Abstract: A system and method for creating and displaying representations of holographic images comprises a display device, digital image data, a simulation module configured to create a representation of a holographic image and display the representation on the display device, and a processor configured to control the simulation module. The digital image data may include a sequence of images selected by a user by utilizing a selection module. An inspection module inspects the sequence of images for errors. An image sizing module manipulates the digital image data to conform to a size of a final stereogram, and a color module manipulates the digital image data to conform to a color of the final stereogram. A sequence repair module fills any gaps in the sequence of images. When the user determines that the representation is satisfactory, an image data formatter configures the digital image data to conform to requirements of a service provider.

Abstract: A method of control of playback of motion for playing back motion of a character more realistically, including determining a motion playback routine in accordance with a value of a parameter expressing the condition of the character, for example, a stress value reflecting the cumulative amount of a plurality of instances of damage and being restored along with the elapse of time after damage is sustained, when a factor affecting movement of the character or an incident in the game arises due to another game element during the playback of the motion of the character, for example, when being attacked by another character; playing back new motion in accordance with the determined routine; and playing back motions B and C based on motion data stored in advance when the stress value is “large” or “intermediate” and combining the motion data defining the motion being played back and other motion data stored in advance when the stress value is “small”.

Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus of deformation information of a 3-dimensional (3D) object are provided. The encoding method of deformation information of a 3-Dimensional (3D) object, in which information on vertices forming the shape of the 3D object is described by a key framing method for performing deformation of the 3D object, the encoding method includes: (a) extracting keys indicating positions of key frames on a time axis, key values indicating characteristics information of key frames, and relation information, by parsing node information of the 3D object; (b) generating vertex connectivity information from the related information; (c) generating differential values for each of the keys from which temporal data redundancy is to be removed, and key values from which spatiotemporal data redundancy is to be removed, based on the vertex connectivity information; (d) quantizing the differential values; and (e) removing redundancy among bits and generating compressed bit stream through entropy encoding.

Abstract: Generic, abstract, encapsulated, expandable and maintainable techniques for modeling and animating computer graphics display objects can be used in a variety of different computer applications and platforms including, for example, video games developed for inexpensive home 3D video game platforms. An abstract simulation entity definition for use in real time computer simulation and animation encapsulates both the physical and behavioral characteristics of a display object. The simulation entity provides a unique “genetic plan” containing abstract attributes that may be shared among objects. Each simulation entity has the knowledge or know-how of common operations, and the ability to communicate with other simulation entities.

Abstract: Three-dimensional data that defines a bone in a three-dimensional model is coded by coding a quaternion defining an orientation of the bone, coding vectors defining a displacement of the bone and a scaling factor for the bone, and coding a value defining a time corresponding to the orientation, displacement and scaling of the bone.

Abstract: A motion artifact reduction system (10) includes a series of cinematic feature image frames (IFm, IFm+1)captured at an incoming frame rate. The motion artifact reduction system (10) also has a processor (12) operable to determine whether an object (O) having a first location (Om) in a first image frame (IFm) is sufficiently displaced from a location (Om+1) in a second image frame (IFm+1) corresponding to the first location (Om). The processor (12) is also operable to interpolate data from the first image frame (IFm) and the second image frame (IFm+1) to create a third image frame (OFn+1) including the interpolated data. The processor (12) is also operable to insert the third image frame (OFn+1) between the first image frame (IFm) and the second image frame (IFm+1) to form a new series (OFn, OFn+1, and OFn+2) in response to the determination that object (O) has been sufficiently displaced between image frames (IFm, IFm+1).

Abstract: A communication terminal having a processor, transceiver means for communication via a wireless network, and a display. The processor is adapted to generate animation in said display by displaying a sequence of images. There is provided means for editing of at least one of the images prior to the generating of the animation. There is provided means for successively displaying said sequence of images in a predetermined order and with predetermined intervals between the images.

Abstract: A computer readable program product stores a program of a ball-playing type game which can smoothly express the continuous action of a player before and after a player obtains a ball when throwing the ball in any direction in accordance with operation of the user in the ball-playing game. An input operation of the user is accepted before the fielder receives the ball, a series of motions up to the fielder catching the ball and throwing it is judged in response to any input operation, and the motion is used to change the display up until the catching and throwing before the fielder catches the ball.

Abstract: A 3-D Instant Replay system is disclosed for the capture, adjustment, and generation substantially in real time of complex 3-D or other video effects. A camera array is configured about a desired scene for effect generation. Image information from multiple cameras is sent instantaneously and simultaneously to a capture system. Multiple capture devices may be used together in the capture system to capture video information from a large number of cameras. Once inside each capture device, image data is made available in the memory element of the capture system for generation of realtime effects. A host system, connected via high speed networking elements to the capture system, selects relevant portions of available image data from the capture system (or each capture device) based on preset criteria or user input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented or computer-enabled method and system is provided for working with streaming media, such as digital video clips and entire videos. Clips can be grouped together and snippets of video can be re-ordered into a rough cut assemblage of a video storyboard. Later, the video storyboard and the final video scene may be fine-tuned. The invention is not limited to digital video, and may also be used with other digital assets, including for example audio, animation, logos, text, etc.

Abstract: A process for generating animated images of a two-dimensional array of objects advancing in a third dimension includes the steps of: defining an array of objects; defining a start position, an end position, and an advancement path associated with each of the objects, each advancement path extending from the associated start position to the associated end position; defining an associated rate of advancement for each of the objects along the associated path; defining a manifold surface including a locus of points each being defined in a three dimensional coordinate system and having an associated height coordinate value, each of the objects being associated with one of the points on the manifold surface; determining an associated advancement start time for each of the objects based on the associated rate of advancement and an associated height coordinate value of an associated point on the manifold surface; and defining animated images of the array of objects advancing along the associated advancement paths in

Abstract: An image processing system in which the vertices of an object contained within an image are analyzed using a singular value decomposition (SVD) method is disclosed. The use of the SVD allows the original vertices data to be reduced through filtering or truncating the singular values associated with the image. In addition, the reduced vertices data and the associated SVD matrices allows for efficiently streaming video data.

Abstract: In an image creating apparatus, a liquid-object model is realistically represented by using a simple liquid-object model consisting of a plurality of polygons. A ROM stores wave-swell polygon data and texture data representing the swell of waves. The swell of a wave is formed of N liquid-object polygon sets. Each of the polygon sets consists of a plurality of hexagonal polygons. The lateral surfaces, i.e., the longitudinal dimensions, of the polygons are arranged orthogonal to the Z axis. The polygon sets are sequentially arranged in the Z-axis direction.

Abstract: A component model for use in a time sensitive embedded application. The system includes an event-generating software component that can generate an event notification in response to an event. It also includes a listener software component that can receive an event notification. Further, it includes an event transmission object that can facilitate transmission of an event notification from an event-generating software component to a listener software component. The event transmission object passes a primitive data type parameter that conveys data describing an event generated by said event-generating software component to a listener software component.

Abstract: A storage unit includes a part table which stores animation parts indicative of actions and expressions of a person divided into a plurality of frames and which further stores attribute values of the animation parts. An entry unit is used to enter the attribute values of the animation parts in accordance with the proceeding steps of a story. An arithmetic unit selects animation parts from the storage unit using the attribute values entered through the entry unit and creates an animation in conformity with the story.

Abstract: A presenting time for an animation is determined as follows for each of a plurality of frames of the animation in passage of time at a prescribed speed which can be changed as desired. First, for each of the plurality of frames, a signal indicating a timing corresponding to a boundary between adjacent frames is applied. Then, in accordance with the applied timing indication signal, a presenting time is determined and recorded onto a medium corresponding to each frame. A producer operates a keyboard, mouse or the like to input the timing indication signal at an arbitrary timing. In addition, the timing indication signal is input at a timing determined in accordance with the regenerated guide track information while guide track information (information to be referenced for identifying the aforementioned boundary) is regenerated at a regeneration rate in accordance with a prescribed speed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating consistent parameterizations for a set of meshes each of which includes data points representative of a corresponding surface. The consistent parameterizations preferably share the same base domain, and are generated using a net tracing algorithm. The net tracing algorithm involves determining for each of the meshes a net of paths having a connectivity substantially the same as that of the base domain. In an illustrative embodiment, the net tracing algorithm as applied to a given one of the meshes includes determining, for each edge in the base domain, a tentative path for use in the net of paths corresponding to the mesh. The tentative paths are then prioritized based on length, and selected ones of the tentative paths are used to construct a spanning tree of the base domain.

Abstract: There is provided a database storing motion components, each of which includes motion information representative of a performance motion trajectory corresponding to a subdivided performance pattern for each musical instrument or part along with sounded point markers specifying tone-generation timing in the motion information. Motion components corresponding to the performance information are sequentially read out from the database to create basic motion information, and a three-dimensional picture is generated on the basis of the basic motion information and visually shown on a graphic display unit. Picture to be thus displayed can be selected optionally via a musical instrument change switch, player change switch and stage change switch, and the selected picture can be displayed in any desired direction by means of a viewpoint change switch.

Abstract: A technique for changing the appearance of visual images mapped on a 3D object rendered by a computer includes the stepped of remapping texture coordinates to vertices of a 3D object at discrete time intervals and blending the remapped images. The control intervals are triggered by events in monitored signal such as an audio feed or a video stream. The images of the video stream can be the textures mapped to the 3D object.

Abstract: Real time effects are provided by using tracking information to define values for parameters of an effect. The tracking information also may be combined with parameters for various effects that operate on the position, rotation, scale, skew and perspective of objects in an image. The values defined for the parameters of an effect may be represented in a transformation matrix used in a real time digital video effects processor.

Abstract: A virtual assembly design environment that simulates axial and planar constrained motion for multiple parts in any combination and application order. Dynamic simulation methods are used to simulate object behavior in the design environment using physical laws and collision detection algorithms. The physical properties, e.g., mass properties, of parts in an assembly are created in a separate CAD system. In one embodiment, physical property information is transferred from the CAD system to the virtual reality environment where it is used in dynamic simulations. The parts behave realistically in a user's hand, constrained on the base part, or moving freely in space. A swept volume can be generated directly in the CAD system. Real-time bi-directional data transfer between a VR environment and the CAD system is also provided. As a result, the user can perform parametric design modifications in the virtual environment by the use of a CAD system.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating an animatable object. A skeleton of the desired character is constructed by the user utilizing various predetermined components. These predetermined components include a various selection of rods and joints. The rods are static components which remain rigid during motion, while the various joints are moveable components. A static digitized image, for example, an image of the user, is utilized and a constructed skeleton is superimposed onto it. The desired object, such as the image of the user, can then be extracted from the background of the digital image and the resulting personal character can then be animated, for instance by selecting and dragging one of the hands with a mouse.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reproducing image data in a network projector system, and a network projector system, which can conveniently process image data that includes moving pictures at low cost and display images through a projector. A network projector system of this invention is structured by servers, a projector, and a network which connects the servers and the projector. While deleting unnecessary data, the projector downloads parts of image data to be displayed and an application from specified servers, processes the image data, and forms and displays an image.

Abstract: Real-time rendering of large-scale surfaces with locally adapting surface geometric complexity according to changing view parameters. A view-dependent progressive mesh (VDPM) framework represents an arbitrary triangle mesh as a hierarchy of geometrically optimized refinement transformations, from which accurate approximating meshes can be efficiently retrieved. The VDPM framework provides temporal coherence through the run-time creation of geomorphs. These geomorphs eliminate “popping” artifacts by smoothly interpolating geometry. The geomorphs utilizes output-sensitive data structures to reduce memory requirements.

Abstract: A video editing system in which source clips are added to a composed video sequence by addition to a curved time line which displays the entire temporal arrangement of the program elements. Editing is carried out in a region of high temporal resolution for maximum accuracy.

Abstract: A key frame animation processing method includes steps of outputting information indicating a time for presenting a key frame for every key frame, and outputting state information of each object in correspondence to the time information of the key frame for every key frame, thereby reducing the quantity of outputted data. The data may be outputted to either a storage medium or a communication medium. This method may include a step of outputting link information as to each object and another object in another key frame in correspondence to the state information of the object. The state information may include only the quantity of a state change. Also disclosed is a method of displaying a key frame animation in real time.

Abstract: A method for communicating and generating computer graphics animation data relates to transmission and reception of computer graphics animation data in a system comprising a server computer, a client computer, and a communication mediating means between the server computer and the client computer and performing generation of a computer graphics animation image in the client computer, and this method comprises the following stages: first stage of performing, in the server computer, formation and edition of animation data comprising configuration data of an object, configuration data of an environment where the object exists, attribute data, light source data, camera parameters, shading method, environment setting, environment managing and controlling method, and time series motion data for generating a motion of the object corresponding to the behavior of the object in a time series, and storing the animation data in a storage unit; second stage of transmitting the animation data stored in the storage unit of

Abstract: A motion automatic datalink interface including a motion capture device, a motion data collection and analysis program and a motion data interlink program. The motion capture device senses movement of a subject and describes the movement as computer-readable data. The motion data collection and analysis program compiles movement data about the human subject. The motion data interlink program provides communication between the motion capture device and the motion data collection and analysis program. A first set of data is received by the motion data interlink program from the motion capture device and transformed into a second set of data that is used by the motion data collection and analysis program.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a skeleton for use in animation models allows definition of a skeleton with non-articulated chain elements. These non-chain elements can be 3D objects, which can be rendered and visible in final images and animations, or null models which are not visible in final images or animations. All of the elements of the skeleton, including non-chain elements, are arranged into a skeleton hierarchy. The skeleton hierarchy can include articulated chain elements, articulated chain elements combined with non-chain elements, or solely non-chain elements. Relational information and/or mathematical relationships can be defined for the elements of the skeleton to define ranges of motion, elements which move with other elements and/or translation, rotation, scaling and/or animation of elements.

Abstract: A method for delivering animation includes transmitting a single source image to a client system. Parameters that generate a function are transmitted to the client system. Modulation frames are generated with the function. The modulation frames are applied to the single source image to generate the animation.

Abstract: In a window design alteration method, a design of a window which is specified as an object of a design alteration from among windows being displayed on a screen is automatically self-altered by a design self-alteration function of the specified window to the same design as a design of a bit map selected from among bit maps that have been stored in a memory, and the automatic self-alteration is carried out so that a function included in the specified window is effective within an outline pertaining to a design after the automatic self-alteration.

Abstract: A method, game machine, computer program and a recording medium include displaying a final motion image sequence of a character in a video game according to motion data defining variations in posture of the character. The method includes responding to an input operation of a game player, performed during display of first motion data defining a first motion image sequence of the character, and determining second motion data defining a second motion image sequence of the character. A transitional motion image sequence is created based on a single posture defined in the first motion data and a group of postures defined in the second motion data. The final motion image sequence is displayed, which includes a portion of the first motion image sequence, the transitional motion image sequence, and a portion of the second motion image sequence, creating a gradual transition of motion image sequences.

Abstract: An animation distributing server receives a request from a user to distribute animation. The server selects key frames to be transmitted and transmits the selected key frames to the user. Thereafter, compact interpolation data, for interpolating between the key frames, are generated, a digital watermarking processing is performed thereon, and the interpolation data are transmitted to the user. A viewer, for composing an animation from the key frames and interpolation data, may be sent to the user. The key frames and the interpolation data are transmitted separately in a manner such that they can be integrated at the user side.

Abstract: A method for rendering a motion blur image comprises generating first information concerning three vertexes in a two-dimensional triangle image as an object at two points of time to obtain second information concerning six vertexes, dividing into three tetrahedrons a triangular prism formed by the six vertexes in a three-dimensional space defined by a pixel coordinate axis of the two-dimensional triangle image and a time axis, and subjecting each of the three tetrahedrons to linear processing to obtain rendering information for a motion blur image.

Abstract: A computerized editing system for 3 dimensional animation is provided that includes 3 dimensional characters, which expose behaviors. The 3 dimensional characters invoke their behaviors in response to trigger events, and the animation scene can be configured with the trigger events on a timeline. After designing the animation scene and refining it, the animator can cause the system to generate animation data that is representative of deterministic animation.

Abstract: A method for generating and coding animated graphic images for transmission to hand-held or mobile devices uses an object-component technique wherein images are composed from a limited set of component types, particularly points and polygons. An initial frame is defined as a list of objects to be displayed. Subsequent frames are encoded as a list of changes to the objects to the previous frame.

Abstract: An apparatus generating a closed-loop periodic motion data from open time-series motion data given for moving a multi-joint rigid body object, and comprising an open periodic motion generating unit for making local movements of a multi-joint rigid body object periodic and generating an open periodic time-series motion data, a closed-loop motion generating Unit for reading out the position data of the whole object among the open periodic time-series motion data, generating the position data of the whole object made its motion closed-loop, replacing the position data of the whole object among open periodic time-series motion data stored in a storage unit with the generated data, and storing the generated data in the storage unit.

Abstract: Users control the movement of avatars through a virtual space. The system keeps track of the location of the avatars and forms a picture of the virtual space for each user. Users can select themselves to act as a cameraman. The picture of the virtual space around the location of the avatar is then transmitted separately to passive viewers via a broadcast channel. Conversation between the cameraman and other users is broadcast also via the broadcast channel. The picture broadcast has a visual detail which is finer than that of the pictures received by the various users individually; movements are reproduced therein in interpolated form and are adapted in such a manner that the avatars in the broadcast signal arrive at landmarks, in time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and retrieving synchronized audio/video “filmclips” to and from a data file of a multimedia computer workstation includes a storage means for a workstation to store audio and video data as digital data packets to the data file, and retrieval means for the workstation to retrieve audio and video data from the data file. The video data is presented as an image on the display of the workstation, while the audio data is sent to either amplified speakers or headphones. An audio data stream is stored to the data file such that the audio data can be retrieved from the data file and reconstructed into a continuous audio signal. The video data is stored to the data file such that each frame of video data is inserted into the stored audio data stream without affecting the continuity of the audio signal reconstructed by the workstation.

Abstract: A system and method for reproducing a multimedia data signal on a terminal. A terminal capability node is instantiated and the terminal capability is evaluated. The value of a capability is set, and the value is then altered based upon the capability of the evaluated terminal.

Abstract: In computer animation a system and method for portraying animated characters which convey human-like emotions, by body movements, and human-like body movements. The gestures, for example, arm movements, are synthesized using controlled stochastic functions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional skeleton data error absorbing apparatus is provided, which is capable of rendering an object at a correct rendering position by absorbing an error based on skeleton data calculation. A fixed skeleton portion specifying part 20 specifies a fixed skeleton portion whose rendering position is desired to be fixed, and a skeleton matrix calculating part 40 obtains a coordinate of a fixed position. A skeleton length detecting part 31, a skeleton hierarchy level detecting part 32, and an error absorption priority detecting part 33 of an error absorbing skeleton specifying part 30 select an error absorbing skeleton that absorbs an error. An error absorption calculating part 60 obtains, by inverse matrix calculation, a determinant, which should be satisfied by a skeleton matrix of error absorbing skeleton, based on the matrix calculation results and the coordinate of a fixed position of the other skeletons.

Abstract: A computer, such as a PC includes a memory having an imaging program stored in it and a display unit, such as a restor scan CRT are all operatively connected together so that the computing unit can generate a signal that will result in an image being displayed on the display unit. The image includes a moveable figure that moves in response to inputs being provided via an input terminal, towards a set of targets. In response to the inputs from the input terminal, the computer initiates a set of actuators to move the figure wherein each actuator defines the movement in a given plane.

Abstract: A scheme for interactive video manipulation and display of a moving object on a background image is disclosed. In this scheme a background image stored in a background image storage unit is read out and displayed on a screen, and a manipulation target spatial position is set on the screen. Then, a partial image to be synthesized and displayed is uniquely specified from partial images which are set in correspondence to spatial positions on the background image and representing an object moving on the background image, according to the manipulation target spatial position set by the setting step, and the partial image as specified by the specifying step is read out from a partial image storage unit, and synthesized and displayed at the manipulation target spatial position on the background image. A scheme for realizing a variable speed video playback with a playback speed different from a normal one is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating motion of a polygon on a display screen. The polygon may be included in a set of polygons used to model a three-dimensional object. The position of the polygon is defined by vertices tracked in a subpixel coordinate system existing in a computer-readable medium. The subpixel coordinates of the vertices are used to identify the pixels on the display screen having coordinates that correspond to subpixel coordinates lying within or, optionally, at the boundary of the polygon. The identified pixels are those that are to be lighted on the display screen to generate the image of the polygon. The display properties of the lighted pixels are selected by interpolation based on defined pixel display parameters assigned to the vertices of the triangle. As motion of the polygon is tracked in the subpixel coordinate system, the corresponding display on the display screen is repeatedly adjusted.

Abstract: The present Invention provides image generating technology capable of expressing a complex yet natural movement of the characters with less image data regardless of the playback speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactively controlling and coordinating the limb movements of computer-generated articulated characters with an arbitrary number of joints. On-line computational methods are used for animating limb movements of articulated characters by solving associated forward and inverse kinematics problems in real time subject to multiple goals and constraints. The methods provide computer animated characters with fully interactive goal-directed behaviors, such as bipedal walking, through simultaneous satisfaction of position, alignment, posture, balance, obstacle avoidance, and joint limitation constraints. Goal-based motion primitives, called synergies, coordinate sets of joint movements which separately attempt to satisfy each of the above constraints.

Abstract: A computer, such as a PC, includes a memory having an imaging program stored in it and a display unit, such as a raster scan CRT are all operatively connected together so that the computing unit can generate a signal that will result in an image being displayed on the display unit. The image includes a moveable figure that moves in response to inputs being provided via an input terminal, towards a set of targets. In response to the inputs from the input terminal, the computer initiates a set of actuators to move the figure wherein each actuator defines the movement in a given plane.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering texture map data for improved image quality in a graphics computer system. The present invention is directed to a method and system for performing texture map filtering for reducing “flickering” and “sparkling” when rendering a relatively small graphics primitives using a texel map of relatively larger area and low color frequency. A footprint area is defined as the area of texel map space that is mapped into one pixel coordinate of display space. One embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful in texture mapping where the footprint area is larger than one. In this instance, during rendering, the change in texel map coordinates (e.g., du, dv) is large for a unit change in screen coordinates (e.g., dx, dy). When obtaining a texel at location (u, v), the present invention performs a color filtering of texels located at distances du and dv away from the texel at location (u, v).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information regarding an event are provided. The method and apparatus meets objectives of increasing sales and marketing efficiency and efficiency of technical and customer support by providing a multi-dimensional display of event information to a user. As such, a radar screen-like presentation of data is generated that allows the user to see a visual representation of the best prospective opportunities based on the strategic business importance of an event. The method and apparatus functions by determining at least one event to be displayed and generating for graphical display an event object and label corresponding to the event. The radial location of the event object on the display is related to the stage of the particular corresponding event. The location of the event object on the display can also be indicative of other characteristics of the corresponding event.