Virtual Environment Rendering

Number: 20180158231
Published: 2018-06-07
Filed: 2016-12-01
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Hellam; Taylor S.; Porter; Kimberly K.; Poswal; Mohammad S.; Murdock; Malcolm E.; Modi; Aradhana
CPC: G06T15/04
Verdict: Low Notable software
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Virtual environment rendering.

Abstract

A system for rendering a virtual environment includes a hardware processor, a memory, and a simulation generator software code stored in the memory. The hardware processor is configured to execute the simulation generator software code to receive a three-dimensional-representation (3D-representation) of a physical object, and to receive a two-dimensional-image (2D-image) of the physical object. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the simulation generator software code to compose a simulation of the virtual environment using the 3D-representation and the 2D-image, in which the 3D-representation of the physical object is situated between the 2D-image of the physical object and a predetermined viewpoint of the virtual environment. The hardware processor further executes the simulation generator software code to render the virtual environment such that the 2D-image of the physical object, but not the 3D-representation of the physical object, is visibly rendered.

Background

BACKGROUND

Video games, simulators, and virtual reality attractions are examples of ways in which virtual environments are used to provide deeply immersive and stimulating sensory experiences to users. One constraint imposed by conventional approaches to rendering virtual environments is the time required to include realistic three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects, such as buildings or vehicles for example, in the virtual environment. Conventional techniques for producing virtual environments that include 3D virtual objects typically require the use of photogrammetry, and the careful modeling and texturing of the 3D objects, which is a time consuming process. Moreover, despite the time invested in modeling and texturing, when 3D objects are conventionally rendered in a virtual environment, for example by a game or simulation engine, such 3D objects undesirably tend to lack realism.SUMMARY

There are provided systems and methods for rendering virtual environments, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.

Claims

1. A system for rendering a virtual environment, the system comprising: a hardware processor and a memory; a simulation generator software code stored in the memory; wherein the hardware processor is configured to execute the simulation generator software code to: receive a three-dimensional-representation (3D-representation) of a physical object; receive a two-dimensional-image (2D-image) of the physical object; compose a simulation of the virtual environment using the 3D-representation and the 2D-image, wherein the 3D-representation of the physical object is situated between the 2D-image of the physical object and a predetermined viewpoint of the virtual environment; and render the virtual environment such that the 2D-image of the physical object, but not the 3D-representation of the physical object, is visibly rendered. 9. A method for use by a system for rendering a virtual environment, the system comprising a hardware processor and a memory having a simulation generator software code stored therein, the method comprising: receiving, using the hardware processor, a three-dimensional-representation (3D-representation) of a physical object; receiving, using the hardware processor, a two-dimensional-image (2D-image) of the physical object; composing, using the hardware processor, a simulation of the virtual environment using the 3D-representation and the 2D-image, wherein the 3D-representation of the physical object is situated between the 2D-image of the physical object and a predetermined viewpoint of the virtual environment; and rendering, using the hardware processor, the virtual environment such that the 2D-image of the physical object, but not the 3D-representation of the physical object, is visibly rendered. 15. A computer-readable non-transitory medium having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by a hardware processor, instantiate a method comprising: receiving a three-dimensional-representation (3D-representation) of a physical object; receiving a two-dimensional-image (2D-image) of the physical object; composing a simulation of the virtual environment using the 3D-representation and the 2D-image, wherein the 3D-representation of the physical object is situated between the 2D-image of the physical object and a predetermined viewpoint of the virtual environment; and rendering the virtual environment such that the 2D-image of the physical object, but not the 3D-representation of the physical object, is visibly rendered.