System for the automatic generation of data bases for use with a computer-generated visual display

• US 4,766,555 A
• Filed: 09/03/1985
• Issued: 08/23/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Singer PLC (Hayleys Plc)
• Inventors: Bennett, William S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Harkcom, Gary V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Herndon, H. R.
• Application Number:
  US06/771,953
• Time in Patent Office: 1,085 Days
• Field of Search: 364/512, 364/518, 364/521, 364/443, 364/522, 364/424, 434/35-38, 434/43
• US Class Current: 345/441
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/05 Geographic models
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/301 by computer-processed or -generated image
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/54 Simulation of radar G09B9/40 takes precedence

Abstract

A system for generating digital image data bases automatically that is principally for use in visual systems of simulators and for use when a particular geographic area is not required. A data processing circuit generates high detail realistic images statistically under the control of a control data base. A conflict resolution data base retains data for identifying and for resolving geographic conflicts among features generated for a visual system.

Claims

1. A system for generating data bases automatically that are ultimately used as visual scene data bases for a computer image generator wherein the final stored image is highly realistic in cultural geographical scene content, the system comprising:

(a) data processing circuit means for generating digital signals that are storable as a data base for a digital image generator representing images having numerous edges forming polyhedra representing realistic visual cultural objects found in a visual geographical view of the earth'"'"'s surface statistically in accordance with a predetermined data base generation program;

(b) first means connected as an input to said data processing circuit means storing data identifying and describing prominent features to be included as a starting point in generating a data base in said data processing circuit means;

(c) second means connected as an input to said data processing circuit means storing data describing the dominating cultural feature of a geographical area in the form of a hierarchy of features in which lower hierarchy features are for association with higher hierarchy features, in which predetermined attributes of each feature are in terms of an average and a standard deviation, said data influences the statistical generation of data bases by controlling which feature is associated geographically with which feature, the numbers of such features, and dimensions and angles associated with describing such features; and

(d) third means to store data connected to output from said data processing circuit means for use by said digital image generator.

2. A system for generating data bases automatically as claimed in claim 1 including fourth means to store data describing the identity of, and the resolution of, geographic conflicts among features generated by said data processing circuit means.