Abstract: Systems and techniques support color management of an image with a parameterized image color space. In general, in one implementation, a color profile that conforms to a defined color profile architecture and that defines a multistage color space transform is generated. The image includes a parameterized encoding of an image color space with image parameters defining a range and an offset of an image component of the image, and a white point of the image color space. Generation of the color profile involves affecting two or more stages of the multistage transform based on the image parameters. Image processing precision can be increased by fitting output to input data scopes between two or more stages. The image parameters of the parameterized encoding can define ranges, offsets, and bit depths of image components of the image, and the color profile can be a bit-depth independent color profile.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present invention, relative z-ordering of segments in a digital image is determined. A method comprises forward and backward motion matching of image regions to determine overlap, followed by the creation of relationships (e.g., pairwise relationships) between regions and comparing the result with the original image to determine the relative z-ordering.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for implementing occlusion testing prior to processing a primitive command. The method includes the steps of determining that an occlusion test should be performed on an enclosed primitive, saving the primitive command on a deferred list, and disabling a rendering functionality in hardware. The method also includes the step of performing an occlusion query on the enclosed primitive where a pixel count is generated that indicates how many pixels within a bounding volume defined around the enclosed primitive are visible. One advantage of this method is that it provides occlusion testing functionality for graphics applications that do not use the occlusion testing functionality provided by graphics APIs. Implementing occlusion testing functionality in this fashion reduces rendering time, thereby increasing rendering performance.

Abstract: A method for automatically setting a rendering parameter for a virtual endoscope for rendering images for virtual endoscopy, comprises deriving a data set corresponding to an inside view of a viewing frustum of the endoscope; calculating a histogram from the data set; correlating features of the histogram with known physical regions wherein the endoscope is situated; and selecting a transfer function positioned relative to the features of the histogram for providing image differentiation between respective rendered images of the physical regions in the images.

Abstract: With an image-based rendering (IBR) system based on linear interpolated concentric mosaics, an observer is able to wander through a real or synthesized scene and have new view images (optionally including stereo images) of the scene rendered as the observer moves. According to one embodiment, multiple viewing rays are extended in a viewing direction from the image to be rendered at a view point. For viewing rays that do not coincide with captured images, an image is generate based on the captured images. The image is generated by interpolating between at least two captured images based on a constant distance to objects in the scene. The view images that are displayed can be mono or stereo (e.g., simulating a pair of eyes of the observer).

Abstract: A string display system for displaying display target strings includes a storage unit 50 that correlates and stores detection target strings and display numbers, a display time determination unit 56 that provisionally determines display times of the display target strings, and a detection unit 52 that detects the detection target strings included in the display target strings. The display time determination unit 56 conducts processing where, when the detection target strings are detected, the display numbers of the detection target strings are read from the storage unit 50, and the display times of the display target strings are shortened in accordance with the read display numbers. The string display system further includes a display unit 58 that displays the display target strings over the shortened display times of the display target strings.

Abstract: A method for simulating motion of cloth or other flexible membranes corrects surface-to-surface intersection involving a membrane. The method may be applied at time intervals of a conventional motion simulation for computer-generated animation. When a collision is detected, a function for a line of intersection between intersecting surfaces is parameterized in terms of vertices of the membrane model. The function is differentiated, and a correction factor is applied to the dynamic simulation in proportion to the value of the partial derivative for respected ones of the intersected vertices. The correction factor may be smoothed over a number of vertices in the vicinity of the intersected vertices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional geometry processing system and method for converting boundary representations solid data in a first format into output solid data in a second format which includes a surface conversion and division mechanism configured to convert surface information in the boundary representations solid data into geometry data, and divide a surface which needs to be divided according to restriction of the second format to generate topology information of the divided surfaces, a topology information addition mechanism configured to map topology information of the boundary representations solid data to the topology information of the divided surfaces, and a surface join mechanism configured to join the divided surfaces based on the mapped topology information to generate the output solid data in the second format.

Abstract: A data input means inputs boundary data of an object to a computer, a data converting means converts the boundary data into a triangle patch having a phase, an associating means divides a space into rectangular parallelepiped cells having boundary planes intersecting perpendicularly and associates the cell with a triangle to be included in the cell, a dividing/arranging means divides a triangle patch having a phase and floating in the space at cell faces and keeps all triangles arranged within and on the boundaries of cells, a ridge line integrating means integrates ridges that do not alter the phase, a cell assigning means assigns each triangle and its vertex to a cell with reference to index data of the vertex, and a labeling means sets an attribute value of each cell.

Abstract: An object selection of 3D objects in a computer-generated 3D environment method and system. The method includes defining a 3D space in a computer-generated environment. The method further includes identifying a plurality of 3D objects within the 3D space. Then, determining a line of selection though the 3D space. Further, determining a closet object of the plurality of 3D objects via comparative measurements between the plurality of 3D objects and the line of selection. In addition, enabling the closest object to be selected.

Abstract: An alignment aiding method and apparatus enables an orienting and positioning of a data carrying 2-dimensional graphical symbol within a field of view of an imaging device. The desired orientation and position is indicated by a graphical alignment indicator. The graphical alignment indicator is displayed in a fixed position on a display device, while an image of the graphical symbol is also displayed, and preferably updated and refreshed at a suitable refresh rate to provide usable feedback. While being displayed, the graphical symbol may be moved, oriented, and positioned, thereby enabling a substantial aligning of the data carrying 2-dimensional graphical symbol with the graphical alignment indicator. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electronic entertainment system for creating a video sequence by executing video game camera behavior based upon a video game sound file includes a memory configured to store an action event/camera behavior (AE/CB) database, game software such as an action generator module, and one or more sound files. In addition, the system includes a sound processing unit coupled to the memory for processing a selected sound file, and a processor coupled to the memory and the sound processing unit. The processor randomly selects an AE pointer and a CB pointer from the AE/CB database. Upon selection of the CB pointer and the AE pointer, the action generator executes camera behavior corresponding to the selected CB pointer to view an action event corresponding to the selected AE pointer.

Abstract: A multi-agent method and system for moving a virtual dummy in a virtual environment, the dummy being defined by an overall position and by a plurality of degrees of freedom for joints. The method includes a contribution from an attraction agent acting on the plurality of degrees of freedom of the joints of the dummy to move the dummy towards the target; and a contribution from an avoider agent acting on the overall position of the dummy as a function of parameters defining the environment in order to avoid collisions between the dummy and said environment. The method further includes a contribution from an ergonomy agent acting on the plurality of degrees of freedom of the joints of the dummy in order to correct the posture of the dummy automatically while it is moving towards the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-series data display method and system for displaying time-series data items so that a user can grasp time more intuitively. First data associated with a desired date is retrieved and displayed, second data associated with a contiguous date is retrieved, and a display screen for the second data is displayed smaller than that for the first data in a temporal direction starting with the desired date. Third data is associated with a date contiguous to the second date retrieved, and is displayed inside the second data with a smaller display area. Also, in a hierarchical data display method and browser system, a display area is divided into an area where icons representing data items belonging to one level are displayed, and an area where child levels are displayed. As hierarchical depth increases, the data icons are made smaller and simpler. The hierarchical structure of a file system or data base can be displayed as a Venn diagram.

Abstract: Described is a method and system in which storyboard objects coordinate the animation of multiple elements and/or media displayed on a computer graphics display. Storyboards relate properties of elements in an element tree to a timeline, such that the properties associated with a storyboard are animated/play together as a group by starting, stopping, seeking or pausing the storyboard. Triggers, such as controlled by user interaction with the displayed information, including property triggers that change values in response to a state change, and event triggers that fire events, may cause the storyboard to start, stop, pause and seek. Storyboards may be used in XAML-based programs, and may be directly associated with elements, or indirectly associated with elements via styles. Complex properties and changeables are supported. Media playback may be controlled via storyboards, and thereby coordinated with other media playback and/or animations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for using a wide keyboard including a wide range of keys in small mobile devices. A method relates to operating a mobile device having a touch sensitive display divided in input and output portions. A first location of a tactile input is detected on an input portion of the touch sensitive display displaying a plurality of keys. Next the input portion display view is zoomed by displaying and linearly magnifying the detected tactile input area and it's surrounding. A second location of a tactile input is detected and a key on the location of a second detected tactile input is highlighted. The highlighted key is activated and identified as an input.

Abstract: In a server, a client for improving a three-dimensional air excursion and a method and programs thereof, a three-dimensional data can be automatically produced from aerial pictures or satellite images, and the three-dimensional air excursion on a three-dimensional solid map can be provided to a lot of users via the Internet. In the automatic producing of the three-dimensional image, a device for improving the produced images having defects is provided via the Internet. A particular user such as an owner or a manager of a particular structure such as a building, a monument in a park or the like can correct the images of the structure using a correction application via the Internet to obtain the more accurate images.

Abstract: Techniques for processing scenes of arbitrary complexity comprising a number of objects represented by models. Techniques are provided for building a representation in memory that stores information or represents the inter and intra-model dependencies between the various inputs and outputs of the models included in a scene. The memory representation is built based upon intra-model dependencies information and cues information for the scene. In one embodiment, the memory representation is a graph comprising a number of nodes and directed links between the nodes. The nodes in the graph represent (are proxies for) inputs and outputs of the models involved in the scene. The directed links between the nodes represent the intra- and inter-model dependencies between the inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Methods and systems include a dependent min-max module the receives image data and generates a dependent Min value and a dependent Max value within a window around a pixel of interest. A dynamic threshold module, based on the dependent Min and Max values, generates continuity data and enhanced data suitable for identifying, for example, blobs.

Abstract: A video apparatus consistent with certain embodiments has a receiver that receives a data stream containing video data and video overlay data, wherein the video data includes a censored region having boundaries. A video plane receives the video data in order to render a video frame for display, the video data including the censored region. A video overlay plane receives the video overlay data in order to render a frame of overlay video data for display. The overlay data has boundaries that overlay the censored region. An alpha plane defines overlay boundaries for the overlay data to determine how much of the overlay video data overlays the censored region when rendering the video frame. The alpha plane defines boundaries that are smaller than the boundaries of the overlay data and larger than the boundaries of the censored region. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.