Automatic generation of parameterized 3D circuits

Abstract

Every racing circuit is unique, in terms of shape, size and features. However, all these circuits share a common factor; they are made up of straight and curved lines that are generally connected together from start to finish. This holds for both real-life circuits, like Formula 1 racing circuits, and also for fantasy circuits found in video games. At an abstract level, the overall shape of the circuit is dictated by a number of points connected together in 3D space where these points deter mine the turns (bends) in the circuit. In the case of realistic circuits, the constraints on the position of the points are related to the physical laws of nature; for example subsequent points cannot be divided by a vertical drop in 3D space as this would render the circuit impracticable. On the other hand, in fantasy circuits there are no constraints whatsoever. The main aim of this dissertation involves the creation of a procedural system, capable in itself, of generating parametrized 3D circuits automatically. The process consists mainly of three parts. The first part is a script that saves a set of points randomly positioned in 3D space and a set of parametric curve equations. The second part of the process is a 3D modeling software (XSI™) that runs the script to transform its data into corresponding three dimensional data effectively forming the circuit. Finally, the model is imported into C# and rendered on screen.