Abstract: A computer-implemented method to process a model of an object includes mapping a mesh representation of the model onto a plane to form a planarized mesh; generating a shape image by associating a shape descriptor with each vertex of the planarized mesh; forming a color image of the planarized mesh by using the shape descriptor to encode a color of each mesh vertex; creating a region map of the color image corresponding to areas of small shape variation; fitting a coarse two dimensional mesh to the region map and computing a target representation from the coarse two dimensional mesh. In the presently preferred embodiment the target representation is expressed as a multiresolution subdivision surface representation. The shape descriptors can include surface normals obtained from the mesh representation and, more generally, can be descriptive of one of surface normal, Gaussian curvature, mean curvature, shape index and curvedness.

Abstract: In this invention there are described a set of algorithms based on multiresolution subdivision surfaces that perform at interactive rates and enable intuitive surface cut-and-paste operations. The method includes separating a source region of interest of a source surface into a source base surface and a source detail surface; separating a target region of interest of a target surface into a target base surface and a target detail surface; and pasting the source detail surface onto the target base surface in accordance with a mapping. The step of pasting includes parameterizing and mapping the parameterized regions of interest of the source and target surfaces into an intermediate plane, and aligning the parameterizations using a linear transformation that compensates for first order distortions.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for constructing a digital model of an object. The system includes an imaging system for generating object surface scan data from a plurality of surface scans, the surface scan data having a first resolution and representing the object from a plurality of viewpoints. The imaging system further generates image data having a second, higher resolution than the surface scan data for representing the object from the plurality of viewpoints. The system further includes a data processor for iteratively registering the surface scan data for the plurality of surface scans, using the image data, and for reconstructing substantially seamless surface texture data for the model using weights that reflect a level of confidence in the data at a plurality of surface points.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to process a model of an object includes mapping a mesh representation of the model onto a plane to form a planarized mesh; generating a shape image by associating a shape descriptor with each vertex of the planarized mesh; forming a color image of the planarized mesh by using the shape descriptor to encode a color of each mesh vertex; creating a region map of the color image corresponding to areas of small shape variation; fitting a coarse two dimensional mesh to the region map and computing a target representation from the coarse two dimensional mesh. In the presently preferred embodiment the target representation is expressed as a multiresolution subdivision surface representation. The shape descriptors can include surface normals obtained from the mesh representation and, more generally, can be descriptive of one of surface normal, Gaussian curvature, mean curvature, shape index and curvedness.

Abstract: In this invention there are described a set of algorithms based on multiresolution subdivision surfaces that perform at interactive rates and enable intuitive surface cut-and-paste operations. The method includes separating a source region of interest of a source surface into a source base surface and a source detail surface; separating a target region of interest of a target surface into a target base surface and a target detail surface; and pasting the source detail surface onto the target base surface in accordance with a mapping. The step of pasting includes parameterizing and mapping the parameterized regions of interest of the source and target surfaces into an intermediate plane, and aligning the parameterizations using a linear transformation that compensates for first order distortions.

Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly combining client-only rendering techniques with server-only rendering techniques. The approach uses a composite stream containing three distinct streams. One stream is available to send geometry from the server to the client. Another stream contains video with transparent pixels that allow the client-rendered object to appear in the context of the server rendered objects. The third stream contains camera information. The invention can satisfy a number of viewing applications. For example, initially the most relevant geometry can stream to the client for high quality local rendering while the server delivers renderings of less relevant geometry at lower resolutions. After the most relevant geometry has been delivered to the client, the less important geometry can be optionally streamed to the client to increase the fidelity of the entire scene.

Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly combining client-only rendering techniques with server-only rendering techniques. The approach uses a composite stream containing three distinct streams. Two of the streams are synchronized and transmit camera definition, video of server-rendered objects, and a time dependent depth map for the server-rendered object. The third stream is available to send geometry from the server to the client, for local rendering if appropriate. The invention can satisfy a number of viewing applications. For example, initially the most relevant geometry can stream to the client for high quality local rendering while the server delivers renderings of less relevant geometry at lower resolutions. After the most relevant geometry has been delivered to the client, the less important geometry can be optionally streamed to the client to increase the fidelity of the entire scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining two dimensional (2D) images with three dimensional (3D) polygonal models of objects so as to encode 2D image content information into the 3D objects, thereby providing an efficient rendering and transmission of complex scenes. The occurrence of an occlusion error in a digital data processing system that has a display is avoided. The method has steps of (a) encoding a specification of a two dimensional background image into at least one three dimensional foreground object that overlies and occludes a portion of the background image; and (b) displaying to a viewer the background image and the at least one overlying foreground object. A further step operates in response to a movement of the foreground object that makes a portion of the background image visible to the viewer, for (c) displaying the portion of the background image that has become visible. The step of displaying uses the encoded specification that is retrieved from the foreground object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a client/server graphics processing system of a type that includes a display and a user input device. A first step, executed at the server entity, renders a plurality views (e.g., six views) of a model of interest and transmits the plurality of views to the client entity. A next step, executed at the client, maps individual ones of the plurality of views onto individual ones of a plurality of faces of a structure (e.g., a cube) and displays the structure on the display. In response to the user manipulating the user input device, a next step, executed at the client, causes a manipulation of the structure displayed on the display for specifying a particular view direction relative to the model.