Image generating device and image generating method

An image generating method for generating an image of a component completed by arranging a plurality of components in a plurality of divided areas in a virtual three-dimensional space, the method comprising:

• storing, in advance, data on the plurality of areas, data on the plurality of components, a first parameter indicating characteristics of the plurality of areas and directions in which the plurality of components are to be arranged in each area, and a second parameter indicating at least types and sizes of the plurality of components and environments where the plurality of components are to be arranged;
• selecting, based on the characteristics of the plurality of areas included in the first parameter, one component from among the plurality of components for which the second parameter has been designated;
• arranging, based on the directions in which the plurality of components are to be arranged in each area included in the first parameter, the selected component in any of the areas using one or more of a plurality of arrangement rules;
• and
• generating image data to form the image of the component completed by arranging the selected component in any of the areas,
• wherein each of the plurality of components is selected based upon at least one condition corresponding to a resident of the virtual space, and
• wherein the plurality of arrangement rules include at least:
• a first arrangement rule for deciding on one of any of the areas with a table of random numbers;
• a second arrangement rule for arranging the components in an order of size and discarding remaining components that do not fit due to lack of space;
• and
• a third arrangement rule for expanding or reducing any of the areas relative to a peripheral area according to arrangement of the components.

A computer-readable recording medium including a computer program for causing a computer to serve as an image generating device for generating an image of a component completed by arranging a plurality of components in a plurality of divided areas in a virtual three-dimensional space, the computer program causing the computer to serve as:

• storage means for storing, in advance, data on the plurality of areas, data on the plurality of components, a first parameter indicating characteristics of the plurality of areas and directions in which the plurality of components are to be arranged in each area, and a second parameter indicating at least types and sizes of the plurality of components and environments where the plurality of components are to be arranged;
• selection means for selecting, based on the characteristics of the plurality of areas included in the first parameter, one component from among the plurality of components for which the second parameter has been designated;
• arranging means for arranging, based on the directions in which the plurality of components are to be arranged in each area included in the first parameter, the selected component in any of the areas using one or more of a plurality of arrangement rules;
• and
• an imaging unit for generating image data to form the image of the component completed by arranging the selected component in any of the areas,
• wherein each of the plurality of components is selected based upon at least one condition corresponding to a resident of the virtual space, and
• wherein the plurality of arrangement rules include at least:
• a first arrangement rule for deciding on one of any of the areas with a table of random numbers;
• a second arrangement rule for arranging the components in an order of size and discarding remaining components that do not fit due to lack of space;
• and
• a third arrangement rule for expanding or reducing any of the areas relative to a peripheral area according to arrangement of the components.