because it is not the gist of the present invention, the projection position information for controlling the projection position of the projection device 6 is projected from the control device 2 in the actual device. Needless to say, it is provided to the machine attitude control device 2 (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an actual example of creating a projection image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image around Jupiter is created. Jupiter's rotation period is so fast that the appearance is different each time, and the Galileo satellites around it also change appearance each time because each satellite has a different rotation period.
For this reason, to generate an image of the situation around Jupiter at a time, the image generation involves a large amount of calculations, and it has been difficult to accurately reproduce the image by the conventional technique. Here, the surroundings of Jupiter are divided into parts called Jupiter and its satellites, and they are separately generated and combined, so that the computational power and the amount of data that can be handled at one time can be reduced. The same applies to other examples such as Saturn and its ring.

In the figure, reference numeral PI denotes an image of the Jupiter main body, and P2 denotes an image of the Galileo satellite. These images are combined to obtain a target image P.

For easier understanding, the flow of the process in this case will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S11) Jupiter is specified as an object to be projected by the rendering device 1, and astronomical observation data such as its observation position and observation date and time are input. (Step S12) The control device 2 analyzes the method of generating and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the data, and gives an instruction of the image to be generated to each image generating device 3. That is, the surface state of Jupiter according to the date and time, the position to look at Jupiter based on the observation position is determined, and the Galileo satellite also determines its appearance from the date and time and the observation position. Is given. (Step S13) On the basis of the above instruction, one of the image generation devices 3 generates an image of a Galileo satellite and outputs it to the image synthesis device 5. (Step S14) Based on the above instruction, the other image generation device 3 generates an image of the surface of Jupiter and outputs it to the image synthesis device 5. (Step S15) The control device 2 gives an instruction on a method of synthesizing the image of the Galileo satellite and the image of the surface of Jupiter to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S16) Based on the above instruction, the image of the Galileo satellite and the image of the surface of Jupiter are combined by the image combining device 5 and output to the projection device 6. (Step S17) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, an image around Jupiter output from the image synthesizing device 5 is projected by the projection device 6.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment employs the image generating device 3 for generating an image by calculation as the image supply means in the first embodiment. On the other hand, various images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium. This embodiment employs an image storage device called by an instruction based on information, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, only different portions in the circuit will be described here.

Reference numerals 4 and 4 in the figure denote image storage devices, two of which are provided here. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit of the image storage device 4. The image storage device 4 stores an image storage unit 4E for storing image data, a location (an address, an index number, and the like) of the image data in the image storage unit 4E, and a name or an observation position of the image specified by the control device. A table 4D that stores the images in association with each other and compares the former with the former,
Referenced by D, a retrieval unit 4A for giving an instruction for reproduction to the image reproduction unit 4B, an image reproduction unit 4B for calling an image from the image storage unit 4E and reproducing the image, and an image output unit 4C for outputting the image to the synthesizing device. Be composed. In this embodiment, an analog magnetic recording medium such as a VTR, a digital magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk, and an optical storage medium such as an optical disk are assumed as image data storage means.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S21) Input of astronomical observation data such as identification of a target to be projected by the rendering device 1, observation position of the target, observation date and time, and the like. (Step S22) The controller 2 analyzes a method of reproducing and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the data. (Step S23) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be reproduced to each image storage device 4 based on the analysis result. (Step S24) Based on the above-mentioned instruction, each image storage device 4
Search for image data. Output. (Step S25) The image searched in each image storage device 4 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S26) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S27) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the respective image storage devices and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Step S28) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an actual example of creating a projection image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image of an occultation phenomenon in which a star is hidden behind the moon is created. The change in the position of the stars behind the moon, the stars, is extremely slow with respect to the time of human beings, and treating them as almost unchanged does not prevent accurate reproduction of the celestial body. For this reason, if this image is created in advance and stored in a storage device, an image generation device having a high calculation capability becomes unnecessary. The same can be said for celestial bodies that always show the same state, such as the moon.

In the figure, reference symbol PI denotes an image of a star, and P2 denotes an image of the moon.
Get.

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, an image generating device as in the first embodiment is used as an image supply means.
Since the image storage device as in the second embodiment is used together, the details of the circuit are as described in these embodiments, and the description is omitted here.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an actual example of creating a projection image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a crescent image is created. The moon looks basically full moon, and it looks like a crescent or half moon with a shadow. Taking advantage of this, here, an image of the full moon is created in advance and stored in a storage device, and the shadow portion is generated by calculation by using an image generation device to calculate a shadow created from the positional relationship between the moon and the sun,
By combining these, the phase change of the moon such as the crescent moon and the half moon is expressed.

In the figure, reference symbol PI is an image of a full moon, and P2 is an image of a shadow.
Get.

Until now, it was necessary to use a large number of original slides with all the appearances of the moon in order to represent the image of the moon. By simply combining, you can express the moon in one phase.

In addition, since other planets such as Venus and Jupiter also have a phase change due to orbit, this shadow generation unit can be used. Surface can be represented. Furthermore, an image such as a solar eclipse can be accurately reproduced, such as a partial solar eclipse or an annular eclipse, by generating data of the shadow of the earth in consideration of the position and size to be synthesized.

When the control device supplies projection position information for controlling the projection position of the projection device to the projector attitude control device, the change in the altitude of the sun is changed by the mechanical axis to change the position of the projector. And can reproduce the change of shadow such as solar eclipse with high effect.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram of a main part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment combines an image obtained by the third embodiment with an image obtained by another image storage device 8 and another image synthesizing device 9, and the other components are the first to third images. Since this embodiment is similar to the embodiment, the details of the circuit are based on the description of these embodiments, and the description is omitted here.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S31) Input of astronomical observation data such as identification of a target to be projected by the effect device 1 and observation position of the target, observation date and time, and the like. (Step S32) The control device 2 analyzes a method of generating and synthesizing an image to be projected from the data described above. (Step S33) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to the image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S34) Based on the above instruction, an image is generated in the image generating device 3 and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S35) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be reproduced to the image storage device 4 based on the analysis result. (Step S36) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 4 searches for image data. Output. (Step S37) The image searched in the image storage device 4 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S38) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S39) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating device 3 and the image storage device 4 and outputs the combined image to the image combining device 9. (Step S40) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be reproduced to the image storage device 8 based on the analysis result. (Step S41) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 8 searches for image data. Output. (Step S42) The image searched in the image storage device 8 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 9. (Step S43) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 9 based on the analysis result. (Step S44) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 9 combines the images output from the image combining device 5 and the image storage device 8 and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Step S45) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 9.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an actual example of creating a projection image according to the above embodiment. Here, it is assumed that an image is formed in which a crescent moon covers a mountain range. Symbol P in the figure
I is a full moon image, P2 is a shadow image,
After combining these to obtain an image P3, this is combined with the mountainous image P4 to obtain the target image P.

As described above, by increasing the combination of the synthesizing device and the image storage device or the generating device in a plurality of stages, the expression contents of the video which can be finally synthesized are increased.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a block circuit diagram showing a main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one of the images input to the image synthesizing device 5 in the first embodiment is selected by the image switching device 12 as one of the image generating device 10 and the image storage device 11. Is the same as that of the first embodiment, the details of the circuit are based on the description of these embodiments, and the description is omitted here.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S51) Input of astronomical observation data such as identification of a target to be projected by the rendering device 1, observation position of the target, observation date and time, and the like. (Step S52) The control device 2 analyzes a method of generating and synthesizing a target image to be projected from the above data. (Step S53) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to the image generation device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S54) Based on the above instruction, an image is generated in the image generation device 3 and output to the image synthesis device 5. (Step S55) The control device 2 gives an instruction to the image switching device 12 to switch the signal line to a device that can obtain a required image. Hereinafter, when the image storage device is selected up to step S58 (step S56) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be reproduced to the image storage device 11 based on the analysis result. (Step S57) Based on the above instruction, the image storage device 11
Search for image data. Output. (Step S58) The image searched in the image storage device 11 is reproduced and output to the image synthesizing device 5. Hereinafter, when the image generation device is selected up to step S50 (step S59) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to the image generation device 10 based on the analysis result. (Step S60) Based on the above instruction, the image generation device 10
Generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S61) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a combining method to the image combining device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S62) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating device 3 and the image switching device 12, and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Step S63) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a block circuit diagram of a main part of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one of the images input to the image synthesizing device 5 in the first embodiment is an image of the scenery of the outside world, and the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Here, only the different points in the circuit will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a photographing device such as a camera connected to a telescope, which captures an image of the scene of the field in real time and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. At this time, the control device 2 controls the photographing device 2 based on the effect data.
The position of the gantry 0 is controlled.

As described above, by connecting the camera to the telescope and synthesizing the image data with the shadow generated by the image generating apparatus, it is possible to express a solar eclipse or the like in a form ignoring the calendar in which the astronomical phenomenon occurs. it can. Also, by inputting a star night image from the outside and combining it with an image such as a constellation line, it is possible to explain the constellation using actual stars.

The flow of processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S71) Input of astronomical observation data such as identification of a target to be projected by the rendering device 1, observation position of the target, observation date and time, and the like. (Step S72) The control device 2 analyzes a method of generating and synthesizing the target image to be projected from the above data. (Step S73) The control device 2 gives an instruction of an image to be generated to each image generating device 3 based on the analysis result. (Step S74) Each image generation device 3
Generates an image and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S75) The control device 2 controls the photographing device 20 based on the analysis result to photograph a required image and outputs it to the image synthesizing device 5. (Step S76) The control device 2 gives an instruction of a synthesizing method to the image synthesizing device 5 based on the analysis result. (Step S77) Based on the above instruction, the image combining device 5 combines the images output from the image generating device 3 and the photographing device 20 and outputs the combined image to the projection device 6. (Step S78) Based on an instruction from the control device 2, the projection device 6 projects the synthesis result (desired image) output from the image synthesis device 5.

It goes without saying that the method of the present invention can be implemented by further combining the above embodiments.

[0050]

The present invention having the above configuration has the following specific effects. Because a huge number of types of images can be created by combining images supplied from the image supply means, conventional slide projectors can project only very limited images from the types of slide original plates that can be prepared, and are extremely limited. The performance of the planetarium that could not be performed in the range of the range can be dramatically improved.

In the process of generating the projected image itself collectively, a large-capacity, ultra-high-speed, large-scale computer is required, and it is difficult to realize the process. Since it is created and then converted into a composite image, even a low-priced small computer can be processed in a short time, and is easy to realize.

Since an enormous variety of images can be created by combining the images supplied from the image supply means, an effect of reducing the data amount even when the images are converted into data in advance and stored in a storage medium. Occurs.

With the above-mentioned operations, the load of calculation and the amount of data for creating a desired image is small. Therefore, if a large number of still images are continuously reproduced, a moving image effect can be obtained. As compared with the case where moving images are generated collectively by graphics, an effect that the load of calculation and data amount is extremely reduced can be obtained.

In the prior art, the generation of image data required for production was complicated and took a lot of time due to analog processing. However, the present invention provides an enormous variety of images by combining images supplied from image supply means. Since an image can be created, image data can be created in a short time.

In the case of the prior art in which an image is projected by using a VTR, it is necessary to edit, add, and change the effect each time a complicated editing operation of the tape is required. Since only editing is required, the editing work is simplified, and the scalability of the video production is improved.

Since a composite image can be created using image data obtained from an externally provided photographing device, astronomical phenomena can be effectively projected in real time.

A wide image can be obtained by linking a plurality of projection devices.

[0058]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the image generating apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block circuit diagram of the image storage device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an image showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block circuit diagram of the image storage device of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block circuit diagram of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Direction device 2 Control device 3 Image generation device 5 Image synthesis device

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-277289 (JP, A) JP-A-59-172674 (JP, A) JP-A-60-10291 (JP, A) JP-A-62-229178 (JP, A) , A) Japanese Utility Model 62-132577 (JP, U) Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-46341 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G09B 27/00 H04N 7/18

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] A plurality of image supply means for supplying various kinds of images as video image data ;
Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the images supplied from the image supplying means is prepared, and a plurality of images required for creating a desired synthetic projection image from the provided effect information and synthesis of these images. the method analyzes, optionally giving together give the image <br/> image supplying means instructs the supply of these images, the said image synthesizing means by the control means an instruction for combining a plurality of projected image supplied Of creating a projected image in a planetarium for creating a projected image. Wherein comprising means for generating the calculated various images, indicated by the projected image generating method in the planetarium of claim 1, wherein the image supply means have to carry out this generation based on presentation information. 3. A pre-data of various images stored in the storage means, projection both images creating method in claim 1 or 2, wherein the planetarium was image supply device have to call the instruction based this in effect information. 4. An image supply means, comprising means for inputting an image of an external scenery by a photographing device, and performing this photographing in accordance with an instruction based on effect information as image supply means.
Projection image creation in the planetarium according to any of the above
How .