Patents Assigned to Modacad, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5903270
    Abstract: A method of mapping two-dimensional textures onto a three-dimensional object yields the correct result in terms of pattern placement, scale, repeat and flow of various textures. This is accomplished by providing a unique user interface to control the texture mapping process. The user controls how the texture should flow and where the texture should be "cut and seamed" to fit the geometry of the three-dimensional object by clicking and dragging directly on the rendered surface of the object. The user is presented with two simultaneous windows: one providing a view of the three-dimensional object being wrapped with texture and the other providing a view of the two-dimensional texture with object surface polygons projected thereon. The texture mapping process is controlled from both windows. The three-dimensional object window gives the user control of the texture flow on the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Modacad, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Gentry, Jeffrey Pitts, Joyce Freedman, Maurizio Vecchione
  • Patent number: 5504845
    Abstract: A three dimensional image of a solid form is presented to an operator by means of a stereoscopic display. The operator defines a panel on the surface of the form with a set of bounding seam lines. A polygonal mesh is generated between the seam lines and is manipulated in three dimensions by the operator to achieve a desired surface appearance, including wrinkles, folds, pleats and other details. Manipulation of the mesh is constrained by the mechanical properties of the surface material or fabric being modelled. Surface texture and shading are then mapped onto the mesh to fully render the surface appearance in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Modacad, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurizio Vecchione
  • Patent number: 5333245
    Abstract: A two- or three-dimensional image of an object is first input into a computer system. An operator may then define one or more regions of the image for application of surface texture. A two-dimensional image of a surface texture is also input into the computer system. A polygonal area or patch, such as a rectangle, of the surface texture is then defined by the operator. A corresponding patch on the object image, which need not have the same shape or orientation as the patch on the texture image, is also defined by the operator. The patches on the texture image and on the object image need not be contiguous, adjacent or uniform. The object patch is assumed to be a perspective view of the corresponding texture patch, and a three-dimensional mapping function from the texture patch to the object patch is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Modacad, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurizio Vecchione