Efficient scenery object rendering
First Claim
1. A method for efficiently rendering graphic objects within a visual tile that is included in a plurality of visual tiles of an electronic simulation, so that a number of the graphic objects that are visible in the visual tile from a viewpoint varies with a distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile, comprising the steps of:
- (a) for each graphic object in the visual tile, pseudo-randomly selecting a level of detail (LOD) value for inclusion in data defining the graphic object, said LOD value being thus associated with the graphic object and indicating a maximum relative distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile at which the graphic object will be visible in the electronic simulation;
(b) determining a current LOD value for the visual tile as a function of the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint in the electronic simulation;
(c) comparing the current LOD value for the visual tile with the LOD values that were pseudo-randomly selected for each of the graphic objects in the visual tile to determine the graphic object that are visible for the current LOD value; and
(d) rendering and displaying each graphic object that is visible for the current LOD value of the visual tile, so that the number of the graphic objects visible in the visual tile increases as the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint decreases.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The number of graphic objects in a visual tile rendered varies as a function of distance between the tile and a viewpoint in a simulation. Fewer objects are rendered when the tile is far from the viewpoint, and vise versa. A level of detail (LOD) value is pseudo-randomly selected and associated with each object, indicating the maximum distance at which the object will be visible. A current LOD value is determined for the tile. An object is rendered if its LOD value is equal or greater than the current LOD value of the tile. Objects are faded into and out of view by modulating an opacity value as the current LOD value changes. Texture values of an object are adjusted as a function of ambient and direct components of light on the object, to achieve lighting corresponding to time of day, current season, and/or region in the simulated world.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for efficiently rendering graphic objects within a visual tile that is included in a plurality of visual tiles of an electronic simulation, so that a number of the graphic objects that are visible in the visual tile from a viewpoint varies with a distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile, comprising the steps of:
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(a) for each graphic object in the visual tile, pseudo-randomly selecting a level of detail (LOD) value for inclusion in data defining the graphic object, said LOD value being thus associated with the graphic object and indicating a maximum relative distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile at which the graphic object will be visible in the electronic simulation; (b) determining a current LOD value for the visual tile as a function of the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint in the electronic simulation; (c) comparing the current LOD value for the visual tile with the LOD values that were pseudo-randomly selected for each of the graphic objects in the visual tile to determine the graphic object that are visible for the current LOD value; and (d) rendering and displaying each graphic object that is visible for the current LOD value of the visual tile, so that the number of the graphic objects visible in the visual tile increases as the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint decreases. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for efficiently rendering graphic objects within a visual tile that is included in a plurality of visual tiles of an electronic simulation, so that a number of the graphic objects that are visible in the visual tile from a viewpoint varies with a distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile, comprising:
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(a) a processor; (b) a display in communication with the processor; and (c) a memory in communication with the processor and storing machine instructions that cause the processor to; (i) for each graphic object in the visual tile, pseudo-randomly select a level of detail (LOD) value for inclusion in data defining the graphic object, said LOD value being thus associated with the graphic object and indicating a maximum relative distance between the viewpoint and the visual tile at which the graphic object will be visible in the electronic simulation; (ii) determine a current LOD value for the visual tile as a function of the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint in the electronic simulation; (iii) compare the current LOD value for the visual tile with the LOD values that were pseudo-randomly selected for each of the graphic objects in the visual tile to determine the graphic object that are visible for the current LOD value; and (iv) render each graphic object that is visible for the current LOD value of the visual tile, so that the number of the graphic objects visible in the visual tile increases as the distance between the visual tile and the viewpoint decreases. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification