Abstract: An approach to optimize specular highlight generation is presented. A single microprocessor instruction is used to generate an intensity value based upon a viewing angle value. An application stores a viewing angle value in an input register. When called, the “intensity instruction” retrieves the viewing angle value from the input register, and calculates an intensity value using three distinct steps. In turn, the intensity instruction stores the intensity value in an output register for the application to retrieve and further process. In one embodiment, the invention may be implemented using PowerPC™ assembly and VMX™ or Altivec™ instructions. In this embodiment, the intensity instruction may be represented as a “vspecefp” instruction, which stands for a “vector specular estimate floating point” instruction.

Abstract: A system for displaying information may include memory, one or more processors, and one or more modules stored in memory. The one or more modules are configured for execution by the one or more processors and may include instructions for: presenting a subset of a collection of data on a first grid having a first axis corresponding to units of time and a second axis, the collection of data comprising data representing time-bounded events; presenting a second grid having, first and second axes corresponding to the first and second axes of the first grid, the second grid corresponding to a larger portion of the collection of data than the subset presented on the first grid; and presenting a user moveable window for selecting a portion of the second grid, and selecting the subset presented on the first grid in accordance with a current position of the window.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for facial animation is provided. The method first determines an image of a user. Facial feature information for a facial region is then detected in the image. For example, a number of points around the face for a user are determined. The facial region is then normalized based on the content and the facial feature information. The normalized facial region is then animated into a series of animated facial images. These series of animated facial images may be automatically inserted in the content. Accordingly, an image of a user's face may be automatically inserted into the content from the image of the user using the above method. The content may then be played where the animated series of facial images is included in the content being played.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a music file including an extracting of characteristics of the music file and a generating of an animation corresponding to the music file and based on the characteristics is disclosed. The apparatus includes an information-extracting unit that extracts basic information from a predetermined music file, a characteristic-checking unit that checks characteristics of the music file, a table-generation unit that generates a table in which the extracted basic information and the checked characteristics are mapped to each of the animation elements of the animation, and a communication unit that transmits the generated table and a predetermined music file to an animation generation device.

Abstract: A computer system is used to host a virtual reality universe process in which multiple avatars are independently controlled in response to client input. The host provides coordinated motion information for defining coordinated movement between designated portions of multiple avatars, and an application responsive to detect conditions triggering a coordinated movement sequence between two or more avatars. During coordinated movement, user commands for controlling avatar movement may be in part used normally and in part ignored or otherwise processed to cause the involved avatars to respond in part to respective client input and in part to predefined coordinated movement information. Thus, users may be assisted with executing coordinated movement between multiple avatars.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide assigning two different class identifiers to a device to allow loading to an operating system as different devices. The device may be a graphics device. The graphics device may be integrated in various configurations, including but not limited to a central processing unit, chipset and so forth. The processor or chipset may be associated with a first identifier associated with a graphics processor and a second device identifier that enables the processor or chipset as a co-processor.

Abstract: A method for driving a display device comprises processing a plurality of sequent frame data by a graphics controller. The graphics controller is capable of optimizing a frame rate and outputting a first plurality of display signals at the frame rate. And then, a timing controller is used to convert the first plurality of display signals into a second plurality of signals at a predetermined refresh rate.

Abstract: A multiple graphics processing unit (GPU) based parallel graphics system comprising multiple graphics processing pipelines with multiple GPUs supporting a parallel graphics rendering process having an object division mode of operation. Each GPU comprises video memory, a geometry processing subsystem and a pixel processing subsystem. According to the principles of the present invention, pixel (color and z depth) data buffered in the video memory of each GPU is communicated to the video memory of a primary GPU, and the video memory and the pixel processing subsystem in the primary GPU are used to carry out the image recomposition process, without the need for dedicated or specialized apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple graphics processing unit (GPU) based parallel graphics system comprising multiple graphics processing pipelines with multiple GPUs supporting a parallel graphics rendering process having an object division mode of operation. Each GPU comprises video memory, a geometry processing subsystem and a pixel processing subsystem. According to the principles of the present invention, pixel (color and z depth) data buffered in the video memory of each GPU is communicated to the video memory of a primary GPU, and the video memory and the pixel processing subsystem in the primary GPU are used to carry out the image recomposition process, without the need for dedicated or specialized apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to graphics memory modules are described. In an embodiment, a graphics logic is capable of accessing data stored in an external graphics memory module. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A format conversion apparatus which converts image data of a band interleave format into image data of a band separate format is provided. The apparatus includes a memory which stores image data of a band interleave format; and a converting module which reads the memory by increasing a read address of the memory for each stride, and converts the image data of the band interleave format into image data of a band separate format.

Abstract: A processor-based device for displaying simulated or modeled surface appearances based on surface color and surface texture data stored in a data storage. By selecting different combinations of color and texture, different surface appearances may be modeled and displayed. Also, the device may comprise an orientation sensor. Accordingly, the device may additionally consider the orientation of the device when generating surface appearances.

Abstract: A method of gamma correction for a liquid crystal display (LCD) having an LCD panel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of dividing the LCD panel into N areas along a gate scanning direction, each area having a corresponding gamma and being characterized with a corresponding voltage-transmittance function, and determining grey level voltages of each area for each of a set of grey levels from the corresponding voltage-transmittance function of the area and a desired gamma curve of the LCD panel such that when the grey level voltages are respectively applied to the N areas for a grey level, a light transmittance through each area is substantially uniform and equals to a corresponding brightness.

Abstract: A device and a method of optimizing brightness of a liquid crystal display panel includes a plate to mount a target liquid crystal display panel, a back light to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel, a connecting unit to connect to a pad unit of the liquid crystal display panel, a detecting unit to produce a brightness signal by detecting a brightness of a predetermined region of the liquid crystal display panel, a converting unit to convert the brightness signal into a brightness data, a comparative unit to store a standard data and to compare the brightness data with the standard data, and a processing unit to produce an operation voltage according to a result signal provided by the comparative unit and to provide the operation voltage to the connecting unit, wherein the detecting unit detects the brightness by concentrating light of sight angle range is ±10° or below.

Abstract: A method of preserving a memory within a virtual environment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of entering the virtual environment, viewing a virtual scene in the virtual environment, and capturing at least a portion of the virtual scene from within the virtual environment. A virtual image preservation system is also disclosed. The virtual image preservation system includes a virtual imaging processor configured to create a virtual environment. The virtual image preservation system also includes a controller coupled to the virtual imaging processor. The virtual imaging processor is configured to allow a user to capture a virtual scene from within the virtual environment. A method for fulfilling virtual images is further disclosed. The method includes capturing an image from within a virtual environment, accessing a virtual image fulfillment center, and generating an output version of the captured image.

Abstract: Various imaging processing techniques are disclosed for displaying a pre-subpixel rendered image. The pre-subpixel rendered image can be transmitted directly to a display capable of displaying a subpixel rendered image. The pre-subpixel rendered image can also be stored for later transmission for output to the display. Additionally, the pre-subpixel rendered image can be embedded in an image data stream and later extracted and displayed. Furthermore, various techniques have been disclosed to embed and extract the pre-subpixel rendered image.

Abstract: A method and system for generating light maps for use with an out the window, or a night vision goggles display utilizes inputs from a variety of different geographical and structural data sources. These data sources are then used to determine the locations of structures, roads, and areas of interest within a selected land area. Realistic light maps can then be created quickly and automatically.

Abstract: A display system and method of producing images with high dynamic range are provided. The display system employs multiple light valves for projecting a portion of the image onto another.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing digital color for a display device having a display screen. Aspects the exemplary embodiments include receiving input display data comprising digital pixel data, wherein the data for each pixel represents 2D differential color space having X, Y coordinate values; remapping at least a portion of the coordinate values of the input display data locally in coordinates of the differential color space by reading from a memory of the display device color correction data that is configured to correct color errors of the display screen, wherein the color correction data is also represented in the differential color space, but the color correction data is only stored for a subset of X, Y coordinate values comprising the differential color space; interpolating the correction data read from the memory to generate remapped display data; and outputting the remapped display data for subsequent display.

Abstract: There is provided a display device that enables to present an image on its screen at a desired resolution, in response to an operation by a user and on the basis of an image signal, even when the image signal is obtained from image data from which a resolution is not directly determinable. When image data from which the resolution is undeterminable is inputted, the display device presents thereon data input window that prompts the user to input desired values of the resolution and pixel clock at which the image is to be presented. The user then inputs his/her desired values of the resolution and pixel clock through the image-data input screen. Using the inputted values of the resolution and pixel clock, the display device presents the image on its screen based on the image data that is not normally supported by the display device.

Abstract: A rendering device according to the present invention comprises an information acquiring unit for acquiring system information or rendering object information, a control point generating section for setting a curved surface interpolating level serving to determine number of control points for creating a curved surface or a curved line based on the acquired information and thereby generating the control point in accordance with the curved surface interpolating level, and a curved surface creating section for creating the curved surface based on the control point, wherein an operation quantity for rendering the curved surface of a display object is dynamically changed based on the acquired information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying graphic objects in which the graphic objects are arranged in a virtual surface field, in particular an electronic map, the virtual surface field is larger than a display field, a section of the virtual surface field together with the graphic objects is displayed in the display field, the virtual surface field and the display field are displaced relative to one another, a threshold area is defined centrally within the display field, and graphic objects which are situated inside the display field and outside the threshold area are projected away from the centre of the display field onto the edge of the display field.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code and means are provided to set a first depth value associated with a plurality of pixels of a video image comprising a plurality of planes, create a first clear rectangle with respect to the first depth value, color render the pixels that are not associated with the first clear rectangle, and render the plurality of planes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first polygon, receiving a second polygon, calculating a vector joining a centroid of the first polygon and a centroid of the second polygon, retrieving vertices of each polygon that are farthest from the other polygon in the direction of the vector towards the other polygon, performing a view frustrum from each vertex retrieved for the first polygon to the centroid of the first polygon, performing a clipping operation on the second polygon and determining if the second polygon intersects the view frustrum of one or more of the vertices of the first polygon.

Abstract: Systems for performing rasterization are described. At least one embodiment includes a span generator for performing rasterization. In accordance with such embodiments, the span generator comprises functionals representing a scissoring box, loaders configured to convert the functionals from a general form to a special case form, edge generators configured to read the special case form of the scissoring box, whereby the special case form simplifies calculations by the edge generators. The span generator further comprises sorters configured to compute the intersection of half-planes, wherein edges of the intersection are generated by the edge generators and a span buffer configured to temporarily store spans before tiling.

Abstract: A computer readable medium is provided embodying instructions executable by a processor to perform a method for generating a volumetric mask. The method includes providing a closed surface mesh, determining a discrete volume representation of the closed surface mesh, determining a temporary surface mask based on the closed surface mesh and a slice direction chosen from the discrete volume representation to produce a contour of the closed surface mesh for each slice of the discrete volume representation, and filling a surface defined by the contours to generate the volumetric mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for compositing graphical information with video may include a source of planes of video information and a renderer to provide a rendered graphical plane and bounding information specifying multiple disjoint areas that include non-transparent pixels within the rendered graphical plane. A controller may be connected to the renderer to control compositing of the rendered graphical plane based on the bounding information. A compositor may be connected to the source, the renderer, and the controller to composite the planes of video information and only the multiple disjoint areas within the rendered graphical plane based on control information from the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a user to exercise control over a first image that is not directly accessible because it is covered by a second image. Electronic product designs for online user editing are assembled from multiple overlying images. If a content image in a design is positioned beneath a second image, such as an image that adds a visual effect to the content image, a transparent surrogate image of the same size and the same position in the product design as the content image is positioned above the second image. The surrogate image is linked to the content image such that user selection of the surrogate image is interpreted by the system as a request by the user to select the content image, giving the user the impression that the user is directly accessing the content image.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a perspective view image created by fusing a plurality of sensor data for supply to a platform operator with a desired viewing perspective within an area of operation is disclosed. A plurality of sensors provide substantially real-time data of an area of operation, a processor combines the substantially real-time data of the area of operation with digital terrain elevation data of the area of operation and positional data of a platform operator to create a digital cartographic map database having substantially real-real time sensor data, a memory for storing the digital cartographic map database, a perspective view data unit inputs data regarding a desired viewing perspective of the operator within the area of operation with respect to the digital cartographic map database to provide a perspective view image of the area of operation, and a display for displaying the perspective view image to the operator.

Abstract: A data-display system employs a display in which the representations of data objects are caused to move on the display in order to convey information about the represented data objects. In one example, icons in a link-analysis display that represent data objects satisfying a selection criterion are made to execute distinctive motion. In another example, three-dimensional models of moving bodies in whose features components of respective data objects are encoded are projected onto a screen plane, and the resultant values are used to generate the display.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining a digitally enhanced image is provided. The method includes capturing a plurality of digital images. The plurality of digital images is captured on at least two different illumination levels from a controlled light source. Further, the method includes analyzing the plurality of digital images to obtain an image representing illumination contribution provided by a controlled light source. Furthermore, the method includes amplifying each pixel of the image representing the illumination contribution. Moreover, the method includes combining the image representing illumination contribution with at least one of the plurality of digital images, to produce a composite image.

Abstract: Color or grayscale images having optical elements induced geometric distortions can be corrected on individual color image component by creating correction image component having the complementary distortion; and applying the correction image component to the corresponding distorted color image component.

Abstract: An exemplary digital picture display includes a display panel (220), a supporting element (240), and a control section. The display panel is arranged for displaying digital pictures. The supporting element is arranged for supporting the display panel. The control section is arranged for rotating and scaling a digital picture to match with a resolution of the display panel, and rotating the display panel.

Abstract: A relativity controller is a scroll bar/window combination that provides a way to see data in relation to both the context of its wholeness and the salience of its contents. To accomplish this, the linear density or other appearance of the scroll bar (acting as a ruler or scale) varies with the density of the document salience (as indicated by different kinds of annotations or marks). It also provides a way to zoom between perspectives. This is usable on many different data types: including sound, video, graphics, calendars and word processors.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments utilize MIP techniques to determine optimum bit sequences that minimize PWM artifacts. The problem would first be restructured and redefined into a form suitable for MIP. An objective function designed to minimize PWM artifacts would allow for evaluation of resulting bit sequences in order to determine optimality. Constraints (that relate the inputs and variables) are developed. These constraints would determine whether a particular bit sequence can be used on a given system, and whether a particular bit sequence would satisfy any user defined rules. Once these are determined, an MIP solver would generate an optimized bit sequence(s). Only bit sequences that satisfy the constraints would be evaluated using the objective function, allowing for a quicker determination of a solution. This MIP solution may be generated quickly, allowing for a shorter production period while still optimizing the bit sequences to minimize PWM artifacts.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, a system and method for increasing the bit-depth of a video display system using plural spatial light modulators are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes illuminating one or more first spatial light modulators. The method also includes receiving a signal indicating the illumination provided to at least a portion of at least one of the one or more first spatial light modulators should be modified. The method further includes intensity-modulating, by one or more second spatial light modulators in response to the signal, the illumination provided to at least a portion of the at least one of the one or more first spatial light modulators.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel having a plurality of color subpixels and a plurality of interference subpixels, an input unit for inputting color subpixel data to be applied to the color subpixels, a programmable interference data generating unit for storing viewing mode data to be applied to the interference subpixels, the viewing mode data including interference subpixel data and offset subpixel data, the programmable interference data generating unit selectively outputting one of the stored interference subpixel data and offset subpixel data, and a panel driving unit for driving the color subpixels and the interference subpixels in response to the color subpixel data and selected one of the interference subpixel data and the offset subpixel data.

Abstract: A multi-grayscale display device to appropriately control brightness of a display (screen) and power according to the content of a picture while preventing deterioration of image quality of a picture, so that both of these performances are improved. In a multi-grayscale processing unit of the display device (PDP device), in a subfield (SF) driving control, the number of pixels of low grayscales in an image of an input picture signal is detected and determined by an image number detection unit, and accordingly, a selection signal to switch one from outputs of a plural types of SF conversions of an SF conversion unit is determined and outputted by a switching unit. In the control, an SF conversion in which the number of rest SF becomes large as the number of pixels of low grayscales becomes small selected.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display including a timing controller generating a source output enable signal that controls the drive of an input data, and a data driving circuit modulating the input data to generate a modulation data, sequentially outputting the input data and the modulation data, and adjusting output periods of the input data and the modulation data based on a gray scale level of the input data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling luminance of a backlight based on a processed image data after receiving information of image data, in order to improve the visibility of moving picture. An inverter according to the present invention includes a first block generating a first luminance control signal with an analog value depending on the luminance control signal with a duty ratio depending on a synchronization signal. The luminance control signals generated by the respective blocks are synthesized luminance control signal. Accordingly, a liquid crystal display employing two backlight control methods can be provided. Thus, it is possible to remove the drag phenomenon of a screen and, at the same time, to improve the visibility for moving picture.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments comprise dynamic pulse width modulation (PWM) bit sequence selection techniques for use with video display devices. By dynamically selecting and applying a bit sequence based on the display image content and the limited dynamic range of human perception, the bit sequence used to display a given scene may be optimized in order to provide for increased bit depth or increased brightness. Generally one out of a plurality of available bit sequences would be applied to a given scene, with different bit sequences designated for displaying bright scenes and dark scenes. Alternatively, different bit sequences may be applied depending upon the amount of motion in a scene. Thus, a dynamic bit sequence selection technique may allow for a display device with increased bit depth and increased brightness.

Abstract: A dithering method includes: utilizing a plurality of large dithering masks to perform dithering on a first set of Least Significant Bits (LSBs) of M-bit video data, utilizing a plurality of small dithering masks to perform dithering on a second set of LSBs of the M-bit video data, and adjusting the content of at least one of the plurality of large dithering masks and/or the content of at least one of the plurality of small dithering masks on a frame-by-frame basis. Each of the plurality of large dithering masks includes a plurality of sub-dithering masks. Each of the plurality of sub-dithering masks includes a plurality of dithering thresholds. Each of the plurality of small dithering masks includes a plurality of dithering thresholds.

Abstract: A print control apparatus which is connected to a print device for printing an image by fixing ink on a recording paper and which controls the print device, including: a paper-type identifying portion which identifies a type of the recording paper on which the print device prints the image, on the basis of at least one of an input operation by an operator and pre-set contents; and an ink determining portion which determines ink to be used by the print device in order to print the image on the recording paper that is identified by the paper-type identifying portion, on the basis of ink fixation information which indicates a level of ink fixation and which is inputted by the input operation by the operator.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head which discharges a liquid from a discharge port onto a recording medium to form an image, a sub tank which is movable together with the discharge head and which stores the liquid to be supplied to the discharge head, a liquid supplement section which supplements the sub tank with the liquid, a purge section which performs a purge operation in which the liquid in the sub tank is pressurized to be fed to the discharge head, and the liquid in the discharge head is forcibly discharged from the discharge ports, a judging mechanism which judges whether or not an amount of the liquid in the sub tank is not more than a predetermined amount V1, and a controller which controls the liquid supplement section and the purge section.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head which discharges an ink onto a recording medium to form an image thereon; a sub tank which is movable together with the recording head and which stores the ink to be supplied to the recording head; an ink supplement section which supplements the sub tank with the ink; and a controller which controls the ink supplement section. The controller controls the ink supplement section to supplement the sub tank with the ink when a residual-ink amount of the ink contained in the sub tank is not more than a threshold value, and the controller is capable of changing the threshold value. Therefore, the number of times of the ink supplement operation is reduced as much as possible by flexibly changing the threshold value depending on the situation while avoiding the discontinuity of the recording operation.

Abstract: A content of (an amount of ink to be suctioned for, or the number of times ink is preliminarily ejected for) the maintenance process to be performed after the ink tank replacement is made different depending on the amount of ink so far consumed from a tank which is replaced. This makes it possible to check the color mixture which would otherwise occur after the new ink tank is attached to the printing apparatus, and to concurrently manage an amount of waste ink in order that ink should not be consumed more than necessary in a case where the color mixture is less likely to occur.

Abstract: A head of a printer has a nozzle unit for ejecting fine droplets of light curable ink and a light irradiation part for irradiating light to ink ejected onto a base member. In printing an image, distortion information representing a relationship between a density distribution of an image printed on the base member and distortion of the base member by temperature rise caused by irradiation with light from the light irradiation part is prepared and writing data is generated by modifying a target image on the basis of a density distribution of the target image and the distortion information. Ejection of ink from the head is controlled in synchronization with relative movement of the head in accordance with the writing data, and it is possible to accurately print the target image on the base member in consideration of distortion of the base member caused by irradiation with the light.

Abstract: A contamination of a printing medium caused by ink mist or the like is suppressed, which may scatter or float in an apparatus when margin-less printing is carried out in an ink jet printer. When margin-less printing for an edge of a printing medium P is performed, a predetermined edge area {circle around (4)} is printed using a smaller number of ejection openings during one scanning operation than that used for other areas {circle around (2)} and {circle around (3)}, while taking transportation errors relating to this end into consideration. This reduces the amount of ink mist resulting from ink ejected out of the edge of the printing medium during one scanning operation.

Abstract: An ink jet head driving apparatus for driving an ink jet head having plural nozzles to discharge supplied ink includes actuators provided correspondingly to the respective nozzles and to cause corresponding amounts of ink to be discharged from the nozzles by drive signals, a storage unit to store correction data for equalizing the ink discharge amounts from the respective nozzles, a selection unit to select one drive signal from the plural drive signals based on the correction data, and a drive unit to output the selected drive signal to the actuator at a specified timing, in which the nozzles of the ink jet head are classified into plural groups correspondingly to ink discharge amount characteristics of the nozzles, and the correction data is determined for each of the plural classified groups of the nozzles.

Abstract: An ejection element driving device includes a signal selection section and a signal selection control section. The signal selection section selects a drive signal to be applied to each ejection element from among drive signals including a liquid droplet ejection signal for ejecting a liquid droplet from the ejection element and a viscosity increase suppression signal for suppressing increase in a viscosity of liquid to be ejected by each ejection element. The signal selection control section refers to a predetermined parameter for any of the ejection elements for which the liquid droplet ejection signal is not selected. The signal selection control section exercises control over whether or not the signal selection section selects the viscosity increase suppression signal for the ejection elements for which the liquid droplet ejection signal is not selected, at each ejection cycle.