Abstract: Described herein is a three-dimensional scanning system that features a camera integrated with a user-guided haptic interface device. The system allows an operator, through the sense of touch, to intuitively and interactively identify optimum locations for obtaining images or scans of an object. The system then assembles these scans to produce a virtual three-dimensional representation of the object with a high degree of accuracy and with a minimum of data artifacts.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital dentistry system that utilizes a haptic interface and features a computer-based design application configured to allow the intuitive construction of irregular, amorphous three-dimensional structures typically seen in dental restorations, utilizing, where appropriate, the design skills of a user. In certain embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive digital solution for dental labs in the business of creating dental restorations such as partial frameworks, crowns, copings, bridge frameworks, implants and the like, with a sense of touch provided by a haptic interface device.

Abstract: Described herein is a three-dimensional scanning system that features a camera integrated with a user-guided haptic interface device. The system allows an operator, through the sense of touch, to intuitively and interactively identify optimum locations for obtaining images or scans of an object. The system then assembles these scans to produce a virtual three-dimensional representation of the object with a high degree of accuracy and with a minimum of data artifacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a virtual musical interface for composing, editing, and/or performing audio works. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to a virtual musical interface rendered as a virtual object in a haptic environment, where one or more parameters of the virtual object are associated with one or more audio attributes. Thus, methods and systems of the invention provide audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback in response to a user interaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for substantially coterminous modification of a patient situation and a manufactured prosthetic to achieve the desired fit. Rather than utilizing a serial approach, a parallel approach is taken where both patient situation and prosthetic device can be modified at the same time (or substantially the same time).

Abstract: The invention provides a digital dentistry system that utilizes a haptic interface and features a computer-based design application configured to allow the intuitive construction of irregular, amorphous three-dimensional structures typically seen in dental restorations, utilizing, where appropriate, the design skills of a user. In certain embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive digital solution for dental labs in the business of creating dental restorations such as partial frameworks, crowns, copings, bridge frameworks, implants and the like, with a sense of touch provided by a haptic interface device.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for integrated haptic design and fabrication of dental restorations that provide significant advantages over traditional practice and existing computer-based systems. The systems feature technical advances that result in significantly more streamlined, versatile, and efficient design and fabrication of dental restorations. Among these technical advances are the introduction of voxel-based models; the use of a combination of geometric representations such as voxels and NURBS representations; the automatic identification of an initial preparation (prep) line and an initial path of insertion; the ability of a user to intuitively, haptically adjust the initial prep line and/or the initial path of insertion; the automatic identification of occlusions and draft angle conflicts (e.g., undercuts); the haptic simulation and/or marking of occlusions and draft angle conflicts; and coordination between design output and rapid prototyping/milling and/or investment casting.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: A method for selecting nearest neighbor edges to construct a 3D model from a sequence of 2D images of a scene. The method includes tracking features of the scene among successive images to generate 3D feature points. The entries of the feature point data correspond to the coordinate positions in each image which a true 3D feature point is viewed. The method also generates depth data of the features of the scene, with entries in the data corresponding to the coordinate position of the features in each image along a depth axis. The method then uses the feature track data, original images, depth data, input edge data, and visibility criteria to determine the position of vertices of the 3D model surface. The feature track data, original images, depth data, and input edge data also provide visibility information to guide the connections of the model vertices to construct the edges of the 3D model.

Abstract: In a media production system, two-dimensional images captured from physical objects are analyzed to create three-dimensional representations of the physical objects within a virtual stage. The physical objects are manipulated as abstract representations in the unified virtual stage. Representations of physical and synthetic objects are choreographed in the virtual stage within an integrated system which can also generate a media product in the form of a two-dimensional image stream of the physical and synthetic objects with optional synchronized audio tracks. To facilitate choreography, a composite display of the three-dimensional virtual stage and a two-dimensional preview are provided. Also provided are a display showing temporal representations of elements within the scene and an object catalog of object oriented representations of elements within the scene.

Abstract: A technique for displaying a visual representation of an estimated three-dimensional scene structure and the values of various parameters associated with the scene, together with a visual representation of at least one two-dimensional image used in the scene structure estimation algorithm. A user inputs information by adjusting parameters and/or specifying an element or region of the visual representations and supplies mark-ups and other information such as attributes for the element or region to be applied during a next iteration of the scene structure estimation algorithm. The scene structure estimation algorithm is then re-executed and the process repeats until the user is satisfied with the resulting visual scene structure.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: An integrated media production technique for refining a finish quality media content. The technique permits a media production to be defined as a computerized choreography model of a virtual stage containing data objects representing live/recorded image elements as well as synthetic-abstract elements and multiple versions thereof. Elements of the choreography model are iteratively rendered, blended, adjusted, and selected until a desired quality result is achieved.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.

Abstract: In a media production system, two-dimensional images captured from physical objects are analyzed to create three-dimensional representations of the physical objects within a virtual stage. Representations of physical and synthetic objects are manipulated and choreographed in the virtual stage within an integrated system which also generates a media product in the form of a two-dimensional image stream of the physical and synthetic objects with optional synchronized audio tracks. A correlation is maintained between object models in the virtual stage and the original two-dimensional images so that information from those images can be included in the final product. To facilitate direction of combined media products, a composite display of the three-dimensional virtual stage and a two-dimensional preview are provided. Also provided are a score display providing temporal representations of elements within the scene and an object catalog of object oriented representations of elements within the scene.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a digital audio workstation for the audio portions of video programs. It combines audio editing capability with the ability to immediately display video images associated with the audio program. The invention detects an operator's indication of a point or segment of audio information and uses it to retrieve and display the video images that correspond to the indicated audio programming. Another aspect of the invention is a labeling and notation system for recorded digitized audio or video information. The system provides a means of storing in association with a particular point of the audio or video information a digitized voice or textual message for later reference regarding that information.

Abstract: Media composer for editing source material. The media composer includes apparatus for receiving digitizing, storing and editing video and audio source material. Computing apparatus manipulates the stored source material and output apparatus communicates with the computing apparatus to display the manipulated material and control information. The computing apparatus includes JPEG compression techniques and is programmed to provide enhanced editing features.