Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for converting dashed strokes into quadratic Bèzier segment sequences. Path rendering with stroking and dashing may be accelerated when a graphics processing unit or other processor is configured to subdivide quadratic Bèzier segments based on the remaining distance for a current dash pattern element and the arc length of the current quadratic Bèzier path segment to generate “on” dash pattern segments. Each “on” dash pattern segment is then bounded by a conservative geometric hull. A point containment technique is then used to identify pixels within each conservative geometric hull that are within half of the stroke width of any point along a path to be stroked.

Abstract: The edge evaluation technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology, includes determining a number of edges of a given primitive to be evaluated. The technique also includes sequencing evaluation of a first edge by a first edge evaluation circuit and a second edge by a second edge evaluation circuit during a first clock cycle. The technique further includes sequencing evaluation of a third edge by the first edge evaluation circuit and a fourth edge by the second edge evaluation circuit during a second clock cycle if three or more edges are to be evaluated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can provide compression of a digital representation of an object. The digital representation can include a graphical data structure with graphical data defining the object in terms of a definition of respective faces of the object. Each face can be defined in terms of a surface for the face and each edge of the face on that surface. The method can include, for respective faces of the object, accessing the definition of the face in the graphical data structure, generating a compressed definition of the face and replacing the definition of the face in the graphical data structure by the compressed definition of the face.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to audio mixing and editing devices and methods. A system is provided that permits mixing of and editing of multiple input audio tracks through the use of visual representation of audio signals. By viewing the visual representations of the audio inputs, a user is able to achieve a desired mix of signals with more accuracy and efficiency when compared with mixing based on hearing alone.

Abstract: Multi-level gradation representation data D2 obtained by representing line drawing data D1 with a multi-level gradation is acquired, and cores are extracted from a line drawing. Further, a closed region surrounded by a core and smaller than a predetermined reference is selected. Then, the barycentric point of the selected closed region is determined, and a plurality of adjacent points adjacent to the barycentric point on the basis of a predetermined distance are defined. Thereafter, by reference to the multi-level gradation representation data D2, gradation values corresponding to the barycentric point and each of the adjacent points are acquired and compared with each other. Further, an adjacent point having the closest gradation value to the gradation value corresponding to the barycentric point is selected. Then, a boundary line lying between a closed region including the barycentric point and a closed region including the selected adjacent point is deleted.

Abstract: A user's watch list comprising stocks and stock market indices is organized into a browsing sequence using a computer. The computer provides a sequential browsing feature to sequentially browse, in an order according to the browsing sequence, the stocks and the indices in the user's watch list. The computer provides a visible representation feature to display regions to visibly represent the stocks and the indices in the user's watch list. Each region is user-selectable, is bordered by a respective color that is based on a change in price of its represented one of the stocks and the indices, and has an interior color that is not based on the change in price. In response to a user selection of a region from a touch screen, the computer retrieves a chart associated with the respective one of the stocks and the indices in the user's watch list represented by the region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to music composition devices and methods. A system is provided which allows composers of all skill levels to easily create music that is pleasurable to the ear. The system may also assist more advanced composers in creating complex musical arrangements based off of partially completed compositions. The system also streamlines composition and arrangement in multi-instrument environments. The user is able to select from a variety of available music visualizations and instrument views, allowing comparison therebetween. The system may comprise composition error checking functions, free-play performance abilities, and recording and playback features. Certain embodiments incorporate remote access for collaboration between users.

Abstract: A method of rendering a path, comprising at least two straight lines and at least one join connecting two of the at least two straight lines, is disclosed. The method is suitable for use in a device having graphics processing capabilities. The method comprises determining a mask associated with a stroke of the path and representing the mask by a plurality of triangles, wherein each of the at least two straight lines are represented by two triangles and the triangles representing two straight lines connected by one join are non-overlapping. The method also comprises creating the mask based on the plurality of triangles and rendering the path by filling the mask. Corresponding computer program product, arrangement and electronic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for obtaining a minimum cost vector for making a skyline object in a multi-dimensional space. The method includes calculating respective vector values having a query point and respective moving points to which the query point is moved as both end points in a multi-dimensional space having a plurality of coordinate axes, and selecting a vector value whose moving point is included in a skyline and has the minimum distance value from the query point as the minimum vector value from among the vector values.

Abstract: A process for rendering highlighter ink strokes and non-highlighter ink strokes in a non-rastering environment is described. Strokes may be grouped under a node having a predefined opacity. The strokes inherit the opacity from the node. Additionally, visuals containing highlighter strokes of the same color are grouped into collections of visuals (one collection per each highlighter color), and change the opacity of the collection (parent) visual to semi-transparent (or any other transparency value defined for the highlighter effect).

Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method of generating user-specified information. The method includes receiving a plurality of points selected on a map to form a first continuous line having one or more vertices. The method also includes generating a closed polygon having a plurality of edges, where at least one edge forms a second continuous line substantially parallel to and spaced apart at a distance from the first continuous line. The method also includes determining a plurality of coordinate pairs each associated with a point on the plurality of edges of the closed polygon and retrieving user specified information for an area enclosed by the plurality of coordinate pairs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for creating a parametric surface symmetric with respect to a given symmetry operation (20). The invention method: (i) identifies a mesh pattern (15a); (ii) creates a base mesh (15s) from the mesh pattern, according to a symmetry operation; (iii) subdivides the base mesh, at a given order, into a subdivided mesh defining elementary faces; and (iv) forms the parametric surface (16s) according to said faces. The base mesh is symmetric with respect to the symmetry operation such as a reflection symmetry. The invention further concerns computer program product and systems implementing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An edge function is computed from two vertex coordinates given by a rendering target line. Gradient determination is then performed on the edge function, and the functions representing two shift lines that are formed by translating the rendering target line in the y-axis direction or x-axis direction depending on the angle formed by the rendering target line and the x-axis of the rendering plane coordinate system by 0.5d and ?0.5d will be computed, where d denotes the width of one pixel. Then, the number of subpixels included in a parallelogram, which has four points of the starting points and ending points of the two shift lines as vertices, is acquired so as to determine the pixel value of each pixel based on the number.

Abstract: In a first process of a pattern generation method, a first segment to be handled which is not on a grid is extracted. In a second process, a second segment opposite to the first segment is extracted. In a third process, whether the second segment is on the grid is determined. In FIG. 1A, the second segment is not on the grid. Therefore, in a fourth process the first segment is shifted onto the grid under a determined condition. In addition, the second segment is shifted onto the grid so that line width between the first segment and the second segment is closest to target line width.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus disclosed herein receive a non-integer star points input parameter value, create a star shape with a number of star points equal to an integer portion of the star points input parameter plus one, and store or render the star shape to an output device. A fractional star point is differentiated from integer star points by a differential radial length between the two. Some embodiments also receive a non-integer polygon sides input parameter value and render a modified polygon shape with a total number of sides equal to an integer portion of the polygon sides input parameter plus one. A number of sides equal to the integer portion of the polygon sides parameter minus one are rendered as regular polygon sides. Two sides are rendered as adjacent symmetrical bezier curves, and the modified polygon shape is stored or rendered to an output device.

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: The present disclosure relates to sound and speech recognition devices and methods. A system is provided that utilizes a system of tonal and rhythmic visualization methods to recognize different sounds so as to accurately identify true security problems in a cost effective manner. The system can also be utilized to recognize different vocal characteristics so as to accurately identify individuals based on their speech.

Abstract: A image processing apparatus has a first data generation unit which generates triangular data by making straight line contours and curved contours triangles by analyzing the straight line contours and the curved contours with respect to vector format graphic data, a second data generation unit which generates stencil data from the triangular data, and a third data generation unit which generates raster format graphic data with reference to the stencil data.

Abstract: A user identifies an area of a digital canvas. Color gradients are determined based on a corresponding area on a reference. Brush strokes are applied in the area of the digital canvas, the brush strokes having trajectories based on the color gradients.

Abstract: Provided is a method for creating a 3-D curved surface by using corresponding curves in a plurality of images. The method includes performing an NURBS fitting curve with respect to one image in a plurality of images having camera calibration and extracted camera parameter by using control points designated in a curve characterizing a subject shape. When the curve fitting is performed with respect to the curve that commonly exists in more than two images, a 3-D curve is created by using a camera calibration information, or a 3-D curved surface is created by creating a plurality of 3-D curves or straight lines. Therefore, a 3-D curved surface model can be easily and quickly created by simplifying a complex modeling process for an actual object modeling into an actual image-based modeling process.

Abstract: A method for creating an efficient scan loop for displaying a vector projection graphic upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes determining a plurality of candidate scan loops to create a desired vector projection graphic, determining an efficiency metric for each of the plurality of candidate scan loops, determining the efficient scan loop for displaying the vector projection graphic based upon comparing the efficiency metrics, and utilizing the efficient scan loop to create the desired vector projection graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display.

Abstract: A dental color system having primary and mixed colors with assigned coordinates in the CIElab color space, in which the colors of natural teeth are essentially located on coordinates within an ellipsoid-shaped space, which is assigned a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes: a current-position information acquisition section obtaining measured current-position information; a camera section obtaining a captured image of a subject; a direction detection section detecting a direction when obtaining the captured image by the camera section; from characteristic-point information related to multiple predetermined characteristic points stored in a storage section, a characteristic-point information extraction section extracting the characteristic-point information related to the characteristic points located in the vicinity of the current position and in a range shown in the direction; and a control section displaying the captured image on a display section, wherein the control section displays a predetermined direction line indicating a distance from the current position on the captured image, obtains a distance and a direction from the current position to the characteristic point, and displays the characteristic-point information at a position correspo

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device at the first user location. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. In one example, the indicator(s) is/are markings that indicate a point, line, and/or path. The indicator(s) may provide a reference for a locate operation or an area of planned excavation.

Abstract: A complexity vector representing a complexity of at least part of an SVG scene is generated based on a complexity variable associated with at least one element of a DOM tree of the SVG scene. The playback suitability of at least part of an SVG scene is tested for a device based on whether a complexity variable of a complexity vector of the SVG scene is smaller than or equal to the associated device complexity variable of a device complexity vector of the device per element, wherein a maximum complexity of the element of a DOM tree of the SVG scene is played back on the device via the complexity variable, and a maximum executable complexity of the element is played back on the device via the device complexity variable.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a shape may comprise one or more repeated graphic elements.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, method, and system embodiments provide for processing an action script for a graphical image for visual display. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a first memory; first circuitry configured to convert a plurality of descriptive elements of the action script into a plurality of operational codes; and second circuitry configured to execute the plurality of operational codes using corresponding data stored in the first memory to generate pixel data for the graphical image. Exemplary embodiments may further include third circuitry configured to parse the action script into the plurality of descriptive elements and the corresponding data, and fourth circuitry configured to extract data from the action script and to store the extracted data in the first memory as a plurality of control words having the corresponding data in predetermined fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rendering 3D graphic data is provided. The 3D graphic data is projected onto a 2D screen and points are interpolated and rendered, thereby quickly processing the 3D graphic data.

Abstract: A computerized method of creating an irregular-shaped table of cells comprises detecting one or more cells of a table to be removed, removing each detected cell from the table and creating a table object representing the resultant irregular-shaped table.

Abstract: A method for displaying continuous lines on a raster-based display appliance, with a continuous line being defined by a sequence of two-dimensional support points v1 and v2 and a line width w, and with a rectangle 1, which connects the support points v1, v2, having a rectangle length predetermined by the distance between the support points v1, v2 and having a rectangle width predetermined by the line width w being displayed between two support points v1, v2. The method provides that a triangle sequence 6, which covers a gap 5 between the rectangles 1, 2, is displayed between two successive rectangles 1 and 2 whose alignment with respect to one another is at an angle ???0. The triangle sequence 6 includes a plurality of triangles which each have the support point v2, which connects the successive rectangles 1, 2, as a common corner point.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying path-related information. Techniques are provided for generating and displaying one or more graphical representations for a path. In one embodiment, a radial histogram is generated and output for a path.

Abstract: In using an application's drawing feature, users typically use connecting lines between graphical shapes to depict a relationship between the shapes. Drawing connecting lines between two or more graphical shapes within an application can be a time consuming, manual task. An application that automatically generates connecting lines between shapes, based on spatial relationships among the shapes, can reduce the amount of time for drawing a diagram. Functionality can be implemented to generate connecting lines between 1:n shapes based on proximity among the shapes and/or contact between shapes. Automatically generating connecting lines among shapes based on spatial relationships among the shapes allows generating of the connecting lines based on manipulation of shapes, which typically have a larger surface area than a line. Manipulating a larger surface area can be easier than manipulating a line.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object display apparatus includes a three-dimensional object generation section that generates a three-dimensional object by laying out a plurality of image data to surfaces of a solid. The three-dimensional object is made in a three-dimensional shape to be displayed on a display section. The three-dimensional object display apparatus also includes a selection operation section that enables a user to select a manner of presenting the plurality of image data to the user on the display section. The three-dimensional object display apparatus further includes a control section that switches, in response to the manner selected by the user, the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: There are provided a unified framework based on extensible styles for 3D non-photorealistic rendering and a method of configuring the framework. The unified framework includes: 3D model data processing means for generating a scene graph by converting a 3D model input into 3D data and organizing the scene graph using vertexes, faces, and edges; face painting means for selecting a brusher to paint faces (interiors) of the 3D model using the scene graph; line drawing means for extracting line information from the 3D model using the scene graph and managing the extracted line information; style expressing means for generating a rendering style for the 3D model and storing the rendering style as a stroke, the rendering style being equally applied to a face-painting method and a line-drawing method; and rendering means for combining the stroke and the selected brusher to render the 3D model using both the face-painting method and the line-drawing method.

Abstract: A method for generating an outline for a stroked line of specified width from an input line (601) defined by a vector having two input points (P0, P1) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: determining an offset vector based on the vector, the offset vector having components [Xoff, Yoff]; determining a first set of two pairs of points (L1, L2 and R1, R2) based on the offset vector applied to the two input points (P0, P1); and determining a second set of two pairs of points (L0, L3 and R0, R3) based on the first set of points (L1, L2 and R1, R2). The second set of two pairs of points (L0, L3 and R0, R3) defines at least a portion of the outline and one of the components of the offset vector [Xoff, Yoff] is independent of the inclination of the vector and the specified width.

Abstract: A line plotting method for plotting lines whose coordinates are given on a display screen on which pixels are arranged according to a prescribed rule, the method includes correcting coordinates at the end point of a line on the basis of which the end point is a starting point or an ending point or whether the end point is inside a prescribed frame determining whether a direction from a starting point of a line after correction toward its ending point horizontally or vertically is the same as a direction from a starting point before correction of a line toward its ending point determining whether integer values of the coordinates of starting and ending points after correction are the same when directions from starting points after and before correction of a line toward their ending points are not matched.

Abstract: A method for converting an image includes the steps of: obtaining an inclination of a character in the image; obtaining apex pixels forming contours of the character; obtaining an identical line segment candidate pixel group from a portion supposed to be expressed by a single line segment; extracting, based on the inclination, the identical line segment candidate pixel group as an identical line segment pixel group; obtaining both-end pixels which are apex pixels located on both sides of the identical line segment pixel group thus extracted; approximating, by a line segment connecting between the both-end pixels thus obtained, a contour of the character in a portion corresponding to the both-end pixels; and approximating a portion, excluding the portion that has been approximated, by a straight line or a curved line by performing an outlining process using apex pixels other than the apex pixels of the identical line segment pixel group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are described for ballooning an assembly drawing of a computer aided design. In one implementation, a set of anchor points is received and a set of balloons is arranged along a polygon enclosing a region including the set of anchor points. The set of balloons is iterated through, and the balloons in the set of balloons are attached to anchor points in the set of anchor points by leaders. Upon completion of one iteration no two leaders intersect.

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: An image analysis system that analyzes an image of an object's organ having an anatomically symmetric shape includes: an image data read means that reads image data of the organ, a memory means that is connected to the image data read means, and stores the read image data, a display means that is connected to the memory means, and displays the image data as an image, a centerline setting means that is connected to the memory means, and sets a centerline of the organ in the image displayed on the display means, a region-of-interest setting means that is connected to the memory means, and uses the centerline to set a plurality of or at least one pair of regions of interest at anatomically symmetric opposite positions in the image of the organ, and an input means that is connected to the region-of-interest setting means, and inputs conditions for setting of the regions of interest in the image.

Abstract: A facility for evaluating a spreadsheet cell is described. The facility reads a function call stored in a spreadsheet cell. The function call specifies an arbitrary geometric path and an operation to be performed on the specified path. The facility performs the specified operation on the specified path, and attributes one or more values produced thereby as the evaluated value of the spreadsheet cell.

Abstract: In the present invention, vector data developing unit, ends separating unit, overlap removing unit and bitmapped data generating unit are sequentially connected in order to make pipeline processing. In addition, data of each raster is orderly arranged as a unit so that each processor can process data of each raster at a time. Each processor can make the pipeline processing to fast generate data. In addition, small-scale circuits can be used to realize the system because each raster can be processed as a unit of processing. Moreover, since data is orderly arranged before being processed, multi-valued bitmapped data can be generated in the order of drawing. Therefore, the drawing operation and data generating operation can be performed in parallel without use of any large-scale storage device.

Abstract: A method for creating a graphical representation of a string of alphanumeric characters is disclosed. The method comprises determining a key position on a telephone keypad corresponding to each of the alphanumeric characters in the string, including a first key position for the first alphanumeric character, intermediate key positions for the intermediate alphanumeric characters, and a last key position for the last alphanumeric character. Then, a plurality of lines are successively generated from the first key position to each of the intermediate key positions to the last key position on the telephone keypad so as to create the graphical representation of the string of alphanumeric characters. Marking insignia are optionally generated to signify the beginning and end of the graphical representation. The method may be implemented by a computer.

Abstract: In a method and system to extract data from handwritten information when the information is captured as sequences of strokes, vectors, or marks, temporal data is stored within the color or gray-scale encoding of pixel values within a bitmapped image. A bitmapped image is used to create a derived image suitable for data extraction and a method of analyzing the image, including the encoded temporal data, to yield an adjusted image that better reflects the intent of the person who created the handwriting. While the primary application of the invention is in processing handwritten responses to assessment items, the system and method can be advantageously used to extract data from or to improve the presentation of information from an electronic representation of temporal human marks in many applications. Additionally, the system and method can be advantageously used to store and process other types of data within a bitmapped image.

Abstract: A computerized method of recognizing an input hand-drawn table formed by freeform line objects comprises transforming each freeform line object of the table into one of a vertical line segment and a horizontal line segment, generating a grid system based on the vertical and horizontal line segments and converting the generated grid system into a table object.

Abstract: A method for deterministic film grain addition, e.g. to video signals compressed in a way that the grain is lacking.

Abstract: Embodiments of graphics systems and methods are disclosed. In one method embodiment, a graphics method comprises receiving information about a line primitive and segmenting the line primitive with a plurality of bounding areas.

Abstract: Computer graphic method is used to transform a irregular hand drawing into a regular shape, such as a circuit, a rectangle, or a curve. First step of the computer graphic method is inputting the hand drawing to a computer. Then, identify at least one characteristic of the hand drawing, and creating a regular shape based on the characteristic. Finally, replacing the hand drawing with the regular shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved display of digital mammographic images, which include at least two mammograms that represent different orientation views on a display. It is intended that a place on a mammographic image of a first orientation view and a correspondence strip (4) on a mammographic image of a second orientation view is determined. The correspondence strip indicates a range in the mammographic image of the second orientation view in which the place of the mammographic image of a first orientation view may be located. The method and apparatus are made available for the improved display of digital mammograms, which the display of the mammograms may be improved in way that is intuitive for a user in such a way that the review of mammograms is made easier.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting location information. A first geographic area in which a device is currently located is estimated using a first positioning system. A second geographic area in which the device is currently located is estimated using a second positioning system. A first map view including an indication of the first geographic area on the first map view is presented if the first geographic area is contained within the second geographic area. A second map view including an indication of the second geographic area is presented if the first geographic area is not contained within the second geographic area.