Abstract: An object model of a first type such as an avatar is analyzed, and an object model of a second type, such as a clothing model, is generated. The object model of the first type is analyzed by comparing it to a set of pre-defined object models of the same type and deriving a set of weight values which when used as coefficients in a summation of the predefined object models result in an approximation to the input object model. The derived set of weight values can then be used to sum together a set of predefined object models of a second type to give a new predefined object model of a second type which corresponds to the input object model of the first type. Preferably, the input object model is a user avatar, and the output object model is a virtual item of clothing. The user avatar may then be displayed to a user ‘wearing’ the generated item of clothing.

Abstract: A hierarchical behavioral framework is used to generate and control autonomous and semi-autonomous behavior in an articulate object. A behavioral controller is arranged to receive input associated with a behavioral action, to infer a plurality of behavioral parameter values using the framework, and to generate equivalent behavior in the articulate object using the parameter values when loaded in the behavioral controller to generate output corresponding to the equivalent behavior. The equivalent behavior may reproduce the inputted behavioral action, and/or include one or more other behavioral actions, which may be performed simultaneously or as part of a sequence of actions.

Abstract: A method of generating a new path to a destination node (29G) in a virtual environment comprising a plurality of nodes (29A-G). The method comprises nodal information identifying one or more nodes associated with a previously created path to said destination node, dynamically reconfiguring the topology of the virtual environment to define a start node (29A) for said new path, and processing said stored nodal information to determine the new path to said destination (29G) by including at least one node of said previously created path.

Abstract: A computer system is arranged to automatically calculate a path along nodes in a virtual world. After the co-ordinates for the virtual world environment have been initially defined (40), including nodes along which a path may travel, the system automatically increases the density of nodes in the environment up to a desired density. New nodes are added between each pair of nodes which have line of sight to each other (44 to 47), dramatically increasing the number of available links and nodes. This is repeated until a sufficient density of nodes is reached and no more nodes are being added (48 and 49).

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing method and system wherein an image is conceptually textured onto the surface of a three dimensional shape via a projection thereonto. The shape and/or the image position are then moved relative to each other, preferably by a rotation about one or more axes of the shape, and a second projection taken of the textured surface back to the image position to obtain a second, processed image. The view displayed within the processed image will be seen to have undergone an aspect ratio change as a result of the processing. The invention is of particular use in simulating the small movements of humans when speaking, and in particular of processing viseme images to simulate such small movements when displayed as a sequence.

Abstract: A hierarchical behavioural framework is used to generate and control autonomous and semi-autonomous behaviour in an articulate object. A behavioural controller is arranged to receive input associated with a behavioural action, to infer a plurality of behavioural parameter values using the framework, and to generate equivalent behaviour in the articulate object using the parameter values when loaded in the behavioural controller to generate output corresponding to the equivalent behaviour. The equivalent behaviour may reproduce the inputted behavioural action, and/or comprise one or more other behavioural actions, which may be performed simultaneously or as part of a sequence of actions.

Abstract: A behavioural translator arranged for use by a behavioural controller of a virtual object, the translator arranged to map information representing behaviour conforming to a first demographic group to behaviour conforming to a second demographic group. The behavioural translator comprises means to receive input; means to process said input to associate the received input with behaviour by the object conforming to the first demographic group; and means to map the behaviour derived from the received input to output generating behaviour conforming to the second demographic group.

Abstract: A method and system for analysing an object model of a first type such as avatar, and for generating an object model of a second type, such as a clothing model, is described. The object model of the first type is analysed by comparing it to a set of pre-defined object models of the same type and deriving a set of weight values which when used as coefficients in a summation of the predefined object models result in an approximation to the input object model. The derived set of weight values can then be used to sum together a set of predefined object models of a second type to give a new predefined object model of a second type which corresponds to the input object model of the first type. Preferably, the input object model is a user avatar, and the output object model is a virtual item of clothing. The user avatar may then be displayed to a user “wearing” the generated item of clothing.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing method and system wherein an image is conceptually textured onto the surface of a three dimensional shape via a projection thereonto. The shape and/or the image position are then moved relative to each other, preferably by a rotation about one or more axes of the shape, and a second projection taken of the textured surface back to the image position to obtain a second, processed image. The view displayed within the processed image will be seen to have undergone an aspect ratio change as a result of the processing. The invention is of particular use in simulating the small movements of humans when speaking, and in particular of processing viseme images to simulate such small movements when displayed as a sequence.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a system of computers for providing access to information, products or services. In the method there is provided, under the control of a server computer, a supplier mobile agent program in respect of at least one supplier of information, products or services for communicating with a respective host computer of that supplier, and, in response to a user access request, there is provided at least one program for determining the nature of information, products or services required by that user and for selecting at least one of the provided supplier mobile agents according to the determined nature of the user's access requirements.