Abstract: A computer implemented system and method is disclosed for generating realistic three-dimensional models of roadway overpass structures. An example system comprises a segmentation module configured to identify roadway overpass regions, based on existing map data containing locations of roadway intersections, aerial imagery, and a digital surface model (DSM). A roadway overpass region is assumed to have at least a first and second road segment. A DSM provides an elevation z for each two-dimensional point (x, y). The segmentation module identifies the upper and lower roadway sections of an overpass structure and an extraction module generates a three-dimensional model of the overpass based on the segmented regions identified by the segmentation module. The extraction module combines aerial images with 3D computer models of overpass structures to generate a realistic 3D rendering of surface topography of the earth including roadway overpass structures.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method are disclosed for segmenting aerial and satellite imagery according to pre-defined regions contained in the images such as city blocks. An example system comprises a feature mask generation module, a partition generation module, one or more color map generation modules, a color map reassignment module, and a bounding box generation module. The system and method take aerial image data and vector map data as input and generate a composite color map for a geographic region of interest, wherein the color map comprises a plurality of pre-defined regions in which each pre-defined region can be defined by enclosing road segments. The disclosed system and method provide a convenient and logical way of segmenting large data sets of aerial imagery for use in other applications such as the construction of computer models of surface features of the Earth.

Abstract: 3D graphics animation is increasingly used in movies and virtual reality computer games to produce realistic visual simulations of physical and natural phenomena. The animation of diffuse liquids such as gases is an indispensable component in such special effects. The present system and methods utilize physically-based and more intuitive procedurally-based simulation techniques to simulate and render natural phenomena in computer graphics. The present invention facilitates user interaction in order to generate a variety of gas effects, for example, waves within water, plumes within hot gas, and flames within fire. Improved user interaction is achieved by improving rendering performance and introducing a new method of high-level control for Eulerian simulations.

Abstract: 3D graphics animation is increasingly used in movies and virtual reality computer games to produce realistic visual simulations of physical and natural phenomena. The animation of diffuse liquids such as gases is an indispensable component in such special effects. The present system and methods utilize physically-based and more intuitive procedurally-based simulation techniques to simulate and render natural phenomena in computer graphics. The present invention facilitates user interaction in order to generate a variety of gas effects, for example, waves within water, plumes within hot gas, and flames within fire. Improved user interaction is achieved by improving rendering performance and introducing a new method of high-level control for Eulerian simulations.