Abstract: Two images P1 and P2 having different backgrounds are input into a transparency calculation processing part AT. The transparency calculation processing part AT obtains a transparency image PT from P1 and P2. Next, noise is removed from the transparency image PT as necessary. A color calculation processing part AC generates a color image PC from P1 and P2. Next, a cutting processing part AR cuts unnecessary parts from the transparency image PT and the color image PC. Finally, an overlaying processing part AS overlays the object O on a background image PZ by using PT, PC and PZ.

Abstract: A pencil-sketch image is rendered from three-dimensional (3D) data by determining a pencil-sketch texture for a polygon defined by the 3D data, projecting the polygon onto a two-dimensional surface, and mapping the pencil-sketch texture onto the polygon to render the pencil-sketch image. The pencil-sketch texture is determined by obtaining a value based on a normal vector to the polygon and a light vector between the polygon and a light source, classifying the polygon based on the value, and associating the pencil-sketch texture with the polygon based on the classification of the polygon.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is operable to determine non-linear distortion applied to an image in which template signals have been introduced into at least first and second frequency bands of the image respectively, the template signals having a predetermined relationship with each other. The apparatus comprises an image dividing processor operable to generate data representative of selected parts of the image, a transform detection processor operable to generate at least one parameter representative of a linear transformation applied to each of the parts of the image, and a non-linear transform processor operable to estimate parameters of a non-linear transformation representative of the non-linear distortion applied to the image from the linear transform parameters of at least two parts of the image. The data processing apparatus provides a facility for determining parameters of a non-linear transform representative of the distortion applied to the image as a whole.

Abstract: Building an image-based model may be accomplished by defining an approximation set of functions for building a representation of the image-based model, defining an error function that quantifies how well the approximation set reproduces image data of the image-based model, and adjusting parameters of the approximation set to produce a best approximation to the image data.

Abstract: White point is corrected without degrading luminance on a display device. A white point manager modifies the balance between red, green and blue according to a target white point up to a threshold gray value. As the gray scale approaches white from the threshold gray value, the white point manager blends the balance between red, green and blue from the target white point substantially towards the native white point for the display device, so as not to degrade luminance as the gray scale approaches white.

Abstract: Device comprising: matrices of reflecting elements which can be electrically driven, and means for deconstructing a beam of polychromatic light and means for reconstructing complementary reflected beams, comprising two dichroic filters with a gradient where, for at least one of these filters, the direction of the gradient HOG, H?OG? makes an angle of inclination of non-zero gradient ?, ?? with a plane (DOE, D?OE?) orthogonal to the reflecting surfaces of the matrices. By virtue of the inclination of the gradient, the chromatic performance of the device is substantially improved.

Abstract: A method and system of scaling images on a video display is disclosed. A video data stream is processed into video data, which is displayed on a video display at a predetermined aspect ratio. A user manipulable controller, such as a joystick, is operative with a graphics processor unit for scaling images on the video display by obtaining video source values of pixel width and height to be displayed and determining the smallest integer increment on the x/y axis that will maintain the desired aspect ratio using a greatest common denominator to reduce the ratio to the lowest integer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for providing a consistent visual appearance of pixels of a display screen with respect to a viewing position. Variations between perceived pixel level values associated with the pixels and corresponding pixel level values may be compensated for. Variations are associated with a viewing angle between pixel location and the viewing position and compensated for by applying a respective different correction factor to each of the corresponding pixel level values based on a respective viewing angle. Accordingly different non-linear correction curves corresponding to locations may be established relating a range of pixel level values to a corresponding range of corrected pixel level values associated with the viewing position. A calibration pattern may be further be displayed and user inputs associated with locations received responsive to calibration pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inputting graphical information into a computer system. The graphical information may arise when a drawing device is moved relative to a base having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor in the drawing device. The computer system may record position information arising from a first area of the base as graphical input while recording position information arising from a second area of the base as the selection of a property associated with the graphical input. Such a property may be a visual property, such as line type, line thickness, and color.

Abstract: A mechanism for synchronizing state variables used by texture pipelines in a multi-pipeline graphics texture engine. The mechanism ensures that, as polygons are processed by a texture engine, the state variables associated with each polygon are distributed in parallel to each texture pipeline, regardless of whether the texture engine is processing a single texture or a blend of different textures. When the texture engine processes a blend of different textures, signals controlling the operation of multiple texture pipelines are asserted. However, when the texture engine processes a single texture for a polygon, an embodiment of the invention continues to distribute received state variables to each of the texture pipelines, but only triggers the processing portion of the texture pipeline performing the single texture operation. The processing portions of the remaining texture pipelines may not be not triggered.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for variable source rate sampling in connection with image rendering, which accumulate and resolve over all samples forward mapped to each pixel bin. In accordance with the invention, the textured surface to be rendered is sampled, or oversampled, at a variable rate that reflects variations in frequency among different regions, taking into account any transformation that will be applied to the surface prior to rendering and the view parameters of the display device, thus ensuring that each bin of the rendering process receives at least a predetermined minimum number of samples. A variety of image processing applications are contemplated wherein variable rate source sampling, and accumulation and resolution of forward mapped point samples can be applied, ranging from 3-D graphics applications to applications wherein images recorded in a recording/storage environment are mapped to the arbitrary requirements of a display environment.

Abstract: A fast text/graphics resolution improvement algorithm is based on boundary parameterization and uses chain-code table look-up. Given an input representation containing text/graphics objects, the boundary of each object is traced, parameterized, smoothed, and subsequently rendered. Instructions for the critical operations are stored in one or more pre-computed look-up tables (LUTs) which is/are accessed during on-line operation, resulting in an algorithm that is fast and computationally inexpensive with low memory requirements. A very flexible framework is presented which can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring resolution improvement.

Abstract: A method and system for performing full-scene anti-aliasing for an image through a technique of rotating and unrotating rasterization of a scene and rendering a resulting image. A scene is rasterized at a first angle relative to a first coordinate system to generate a plurality of pixels, which are then applied to a polygon surface that is rendered at a second angle equal to the inverse of the first angle. Thus, the resulting image is re-oriented with respect to the first coordinate system.

Abstract: A method (30) of reducing contouring in a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display can include receiving a frame-doubled input signal (32) comprising a positive picture and a negative picture. A first dither (36) specified by a gamma table can be applied to the input signal. The first dither can selectively modify a primary-color gamma value of the negative picture or the positive picture. Also, a second dither (34) can be applied to the input signal at an input of the gamma table. The first and second dither can result in an output signal having reduced brightness level repetition for consecutive input levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulation for displaying a screen formulated from data, such as a FLIR sensor, relying on color definitions that are more readily supported by common image generators, most preferably 8-bit per channel RGB color processing and video output. The system has an image generator that transmits a video signal of at least two digital data channels, and a display system with a combiner circuit and a visual display device. The bit sets of the channels each represent a respective value of the data variable at a resolution for that channel, and the bit sets of the second channel each represent a respective value of the data variable at a second resolution higher than the resolution of the first channel. Combiner circuitry receives the channels of video output and processes these channels to select the channel which represents the accurate data unaffected by clamping.

Abstract: Procedure for digital picture edge-smoothing refers to a method of smoothing the rough edges, around the objects, in a digital picture, as a result of enlargement. The procedure consists of detecting the rough edges and removing some pixel(s), so that edge will become smoother. If the edge has a 45 degrees angle, made of 2 by 2 pixels, will become an edge of 1 by 1 pixel. If the edge has 4 by 2 pixels, it will become a 2 by 1 pixel edge.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method by which the user can see an album display and can enjoy the album display as a memory. Image data, time information and position information are recorded. Thumbnail icons representative of the image data are displayed along with the time information, and a map image is displayed in concave/convex display. Position icons representative of the time information and the position information are displayed on the map image. The map and the thumbnail icons are moved on the display by at least one of different types of movement including horizontal movement, vertical movement, clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement; so that the user can enjoy various images.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object display system for displaying a plurality of objects in an apparent three-dimensional space display according to a plurality of object attributes used as criteria for selecting one or more objects, the system including an object data storage unit that stores information corresponding to the plurality of object attributes and to display data for each object and a three-dimensional space data production unit that searches the object data storage unit, calculates coordinate values for three-dimensional space in which to position each object based on the plurality of object attribute values selected from among the object attributes for each object according to results of the search of the object data storage unit, and produces three-dimensional space data for displaying each object according to results of the calculation of the coordinate values for the three-dimensional space.

Abstract: The present invention ensures that object images to be subjected to a predetermined image processing are subjected to such image processing depending on predetermined coefficients of semi-transparency, and that a portion of the object images closest to a virtual viewpoint is processed last. This successfully provides an image based on a first image processing (?-blending, for example) depending on coefficients of semi-transparency in a natural and unfailing manner without using a technique such as Z sorting.

Abstract: A system for processing images, or clips, as, for example, in a movie or video post production system. The clips are associated with a flowgraph representation that visually depicts all of the operations used to generate the clips. Correspondence between the image and flowgraph representations is tightly maintained so that the user can conveniently switch between, and work among, the different representations. Efficient user interface mechanisms are provided to work with flowgraph items to construct nodes representing operations. Nodes can be joined in an automated, or assisted, manner. Flowgraphs can be automatically generated according to user inputs in other parts of the system. For example, layered effects can have flowgraphs that are automatically generated. A freehand drawing timing capture tool is provided. All operations that contribute to a single (or more) pixel's value can be listed and selectively activated or deactivated to detect a problem.