Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for optimally viewing a three dimensional object in a three dimensional graphical space. Each object in the three dimensional space has associated an optimal vantage point. In one embodiment, the optimal vantage point allows a position and orientation for the object or for the vantage point to be calculated, where when the object or vantage point is moved to the position and orientation where the object may be optimally viewed.

Abstract: An interactive display system includes an electronic camera which intermittently records a participant's image and digitally inputs the video image into a computer, creating a digitized “virtual user image”. The camera is positioned behind a large viewing screen which faces the user and records the user's image through an opening provided within the screen. The computer further receives a text string having a fall rate value. For each digital image received by the camera, a software program determines the destination of each line of text according to its fall rate, and then uses pixel color comparison techniques to determine if a “virtual obstacle” is located at the particular destination. If not, the text is displayed at the destination so that the text appears to “fall” on the screen. If a virtual obstacle is present, a new higher destination is determined until the virtual obstacle is no longer detected.

Abstract: A rendering cost estimation method is provided for generating a rendering cost estimate that that is sufficiently close to an actual rendering cost that would be incurred if computer-generated images were actually rendered from a computer-graphics model. A plurality of cost factors that affect the actual rendering cost are identified. Representative information, including rendering cost estimation parameters that adequately characterize the cost factors, is derived from the computer-graphics model. The estimation parameters are combined with rendering cost estimation relationships that express the affect of the cost factors on the rendering cost. A rendering cost estimate is generated based on the estimation parameters derived from the computer-graphics model and the estimation relationships.

Abstract: Triangle strip merging for length maximization of triangle strips representing a triangle mesh. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, for each strip, first including determining whether a defining face of the strip has a neighboring face that is a defining face of another strip. A defining face of a particular strip is either a front face, an end face, or an orphan face of the particular strip. Upon determining that a defining face of the strip has a neighboring face that is a defining face of another strip, then the two strips are joined to create a new, larger strip if they are joinable.

Abstract: A computer graphics display method and system for controlling data visualization in at least one external dimension is provided which allows better querying and navigation of data in external dimension space. A data visualization is displayed in a first display window. A summary window provides summary information on data for the data visualization across one or more external dimensions. First and second controllers are displayed for controlling the variation of the data visualization in respective first and second external dimensions. A user queries the data visualization in the first and second external dimensions by selecting a point in the summary window. A user navigates through the data visualization in the first and second external dimensions by defining a path in the summary window. Grid points are also displayed in the summary window to facilitate data queries and navigation based on actual data points.

Abstract: A 3-D effect is added to a single image by adding depth to the single image. Depth can be added to the single image by selecting an arbitrary region or a number of pixels. A user interface simultaneously displays the single image and novel views of the single original image taken from virtual camera positions rotated relative to the original field of view. Depths given to the original image allow pixels to be reprojected onto the novel views to allow the user to observe the depth changes as they are being added. Functions are provided to edit gaps or voids generated in the process of adding depth to the single image. The gaps occur because of depth discontinuities between regions to which depth has been added and the voids are due to the uncovering of previously occluded surfaces in the original image.

Abstract: An authoring tool is enabled to create special effects on an image using a color scale. A pattern file is used to map the image to the desired effect. By assigning meaning to one or more of the colors in the color scale, an image will be produced in accordance with the pattern file and the selected colors.

Abstract: A system for applying motion capture data to a character motion hierarchy provides a more accurate motion representation. The position of certain nodes in a motion hierarchy are modified to allow application of motion data to a character having a different physiology than that of the motion capture subject. The present invention provides the ability to modify the angular information of individual motion hierarchy nodes and segments based on translational information associated with the source hierarchy. This provides a continuity of motion in the resulting motion representation that is not available with conventional motion processing methods.