Abstract: An apparatus for controlling displaying images to prevent a screen from being burned includes a controller which changes a display level of each of pixels constituting an image into a display level of pixels located around the each of pixels through a plurality of steps, to move a location where the image is displayed such that a distance by which an image moves in a single step is apparently smaller than a pixel. The controller moves a location at which the image is displayed such that T1 and/or T3 are(is) longer than T2, wherein each of T1, T2 and T3 indicates a length of a display period in which a display level of the each of pixels is varied by X/3, and wherein X indicates total alteration of the display level of the each of pixels, caused by moving the image by a pixel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of driving a plasma display panel for reducing power consumption is disclosed. In the apparatus, a sub-field mapping unit maps a data inputted from the exterior thereof onto a sub-field pattern stored in advance. An APL calculator calculates an APL corresponding to said data inputted from the exterior and generating an information about the number of sustaining pulses corresponding to the calculated APL. A load detector receives the mapped data from the sub-field mapping unit to generate a control signal in response to whether or not a data for each sub-field is supplied. A waveform generator controls a sustaining pulse applied to a panel in response to said information about the number of sustaining pulses and said control signal.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated information management system which mutually associates the information processing applications for processing the data derived from CAD data with others. In the integrated information management system, the virtual design data generated in a CAD system, the data used in a CAE system, the data used in a DMR system, and the data used in a mockup system are stored in correspondence with the respective conditions used in case of respectively displaying these data. Then, the image acquired by compositing the respective data is generated based on the respective conditions, and the generated image is displayed on an integrated display unit, whereby it is possible for a user to manage these data as the single data by dynamically changing over the data of the respective information processing applications.

Abstract: A method of aligning three-dimensional models including: receiving one or more point clouds each indicative of a three-dimensional model; sampling a representative data set from the point clouds; solving for a set of possible local alignment error minima of the representative data sets; selecting a representative minimum from the set of possible local minima; and solving for a global minima in alignment of the point clouds using the representative minima as an initial estimate.

Abstract: A system for selecting oblique images from a collection of geo-referenced oblique images and viewing them within the context of a virtual, three- or four-dimensional (3D space and time) geographic scene, providing the ability to analyze and interact with the oblique image being viewed. The system automatically selects and displays the best fit oblique image from an image warehouse based on the user's current 3D/4D viewpoint, and continuously maintains the geo-registration of the oblique image as the user adjusts the viewpoint.

Abstract: A method and system provides arrangements creating a relationship between a real-world entity and a virtual world environment. A participant or player can participate in various virtual world experiences including activities, settings, events, purchases, sales and diverse transactions to acquire virtual products, virtual services, and/or virtual items of value. Feedback may be provided and records kept regarding the virtual world participation. In some circumstances, multiple persons can participate as a group or participate as individuals in the virtual world environment. Some embodiments provide virtual world oversight protection related to one or more selected aspects of a virtual world environment. In some implementations different types of oversight guidelines and related virtual world rating plans are available for selection by prospective and current virtual world patrons.

Abstract: Depth maps are generated from a monoscopic source images and asymmetrically smoothed to a near-saturation level. Each depth map contains depth values focused on edges of local regions in the source image. Each edge is defined by a predetermined image parameter having an estimated value exceeding a predefined threshold. The depth values are based on the corresponding estimated values of the image parameter. The depth map is used to process the source image by a depth image based rendering algorithm to create at least one deviated image, which forms with the source image a set of monoscopic images. At least one stereoscopic image pair is selected from such a set for use in generating different viewpoints for multiview and stereoscopic purposes, including still and moving images.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for ray tracing and for the efficient construction of acceleration data structures required for fast ray tracing. A computer graphics system generates, for each pixel in an image, a pixel value that is representative of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera. The computer graphics system is configured to generate the pixel value for an image using a selected ray-tracing methodology. The selected ray-tracing methodology includes the use of a ray tree that includes at least one ray shot from the pixel into a scene along a selected direction. The ray-tracing methodology further includes calculating the intersections of rays and surfaces in the scene. An axis-aligned bounding box is defined that contains, for a given ray, the point of intersection of the ray and surface nearest the origin of the ray. The bounding box is iteratively refined until a predetermined termination criterion has been met.

Abstract: A method for rendering a real-time conformal view of terrestrial body's terrain being traversed by a mobile platform includes storing digital terrain elevation data (DTED) tiles for at least a portion of the terrain of a terrestrial body into an external removable mass data storage device (ERMDSD). The ERMDSD is connectable to an onboard computer system (OCS) comprising embedded mobile platform components that include at least one processing card, at least random access memory (RAM) device and at least one graphics card. The method additionally includes executing a real-time rendering assist application (RTRAA) stored in the processing card to dynamically repackage the DTED tiles into DTED chunks being representative of an area of the terrestrial body to be traversed (ATBT) by the mobile platform. The method further includes executing the RTRAA to create a base mesh of root diamonds representative of the ATBT and tessellate the root diamonds to create a plurality of leaf diamonds.

Abstract: A path between specified start and end voxels along a biological object with a lumen, such as a vessel, within a patient image three-dimensional volume data set comprising an array of voxels of varying value is identified using an algorithm that works outwards from the start voxel to identify paths of low cost via intermediate voxels. The intermediate voxels are queued for further expansion of the path using a priority function comprising the sum of the cost of the path already found from the start voxel to the intermediate voxel and the Euclidean distance from the intermediate voxel to the end voxel. A cost function that depends on the voxel density is used to bias the algorithm towards paths inside the object. The number of iterations of the voxel required to find a path from the start to the end voxel, and hence the time taken, can be significantly reduced by scaling the Euclidean distance by a constant. Usefully, the constant is greater than 1, such as between 1.5 and 2.

Abstract: An illumination environment reproducing system for illuminating an object (14) to be observed by an observer (15) or captured by a capturing device (16), under a desired illumination environment. The system includes an illumination environment projection device (12) for projecting a light distribution of the illumination environment as an image. A diffusion screen (13) is arranged to cover at least an upper portion of the object (14), for illuminating the object (14) by a diffusion reflection or diffusion transmission of the illumination environment projected by the projection device (12).

Abstract: A method of shading, by: storing shading information in a sample vector comprising a plurality of packets, wherein each packet represents a shading property; performing a series of sequential actions on the sample vector, wherein each of the sequential actions operates on at least one, but less than all of the plurality of packets in the sample vector, such that the sample vector is updated by each sequential action; and then performing a lighting computation on the updated sample vector, wherein the lighting computation operates on all of the plurality of packets in the sample vector, thereby calculating a final sample vector to be rendered for the sample vector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating a three-dimensional (3D) surface defined by a boundary of a 3D point cloud. The method comprises generating density and depth maps from the 3D point cloud, constructing a 2D mesh from the depth and density maps, transforming the 2D mesh into a 3D mesh, and rendering 3D polygons defined by the 3D mesh.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for displaying traffic flow data representing traffic conditions on a road system includes creating a graphical map of the road system which includes one or more segments. The status of each segment on the graphical map is determined such that the status of each segment corresponds to the traffic flow data associated with that segment. An animated traffic flow map of the road system is created by combining the graphical map and the status of each segment.

Abstract: A system for displaying graphical information indicative of a plurality of material characteristics for a portion of a part under test. Energy is directed at the selected portion of the part under test. Resultant energy is detected from the selected portion of the part under test and data representative of each of a plurality of material characteristics for the portion of the part under test is obtained based, at least in part, upon the detected energy. A plurality of graphs is formed based upon the obtained data. Each of the graphs has information indicative of a separate one of the plurality of material characteristics. The plurality of graphs is displayed discrete from each other in a manner that facilitates substantially simultaneous visual comparisons between the information contained in each of the plurality of graphs.

Abstract: A method for generating a three-dimensional terrain model while using object-oriented vector data that contain supporting points, which describe the terrain, of position values indicating at least the cartographic position, and of elevation values that indicate their height or depth with regard to a reference level. The aim of the invention is to obtain a stable method that automatically ensues without human interaction. To this end, the elevation values of the supporting points are extrapolated within a uniform grid, and all extrapolation values are subjected to a weighted interpolation.

Abstract: Generalization of features in a digital map is enabled by performing a simplification of polylines. A set of chords between points on a polyline is selected such that each chord does not violate specified rules such as maximum distance from the original polyline. If a chord is acceptable, a node representing the chord is created, described by the start and end points of the chord. For pairs of nodes created, a transition from the first node to the second node is evaluated to determine whether it is acceptable. In one embodiment, a transition is acceptable if the absolute value of the angle formed by the chords is within a threshold angle from the angle formed by the original polyline at that point. If the transition is acceptable, a link between the two nodes is established. A least-cost path through the graph is chosen, and a simplified polyline is then generated.

Abstract: A Polyline Reduction software adapted to be stored in a workstation or other computer system solves the problem of reducing the number of points in a 2D or 3D polyline, so that it can be rendered more optimally on a computer screen or sent to a printer requiring less memory, by performing the following basic function: let Cj,k be an infinite cone with origin in Pj and a distance from Pk equal to a provided threshold distance; If Pk is inside all of the cones Ci,i+1 . . . Ci,i+2 , , , Ci,k, then points Pi+1 . . . Pi+2 . . . Pk?1 can be removed.

Abstract: Limited devices have memories that are typically too small to store a complete font having an extended character set. The ability to handle necessary characters can be provided by leveraging connectivity of a limited device to a PC or server without requiring significant bandwidth or substantially reducing performance of the limited device. The limited device stores portions a font (typically on a character-by-character basis) and downloads information from the server as needed to display characters for which the limited device does not have sufficient information.

Abstract: A test pattern is moved on a screen 5 subject to measurement with the field of view of an image sensor pursuing the motion of the test pattern so as to observe BEW. Subsequently, the field of view 33 of the image sensor is moved at the same velocity vc as in the foregoing observation to capture an image of a static pattern PE, and a blur width W along the scrolling direction that appears in a distribution profile of the captured image is observed. Based upon the blur width W and the exposure time of the image sensor for capturing the image of the static pattern PE, the moving velocity of the test pattern at the time of observation of the BEW is estimated, and by using the moving velocity, the BEW is normalized. Evaluation of the moving image quality of the screen is carried out by using the normalized N BEW. The moving velocity of the original test pattern can thus be estimated easily and accurately, and accordingly, the moving image quality of the screen can be evaluated accurately.

Abstract: A data-network connection device connects to a display device that displays downloaded data from a data network. The data is downloaded into a memory, and a display unit converts the downloaded data into an output signal for driving the display device. The display unit has an image generation device for generating a graphics image of the data to be displayed irrespective of the resolution of a connected display device, and for saving the graphics image in a graphics memory, and has an output device for outputting a segment of the graphics image from the graphics memory. The output device includes a selector for selecting the segment to be output.

Abstract: A source unit has a video source, a digital audio source, a DDC/CI communications capability and a switch for coupling a pin of a standard video cable either to the digital audio source or to a non-audio conventional connection. A display device has a video consumer, a digital audio consumer, a DDC/CI communications capability and a switch for coupling the pin of the standard video cable either to the digital audio consumer or to a non-audio conventional connection. The switch in the display device is responsive to a DDC/CI command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for debugging and testing a memory controller. In one embodiment, a testing interface is presented for performing stuck-at testing. In a second embodiment, a testing interface is presented for observing clock timing in a memory controller.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a processor configured to generate pseudo-random numbers. Optionally, these pseudo-random numbers may use a portion of an image as a seed for the random number generator. These random numbers are used in the post-processing of digital images to create a variety pseudo-random image effects such as; unique frame colors, line thicknesses, line and/or shape placements, image copies, filter strengths, shape choices and color blends. These effects are applied to a selected digital image creating a unique final image.

Abstract: Attributes associated with components of a three-dimensional source geometry may be transferred to a target geometries having an arbitrarily different topology. The two geometries are placed in a general alignment in three dimensions. Correspondences are found between anchors for attributes in the target geometry and anchors for attributes in the source geometry. The identified correspondence locations on the source geometry are locally redistributed so as to ensure that concave regions of the source geometry are mapped to the target geometry, and that convex edges or vertices of the source geometry do not map to a large area on the target geometry. Attribute discontinuities in the source geometry are preserved in the target geometry by relating discontinuous edges in the source geometry to the target geometry. This relationship may map each discontinuous edge in the source geometry locally to the target geometry.

Abstract: A user provides a plurality of video frames for processing, and selects a cartoon color palette. The color of all selected pixels within all selected video frames is changed to that of the closest match in color within the cartoon color palette and is stored in a memory. Optionally, the user may create a custom cartoon color palette, and may select less than all of the pixels in any given video frame for processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for digital image color balance correction.

Abstract: A simplified general model and an associated estimation algorithm is provided for modeling visual data such as a video sequence. Specifically, images or frames in a video sequence are represented as collections of flat moving objects that change their appearance and shape over time, and can occlude each other over time. A statistical generative model is defined for generating such visual data where parameters such as appearance bit maps and noise, shape bit-maps and variability in shape, etc., are known. Further, when unknown, these parameters are estimated from visual data without prior pre-processing by using a maximization algorithm. By parameter estimation and inference in the model, visual data is segmented into components which facilitates sophisticated applications in video or image editing, such as, for example, object removal or insertion, tracking and visual surveillance, video browsing, photo organization, video compositing, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and the method which implement color dithering having an extended period for preventing perceivable dithering noise caused by the asymmetry and un-ideal characteristics existing in a display system are provided. The apparatus includes a separator, a carry generator, an adder and a limiter. The separator receives a color value and separates the color value into a high-bit color value and a low-bit color value. Then the carry generator provides a carry value to be either one or zero, according to a random number from a random number generator and the low-bit color value. The adder adds the high-bit color value and the carry value, and provides the result as a tentative output value. Finally, the limiter receives the tentative output value and outputs the smaller value of the tentative output value and a pre-set upper limit.

Abstract: A color smooth adjustment device including an input color space converter, a predetermined adjustment circuit, a smoother and a color adjustment circuit is provide. In which, the input color space converter receives an image set signal, converts the image set signal into an HSI signal and outputs the HSI signal. The predetermined adjustment circuit receives the HSI signal a fine-tune signal, selects a corresponding adjustment signal from a built-in look-up table according to the HSI signal and the fine-tune signal, and outputs the adjustment signal. The smoother receives the image set signal and the adjustment signal, and outputs a smooth signal after a smoothing calculation. The color adjustment circuit receives the HSI signal and the smooth signal, performs a color adjustment on the HSI signal according to the smooth signal, and outputs an adjusted HSI signal.

Abstract: A saltating sample image enhancement system and method that provides an image processing operation in which a filter considers one or one or more exact source image pixels; one or more bilinearly interpolated source image samples, where the bilinear weights are coupled to the position of the target pixel relative to the source pixels; and (optionally) one or more linearly interpolated source image samples, where the linear weights are coupled to the position of the target pixel relative to the source pixels. The filter can construct a spatially continuous image statistic.

Abstract: A method of rendering pixels from an abstract dataset, by: selecting a collection of sub-pixel locations for a plurality of pixels; sampling dataset properties at the selected sub-pixel locations; merging the properties of more than one of the selected sub-pixel locations; and calculating pixel values based upon the merged properties at the selected sample locations.

Abstract: A variable signing system and method thereof are provided. The variable signing system includes a variable sign including a first display for displaying commercial information and a second display for displaying non-commercial information; and at least one server for providing at least the non-commercial information to the variable sign.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there are provided a clipping unit configured to clip out predetermined numbers of pixels respectively in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction from first and second solid-state image sensors which are installed so as be shifted by half a pixel pitch respectively in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and a processing unit configured to apply pixel shift processings in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction which correspond to pixel shifts of the first and second solid-state image sensors, with respect to an output of pixels clipped out by the clipping unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer display (1) for displaying coloured images comprising a light source (2), a first image screen (3), arranged for displaying a first image (8), whereby the first image screen (3) overlaps with and is placed substantially parallel with the light source (2), and a second translucent image screen, arranged for displaying a second image (8), whereby the second image screen (4) is placed spatially separated along a viewing axis perpendicular to the light source (2) and placed substantially parallel to and overlapping with the first image screen (3), whereby the first image screen (3) is controllable to alternate at least part of the first image (8) between transparent and a first appearance and the second image screen (4) is controllable to synchronously with the first image screen (3) alternate at least part of the second image (8) between occluded and a second appearance.

Abstract: An inspected image can be communicated without putting large load on a network. A remote console enables an operation screen and a moving image to be displayed and processed without color shifts. Information on the operation screen is not communicated as bitmap information, but event information such as a formation of a window and the moving of a mouse is communicated as information at a level of I parts of graphical user interface. Moreover, communication of the event information on the operation screen and communication of a moving image are separated. In addition, a method of compressing information on the operation screen and a method of compressing information on the moving image are separated. A necessary part of information on the moving image is selected and communicated depending on the state of the semiconductor inspection apparatus, an operation of an operator, and a pattern to be inspected.

Abstract: A system for generating augmented-reality environment with support for one or multiple users, the system including: one or more programmable interactive devices, such devices each being programmable to have one or more characteristics within a pre-defined hierarchy of interactive characteristics; and a virtual content generator; whereby the one or more programmable interactive devices each have a location ability for determining the respective spatial positioning of the respective programmable interactive device and a communication ability for communicating the respective spatial position to one or both of the virtual content generator and the respective programmable interactive devices.

Abstract: A screen sharing function enables a main executable application, which typically uses more than one monitor, to switch to single-monitor usage as necessary to allow a user to directly interact with other applications that the main executable application invokes. A system including multiple display monitors for displaying multiple user interface image windows associated with corresponding multiple executable applications employs an image format determination system. The image format determination system includes an input processor for receiving command data representing a command to initiate execution of a function of a second application and display of an associated second image window in response to user entry of a command via a first image window associated with a first application.

Abstract: Portable electronic apparatus including an apparatus housing; a touch-sensitive display for use with an input writing tool; a zoom-in key on a second side surface; a zoom-out key on the second side surface; and a controller. The portable electronic apparatus can display content on the touch-sensitive display, wherein displayed content is a subset of available content; the controller can zoom in on displayed content on the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation of the zoom-in key; the controller can zoom out on displayed content on the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation of the zoom-out key; and the controller can pan available content on the touch-sensitive display in response to a combination of a tap of the writing tool in a first position on the touch-sensitive display and a move of the writing tool to a second position on the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: A multiple die printer may be calibrated by a method which includes receiving, for each die, optical density related measurements from a set of calibration targets printed on print media, each calibration target printed by nozzles of a single one of said multiple dies, the targets of each set of varying nominal optical densities, and creating linearization tables for each of said multiple dies.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises: a liquid deposition device which deposits a first liquid of a treatment liquid on a recording medium initially, deposits a second liquid of an ink liquid including a coloring material on the recording medium secondly, and deposits a third liquid of a treatment liquid on the recording medium thirdly, in such a manner that the coloring material in the ink liquid is insolubilized on the recording medium and an image is formed on the recording medium; and a liquid deposition control device controlling the liquid deposition device in such a manner that a deposition volume per pixel of the first liquid, V1_Pixel, is smaller than a deposition volume per pixel of the second liquid, V2_Pixel, and a deposition surface area of the first liquid on the recording medium is greater than a deposition surface area of the second liquid on the recording medium.

Abstract: A method of determining the average droplet size of ink droplets released by an ink jet printer. Controlling the droplet speed and droplet size within an ink jet printer is important for maintaining print quality and reliability of the jetting process itself. The invention also relates to an ink jet printer adapted for performing the present method.

Abstract: A method for improved controlling of an ink jet printer includes measuring the amount of ink dosed to at least one printhead of the ink jet printer, measuring the amount of ink droplets released by at least one nozzle of the printhead, and determining the amount of a ink contained by the printhead by using the amounts measured. A computer program and a computer running the computer program are adapted to carry out the method. Moreover, an ink jet printer is adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: A technique of operating an electromechanical drop generator having an electromechanical transducer, including applying across the electromechanical transducer a series of drop firing waveforms in a series of drop firing time intervals to produce a series of drops of substantially identical drop mass, wherein a characteristic of the waveforms is varied from one waveform to a next waveform.

Abstract: A method of printing using a printhead, the printhead having a plurality of ink ejectors and a plurality of jetting heaters corresponding to the plurality of ink ejectors includes applying a first waveform to the plurality of jetting heaters prior to a printing operation to warm up the printhead to a desired printhead operating temperature; applying a second waveform to a first portion of the plurality of jetting heaters during the printing operation to print an image without applying the first waveform to any of the plurality of jetting heaters; and applying a third waveform different from the first waveform to a second portion of the plurality of jetting heaters different from the first portion during the printing operation to maintain the desired printhead operating temperature.

Abstract: A printing system and method are provided for using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in conjunction with a user terminal and an image forming apparatus. The printing system using FTP comprises a user terminal for transmitting print options and print data using FTP, and an image forming apparatus for receiving print options and print data, and executing a printing operation on the print data by applying the received print options. The print options are defined in the form of FTP extension commands, and the user terminal transmits extension commands through a port transmitting standard FTP commands. Since only the FTP protocol is used, user terminal and image forming apparatus resources, as well as network resources, can be conserved.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus is provided which promptly resumes image recording in the case of non-ejection of ink from an ejection nozzle(s) of a recording head. The ink-jet recording apparatus includes sub-tanks and a recording head with a plurality of ejection nozzle groups composed of ejection nozzles. The recording head selectively ejects ink inside the sub-tanks to perform image recording. The ink-jet recording apparatus further includes an image recording control device that selects at least one of the plurality of ejection nozzle groups for image recording, and a non-ejection status detection device that detects whether there is any ejection nozzle in a non-ejection state. When the non-ejection status detection device detects one or more ejection nozzles in a non-ejection state, the image recording control device selects one out of the plurality of ejection nozzle groups that is without any of the ejection nozzle(s) in a non-ejection state for image recording.

Abstract: More than one image forming devices (such as printer, copier, facsimile, etc.) which provide detecting means of environmental conditions (such as a temperature and/or humidity sensor) and sending means of the information of the said detected conditions and a print server are connected through a network. The print server judges the environmental situation of each device, selects the devices which are good for operation and sends the respective print data to the selected devices according to the said judgment. In this printing system the environmental conditions of image forming devices are judged uniformly and in highly reliable manner in order to avoid printing from the devices which are in dew condensation and/or waiting for the devices becoming ready to operate so that a large volume of printing matters can be printed in the minimum interval.

Abstract: A high quality gray scale (monochrome) image in which influences of “recorded color deviation” and “color transition” are suppressed is formed even in the case of a slightly uneven discharge amount. When a gray scale (monochrome) mode is set, in the entire range of a luminance signal, density signals corresponding to achromatic dots and small chromatic dots respectively are generated based on the luminance signal so that the density signal corresponding to the achromatic dots has a greater value than that of the density signal corresponding to the small chromatic dots. Accordingly, even a slight “recorded color deviation” that occurs when the achromatic dots are recorded can be corrected by the small chromatic dots having a hue opposite to the direction of color deviation, and a high quality gray scale image in which influences of “recorded color deviation” and “color transition” are suppressed can be formed.

Abstract: A calibration method for print engines is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprised the steps of: providing a calibration chart (101) having a first array of reference colours thereon; printing a separate test sheet (102) at step (301) from a said print engine; the test sheet (102) having a second array of test colours thereon, each test colour corresponding to one reference colour of the first array; arranging both sheets (101, 102) together; scanning the sheets (101, 102) at step (302) to capture a digital image of the reference and test colours; analysing the colour characteristics at step (303) to obtain the colour difference between corresponding pairs of reference and test colours; and compensating any colour difference at step (304) by automatically adjusting the printer in accordance with the colour difference.