Cinematic techniques in avatar-centric communication during a multi-user online simulation
First Claim
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1. A method of displaying a user-specified conversation involving a plurality avatars in a simulation environment during a simulation in which each of a plurality of users participate, each of the users using a separate one of a plurality of processing systems on a network to control a separate one of the avatars, the method comprising:
- storing data defining a prop to facilitate the user-specified conversation between the avatars, the prop includinga plurality of associated slots, in proximity to each other, at which an avatar can be placed to facilitate the conversation, anda plurality of viewpoints in proximity to the plurality of associated slots and defined relative to the prop, each of the viewpoints to provide a view during the simulation, at least one of the viewpoints to provide a view directed to one of the slots; and
placing the prop in the simulation environment during the simulation;
placing each of the plurality of avatars in a separate one of the slots in the prop during the simulation;
generating a view of a first avatar controlled by a first user from a first viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints during the simulation; and
automatically changing the view from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, in response to a user-initiated action of a second avatar controlled by a second user, where the second viewpoint differs from the first viewpoint in field of view or distance to subject or both, such as to give the second viewpoint a different zoom from the first viewpoint, to emphasize an element of non-verbal avatar communication.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for avatar-centric communication, expression and display during a multi-user online simulation are described. Various techniques are introduced to increase the richness and realism of avatar interactions, including the use of “Chat Balloons”, “Chat Props”, cinematic techniques, avatar non-verbal communication, and gaze control.
757 Citations
2 Claims
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1. A method of displaying a user-specified conversation involving a plurality avatars in a simulation environment during a simulation in which each of a plurality of users participate, each of the users using a separate one of a plurality of processing systems on a network to control a separate one of the avatars, the method comprising:
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storing data defining a prop to facilitate the user-specified conversation between the avatars, the prop including a plurality of associated slots, in proximity to each other, at which an avatar can be placed to facilitate the conversation, and a plurality of viewpoints in proximity to the plurality of associated slots and defined relative to the prop, each of the viewpoints to provide a view during the simulation, at least one of the viewpoints to provide a view directed to one of the slots; and placing the prop in the simulation environment during the simulation; placing each of the plurality of avatars in a separate one of the slots in the prop during the simulation; generating a view of a first avatar controlled by a first user from a first viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints during the simulation; and automatically changing the view from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, in response to a user-initiated action of a second avatar controlled by a second user, where the second viewpoint differs from the first viewpoint in field of view or distance to subject or both, such as to give the second viewpoint a different zoom from the first viewpoint, to emphasize an element of non-verbal avatar communication.
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2. A method comprising:
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generating a view of a first avatar from one of a plurality of selectable viewpoints, during a simulation in which a plurality of users participate, each of the users using a separate one of a plurality of processing systems on a network to control a separate one of a plurality of avatars, wherein the first avatar is controlled by a first user, and wherein said generating includes causing the first avatar to be displayed to a second user in a first pose, the second user controlling a second avatar in the simulation; detecting user input that specifies a change in viewpoint, from the first user; and automatically changing a pose of the first avatar, as displayed to the second user, in response to the user input from the first user that specifies the change in viewpoint; including causing the first avatar to be displayed to the second user in a second pose in response to the user input, wherein the second pose differs from the first pose in a characteristic including a hand or body movement or gesture of the first avatar excluding the first avatar'"'"'s head or eye position.
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Specification