Abstract: The gamma curve generation method of the invention selects each set of three consecutive control points among multiple consecutive control points, forms a cubic curve passing through the selected three consecutive control points, and combines all formed cubic curves to generate a gamma curve. The selected three consecutive control points are set to a first control point, a second control point, and a third control point in a sequential order. Each cubic curve is formed to pass through the first control point, the second control point, and the third control point and have a tangent of a certain gradient at the second control point, which is internal division at an inverse ratio of a gradient of a straight line connecting the first control point with the second control point and a gradient of a straight line connecting the second control point with the third control point. This arrangement of the invention demands the less amount of computation and desirably reduces the required circuit scale.

Abstract: A method (2500) of converting a monotonic curve into edge information is disclosed. A method (2800A) of determining an integer edge crossing value, Xi, for a new edge crossed by a scanline (i.e., an inactive edge being crossed by the scanline for the first time) is also disclosed. Further, a method (2800B) of determining an integer edge crossing value, Xi, for an active edge crossed by a scanline, is also disclosed. The disclosed methods have general application in the representation of monotonic curves. The described methods allow monotonic curves to be accurately represented in terms of edges where the original curve can be reconstructed from the edges. Furthermore, the methods allow edge tracking to be performed such that any resulting error is restricted to a fixed-point division error. At transition points between adjoining segments, an original edge crossing point may be determined to avoid accumulated error.

Abstract: A low-cost high-speed programmable rasterizer accepting an input set of functionals representing a triangle, clipping planes and a scissoring box, and producing multiple spans per clock cycle as output. A Loader converts the input set from a general form to a special case form accepted by a set of Edge Generators, the restricted input format accepted by the Edge Generators contributing to their efficient hardware implementation.

Abstract: Presented herein is processor assisted two dimensional shape rendering logic. In one embodiment, there is presented a system for rendering graphics. The system comprises a controller and logic. The controller decomposes graphics objects into primitives. The logic determines pixel locations for said graphics objects, using said primitives.

Abstract: A video display for digitized video data interpolates values between time samples, such as luminance over a horizontal line or over an average of all the horizontal lines in a video signal, so as to produce a digitally plotted test display resembling the continuous line display of an oscilloscope. A digital impulse response filter has stored coefficients that contribute as factors to the values of interpolated data points to fill the line display between sample values. Instead of changing the coefficients to produce variations interpolating the output between sample values, the coefficients are held constant and a delay factor is varied to alter the extent to which the respective coefficients and sample values interact and contribute to the interpolated values.

Abstract: A thick line drawing method includes: drawing at least a predetermined pattern according to a thickness of a thick line to be drawn and at least one of a start point and an end point of a line path corresponding to the thick line; determining a plurality of polygon vertexes according to the predetermined pattern; and performing a polygon filling operation to fill a polygon region defined by the polygon vertexes, and storing a drawing result of filling the polygon region into a frame buffer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that enable a user to modify an illustration using scaleable vector graphics. A scaleable vector graphics layer may be superimposed on a graphic, drawing or other illustration. A user may provide markings on the scaleable vector graphics layer such that the markings appear to be on the illustration itself. The markings may be moved, altered or otherwise modified on the scaleable vector layer without altering the illustration. The markings may include pre-defined symbols that the user may select and position on the scaleable vector graphics layer. Positional coordinates of the scaleable vector graphics layer may be determined to enable the user to create a composite illustration or line drawing that includes the original illustration and the scaleable vector graphics layer.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus is provided which can reliably guide a vehicle along a guidance route when the vehicle approaches an intersection of interest at which it is to make a turn even if another intersection exists between a vehicle position and the intersection of interest. A controller determines whether or not another intersection exists between the vehicle position and the next guidance intersection (an intersection at which the vehicle is to make a turn) when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection. If another intersection is determined to exist, an intersection guidance map with an arrow indicative of the guidance route colored in a predetermined color is displayed on a display device. In one embodiment, if another intersection does not exist between the vehicle and the guidance intersection, the color of the arrow displayed is changed to a different color.

Abstract: In image processing adapted to a display apparatus using a plurality of line buffers for storing data regarding dots aligned on scanning lines on the screen, when a line having a prescribed width and a prescribed length is drawn on the screen, a line drawing range is calculated with reference to start-point coordinates and end-point coordinates as well as the width of line, thus selecting dots on the screen with reference to coordinates of intersections between the scanning lines and the boundaries of the line drawing range, wherein data regarding the selected dots are written into at least one of the line buffers. In line terminating processing, a virtual circle whose diameter matches the width of the line is imaginarily drawn at one end of the line, so that data regarding dots belonging to the virtual circle are written into at least one of the line buffers.

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

Abstract: A drawing device which outputs an image datum based on a drawing mode and a command to draw, includes a coordinate conversion unit which converts coordinates in the command to draw in accordance with a designated reduction ratio and a compensation unit which adds a width to a line to be drawn when a width of the line is lost by a conversion executed by the coordinate conversion unit.

Abstract: To provide a drawing device which can make effective use of a memory bus bandwidth without needing an expensive and complicated circuit configuration.

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 plurality of position data are input, which indicate the position of an observation target defined in a three-dimensional space, on its three-dimensional image, which is viewed from a predetermined view point along a predetermined line-of-sight direction. A curved cross-section in the line-of-sight direction is calculated from the plurality of position data and line-of-sight data including the predetermined view point and the predetermined line-of-sight direction. A projection image is generated by projecting the three-dimensional image on the calculated curved cross-section onto a projection surface along the line-of-sight direction. The projection image is then displayed.

Abstract: The invention improves the appearance of freehand drawn lines and shapes in an electronic document by first recognizing freehand drawn lines and shapes and generating a line made up of sequential straight line segments for the freehand drawn line when the line does not form a closed line and generating a multiple straight-line-segment shape when the line forms a closed line. If a multiple segment shape is being reshaped, a basic shape is selected from reference ideal shapes as the basic shape of the multiple segment shape. The basic shape is adjusted to provide a specific shape as an improved shape for the freehand drawn shape. The recognition of the freehand drawn lines and shapes is accomplished by comparing source segments of a source freehand drawn line to a straight line and substituting a straight line segment for a source segment if the deviation between the source segment and the straight line is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention discloses a transforming apparatus, according to a transforming curve, for transforming a first image to a second image. The first image includes a plurality of pixels. The transforming apparatus includes a differentiating module, a first transforming module, an adjusting module and a second transforming module. According a predetermined value, the differentiating module transforms the transforming curve into a plurality of sub-curves. The first transforming module generates a plurality of straight lines corresponding to the sub-curves. According to the sub-curves, the straight lines and a predetermined threshold, the adjusting module adjusts the straight lines to generate a plurality of approximate lines. According to the approximate lines and the pixels of the first image, the second transforming module generates the second image.

Abstract: In image processing adapted to a display apparatus using a plurality of line buffers for storing data regarding dots aligned on scanning lines on the screen, when a line having a prescribed width and a prescribed length is drawn on the screen, a line drawing range is calculated with reference to start-point coordinates and end-point coordinates as well as the width of line, thus selecting dots on the screen with reference to coordinates of intersections between the scanning lines and the boundaries of the line drawing range, wherein data regarding the selected dots are written into at least one of the line buffers. In line terminating processing, a virtual circle whose diameter matches the width of the line is imaginarily drawn at one end of the line, so that data regarding dots belonging to the virtual circle are written into at least one of the line buffers.

Abstract: A method for generating, displaying and manipulating the orientation of three-dimensional vectors on a two-dimensional surface for visualization, statistical analysis and correlation. The method involves collecting vector data, transforming each vector into spherical co-ordinates, then assigning, a unique color related to a position on a spherical color model. A two-dimensional raster image filled with this unique color is centered at the point of measurement for each vector orientation as obtained from calculations or instrumentation capable of measuring this orientation. This methodology offers the user the ability to discriminate the location of specific orientations as well as the ability to define an enhanced full color gamut gradation for a specific range of orientation. This rendering of color-coded vector orientation enables easier understanding by the viewer of large data sets.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a display unit for displaying an image; a drawing unit for drawing a first straight line and a second straight line on the image displayed by the display unit in accordance with an input operation by a user; and a geometrical-value calculating unit for calculating a value indicating a geometrical relationship between the first and second straight lines drawn by the drawing unit.

Abstract: Performing Boolean operations among two regions; regions and results represented as vector tuples. Establish indexing cells about regions and classify by type of interaction between regions, e.g., (boundary, boundary). For each (boundary, boundary) cell, define pseudo-points at each boundary entrance/exit. Categorize each (boundary, boundary) cell on relationship of its pseudo-points. Identify starting points along boundaries based on: categorization, operation, and interior convention. Accumulate results cycling from a starting point, along region boundary. Upon encountering each intersection, proceed along the other region boundary. Upon encountering a cell edge, proceed along the cell edge in the direction consistent with the interior convention. Where a starting point or intersection between region boundaries remains untraversed, accumulate results in tracing a similar cycle along untraced boundaries. Discard duplicate/cell-edge only tuples.

Abstract: An edge function is computed from two vertex coordinates given by a rendering target line 66 as shown in FIG. 8. Gradient determination is then performed on the edge function, and if the acute angle formed by the rendering target line 66 and the x-axis of the rendering plane coordinate system is 45 degrees or less, the functions representing two shift lines 68 that are formed by translating the rendering target line 66 in the y-axis direction by 0.5d and ?0.5d will be computed, where d denotes the width of one pixel. If, on the other hand, the acute angle formed by the rendering target line 66 and the y-axis of the rendering plane coordinate system is more than 45 degrees, the functions representing two shift lines that are formed by translating the rendering target line 66 in the x-axis direction by 0.5d and ?0.5d will be computed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for testing user interfaces of software application. The techniques include interacting with a user to identify one or more straight lines in a first rendering of a user interface for a software application, the straight lines being diagnostic of the correct layout of the first rendering of the user interface, and using the one or more straight lines as reference lines to determine if a second rendering of the user interface has a correct layout.

Abstract: This patent discloses a system and method to compile a set of display points that define a two dimensional representation of a straight line graphic object using three dimensional rasterization algorithms. In one embodiment, a three dimensional (3D) graphics accelerator may receive data. The data may define three vertices (x0, y0, K0), (x1, y1, K1), and (x2, y2, K2) of a triangle primitive. Attributes K2=(K0+K1)/2 and coordinates (x0, y0), (x1, y1), and (x2, y2) form an isosceles triangle primitive. Coordinates (x0, y0) and (x1, y1) define a base of the isosceles triangle primitive. The isosceles triangle primitive may be rendered using the three dimensional rasterization algorithms to obtain the set of display points that define a two dimensional representation of the base of the isosceles triangle primitive.

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 navigation apparatus includes a route searching unit that searches for a plurality of routes from a departure point to a destination and a map display control unit that displays a map of the plurality of routes searched out by the route searching unit upon a display monitor, and, if any two or more among the plurality of routes overlap upon and pass along a same road, the map display control unit displays the overlapping portions as shifted.

Abstract: A document editing support device includes: an object obtaining unit that obtains at least one object as data representing at least one of a text and an image included in a document as a target to be edited; a split ratio storage unit that stores a predetermined split ratio; a reference line setting unit that extracts two lines from at least one of a circumscribed polygon and a boundary and sets the extracted lines as reference lines, the circumscribed polygon being of an object other than a target object, a location of which is to be determined relative to at least one object obtained by the object obtaining unit, and the boundary being of a layout area where objects are to be located in the document; a virtual line generation unit that generates a virtual line that splits an interval between the two reference lines set by the reference line setting unit, at a split ratio stored in the split ratio storage unit; and a location unit that determines a location of the target object, the location of which is to b

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a parameter of a digitized signal including a digitizer to digitize an input signal into a digitized signal, a rasterizer to generate a raster image from the digitized input signal, a processor to receive the raster image, and a control interface to receive an input control signal indicating a request for a measurement. The rasterizer is responsive to the control signal to generate the raster image from the digitized input signal, and the processor is responsive to the control signal to generate a histogram from the raster image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a straight line drawing method, a straight line drawing program and a straight line drawing apparatus, an object of the invention is to provide a straight line drawing apparatus, a straight line drawing method and a straight line drawing program, which can reduce fabrication costs and can improve processing performance. A midpoint between endpoints of a straight line is determined, when drawing the straight line, having the two end points located outside a drawing frame defined by frame defining lines wherein at least one of the two end points is located on the drawing frame side to all the frame defining lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Font Emulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises stripping a first portion from a first font to emulate a second font upon request for such a second font. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, the processor stripping a first portion from a first font to emulate a second font. The method and apparatus may further include stripping a second portion from a first font, and such may be performed by the processor. Alternatively, the method may include copying a first font into memory.

Abstract: A system and method for rasterization an image on a display through approximation, wherein the image is decomposed into a plurality of convex polygons, each convex polygon being defined by a plurality of original edges and each original edge being defined by two vertices. The coordinates of original vertices of an original edge are truncated, and the truncated coordinates are used to generate modified coordinates that define a modified edge. A plurality of modified edges defines a potentially changing region. If a selected region of a display device intersects this potentially changing region defined by the modified edges, then the first selected region is refreshed on the display device.

Abstract: A novel technique for annotating a time series graph with embedded tick marks and grid lines and method for selecting and placing such tick marks and lines within such graph. This method allows for the creation of large time series graphs that allow simultaneous perception of graph trends and features as well as the visual estimation of the values of graph point(s). Graphs produced by this method do not require the excessive user effort, time, or manipulation of graphical user interface affordances that are entailed in these two perceptual tasks with graphs annotated using prior art methods. Additionally, this method allows for minimal visual clutter of the graph.

Abstract: A special effect device by which a new special picture effect is to be implemented in accordance with a read address control system. The device includes an address signal generating unit which generates a readout address signal for picture signals stored in a frame buffer so tat the picture signals stored in the frame buffer will be output to each of a plurality of corresponding triangular areas of a preset size fractionated from the picture Signals stored in the frame buffer.

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: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method reconstruct a three-dimensional image of an object which expresses a texture, glossiness, and three-dimensionality with realism. The image processing apparatus produces, from a physical object, data representing a shape and a surface feature of the physical object, holds the data as a three-dimensional model, and presents a three-dimensional image under conditions of an illumination environment and line of sight designated by a user when the three-dimensional image is reconstructed. To present the three-dimensional image at a high speed with realism, the apparatus and method use new and particularly advantageous features in a generation process and in a data format used in the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: Antialiased lines are classified according to their orientation, e.g. as x-major or y-major depending whether the x or y extent of the line is larger. Different subpixel sampling patterns are used for different lines, in accordance with this classification. This permits antialiased rendering to achieve increased visual quality of the line without adding in more sample points.

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: An apparatus includes a memory which stores therein data of a dotted-line pattern, a unit which identifies successive pixels on a straight line to be drawn with respect to each line of a plurality of straight lines that are drawn side by side, a pattern reference unit which refers to the data of a dotted-line pattern while changing a reference address for accessing the memory in accordance with a slope of a dotted line to be drawn, and a drawing unit which draws the successive pixels in response to the data of a dotted-line pattern referred to by the pattern reference unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a boundary line designating unit which designates a boundary line for dividing a screen into a plurality of regions; and a region selecting unit which selects either one of the inside and the outside of the boundary line designated by the boundary line designator as a region to be processed in which an image is to be processed. The boundary line designating unit designates a region surrounded by a freehand line input via an inputting unit. As a result, it is possible to easily and accurately designate a region which a user desires to subject to an image processing, so as to readily subject the desired region to the image processing.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering a non-zero thickness line on a pixel-limited output device such that aliasing of the line is reduced. The edges defining a line segment are expanded to insure that any pixel touched by the line segment has its center included in the bounds of the line segment. The area of any pixel partially or fully covered by the expanded line is determined. If one edge of the line traverses the pixel, the area is determined according to whether a triangular or triangular plus parallelogram area is covered. If more than one edge of the line segment traverses a pixel, the area covered is computed based on the single edge case. With the area covered by the line segment known, the color or shading of the pixel is determined by linear interpolation between the line and the background.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying data categories. The apparatus comprises a display that is configured to produce a first visual presentation of a first data category of the data categories and a second visual presentation of a second data category of the data categories. The apparatus also comprises a processor that is configured to control the display during simultaneous production of the first visual presentation and the second visual presentation. The processor is configured to control the display such that the first visual presentation comprises a first line bordering at least a portion of a first object of the first data category.

Abstract: A graphics processing circuit includes a line end generation circuit operative to generate line aligned end cap data in response to primitive data; and a rasterizer, coupled to the line end generation circuit, operative to generate pixel data representing a line to be rendered, the pixel data including the line aligned end cap data. A graphics processing method includes receiving primitive data for a line to be rendered, the primitive data including start endpoint data and stop endpoint data, determining the height and width of the line in screen space, determining line end cap orientation with respect to the line to be rendered, and determining vertices that define the line to be rendered, wherein the vertices define end caps aligned with the line to be rendered.

Abstract: After thinning an input image (drawing), a primitive is extracted. First, a rough primitive is extracted, and then the rough primitive becomes a primitive in a merge-split process according to a greedy strategy. Based on the primitive and the spatial correlation among primitives, an attribute graph describing the contents and the structure of the drawing is generated. The attribute graph is generated using a modified Delaunay triangle and an attribute set. An attribute graph having an attribute set is generated for each of an inquiry drawing and a comparison drawing which are compared with each other, thereby perform drawing comparison.

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 trapping area creating method in which an image represented in form of a combination of polygons is divided into a plurality of image areas by a straight line passing through vertexes of the polygons. The propriety of trapping is decided for each pair of image areas adjacent to one another in at least one direction of two predetermined directions, with respect to the plurality of image areas wherein the image is divided. A band-shaped trapping area extending along a boundary of two image areas constituting a pair of image areas decided as being suitable for a trapping is created.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are disclosed for rendering a digital image using raytracing in a three-dimensional space. A 3-D digital differential analyzer (DDA) denominator vector describes a size condition for stepping to a next cell. Variables of the denominator vector are setup for a first sample of a first horizontal line of samples. A ray is cast into the 3-D space for a current sample dependent upon the denominator vector. An updated value of the denominator vector for next sample is generated. First and second order differentials for the sample in the horizontal line of samples are incrementally computed using only additions. In this manner, a ray is cast for each sample in the line of samples. Another updated value for the denominator vector for next line of samples is generated. First and second order differentials for the vertical axis are incrementally computed using only additions. In this manner, every line of samples is processed.

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 flowchart containing objects A–C is displayed on a computer screen. Object B is subordinate to object A and object C is subordinate to object B. If a user selects object B, object B is deleted, and simultaneously objects A and C are connected. In this case, object C is subordinate to object A.

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.