Polyhedral environment map utilizing a triangular data structure

Abstract

The present invention generates an environment map by storing in memory color values associated with pixels of an image representing the panoramic scene. For at least one element of each facet of the environment map, a mapping operation is performed that comprises the following steps. A direction vector is generated that corresponds to the element. A pixel of the image that corresponds to the direction vector is determined. A color value is derived based upon a stored color value associated with the pixel of the image, and the derived color value is stored at a location in memory associated with the element of the environment map. A view of the environment map is generated by determining a view window corresponding to a field of view. The view window comprises an array of pixels identified by a plurality of rows and columns. The environment map is mapped to the view window for display. The mapping step includes the following steps for each pixel of the view window. A direction vector is generated that corresponds to the pixel of the view window. A facet of the environment map intersected by the direction vector is determined. An element of the intersected facet which corresponds to the direction vector is determined. A color value is derived based upon a color value of the element of the environment map corresponding to the direction vector, and the derived color value is stored as the color value of the pixel of the view window for display.