Method and system for virtual object generation

A computer readable storage medium storing computer program which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform a method comprising:

• a) receiving a set of values, a, representing a received first object model;
• b) storing a set of weight values, w, expressing the received first object model of a first type as a weighted sum of a plurality of predefined object models, each of the first type, wherein the object models of the first type comprise an avatar, such that
• w=V±a, wherein V± is the pseudo-inverse of V, V representing the vertex coordinates of the plurality of predefined object models;
• c) applying the set of weight values w to a plurality of predefined models of a second type, wherein the object models of the second type comprise clothing models, to generate an output object of the second types corresponding to a weighted sum, cNEW, of the predefined models of the second type wherein the output object model of the second type comprises a model of clothing garments in the shape which the garments would assume when applied to the avatars, wherein
• said applying includes calculating cNEW=c w, wherein c represents the vertex coordinates of the respective meshes of the predefined models of the second type;
• and
• d) displaying to a user an avatar represented by the first object model of the first type simultaneously with an article of clothing represented by said output object model of the second type.

A system for object model generation, said system comprising a program controlled computer including:

• means for receiving a set of values, a, representing a received first object model;
• means for storing a set of weight values, w, expressing the received first object model of a first type as a weighted sum of a plurality of predefined object models, each of the first type, wherein the object models of the first type are avatars, such that
• w=V±a, wherein V± is the pseudo-inverse of V, V representing the vertex coordinates of the plurality of predefined object models;
• model generation means arranged in operation to apply the set of weight values w to a plurality of predefined models of a second type, wherein the object models of the second type are clothing models, to generate an output object model of the second type corresponding to a weighted sum, cNEW, of the predefined models of the second type wherein the output object model of the second type comprises a model of clothing garments in the shape which the garments would assume when applied to the avatars, wherein
• cNEW=c w, wherein c represents the vertex coordinates of the respective meshes of the predefined models of the second type;
• and
• display means for displaying to a user an avatar represented by the first object model of the first type simultaneously with an article of clothing represented by said output object model of the second type.