Abstract: Provided are a 3D graphics rendering engine for processing fragments and a 3D graphics rendering engine method. The 3D graphics rendering engine positions a depth filter having a specific z value in a depth filtering circuit and compares a depth value of each of a plurality of fragments forming a first object being rasterized in a 3D space with a depth value of the depth filter. Then, the 3D graphics rendering engine stores data, which is mapped to the depth filter and corresponds to each of the fragments of the first object, in a storage device, based on the result of the comparison concerning the first object and rasterizes each of a plurality of fragments forming a second object.

Abstract: A method for rendering an object includes determining illumination values for surface points on the object, associating a grid including vertices and voxels with the object, determining illumination values associated with vertices from illumination values for surface points on the object, performing one or more low pass filters on the illumination values associated with the vertices to form compensation values associated with the vertices, and determining compensated illumination values for the surface points by combining the illumination values for the surface points and the compensation values associated with the vertices.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system and associated method are provided with an integrated clipping operation. First included is a transform module positioned on a single semiconductor platform for transforming graphics data from a first space to a second space. Also provided is a lighting module positioned on the same single semiconductor platform as the transform module. The lighting module is adapted for performing lighting operations on the graphics data. A clipping operation is also performed utilizing the single semiconductor platform.

Abstract: A method for smooth transition between pre-rendered mode and real-time mode. First, a plurality of precast pictures having a set order are provided, each including an object and an object-position corresponding to the object. Then, a former position and a current position of a pointer are recorded in real-time mode. If real-time mode switches to pre-rendered mode, the precast picture whose object-position is closest to the current position is selected as a starting picture. Then, a played direction according to the former position and the current position is obtained. Finally, the precast pictures from the starting picture according to the played direction and the set order are played.

Abstract: A color signal selection apparatus comprising a color space split unit for splitting a color space to which an inputted first color signal belongs, according to the first color signal, and a color signal selection unit for selecting second color signals from within color subspaces which have been formed by the splitting of the color space split unit, the second color signals being distributed on the color subspaces.

Abstract: Network browser applications are improved by providing visual status indications informing users that currently displayed pages are one of: old (outdated), partly old or new. Conventional browser applications load old or partly old page information from a cache and new information from a (usually remote) server to which the browser links via a network. A user expecting to view only new information (e.g. information that might be useless if out of date) is alerted by present status indications to request the browser to reload the entire page; which the user can do by operating a reload selector/icon conventionally presented by the browser. Various alternative status indications are shown, along with potential associations of such with a reload selector button (or equivalent icon).

Abstract: A diary display and storage device of three dimensions (preferably helical) onto which visual data can be appended or a series of data units actually forming the device (helix) itself. A helically shaped device forms a compact storage unit onto which additional helical frames or units can be easily appended. The complete helical assembly can be axially mounted on bearings such that on rotation of the helix about its central axis, each data unit will appear in a sequential order in the same line.

Abstract: In a system for displaying prices in a retail store, an improved protocol is disclosed to permit improved communications between a host, or central computer and display devices. Such a protocol enables the host to effectively communicate messages to the display devices for the latter to display information to consumers and/or store personnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for visually representing data processing operations in a data processing system. An action feedback message is provided for a particular data processing operation. It includes a non-textual message component. Communication between an operator and the data processing system is monitored for requests for performance of the particular data processing operation. For each time a particular data processing operation is performed by the data processing system, the action feedback message is automatically displayed on a display of the data processing system, preferably for a predetermined time interval during the performance of the particular data processing operation. The action feedback message may be moved along a predetermined display path on the display of the data processing system during automatic display.

Abstract: An image processing device incorporated in a digital image forming apparatus and capable of effecting various kinds of digital image processing, e.g., erasing, italicizing and shadowing, and blanking with a particular area of an image. Considering the fact that frame lines included in a document image can replace marks to be entered by a marker pen, the image processing device extracts areas each being delimited by a frame line as candidates for image processing.

Abstract: An Object-Action Manager shields an applications developer from multiple display technologies and development tools and assists the developer in applications user interface creation. The manager includes a parser, an object-list builder, dialog-box builder, a library of access functions and a display handler. The object-list builder and dialog-box builder are used to build user interface screen definitions according to predetermined parameters. The parser reads a developer-defined description file and builds data structures. The object-list builder and dialog-box builder use the data structures to customize the user interface screens for the developer. The library contains functions used during operation of the user interface. The display handler manages interaction between the end-user and the developed application.