Apparatus and method for generating 3D graphics

A three-dimensional (3D) graphic generation apparatus and its generation method according to the present invention generate high quality 3D graphics from two-dimensional (2D) graphics such as characters, without requiring difficult operations. Triangulation is performed using outline data corresponding to a sequence of all points which form an outline of a 2D graphic including a 2D character or the like, and thereafter configurations of the triangles are changed using the outline segments. The generated triangles are judged whether or not they are components of the character, and triangles that have been judged as the components are spatially moved, thereby generating the top surface. Further, side surfaces are generated by connecting corresponding points, thereby generating a 3D graphic.