초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for simulating movement within a multidimensional space by sampling a prestored panoramic image. The image formed by sampling is displayed on a CRT display screen. Each of the stored images represents the view derived from data stored as a panoramic projection of a flat world

A method and apparatus for simulating movement within a multidimensional space by sampling a prestored panoramic image. The image formed by sampling is displayed on a CRT display screen. Each of the stored images represents the view derived from data stored as a panoramic projection of a flat world in an imaginary space, selected as a function of an observer\s position within the imaginary space and orientation with respect to that space. The preferred embodiment selects prestored panoramic image data which has been mapped to a geometric projection surface called a “keypoint”. The apparatus includes a random access video disc system for storing the keypoint data. The method involves mapping each pixel on the display screen to the imaginary space and thence to the keypoint projection surface in order to retrieve pixel information for display. Each keypoint projection surface represents an entire 360°panoramic view of the imaginary world for all possible orientations of the observer with respect to the closest keypoint.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of generating an image to simulate a view seen by an observer within an imaginary space, comprising the steps of: (1) mapping at least a portion of a panoramic view of a first surface to be simulated in the imaginary space onto a second mapping surface by providing as picture elements the p

A method of generating an image to simulate a view seen by an observer within an imaginary space, comprising the steps of: (1) mapping at least a portion of a panoramic view of a first surface to be simulated in the imaginary space onto a second mapping surface by providing as picture elements the picture values of areas of said mapping surface corresponding to areas of said first surface projected onto said mapping surface; (2) storing said picture elements on a storage medium as a panoramic image; (3) retrieving from said storage medium a portion of said picture elements as a function of the position and orientation of an observer with respect to the imaginary space; and (4) displaying said plurality of picture element on a display. *** BRS DOCUMENT BOUNDARY ***