Method and apparatus for generating graphic images
OwnerCarlos Montero, Dane Glasgowinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses to generate various graphic features, such as fur and hair by modeling features using non-linear contours and positioning a number of intermediate shells to achieve a realistic appearance. These enhancements result in reduced processing time. The intermediate shells may be generated by interpolation of the base and final shells. These processes may be used to build a variety of features, and are particularly suited for grass, hair, fur and so forth.
Claims20
A method for generating graphic feature, comprising:
- receiving a request for a first the graphic feature, the graphic feature having a set of contours and a contour volume;
- generating a base shell for the graphic feature, the base shell having a first contour and a first texture from the set;
- generating a base shell texture;
- generating a top shell for the graphic feature, the top shell having a second contour and a second texture from the set;
- generating a top shell texture based on the base shell texture;
- determining a number of intermediate shells for the graphic feature;
- for each of the intermediate shells, generating a texture;
- configuring the intermediate shells between the base shell and the top shell to form the contour;
- and
- storing definitions of the graphic feature in a format to enable rendering and display.
A method for generating hair for video graphic work, comprising:
- determining an outline of a strand of the hair;
- texturing a shell to form the outline of the strand of the hair in the contour of the shell;
- and
- storing definitions of the shell in a format to enable rendering and display.
A system for computer-generation of video graphic content, comprising:
- a user interface for inputting specifications for a graphic feature;
- a shell generator for generating a base shell, a top shell and intermediate shells;
- a shell layer controller for calculating a number of intermediate shells;
- and
- a texture controller for generating a texture for each shell.
A system for rendering a video graphic content, comprising:
- a memory storage storing parameters of the feature, including shell information,
- feature placement information and texture information;
- and
- render controller for:
- compiling the parameters to generate the feature having a textured base shell, a textured top shell, and a variable number of intermediate shells;
- stacking the shells, wherein the distance between successive shells is not constant;
- and
- displaying the stack to illustrate the feature.
A method for generating dynamic graphic modifications to reflect movement of an element in a video graphic work, comprising:
- identifying a first location of the element, having a base shell, a top shell, and a first number of intermediate shells;
- on movement of the element away from the viewer's perspective, generating a second number of intermediate shells greater than the first number of intermediate shells, and increasing the distance between the base and top shells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.