Abstract: A method for rendering stereoscopic images with non-linear depth variation. The method includes storing content in memory that is ready for rendering, e.g., computer animated images including animated objects or models. A processor is operated to position stereo or horizontally offset cameras and to render the images based on a non-linear relationship between disparity assigned to one or more of the animated objects and a distance between the cameras and the objects. The non-linear relationship is defined by a function or algorithm callable by the processor such as a function that defines a curved depth variation for the computer animated scene. In other cases, the non-linear relationship is defined by stored table, and the rendering includes using the distance between the cameras and an object to retrieve the disparity value to assign to that object. More than one non-linear relationship may be used to render objects with differing depth variations.

Abstract: A method for rendering stereoscopic images with non-linear depth variation The method includes storing content in memory that is ready for rendering, e.g., computer animated images including animated objects or models. A processor is operated to position stereo or horizontally offset cameras and to render the images based on a non-linear relationship between disparity assigned to one or more of the animated objects and a distance between the cameras and the objects. The non-linear relationship is defined by a function or algorithm callable by the processor such as a function that defines a curved depth variation for the computer animated scene. In other cases, the non-linear relationship is defined by stored table, and the rendering includes using the distance between the cameras and an object to retrieve the disparity value to assign to that object. More than one non-linear relationship may be used to render objects with differing depth variations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and evaluating the performance and condition of histology laboratory microtomes and microtome accessories including knives, motor drives, and illumination devices. Irregularities in an image of the surface of a block mounted on the microtome are detected and characterized, the block having been subjected to mechanical sectioning by the microtome to produce a cut block face. The image of light reflected from the surface of the block, either specular or non-specular, is recorded and subjected to graphical analysis to extract, quantify, and interpret patterned features, including those indicating anomalies in the function of the microtome, its accessories, or the tissue block itself.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a sending studio where a motion picture soundtrack is produced and a receiving studio where the motion picture is viewed while the soundtrack is transmitted from the senior studio. The system includes communications terminals at both the sending and receiving studios which can translate analog audio-image synchronization and other control or communications signals into an encoded digital signal suitable for long distance transmission and reconstruction without signal loss or serious distortion. The encoded digital is transmitted from one signal studio to another for control and synchronization of the audio and video equipment used to produce the motion picture soundtrack.