PURPOSE: To enable the shape of an object to be reproduced to a high degree of approximation by generating edge-map data from one full-around depth map data, thereby generating polygon data.
CONSTITUTION: Data on full-around depth map is read from a full-around depth map measuring instrument and a plurality of full-around depth maps of different resolutions are generated form the data. A normal vectors is calculated as to the full-around depth map of each resolution. Edges are extracted from the full-around depth map and normal vector of each resolution, to generate edge maps; the logic addition of the edge maps of all the resolutions are performed so as to combine the maps into one. In this time, compensations are made as to a contradiction arising from the crossing of the edges and to the isolated edges. In the edge map consisting of a number of polygons, each of the polygons is divided into triangles. The three-dimensional coordinates and normal-vector value of the picture element at the top of each triangle are consulted to generate polygon data. At the T-shaped junction of the triangles, the coordinates and normal vector of the junction point are linearly interpolated from the points at both ends of the junction point.
OSHIMA TOSHIICHI
YAMAMOTO HIROYUKI
