Abstract: The present invention provides a method for morphing different geometric shapes while not using algebraic characteristics and overcoming inefficiency of Minkowski sum computation. The method for geometric shape morphing by using direction map so as to smoothly morph more than two different geometric shapes includes the steps of: a) extracting each direction map of the geometric shape; b) merging the direction maps; c) scaling the merged direction map by group; and d) generating a polygon by using an inverse function of a direction map.

Abstract: A display device with a dithering circuit is provided which can perform dithering on an input video signal without causing flicker and dither noise. A correction value is provided to reduce the difference (average error value) between an average value of brightness levels represented by pixel data corresponding to each of pixels in a pixel group and an average value of brightness levels represented by dither added pixel data corresponding to each of the pixels in the pixel group. This correction value is added to the dither added pixel data for correction. This prevents flicker from being produced even when the assignment of dither coefficients in the pixel group is changed in each field to reduce dither noise. Also provided is a gray scale processing system which can perform gray scale processing on an input video signal without causing problems such as flicker.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of controlling light intensity in connection with the exposure of photosensitive material in an imagesetter/platesetter, which comprises a light source for illuminating said photosensitive material, wherein the light intensity of said light source is increased to a predetermined level ensuring a sufficiently steep transition between exposed and non-exposed material, and random image information representing material for exposure is modified so as to reduce the time during which the light source is active. The invention also relates to an apparatus for the same. A method and an apparatus eliminating/reducing the phenomenon spot wear are provided hereby.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes creating a filter structure using a parameter of a periodic pulse train, the filter structure having a plurality of time slots, each time slot being associated with a memory value; receiving a pulse at a time; incrementing the memory value associated with the time slot corresponding to the time the pulse was received; filtering the pulse if the memory value exceeds a threshold; and transmitting the pulse to a processor if the memory value does not exceed the threshold. In another embodiment, an apparatus that includes an input filter; a pulse detection circuit coupled to the input filter; a periodic pulse filter coupled to the pulse detection circuit; and a pulse queuing and transmission circuit coupled to the periodic pulse filter. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interactive transmission and reception of tactile information, comprising means for creating a signal representative of a human tactile event, means for transmitting the signal to a remote recipient, and, means for decoding the signal in a manner which conveys tactile information to a recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic methods and apparatus for interactively authoring, sharing and analyzing digital video content. Methods for authoring include displaying visual data, defining each traversal as a time-based sequence of frames and annotating and storing a record of the traversal and its associated audio records. Defining the traversal includes interactively panning the visual data by positioning an overlay window relative to the visual data and zooming in or out by resizing the overlay window. In alternative embodiments, the visual data may be displayed in a rectangular layout or a cylindrical layout. The methods are practiced using an integrated graphical interface, including an overview region displaying the visual data, a detail region displaying current data within the overlay window, and a worksheet region displaying a list of previously stored annotated traversal records.

Abstract: Audio and/or video signals are often defined by various components. In an audio signal, such components may comprise different instruments or sound generations or frequency ranges. Manipulation of the signals involves varying one component in relation to the other components. When using a GUI, each component may be displayed on a separate axis. This results in a plurality of axes.

Abstract: A method for delivering requested media content is provided. A requested media object requested by a user device is received, the requested media object including media of at least a first type. A first new media object is created, the first new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of the first type. A second new media object is created, the second new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of a second type, if any. At least one user interface mechanism is inserted into the second new media object, the at least one user interface mechanism corresponding to media of the requested media object of the first type included in the first new media object. The second new media object is delivered to the user device, and the first new media object is delivered to a secondary device separate from the user device.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an intuitive methodology for a user to control the process of constructing and/or browsing a semantic hierarchy of a video content with a computer controlled graphical user interface by utilizing a tree view of a video, a list view of a current segment, a view of visual rhythm and a view of hierarchical status bar. A graphical user interface (GUI) is used for constructing and browsing a hierarchical video structure. The GUI allows the easier video browsing of the final hierarchical video structure as well as the efficient construction or modeling of the intermediate hierarchies into the final one. The modeling can be done manually, automatically or semi-automatically. Especially during the process of manual or semi-automatic modeling, the convenient GUI increases the speed of the construction process, allowing the quick mechanism for checking the current status of intermediate hierarchies being constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides steganographic data hiding systems and methods in which identification data is embedded in video so as to be below human perception. The identification data is embedded to be visually perceptible when the video is examined on a frame-by-frame basis. The identification data is steganographically hidden since the identification data is embedded in selected frames over time at a low repetition rate—causing the identification data to be imperceptible during real-time viewing of the video. Related systems and methods are provided for audio.

Abstract: A distribution server distributes content including video data and slide data reproduced in synchronization with the video data, for a browsing client of a user having permission for browsing the content stored in a distribution server. The content is allowed to edit in accordance with an access of a provider client having a permission for editing the content. The permission for browsing the content and the permission for editing the content are designated by a management client.

Abstract: A system and method that provide video-based online interview training are disclosed. An architecture defining an integrated environment for job seekers to practice interview is described. With this system, the owner can manage the video questionnaire database. Users can book an interview, select the specific video questionnaire list and practice their interview. Users can record their interview results to the database. They can choose to get their interview results be reviewed by professional interview experts. The system administrator/owner can define the price policy and receive payment on the pay per-use basis. The system administrator/owner can also manage the user's account which includes log in history, payment, pre-recorded video database, recorded response video database, The system can also have the function to link with the affiliates' web site and manage the commissions.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a slideshow presentation. The graphical user interface comprises: a selection controller by which slides in the slideshow are previewed in sequence when a first event occurs and one of the previewed slides is selected when a second event occurs; a preview window displaying a thumbnail for each of the slides currently previewed by the selection controller; and a main window displaying the slide selected by the selection controller.

Abstract: There is provided a method of creating a digital stream contents to be distributed via a network from an input stream signal such as a video signal and an audio signal with a simple operation. A new moving image file is created every time a “NEW” button is clicked at such as a point where scenes of an image switch, and a moving image data from such point until the “NEW” button is clicked again is stored in the moving image file. Further, a speaker name and a slide file name of each scene may be obtained from a file which is prepared separately, and recorded in an administration file in relation with a corresponding moving image file name and a time code. The moving image file may however be a single file which is not separated for every scene.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for inserting custom user interface controls (65) such as a button or toolbar into a Web page (60). This allows the client device (20) rendering the Web page to use the controls to manipulate and transform data that resides on a remote server (120). In particular the controls may be used to manipulate and transform images that are viewed on the client device but actually reside on the remote server.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing, storing, and retrieving technical information as a collection of related lexical concepts. The system comprises a context-sensitive user interface, a central server based lexicon, and a centralized or distributed storage system. The reporting interface presents the user with choices from the lexicon appropriate to the current context, simplifying the process and improving efficiency. The report hierarchy can be extended as needed to accommodate new classes of information. The system learns from user choices becoming more efficient over time.

Abstract: User is caused to select, from among a plurality of pieces of data reproducing equipment, particular data reproducing equipment to be used, and the selected particular data reproducing equipment is registered in association with the user. A plurality of items of content is searched for particular content reproducible with the data reproducing equipment registered in association with the user. Content displaying information indicative of the searched-out content is supplied to the user. Thus, with reference to the supplied content displaying information, the user can determine whether or not to acquire (purchase or test-use) necessary content.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic methods and apparatus for interactively authoring, sharing and analyzing digital video content. Methods for authoring include displaying visual data, defining each traversal as a time-based sequence of frames and annotating and storing a record of the traversal and its associated audio records. Defining the traversal includes interactively panning the visual data by positioning an overlay window relative to the visual data and zooming in or out by resizing the overlay window. In alternative embodiments, the visual data may be displayed in a rectangular layout or a cylindrical layout. The methods are practiced using an integrated graphical interface, including an overview region displaying the visual data, a detail region displaying current data within the overlay window, and a worksheet region displaying a list of previously stored annotated traversal records.

Abstract: In a communication system in which a plurality of client apparatuses individually having CAD software are connected via a network to a server managing information, information on a notation created on a CAD file screen of an arbitrary client apparatus is transmitted to the server. The notation information transmitted to the server is recorded on a recording medium. Further, the notation information is transmitted to one or more client apparatuses as destinations of the notation information. Thus, the transmitted notation information is displayed on a CAD file screen of each client apparatus as the destinations.

Abstract: A method of interfacing used on a network having a central computer system and a plurality of remote computer system is provided. Each remote computer system includes a video display. The method includes the steps of creating a first visual representation of a first user on the visual display of the first computer system and a second visual representation of a second user on the visual display of the second computer system. The second visual representation is then displayed on the visual display of the first computer system and the first visual representation is displayed on the video display of the second computer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of services in a communication system which includes user-operated mobile terminals. In order so that the capabilities of a large display can be used in connection with a normal service session between a mobile terminal and a service application, service objects are displayed on a screen of a display unit external to a mobile terminal. When the user selects at least one object on the screen, selection parameters are defined which describe the selection. Based on the selection parameters, service-related information is further determined. The service-related information includes at least a resource identifier, which refers to a location of the service application in the network. A service request is then sent to the location, where new service content, which is to be transmitted to the mobile terminal, is determined on the basis of the request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a time/date, or a range of times/dates are provided. In one aspect, systems and methods having non-linear timeline UI mechanism(s) for selecting a date, or selecting a date range, are provided. In recognition that user interaction with and recall of time varies depending upon how far away the time period of interest is from the present time, the non-linear timeline provides UI mechanism(s) for selecting a time having different granularities of time in different portions of the timeline. Additionally, in recognition that user interaction with dates and times is not always in terms of numbers, but rather in terms of events, etc., occurring at or around a particular time period of interest, systems and method having date relation UI techniques are provided.

Abstract: A method for editing a multi-layer original image presented on a display, comprising: in response to receiving an indication to edit a region of the original image, distorting a predetermined portion of a first layer of the original image to produce a distorted image for the region; overlaying the distorted image on a second layer of the original image to produce an overlaid image for presentation on the display; and, upon completion of editing of the overlaid image, selectively propagating edits made to the first layer through to remaining layers of said original image. And, a method for presenting a region of a multi-layer original image on a system display, comprising: distorting a predetermined portion of a first layer of the original image to produce a distorted image for the region; and, overlaying the distorted image on a second layer of the original image for presentation on the system display.

Abstract: A logic analyzer integrates the capabilities of both textual and graphical description into a common environment, so that each can be used as needed, and in conjunction with the other. In an example embodiment a trigger specification can comprise many “steps”. A step can be conceptualized as an atomic segment of flow charting that involves or investigates a quantity or condition of interest. These steps may involve testing, and a decision concerning whether or not to trigger or whether or not to advance to a next step. A given step can be either textual or graphical. A GUT (Graphical User Interface, as in computer windows, and not to be confused with ‘graphical’ meaning ‘waveform-like’) on a CRT screen in conjunction with a pointing device (e.g., mouse) provides the presentation of the integrated textual and graphical (waveform-like) trigger specification steps.

Abstract: A method for space management of a workspace provided on a display includes defining a first data structure of full-space rectangles present on the workspace, wherein at least a portion of the full-space rectangles are permitted to overlap. A second data structure of largest empty-space rectangles available on the workspace is also defined to complete the representation of the workspace. The methods include performing an operation on at least one full-space rectangle on the workspace and redefining the first data structure and the second data structure in accordance with the workspace resulting from the operation performed. The operations can include adding a new full-space rectangle, moving an existing full-space rectangle and deleting an existing full full-space rectangle from the workspace. Generally, the workspace is a display device coupled to an electronic device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, electronic book viewer and the like.

Abstract: This image forming apparatus comprises a touch panel which displays touch keys, accepts key operations by a user, and displays predetermined messages including operation states and operation guides for a user, a control unit which controls to change predetermined settings including the layout, size and function of a desired touch key in the touch panel provided as a user interface, based on the touch panel operations by a user, and a memory unit which stores the changed information on the user interface.

Abstract: A method for organizing and displaying multiple calendars (200, 300, 400, and 500) from multiple devices (102, 104, 106, and 108) to give an appearance of a single user calendar (1100 and 1200) on a user's device is disclosed. Each calendar event having associated user category such as time (210), self (204), family (206), and work (208), is organized based on a display preference selected by a user. Desired calendar events organized based on the display preference are displayed (1100, 1200) on a selected device. Calendar events displayed have different visual attributes based on the corresponding associated users.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional file visualizer and chooser allows the user to rapidly and effectively view and select their files. The visualizer and chooser is a computer software application that structures different file types and applies 3D GUI visualization technology to allow users an improved ability to visualize and select the file they are interested in. The specific application provides the ability to maintain context among file sources as well as focus on the specific files being examined and/or selected.

Abstract: An integrated management method for multimedia contents integratedly managing a plurality of multimedia players to replay multimedia files, with reference to file information of the multimedia files registered in a predetermined file information database (DB). The integrated management method includes activating a file search window in which a list of the multimedia files is displayed, and a file information registration window in which a list of the file information of the multimedia files is displayed. The integrated management method also includes registering the file information of the multimedia files in the file information DB by dragging and dropping the multimedia files displayed in the file search window to the file information registration window. Thus, provided are an integrated management method and an integrated management system for multimedia contents enabling file information of a multimedia file to be conveniently registered through the integrated manager for the multimedia contents.

Abstract: To freely establish a peripheral equipment selection operating environment of excellent operability which can remarkably reduce an operation burden which is applied until construction information of selectable peripheral equipment can be confirmed and can easily confirm the construction information of the selectable peripheral equipment by everyone by a simple operating instruction, a CPU obtains construction information of a printer that is being selected and default setting on the basis of a selection instructing state relative to a selectable printer candidate on a network and allows them to be caption-displayed at a position near the position indicated by a cursor on a printer selection picture plane displayed on a CRT.

Abstract: A system and method detect and display a security status of appliances, in particular automation appliances and/or systems. The appliances have a detector mechanism for identification of a security status, as well as an external display and an internal display for the respective status. The internal display can be accessed with the aid of simple network management protocols via a management information base. The status of the internal display is passed on via a data transmission apparatus within the system, and is processed with the aid of a central security server for automation. Joint displays can display the security status of the respective lower-level appliances and/or appliance complexes at any desired hierarchy level in the system. Appliances without any security function can be integrated in the system by a representative.

Abstract: The specification discloses a device and method for generating a virtual keyboard/display. By means of optical scanning, a virtual display/keyboard is generated on a physical plane through a scan laser switch. Using the code reading technology, the key position entered by the user can be read and transmitted to a computer. The disclosed device includes a first laser emitter, a second laser emitter, and a laser receiver. The disclosed method has the following steps. First, the first laser emitter performs a surface scan to generate the patterns of the keyboard/display. The second laser emitter simultaneously generates a first reflective beam and a second reflective beam when the user enters input using the virtual keyboard. Finally, the laser receiver receives the first and second reflective beams, thereby obtaining the signals entered by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic methods and apparatus for interactively authoring, sharing and analyzing digital video content. Methods for authoring include displaying visual data, defining each traversal as a time-based sequence of frames and annotating and storing a record of the traversal and its associated audio records. Defining the traversal includes interactively panning the visual data by positioning an overlay window relative to the visual data and zooming in or out by resizing the overlay window. In alternative embodiments, the visual data may be displayed in a rectangular layout or a cylindrical layout. The methods are practiced using an integrated graphical interface, including an overview region displaying the visual data, a detail region displaying current data within the overlay window, and a worksheet region displaying a list of previously stored annotated traversal records.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various aspects of managing display of supplemental on-screen windows known as popup windows. In one embodiment, an exemplary method includes detecting a first window on a screen, determining whether the first window qualifies as a popup window, and if the first window qualifies as a popup window, searching for other windows on the screen that satisfy certain testing conditions and closing the first window without a user request upon failing to find any other window on the screen that satisfies the testing conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to navigate, view, and manipulate a collection of digital images utilizing a GUI that has the familiar context of a calendar. Graphical objects representative of digital images are displayed within a particular day displayed in a calendar-based GUI. A user may group digital images into groups, modify the date with which a digital image is associated and perform various other manipulations using embodiments of a calendar-based GUI.

Abstract: Black hole flight simulator software, which simulates interactively the visual experience of flying around, inside, or through a black hole. A black hole flight simulator includes: a memory for storing information for generating a relativistically correct scene depicting a visual experience selected from the group consisting of: a view of a black hole as it is being approached; a view from the inside of a black hole; a view as a black hole is being entered; a view as a black hole is being exited; and a view from a wormhole or white hole or other piece of spacetime that may be attached to a black hole; a processor communicating with the memory for generating electronic signals representing the scene; and a display communicating with the processor for displaying the scene. There is also an input device for changing the simulated position, for changing the field of view of the scene, and for changing the direction of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for entry of variant characters provide a user interface (102) to allow a user to select a variant character list (302) for a specific language and optionally customize the list to the user's preferences. Processing circuitry (104) allows the user to add and delete variants from a previously stored default table and/or change the order in which the variants are displayed for each character. The user enters a variant character entry mode by depressing a character key for a predetermined period of time, followed by repeatedly depressing the same key to scroll through possible variants. Variants for the selected key are then displayed at a highlighted cursor position on a display (106). The user selects the desired variant by pressing a key while the desired variant is being highlighted.

Abstract: The present invention provides multiple foci so that a user may enter input into multiple objects without having to switch between them. This may be accomplished by mapping certain types of input events to specific objects within the graphical user interface. Thus, when inputs of a certain type are received, one focus is utilized, wherein when inputs of another type are received, a different focus may be utilized.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system includes a platen adapted to support a print media, a printhead adapted to eject ink into a print zone between the printhead and the platen toward the print media and beyond a first edge of the print media to generate waste ink, a first absorber formed in the platen within the print zone such that the first absorber is adapted to extend beyond the first edge of the print media and absorb the waste ink ejected beyond the first edge of the print media, and a second absorber adapted to contact and absorb the waste ink from the first absorber, wherein the first absorber has a first capillary head and the second absorber has a second capillary head greater than the first capillary head.

Abstract: A printer includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing has a driver circuit board mounting an EEPROM storing control information regarding a mechanical module. The second housing is provided with a control circuit board storing a program for controlling the printer. In the printer, when the housings are assembled, the control information is available on the program, the control circuit board controls the mechanical module based on the program. Thus, in this printer, even when a component of the mechanical module has been replaced with a new one, the control circuit board can control the mechanical module smoothly based on the control information after replacement because the control information of the mechanical module is stored on in the EEPROM.

Abstract: In an ink supply amount control method for a printing press, the number of ink fountain keys whose gap amount with respect to an ink fountain roller falls within a predetermined range is counted. On the basis of the count value, the swing operation of an ink ductor roller which is arranged in an ink supply path and swings in synchronism with rotation of the printing press is controlled. Ink is supplied from the gap between the plurality of ink fountain keys and the ink fountain roller to the ink supply path in accordance with rotation of the ink fountain roller at the time of printing. The ink is supplied to a printing plate attached to a plate cylinder through the ink supply path by the swing operation of the ink ductor roller. An ink supply amount control apparatus and a printing press are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead heater chip has an integral voltage regulator that derives two output voltages from a single chip input voltage. One of the two output voltages powers control logic circuitry as the other powers FET drivers. Preferred output voltages include +3.3 volts for the control logic circuitry and +7.5 volts for the FET drivers. A Vgs of the FET is about +7.5 volts which enables a FET area width of about 400 microns. Outputs of the control logic circuitry provide input to the FET drivers. A resistive heater for ejecting ink couples between a drain of the FET and the chip input voltage. Voltage regulating capacitors exist on the heater chip in parallel with the input voltage and each of the output voltages. Preferred capacitors have a gate oxide and a polysilicon layer overlying a substrate. Inkjet printers for housing the printheads are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inkjet printer containing at least two substantially closed ducts in which ink is present, which includes actuating an electro-mechanical transducer whereby the pressure in a first duct is increased, and a pressure change in another duct is also generated by said actuation, whereby an electro-mechanical transducer is deformed as a result of the pressure change, said electrical transducer generating an electrical signal, and measuring the electric signal.

Abstract: A liquid drop ejecting device is provided with liquid drop ejecting heads having different specifications from each other and plural dummy load circuits which apply electric loads to the liquid drop ejecting heads, and analogue switches for switching the dummy load circuit which is connected to the liquid drop ejecting heads according to the liquid drop ejecting head to be driven. By doing this, it is possible to provide a liquid drop ejecting device and a method therefor, a layer forming device and a method for forming a layer, a method for manufacturing a device, and an electronic apparatus without deteriorating a quality of the printed image.

Abstract: A method informs a user of an ink jet printer of the end of life of a consumable. The consumable supplies ink to a printhead having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles and an associated plurality of ink jetting actuators, each of the plurality of ink jetting actuators being addressable. The printhead includes a plurality of address lines for facilitating selection of one or more of the plurality of ink jetting actuators. The method includes the steps of defining a notice threshold that is associated with a corresponding amount of ink remaining in the consumable; providing control logic for selectively controlling the plurality of address lines; determining whether the amount of ink remaining in the consumable has reached the notice threshold; and upon reaching the notice threshold, reducing an image density of images formed by the printhead by selectively disabling at least one of the plurality of address lines.

Abstract: A machine readable medium in combination with at least one sheet of print media, the machine readable medium having encoded parameter information that corresponds to the sheet of print media, the machine readable medium adapted to be separable from the print media and packaging therefor such that, during operation, the machine readable medium is physically separate from the print media and packaging, for conveying the encoded parameter information to an imaging device capable of configuring at least one parameter of the imaging device based on the encoded parameter information to form an image on the sheet of print media.

Abstract: Fixer is detected on a print media 22 by applying a predetermined pattern 200, FIG. 3, of fixer to the media, and over or under-printing it with a fill of coloured ink, and then optically detecting the predetermined pattern. For example, magenta ink may be applied over the fixer pattern on a glossy media, areas with both fixer and ink having a detectable increase in optical density compared to areas with ink alone. The pattern is scanned and the image information is used to check fixer nozzle functionality and fixer printhead alignment.

Abstract: A printer acquires a relative distance between the printer and another printer and holds the relative distance in an alternative printer list table. When selecting a printer to which a request for alternative printing is made, the printer searches relative distances in the alternative printer list table and selects a printer with the shortest relative distance as an alternative printer. Consequently, the printer to which the request for alternative printing is made or the like can be efficiently selected.

Abstract: A printer and shingling method providing edge printing on a printing medium. The shingling method includes feeding paper such that an edge portion of the paper is located under a nozzle unit of an ink head and printing first data on the edge portion of the paper, which is positioned between support beams supporting the paper, the first data being generated by masking data corresponding to positions of the support beams; and moving the paper in a paper feed direction by a predetermined width and printing second data on the edge portion of the paper, which is positioned between support beams.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging cartridge, a first memory associated with the imaging cartridge, and a controller communicatively coupled to the first memory. The controller executes program instructions for performing the steps of generating a generated cartridge identification number to be associated with the imaging cartridge and storing the generated cartridge identification number in the first memory.