Game Metadata Animation for 3D User-Generated Video Objects

The patent transforms 2D video content into a 3D volumetric representation by converting video frames into depth maps and constructing 3D point clouds. This dimensional transformation allows user-generated content to be positioned and animated in three-dimensional space, creating realistic occlusion relationships and spatial integration that 2D overlay methods cannot achieve. The 3D Gaussian representation enables content to appear as if it truly exists within the video scene rather than being superimposed.

The patent introduces 3D volumetric representations and depth maps as intermediary structures between the original video and user-generated content. These intermediaries serve as a bridge that enables realistic integration by providing spatial context and occlusion information. The volumetric representation acts as a mediator that translates 2D video data into a format that can naturally accommodate and render 3D user content with proper depth relationships.

The patent performs preliminary conversion of video content into 3D volumetric representations and extracts game metadata (such as object positions, movements, and transformations) in advance. By preparing the 3D scene structure and metadata beforehand, the system enables real-time or near-real-time animation of user-generated content according to game events without requiring extensive processing during playback. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time during actual video presentation.

The system enables user-generated content to automatically adapt and animate itself based on game metadata without requiring manual intervention. The volumetric representations and associated metadata drive the animation of user content autonomously, allowing objects, messages, or drawings to follow game events, player movements, or scene changes automatically. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex real-time processing and manual synchronization.

The patent creates simplified 3D volumetric copies of the video scene using depth maps and point clouds rather than requiring full photorealistic 3D reconstruction. By representing the scene as a cloud of points with associated properties (position, color, depth) rather than complex mesh models or ray-traced environments, the system achieves realistic integration effects with significantly reduced computational requirements. This copying approach maintains visual fidelity while lowering processing power needs.

The patent transforms video data by changing its representation parameters from 2D pixel arrays to 3D volumetric parameters including depth, position, and Gaussian distribution properties. By representing scene geometry and appearance through parametric models (3D Gaussians with position, covariance, and color parameters) rather than raw pixel data, the system enables efficient manipulation, animation, and rendering of volumetric content with lower computational overhead compared to full 3D reconstruction methods.