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: An apparatus and a method for correcting keystone distortions in a display system are disclosed. A horizontal size generator first receives N horizontal sync signals of an input image and generates N corresponding horizontal output sizes. Each of the output sizes is generated at each sync signal based on a horizontal input size, a vertical size, and a desired keystone factor or each of horizontal keystone offsets of the input image. A format converter then receives said input image and generates an output image. Each line of the output image now has the corresponding horizontal output size.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a technique capable of generating a texture image from all of polygons constructing a three-dimensional shape model without a dropout and a texture image on which an editing or correcting operation can be easily performed. When a computer reads original three-dimensional model data 51, an original three-dimensional model is set in a virtual model space, and a cylindrical plane is set as a projection plane around the original three-dimensional model. A virtual projection computing unit 14 functions to virtually project a texture image corresponding to a polygon which can be projected onto the projection plane, thereby generating a projected texture image. On the other hand, by individually extracting a unit texture image corresponding to a polygon which cannot be projected onto the projection plane, thereby generating an unprojected texture image.

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: Methods and apparatus for digitally synthesizing non-uniform and seamless images representing textured marks. A method for rendering a mark in a graphics application includes receiving information specifying a mark and generating a representation of the mark based on the received information. The representation includes a sequence of one or more pattern instances. Each pattern instance is selected from a collection of patterns. Each pattern in the collection of patterns includes an arrangement of graphical elements and, furthermore, is selectable while the second component is being generated. The collection of patterns incorporates some variation among the arrangement of graphical elements of the patterns of the collection.

Abstract: A graphics drawing device capable of reducing the amount of information transferred. In the graphics drawing device for drawing graphics, a first storage circuit stores coordinate information and attribute information about a main graphic which is an original graphic. A second storage circuit stores coordinate information and attribute information about one or two or more derivative graphics derived from the main graphic. A drawing circuit draws the main and derivative graphics in accordance with the information stored in the first and second storage circuits, and a control circuit controls the drawing process performed by the drawing circuit.

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 system and method are disclosed for utilizing a Z slope test to select polygons that may be candidates for multiple storage methods. The method may calculate the absolute Z slope from vertex data and compare the calculated value with a specified threshold value. In some embodiments, for polygons that have an absolute Z slope less than the threshold value, parameter values may be rendered for only one sample position of multiple neighboring sample positions. The parameter values rendered for the one sample position may then be stored in multiple memory locations that correspond to the multiple neighboring sample positions. In some embodiments, storing parameter values in multiple memory locations may be achieved in a single write transaction. In some embodiments, utilization of the Z slope test method may be subject to user input and in other embodiments may be a dynamic decision controlled by the graphics system.

Abstract: A method and system for performing combing for PAL chroma data for a display having a plurality of lines is disclosed. The display is capable of depicting a frame including a horizontal boundary having a top edge and a bottom edge. The top line of the plurality of lines is at the top edge of the horizontal boundary, while a bottom line of the plurality of lines is at the bottom edge of the horizontal boundary. The method and system include replacing bottom line chroma data with previous line chroma data for the top line. The method and system also include replacing top line chroma data with subsequent line chroma data for the bottom line. The method and system can also provide three-line combing chroma data for a remaining portion of the plurality of lines.

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 system for generating and applying alpha values is discussed. Different sets of alpha values are generated and stored for each color component of a set of image data associated with a foreground object. A graphics-processing engine processes the foreground object with respect to a background object to be displayed in the same location. Red components of the foreground object are blended with red components of the background object using red-specific alpha values. Blue components of the foreground object are blended with blue components of the background object using blue-specific alpha values and green components of the foreground object are blended with green components of the background object using green-specific alpha values.

Abstract: To store and display shape data in different stages of a shaping operation to allow comparison and examination of plurality of operation plans to facilitate determination of a shape. A shape modification section modifies inputted shape data. The shape data for individual modifications are stored into a shape storage section, and shapes based on the shape data by the individual modifications are individually displayed in windows on a display screen. An element designation section designates an element in a unit of a face of the latest modified shape from among the modified shapes displayed in the windows. An element replacement section replaces an element of the latest shape having the same model information as model information of the element designated by the element designation section 50 with the designated element.