Abstract: A video signal transmission system transmits a video signal and data corresponding to the location and size of active areas for some of the frames of the video signal (but not other frames of the video signal). A video reception and display system determines the location and size for the active areas based on an interpolation technique. A viewer can click on the active areas to thereby link the receiving system to a web page or other information source.

Abstract: A method in accordance with our invention permits the manipulation of a two-dimensional pixel array using a standard 3D graphics pipeline. The method comprises the steps of forming a wire mesh of the two-dimensional image. This wire mesh comprises a set of triangles, in which all of the vertices and sides of the triangles are located in the same plane in x, y, z coordinate space. The 2D image is then mapped into the mesh. The resulting object representation can then be manipulated in the same manner that 3D representations are manipulated by a 3D graphics pipeline.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention comprises the step of providing a) pixel array and a computer model of a geometric surface, and b) providing a second array (a Z array) containing information concerning the 3D characteristics of the structure depicted in the pixel array. The Z array is used to modify the location of the geometric surface. The pixel array and modified geometric surface are then used to render an image that can be displayed on a CRT or other output device. By modifying the geometric surface model in this way, it is possible to create more realistic images.

Abstract: A pixel array of an image and a computer model of a geometric surface are embedded within a piece of software. An image is rendered using the pixel array and the computer model of the geometry using a 3D graphics pipeline. A special virtual lighting source is used by the pipeline to provide virtual illumination of the image. This is done as part of a process of verifying the authenticity of the software.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (“EPG”) in accordance with the invention provides pictograms and/or logos, to indicate to a television viewer the television programs being displayed on a television. The EPG information display format is thus easier to recognize than prior art EPG formats. In one embodiment, the EPG pictograms have 3D characteristics. The EPG information can be displayed in a window within a television screen while a program is being shown on the remainder of the screen. Thus, the viewer can know what is playing on the various channels while he or she is watching one of the channels. In one embodiment, the EPG is used in conjunction with a remote controller that includes a help button for facilitating operation of the EPG by the user. The EPG comprises a set of geometric surfaces located in virtual 3D space. The pictograms and/or logos, along with alpha-numeric text data and video clips are applied to the geometric surfaces using a 3D graphics pipeline.

Abstract: A 3D surface is defined in terms of a set of vertices. The 3D surface and a pixel array are used to generate a 3D image. Portions of the 3D surface are selectively removed using selected criteria. In one embodiment, the 3D surface is defined in terms of a set of triangles, and the triangles are tested for compliance with selected conditions. For example, the triangles can be tested to determine their slope. Based on these tests, the triangles are excised from the geometric surface. In one embodiment, the selected conditions are based on a combination of the slope of the triangles and the color of the pixels bound to the triangles.

Abstract: A method in accordance with our invention permits the manipulation of a two-dimensional pixel array using a standard 3D graphics pipeline. The method comprises the steps of forming a wire mesh of the two-dimensional image. This wire mesh comprises a set of triangles, in which all of the vertices and sides of the triangles are located in the same plane in x, y, z coordinate space. The 2D image is then mapped into the mesh. The resulting object representation can then be manipulated in the same manner that 3D representations are manipulated by a 3D graphics pipeline.

Abstract: A video system comprises a screen. Interactive linking is provided based on a representative set of region-based templates. Each template can be associated with said screen. The template comprises a set of active areas (usually non-intersecting), that can be actuated by moving a cursor to those areas, to thereby invoke a process or link. The link can be to a web page or other information source. In addition to template usage for surfing of active screen areas, templates can be used for secure link (process) activation. Each region can be considered as a symbol (“letter”) in the password. By using mouse or similar device user can click (“type) a sequence of symbols to follow an existing password.