Methods for 3D world simulator environment

Abstract

A method of modeling of the visible world using full-surround image data includes steps for selecting a view point within a p-surface, selecting a direction of view within the p-surface, texture mapping full-surround image data onto the p-surface such that the resultant texture map is substantially equivalent to projecting full-surround image data onto the p-surface from the view point to thereby generate a texture mapped p-surface, and displaying a predetermined portion of the texture mapped p-surface. An apparatus for implementing the method is also described.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for simulating a 3D world simulator environment, comprising the steps of:
 creating a full-surround world view environment that includes portions generated at least in part from a full-surround camera image;   functioning within the full-surround world view environment;   generating simulator imagery at least in part from the full-surround camera image as a viewer space reflecting said functioning; and   augmenting the viewer space with computer generated images generated dynamically and mapped onto the viewer space.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the simulator imagery includes a combination of real world imagery and computer generated images. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: augmenting simulator imagery with statically mapped computer generated imagery. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: augmenting simulator imagery with dynamically mapped computer generated imagery. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: combining multiple feeds from multiple sources to map into the viewer space dynamically. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: combining multiple feeds from multiple sources to map into the viewer space statically.