Abstract: Displaying the relative depth of 2D image objects while preserving the visual attributes of the objects is disclosed. After an object group is determined, the members of the object group are temporarily moved away from a center location while preserving the object group members' positions relative to each other in the X-Y plane. A depth well is displayed at the center location and each object group member is connected to a ring-beam in the depth well. In response to a control action indicating a relative depth adjustment of an object group member relative to the remaining object group members, the depth of the object relative to the remaining object group members is changed. In response to a control action indicating the depth adjustment is complete, object group members are returned to their original positions in the X-Y plane with the adjusted object displayed at the object's new relative depth.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter can provide an architecture that facilitates producing a single image that can visualize a scene too large to depict from any single perspective view. These images can be stitched together on a 2-dimensional picture surface to form a multi-perspective image of the entire extent of the scene depicted by the input images. Where the respective images overlap, an objective function can be employed to determine where to make a transition between one image and the next. The objective function can employ a data cost and a seam cost to make this determination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate normalizing and beautifying digitally generated handwriting, such as can be generated on a tablet PC or via scanning a handwritten document. A classifier can identify extrema in the digital handwriting and label such extrema according to predefined categories (e.g., bottom, baseline, midline, top, other, . . . ). Multi-linear regression, polynomial regression, etc., can be performed to align labeled extrema to respective and corresponding desired points as indicated by the labels. Additionally, displacement techniques can be applied to the regressed handwriting to optimize legibility for reading by a human viewer and/or for character recognition by a handwriting recognition application. The displacement techniques can comprise a “rubber sheet” displacement algorithm in conjunction with a “rubber rod” displacement algorithm, which can collectively preserve spatial features of the handwriting during warping thereof.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for extending the capabilities of pen-based interfaces. Embodiments are provided that receive an input that can include a selection, a confirmation, and/or a completion or cancellation. According to some embodiments tension-based techniques (hardwired or software) provide an interface whereby a user can confirm, cancel, or terminate a selected command gesture. The various embodiments employ techniques that include muscular tension and/or pen contact with a screen. Also provided are spring-once techniques that keeps the tool active for one use after a button has been deactivated.

Abstract: A technique for increasing the capabilities of pen-based or touch-screen interfaces. The capabilities are implemented by using movements at a position above or in a parallel proximity to the display surface, referred to as a tracking or hover state. A gesture or series of gestures in the hover or tracking state can be utilized to activate localized interface widgets, such as marking menus, virtual scroll rings, etc. The gesture(s) can be preceded or followed by an optional authorization that confirms a command, action, or state. Utilization of a tracking state allows the disclosed systems, methodologies and/or devices to create a new command layer distinct from the input layer of a pen or touch display interface. Thus, user commands can be localized around a mouser or pointer maintaining user concentration while eliminating the occurrence of undesired or unintended inking on the display surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprising a general purpose framework to facilitate automated layout are provided. Such systems and methods can be utilized to automatically generate visual content over a wide range of domains. One example of a framework comprises a set of general purpose layout components adjustable to a plurality of domains. The general purpose layout components facilitate the automated arrangement of visual elements according to a plurality of style rules. One example of a method performed utilizing one or more elements of a general purpose adaptable layout framework comprises quantifying at least one aesthetic quality of a depiction in relation to one or more non-mandatory objectives to produce a quantified aesthetic quality, and automatically optimizing the quantified aesthetic quality to produce an enhanced depiction.

Abstract: A system and method for placing an annotation or label in a route map in an appropriate grid cell are described. Initially, the route map is partitioned into an initial grid; composed of candidate grid cells, into which the annotation or label can be placed. If necessary, a search for grid cells having sufficient adjacent object free grid cells is conducted. When no candidate grid cells are found during the identifying or searching stages, a grid subdivision scheme subdivides a portion of the grid cells in the initial grid to form a new grid. Then, the identifying and searching steps are repeated using the new grid. The process also ranks multiple candidate cells based on a density of objects in bordering grid cells. The candidate grid cell having the lowest density of objects in bordering cells is selected as the appropriate candidate grid cell.

Abstract: An algorithm is provided for optimizing the layout of labels associated with a visual data object such as a chart. The labels are first placed into a chart definition file that defines the labels as a shape. An initial layout of the labels is created and scored. The shapes are then manipulated iteratively until an optimal layout of the labels is obtained that corresponds to the layout having the score closest to an optimal score. The optimal layout is then used in rendering the visual data object on a screen.

Abstract: A system and method for improving digital flash photographs. The present invention is a technique that significantly improves low-light imaging by giving the end-user all the advantages of flash photography without producing the jarring look. The invention uses an image pair—one taken with flash the other without—to remove noise from the ambient image, sharpen the ambient image using detail from the flash image, correct for color, and remove red-eye.

Abstract: A framework for authoring and presenting an interactive exploded view diagram from an image or set of images. The framework includes an authoring component that receives the image and facilitates processing of the image into the exploded view diagram, and a viewing component that facilitates dynamic filtering of diagram information of the exploded view diagram associated with user interaction. The resulting interactive diagram is a 2.5D layer-based diagram that facilitates user interaction to expand or collapse portions of the rendered view diagram.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling common information displays, referred to as shared displays, is presented. The system and process allows multiple modes of input using a set of modules that accept and display data from a variety of sources. Input modules are able to understand data from a single mode of communication and to be able to generate messages as output accordingly. An optional translation module takes discrete message units and converts them into commands or requests that can be processed by a logic module. The logic module includes any application that is running on the shared display. A layout module lays out the information output by the logic module and a display module takes the layout data and converts the information to a form that can be readily displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A browsing system and method for browsing allows multiple users to access and view hypertext documents on a shared display. A browsing system includes a hypertext document converter configured to convert a component in a hypertext document to include alternate component activation tags. A hypertext display controller controls a display module to display the converted component in the hypertext document. The input processor receives and processes an input signal related to the alternate component activation tag from at least one of the plurality of input devices. The browsing system activates the converted component of the hypertext document upon receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate annotating digital documents (e.g., digital inking) with devices such as Tablet PCs, PDAs, cell phones, and the like. The systems and methods provide for multi-scale navigation during document annotating via a space-scale framework that fluidly generates and moves a zoom region relative to a document and writing utensil. A user can employ this zoom region to annotate various portions of the document at a size comfortable to the user and suitably scaled to the device display. The space-scale framework enables dynamic navigation, wherein the zoom region location, size, and shape, for example, can automatically adjust as the user annotates. When the user finishes annotating the document, the annotations scale back with the zoom region to original page size. These novel features provide advantages over conventional techniques that do not contemplate multi-scale navigation during document annotating.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: A system and method for making computer-generated maps includes a different scale factor for each road in a route. The scale factors are used to optimize the route map against a target function that considers factors such as the number of false intersections in the route and the number of roads falling below a minimum length threshold. A refinement technique such as simulated annealing is used to find a solution to the target function. Each road in the scaled map is rendered to provide a finished product having the appearance of a hand-drawn map. The finished product includes context roads that intersect the main route but are not part of the main route. Furthermore, the hand-drawn map is optimized to the characteristics of the viewport used to visualize the map.

Abstract: A method and system for generating at least one disassembly sequence from a geometric representation of an assembly. The method comprises selecting at least one part for removal from the assembly and generating the disassembly sequence for the part based on a plurality of pre-computed relational information from the geometric representation.