Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for constructing a digital model of an object. The system includes an imaging system for generating object surface scan data from a plurality of surface scans, the surface scan data having a first resolution and representing the object from a plurality of viewpoints. The imaging system further generates image data having a second, higher resolution than the surface scan data for representing the object from the plurality of viewpoints. The system further includes a data processor for iteratively registering the surface scan data for the plurality of surface scans, using the image data, and for reconstructing substantially seamless surface texture data for the model using weights that reflect a level of confidence in the data at a plurality of surface points.

Abstract: A graphics integrated circuit chip is used in a set-top box for controlling a television display. The graphics chip processes analog video input, digital video input, a graphics input and an audio input simultaneously. The chip uses window descriptors to describe logical surfaces, or windows, of graphics information to be displayed on the screen. The chip incorporates a unified memory architecture that provides a high level of system performance while conserving memory bandwidth and chip size. Video and graphics scaling capabilities as well as anti-flutter filtering capability are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generating new images corresponding to iteratively morphed appearances of a plurality of objects. Data corresponding to appearances of the objects are stored. Embedded objects are morphed with respect to the terrain, whereas other objects are morphed in a predetermined order with respect to previously morphed objects as well as with respect to the terrain. Additionally, iterative morphing using a Bezier Curve technique is described.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a brightest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image and a darkest luminance value of the pixels of the processing image are detected. An improper white balance and a luminance gradation of the processing image are corrected. Moreover, a luminance distribution of the processing image is leveled.

Abstract: A graphics processor displays pixels in an image at non-uniform resolution, using a maximum resolution in the interior of a surface in the image, and a lower resolution at edges. Higher color resolution in the interior eliminates color aliasing that would otherwise be caused if the interior were displayed at the lower resolution. Lower resolution at the edges is not noticeable to the human eye, and allows the graphics processor to use one or more low resolution color signals in generating the displayed image, thereby reducing hardware (e.g. memory locations required to store such signals, and lines required to route such signals). One such processor (not necessarily a graphics processor) includes a resolution reducer and a resolution enhancer that respectively reduce and enhance the resolution of a signal. Specifically, the resolution reducer reduces the resolution of a high resolution signal to generate a low resolution signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for magnifying a display of video data. In an exemplary embodiment, a system for magnifying a display of data includes a receiver for receiving a first set of video data including video data formatted for display in a first resolution. A translator is also included for translating the first set of video data formatted for display in the first resolution to a second set of video data formatted for display in a second resolution, the second resolution being a lower resolution than the first resolution. A magnifier is also included for magnifying a display of video data by formatting the first set of video into a third set of video data. The third set of video data is capable of display on a display device capable of displaying video data in the second resolution and incapable of displaying video data in the first resolution. The third set of video data is in an enlarged format with respect to the second set of video data.

Abstract: In a computerized method, a moving articulated figure is tracked in a sequence of 2-D images measured by a monocular camera. The images are individually registered with each other using a 2-D scaled prismatic model of the figure. The 2-D model includes a plurality of links connected by revolute joints to form is a branched, linear-chain of connected links. The registering produces a state trajectory for the figure in the sequence of images. During a reconstructing step, a 3-D model is fitted to the state trajectory to estimate kinematic parameters, and the estimated kinematic parameters are refined using an expectation maximization technique.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods perform an improved cursor controlling technique by determining a spatial relationship between a graphics element and a cursor, and then writing the graphics element without turning off the cursor if the graphics element and the cursor do not overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for generating images from assembled polygonal image primitives. As a precursor to rendering, an ordered list of the primitives is assembled with degenerate cases being identified and discarded. Following removal of the degenerate cases, the remaining primitives undergo a series of tests to identify special cases whereby account can be taken of the rendering technique of omitting the right hand pixel of a span and bottom span of a primitive to simplify the rendering operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing texture updates in a video graphics system is accomplished by storing a first portion of graphics data in a first position of a bus master buffer, where the first portion of the graphics data utilizes a texture. An indication of a texture update is then received, where the texture update, when performed, modifies the texture to produce an updated texture that is used by subsequent graphics data. The updated texture is stored in a second position of the bus master buffer. A second portion of the graphics data, which utilizes the updated texture, is then stored in a third position of the bus master buffer. The data in the bus master buffer is then accessed through a direct memory access transfer initiated by the graphics processor in the system. The bus master buffer data is accessed in a sequential manner, which ensures that the texture update does not occur until after the graphics data utilizing the original texture has been drawn.