Abstract: The present disclosure introduces the concept of 3D editors that treat contents as a set of “assemblies” that interact with each other and the world governed by physics, such as inertia. Based on this general concept we introduce a range of tools for manipulating such assemblies. We then automate several aspects of 3D editing that might otherwise clash with the notion of an interaction based on physics, such as alignment and view management. Some embodiments of the inventive concept target specific fabrication machines. This allows these embodiments to offer smart content elements that embody useful domain knowledge, such as stability and material efficiency. This reduces user interface complexity and allows especially inexperienced users to solve common problems with ease.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method generates a reusable component. The method comprises generating an export file consumable by the targeted fabrication machine, wherein all or part of the geometry represented by the export file allows translation or rotation or both to reflect a position of an asset in a 3D model containing the asset.

Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates pixel-accurate targeting with respect to multi-touch sensitive displays when selecting or viewing content with a cursor. In particular, the system and method can track dual inputs from a primary finger and a secondary finger, for example. The primary finger can control movement of the cursor while the secondary finger can adjust a control-display ratio of the screen. As a result, cursor steering and selection of an assistance mode can be performed at about the same time or concurrently. In addition, the system and method can stabilize a cursor position at a top middle point of a user's finger in order to mitigate clicking errors when making a selection.

Abstract: A computer system and for displaying a static animation image in response to an action related to a displayed object that occurs on the computer system is presented. An initial state of the displayed object is determined with regard to the action. A final state of the displayed object with regard to the action is also determined. Transition aspects between the initial state and the final state are then determined. A static animation image is generated according to the initial state, the transition aspects, and the final state. The static animation image represents, in static form, an animation indicative of the action from the initial state to the final state of the displayed object. The static animation image is displayed on the graphical user interface in lieu of animation.

Abstract: A system and method for processing images utilizing varied feature class weights is provided. A computer system associates two or more images with a set of feature class data, such as color and texture data. The computer system assigns a set of processing weights for each of the feature classes. The two or more images are blended according to the feature class weights. The blended image can be further adjusted according to the content of the images.

Abstract: A system and method for representing content state in a file system is provided. A file system includes a unique database object that is representative of the object content. The unique database object serves as a link container and includes a plurality of links to additional unique database objects that are properties of the representation of content. The link container database object also maintains additional fields that define additional properties for the representation of content.

Abstract: A system and method for determining differences and other conditions on a multi-monitor system is provided. A first line is displayed across two monitors. A user aligns one segment of the line on one monitor with the other segment. A second line is displayed across the monitors, parallel to the first. The user then aligns a segment of the second line with the other segment of the second line. A wedge is displayed across the monitors. The user aligns a portion of the wedge such that the wedge appears as a contiguous wedge partially obscured by the physical separation between monitors. The system then determines the relative physical alignment of the monitors, the relative pixel resolution of the monitors, and the physical separation between the display areas of the monitors. If a monitor is rotated, an additional step to determine the rotation of the rotated monitor is also performed.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying contextual information in clipped views of two-dimensional workspaces are provided. A method for indicating an object includes: providing a workspace having a viewed space and a populated space, the viewed space being delineated by a border; determining an object in the populated space; determining a direction of the object from the viewed space; and indicating the object with an indicator on the border of the viewed space in the direction of the object. The distance of the object may determine the appearance of the indicator. The indicator may also show a user's interest. An object indicating system includes: an object determination circuit that determines an object in a populated space and a direction of the object from a viewed space; and an indicator mapping block that indicates the object with an indicator on a border of the viewed space in the direction of the object.

Abstract: A pen-based user interface (PBUI) that facilitates input of a delimiter to a scope in a substantially uninterrupted stroke for generating a selection-action gesture phrase. Four delimiter techniques are provided, which include a Multi-stroke delimiter, a button delimiter, timeout delimiter and pigtail delimiter. The Pigtail delimiter uses a small loop to delimit the gesture. The delimiter techniques support integrated scope selection, command activation, and direct manipulation all in a single fluid pen gesture. The delimiter techniques can also be employed to terminate a complex scope consisting of a sequence of multiple pen strokes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and computer-readable medium that adjusts pointer movement when an input device causes the pointer to intersect one or more alignment areas. Pointer movement is adjusted in the alignment areas to allow users to easily align GUI objects. The adjusted pointer movement is not proportional to input received from an input device. Instead alignment areas have “friction” in that the pointer is less responsive to input compared to other areas of the computer display.