Abstract: Pixel data is stored in a data field corresponding to a pixel of an image. The data field includes an opacity bit, a first set of bits, and a second set of bits. If the opacity bit is set to an opaque-indicating state, then a color level value of a first component color of the pixel is stored in the first set of bits and a color level value of a second component color of the pixel is stored in the second set of bits. However, if the opacity bit is set to a transparency-indicating state, then a transparency level value is stored in at least one bit of each set, of the first and second sets, of bits and the respective color level value is stored in other bits of each set, of the first and second sets, of bits.

Abstract: A system and method for a row forwarding of pixel data in a 3-D graphics pipeline. Specifically, in one embodiment a data write unit capable of row forwarding in a graphics pipeline includes a first memory and logic. The first memory stores a plurality of rows of pixel information associated with a pixel. The plurality of rows of pixel information includes data related to surface characteristics of the pixel and includes a first row, e.g., a front row, and a second row, e.g., a rear row. A data write unit includes first logic for accessing a portion of the second row and for storing data accessed therein into a portion of the first row. The data write unit also comprises logic for recirculating the plurality of rows of pixel information to an upstream pipeline module for further processing thereof.

Abstract: The number of crossbars in a graphics processing unit is reduced by assigning each of a plurality of pixels to one of a plurality of pixel shaders based at least in part on a location of each of the plurality of pixels within an image area, generating an attribute value for each of the plurality of pixels using the plurality of pixel shaders, mapping the attribute value of each of the plurality of pixels to one of a plurality of memory partitions, and storing the attribute values in the memory partitions according to the mapping. The attribute value generated by a particular one of the pixel shaders is mapped to the same one of the plurality of memory partitions.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing graphics program execution by allowing the sharing of shader resources is disclosed. The method includes accessing a graphics program using a shader pipeline. If a texture projective instruction is included in the graphics program, a determination is made as to whether a texture projective parameter q indicates a non-projective texture. If the texture projective parameter indicates a non-projective texture, the texture projective instruction is demoted and a resulting demoted texture instruction is executed using a plurality of interpolators of the shader pipeline, which requires fewer shader resources.

Abstract: A computer-implemented graphics system has a mode of operation in which primitive coverage information is generated for real sample locations and virtual sample locations for use in anti-aliasing. An individual pixel includes a single real sample location and at least one virtual sample location. A block of real sample locations can be selected to delineate and encompass a region containing a number of virtual sample locations. Pixel attribute values (e.g., z-depth or stencil values) associated with the block of selected real sample locations can be used to associate each virtual sample location within the region with one of the selected real sample locations. The virtual sample location assumes the pixel attribute value of the real sample location with which it is associated.

Abstract: Decomposing a computer display image into different layer types and associated masks based on the unique nature of the image is disclosed. These types include text, objects, background and pictures. A set of image masks is used to uniquely identify different layer types within an image, where each layer type includes none, some or all of the pixels of the original image. Each layer of the image is processed prior to transmission (i.e. compressed) using a method appropriate for the characteristics of that layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for variable source rate sampling in connection with image rendering, which accumulate and resolve over all samples forward mapped to each pixel bin. In accordance with the invention, the textured surface to be rendered is sampled, or oversampled, at a variable rate that reflects variations in frequency among different regions, taking into account any transformation that will be applied to the surface prior to rendering and the view parameters of the display device, thus ensuring that each bin of the rendering process receives at least a predetermined minimum number of samples. In one embodiment, the sampling rate is variably set such that each bin is assured to have at least one sample point. In another embodiment, a tiling approach to division of the surface is utilized.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and programming for producing and displaying a scaled-down representation of subpixel-optimized images and digital content including such images that is represented by a mark-up language. Some embodiments display the text in such digital content using a different subpixel optimization than that used for the images. Others produce the subpixel-optimized images by calculating the luminosity of a subpixel as a function of the length of a plurality of coverage lines within a window in a source image corresponding to the subpixel that is covered by source image pixels having the subpixel's color. Some embodiments calculate the luminosity of a subpixel in such a subpixel-optimized image as a function both of the average luminosity of pixels in the subpixel's source image window and as a function of any color balancing distribution between resulting subpixel luminosities necessary to reduce color imbalance.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes a graphics processing unit that outputs graphics data of an RGB color space, a video decoder that outputs video data of a YUV color space, a conversion unit that converts a color space of the graphics data from the RGB color space to the YUV color space, a blending process unit that executes a blending process in which the graphics data that is converted to the YUV color space and the video data of the YUV color space are blended on the YUV color space, and a picture data output unit that outputs picture data, which is obtained by the blending process, to a display apparatus.

Abstract: The system includes a bounds primitive rasterizer that rasterizes a bounds primitive into a selection of primitive pixels. The selection of primitive pixels bounds a shape to be rendered to a screen. The system also includes a pixel mask generator that generates a pixel mask for the shape. The pixel mask includes mask pixels that each corresponds to one of the primitive pixels. A mask pixel is a covered pixel when the shape covers at least a threshold portion of the mask pixel and is an uncovered pixel when the shape does not cover the mask pixel. The system also includes a pixel screener configured to retain primitive pixels that correspond to covered mask pixels and to discard primitive pixels that correspond to uncovered mask pixels.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for optical character recognition in an image. The method comprising identifying a connected component in an image, computing at least one parameter for the connected component and selecting a portion of the image corresponding to the connected component for optical character recognition when the at least one parameter is within a predetermined threshold range.

Abstract: A gamma correction apparatus comprising a digital to analog converter (DAC), a plurality of compensating circuits, and at least one adjusting circuit is provided. The DAC is used to receive RGB digital signals to further generate analog signals. The analog signals are then transferred to the relative pixel devices through the signal lines on the LCD panel. The compensating circuits inserted between the DAC and the signal lines are used to adjust the analog signals to correct the displaying brightness of the pixel devices. The adjusting circuit connecting to the compensating circuits is used to control the operation of the compensation circuits. In addition, a method for adjusting gamma curves by providing three common voltage levels related to RGB colors individually is also provided to achieve better white balance.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering three-dimensional graphics, including text, provide a compressed texture bitmap. The texture bitmap may represent multiple symbols, each comprised of multiple pixels. Each pixel in the texture bitmap may store information for more than one symbol, including compressed pixels corresponding to multiple distinct symbols. For example, the compressed texture bitmap may have n-bit pixels (e.g., 8-bit pixels) that each store m (e.g., four) n/m-bit (e.g., 2-bit) compressed values. The compressed texture bitmap may be configured for unpacking by a conventional pixel shader, such as a pixel shader that does not typically perform bitwise operations. The unpacking may include matching a fetched pixel to a value in a lookup table, such as a 32-bit value from a 256-color palette. The looked-up value can be separated into separate sub-values to facilitate processing by the pixel shader.

Abstract: To better realize the great potential of amateur digital photography, the present invention introduces an integrated system for the acquisition, organization, manipulation, and publication of digital images by amateur digital photography enthusiasts. The system of the present invention first acquires images from a number of different image sources. Images acquired in the same image importing session are marked as coming from the same conceptual film roll. Next, a user is empowered to organize and manipulate the acquired images. The images may be organized by tagging the images with informative keywords and grouping images together into conceptual photo albums. Furthermore, the images may be manipulated by rotating, cropping, and removing red-eye. Finally, the system of the present invention provides simple intuitive image publish systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the combined image of multiple attributes without comprising the image of either attribute. The combined image of the multiple attributes is enhanced for analyzing a predetermined property revealed by the attributes. The combined image can be interactively manipulated to display each attribute relative to an imaginary light source or highlighted using a specular component. The systems and methods are best described as particularly useful for analytical, diagnostic and interpretive purposes.

Abstract: A method for rendering pixels for display includes generating stencil values on a per pixel basis for storage in stencil buffer memory; selecting a group of stencil values that represent a block of pixels; generating compressed stencil data associated with the group of stencil values; and performing stencil testing on a corresponding incoming block of pixels using the compressed stencil data.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a background model of an image sequence by processing on multiple spatial scales. These multiple spatial scales include a pixel scale, a regional scale and a frame scale. The image sequence undergoes pixel processing that determines a current background model and provides an initial pixel assignment as either a background or a foreground pixel. Region processing further refines the initial pixel assignments by considering relationships between pixels and possibly reassigning pixels. Frame processing further refines the current background model by determining whether a substantial change has occurred in the actual background and, if so, providing a more accurate background model.

Abstract: A graphics system has a mode of operation in which real samples and virtual samples are generated for anti-aliasing pixels. Each virtual sample identifies a set of real samples associated with a common primitive that covers a virtual sample location within a pixel. The virtual samples provide additional coverage information that may be used to adjust the weights of real samples.

Abstract: In order to render a primitive, the primitive is subdivided into trapezoids and triangles. The subdivision occurs using scanline-aligned lines. These simple scanline-aligned regions are further subdivided so that the primitive is divided into simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids and other complex scan shapes. The simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids are rasterized. One rasterization method uses a texture map containing slope-based coverage information to edge areas. Gouraud shading may be used to provide the anti-aliasing effects on the scanline-boundaried trapezoids. The simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids may also be rasterized using a software rasterizer. Complex scans are rasterized using a software rasterizer. As data is already rasterized, it is thereby efficiently transferred to the GPU.

Abstract: A method for minimizing color-image halftone dot-gain in the output of a multi-level halftone color-imaging output device. The method includes characterizing that device's halftone output, on a per-color basis, regarding pixel-pattern-specific dot gain which can be related to device pixel-infeed intensity levels, and from that characterizing, creating, and then applying to throughput color-image files, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and for each output color producible by the device, a pixel-to-device infeed intensity correction value, thus to minimize device-output dot gain.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering three-dimensional graphics, including text, provides a compressed texture bitmap. The compressed texture bitmap may represent multiple symbols, each comprised of multiple pixels. Each pixel in the texture bitmap may store information for more than one value, including values for compressed pixels corresponding to multiple distinct symbols. For example, the compressed texture bitmap may have n-bit pixels (e.g., 16-bit pixels) that each store up to m (e.g., four) n/m-bit (e.g., 4-bit) compressed values. Multiple pixels can be stored in a single texture using, for example, distinct red, green, blue, and alpha (RGBA) channels associated with each pixel. The compressed texture bitmap may be configured for unpacking by a conventional pixel shader, such as a pixel shader that does not typically perform bitwise operations. The unpacking may include isolating a pixel associated with a desired value using a masking operation in the pixel shader.

Abstract: A method of providing enhanced characters suitable for display on substantially low-resolution displays includes scaling-down a first representation of at least one character belonging to a given font according to a predetermined factor. A second representation of the at least one character results. The first representation is a monochrome pixel representation and the second representation is a sub-pixel representation. The second representation is converted to a color display representation according to a set of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Methods and computer readable media for generating displays of user-defined blocks of networking addresses on a map of an associated address space are provided. Each block of networking addresses is described in a user-defined table with a start address and a map size. The display for each block of network addresses may be rendered on the map at a location based on the relative position of the start address within the associated address space and of a size based on the mask size in relation to the associated address space.

Abstract: Pixel data is stored in a data field corresponding to a pixel of an image. The data field includes an opacity bit, a first set of bits, and a second set of bits. If the opacity bit is set to an opaque-indicating state, then a color level value of a first composite color of the pixel is stored in the first set of bits and a color level value of a second composite color of the pixel is stored in the second set of bits. However, if the opacity bit is set to a transparency-indicating state, then a transparency level value is stored in at least one bit of each set of bits and the respective color level value is stored in other bits of each set of bits.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system has a vision-based occupant classification system for control of airbag deployment during a crash scenario. The classification system utilizes two imaging sensors which together create a stream of paired images received and stored by an occupant classification controller. A computer program product of the controller utilizes the paired images to extract disparity/range features and stereo-vision differential edge density features. Moreover, the controller extracts wavelet features from one of the two paired images. All three features or maps are classified amongst preferably seven classifications by algorithms of the computer program product producing class confidence data fed to a sensor fusion engine of the controller for processing and output of an airbag control signal input into a restraint controller of the vehicle restraint system.

Abstract: A graphics processing apparatus coalesces groups of primitives for concurrent processing in a pixel shader. In one implementation, the shader concurrently processes coalesced groups for multisampling. In another implementation, the shader concurrently processes coalesced groups to calculate derivative information.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of processing image pixel data corresponding to an image pixel comprises determining if the image pixel is opaque or transparent. If the image pixel is determined to be opaque, a pixel color value from a first set of image pixel data is determined. If the image pixel is determined to be transparent, a transparency value from a second set of the image pixel data and a pixel color value from a third set of the image pixel data is determined. The second and third sets of the image pixel data are subsets of the first set of image pixel data.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering three-dimensional graphics, including text, provide a compressed texture bitmap. The texture bitmap may represent multiple symbols, each comprised of multiple pixels. Each pixel in the texture bitmap may store information for more than one (e.g., n) compressed values, including pixels corresponding to multiple distinct symbols. For example, the compressed texture bitmap may have n-bit pixels (e.g., 8-bit pixels) that each store m (e.g., eight) 1-bit values. The compressed texture bitmap may be configured for unpacking by a conventional pixel shader, such as a pixel shader that does not typically perform bitwise operations. The unpacking may include matching a fetched pixel to a mapping value in a lookup table, such as a 32-bit value from a 256-color palette. The looked-up value can be separated into separate sub-values to facilitate processing by the pixel shader. For example, the looked-up value can be split into RGBA values conventionally used in processing colored pixels.

Abstract: A text enhancement unit is introduced in order to alleviate the degradation of text characters on computer or television displays. The text enhancement unit uses an enhancement process to regain uniformity and intensity that may be lost during image processing. The text enhancer unit may be placed between an image processing unit such as a scaler, de-interlacer, or DSP, and a computer or television display to improve the quality of text characters that may have become degraded by image processing performed by the image processing unit. In one embodiment, the text enhancer unit improves contrast by multiplying pixel intensity by an intensity multiplier. In a second embodiment, the text enhancer unit improves contrast using a threshold operation which outputs either a very high or very low intensity pixel. In an third embodiment, the text enhancer unit improves contrast using a threshold operation which outputs either a very low intensity pixel or a pixel multiplied by an intensity multiplier.

Abstract: A graphics system has a mode of operation in which real samples and virtual samples are generated for anti-aliasing pixels. Each virtual sample identifies a set of real samples associated with a common primitive that covers a virtual sample location within a pixel. The virtual samples provide additional coverage information that may be used to adjust the weights of real samples.

Abstract: A method of repairing scratches in a digital image includes counting the number of abnormal pixels among neighboring pixels of a selected pixel. The selected pixels that are surrounded by abnormal pixels in a number greater than a predetermined value are designed as particular pixels. An area surrounding each particular pixel is divided into a plurality of blocks. Furthermore, brightness difference between two of the blocks are calculated. Scratch pixels are found from the particular pixels based on brightness difference between blocks. Then, an area surrounded by scratch pixels are subdivided and filled up. Thereby, the scratch pixels can be precisely found and repaired without the need of hardware.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the combined image of multiple attributes without compromising the image of either attribute. The combined image of the multiple attributes is enhanced for analyzing a predetermined property revealed by the attributes. The combined image can be interactively manipulated to display each attribute relative to an imaginary light source or highlighted using a specular component. The method and apparatus are best described as particularly useful for analytical, diagnostic and interpretive purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting an edge in an image or video. The present invention can detect an edge more quickly by detecting edge information by using the absolute values and codes of two coefficients (AC01, AC10) in the DCT domain. In addition, the present invention can detect a more rapid and accurate edge by using the edge detection method using two coefficients as a pre-filter and using the edge detection method using a spatial filter as a post-filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting different anti-aliasing filters to be applied to objects of image data rendered with pixel sub-component precision based on the attributes of the objects of the graphics image. For example, when rendering a character traditional anti-aliasing applied in the direction parallel to the striping of the pixel sub-components is adapted to the unique requirements of different character font sizes such that a large amount of anti-aliasing is applied to large font sizes while a small amount of anti-aliasing is provided for characters at small font sizes. Displaced sampling is utilized to determine the alpha values for a plurality of vertical samples for each RGB pixel sub-component. The selected anti-aliasing filter is applied to the alpha values to determine the luminous intensity values of the RGB pixel sub-components.

Abstract: A main CPU extracts a contour and a contour candidate, which are visually important parts of an image to be rendered, according to, for example, polygon data representing an image of one frame. Further, a GPU performs rendering on data stored in a graphic memory according to the polygon data representing the image. Moreover, the GPU performs antialiasing on the contour and contour candidate extracted by the main CPU. Then, the GPU overwrites data representing the antialiased contour and contour candidate onto the data representing the image stored in the graphic memory.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an image processing device that is connectable to a general-purpose bus of a second image processing apparatus that includes a memory. An image dividing device generates divided images by dividing an original image, and stores the divided images in the memory. An image connecting device generates an original image by connecting divided images stored in the memory.

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: Disclosed is a system for rendering an image of an object having a curved surface. The system includes a component for determining an integer M number of attributes relating to rendering the image and a component for pre-computing an integer N number of attributes relating to rendering the image. N is less than or equal to M and the N number of attributes are pre-computable.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the art of computer graphics, and more specifically to the field of line sampling object scene information for the purpose of reconstructing an image of the object scene. In particular, the inventions distributes a set of line samples across an image plane such that the distribution of the set of line samples is non-regular. Additionally, the invention projects objects from an object scene onto an image plane and computes a view of the objects along each line sample in the set of line samples. Finally, the invention combines the view along each line sample in the set of line samples to form a view of the object scene.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for compressing computer graphics color data in a system utilizing a multi-sample anti-aliasing scheme using multiple planes for storing color data samples. Each of the planes is configured as a block of contiguous memory.

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: An n-filter according to the present invention includes a nonlinear filter, a pattern detector, and a switch. The nonlinear filter maintains a steep edge whose size is larger than a predetermined threshold in fluctuations of pixels constituting an input image signal and, at the same time, smoothes a non-edge portion that does not include the edge. The pattern detector detects a fine edge in the fluctuations of the pixels constituting the input image signal and notifies the switch that the fine edge exists. The switch outputs the input image signal or an image signal output from the nonlinear filter to the subsequent stage in accordance with the notification from the pattern detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining an attribute in homogenous space. After obtaining the vertices of a triangle, the world space coordinates and the attribute of each vertex are transformed to homogeneous coordinates and an attribute in viewer space. Then a set of homogenous coefficients of the triangle is computed based on the viewer space vertex homogeneous coordinates, and the viewer space coordinates of each vertex are projected to coordinates in screen space. Pixels in the screen space that are affected by the projected triangle are determined. For each pixel affected by the triangle, a set of barycentric coefficients in viewer space is computed, based on the homogenous triangle coefficients, and a linear interpolation is performed based on the set of viewer space barycentric coefficients and the viewer space attributes of the triangle vertices to obtain the attribute of the pixel affected by the triangle.

Abstract: A display system provides stochastic dithering to image data for storage in a frame buffer for display. Dithering is used to reduce the size of the frame buffer and to reduce the complexity of the drive circuitry that is used to display an image. The bit depth of the frame buffer is reduced by spatially dithering image data before it is written into the frame buffer. Stochastic dither patterns (which are uncorrelated) are used to minimize adverse effects of the dither patterns within the displayed image.

Abstract: An area within a frame is defined in which text or an image is to be generated. The text or image may also include an optional border surrounding and adjacent to the text or image. In accordance with one embodiment, in order to increase the contrast between the text or image and the background area of the frame, one or more color component values are selected for use in generating the text/image (or associated border). Specifically, a complement of one or more color component values associated with one or more pixels of the frame are determined. The complement may, for example, be obtained from an average color component value over a set of pixels. Alternatively, the complement may be obtained directly for each of a set of pixels in the frame from which an average value may then be obtained. The complemented-averaged color component value(s) may then be used to generate the text/image and/or associated border.

Abstract: The generation of contour plot images from elevation data in real time for use in a digital moving map. The contour line interval is dynamically selectable. The elevation data is scanned in 2 dimensions simultaneously, but in a single pass. As the elevation data is scanned for the given contour line interval, a history is maintained of the contour line elevation state in both dimensions. At any point, only comparisons against the two historical values are required to determine if a point on a contour line exists.

Abstract: In order to render a primitive, the primitive is subdivided into trapezoids and triangles. The subdivision occurs using scanline-aligned lines. These simple scanline-aligned regions are further subdivided so that the primitive is divided into simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids and other complex scan shapes. The simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids are rasterized. One rasterization method uses a texture map containing slope-based coverage information to edge areas. Gouraud shading may be used to provide the anti-aliasing effects on the scanline-boundaried trapezoids. The simple scanline-boundaried trapezoids may also be rasterized using a software rasterizer. Complex scans are rasterized using a software rasterizer. As data is already rasterized, it is thereby efficiently transferred to the GPU.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an anisotropic filtering configuration where a ratio value is computed as the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of a pixel projection on a texture map. The number of subpixels generated and sampled is based upon the value of the ratio. For four-way anisotropic filtering, subpixels are generated that move as the computed ratio between the major and minor axis increases. Subpixels may be placed anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 texel distance from the pixel center depending on the computed ratio. The contribution of the subpixels is equally weighted.

Abstract: A method of generating pixels in a graphics system including providing a plurality of sub-samples, and providing a source pixel. It is determined which of the plurality of sub-samples are covered by the source pixel, and which of the plurality of sub-samples are not covered. The sub-samples which are covered by the source pixel are filtered. The filtered sub-samples are blended with the source pixel to create a blended sub-sample, followed by the filtering of the sub-samples which are not covered by the source pixel together with the blended sub-sample.

Abstract: The present invention manages the display of information provided by a computer program on a display terminal. The invention provides a display management module that operates as an intermediate module between the computer program and the display terminal. The display management module interprets display commands from the computer program and controls the display terminal to display the desired information. Associated with the display management module are a group of data modules that include the text and graphical data used by the computer program to display information on the display terminal. To display information, the display management module receives a command from the computer program to display the information. Based on the command, the display management module retrieves the data from the data modules and displays the data on the display.