Image processing device and method for generating three-dimensional character image and recording medium for storing image processing program

An image processing method for generating a 3-D character image of a target object included in an input image, comprising the steps of:

• a) inputting a face image via an image input section;
• b) storing in a storage section plurality types of 3-D models of hair and faces, a plurality of body images, and information on a direction, position, and size of a face conforming to the body images;
• c) designating an arbitrary position in the image input via the image input section;
• d) selecting the body image stored in the storage section;
• e) generating, based on information representing a position designated by step c), a textured image as viewed from a prescribed position and direction having a prescribed size so as to paste the input image onto the 3-D face model;
• f) storing the textured image generated by step d);
• g) generating a 3-D still head image by rotating 3-D face and hair models according to the information on a direction, position and size of a face conforming to the body image selected by step d), painting the hair, and pasting the textured image onto the 3-D face model;
• h) combining a body image selected by step d) and an image generated by step g) so as to generate a 3-D character image;
• and
• i) displaying the 3-D character image generated by step h).

A computer-readable recording medium which stores an image processing program for executing an image processing method for generating a 3-D character image of a target object included in an input image, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) inputting a face image via an image input section;
• b) storing in a storage section plurality types of 3-D models of hair and faces, a plurality of body images, and information on a direction, position, and size of a face conforming to the body images;
• c) designating an arbitrary position in the image input via the image input section;
• d) selecting the body image stored in the storage section;
• e) generating, based on information representing a position designated by step c), a textured image as viewed from a prescribed position and direction having a prescribed size so as to paste the input image onto the 3-D face model;
• f) storing the textured image generated by step d);
• g) generating a 3-D still head image by rotating a 3-D face model according to the information on a direction, position and size of a face conforming to the body image selected by step d), painting the hair, and pasting the textured image onto the 3-D face model;
• h) combining a body image selected by step d) and an image generated by step g) so as to generate a 3-D character image;
• and
• i) displaying the 3-D character image generated by step h).