Method and system for virtual cinematography
US6040841A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/6684
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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. The VC is used in virtual reality and other interactive applications to improve upon the fixed point-of-view shots or ceiling mounted cameras that such applications typically employ today. VC also helps improve the next generation of "intelligent-agent" user interfaces, by allowing the users to see themselves with an agent at camera positions that appear natu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.