Patent attributes
Image data of an event is provided by updating a textured 3d model of the event. For example, in a sporting event, a model of a stadium can be periodically updated to reflect changes over time in lighting, advertisements, number of spectators in the stands and so forth. Different virtual viewpoints of the event can be depicted in an animation using the textured 3d model and image data from objects at the event such as participants in the sporting event. The same image from which object data is obtained can also be used to update the textured 3d model so that the model is current in the animation, resulting in greater realism. The updating can be based on an operator command or automatic detection of a specified event, such as change in lighting or passage of time. The animation can be provided in a broadcast television signal.
