US Patent:
20020158873, Oct 31, 2002
Inventors:
Todd Williamson - Philadelphia PA, US
International Classification:
G06T015/10
G06T015/20
Abstract:
In one aspect of the present invention, the inventive system is capable of inserting video images of human being, animals or other living beings or life forms, and any clothing or objects that they bring with them, into a virtual environment. It is possible for others participating in the environment to see that person as they currently look, in real-time, and from any viewpoint. In another aspect of the present invention, the inventive system that was developed is capable of capturing and saving information about a real object or group of interacting objects (i.e., non-life forms). These objects can then be inserted into a virtual environment at a later time. It is possible for participants in the environment to see the (possibly moving) objects from any viewpoint, exactly as they would appear in real life. Since the system is completely modular, multiple objects can be combined to produce a composite scene. The object can be a human being performing some rote action if desired. These rote actions can be combined.
