Generating an image of a three-dimensional object

摘要

An image representing a three-dimensional object is modelled as a stored set of parameters representing a model of a three-dimensional object and at least two two-dimensional images of the object, each image representing the object from a unique direction of view (x, y, z). The parameters include parameters defining the positions of a plurality of vertex points in a virtual space and parameters defining relationships between vertex points and hence surface elements of the object. For at least a subset of the surface elements a measure relative to each direction of view is determined, each measure being representative of the deviation of the surface of the element from the normal to the direction of view. The direction of view which exhibits the least deviation is then identified and texture applied to the surface element from the two-dimensional image which corresponds to the identified direction of view.