Generation of variations in computer graphics from intermediate formats of limited variability, including generation of different game appearances
A method and system is provided of enhancing the variability of high-quality computer graphics from limited sources utilizing minimal processing and bandwidth in real time. An underlying backdrop 3D model is generated. Next, Partially Rendered Pixels (PRP) of animated 3D characters are generated having lighting and texture information compatible with the underlying backdrop 3D model. The texture and other ancillary data are removed or omitted from the PRP animated 3D characters leaving only a detailed skeletal model. The extracted texture and other ancillary data are placed in a separate PRP lookup table. A fully rendered video segment is created from the PRP and a selected set of texture and other ancillary data.
1. A method of playing a game having a game appearance, the game being played by a plurality of players at one or more remote locations, the game being represented by a fully rendered video segment created from a variation of a partially rendered video segment, the partially rendered video segment not including texture data, the partially rendered video segment including one or more elements associated with the game, each of the one or more elements having one or more variable features defined by the texture data which allow for different game appearances, wherein the texture data further includes metadata regarding one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance, the method comprising:
(a) generating the partially rendered video segment offline prior to game play;
(b) storing in a memory of a server prior to game play:
(i) the partially rendered video segment,
(ii) a plurality of different sets of texture data, wherein the one or more variable features defined by the texture data determine the game appearance, and
(iii) a plurality of different sets of metadata regarding the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance;
(c) selecting by the server one of the different sets of texture data and one of the different sets of metadata for the currently executing game;
(d) during game play, generating in the server the fully rendered video segment for the currently executing game from the partially rendered video segment, the selected set of texture data, and the selected set of metadata, the fully rendered video segment showing the game appearance and incorporating the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance; and
(e) during game play, electronically transmitting from the server the fully rendered video segment to displays at the one or more remote locations for viewing by the plurality of players.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the game is a game of chance and the game appearance includes the game outcome, each set of texture data including one or more variable features that determine the game outcome.
3. A method of playing a game having a game appearance, the game being played by a plurality of players at one or more remote locations, the game being represented by a fully rendered video segment created from a variation of a partially rendered video segment, the partially rendered video segment not including texture data, the partially rendered video segment including one or more elements associated with the game, each of the one or more elements having one or more variable features defined by the texture data which allow for different game appearances, wherein the texture data further includes metadata regarding one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance, the method comprising for each of the plurality of game players:
(a) generating the partially rendered video segment offline prior to game play;
(b) storing the partially rendered video segment in a memory of a local computer device that is associated with a game player prior to game play;
(c) storing in a memory of a server prior to game play:
(i) a plurality of different sets of texture data, wherein the one or more variable features defined by the texture data determine the game appearance, and
(ii) a plurality of different sets of metadata regarding the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance;
(d) selecting by the server one of the different sets of texture data and one of the different sets of metadata for the currently executing game, and electronically communicating the selected set of texture data and one of the different sets of metadata to the local computer device;
(e) during game play, generating in the local computer device the fully rendered video segment for the currently executing game from the partially rendered video segment stored therein, and the selected set of texture data and the selected set of metadata received from the server, the fully rendered video segment showing the game appearance and incorporating the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance; and
(f) electronically displaying the fully rendered video segment on a display of the local computer device for viewing by the game player.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the game is a game of chance and the game appearance includes the game outcome, each set of texture data including one or more variable features that determine the game outcome.
5. A method of playing a game having a game appearance, the game being played by a plurality of players at one or more remote locations, the game being represented by a fully rendered video segment created from a variation of a partially rendered video segment, the partially rendered video segment not including texture data, the partially rendered video segment including one or more elements associated with the game, each of the one or more elements having one or more variable features defined by the texture data which allow for different game appearances, wherein the texture data further includes metadata regarding one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance, the method comprising for each of the plurality of game players:
(a) generating the partially rendered video segment offline prior to game play;
(b) storing in a local computer device that is associated with a game player prior to game play:
(i) the partially rendered video segment,
(ii) a plurality of different sets of texture data, wherein the one or more variable features defined by the texture data determine the game appearance,
(iii) a plurality of different sets of metadata regarding the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance;
(c) selecting by a server remotely located from the local computer device one of the different sets of texture data and one of the different sets of metadata for the currently executing game, and electronically communicating an identification of the selected set of texture data and one of the different sets of metadata to the local computer device;
(d) during game play, generating in the local computer device the fully rendered video segment for the currently executing game from the partially rendered video segment stored therein, and the selected set of texture data and the selected set of metadata identified by the server, the fully rendered video segment showing the game appearance and incorporating the one or more game features that do not affect the game appearance; and
(e) electronically displaying the fully rendered video segment on a display of the local computer device for viewing by the game player.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the game is a game of chance and the game appearance includes the game outcome, each set of texture data including one or more variable features that determine the game outcome.