Abstract: The inventive mechanisms convert a path, which represents a graphical object, into a plurality of line segments. Thus, the path can be reshaped without respect to existing Bezier control points. The first mechanism allows a user to ‘pull’ a segment of a path. A user selects a specific place on the path, pulls the selected place along with a portion of the path on either side of the place to a desired location. The second mechanism allows a user to ‘push’ a segment of a path, by using an arbitrary shape and sculpting the path. The arbitrary shape is used in a manner similar in which a sculptor would use a putty knife and sculpts away part of the path, by pushing that shape into the path. The path is being repelled from the shape, as the shape is being pushed. The third mechanism allows a user to reshape an area or region of the path. The user selects a specific point in space and modify any parts of the path that lie within that region of space.

Abstract: A video graphics system and method for creating variable width lines such that the lines may be easily edited. As a line image is created, a center point of that image along its length is temporarily established having width information at various points. This width information is used to create an outline of image of the desired shape, the outline having point data spaced at intervals. This point data can then be edited by a user to create different shapes. In situations where a pressure sensitive stylus is used to create the variable length line, a look-back technique is employed to insure that the line remains wide at the end point even though the user is reducing pressure as the system is removed from the pad.

Abstract: A system and method for generating self-overlapping calligraphic images from an input source. The input can be a stylus and the angle of attack of the line with respect to a surface can be fixed or variable. The calligraphic image can have a fixed or variable width which can be point-by-point edited to form a new calligraphic image. The system has the ability to expand a calligraphic image with overlapping strokes and subsequently edit the image.

Abstract: A system and method for generating complex calligraphic curves from an input source. The input can be a stylus and the angle of attack of the line with respect to a surface can be fixed or variable. The calligraphic curve can have a fixed or variable width which can be point-by-point edited to form a new calligraphic curve. The system has the ability to expand a calligraphic image with crossing strokes.