Abstract: In a computer system, a method and an apparatus for generating hatch fills within a contour of a vector graphic. The method of the present invention includes the steps of reading vector graphic data defining a contour of a vector graphic, creating a series of intersection lines overlaying the vector graphic, defining intersection points that indicate where the intersection lines intersect the contour of the vector graphic, and wherein the intersection points create an array having a row corresponding to each intersection line, connecting with connection lines the intersection points of each row, and verifying that each of the connection lines are contained within the contour of the vector graphic, and removing portions of any connection lines not contained within the contour of the vector graphic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing system, and method of operation of such a system, for creating a surface on a model of a 3D object, the model being stored as data in a storage device. The system comprises input means (10) for enabling a user to define lines representing features of the object, the lines being stored as model data in the storage device (40), and means (30, 50) to generate and display an image representing the model from the model data. Further the system is characterised by: identification means (60) for identifying data representing a plurality of the lines that form a first closed loop consisting of edges meeting at nodes, and for retrieving such data from the storage device (40); and processing means (20) for generating data defining a series of additional loops to represent a candidate surface bound by the first closed loop.

Abstract: A video editing method that includes displaying a two-dimensional projection of a representation of a projection surface. This projection is derived from a three-dimensional position of the surface. A handle is displayed attached to the projection, and the position of the surface is updated in a manner corresponding to the displacement of a cursor at the handle. The method further includes displaying a second projection derived from the updated position, and redisplaying the handle attached to it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a text justification program (20) that runs on a computer (22) in accordance with the invention. The text justification program provides an improved method for justifying text by introducing random character modifications throughout the text so that characters modified for justification purposes do not stand out.

Abstract: A graphics processing circuit for use in a graphics accelerator that includes a clipping processor, with a vertex input data path operatively connected to a vertex data input of the clipping processor. A clipping preprocessor has a vertex data input operatively connected to the vertex input data path and a control output operatively connected to a control input of the clipping processor. The clipping preprocessor is constructed and arranged to perform an evaluation of a relationship between primitive vertex data from the vertex input data path and a clip region and to provide a signal on the control output based on this evaluation.

Abstract: A compound document processing system includes: a print driver for generating a data file having commands and comments describing the compound document; a user interface including means for embedding document manipulation commands in the comments generated by the print driver; a document processing module for manipulating the data file; and a module manager responsive to the document manipulation commands embedded in the comments for causing the document processing module to manipulate the data file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining synchronization and sequencing between an audio track and other components of a multimedia work. The audio track is recorded in accordance with the Redbook standard, enabling the CD-ROM on which the audio is stored to be played on a conventional CD player. In order to synchronize the audio track with other components of a multimedia work, such as video, a separate time/command track is provided on the CD-ROM. This separate time/command track includes timing data which reference a physical address in the audio track and an associated command that is to be implemented when playback of the audio track reaches that physical address. Consequently, video and other components can be maintained in synchronization with the audio track. If synchronization is lost, it can be regained either by immediately executing commands that should have been executed at an earlier point in the playback of the audio track, or by dropping the commands.

Abstract: Non-modal database system having methods for incremental maintenance of live views is desribed. The database system maintains a single-context workspace throughout an entire user session; here, the user creates a base document (database) for storing user-supplied information. In a typical session, the user takes "views" of the base document, for presenting the information according to a user-selected format and according to user-specified criteria (if desired). More particularly, the system maintains "live" views of the data so that all views of a particular base document (or documents) reflects at all times the state of the underlying data. By employing "incremental queries," the system of the present invention can at all times maintain the "liveness" of user-designed forms and reports, all without having to re-execute queries or re-paginate reports.

Abstract: A symmetrical image is generated from an entire object image having an approximately symmetrical shape. The object image has a plurality of control points. The object image may be a polygon having vertices as the control points. In a first step, an operator inputs image data indicative of the positions of the control points. In a second step, an axis of symmetry of the object image is determined automatically or manually. In a third step, a first control point is paired with a second control point having a symmetrical relationship with the first control point. In a fourth step, the image data is modified so that the first and second control points have symmetrical positions about the axis of symmetry. In this modification, the first point is moved to the symmetrical position, whereas the second point is fixed.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus provides remote communication of images with low communication bandwidth requirements. Workstations are remotely coupled to each other across a communication channel (e.g., telephone line or Internet line) and employ the invention method and apparatus. Parameter values of desired images are input at one workstation and transmitted across the communication channel to a remote workstation. In response to the input parameter values, the remote workstation generates and displays the desired images. Video e-mail messages is one application of such remote generation of desired images. Further parameter values may be input at the remote workstation for generation and display of corresponding further images at the initial workstation. Interactive video conferencing results as the workstations remotely communicate images in real-time to each other.

Abstract: A method and system for providing synchronization of the timing of various multimedia events, including an audio event is disclosed. Clock objects are defined in the storage and associated with an internal or external source of current time. The clock objects are able to be displayed on the display, but can be hidden once their linkages are defined. One or more multimedia objects representative of audio, visual or other multimedia events, including an audio object, are defined and linked to a particular clock object or clock objects. Then, a processor synchronizes the multimedia objects, including a MIDI data object, with the associated clock object or objects. Finally, the various multimedia events are performed in synchronization with their associated clocks. The multimedia objects, including the audio object, may include external multimedia sources managed by the computer system.

Abstract: In a computer system, a method and an apparatus for varying contour widths of a vector graphic. The method including the steps of reading vector shape data having a contour, control points, a bulge position, a bulge width, and a base position, determining new border control points along the contour, and drawing a new variable width contour using the new border control points from the base control point to a bulge position control point. The apparatus of the present invention includes a processor, an operating system memory coupled to the processor, a vector shape database memory coupled to the processor for storing data that defines the vector shape, a routines memory coupled to the processor for controlling the operating system memory and the processor, and a control variables memory coupled to the processor for storing control variables that direct the routines memory.