Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating consistent parameterizations for a set of meshes each of which includes data points representative of a corresponding surface. The consistent parameterizations preferably share the same base domain, and are generated using a net tracing algorithm. The net tracing algorithm involves determining for each of the meshes a net of paths having a connectivity substantially the same as that of the base domain. In an illustrative embodiment, the net tracing algorithm as applied to a given one of the meshes includes determining, for each edge in the base domain, a tentative path for use in the net of paths corresponding to the mesh. The tentative paths are then prioritized based on length, and selected ones of the tentative paths are used to construct a spanning tree of the base domain.

Abstract: The present invention is for easily drawing a polygon model having borderlines at high-speed. The video game machine comprises a recording medium 200 for enlarging the 3-D model where a normal vector of each polygon faces the outside at a predetermined enlargement ratio, overlaying a back model, where a normal vector of each polygon faces the inside, onto the above model and storing the integrated model as a framed model in advance, and a drawing processor 10 for drawing only polygons facing the direction of the view point position of the virtual camera in a virtual game space on the monitor 22 based on the drawing instructions of the framed model.

Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.

Abstract: A method models a three-dimensional object by first acquiring alpha mattes of the object for multiple viewpoints. The alpha mattes are then projected onto a surface hull completely enclosing the object to construct an opacity hull storing opacity values of the surface of the object. The object is illuminated for various lighting conditions while images are acquired. The images are projected onto the opacity hull to render the object under arbitrary lighting conditions for arbitrary viewpoints.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for forming an object proxy. In one embodiment, a method forms an object proxy that approximates the geometry of an object. The method includes forming a volume that encompasses the object, forming an isosurface within the volume, adjusting the isosurface relative to a surface of the object, and pruning the isosurface to obtain the object proxy. An apparatus includes an isosurface former that forms an isosurface within a volume encompassing an object, and an isosurface shaper that adjusts the isosurface relative to the surface of the object and prunes the isosurface to obtain the object proxy.

Abstract: An omnidirectional video camera captures images of the environment while moving along several intersecting paths forming an irregular grid. These paths define the boundaries of a set of image loops within the environment. For arbitrary viewpoints within each image loop, a 4D plenoptic function may be reconstructed from the group of images captured at the loop boundary. For an observer viewpoint, a strip of pixels is extracted from an image in the loop in front of the observer and paired with a strip of pixels extracted from another image on the opposite side of the image loop. A new image is generated for an observer viewpoint by warping pairs of such strips of pixels according to the 4D plenoptic function, blending each pair, and then stitching the resulting strips of pixels together.

Abstract: An element is dissolved displayed having a periodic structure, such as a stent, images of which are acquired by means of a radiography machine of the type comprising an X-ray source and an image detector and an image display placed opposite the source.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of performing a font operation involves receiving a set of font data identifying a font operation to be performed. If a first font data unit in the set indicates that a first coordinate should be a background color and transparent background is enabled, the method involves outputting an enable for a second font data unit in the set. The second font data unit indicates that a second coordinate should be a foreground color. The enable for the second coordinate is output instead of a disable for the first coordinate. If instead the first font data unit in the set indicates that the first coordinate should be a background color and transparent background is disabled, the method may involve outputting a disable for the first coordinate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for indicating the existence of a control object displayed as part of a graphical user interface. The existence of a control object is indicated by displaying one or more images about the control object and changing the state of the images. In the preferred embodiment, the images are small, non-intrusive sparkles that contrast in color to the surrounding area of the graphical user interface. The sparkles are clustered about a control object in a pair of orbits and change state by moving among a series of concentric rings that radiate outwardly from a focal point of the control object. The preferred focal point is the center of the control object.

Abstract: An improved raster engine adapted to render video data from a frame buffer to one of a plurality of disparate displays is disclosed which comprises an integral bounded video signature analyzer, a hardware cursor apparatus supporting dual scanned displays, programmatic support for multiple disparate display types, multi-mode programmable hardware blinking, programmable multiple color depth digital display interface, and programmable matrix controlled grayscale generation.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing image display and buffer swapping in a multiple processor-multiple display environment. In a master-slave dichotomy, one processor or system is deemed the master and the others act as slaves. The master generates signals used to control vertical retrace and buffer swapping for itself and the slaves. In addition, a synchronization signal generator is provided to synchronize a timing signal between the master and slave systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data using two-dimensional arrays mapped to memory locations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing and retrieving data in parallel but in different orders. In one implementation, data for pixels is stored according to a checkerboard pattern, alternately between two memory devices, forming a checkerboard buffer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing and retrieving data in parallel but in different orders. In one implementation, data for pixels is stored according to a checkerboard pattern, alternately between two memory devices, forming a checkerboard buffer. In one implementation, a checkerboard buffer includes: a data source, providing data in a first order; a data destination, receiving data in a second order; at least two memory devices, each memory device having a plurality of memory locations, where data is stored in parallel to the memory devices and retrieved in parallel from the memory devices; a first data switch connected to the data source and each of the memory devices, where the first data switch controls which data is stored to which memory device; and a second data switch connected to the data destination and each of the memory devices, where the second data switch controls providing data to the data destination according to the second order.

Abstract: In accordance with a specific implementation of the present invention, the control portion of a graphics processor receives a command having both a data portion and a data duration portion. When the data duration portion indicates the data is transient data for short-term use, the control portion stores the data associated with the data portion at the first memory partition. When the data duration portion indicates the data is persistent data for long-term use, the control portion stores the data associated with the data portion at a second memory partition. In a multiple processor system, transient data may be stored only in a memory partition associated with a first processor, while persistent data may be stored in multiple memory partitions, one for each graphics processor.

Abstract: A system and method for packing pixels together to provide a increased fill rate in a frame buffer hardware in the graphics system. The graphics system may be configured to receive and rasterize graphics data at a faster cycle rate than the system's frame buffer memory fill rate. The output from the rasterization hardware may be stored in a FIFO memory that is configured to selectively shift pixels in order to improve fill rate performance. The FIFO memory may be configured to ensure that the pixels meet certain criteria in order to prevent page faults and interleave conflicts that could reduce the fill rate. The FIFO memory may also be configured to remove empty cycles that occur as a result of the pixel packing.

Abstract: A data processing system comprising a block move engine, a memory, a register and a reader. The block move engine may be configured to process data. The memory may be configured to store data in the form of a linked list comprising a plurality of items of control data. The register may be associated with the block move engine and configured to control the block move engine, in response to the control data. The reader may be configured to read the control data from the memory and apply the control data to the register.

Abstract: A method for determining display element attribute values from an object represented by the display element includes defining a display element view including at least one elementary view that is capable of determining a display element attribute value, receiving a display element attribute value request, determining the first view for the display element and ascertaining at least one display element attribute value for the display element based upon the first view. An apparatus for determining display element attribute values from an object represented by the display element includes a definer to define a display element view including at least one elementary view that is capable of determining a display element attribute value, a receiver to receive a display element attribute value request, a determiner to determine the first view for the display element and an ascertainer to ascertain at least one display element attribute value for the display element based upon the first view.

Abstract: A game system in which a game field is configured in a virtual three-dimensional space and a display image of said game field visible from a predetermined viewpoint is formed to thereby be displayed as a game picture. The system comprises a texture storing device for storing in advance a texture representing a three-dimensional configuration as a two-dimensional pattern, a mapping surface setting device for setting a mapping surface of the texture in the game field, a texture processing device for processing the texture readout from the texture storing device in accordance with a dispositional relationship between the viewpoint and the mapping surface, and a texture mapping device for mapping the processed texture on the mapping surface.

Abstract: Musical sound signal is input to an electronic volume control unit, which in turn adjusts the gain of the input musical signal and outputs the resultant gain-adjusted signal to an amplifier. CPU supplies the electronic volume control unit with a sound volume setting level corresponding to an output of a rotary encoder. At the same time, the CPU generates, with reference to stored data of a ROM table, a hue control signal for changing a displaying hue of a three-color light-emitting diode in accordance with the sound volume setting level supplied by the CPU. The CPU takes in a current sound volume setting level when an upper-limit setting switch is activated, and it retains the taken-in level as an upper limit value of various sound volume setting levels that are to be used to change the displaying hue of the light-emitting diode between purple and red hues. As the sound volume setting level is changed from zero to the upper limit value, the displaying hue changes in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for management of sample data to enable video rate anti-aliasing convolution for interlaced video frames. Sample data may be moved simultaneously from a sample buffer to a bin scanline cache and from the bin scanline cache to an array of N2 processor—memory units (e.g., 25 for N=5). Pixel data may be convolved from an N×N sample bin array that may be approximately centered on the pixel location. Since each sample bin contains Ns/b samples, Ns/b×N2 samples may be filtered for each pixel (e.g., 400 for N=5 and Ns/b=16). Each processor—memory unit convolves the sample data for one sample bin in the N×N sample bin array and supports a variety of filter functions. Pixel data may be output to a real time video data stream.

Abstract: An image processing unit is provided that is configured so that it can display one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so that it can move relative to such object or objects. A processing unit is comprised that is configured so that, when a character has met a certain condition (such as entering or leaving a building) relative to an object (the building), of the display elements configuring an object deployed in an area related to the movement of the character, the display density of at least some specific display elements (such as a wall existing in front of the building) can be gradually altered. It is possible, with such processing, to provide roll-playing games that feature a high sense of realism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for processing graphics data. A set of clip areas defining a window for use in clipping graphics data is identified in which a portion of the graphics data is obscured. A clip area in a first hardware clipper is set, wherein the clip area encompasses the window to process the graphics data. The graphics data within the first clip area is graphics data to be displayed. A no clip area is set in a second hardware clipper, wherein the no clip area encompasses the portion and wherein which graphics data in the second clip area is to remain undisplayed. The graphics data is sent to the first hardware clipper and the second hardware clipper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology that enables related portions of multiple pages of images to be displayed simultaneously. A projection display apparatus comprises: an image extraction section that extracts at least a portion of given first image data as an extraction image; an extraction image memory for storing extraction image data representing the extraction image; an image overlay section that generates overlaid image data by superimposing the extraction image on an original image represented by given second image data; a light modulation unit that is driven responsive to the overlaid image data pixel by pixel; and an optical system for projecting onto the screen the overlaid image obtained by the light modulation unit. A projection display apparatus can display related portions of multiple pages of images simultaneously.

Abstract: A display unit is constituted by a passive matrix of independently controllable pixels characterized by an active area of n rows and m columns of discrete pixels and a pixel border. The pixel border has a predetermined width, in one embodiment two pixels. The border pixel color state is controlled herein by the frame buffer memory. The pixel border color state is controlled to correspond to information contained in a frame buffer memory locus. This locus may be, in various embodiments herein, a single pixel, a row of pixels, or a number of rows of pixels of frame buffer memory. Each row of pixels may be equal to m and/or n. In one embodiment, the frame buffer controls the border pixels directly via a liquid crystal display controller and drivers, without a timing generation mechanism, such as a timing ASIC.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention automatically assigns “scores” to the predictor/variable value pairs of a conventional probabilistic model to measure the relative impact or influence of particular elements of a set of topics, items, products, etc. in making specific predictions using the probabilistic model. In particular, these scores measure the relative impact, either positive or negative, that the value of each individual predictor variable has on the posterior distribution of the target topic, item, product, etc., for which a probability is being determined. These scores are useful for understanding why each prediction is make, and how much impact each predictor has on the prediction. Consequently, such scores are useful for explaining why a particular prediction or recommendation was made.

Abstract: An interactive control system and related apparatus uses disposable, low-cost control objects, such as cards or leaflets or three-dimensional visual shapes, for controlling and navigating through electronic “menu” programs of electronic equipment. The system incorporates visual detection equipment, of known type and function, that is capable of recognizing the color and locating the spatial orientation of a particularly shaped and colored control object. When the control object is displayed to a visual sensor of the visual detection equipment, an associated microprocessor converts the shape, color and spatial orientation of the control object into electronic signals for directing and controlling an external electronic program in a known manner. Because the control objects are passive and non-electronic, they can be made at very low cost and can be treated as disposable. In addition, printed matter can be included on their exposed surfaces to provide advertising and instructional material.

Abstract: In relation to a control system of an image processor by which transmission and receiving can be conducted with an equipment placed in a store, office, hospital, etc., and with a control apparatus to conduct a maintenance control of the equipment, the maintenance control system of the image processor includes: the image processor; a communication section for transmitting and receiving information between the control apparatus and the image processor; and an information obtaining device for obtaining information to reproduce a condition of the image processor on a control apparatus side, wherein the information obtained by the information obtaining device is transmitted to the control apparatus through the communication section.

Abstract: Computer system 10 advances application programs from available status to active status. Operating system 12A manages a stack of windows, one for each application running on the system. Availability roster 12A maintains a roster of the application programs which have available status. Display monitor 14 displays the stack of application windows, one of which is an active window which is displayed at the forefront of the stack. The monitor also displays a selection window floating in front of the active window, containing task switch 14T menu of applications for selection. Activation symbols are generated which represent the available application programs and are displayed on the monitor within the task switch. Input device 18D permits the user to select a program for advancement from available status to active status. The selected program is advanced to active status at the forefront of the display stack directly behind the floating selection window.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for managing a set of expansion icons and associated information so that the user can selectively open and close expansion icons with a minimum of network bandwidth. In a preferred embodiment, an expansion flag and the information location is maintained for each expansion icon and information is downloaded on an “on demand” basis. Once an item has been opened and the information downloaded, the information location is changed to a local memory address. The associated information may be in a variety of multimedia formats, including text, URLs, audio, video, or picture information. It is possible to open several expansion icons at the same time while keeping other icons closed. When an expansion icon is closed, the expansion flag is set to false and information location is reset to a server location. In an alternative embodiment, all of the information associated with the expansion icons is downloaded at the time the web page is accessed.

Abstract: An analytical reporting functionality provides full-fledged dynamic reporting capabilities on top of a multidimensional data model. A GUI facilitates replicating the same reporting data for various elements of a dimension. Additionally, direct interaction with the report to perform OLAP-style is enabled.

Abstract: A heat sublimable printer in which the present invention is implemented consists mainly of a battery, a thermal head, and a control circuit. The battery offers a rated voltage of 14.8 V and is freely attached or detached to or from a housing of the heat sublimatic printer. The thermal head is incorporated in the housing, provided with a plurality of heating elements whose resistances range from 2800 &OHgr; to 3160 &OHgr;, and used to print an image on paper according to image data. The control circuit that is incorporated in the housing applies a supply voltage developed from the battery to the thermal head without boosting it, and controls the timing of electrically conducting the thermal head.

Abstract: A printer includes a line thermal head, a platen roller for holding a paper between the platen roller and the line thermal head and feeding the paper, a cutter, including a movable blade and a fixed blade, for cutting printed paper, and a cutter driving mechanism for driving the movable blade. At least one of the line thermal head and the platen roller can be moved from a first position for printing to a second position for removing a paper jam, and one of the movable blade and the fixed blade is directly or indirectly attached to one of the line thermal head and the platen roller so that when the one of the line thermal head and the platen roller moves from the first position to the second position, one of the movable blade and the fixed blade also moves. In this way, a compact printer that uses roll paper, has a cutter function, and makes it easy to remove paper jams can be provided.

Abstract: A light beam position detecting device detects the passage positions of a plurality of light beams for scanning the surface of a photosensitive drum. The light beam position detecting device has a sensor pattern for generating an output which is continuously changed in a wide range with a variation in the passage position of the light beam in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to a main scanning direction of the light beam. The sensor pattern precisely detects the relative scanning position of the light beam in a wide range. The passage positions of the plurality of light beams for scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum are controlled to a preset position based on the output of the sensor pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is constructed to include an image bearing member which is rotatably supported to bear a toner image, a light beam scanning section to simultaneously scan the image bearing member by a plurality of light beams so as to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing section to develop the electrostatic latent image into the toner image, a transfer section to transfer the toner image onto a recording medium, and an ON start timing adjuster to adjust an ON start timing of one of the plurality of light beams, based on an image tone of each of a plurality of patterns of an image pattern formed by the light beam scanning section.

Abstract: In an optical write head, a rod lens array, a substrate support member for supporting a substrate, and a driver circuit board are fixedly held by a support member. The support member and the substrate support member are formed from metallic material, and a frame of the rod lens array is formed from a glass plate. Further, distance between a light-emitting section of a light-emitting device array and a light-incident end face of the rod lens array is adjusted, by means of rotating eccentric pins. Further, light-emitting device array chips are die-bonded on the substrate bonded at predetermined positions on the substrate support member while the position of the substrate support member is taken as a reference plane.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus for recording an image by guiding zeroth order diffracted light beams from a plurality of diffraction grating type light modulator elements as signal beams to a recording medium, a transition of each of light modulator elements from an OFF state to an ON state is detected and when this transition is detected, the light modulator element is temporarily supplied with an auxiliary driving voltage (V3) between a driving voltage (V1) for bringing the light modulator element into the ON state and a driving voltage (V2) for bringing the light modulator element into the OFF state. This suppresses an overshoot due to a sharp change of the light modulator element to the ON state and achieves beam writing with appropriate line space ratio.

Abstract: A system and method accepting information regarding audio telephony sessions (e.g., a telephone calls) and, in response, initiating videoconferences via videoconference terminals associated with the audio terminals used for the audio telephony sessions.

Abstract: A video conferencing system utilizes a plurality of sensors or cameras to record the image of each attendee in order to generate a three-dimensional image thereof. The image signal is then merged and displayed at a remote station where an actual attendee is present. The displayed image is a three-dimensional virtual conference room replicating the look and feel of a hands-on conference.

Abstract: A system for generating a stereoscopic panoramic image pair having left and right panoramic mosaic images for use in facilitating stereoscopic viewing of a panoramic scene, the system comprising a panoramic image generator and a strip separation value generation module. The panoramic image generator is configured to mosaic together respective left and right image strips from respective ones of a plurality of images to form the respective left and right panoramic images. The panoramic image generator is configured to use strip separation values for the respective images to determine the separation of the respective left and right image strips in generating the respective left and right panoramic images. The strip separation value generation module is configured to generate, for respective ones of said images, the strip separation values so as to provide at least one selected disparity for objects in the panoramic scene.

Abstract: A video display for displaying a large image to an observer, comprising a screen for displaying patterns, the screen being formed of a plurality of separate areas each capable of receiving a segment of a pattern the segments collectively forming a complete frame of a pattern; projection means for projecting a segment of a pattern to each separate area of the screen in sequence; means for receiving each segment of a pattern and forming a complete frame; and means for illuminating the screen with collimated light to display a large area display.

Abstract: A video camera head adapted for pipe inspection has thermal feedback control of its scene lighting in order to lower its temperature and reduce unwanted noise in the video output signal. The camera head includes a rugged cylindrical camera housing having a hollow interior. A video camera is mounted inside the housing for generating video signals of an image of an interior of a pipe received through a scratch resistant window in a forward end of the housing. The video camera has a CCD with a predetermined maximum operating temperature. A termination assembly and a socket assembly are provided for operatively coupling a video push cable to the camera housing and the video camera, respectively. A large number of LEDs are mounted in the forward end of the housing surrounding the window for illuminating the interior of the pipe. A drive circuit is connected to the LEDs for driving the LEDs with a predetermined electrical drive signal.

Abstract: An aircraft monitoring system is disclosed that is comprised of a fisheye lens system and a data storage system. The fisheye lens system is configured to mount in an aircraft. The fisheye lens system captures images that represent a hemispherical field of view of about 180-degrees. The field of view is of an interior portion of the aircraft. The fisheye lens system transfers the images to the data storage system. The data storage system stores the images. The interior portion of the aircraft could be the cockpit, cabin, luggage compartment, or some other area in the aircraft. The aircraft monitoring system further includes an independent power supply that operates even if the aircraft loses power. In some examples, the fisheye lens system also transfers the images to a video transmitter. The video transmitter transmits the images to a receiver on the ground to provide video monitoring of the aircraft.

Abstract: A print roll for use in a camera imaging system said print roll having a backing surface having a plurality of formatted postcard information printed at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A camera for capturing an image and printing a first interface onto a first surface, in response to a user input, and for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The first indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data. The first interface includes the first coded data. The camera includes a camera module, an input module and a printing module. The camera module inclues an image sensor. The camera module is configured to receive a user input, and, in response to the user input, capture the image via the image sensor. The input module is configured to receive the first indicating data from the stylus, the first indicating data being at least partially indicative of response data. The input module generates second indicating data based on the first indicating data, the second indicating data being at least partially indicative of the response data.

Abstract: In a case where a digital still camera and a printer are connected to each other and marginless printing of an image stored on a memory card provided in the digital still camera is performed on a recording paper, a non-print area of the image not to be printed on the recording paper is displayed on a display of the digital still camera on the basis of a difference between an aspect ratio of the image and an aspect ratio of the recording paper, and the displayed non-print area is set to be able to be shifted in arbitrary directions by using an operation unit of the digital still camera.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a sensor array, a data memory for storing pixel data and a pixel normalization circuit. The sensor array has a two-dimensional array of pixel elements and outputs digital signals as pixel data representing an image of a scene. The pixel data outputted by the sensor array are arranged in a sensor-bit arrangement and the pixel normalization circuit rearranges the pixel data into a pixel-bit order. In another embodiment, an image sensor includes a sensor array, a data memory, and a pixel normalization circuit, all fabricated on a single integrated circuit. The pixel normalization circuit includes one or more of a pixel rearrangement circuit, a Gray code to binary conversion circuit, a reset subtract circuit, and a multiple sampling normalization circuit. Finally, a Gray code to binary conversion circuit is provided for high speed conversion.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a solid-state image pickup element including a sensor unit including a plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units for generating charges from received light by photoelectric conversion, a memory unit including a plurality of lines of storage units for storing signals from the plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units, a transfer unit for transferring a signal from the sensor unit to the memory unit, a control unit for causing storage units of an arbitrary block in the memory unit to output an image signal from the photoelectric conversion units and causing the photoelectric conversion units corresponding to the storage units of the arbitrary block to output a noise signal, and a subtracting unit for calculating a difference between the image signal and the noise signal.

Abstract: Method and device for the exposure-dependent noise correction in images sensor which can be addressed in lines and columns are converted into digital values and an offset voltage correction is carried out by a summer, a gain correction is carried out by a multiplier, and an exposure-dependent dark current correction is carried out by a further summer. Further, the coefficients that depend on the line number, the column number and the integration time, are determined by linear approximations. As a result, the fixed pattern noise (PFN) in CMOS image sensor can be efficiently suppressed with a relatively low outlay.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an image-capturing device which captures an image of a photographic subject which passes through a photographic lens, and outputs image data; a gain adjustment section which performs gain adjustment by multiplying the image data output from the image-capturing device by a predetermined gain; a detection section which detects an optical axis of the photographic lens upon the image-capturing device; and a gain adjustment coefficient calculation section which calculates a gain adjustment coefficient according to distance between a position of a part of the image on the image-capturing device and the optical axis, and the gain adjustment section performs gain adjustment of image data corresponding to the position of the part of the image on the image-capturing device using the gain adjustment coefficient.