초록 ▼

In a computer image generation system, the choice of a path for a vehicle model over a landscape is not restricted. Objects and features in an image to be displayed are defined by polygons. Plumb vectors, having a predetermined relationship with the vehicle model, are used to obtain samples of the t

In a computer image generation system, the choice of a path for a vehicle model over a landscape is not restricted. Objects and features in an image to be displayed are defined by polygons. Plumb vectors, having a predetermined relationship with the vehicle model, are used to obtain samples of the terrain at the intersection between the vectors and polygons defining the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle model. The vectors may sample in advance of the vehicle model in the direction of motion or under the vehicle model. The polygons may be encoded with characteristics of the terrain they define so that appropriate noise cues can be generated from information extracted at the intersection of the plumb vectors and polygons. Predetermined ones of the sample points are interpolated for inferring the contour and slope of the terrain before interaction between the vehicle model and interpolated terrain is determined. The display of an image is modified in response to the real-time interaction between the vehicle model and local topology to reflect such interaction at a predetermined viewpoint.

대표청구항 ▼

In a visual image generating system for creating visual images from stored data, wherein a feature of an image is defined by at least one polygon, apparatus for producing visual images reflecting real-time interaction between a vehicle model movable throughout an image to be displayed and the image

In a visual image generating system for creating visual images from stored data, wherein a feature of an image is defined by at least one polygon, apparatus for producing visual images reflecting real-time interaction between a vehicle model movable throughout an image to be displayed and the image to be displayed, comprising: sampling means for determining in real time the intersection between a plumb vector having a predetermined relationship with respect to the vehicle model and a polygon; processing means coupled to the sampling means, the processing means for determining the distance from a predetermined point on the plumb vector to the intersection; and display means coupled to said processing means, the display means for presenting the image to be displayed in response to the distance determined such that the image to be displayed reflects real time interaction between the vehicle model and the image to be displayed.