3d Manipulations Patents (Class 345/653)
  • Patent number: 8206218
    Abstract: A 3D videogame system capable of displaying a left-right sequences through a different, independent VGA or video channel, with a display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner. The system has a videogame engine controlling and validating the image perspectives, assigning textures, lighting, positions, movements and aspects associated with each object participating in the game; creates left and right backbuffers, creates images and presents the information in the frontbuffers. The system allows handling the information of data associated to the xyz coordinates of the object's image in real-time, increases the RAM for the left-right backbuffer, with the possibility to discriminate and take the corresponding backbuffer, whose information is sent to the frontbuffer or additional independent display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: TDVision Corporation S.A. De C.V.
    Inventor: Manuel Rafael Gutierrez Novelo
  • Publication number: 20120139897
    Abstract: A tabletop display providing multiple views to users is described. In an embodiment the display comprises a rotatable view-angle restrictive filter and a display system. The display system displays a sequence of images synchronized with the rotation of the filter to provide multiple views according to viewing angle. These multiple views provide a user with a 3D display or with personalized content which is not visible to a user at a sufficiently different viewing angle. In some embodiments, the display comprises a diffuser layer on which the sequence of images are displayed. In further embodiments, the diffuser is switchable between a diffuse state when images are displayed and a transparent state when imaging beyond the surface can be performed. The device may form part of a tabletop comprising with a touch-sensitive surface. Detected touch events and images captured through the surface may be used to modify the images being displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Alexander Butler, Stephen Edward Hodges, Shahram Izadi, Nicolas Villar, Stuart Taylor, David Molyneaux, Otmar Hilliges
  • Patent number: 8184144
    Abstract: The present invention calibrates interior orientation parameters (IOP) and exterior orientation parameters (EOP). With the calibrated IOPs and EOPs, a remotely controlled camera can quickly obtains corresponding IOPs and EOPs no matter on panning, tilting or zooming. Thus, the remotely controlled camera obtains accuracies on imaging and measuring and obtains wide applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Chi-Farn Chen, Li-Yu Chang, Su-Rung Yang
  • Publication number: 20120056900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing includes outputting at least one object to a display embodying a three-dimensional space and determining a radius of rotation of the at least one object, based on a distance between the at least one object and a rotation axis in the three-dimensional space. The method and apparatus further include controlling the at least one object to rotate around the rotation axis based on the radius of rotation when a rotation command for the at least one object is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-eon Park, Seok-jae Jeong, Sun-gi Hong, Du-il Kim
  • Patent number: 8107735
    Abstract: A face model providing portion provides an stored average face model to an estimation portion estimating an affine parameter for obtaining a head pose. An individual face model learning portion obtains a result of tracking feature points by the estimation portion and learns an individual face model. The individual face model learning portion terminates the learning when a free energy of the individual face model is over a free energy of the average face model, and switches a face model provided to the estimation portion from the average face model to the individual face model. While learning the individual face mode, an observation matrix is factorized using a reliability matrix showing reliability of each observation value forming the observation matrix with emphasis on the feature point having higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, National University Corporation Nara Institute of Science & Technologies
    Inventors: Mikio Shimizu, Naoki Fukaya, Takashi Bando, Tomohiro Shibata, Shin Ishii
  • Patent number: 8102403
    Abstract: A method for determining interior coordinates is disclosed. The method includes receiving information specifying an object having a plurality of sites and a boundary. Interior coordinates associated with each of the plurality of sites are determined based on the boundary. The interior coordinate associated with each of the plurality of sites represent a system of coordinates that satisfy several properties, including non-negativity and interior locality. At least one value associated with the plurality of sites is then interpolated using the interior coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Tony DeRose, Mark Meyer
  • Patent number: 8086662
    Abstract: A system allowing a user of a browser program on a computer connected to an open distributed hypermedia system to access and execute an embedded program object. The program object is embedded into a hypermedia document much like data objects. The user may select the program object from the screen. Once selected the program object executes on the user's (client) computer or may execute on a remote server or additional remote computers in a distributed processing arrangement. After launching the program object, the user is able to interact with the object as the invention provides for ongoing interprocess communication between the application object (program) and the browser program. One application of the embedded program object allows a user to view large and complex multi-dimensional objects from within the browser's window. The user can manipulate a control panel to change the viewpoint used to view the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael D. Doyle, David C. Martin, Cheong S. Ang
  • Patent number: 8082293
    Abstract: A system allowing a user of a browser program on a computer connected to an open distributed hypermedia system to access and execute an embedded program object. The program object is embedded into a hypermedia document much like data objects. The user may select the program object from the screen. Once selected the program object executes on the user's (client) computer or may execute on a remote server or additional remote computers in a distributed processing arrangement. After launching the program object, the user is able to interact with the object as the invention provides for ongoing interprocess communication between the application object (program) and the browser program. One application of the embedded program object allows a user to view large and complex multi-dimensional objects from within the browser's window. The user can manipulate a control panel to change the viewpoint used to view the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael D. Doyle, David C. Martin, Cheong S. Ang
  • Patent number: 8072456
    Abstract: A system and method for rendering with an object proxy. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a set of view textures corresponding to a set of viewing directions; selecting a viewing direction for rendering; selecting at least two view textures from the formed set based on the selected viewing direction; and rendering the object proxy at the selected viewing direction. The rendering step includes applying texture from the selected view textures onto the selected object proxy. The view texture set forming step includes: calculating texture coordinates for the object proxy based on the level of obstruction at different portions of the object proxy and texture packing data; and drawing portions of the object based on the level of obstruction data for the object proxy and based on the texture packing data to obtain a view texture at the selected viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graphics Properties Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Radomir Mech
  • Patent number: 8066384
    Abstract: An image projection kit and a imagery content distribution system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Ricardo Rivera
  • Patent number: 8046097
    Abstract: Methods for generating supports (30) for parts (50) produced by solid freeform fabrication (“SFF”) are disclosed. The method includes defining a plurality of layers (L) that make up the part, and for each layer, determining those regions (R) that require support. The method also includes merging the regions for the different layers (L) into one or more common regions that require support, and providing at least one support for each of the one or more common regions. The result is that fewer supports are used as compared to conventional SFF fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Rajeev Kulkarni, Medhi Mojdeh, Hongqing V. Wang, John Corbin West
  • Patent number: 8046714
    Abstract: A menu displaying method for displaying a menu containing a plurality of menu items on a display screen comprises a menu item arrangement step of arranging the menu items in a prescribed three-dimensional virtual body to squarely face the display screen so that each menu item will have at least a viewable part that is not screened by other menu items in front of the menu item and a menu item moving step of moving the menu items arranged in the menu item arrangement step according to a prescribed user operation while keeping the menu items squarely facing the display screen. By the menu displaying method, a large number of menu items can be displayed on a screen while minimizing deterioration of viewability of the menu items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Yahiro, Manae Suwa
  • Patent number: 8019490
    Abstract: An imaging and display system provides helicopter pilots with an unobstructed display of a landing area in a brownout or whiteout condition by capturing a high resolution image of the landing area prior to obscuration. Using inertial navigation information from the aircraft or an independent system, the system transforms the image to a desired viewpoint and overlays a representation of the helicopter's current position relative to the landing area. The system thus greatly improves orientation and situational awareness, permitting safe and effective operation under zero visibility brownout conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Michael Harvey Peterson
  • Patent number: 8018455
    Abstract: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Patent number: 7999811
    Abstract: An image processing device that models, based on a plurality of frame images being results of time-sequential imaging of an object in motion, a motion of the object using a three-dimensional (3D) body configured by a plurality of parts is disclosed. The device includes: acquisition means for acquiring the frame images being the imaging results; estimation means for computing a first matrix of coordinates of a joint of the 3D body and a second matrix of coordinates of each of the parts of the 3D body, and generating a first motion vector; computing means for computing a second motion vector; and determination means for determining the 3D body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuyu Liu, Weiguo Wu, Takayuki Yoshigahara
  • Patent number: 7986825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a model forming apparatus that can simply and efficiently form a three-dimensional model of an object using previously obtained three-dimensional model data of the object as a starting point. The apparatus comprises a photographing section 110 for photographing an object 10, an image data storage section 130 for storing three-dimensional model data of the object, a display section 140 for displaying a three-dimensional model based on the three-dimensional model data of the object 10, a recognition section 150 for recognizing an unmodeled part of the object 10 based on the three-dimensional model data stored in the image data storage section 130, and a photographing instruction information section 160 for obtaining photographing instruction information related to photographing the unmodeled part. The photographing section 110 photographs the object 10 in accordance with the photographing instruction information obtained by the photographing instruction information section 160.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Topcon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hiroyuki Aoki, Hitoshi Otani, Mitsuharu Yamada, Tadayuki Ito
  • Patent number: 7938725
    Abstract: Operation data is obtained from an input device and is stored into a memory, and initial state data indicating an attitude or a position of an object in a virtual game world is calculated with predetermined start timing using acceleration data included in the obtained operation data. Depending on acceleration data included in operation data sequentially obtained on and after the start timing, change amount data for sequentially changing the attitude or position of the object over time is calculated. Thereafter, the attitude or position of the object disposed in the virtual game world, depending on the initial state data, is changed, depending on the change amount data, to perform a game process of controlling a motion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 7927215
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and on the LCD, a touch panel is set. When a player object encounters an enemy object, a battle screen is displayed on the LCD. A player performs a sliding operation on the touch panel with a stick or the like in such a manner as to surround the enemy object and tries to obtain the enemy object. At this time, when the enemy object (affecting object) already obtained is selected, an ability (effect) equipped with the affecting object can be produced. For example, a flame according to a surrounding line is generated. When the flame hits the enemy object, the enemy object is damaged to decrease its moving speed and stop moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ninetendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Sekimori
  • Patent number: 7903121
    Abstract: A system and method for rendering with an object proxy. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a set of view textures corresponding to a set of viewing directions; selecting a viewing direction for rendering; selecting at least two view textures from the formed set based on the selected viewing direction; and rendering the object proxy at the selected viewing direction. The rendering step includes applying texture from the selected view textures onto the selected object proxy. The view texture set forming step includes: calculating texture coordinates for the object proxy based on the level of obstruction at different portions of the object proxy and texture packing data; and drawing portions of the object based on the level of obstruction data for the object proxy and based on the texture packing data to obtain a view texture at the selected viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Graphics Properties Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Radomir Mech
  • Patent number: 7877437
    Abstract: A method and system for an interactive globe, which is use to view web content and which adds a geographic context to such content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: H.E.B., LLC
    Inventors: Sondre Skatter, Michael Tolson
  • Patent number: 7844106
    Abstract: A method for determining a pose of an object from a range image is presented. A distribution of poses for an object is determined from a model of the object. A set of reference poses is selected according to the distribution, such that more reference poses are selected for more probable poses than less probable poses. A reference image for each reference pose is generated, and the reference pose used to generate the reference image that best matches a range image including the object is assigned as the pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc
    Inventors: Hanspeter Pfister, In Kyu Park, Marcel German, Michael D. Breitenstein
  • Patent number: 7805387
    Abstract: This invention deals with a morphological genome for design applications. This genome encodes all forms. It comprises a finite set of morphological genes, where each gene specifies a distinct group of morphological transformations defined by a group of independent topological, geometric or other parameters. The morph genes and their parameters are mapped within an integrated higher-dimensional framework with each parameter represented along an independent vector in higher-dimensional Euclidean space. Each distinct number associated with a parameter or a group of parameters is represented by a distinct point in this space referenced by its higher-dimensional Cartesian co-ordinates which represent the genetic code for the specific form being mapped. The morph genome can be used as an interactive design tool to generate known and new forms for applications in all design fields as well as for fabricating these forms when linked with digital fabrication devices within an integrated computational environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Haresh Lalvani
  • Patent number: 7785200
    Abstract: An object is provided with a plurality of vectors each having a direction and an end position assigned to the object in a fixed manner. The game device moves the object in a three-dimensional game space, and determines whether a part of the object has contacted a predetermined surface or not. When it is determined that a part of the object has contacted the predetermined surface, a vector among the plurality of vectors, the vector having an end located at a position closest to a predetermined direction is specified. Also, when it is determined that a part of the object has contacted the predetermined surface, the game device lands the object on the predetermined surface in a position such that the specified vector faces toward the predetermined surface, and is perpendicular to the predetermined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Souichi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20100214320
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing a screen mode depending on a posture and movement of a terminal are provided. A motion sensor measures a value of a three-axis sensor that changes depending on the posture or movement of the terminal, and transfers the measured value to the controller. A storage stores a plurality of screen modes corresponding to the posture or movement of the terminal. A controller determines the posture or movement of the terminal using the value of the three-axis sensor transferred from the motion sensor, and maintains the current screen mode a change in one of three axes is greater than the other two axes which indicates a user did not intended to switch the screen mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun-Young MO
  • Patent number: 7782341
    Abstract: Rotation in the storage domain is a one-one function with the domain equal to the range. This permits an image to be rotated in place. Each image size implies at least one garland of closed chains of pixels. Each image includes a spanning set of these garlands. Rotation in place moves each pixel to the next location on its garland. On completion of a garland by return to the initial pixel, pixels on the next garland are moved. Image rotation is complete after all the garlands have been traversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Sreenivas Kothandaraman
  • Patent number: 7777763
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image of at least a portion of a virtual patient including accessing identification of a video file, the video file comprising video data that depicts virtual patient features over a range of the features, determining an offset into the video file and presenting the video image corresponding to the offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Learning Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Haakonsen, Bryan Bergeron, Stas Taraschansky, Raymond C. Kurzweil
  • Patent number: 7755621
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and program products for detecting user manipulation of one or more elements of a presentation of a complex solid represented by a solid history tree. A reduced history representation of the complex solid is created. The reduced history tree is repeatedly evaluated to recreate the presentation of the complex solid in response to the user manipulation of the one or more elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiri Kripac
  • Patent number: 7746344
    Abstract: A renderer for performing stroke-based rendering determines whether two given overlapping strokes depict an occlusion in a three-dimensional scene. The renderer may then use this information to determine whether to apply an occlusion constraint between the strokes when rendering an image or a frame from an animation. In one implementation, the renderer determines whether the two strokes together depict a single view patch of surface in the scene (i.e., a single portion of three-dimensional surface in the scene as seen from the rendering viewpoint). The renderer builds an image-space patch of surface defined from the union of the two overlapping strokes and then determines whether there exists a single three-dimensional view patch of surface that projects onto the image-space patch and that contains both strokes' three-dimensional anchor points. Which stroke occludes the other can be determined by the relative three-dimensional depth of the strokes' anchor points from the rendering viewpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Auryn Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Grabli, Robert Kalnins, Amitabh Agrawal, Nathan LeZotte
  • Publication number: 20100091038
    Abstract: An input processing device including a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Konno, Yoshitaka Ajioka, Yasushi Ebisawa, Kiyoshi Mizuki
  • Patent number: 7695367
    Abstract: A predetermined action is performed between a player object and another object positioned in a first determination range when a player designates said another object by controlling a pointing device. On the other hand, when the player performs an operation so as to designate said another object positioned outside the first determination range, a position of the player object is updated based on the designated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Moro, Hiromichi Miyake, Toshinori Kawai
  • Patent number: 7683915
    Abstract: An image displaying apparatus and method thereof for displaying on a monitor an original image generated based on image data of an object acquired through an image radiography apparatus together with posture data for the original image that is acquired at a radiography time. The image displaying apparatus and method includes a function unit and/or a function configured to rotate the original image centering on an axis in order to dissolve a displacement between a first (reference) posture data that is acquired based on the image radiography apparatus and/or a bed unit for supporting the object, and actual posture of the original image. The function unit further displays a second (actual) posture data that is acquired by the rotation of the original image by replacing the first (reference) posture data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiro Gunji
  • Publication number: 20100053219
    Abstract: This invention relates to panning in a three dimensional environment on a mobile device. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for navigating a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment on a mobile device having a touch screen. A user input is received indicating that an object has touched a first point on a touch screen of the mobile device and the object has been dragged to a second point on the touch screen. A first target location in the three dimensional environment is determined based on the first point on the touch screen. A second target location in the three dimensional environment is determined based on the second point on the touch screen. Finally, a three dimensional model is moved in the three dimensional environment relative to the virtual camera according to the first and second target locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventor: David Kornmann
  • Publication number: 20100045703
    Abstract: This invention relates to user interface gestures for moving a virtual camera on a mobile device. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method navigates a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment on a mobile device having a touch screen. A user input is received indicating that two objects have touched a view of the mobile device and the two objects have moved relative to each other. A speed of the objects is determined based on the user input. A speed of the virtual camera is determined based on the speed of the objects. The virtual camera is moved relative to the three dimensional environment according to the speed of the virtual camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David Kornmann, Peter Birch, Michael Morton
  • Patent number: 7666096
    Abstract: A 3D videogame system capable of displaying a left-right sequences through a different, independent VGA or video channel, with a display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner. The system has a videogame engine controlling and validating the image perspectives, assigning textures, lighting, positions, movements and aspects associated with each object participating in the game; creates left and right backbuffers, creates images and presents the information in the frontbuffers. The system allows handling the information of data associated to the xyz coordinates of the object's image in real-time, increases the RAM for the left-right backbuffer, with the possibility to discriminate and take the corresponding backbuffer, whose information is sent to the frontbuffer or additional independent display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: TDVision Corporation S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Manuel Rafael Gutierrez Novelo
  • Patent number: 7667712
    Abstract: Whether or not a discoloring motion has been performed by a player character is determined, and a discoloration portion set for the determined discoloring motion is discolored. A discolored mark texture of which the discolored mark pattern is denser and of a thicker color is mapped as a current discoloration value set to the discoloration portion becomes larger. The current discoloration value is added and updated by a discoloration unit set based on the stadium in which the game is performed and the game day weather each time the discoloring motion is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventors: Hironori Sata, Masakazu Yorifuji
  • Patent number: 7663874
    Abstract: A second enclosure is coupled to a first enclosure for relative rotation around a rotation axis. The second enclosure rotates around the rotation axis in the opposite directions from a reference attitude. The second enclosure is prevented from further rotating in the first direction beyond the first rotation angle from the reference attitude. The second enclosure takes the first angular attitude. The second enclosure is also prevented from further rotating in the second direction opposite to the first direction beyond the second rotation angle from the reference attitude. The second enclosure takes the second angular attitude. The displaying unit indicates either of the first and second directions at least when the second enclosure takes the first angular attitude. The displaying unit in this manner enables the user to easily recognize an acceptable direction for the rotation of the second enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masahiko Hattori, Masahiko Kyouzuka, Asao Shimazaki, Daisuke Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7653231
    Abstract: An image processing method is provided capable of improving a response to a user in a case where a series of images using volume data are displayed by volume rendering. When the images are displayed by animation in an oscillating manner with amplitude, the amplitude is gradually increased so as to spare time for image generation. That is, when the user specifies a parameter value, for example, a projection angle (initial value: ?=0°), for an object to be diagnosed, animation display of images C, D, and E of the object is performed with a small amplitude (?=±5°) with the initial value as a center. During the animation display, an image B (?=?10°) and an image F (?=10°) are calculated in the background. After the calculation is completed, the amplitude is increased (?=±10°) and animation display of the images B, C, D, E, and F is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ziosoft, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7599985
    Abstract: A system allowing a user of a browser program on a computer connected to an open distributed hypermedia system to access and execute an embedded program object. The program object is embedded into a hypermedia document much like data objects. The user may select the program object from the screen. Once selected the program object executes on the user's (client) computer or may execute on a remote server or additional remote computers in a distributed processing arrangement. After launching the program object, the user is able to interact with the object as the invention provides for ongoing interprocess communication between the application object (program) and the browser program. One application of the embedded program object allows a user to view large and complex multi-dimensional objects from within the browser's window. The user can manipulate a control panel to change the viewpoint used to view the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael Doyle, David Martin, Cheong Ang
  • Patent number: 7576758
    Abstract: Rotation in the storage domain is a one-one function with the domain equal to the range. This permits an image to be rotated in place. Each image size implies at least one garland of closed chains of tiles. Each image includes a spanning set of these garlands. Rotation in place moves each pixel to the next location on its garland. On completion of a garland by return to the initial tile, tiles on the next garland are moved. Image rotation is complete after all the garlands have been traversed. This invention first linearized the two-dimensional tiles sliding into groups of super-pixels at contiguous locations above the image buffer. The tiles are rotated in place. The shuffled tiles are delinearized into rectangular blocks and then re-pitched if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sreenivas Kothandaraman, Joseph R. Zbiciak
  • Patent number: 7567220
    Abstract: Using a video conferencing system including first and second 2-dimensional display screens to implement a virtual surface between participants interacting with the 2-dimensional display screens. The virtual surface is utilized as a 3-dimensional rocker for pivoting an image displayed thereon in a 3-dimensional manner. The display screens (i.e., the virtual surface) may include a plurality of predefined/adjustable edge portions, such that each edge portion is designated as a rocker edge portion. Further, each rocker edge portion can be designated as at least one of a pivot portion and a panel portion. If a rocker edge portion that is a panel portion is utilized, then hidden information/options will appear. In addition, if a rocker edge portion that is a pivot portion is utilized, then the image displayed on the virtual surface will be pivoted around an invisible axis causing a portion of the image (which was once not visible) to appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Ward Donoho
  • Patent number: 7567850
    Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for enabling an automatic creation of a parts list and 3-dimensional illustrations of a product based on 3-dimensional CAD or XVL data of an industrial product consisting of a plurality of parts. A method for generating a parts catalog consisting of a parts list and corresponding disassembly illustrations is provided. This method comprises the steps of (a) assigning reference numerals/symbols based on the parts list; (b) building a disassembly algorithm based on the parts list; and (c) generating disassembly illustrations based on the disassembly algorithm, wherein minimum disassembly units of the disassembly illustrations are parts and parts groups assigned with the reference numerals/symbols, and displaying the reference numeral/symbol for each of the parts and parts groups in the disassembly illustrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamada, Koji Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Harada
  • Patent number: 7568171
    Abstract: A posing system for three-dimensional characters and other models uses a stroke-based gestural language to position elements of the characters in a three-dimensional environment. A user draws a stroke in a two-dimensional interface in connection with a portion of model. The drawn stroke corresponds to an element of the model, such as a particular body part. A software program interprets the stroke and applies it to the placement or posing of the corresponding element. Additional elements are posed as necessary to further define the way in which the model as a whole should be posed. With a number of appropriate strokes for each of the elements, an animator can position the model in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Pacific Data Images LLC
    Inventor: Terran Boylan
  • Patent number: 7555163
    Abstract: A system and method for implicitly computing signed distance values in a graphics application. In one embodiment, rather than storing numerous distance values along a given raster scan line, only two values are stored for each interval defining the intersection of the raster scan line with the shape. These two values represent the interior of the object to be rendered along a given grid line. In another embodiment each grid line may be parameterized (e.g., from 0 to 1). Each intersection interval may then be represented by the parameter value at an entry point of the surface and an exit point of the surface, along the given grid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Murilo Gondim Coutinho Neto, Sebastian Mark Marino
  • Patent number: 7546356
    Abstract: A system for providing paper models over a wide area computer network includes a user computer that communicates with a model server via the Internet. The model server includes a database of paper model files, e.g., the pieces of the models and assembly instructions. The corresponding method allows a user to access the model server via the Internet and download paper models. The paper models are printed at a printer connected to the user computer. A user can then assemble the paper models following the assembly instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Lon S. Safko
  • Patent number: 7546581
    Abstract: A mechanism for incorporating user input modes in a scripting language are provided for. A context allows use of user input modes in a scripting language in a manner that corresponds to their use in a GUI. A programming construct, referred to as a context, specifies at least one user input mode and a state for the user input mode that are applied to a set of instructions. The operations specified by the instructions that are referenced by a context are executed as if the user input modes referred to by the contexts have the state specified by the contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wainwright
  • Patent number: 7536655
    Abstract: Three-dimensional-model processing apparatus, three-dimensional-model processing methods, and computer programs are provided. In a three-dimensional-model processing apparatus, method, and computer programs, it is determined whether relative positions or relative attitudes of a plurality of three-dimensional objects shown on an image display unit satisfy a predetermined processing execution condition. When it is determined that the processing execution condition is satisfied, distinction information indicating that processing such as pickup or joining of objects is possible is presented. For example, display mode is changed or sound is output for the objects. A user is allowed to immediately find without stress whether an object is at a position where pickup or joining is possible. This improves the efficiency of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Abe, Hiroyuki Segawa, Akio Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7520615
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshino, Rieko Otsuka, Atsushi Ishibashi, Youichi Horii, Manabu Yanagimoto, Yukinobu Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7523189
    Abstract: Methods and computer readable media for generating displays of user-defined blocks of networking addresses on a map of an associated address space are provided. Each block of networking addresses is described in a user-defined table with a start address and a map size. The display for each block of network addresses may be rendered on the map at a location based on the relative position of the start address within the associated address space and of a size based on the mask size in relation to the associated address space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Internet Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Joseph Boylan, Kenneth Douglas Burroughs, Sean Ming Drun, John Leland Lee, Angela Kristine Schneider
  • Patent number: 7502027
    Abstract: Provided herein is a computer-based system for viewing a two-dimensional electronic drawing, including processes for pointing to similar components in different views, animation of views, hyperlinking components between views and virtual folding of an electronic drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: SolidWorks Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Chin, Ilya Baran, Kevin Campanella, John Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7493239
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing parts information in a three dimensional CAD system, which can easily handle the data for the parts or the arrangement of the parts are provided. An apparatus for processing parts information in a three dimensional CAD system includes a parts table, an arrangement adjusting unit, and an element data editor. The parts table has data of one or more the parts in a spreadsheet format. The data includes arrangement data and element data for the parts. The arrangement adjusting unit refers to the arrangement data of the parts and adjusts position of at least one of the parts. The element data editor refers to the element data for at least one of the parts and changes detailed configuration of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuki Okada, Shingo Fujii