Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for modeling at least one section of a curve. Each section can be modeled by initially providing a pair of positions (fi, fi+1) of the section of the curve including associated directions (di, di+1) and curvatures (?i, ?i+1). Then, points b0, b1, b2, b3 and b4 can be identified based upon the pair of positions (fi, fi+1) and associated directions (di, di+1) and curvatures (?i, ?i+1). Thereafter, a quartic interpolant p(t) can be determined over an interval (i?t?i+1) based upon points b0, b1, b2, b3 and b4 to thereby model the section of the curve. The quartic interpolant can be determined such that the interpolant p(t) has a position, direction and curvature equal to fi, di and ?i, respectively, at t=i, and the interpolant p(t) has a position, direction and curvature equal to fi+1, di+1, and ?i+1, respectively, at t=i+1.

Abstract: A pen-based system allows users, such as artists, graphic designers and illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching.

Abstract: A pen-based system allow users, such as artists, graphic designers sand illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching.

Abstract: A pen-based system allows users, such as artists, graphic designers and illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching.

Abstract: A pen-based system allows users, such as artists, graphic designers and illustrators, and the like, to create accurate curve models by sketching. A tool set implemented in software that runs on a computer system combines paper sketch metaphors and a minimalist gesture set. This tool set provides an environment where the artists can focus on the creative task at hand rather than the details of operating software. A pen-based drawing method and system allows users to create and edit three dimensional (“3D”) objects by sketching.

Abstract: To display a navigation map for a navigation device more accurately and realistically and with less memory capacity, roads, railroad lines, rivers, lakes, and similar cartographic parameters are composed not of straight lines but of Cornu spirals. A Cornu spiral is defined by its curvature and its length.

Abstract: Method is disclosed for the automatic creation of images in a “van Gogh” style. The method comprises locating portions of detail in an image an utilising the areas of detail to propagate brush strokes into areas of the image having lesser details. A number of modifications are also proposed including utilising refining brush strokes to process those areas of detail in an image.

Abstract: A system that has a flexible tape input device with bend and twist sensors spaced along the tape and a curve generation system producing a virtual B-spline tape curve using the bend and twist information. A shape of the tape can be physically constrained to assist a user in obtaining and holding a desired shape. A world position sensor senses the real world position and orientation for the tape in world space and the virtual curve is placed in a scene responsive to the position and orientation. The curve at a desired location can be input into a virtual scene. The virtual curve can be used to create, control and edit 3D curves, surfaces and objects in real time. The tape can also act as a shape scanning device as well as a command input device.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an approximation of an arbitrary or user-editable curve. One or more controls associated with a control curve are provided, and a user input related to the alteration of the control curve is received. A method to generate an approximation of the control curve, as altered, is performed. The method defines candidate approximations and selects a plurality of those candidates. The method utilizes characteristics of the selected candidates to create new candidate approximations. Optionally, at least a portion of the method is repeated until a candidate approximation acceptably represents the control curve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for deforming a curved surface using a three-dimensional target curve. The curved surface deformation apparatus of the present invention includes object curved surface selection means, sample vertex extraction means, basis function calculation means, target curve input means, control point variation calculation means, and object curved surface deformation means. The object curved surface selection means selects all or part of the curved surface of the NURBS model. The sample vertex extraction means extracts a plurality of vertexes from the object curved surface. The basis function calculation means calculates a basis function of the object curved surface. The target curve input means inputs a target curve, composed of a plurality of target. The target curve projection means projects the target curve onto the object curved surface.

Abstract: A system for aiding to make a medical care schedule and/or record is provided with: a plurality of files for respectively including medical care data in correlation with execution timing data; a display controlling device for (i) generating first display data to display the medical care data composing the medical care schedule and/or record for one patient, as for only a partial period for the one patient, and (ii) generating second display data to display a table identification mark information, as a patient chronological table in which the table identification mark information is arranged at a position corresponding to the partial period on a time axis indicating the whole period of the medical care schedule and/or record; and a selecting device for selecting one of a plurality of table identification mark information.

Abstract: Techniques for assigning a subpath attribute to a subpath in a drawing are disclosed. One technique includes editing the drawing to define a current path having a current subpath, matching a previous vertex in a previous path with a current vertex in the current path, and assigning a current subpath attribute to the current subpath based on the vertex match. Another technique includes editing the drawing to define a current path having a current subpath, comparing the current subpath with a previous subpath having a previous subpath attribute, and assigning a previous subpath attribute to the current subpath based on the comparison.

Abstract: A graphical data-compressor for compressing received arbitrary graphical data for subsequent transmission; where the graphical data-compressor comprises an input for receiving the received arbitrary graphical data, the input being linked to an analyzer for analysis of the received arbitrary graphical data into constituent geometrical parts, the analyzer being linked to an analytic scene describer, for description of said constituent geometrical parts as an analytic description of the received arbitrary graphical data, the analytic scene describer being linked to a transmitter, the transmitter being for transmission of the analytic description.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing and imaging three-dimensional volume data sets. In one embodiment of the invention, a ribbon section is produced which may include a plurality of planes projected from a polyline. The polyline may include one or more line segments preferably formed within a plane. The projected planes intersect the three-dimensional volume data set and the data located at the intersection may be selectively viewed. The polyline may be edited or varied by editing or varying the control points which define the polyline. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for quickly tracking a physical phenomena represented within the three-dimensional volume data set. A plurality of planes may be successively displayed in the three-dimensional volume data set from which points are digitized related to the structure of interest to create a spline curve on each plane.

Abstract: Similarity values are determined between pairs of stocks in a stock market. First, second and third optimum paths are determined which optimize respective functions of similarity values between first, second and third stocks, respectively, and a fourth stock. First, second and third concave regions are displayed to represent the first, second and third stocks, respectively. The third concave region is angularly adjacent the second concave region, but has a radial width that differs from a radial width of the second concave region. The first concave region is radially interposed between the second concave region and a region which represents the fourth stock to indicate that the first stock is in the second optimum path. The first concave region is radially interposed between the third concave region and the region to indicate that the first stock is in the third optimum path.

Abstract: A two part method for improving the usage of a pointing device by a physically impaired user is disclosed. A first method is provided for learning how a user moves the pointing device by acquiring motion data for a user and generating motion vectors corresponding to when the user moves from source point icons to destination point icons. A second method of combining the learned user motion data with an application program where the user navigates the pointing device to select program icons on a graphical user interface (GUI) screen is provided. The method determines when the actual motion vector is similar to a previously acquired motion vector with a similar source point. The method predicts a destination point icon and highlights and locks the prediction icon until the user either actuates the iconor generates motion vectors that indicate that another destination point icon is the more likely destination.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, methods and systems for displaying an interest profile for an electronically stored document are provided. Interest profiles provide features that can enhance the experience of reading or using the electronic document. In exemplary embodiments, methods and systems include one or more interest profile techniques, such as graphical presentations and the like, for browsing or searching documents are provided. The graphical presentation can provide information about content of a document. The invention can be embodied in computer systems that include user input devices, processors, displays, storage and the like.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for selecting elements in a graphical user interface (GUI) is presented. The method and system improves upon existing approaches by simplifying an element selection perimeter created in a document within a GUI. Preliminary selections and rejections of elements that are located inside or outside of an element selection perimeter, respectively, are also performed. The simplification of the element selection perimeter and the preliminary selections and rejections of elements provide element selections in a GUI quickly, using a minimized number and complexity of computations.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for manipulating a spline are described. A spline can be displayed. A tangent bar that is tangent to a point on the spline and/or a curvature bar at the point can be displayed. A user input can be received defining one or more constraints on at least one of the tangent bar or the curvature bar, and the shape of the spline can be modified based on the one or more constraints.

Abstract: A curved surface image processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention that can render an object at higher speed and in higher quality by performing image processing using NURBS data includes: a data input unit 101 for receiving NURBS data; a coordinate transformation unit 102 for performing coordinate transformation on NURBS data; an animation control unit 103 for controlling animation data of each frame to be rendered; a data transformation unit 104 for transforming NURBS data into rational Bezier data; a patch division unit 105 for subdividing a rational Bezier surface patch; a normal determination unit 106 for calculating normals of control points of a divided surface patch; a perspective transformation unit 107 for performing perspective transformation on a divided surface patch; and a rendering unit 108 for rendering a surface patch.

Abstract: When a Bézier spline is fitted to a plurality of points the two tangent handles at each control point can be very different in length. A method of fitting a second spline to the first spline that has tangent handles of equal length at each control point is provided. A point is found on the first spline that is close to the midpoint between the two control points defining the tangent handles. This point is a new control point on the second spline. Tangent handles to the new control point are then found such that they have a slope equal to the tangent to the first spline at the new control point, the sum of their lengths is equal to the sum of the original two tangent handles and their lengths are equal to each other. A second spline found in this way closely approximates the first spline. The lengths of the tangent handles may be adjusted to provide a better fit.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and correcting inaccuracies in curve-fitted models. Humps and dips in a curve-fitted model are identified. An analysis is performed on the humps and dips to determine if they are large enough to warrant correction. If so, then the source of the simulation and/or empirical data is modified to taking corrective action to improve the curve fit between the edge point and the next actual simulation and/or empirical data point.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dynamically rendering digital ink strokes of arbitrary stroke width while a user is drawing the ink strokes. An ink rendering system may receive sampled pen tip positions associated with a stylus or pen on a digitizer. The ink rendering system may further determine pen tip instances having particular shapes, sizes, and/or rotations, and may determine connecting shapes, preferably quadrangles, that connect between the pen tip instances. Smoothing techniques may also be used for existing digital ink.

Abstract: An electronically controlled apparatus of the present invention includes: an input-output section, which electronically processes and outputs input data; a control section, which electronically controls the input-output section according to operating status data of each component of the input-output section; a managing section, which monitors the operating status data of each component of the input-output section, so as to store and manage the operating status data with corresponding time information of the operating status data; and a processing section, which creates graphic display of the operating status data in a given time scale according to the operating status data and the time information. With the electronically controlled apparatus, it becomes easier to manage regular inspections and replenishing expendables, without lowering an activity rate.

Abstract: A method of representing n-dimensional parametric surfaces (animated shapes) is provided that expresses all shapes in a consistent manner to reduce storage requirements, support deformation and simplify interaction between shapes. The method, a version of sweeps, represents shapes using a unique combination of three discrete types of (piecewise polynomial) curves: spine (sweeping) curves, slice (section) curves, and lathe (plane) curves, which are combined to create surfaces. The curves required to make simple 3D primitives (i.e. torus, sphere, cube and pyramid) are themselves simple 2D primitives (i.e. line, circle, square, triangle). The storage size of this system's shapes is exponentially smaller than the size of polygonal versions of the same shapes (as a function of the number of polygons). Complex models can be broken into multiple shapes, which are arranged in a tree hierarchy. The shapes of this invention can be tiled with other shapes of this invention (i.e. a row of smokestacks made of bricks).

Abstract: A method for converting a subdivision surface, such as a Catmull-Clark subdivision surface, into a cubic Bezier surface defined by sixteen control points. The method includes (a) converting a subdivision face to Bezier control points using a conversion matrix using fifteen points and a dummy value for an unavailable sixteenth point; and (b) replacing one of the Bezier control points which corresponds to an extraordinary point on the subdivision face with the extraordinary point's limit point.

Abstract: A drawing-information processing apparatus is used for setting drawing information at positions specified through a drawing-information inputting part. An attribute-inputting part is used for setting attribute of the drawing information, and a changing part is used for changing an attribute of the drawing information while the drawing information is input through the drawing-information inputting part.

Abstract: A system and method is described for rendering a warped brush stroke using a bitmap brush image, the brush stroke being along a arbitrarily curved guideline. The described system and method generate a piecewise linear approximation to the guideline followed by generating polygons with the aid of the linear segments such that the generated polygons are convex and contiguous linear segments result in contiguous polygons. A mapping is identified between segments of the bitmap brush and the polygons such that the corners or the boundaries of the segments of a segment map to the corners or boundaries of a corresponding polygon. The segment of the bitmap brush is mapped into the corresponding polygon using transformations that do not require visiting a pixel in the rendered warped brush stroke more than once. Examples of such transformations include bilinear transformations and texture mapping in combination with tiling.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying, an animation spline produced from a sequence of knots is disclosed. In one embodiment, a user may flip the vertical axis of selected ‘pose’ knots to visually enhance anomalies in the animation spline trajectory on a display screen. Visually exaggerating the trajectory of the animation spline provides a display that facilitates a user in detecting and correcting such anomalies in the animation spline.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating a cubic Bézier curve between a first point and a second point from a sequence of ordered points. One embodiment provides a method that includes selecting a third point from the sequence of ordered points; determining a first control point based on the first point, the second point, and the third point; selecting a fourth point from the sequence of ordered points; determining a second control point based on the first point, the second point, and the fourth point; and generating a cubic Bézier curve between the first point and the second point using the first control point and the second control point.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for performing edits on related curves by automatically defining an associative entity that is upstream of either curve being connected. The connecting entity is called an ‘intermediary’. When creating a connection between curves, irrespective of where they appear in the associative tree, their geometry is made dependent on a common intermediary that is placed upstream of both curves in the tree. With this structure, both curves are related to the intermediary but retain all the properties of being connected to each other. Any edit performed to either curve is redirected through the intermediary such that both curves are simultaneously modified, providing the user with bi-directional propagation of edits. The user does not need to keep track of the order that the curves were related.

Abstract: Described are a novel graphical element known as a spatial patch and a system and method for rendering the spatial patch to create computer graphics. The spatial patch may include appearance data and displacement data for each of a plurality of nodes that together specify the color and geometry for typically a small portion of a surface of an object. The appearance and displacement data may be independent and irregular for each of the nodes in order to represent complexly colored and structured objects. The spatial patch may be processed independently and may have internal topology or structure to facilitate parallel processing. Accordingly, the spatial patch offers many quality and processing advantages over polygon mesh representations that have previously been used to create three-dimensional computer graphics.

Abstract: A system that provides a bimanual user interface in which an input device is provided for each of the users hands, a left hand (LH) device and a right hand (RH) device. The input devices are used in conjunction with a large format, upright, human scale display at which the user can stand and upon which the input devices are moved. The positions of the input devices on the display are marked by displayed cursors. The system detects the position of the input devices relative to the display and draws a vector corresponding to unfastened tape between positions of cursors of the corresponding input devices and pointing from the LH device to the RH device. By changing the state of the LH input device the unfastened tape can be fastened or pinned along the vector as the user moves the LH device toward the RH device. By changing the state of the RH device, the tape can be unfastened by moving the LH device away from the RH device. Straight lines are drawn by holding the RH fixed while the LH pins the tape.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product which allows more versatile manual and automatic edits by embedding behaviors in the curve elements. These imbedded behaviors allow intelligent shape preservation during a curve edit. Each curve carries a behavior property that describes how it should react when edited. This means that the curve and graphics system have full knowledge of the right edit type to make, even when triggered by an outside source, such as a re-compute of an object at a higher level in the feature tree.

Abstract: A method of generating visual art includes providing a fractal object, which includes an initiator element, a set of generator elements and a set of parameters. The set of parameters are used to render a representation of the fractal object. The generator elements follow a rule. The method also includes replacing the initiator element with the set of generator elements by scaling and orientating the set of generator elements based on the initiator element. The method further includes replacing the generator element with the set of generator elements so that the set of generator elements replacing a generator element is oriented and scaled based on the generator element being replaced. The method includes iteratively replacing generator elements with the set of generator elements.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing and imaging three-dimensional volume data sets. In one embodiment of the invention, a ribbon section is produced which may include a plurality of planes projected from a polyline. The polyline may include one or more line segments preferably formed within a plane. The projected planes intersect the three-dimensional volume data set and the data located at the intersection may be selectively viewed. The polyline may be edited or varied by editing or varying the control points which define the polyline. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for quickly tracking a physical phenomena represented within the three-dimensional volume data set. A plurality of planes may be successively displayed in the three-dimensional volume data set from which points are digitized related to the structure of interest to create a spline curve on each plane.

Abstract: A graphical input and display system having a user interface for selecting and creating image object elements includes input devices permitting a user to manipulate elements of electronic images. A processor, connected to the system, receives requests for various image object selection operations and also accesses a memory structure. The system memory structure includes a user interaction module, which allows a user to select image objects, an image object selection module for interpreting imprecise image object selection paths, and data memory.

Abstract: A user gives, as input, two curves at a start time and at an end time and reference correspondence points with respect to the respective curves. Then, a pursuit operation of pursuing a reference correspondence point is carried out with respect to picture images successive in the time axis direction. As a result, positions of reference correspondence points at respective intermediate stages can be determined. Then, interpolation of the shape is carried out. Then, the determined interpolated shape is deformed in correspondence with the determined reference correspondence point. Accordingly, even in the case where a contour shape does not linearly move, it is possible to precisely pursue correspondence points on the contour. Thus, a contour shape with higher precision can be prepared.

Abstract: A recursively partitioned/nested geometric structure is employed to graphically present and/or facilitate analysis of multi-variate data, including functions of multi-dimensional variables. Visual attributes are associated with appropriate ones of the regions within the geometric structure, in accordance with determined graphing values. In one embodiment, the data are normalized, comprising relative coordinate values, and encoded into polynary strings. Processing is advantageously performed using the polynary strings.

Abstract: A method and system for compressing and displaying a digital ink trace. Raw ink data is smoothed, and sharp points of the smoothed line are found. Curve-fitting is then used to generate a mathematical expression that defines the line segments between adjacent sharp points. The ink trace then is represented by a backbone spline that includes the sharp points and the mathematical expressions for the line segments. Thickness information, such as pressure or acceleration information, is combined with the backbone spline to provide a compressed ink file that represents a contour curve of the original ink trace. A display module uses an algorithm to separate the contour curve into a sequence of straight lines. A set of pixels is then generated for the display of each straight line using a novel antialiasing method. The pixels at the ends of adjacent straight lines are aligned using a weighting algorithm.

Abstract: A curve may be reshaped by determining new locations for its control points that minimize some measure of the change in the curve (typically, the “energy” of the change), while meeting the specified editing constraints. For example, a designer or other user may indicate an editing constraint by selecting a point anywhere on a curve and moving it to a new location. In response, the unconstrained control points may be moved automatically and simultaneously to optimal new locations. The resulting change in the curve may be aesthetically pleasing and satisfy the editing constraints. This curve editing technique may allow designers to be more productive by providing predictable and intuitive results while enabling curves to be directly manipulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a systematic method for rendering feathers. In one aspect, a segment of a rachis having a first barb and second barb is generated. The first barb is generated based on a first barb length and the second barb is generated based on a second barb length.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating curve connection continuity information in a graphical design system comprises steps and apparatus for determining values for measures of G1, G2, and G3 continuity at a junction point between curves. The continuity values are selectively displayed in a graphical display as respective tags adjacent or otherwise associated with the junction point at issue. The tags are updated as the shape of the curves are altered to provide a designer with a substantially real-time indication of the continuity of the curve junction. The display format of the tags can be altered to indicate when the respective continuity measure is within a predefined continuity tolerance level.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing three-dimensional graphic images, a first input part inputs a first two-dimensional graphic image and a second input part inputs a second two-dimensional graphic image. A three-dimensional graphic image generating part generates a three-dimensional graphic image based on the first two-dimensional graphic image and the second two-dimensional graphic image.

Abstract: An invented computer curve construction system is described that enables construction of conics more intuitively, predictably, and accurately. Also new constructions of particular cubic Bezier curves and their conic analogs are described.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a curve in a region, e.g., a Low Discrepancy Curve. The method may generate an unbounded Low Discrepancy Point (LDP); apply one or more boundary conditions to the unbounded LDP to generate a bounded LDP located within the region; repeat said generating and said applying one or more boundary conditions one or more times, generating a Low Discrepancy Sequence (LDS) in the region; store the LDS; and generate output comprising the LDS, wherein the LDS defines the curve in the region. The method may scan the region according to the defined curve. In generating the unbounded LDP, the method may select two or more irrational numbers, a step size epsilon (?), and a starting position; initialize a current position to the starting position; and increment components of the current position based on ? and the irrational numbers to generate the unbounded LDP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression and restoration of images, videos, surfaces, curves and, generally, pixel-based data sets, including: feature-based quantization using a set of N isocontours; compressing each of these N contours using a level set-based compression of curves or surfaces—and/or combining the quantization with a conventional method for compression of surfaces; and decompressing the compressed data using a nonoscillatory reconstruction. The method is naturally multiscale, but does not use wavelets or other multiscale-basis functions. The method performs compression and decompression (1) without excessive computational complexity, even in the presence of topological changes such as merging or breaking of isocontours as the scale changes, (2) with excellent image fidelity, (3) without unacceptable artifacts such as ringing, blurring, or blocking, (4) with simple and natural grid based ways of calculating geometric features such as normals, principal curvatures.

Abstract: A subdivision level determination unit (13) in a curved surface subdivision apparatus (10) accepts an input of information about control points that define a shape of a curved surface and determines the subdivision level for the surface. Next, it sets, for a subdivision processing operation control unit (16), a control table corresponding to the determined subdivision level. The subdivision processing operation control unit (16) executes the subdivision processing while controlling a work memory unit (14) and a subdivision processing operation unit (15) based on the set control table.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for quickly tracking a physical phenomena represented within the three-dimensional volume data set. A plurality of planes may be successively displayed in the three-dimensional volume data set from which points are digitized related to the structure of interest to create a spline curve on each plane. The area between the spline curves (1914, 1916, 1918, 1920) is interpolated to produce a surface (1912) representative of the structure of interest, which may for example be a fault plane described by the three-dimensional volume data set. In this manner, the user can more easily and effectively visualize and interpret the features and physical parameters that are inherent in the three-dimensional volume data set.

Abstract: The steps of obtaining three-dimensional shape data representing a three-dimensional shape model, designating a portion required to be corrected of the three-dimensional shape model, displaying a surface to be joined to the designated portion, modifying a shape of the surface corresponding to a change of a designated parameter of the surface, and re-displaying the modified surface are provided. Filling of a lack portion of a part of the tree-dimensional shape model is achieved by an easy input operation.