Patent ID: 6091422
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
An authoring system for editing three-dimensional scenes, comprising:a computer with a memory and a display;said computer being programmed to execute a first synchronous thread effective to receive update data defining modifications to a three-dimensional scene, receive update data defining modifications to said three-dimensional scene, maintain said three-dimensional scene and maintain on said display an abstract rendering of said three-dimensional scene responsively to said update data;said computer being further programmed to execute a second synchronous thread, in parallel with and asynchronous with respect to, said first synchronous thread, said second synchronous thread being effective to maintain in said computer, a realistic rendering of said three-dimensional scene;said computer being further programmed to display continuously and automatically said realistic rendering maintained in said computer; andsaid computer being programmed to maintain an angular point of view of said realistic rendering that remains substantially identical to an angular point of view of said abstract rendering.