The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 02, 1997
Filed:
Jul. 19, 1996
John William Richards, Chilbolton, GB;
Morgan William David, Farnham, GB;
Sony Corportion, Tokyo, JP;
Sony United Kingdom Limited, Weybridge, GB;
Abstract
A modelling system for producing a 2-D image of a 3-D scene includes a 3-D computer graphics modeler for producing a view from a selectable viewpoint and in a selectable direction of a 3-D computer graphics model of an object for forming a foreground image, a source of backdrop video data, digital video effects apparatus for manipulating the backdrop video data to produce a background image and a compositor for keying the foreground image into the background image to form the 2-D image. The modelling system is able to produce in real time photo-realistic representations of computer models of objects such as buildings and the like in a real world environment. It is possible to include moving foreground objects in the model for virtual reality applications. It is also possible in real time to move around the model by changing the selected viewpoint and/or direction, the modelling system responding to these changes to produce the appropriate output images. A modified modelling system also provides for the inclusion of mid-ground information.