Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for generating a two dimensional display of a three dimensional object. Data is received representing the three dimensional object. Back-face culling is performed using a data structure, wherein the data structure includes a set of predetermined visibility data derived from the results of dot products of normal vectors with eye vectors. The two dimensional display of the three dimensional object is generated using results of the back-face culling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing distributed and consistent definition, development and deployment of rule based products throughout a distributed network environment. The development and deployment of a rule based product is accomplished through creating a manuscript to define a business product and incorporating into the manuscript, deployment and execution instructions. The manuscript provides a consistent product concept to one or more individuals or departments. The present invention further provides a central repository for the manuscript so that one or more individuals on a distributed network can collaboratively develop manuscript simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal interface supports bi-directional communication in a signal communication system. The signal interface is preferably utilized within a cable television/communication system set top box. The signal interface includes a diplexer positioned between an input/output of the set top box and a signal splitter. By positioning the diplexer before the signal splitter, there is no attenuation of a return data channel (RDC) signal. Thus, a lower gain RDC amplifier may be used. Additionally, the signal splitter is operable over a smaller frequency range since the signal splitter need only operate over the frequency bandwidth of the video signal and not the combined frequency bandwidth of the video signal and the RDC.

Abstract: A method of generating graphic images on a display device of a computer system, by dividing the viewable area of the display device into a plurality of tiles, assigning each of the tiles to respective rendering processes, rendering a frame on the display device using the rendering processes, and adjusting the sizes of the tiles in response to the rendering step. The method then uses the adjusted tile sizes to render the next frame. The tile areas are preferably constrained from becoming too small. The adjusted tile sizes may optionally be smoothed, such as by averaging in weighted sizes from previous frames. The tile sizes are adjusted by measuring the rendering times required for each rendering process to complete a respective portion of the frame, and then resizing the tiles based on the measured rendering times.