WO2010029064A1

WO2010029064A1 - Method for representing grid images

Info

Publication number: WO2010029064A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/061613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sirko Wiechmann; Alexander Schmidt
Original assignee: Visumotion Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2009-09-08
Publication date: 2010-03-18
Also published as: DE102008046643A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating images in the form of vector representations by an image source (1) and simultaneously issuing an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into grid images at a specific resolution Ix, Iy. The invention further relates to a suitable apparatus for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, what is provided in such a method is that the signal path between the image source (1) and the graphics processor is interrupted, the initialization instruction A1 is captured, the initialization instruction A1 is replaced by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into grid images at a resolution I'x, I'y, that is higher or lower than resolution Ix, Iy, and the initialization instruction A2 is transmitted to the graphics processor together with the vector representations. In an apparatus according to the invention, an initiation circuit (10) is provided for initializing the graphics processor as a function of the modified resolution I'x, I'y.

Description

title

Method for displaying raster images

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method in which images are generated in the form of vector representations from an image source and at the same time an initialization instruction for the transformation of the vector representations into raster images with a specific resolution is output. The invention further relates to an arrangement suitable for the practice of such a method.

State of the art

In known methods and arrangements of the aforementioned type, 3D images are generated, for example, by an application program running on an electronic storage unit and transmitted as vector representations to a graphics processor, which causes the initialization instruction to convert the vector representations into raster images of a specific resolution.

In this case, there is often the problem that the predetermined resolution, hereinafter referred to as logi see resolution, and thus the resolution of the raster images generated by the graphics processor of the physical resolution of the screen is different on which the raster images are to be displayed.

This case occurs in particular when older application programs, which specify a comparatively low logical resolution of, for example, 800 ^* 600 picture elements, are used in connection with modern screens which have a considerably higher physical resolution compared to this. If the resolution of the screen is to be exploited when displaying the images produced by the application program, there is a need to adapt the lower logics. see resolution to the higher physical resolution. This applies to both 2D and 3D representations. In particular, however, in newer methods for 3D display of raster images, it is necessary to use high-resolution screens and also exploit their performance.

The latter is the case in particular when the display of the raster images is provided by means of LC displays which are equipped with a parallax barrier screen or a lenticular screen for the purpose of three-dimensionally perceptible image reproduction.

In the current state of the art, an adaptation of a lower logical resolution to the higher resolution of a screen is made by interpolation. In other words, the lower resolution raster image generated by the graphics processor is converted by stretching and / or swaging into a raster image corresponding to the desired physical resolution, but with only repeated or reduced display of pels to adjust the raster. In this case, the viewer is merely faked an altered resolution. In addition, this procedure has an adverse effect on the image quality, in particular on the image sharpness. In addition, the assignment of the original picture elements to locations within the grid is falsified, which disturbs especially in 3D representations.

Description of the invention

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a method with which the images produced by an image source as vector images can be represented as raster images with improved image quality on screens whose physical resolution deviates from the logical resolution specified by the image source becomes. Furthermore, an object of the invention is to propose a corresponding arrangement.

The logical resolution IxJy in the sense of the present invention is defined by the number of picture elements to be arranged in the direction x and in the direction y, which are predetermined by an image source for reproducing vector representations in the form of raster images. The physical resolution px, py is determined in the sense of the invention by the number of pixels in the direction x and the number of pixels arranged in the direction y and involved in the reproduction of a raster image of a screen.

The differences between a logical resolution IxJy and a physical resolution px, py can relate both to the total number of pixels or even to the number of pixels arranged in the direction x or y or pixels. The picture element is the individual information of a raster image, such as color and brightness, to be displayed on one pixel of the screen.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset by interrupting the signal path between the image source and the graphics processor, intercepting the initialization instruction A1 originating from the image source, replacing the initialization instruction A1 with a Initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y, which is greater or smaller than the resolution Ix, Iy, and the initialization instruction A2 is transmitted together with the vector representations to the graphics processor.

The interception of the initialization instruction A1 can be understood in the sense of a blockage of the transfer to the graphics processor. In a preferred embodiment, the initialization instruction A1 is replaced by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y, which corresponds to the physical resolution px, py, in the particularly advantageous case the maximum resolution of the screen.

For example, it is conceivable for the image source to output an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution Ix, Iy of 800 in the direction x and 600 in the direction y, and this is replaced by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations in FIG Raster images with a resolution I x, I y of 1680 in the direction x and 1050 in the direction y arranged pixels on a screen with the physical resolution px, py of 1680 in the direction of x and 1050 in the direction of y arranged pixels, so that each pixel a calculated from the vector representations image information is assigned.

The adapted initialization instruction A2 can be specified manually or automatically from a configuration software associated with the screen.

The invention furthermore relates to an arrangement for displaying raster images, comprising: an image source, preferably in the form of an application program running on an electronic storage unit, which is designed

for the generation of images in the form of vector representations, and

to output an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images of a specific resolution IxJy, a graphics processor arranged downstream of the image source and provided with a function for transforming the vector images into raster images having a resolution corresponding to an initialization instruction, a screen connected to the graphics processor suitable for displaying raster images, and one in the information transfer path between image source and Graphics processor arranged drive circuit adapted to intercept the initialization instruction A1 and for passing an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y, which is greater or smaller than the resolution Ix, Iy, instead of the initialization instruction A1.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the drive circuit for specifying an initialization A2 to transform the vector representations in raster images with a resolution I x, Iy formed, which corresponds to the maximum resolution assets px, py of the screen.

The graphics processor is advantageously designed as a 3D graphics card and has a vertex unit, a raster unit and a fragment unit. Using a preprogrammed geometry transformation, the vertex unit takes over the transfer of the 3D coordinates of the objects to be reproduced from the vector representation into a 2D coordinate system and transfers the corresponding image information to the raster unit, which then uses raster fragments for a raster image with the predefined logical Resolution generated. The subsequent fragment unit arranges the raster fragments into the raster image to be displayed on the downstream screen.

The image source may be formed, for example, to output an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images having a resolution IxJy of 800 pixels in x and 600 direction y, while the screen has a maximum resolution of 1680 in x and 1050 in y has arranged pixels. In this respect, the initialization instruction A2, which replaces the initialization instruction A1, may preferably be directed to the generation of raster images with the resolution of 1680 ^* 1050 picture elements.

The initialization instruction A2 can be stored, for example, in a memory assigned to the drive circuit, or the drive circuit is connected to an input device for manually inputting the initialization instruction A2 or to a signal output of the screen, the latter serving to obtain the information about the physical resolution px, py of the connected screen automatically from this or from a screen associated configuration software. The application program may in particular be a 3D drawing or 3D game program.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and the features explained below can be used not only in the combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without going beyond the scope of the present invention. Of course, this also applies to the replacement of the initialization instruction A1 by initialization instructions A2, which are directed to the generation of raster images not only with the resolution of 1680 ^* 1050 pixels, but with any other resolutions limited only by the resolution capability of the screen.

The method according to the invention and the described arrangement are particularly suitable for use in connection with LC displays which are equipped with a parallax barrier screen or a lenticular screen and are thereby designed for a three-dimensionally perceptible display of raster images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The state of the art, then the invention with reference to an exemplary embodiment will be explained in more detail below. In the accompanying drawings show:

1 shows the connection of an image source known from the prior art via a 3D

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement according to the invention of a drive circuit between the image source and the graphics processor for adapting the logical resolution Ix, Iy, which predefines the image source for initialization of the 3D graphics card, to the physical resolution px, py of the screen.

Detailed description of the drawings

1 shows the simplified principle for the sake of clarity of the connection of an image source 1, which may be an example running on a memory unit 3D character or SD game program, with a 3D graphics card 2, which is a screen 3 downstream. The 3D graphics card 2 has - according to the prior art - a vertex unit 4, a raster unit 5 and a fragment unit. 6

The image source 1 generates images of 3D objects to be displayed in the form of vector representations, which are transmitted electronically via a signal path 7 to the 3D graphics card 2. At the same time, an initialization instruction A1 is generated by the image source 1 and transmitted via a signal path 8 to the 3D graphics card 2. The initialization instruction A1 specifies: a logical resolution Ix / Iy to be used by the 3 D graphics card 2 in the conversion of the vector representations into raster images, and a view transformation for the raster transformation in the form of an area of a 2D coordinate system, whose coordinates are to be classified as raster fragments present picture elements.

With the transmission of the initialization instruction A1, the 3D graphics card 2 is initialized, whereupon the vertex unit 4 converts the 3D coordinates of the objects to be reproduced from the vector representation into a 2D coordinate system corresponding to the viewport, the raster unit 5, in accordance with a preprogrammed geometry transformation Raster fragments for raster images with the specified logical resolution Ix / Iy generated, and are classified by means of the fragment unit 6, the raster fragments in the output for display on the adjacent screen 3 raster images.

Thus, for example, the 3D graphics card 2 is caused to transform the vector representations into raster images with the resolution Ix, Iy of 800 pixels in the direction of the coordinate x and 600 pixels in the direction of the coordinate y. The picture elements are forwarded in association with coordinates of the pixels of the screen 3 via the signal path 9 to the screen 3.

If the screen 3 has a resolution or a physical triggering px, py which is greater than the given resolution IxJy, an interpolation takes place in the screen 3 as already described above, wherein the grid is filled with picture elements and thus the raster images are reduced to the physical resolution px, py, which in the specific case may be the maximum possible resolution of the screen 3.

Only the same picture elements are repeatedly shown in the grid, which adversely affects the image quality, especially on the image sharpness. As such, there is a need in such cases for methods and arrangements that achieve a substantial improvement in image quality in display of the raster images on the screen 3.

In this regard, FIG. 2 shows the arrangement according to the invention of a drive circuit 10 in the information transmission path between the image source 1 and the 3D graphics card 2, which is for intercepting the initialization instruction A1 and for specifying a deviating initialization instruction A2, namely for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y, which is greater or smaller than the originally given by the image source 1 resolution Ix, Iy.

Image source 1, 3D graphics card 2 and screen 3 are also formed as already explained with reference to Figure 1.

When operating the arrangement according to the invention, the images of the 3D objects generated by the image source 1 are transmitted electronically via the signal paths 7.1 and 7.2 in the form of vector representations to the 3D graphics card 2.

The initialization instruction A1 emanating from the image source 1 is transmitted to the drive circuit 10 via the signal path 8.1. The drive circuit 10 intercepts the initialization instruction A1 and replaces it with a different initialization instruction A2. The initialization instruction A2 is transmitted via the signal path 8.2 to the 3D graphics card 2 and provides: a logical resolution l ^' x / l ^' y, which corresponds to the physical resolution px / py and now instead of the logical resolution Ix, Iy of the 3D Graphics card 2 is to be used in the conversion of the vector representations in raster images, and adapted to the changed resolution l ^' x / l ^' y viewport for the raster transformation in the form of an area of a 2D coordinate system, in whose coordinates the now as raster fragments present picture elements are to be classified.

With the transmission of the initialization instruction A1, the 3D graphics card 2 is initialized in an altered manner. In this case, as already explained with reference to FIG. 1, in the 3D graphics card 2 by the vertex unit 4 corresponding to the preprogrammed and unchanged geometry transformation, the 3D coordinates of the objects to be reproduced from the vector representation are converted into a 2D coordinate system adapted to the changed viewport transferred, generated by the raster unit 5 raster fragments for raster images with the now given logical resolution l ^' x / l ^' y, and classified by means of the fragment unit 6, the raster fragments in the rendition for display on the adjacent screen 3 raster image.

Thus, it is achieved that, in spite of the originally originating from the image source 1 instruction to generate raster images of the resolution 800 ^* 600, the 3D graphics card 2 raster images are now generated with the resolution 1680 ^* 1050, which is particularly advantageous exactly the resolution of the screen. 3 correspond. This is available to everyone on the screen standing pixel associated with an exactly calculated from the vector representations image information.

Embodiments are included in the concept of the invention in which the transmission of the vector representations to the 3D graphics card 2 does not take place via signal paths 7.1 and 7.2 and thus via the drive unit 10, but directly via a separate signal path not shown in the drawing but bypassing the drive unit 10.

Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to obtain the information about the physical resolution px, py of the connected screen 3 by means of the image source 1 from a configuration of the screen type and the screen make associated configuration software. Alternatively or additionally, however, an input device for manual input of the physical resolution px, py can be provided (not shown in the drawing), which is connected to the image source 1 or the drive circuit 10.

The advantage of the invention is that the maximum screen resolution can be used to a representation of the raster image with a much improved image quality in contrast to the prior art, since the raster image is rendered with the actual screen resolution and output with this resolution for display. The task, which is the basis of the invention, is thus solved.

In particular, the presentation also generated with older application programs images on 3D ^LCD's is possible to allow the viewer without aids a three-dimensional perception of the image content, equipped such as a parallax barrier screen or lenticular screen LCD ^' s, where the light emitted from the display comes separately to both eyes of an observer.

With the method according to the invention, however, the 3D representation can also take place by means of a projector on a reflective screen (with the aid of 3D glasses for the viewer) or on a holographic screen.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 image source

2 3D graphics card

3 screen

4 Vertix unit

5 raster unit

6 fragment unit

7, 7.1, 7.2,8,8.1,8.2,9 signaling pathways

10 drive circuit

Claims

claims

1. A method for displaying raster images, in which an image source (1), preferably an application program running on an electronic storage unit,

- Images are generated in the form of vector representations, and

an initialization instruction A1 is output for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a specific resolution IxJy, the vector representations and the initialization instruction A1 are transmitted to a graphics processor which has a function for transforming the vector representations in FIG

Raster images of a given resolution, and the raster images generated by the graphics processor are transmitted to a screen (3), characterized in that the signal path between the image source (1) and the graphics processor is interrupted, the initialization instruction A1 is intercepted, replacing the initialization instruction A1 is transmitted to the graphics processor by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images having a resolution I x, I y that is greater or less than the resolution I x, I y, and the initialization instruction A 2 together with the vector representations.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initialization instruction A1 is replaced by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y, which corresponds to the maximum resolution of the screen (3).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the image source (1) outputs an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution Ix, Iy of 800 in the direction x and 600 in the direction y arranged pixels.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the initialization instruction A1 is replaced by an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y of 1680 in the direction x and 1050 in the direction y arranged picture elements.

5. An arrangement for displaying raster images, comprising: an image source (1), preferably formed by an application program running on an electronic storage unit

for generating images in the form of vector representations, and for outputting an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a specific resolution IxJy, a graphics processor arranged downstream of the image source (1), equipped with a function for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a Resolution corresponding to a predetermined initialization instruction, and - a screen (3) connected to the graphics processor and adapted to display raster images, characterized by a drive circuit (10) arranged in the information transfer path between the image source (1) and the graphics processor for intercepting the initialization instruction A1 and for specifying an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x, I y that is greater or smaller than the resolution IxJy.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5 with a drive circuit (10) which is designed to specify an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution I x J y, which corresponds to the maximum resolution px, py of the screen (3).

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, wherein - the graphics processor as a 3D graphics card (2) is formed and equipped with a tex unit (4), a raster unit (5) and a fragment unit (6).

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the image source for outputting an initialization instruction A1 for transforming the vector representations into raster images with a resolution IxJy of 800 in the direction x and

600 is arranged in the direction of y arranged picture elements, the drive circuit (10) for outputting an initialization instruction A2 for transforming the vector representations in raster images with a resolution I xJ y, which corresponds to the resolution of the screen (3), and - the screen (3 ) has a resolution px, py of 1680 in the direction of x and 1050 in the direction of y arranged pixels.

9. Arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the drive circuit (10) has a memory in which the initialization instruction A2 is stored, or is equipped with a control input, which is connected to an input device for manual specification of the initialization instruction A2 or with a signal output of the screen (3).

10. Arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the image source (1) is a memory unit with an executable application program, in particular a 3D character or 3D game program, is provided.

11. Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or an arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 10 in connection with the illustration of

Raster images on LC displays that are equipped with a parallax barrier screen or a Lenze screen and thus designed for a three-dimensional perceptible display of raster images.