Abstract: A graphics image is produced for a computer display with depth of field information by producing a sharp image of a scene, producing a blur image of the scene, and producing z-buffer image data, and producing an alpha channel RGBA image comprising an alpha blend of the sharp and blur images with the z-buffer data. The alpha channel RGBA image thereby provides an image having depth of field information when reproduced on a computer display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perspective transforming a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional space, each object having a plurality of vertexes, the methods and apparatus determining whether the plurality of vertexes for each of the objects are localized within the three-dimensional space; performing a first perspective transformation process on the respective plurality of vertexes of the objects when the plurality of vertexes for each of the objects are not localized within the three-dimensional space; and performing a second perspective transformation process on the respective plurality of vertexes of the objects when the plurality of vertexes for each of the objects are localized within the three-dimensional space, wherein the second perspective transformation process requires less calculating power than the first perspective transformation process.

Abstract: Aspects for rendering bicubic surfaces of an object on a computer system are disclosed. Each bicubic surface is defined by sixteen control points and bounded by four boundary curves, and each boundary curve is formed by boundary box of line segments formed between four of the control points. The method and system of include first selecting a pair of orthogonal boundary curves to process. After the boundary curves have been selected, each of the curves is iteratively subdivided, wherein two new curves are generated with each subdivision. The subdivision of each of the curves is terminated when the curves satisfy a flatness threshold expressed in screen coordinates, whereby the number of computations required to render the object is minimized.

Abstract: A display engine of a video and graphics system includes one or more processing elements and receives graphics from a memory. The graphics data define multiple graphics layers, and the processing elements process two or more graphics layers in parallel to generate blended graphics. Alpha values may be used while blending graphics. The processing elements may be integrated on an integrated circuit chip with an input for receiving the graphics data and other video and graphics components. The display engine may also include a graphics controller for receiving two or more graphics layers in parallel, for arranging the graphics layers in an order suitable for parallel processing, and for providing the arranged graphics layers to the processing elements. The blended graphics may be blended with HDTV video or SDTV video, which may be extracted from compressed data streams such as an MPEG Transport stream.

Abstract: A parallel processing processor for processing images including &agr; data indicative of pixel transparency. The parallel processing processor comprises: a plurality of execution units for executing in parallel arithmetic and logical operations under control of a single instruction; general purpose registers which are connected to the execution units via a data path, which input data to the execution units and which receive results of operations from the execution units; &agr; data dedicated registers which are connected to the execution units via another data path and which input data to the execution units; and a control circuit for directing data from the general purpose registers and &agr; data dedicated registers into each of the execution units under control of a single instruction.

Abstract: An adaptive arrangement including a command translation/ordering unit arranged to recognize and convert a first predetermined command unrecognizable/unsupported by an external recipient into a second predetermined command recognizable/supported by the external recipient. Such arrangement is further arranged to control a predetermined ordering of the converted second predetermined command with respect to other commands. The command translation/ordering unit may be arranged to control ordering such that all commands handled prior to the first predetermined command are completed prior to completion of the converted second predetermined command. Further, the command translation/ordering unit may be arranged to control ordering such that all commands handled after the first predetermined command are completed after completion of the converted second predetermined command.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving the remote display of graphics images by the redirection of rendering and the optional use of image data compression. Instead of sending graphics commands over a network and rendering on a remote computer system, graphics commands may be automatically redirected by modified OpenGL functions to local graphics devices without explicit involvement by the graphics application. The modifications to a set of the OpenGL functions on the local system are transparent in the normal mode of rendering and displaying locally. After an image is rendered locally, it may be read back and sent across the network. A standard X Server on the remote system may be sufficient to support this methodology. An X Extension for data decompression on the remote system, however, may allow for more efficient image transmission through the use of image data compression.

Abstract: A device for improving pixel rendering performance in a computer graphics system. The device includes a pixel resolution buffer containing a plurality of pixel storage locations to store pixel values. A depth value is provided for each pixel storage location in the pixel resolution buffer, to store a closest depth for polygons that cover the pixel. A subpixel resolution buffer is also included with a least two subpixels corresponding to each pixel storage location in the pixel resolution buffer.

Abstract: Effective color resolution of a limited-memory color-mapped display system such as a portable liquid crystal display (LCD) handheld video game system can be increased by changing the color mapping information during active display time (e.g., during the horizontal blanking interval between rasterization of successive lines on the display). A subset of the color mapping information can be rewritten during each horizontal blanking period. A full color bitmapped source image can be converted into a color-mapped image in a way that optimizes the use of such color map updates. Since photographic and photorealistic images typically don't exhibit abrupt color changes between neighboring pixels, such techniques can result in display of a color image with very high color resolution (e.g., having as many as 2048 different colors) on hardware intended to permit simultaneous display of only a much smaller number of different colors (e.g., only 56 different colors simultaneously).

Abstract: A method, system and program product to verify a data preparation employed on a plurality of design layers that make up an article. An instruction algorithm representative of the data preparation is restated in terms of fundamental algorithms having corresponding graphical representations. The graphical representations can be combined to form a combination graphical representation that is used to determine whether the data preparation is correct. The invention can be used to verify correct data preparation of highly complex articles.

Abstract: A preferred method includes the step of receiving multiple digital video data streams. Preferably, a first of the multiple digital video data streams contains processed pixel data corresponding to at least a portion of the image to be rendered, and a second of the multiple digital video data streams contains processed pixel data corresponding to at least a portion of the image to be rendered as well as information, such as a chroma-key value, associated with at least some of the processed pixel data. The embodiment also preferably includes the step of combining the multiple digital video data streams into the composite digital video data stream by referencing the chroma-key values. Devices also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to enlarging and/or sharpening a digital input image into a resized and/or sharpened digital output image, where the enlargement technique is performed in accordance with the input image content. An enlarged approximated version of an original image is combined with a residual image to produce an output image of desired size. The approximated image is computed by a two-dimensional (2-D) approximation. The residual image is the same size as the original image, or may be enlarged to the size of the desired output image. The residual image data is selectively added to the approximated image such that image information is added everywhere in the image except at continuous edges.

Abstract: A method using a dual point cubic-like slope (DPCSC) for scaling a source data to a destination data, wherein a function f(x) is determined to describe the destination data, in which x is a deviation from a current reference point 0, and two reference data of f(0) and f(1) are used as reference data. The method comprises setting an initial condition about a slope D with respect to the function f(x) at the point 0, a gain factor G to time the slope D, and f′(0)=f′(1)=DG. The f(x) is a quadratic equation of f(x)=ax2+bx+c, which should pass f(0), f(1), and a middle point f(0.5) by a quantity of f(0.5)=[f(0)+f(1)]/2. The coefficients of a, b, and, c, are solved in two ranges of 0≦x<0.5 and 0.5≦x<1, so as to obtain the function f(x), with a joint at the middle point. The foregoing steps are repeated for scaling data in a next source data region. The function preferable is chosen to be symmetric to the middle point.

Abstract: A system for concurrently displaying multiple images, such as multiple video images, multiple graphics images, and multiple text images. Each image may be subject to a different adaptive filtering operation. The system uses multiple converters or other filters that are coupled to respectively different sources of signals and a processor to combine the signals provided by the various format converters or filters. A computer controls the format converters, the filters, and the merging processor. The combined signals developed by the merging processor are provided to a single display device.

Abstract: A system is provided for presenting a synchronized musical score. The system has a controller and a plurality of computerized monitors. The monitors respond to the controller to display the musical score to musicians at the monitors. One or more data links between the controller and the monitors communicate information between the controller and the monitors. Optionally, a musical score database networks with the controller to provide the musical score to the controller. One or more of the monitors may have a media driver to provide the musical score to the one or more monitors. Physical media (e.g., CD ROM, magnetic media) may be inserted to the driver, the media encoding the musical score. Various controls at the monitors facilitate user selection of scrolling and display characteristics of the musical score.

Abstract: The method for the representation of video and audio signals on a low-resolution display panel, which includes the steps of: scaling the video or audio frame to fit the display panel, quantization of the video or audio signals to predetermined level values, temporal representation of video data by using the pulse density modulation, sending the signal pulses to the display panel. In further aspect the step of temporal representation contains the anti-flickering signal manipulation technique incorporating maximization of separation of the pulses during the pulse density modulation.

Abstract: A schedule display control device, a display control method, and a computer readable recording medium storing a program which allows easy comprehension of a display unit or overall schedule, smooth operation, and sharing of schedule display control, alleviating the burden on the user. A layout control device which controls the layout of a schedule table based on the schedule quantity in individual display units and which controls the display of a schedule according to positions within said schedule table.

Abstract: A template-driven process system includes a template, a template translator, and an interactive application. The template translator translates the template into the interactive application.

Abstract: An operating system shell provides on a display screen a graphical user interface through which a user interacts with the operating system. The operating system shell provides a background noisy display rendered on the display screen in accordance with a background physical lighting model, and an ambient notification rendered over at least a portion of the background noisy display to provide a user notification. The ambient notification is rendered in accordance with an ambient notification physical lighting model that is different from the background physical lighting model.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A system that represents a video sequence comprising of a plurality of video clips as number of images. The plurality of video clips is represented as a reduced representation of video images. A video clip is represented as a keyframe, wherein multiple keyframes may then be arranged according to chronological order. All or only a representative portion of the video clips can be represented as keyframes. The size of the keyframe may be configured to represent the length or importance of the video clip. The keyframe may depict an entire frame of a video clip, or a region of meaningful information within a frame of a video clip. Multiple keyframes may be arranged in a two dimensional array, in an S-shaped curve, or some other pattern. The keyframes may depict motion of an object occurring overtime in the video clip by configuring groups of pixels in the key frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing content associated with an event venue in and about the event venue. The systems include one or more media inputs that comprise information associated with the event venue, an editing system communicably coupled to the one or more media inputs. The editing system can manipulate the information received from the one or more media inputs. Further, a distribution system is communicably coupled to the editing system, and a portable access device is communicably coupled to the distribution system. The methods involve a variety of approaches related to providing media streams to the portable access devices and for receiving and servicing requests from such portable access devices.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently managing an international mobility process. The system includes a plurality of user computer systems coupled to a network and an international mobility management server coupled to the network. The server includes a database that stores user information, international assignment information, user rights information, action item information, and action item status information and a processor. The processor includes a first component that generates interactive pages accessible by a user at one of the user computer systems, and a second component that records user interaction with the generated interactive pages. The user is assigned to one of an assignee group, a vendor group, a coordinator group, or a supercoordinator group. The user interaction with the generated interactive pages is based on user rights information associated with the user. The user rights information is based on what group the user is assigned to.

Abstract: A terminal for controlling use of a computer is provided. The terminal operates together with a monitor/control program installed in the computer and comprises a key input receiving means, a data storing means, a flash memory, a processor, a data transmitting/receiving means, and a display means.

Abstract: A method for establishing a business entity by an online forum may include proposing to form a business entity. A proposal associated with forming the business entity may be reviewed within the online forum. Members of the online forum may vote on the proposal. The business entity may be established if a sufficient number of members of the online forum vote for the proposal. The resulting business entity may be controlled by the online forum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically updating a user interface are described. A data model is stored locally in a processing system. A presentation document is generated in the processing system based on the data model and a source document written in extensible markup language. The user interface is rendered in the processing system based on the presentation document. In response to an event, the processing system causes a corresponding change to the data model, and then automatically or semi-automatically determines a set of parts of the presentation document which are invalid as a result of the change and updates only those segments that are invalid. The user interface is then rendered based on the updated presentation document.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a method of displaying a user activity site contained within an active window on a display screen. In one aspect, a detection is made as to whether the user activity site is obstructed by an obstruction. If so, the user activity site is displayed in a text display area disposed in front of the obstruction. The obstruction comprises one or more inactive windows.

Abstract: The invention provides a data visulisation system comprising a data value memory in which is maintained an interaction database of interaction data representing interactions between customers and merchants, the interaction data associated with at least one time value, a retrieval device arranged to retrieve from the interaction database data representing interactions between customers and merchants and to construct a finite set of data values from their retrieved data, a display arranged to display a first representation of the data values, and a pointing device enabling a user to select part of the first representation. The display is further arranged to generate and display a second representation based on the part of the first representation selected by the user.

Abstract: A method for real time display of maintenance device location in an internal space includes a real time location display. An inspection window includes the real time location display, an observations spreadsheet, and a distance display. If the maintenance device is a video camera, a video screen is also included in the inspection window. The inspection window is displayed on a computer monitor. As a video camera is moved through an internal space, a video signal and distance signal are sent to a computer. Location display software on the computer receives the distance signal and provides a real time location display of the distance that the video camera has traveled. The observations spreadsheet enables an operator to enter information concerning a particular distance measurement of interest and which is also shown on the real time location display. The video screen displays real time video camera feed.

Abstract: A method for a user to preview multiple virtual desktops in a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving an indication from a user to preview the multiple virtual desktops and displaying multiple panes on the display. Each pane contains a scaled virtual desktop having dimensions that are proportionally less than the dimensions of a corresponding full-size virtual desktop. Each scaled virtual desktop displays with one or more scaled application windows as shadows if the corresponding full-size virtual desktop has one or more corresponding application windows that are active.

Abstract: An anchor manager is described for providing a window for presenting window contents. It comprises a pane provider, an anchor indicator and a coupler. The pane provider provides multiple panes, each containing window contents. The anchor indicator provider provides multiple anchor indicators, each representing its related window contents. The coupler associates an anchor indicator to a pane that contains window contents represented by the anchor indicator so as to allow display of the panes in a display area of the window according to selection of the anchor indicators.

Abstract: An improved application sharing system and method are described wherein shared window data is treated according to different sets of rules depending upon the fraction of the shared window data that corresponds to the actual shared window. In this manner, occlusions of a shared window on a sharer display may be disguised or handled by a viewer display to minimize the impact of the occlusion on a viewing user, providing a more consistent and less confusing viewer experience.

Abstract: A facility for defining a process for approving requests for approval of a selected type is described. The facility displays a palette containing visual representations of each of a plurality of approval process elements. The facility then receives a number of user input instances, each user input instance dragging one of the visual representations into a selected location in a workspace, so as to form an arrangement of approval process elements. The facility then stores a process definition corresponding to the formed arrangement of approval process elements.

Abstract: An improved application sharing system and method allow sharing of documents on a per document basis rather than on a per application basis, in order to simplify the user experience and to provide a more secure sharing environment. A window marking method is used to construct a window list describing the shared and unshared status of various windows. In an embodiment of the invention, a viewer machine displays only a most recently active shared document window even when other windows are also marked as shared. In this way, a viewer's attention can be automatically focused on a current document of interest.

Abstract: A digital imaging device user interface provides for the browsing of stored images using an intuitive virtual-stack-of-images metaphor. Images may be slid animatedly off or onto the virtual stack of images much as a user would flip through a stack of physical photographs. The user interface may be used in devices such as digital cameras, scanners, personal digital assistants, or palmtop computers.

Abstract: A system and method for organizing and prioritizing recognized text. More particularly, a method and system for categorizing recognized text according to confidence levels in the correctness of the recognized text. The system and method may categorize recognized text into two or more different confidence levels. A user interface can display recognized text based upon the confidence level assigned to that text, thereby drawing a user's attention to that text for which the recognition process has a low confidence in its correctness estimate. The user interface may also allow a user to correct erroneously recognized text with different techniques, according to the level of confidence that the recognition process has in the correctness of the text.

Abstract: Device and method for fabricating a display panel having ink-jet printing applied thereto, the device including a stage for supporting a substrate, a base having one or more than one rail for transporting the stage, and one or more than one ink-jet head rotatable by an angel for spraying a pattern forming solution to the substrate, thereby reducing a fabrication cost and simplifying a fabrication process.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plasma display panel can improve contrast of a panel by using an inkjet printing method in forming a fluorescent layer in the fabrication process of the plasma display panel. Also, after charging a liquid flake of fluorescent ink with a charge of a predetermined polarity, contrast of the panel can be improved by inducing the injection direction of the liquid flake by charging an address electrode with a charge having an opposite polarity to the liquid flake so that the charged liquid flake can be printed in the center portion of the cell region.

Abstract: A device and method for fabricating a display panel having ink-jet printing applied thereto is disclosed, in which it is possible to simplify fabricating process steps and to reduce production cost, and to prevent pattern failure. The device includes a stag having a hole and supporting a substrate; one or more ink-jet heads having nozzles spraying pattern forming solution onto the substrate; and one or more cameras positioned below the stage so as to monitor the nozzles through the holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure deals with a replaceable printing component for an ink-jet printing system. The ink-jet printing system is of the type having at least one replaceable component. The replaceable component includes an electrical storage device that is responsive to printing system control signals for transferring information between the printing component and the ink-jet printing system. The replaceable printing component includes a non-protected and a protected electrical storage portion. The non-protected electrical storage portion is responsive to write control signals for storing information provided to the non-protected electrical storage portion. The protected electrical storage portion has a protected state in response to an occurrence of a write protect active signal. In the protected state the protected electrical storage device prevents storage of information in the protected electrical storage portion.

Abstract: An ink jet printer with an independent preheating driving circuit includes at least an ink jet unit. Each ink jet unit has an input end for receiving energy, and a corresponding nozzle. When energy received by the ink jet unit via the input end exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the ink jet unit ejects ink from the nozzle. The printer also has a first driving circuit electrically connected to the input end for providing energy for printing, and a second driving circuit electrically connected to the input end for providing preheating energy. When the ink jet unit receives energy from the first driving circuit for printing, the second driving circuit stops providing the preheating energy to the ink jet unit.

Abstract: There is described inkjet recording method and apparatus capable of printing very fine images stably on every type of printing material. The apparatus includes an ink-heating section to heat ink; an ink-jetting head having an ink channel, a volume of which is expanded and shrunken by applying a first electronic pulse and by successively applying a second electronic pulse, to emit an ink particle from a nozzle of the ink channel onto a recording medium so as to form the image on the recording medium; and an ultraviolet light irradiating section to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the recording medium for fixing the image; wherein, at a time after the ink particle is emitted by applying a first driving pulse to the ink channel and before an ink meniscus, formed at the nozzle, grows to an original stable state, a next ink particle is emitted by applying a second driving pulse.

Abstract: A set of ink-jet printable proofing sheets are disclosed that each comprise a first printable face having a periphery including first, second, third, and fourth edges. The first and third edges are disposed opposite each other on the first printable face, and the second and fourth edges are disposed opposite each other on the first printable face. The first face has properties resulting from a deposited ink drop print-enhancing treatment. Each sheet also includes a second face sharing the periphery and the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the first printable face, and a first machine-readable mark located on one of the first and second faces and including a plurality of data areas of different densities, with the combination of densities in the data areas being unique to each sheet.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus is disclosed for a jet printer including a recording medium support having a support surface, and at least one nozzle that is operative to emit an ink jet toward the support surface and is movable along the support surface in a translation direction. The apparatus includes a probe positioned proximate the support surface that includes a plurality of edge portion pairs separated by different distances in a direction along the translation axis, and located at different distances along a test direction perpendicular to the translation direction and proximate the support surface. The apparatus also includes detection circuitry responsive to the probe, and calibration logic responsive to the detection circuitry and having a calibration result output.

Abstract: A certified proofing method is disclosed that includes receiving a printable sheet and automatically detecting at least one feature of at least one component of a proofing process bearing on its quality. The method also includes automatically evaluating at least one result of the step of detecting, printing print data on the printable sheet, and generating a certification notice for the printable sheet in response to a positive electromagnetic result signal from the step of evaluating.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for characterizing a printing device, wherein the system includes a forward look up table for obtaining color values as a function of given colorant values for the printing device. The forward look up table includes a plurality of sampling points, wherein at least one of the sampling points is an ink changing point.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus and method of assembly therefor for cleaning an inkjet print head. The cleaning apparatus comprises a web supply for supplying a cleaning web therefrom and a web receiver for receiving the web. A web drive drives the web from the web supply to the web receiver. The web drive pulls the web from the web supply with a first tension force and also pulls the web onto the web receiver with a second tension force greater than the first tension force, so that the web is wrinkle-free while the web slidably engages an exterior surface of the print head to clean the print head. The web remains wrinkle-free to ensure that the surface of the web will contact the surface of the print head without gaps in contact coverage. This enhances cleaning effectiveness compared to a cleaning web having wrinkles.

Abstract: A controller for controlling printing on both surfaces of a sheet of print media includes a first print controller for controlling printing by a page width printhead of a first print engine and a second print controller for controlling printing by a page with printhead of a second print engine substantially simultaneously with the printing by the printhead of the first print engine. A first communications link interconnects the first print controller and the second print controller for synchronizing the print controllers. An second communications link is connected to at least one of the print controllers for interfacing with a host system for receipt from the host system of descriptions of pages to be printed on said surfaces of the sheet of print media by the print engines.

Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE In an ink jet printer using an ink using a solvent which is quick-drying and highly volatile such as an organic solvent, even if the ink jet head nozzle surface is covered with a protective cap, a minute amount of ink around the nozzles is dried when the printer is kept on standby for a long period of time or left unused for a long time with the power off, with the result that pigment and a resin layer adhere to the interior of the nozzle, making it impossible to overcome nozzle dropout even by cleaning. An object of the invention is to provide an ink jet head maintenance mechanism which makes it possible to perform satisfactory printing involving no nozzle dropout even when an ink of the above-mentioned nature is used and the head has been left unused for a long period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing fluid droplets onto a surface in which at least one of a group of nozzles is substantially aligned with a first of parallel line segments on a surface moving in a first direction relative to said nozzles; at least one droplet is ejected from said first nozzle onto a target on said first segment; said group of nozzles is moved in a second direction having a component orthogonal to said first direction to respectively align first and second nozzles in said group with a second segment and with said first segment; and fluid droplets are ejected from said nozzles onto targets on said segments, the center to center spacing of said targets along said segments equaling one or a multiple of the center to center spacing of said nozzles orthogonal to said segments.