Abstract: A sprite data structure includes multiple pixels that each have conventional image information (e.g., color and transparency) relating to the appearance of the sprite. The data structure of each pixel includes a depth component or value representing a displacement of the pixel from a selected plane. In a sprite rendering process, the depth values of an input or source sprite are forward mapped (i.e., warped) to the depth values of an output or a destination sprite. Based upon the forward mapping of the depth values in the destination sprite, a backward mapping is performed on the image information from the source sprite to the destination sprite so that it can be rendered. This provides the destination sprite with parallax-based offsets that can create a very strong impression of three-dimensionality between and within the sprites.

Abstract: Communication in a three-dimensional virtual environment generated by a computer is achieved by automatically applying rules of cinematography typically used for motion pictures. The cinematographic rules are codified as a hierarchical finite state machine, which is executed in real-time by a computer in response to input stimulation from a user or other source. The finite state machine controls camera placements automatically for a virtual environment. The finite state machine also exerts subtle influences on the positions and actions of virtual actors, in the same way that a director might stage real actors to compose a better shot. An implementation of a real-time camera controller based on the finite state machine for automatic virtual cinematography, called the virtual cinematographic application module (VC) is presented.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for digital 3-dimensional imaging of an object which allows for viewing images of the object from arbitrary vantage points. The system, referred to as the Lumigraph system, collects a complete appearance of either a synthetic or real object (or a scene), stores a representation of the appearance, and uses the representation to render images of the object from any vantage point. The appearance of an object is a collection of light rays that emanate from the object in all directions. The system stores the representation of the appearance as a set of coefficients of a 4-dimensional function, referred to as the Lumigraph function. From the Lumigraph function with these coefficients, the Lumigraph system can generate 2-dimensional images of the object from any vantage point. The Lumigraph system generates an image by evaluating the Lumigraph function to identify the intensity values of light rays that would emanate from the object to form the image.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for digital 3-dimensional imaging of an object which allows for viewing images of the object from arbitrary vantage points. The system, referred to as the Lumigraph system, collects a complete appearance of either a synthetic or real object (or a scene), stores a representation of the appearance, and uses the representation to render images of the object from any vantage point. The appearance of an object is a collection of light rays that emanate from the object in all directions. The system stores the representation of the appearance as a set of coefficients of a 4-dimensional function, referred to as the Lumigraph function. From the Lumigraph function with these coefficients, the Lumigraph system can generate 2-dimensional images of the object from any vantage point. The Lumigraph system generates an image by evaluating the Lumigraph function to identify the intensity values of light rays that would emanate from the object to form the image.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for digital 3-dimensional imaging of an object which allows for viewing images of the object from arbitrary vantage points. The system, referred to as the Lumigraph system, collects a complete appearance of either a synthetic or real object (or a scene), stores a representation of the appearance, and uses the representation to render images of the object from any vantage point. The appearance of an object is a collection of light rays that emanate from the object in all directions. The system stores the representation of the appearance as a set of coefficients of a 4-dimensional function, referred to as the Lumigraph function. From the Lumigraph function with these coefficients, the Lumigraph system can generate 2-dimensional images of the object from any vantage point. The Lumigraph system generates an image by evaluating the Lumigraph function to identify the intensity values of light rays that would emanate from the object to form the image.

Abstract: A method and system which simplifies the process of constructing new basis motions and transitions between them for animation of articulated figures with many degrees of freedom using existing basis motion data. The system uses an interpreter of a motion expression language called motion algebra to allow a user to manipulate basis motion data, break it into components, and reassemble it into new, more complex motions. The system provides two methods for generating motion: motion transition generation and cyclification. Motion transition generation uses a combination of space/time constraints and inverse kinematic constraints to generate transitions between basis motions. These transitions minimize the torque required while maintaining kinematic constraints. A fast dynamics formulation makes it possible to use spacetime constraints on systems with many degrees of freedom. Cyclification helps to eliminate discontinuities in cyclic motions and distributes the discontinuity error over an entire time interval.

Abstract: In an algorithm for deriving radiation images, where view independent radiation calculations are precomputed so that they do not need to be repeated for every view of the same environment. To find the form factors for radiosity techniques, a hemi-cube is constructed around the surface with grid cells defined for all faces on the hemi-cube. All other surfaces in the environment are projected onto the hemi-cube to facilitate the form factor calculations. A novel ray-tracing technique is disclosed where a light buffer in the form of a cube is constructed around each radiation source and grid cells are defined on the faces of the cube. Surfaces in the environment are projected onto the cube and the depths from the source are stored for each grid cell to facilitate shadow testing. Light reflected off of the viewed surface from another surface may be modeled by determining mirror positions of the viewer and the image plane.