Patents Examined by J. Amini
  • Patent number: 7154515
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating artifacts in images formed using more than one image segment. A buffer region associated with two adjacent image segments is defined wherein the intensity levels of the pixels are attenuated. When image segments substantially overlap in the buffer region, the intensity in the buffer region substantially sums to full scale. The intensity of the pixels in the buffer region is preferably attenuated using a device to modulate the intensity of the source of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: PerkinElmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Donahue, William A. Hart
  • Patent number: 7148900
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a CCM calculating system being relatively inexpensive and alleviating the necessity of a spectrophotometer, a CCM calculating method and a recording medium. A CCM calculating system according to the invention calculates a blending ratio of colorants based on stored color data 16. The system has an input device 5(20b) for inputting data of color specification values corresponding to a desired target color; and a data operation unit 1(20c) for calculating a blending ratio of colorants for reproducing the target color, based on the input data of color specification values and stored color data. Since the blending ratio of colorants for reproducing the desired target color may be calculated based on the input color specification value data and stored color data, such CCM calculation may be performed without the necessity of a spectrophotometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Danichisekia Color and Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Sano, Fumiyoshi Saito, Osamu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7148907
    Abstract: An image processing application employs the concept of integral pre-multiplied alpha channel, and combines the techniques of multi-resolution representation, graph-structured representation, and automatic and intelligent data type conversion in order to permit a computer user to mix and manipulate both raster and vector based images in a single user interface while remaining unaware of the different data types underlying the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Alvy Ray Smith, John Bradstreet, Jonathan Edgar Fay, Ajai Sehgal, Tanuja Abhay Joshi, John Fitzgerald Bronskill, Daniel Gwozdz, Steven Andrew Cover, Nicholas John Clay, Edward W. Connell
  • Patent number: 7148898
    Abstract: A system and method for coordinated manipulation of multiple displayed maps, even when the maps use different internal coordinate systems. According to this embodiment, each map image to be displayed is first georeferenced, to provide a set of conversion functions between each map's internal coordinate system and a geographic coordinate system, which is latitude/longitude in the preferred embodiment. After this is done, any point on each map can be referenced using the geographic coordinate set. Since this is the case, the maps can now be manipulated, edited, and annotated in a synchronized manner, by defining the manipulations in terms of the geographic coordinate system, and using the georeferencing functions to translate the manipulation to each map's internal coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: SourceProse Corporation
    Inventors: John Willard Howard, Dan Martin Scott, Darin Wayne Higgins
  • Patent number: 7148909
    Abstract: A multiple image display system includes a selection portion to select areas on a screen of a display portion at which input images are to be displayed, detection portions disposed at least at three different points to detect locations of the areas on the screen, and a display control portion to scale input images so that the images are displayed in a size corresponding to a calculated scaling magnification, as well as an image display method and a memory medium applicable to the multiple image display system. This image display system permits expanding and contracting images urgently even during presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Yui, Katsuhiro Miyamoto, Yuichi Matsumoto, Shuntaro Aratani
  • Patent number: 7145577
    Abstract: A method and system for performing multi-sample, antialiased rendering of images by performing multi-sample antialiasing at the primitive level. Geometric primitives used to represent a graphics environment are set-up, and then shifted by a sub-pixel offset and rendered to generate values for pixels of an intermediate image. The shifting and rendering is repeated for the geometric primitive, each time generating values for pixels of another intermediate image. The values for the pixels of the intermediate images are combined to produce values for the respective pixels of the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Hunter
  • Patent number: 7142217
    Abstract: A system and method for coordinated manipulation of multiple displayed maps, even when the maps use different internal coordinate systems. According to this embodiment, each map image to be displayed is first georeferenced, to provide a set of conversion functions between each map's internal coordinate system and a geographic coordinate system, which is latitude/longitude in the preferred embodiment. After this is done, any point on each map can be referenced using the geographic coordinate set. Since this is the case, the maps can now be manipulated, edited, and annotated in a synchronized manner, by defining the manipulations in terms of the geographic coordinate system, and using the georeferencing functions to translate the manipulation to each map's internal coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: SourceProse Corporation
    Inventors: John Willard Howard, Dan Martin Scott, Darin Wayne Higgins
  • Patent number: 7133043
    Abstract: Ray-intersection methods and apparatus that greatly facilitate processing associated with computer graphics are described. In the described embodiment, a collection of shapes are defined that approximate an object. The described shapes are polygons, with exemplary polygons comprising triangles. A ray is cast toward the approximated object, and a reference object which, in the described embodiment comprises one or more planes, is defined to contain the ray. Aspects of the individual shapes are pre-characterized to provide characteristic data. In the described embodiment, pre-characterization takes place by testing each of the vertices of the polygons to ascertain their position relative to the reference object. The characteristic data is then used to ascertain the position of the shapes that are defined by the vertices, relative to the reference object. This provides a sub-set of shapes that might be intersected by the ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Hollasch
  • Patent number: 7129962
    Abstract: A graphics processing device for converting coefficients in a video data stream from a first type, e.g., frequency-domain, to a second type, e.g., color-domain. The device includes an input for receiving the video data stream including a set of coefficients of the first type and a storage medium holding a data structure containing a first set of coefficients of the second type. The device further includes a processor communicating with the input and with the storage medium. The processor uses the data structure to convert the set of coefficients of the first type to a second set of coefficients of the second type. The device also includes an output in communication with said processor, for releasing an output video data stream including the second set of coefficients of the second type. The same data structure is used repeatedly for each incoming set of coefficients of the first type, thus allowing a transform, such as an IDCT, to be computed efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Matrox Graphics Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-François Côté, Jean-Jacques Ostiguy
  • Patent number: 7116292
    Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical panel that stores data in pixels with a simple structure. In particular, pixels can be provided in association with intersections of data lines and scanning lines. Each of the pixels includes a hold capacitor, an inverter, an OLED element, and first to third transistors. At a reading period, data stored in the hold capacitor is inverted by the inverter and rewritten to the hold capacitor an even number of times. Thus, the logical level of the hold capacitor can be maintained. At a holding period, the second transistor is turned on. Also, the potential of a high potential source at the reading period is set to be higher than that at the holding period, and the potential of a low potential source at the reading period is set to be lower than that at the holding period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko, Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuro Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7106347
    Abstract: In a passive pixel data handling system, pixel data may be transferred to a transfer function, at a given address range. The transfer function may perform a transformation and readdress the pixel data. For example, the data may be received through a media port target which transfers the pixel data to a transfer function located at an address range in virtual memory. Each transfer function may readdress the pixel data and forward it to a media port write back engine or to the memory address range of another transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Scott A. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7102651
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer programs, for processing transparency attributes of digital graphics objects. The techniques result in the color compositing of an arbitrary structure of artwork elements defining the appearance of a page to produce a result color at any position on the page that is continuous with respect to all inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Pierre Louveaux, Lubomir D. Bourdev
  • Patent number: 7091975
    Abstract: Modern animation and modeling systems enable artists to create high-quality content, but provide limited support for interactive applications. Although complex forms and motions can be constructed either by hand or with motion or geometry capture technologies, once they are created, they are difficult to modify, particularly at runtime. Interpolation provides a way to leverage artist-generated source material. Presented here are methodologies for efficient runtime interpolation between multiple forms or multiple motion segments. Radial basis functions provide key mathematical support for the interpolation. Once the illustrated and described system is provided with example forms and motions, it generates a continuous range of forms referred to as a “shape” or a continuous range of motions referred to as a verb. Additionally, shape interpolation methodology is applied to articulated figures to create smoothly skinned figures that deform in natural ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Cohen, Charles F. Rose, III, Peter-Pike Sloan
  • Patent number: 7084872
    Abstract: A multi-range data set graph control and adjustment process. A multi-range data set graph adjustment control can include a graph display having at least two axises. At least one of the axises can include a contiguous set of selectable and adjustable segments. A rescaling processor can be configured to rescale segments which are adjacent to an adjusted segment in a proportional manner according to the distance of each of the adjacent segments from the adjusted segment. Also, a graph display plotter can be configured to plot graphs of data in the multi-range data set according the scale of each segment in the contiguous set of selectable and adjustable segments. Notably, the control can be included in an application server analysis tool to provide a visual display of multi-range data sets produced by the analysis tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Peter Etgen, Michael D. Rahn, Srinivasan Rangaswamy
  • Patent number: 7068288
    Abstract: A user interface method and system for positioning graphical objects in the display area of a free form system. A selected object may operate in a first state where it can be moved to different positions within the display area. The selected object may further operate in a second state where movement of the selected object causes other graphical objects within its path of movement to also move. The state of the selected object is indicated by a visually distinct presentation of the graphical object, for example when in the first state the graphical object is shown to have shadow to provide the visual clue that it is “above” the other graphical objects in the display area. A user may dynamically switch between states based on signals provided to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lance E. Good, Mark J. Stefik, Patrick Baudisch, Jock D. Mackinlay, Polle T. Zellweger
  • Patent number: 7064758
    Abstract: A method and system of operating a remote terminal by a terminal server caches representation data of glyphs to be displayed on the remote terminal to reduce the amount of glyph data that have to be transmitted to the remote terminal through a network connection. The glyph caching is performed on a level of text fragments each of which includes a plurality of glyphs. The remote terminal stores a fragment cache for caching fragments and glyph caches for caching individual glyphs. Each entry in the fragment cache contains data indicating where the glyph data for the glyphs of the fragment are stored in the glyph caches. When the terminal server receives a request to display a text fragment on the remote terminal, it checks whether that fragment is cached at the remote terminal. If so, the terminal server sends a fragment index to the client identifying the entry in the fragment cache for that fragment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joy P. L. Chik, John E. Parsons, Brian M. Tallman
  • Patent number: 7061507
    Abstract: Antialiasing method and apparatus for video applications. A method for antialiasing a video graphic. First, the processor renders the pixels and, during the step of rendering, determines if an edge pixel of a polygon is being rendered. If so, a sample point is defined within each pixel and a determination made if the sample point lies within the polygon or outside of the polygon. If the sample point lies within the polygon, the color of the edge pixel is set to the color of the polygon. If the sample point lies outside of the polygon, the color of the edge pixel is set to the color of the background. The percentage of the pixel that lies in the space associated with the sampling point is then calculated. The color of the pixel is stored in a frame buffer in association with the percent value that lies in the space associated with the sample point and in association with an indication that the sample point lies within the polygon or outside of the polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Bitboys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mika Henrik Tuomi, Sami Santeri Tammilehto, Petri Olavi Nordlund
  • Patent number: 7053908
    Abstract: We disclose an electronic imaging method and apparatus capable of effectively and accurately sensing and interpolating color image data received from a two-dimensional array of discrete image sensing elements, particularly, from a so-called “Bayer Pattern” array. In operation, the method and apparatus both extract one-color image data from the two-dimensional array and generate therefrom fully color-recovered image data by a combination of interpolation and non-linear filtering. Efficiency is accomplished, without departure from good accuracy, by performing two one-dimensional color recovery applications and essentially incrementally combining the results thereof. The first one-dimensional color recovery application generates a partially color-recovered image in which, for each row in that dimension, values are recovered for all of the colors present in that row. The second one-dimensional color recovery application then generates all the remaining colors at each pixel by operating along a second dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Suhail S. Saquib, William T. Vetterling
  • Patent number: 7042466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing fast clip-testing operations in a general purpose processor are provided. This is accomplished by executing a single instruction for comparing a first value x to a second value y and, as a result of the comparison, determining whether x is less than y and whether x is less than negative y. The values x and y are stored in respective source registers of the processor specified by the instruction. Finally, as a result of the determination, one or more binary values representing the results of the determination are inserted into a destination register of the processor also specified by the instruction. Accordingly, the invention advantageously provides a general purpose processor with the ability to execute a clip-testing function with a single instruction compared with prior art general purpose processors that require multiple instructions to perform the same function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Meng Wah Chan, Michael F. Deering
  • Patent number: 7038681
    Abstract: After FEMA paper flood maps are scanned into a computer system, they are each displayed side-by-side with the relevant portion of a stored vector map covering the geographic area covered by all of the FEMA maps. During display, corresponding points, or “point-pairs,” on each map are marked by a keyboard or mouse device. The corresponding points may be such artifacts as roads, stream beds, railroad tracks, intersections of the foregoing, buildings, mountain peaks, etc., which are identifiable on each displayed map. When two point-pairs are marked, a stored algorithm calculates georeferencing functions which permit translation of the x,y coordinates of the raster map to the latitude,longitude coordinates of the vector map and vice versa. As more point-pairs are marked, the georeferencing functions are refined. Another algorithm removes apparent “bad” points from the georeferencing calculations, which points may re later used if it appears that they are not bad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: SourceProse Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Martin Scott, Darin Wayne Higgins