System and method for combining independent scene layers to form computer generated environments
A system and method is provided for combining independent scene layers to form computer generated environments. The method includes the operation of constructing a terrain layer using stored terrain data. Another operation is generating a feature layer using feature layer data that is stored separately from the stored terrain data. The feature layer and the terrain layer can then be combined to form a composite scene.
1. A method for combining independent scene layers to form computer generated environments, comprising the steps of:
constructing a terrain layer using stored terrain data;
generating a feature layer using feature layer data that is configured to be modified independently and stored separately from the stored terrain data;
applying different run-time response rules to the terrain layer and the feature layer;
combining the feature layer and the terrain layer to form a composite environment; and
rendering the composite environment for viewing.
2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the step of generating a feature layer further comprises the step of generating a plurality of feature layers that are configured to be combined together with other feature and terrain layers.
3. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of determining the locations of features in the feature layer in reference to the terrain layer.
4. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the step of rendering the composite environment for viewing further comprises the step of resolving conflicts between layers.
5. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the step of defining different run-time response rules for the terrain layer and the feature layer.
6. A method as in claim 5 , wherein the step of defining different run-time response rules for the terrain layer and the feature layer further comprises providing a level-of-detail control for the terrain layer and a separate level-of-detail control for the feature layer.
7. A method as in claim 5 , wherein the step of defining different run-time response rules for the terrain layer and the feature layer further comprises specifying a field-of-view control for the terrain layer and a separate field-of-view control for the feature layer.
8. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
modifying the feature layer; and
recompiling the feature layer independently from the terrain layer.
9. A method for combining independent scene layers to form computer generated environments, comprising the steps of:
a. constructing a terrain layer using stored terrain data;
b. generating a feature layer using feature layer data that is stored separately from the stored terrain data;
c. combining the feature layer and the terrain layer to form a composite environment; and
d. defining a run-time response rule for the terrain layer and a different run-time response rule for the feature layer.
10. A method as in claim 9 , wherein the step of defining different run-time response rules for the terrain layer and the feature layer further comprises providing a level-of-detail control for the terrain layer and a separate level-of-detail control for the feature layer.
11. A method as in claim 9 , wherein the step of defining different run-time response rules for the terrain layer and the feature layer further comprises specifying a field-of-view control for the terrain layer and a separate field-of-view control for the feature layer.
12. A method for combining independent scene layers to form computer generated environments, comprising the steps of:
constructing a terrain layer using stored terrain data;
generating a feature layer using feature layer data that is configured to be modified independently and stored separately from the stored terrain data;
combining the feature layer and the terrain layer to form a composite environment; and
defining a run-time response rule for the terrain layer and a different run-time response rule for the feature layer.
13. A method as in claim 12 , further comprising the step of rendering the composite environment for viewing.
14. A method as in claim 13 , wherein the step of rendering the composite environment for viewing further comprises the step of applying different run-time response rules to the terrain layer and the feature layer.
15. A method as in claim 13 , wherein the step of rendering the composite environment for viewing further comprises the step of resolving conflicts between layers.