Combining Model Representations Patents (Class 345/630)
  • Patent number: 8300046
    Abstract: A theater (54) can be divided into a plurality of booths (64) by booth partition walls (68). By moving the booth partition walls (68), the plurality of booths (64) are combined to form a combined theater (66). When the theater (54) is divided in the plurality of booths (64), each booth (64) provides a booth picture in which images of visitors seated in the booth (64) are incorporated as characters. The combined theater (66) provides a combined-theater picture with the use of screens (70) of all the booths (64). Each booth (64) provides a default picture when a fault occurs in the function of generating a booth picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Dentsu, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Naito, Akira Hoshino, Mitsunori Kikutake, Hisashi Marouka, Hisashi Inaba, Masao Takebayashi, Keiji Yanagiya
  • Patent number: 8291329
    Abstract: System and method for merging differences between graphical programs. Information is received regarding matches and differences, e.g., in hardware, software, configuration, and/or connectivity, between first and second graphical programs, each comprising respective pluralities of interconnected nodes. The information is analyzed to merge differences between the first and second graphical programs, e.g., for each difference: removing all non-common nodes and connections thereto in the second sub-graph from the second graphical program, adding all common nodes and connections thereto in the first sub-graph to the second graphical program, determining all edges in the first sub-graph that connect common nodes to non-common nodes; and for each determined edge, adding to the second graphical program an edge that connects a corresponding common node in the second sub-graph with a corresponding non-common node added from the first sub-graph. A merged graphical program is displayed on a display, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Ray Hsu, Mohammed Kamran Shah, Duncan Hudson, Yixin Guo, Jonathan P. Fournie
  • Patent number: 8279470
    Abstract: To reduce a load required for data transfer and data processing to improve processing speed of those. A display data memory stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of a main body and an attachment. An image display device provided on either one of the main body and the attachment includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image. A CPU determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas, and controls the image display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined to be displayed in accordance with display data, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed to on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Nishikawa, Makoto Ochi
  • Patent number: 8275590
    Abstract: A user may simulate wearing real-wearable items, such as virtual garments and accessories. A virtual-outfitting interface may be provided for presentation to the user. An item-search/selection portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The item-search/selection portion may depict one or more virtual-wearable items corresponding to one or more real-wearable items. The user may be allowed to select at least one virtual-wearable item from the item-search/selection portion. A main display portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The main display portion may include a composite video feed that incorporates a video feed of the user and the selected at least one virtual-wearable item such that the user appears to be wearing the selected at least one virtual-wearable item in the main display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zugara, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Szymczyk, Aaron Von Hungen, Blake Callens, Hans Forsman, Jack Benoff
  • Patent number: 8276091
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ram Consulting
    Inventors: Robert Altkorn, Xiao Chen, Scott Milkovich, John Owens, Brian Rider, Eugene Rider, Daniel Stool
  • Publication number: 20120236028
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to merging and splitting intersecting geometry-only solids and surfaces in an intuitive manner. One embodiment is a method of merging and cutting geometry-only format CAD objects without related history information, using a single geometry modification tool and interface. In response to receiving a group selection from the user, of a plurality of CAD objects, the method infers a merge operation and automatically merges the plurality of CAD objects into a single merged CAD object. In response to receiving an individual selection from the user of a CAD object, the geometry modification tool enters a merged state when the subsequent second selection from the user is selected in a manner indicating a merger operation, or alternatively, enters a cut state when the subsequent second selection from the user is selected in a manner indicating a cut operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SPACECLAIM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank DESIMONE, Constantin SEVICI, Ken MENTAL
  • Patent number: 8264701
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for emulating transparency in a PostScript-enabled image forming device, such as a PostScript-enabled print device. The present system and method uses Adobe's DeviceN color space to support transparency printing on PostScript-enabled devices. The present method uses abstract data represented by a color plane in DeviceN space to indicate the existence of a transparency layer in the image to be printed. An emulation procedure is then called to perform a color space transformation and to perform color blending of the first image into the second image. A transparency value is used as one of the colorant channels to define the blending. Advantageously, the present method is backward compatible as there is no update required to the printer's driver or firmware. The present method has been demonstrated to work with Adobe Reader and PostScript Level-3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8264504
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques that can enable a community of users to upload arbitrary images of particular locations and integrate them into a 3D model of that location in such a way that they appear as correctly aligned overlays with the model. Users can estimate rough location, orientation, and field of view, for one or more images and then add metadata such as keyword “tags” including time parameters. From the user estimates, a computer system determines the pose of the image relative to the 3D model and stores the metadata. A display system enables a community of users to freely navigate through the 3D model with visual indicators of all of the posed images, filterable via the metadata. Users also have control over a “snap-to-view” feature as they approach any of the posed images as well as a transparency feature for the degree of visibility of the overlaid image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Michael Naimark
  • Publication number: 20120223965
    Abstract: User interface systems and methods for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system that provides a user interface configured to facilitate roof model generation based on one or more aerial images of a building roof. In one embodiment, roof model generation includes image registration, image lean correction, roof section pitch determination, wire frame model construction, and/or roof model review. The described user interface provides user interface controls that may be manipulated by an operator to perform at least some of the functions of roof model generation. The user interface is further configured to concurrently display roof features onto multiple images of a roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: EAGLE VIEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Pershing
  • Patent number: 8259134
    Abstract: Visual items may each be constructed and placed in position using logic defined by a view component corresponding to each visual item, where that logic may depend on one or more values populated into parameter(s) of the view component. Some of those parameter values may correspond to known model parameter values. Others, however, may have been solved for using a model that defines analytical relationships between the model parameters. In one embodiment, which of the model parameters are known, and which are unknown, may not be predetermined. Accordingly, a solver might be prepared for multiple solve operation paths even using a single model. The view composition process may be entirely data-driven, with the solve and/or the visual items implemented using spreadsheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Mital, Darryl E. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8249392
    Abstract: A method for aligning point clouds is disclosed. The method includes inputting point cloud data of a reference object and a to-be-measured object, and confirming an original position of point cloud of the to-be-measured object. The method further includes determining a virtual position of point cloud of the to-be-measured object at each iteration, determining a minimum distance between point cloud of the reference object and point cloud of the to-be-measured object, and determining coordinates of each point in point cloud of the to-be-measured object corresponding to the minimum distance. The method further includes moving each point in point cloud of the to-be-measured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Xin-Yuan Wu, Min Wang
  • Patent number: 8237703
    Abstract: A method for generating 3D visualization of a large-scale environment comprising the steps of: acquiring a 3D model of the large-scale environment; dividing the 3D model into a near-field part and a far-field part; rendering an array of images of the far-field part; creating a 3D visualization of the near-field part combined with the array of rendered images of the far-field part and displaying the combined rendered images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Geosim Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Victor Shenkar, Yigal Eilam
  • Patent number: 8228341
    Abstract: A plurality of input image signals are synthesized to generate a synthesis signal on the basis of synthesis information indicating an area where input image signals which are image signals of an image composed of at least one of input moving images and still images are respectively synthesized, a motion vector of the synthesis signal is detected, a synthesis interpolation exclusion area is decided where the interpolation in the synthesis signal is not performed on the basis of the synthesis information and interpolation control information indicating an input interpolation exclusion area where the interpolation in the respective input image signals is not performed, and a synthesis signal in-between signal is interpolated and output which is an image signal at an arbitrary time between the synthesis signal and a previous synthesis signal on the basis of the motion vector in an area other than the synthesis interpolation exclusion area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8229718
    Abstract: Use of scientific models to generate graphical virtual environments is described. In an embodiment at least two different scientific models are used. Input data which is representative of a real world environment is used by a first scientific model, such as a climate model, and data output by the first scientific model is then fed into a second, different, scientific model, such as an ecological model, in order to generate simulation data. The simulation data, which may, for example, detail the required population density of particular plant species and their size and age, is then used by a graphical simulation engine to generate a graphical virtual environment which may, for example, be used in a computer game such as a flight simulation game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Heil, Mark Peasley, Vassily Lyutsarev
  • Patent number: 8208064
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus includes a video signal synthesis section for, when positions after and before a border position by a predetermined length are respectively set as first and second positions, taking out a first main area part corresponding to a part before the border position and a first border area part corresponding to a part from the border position to the first position from a first video signal and also a second border area part corresponding to a part from the second position to the border position and a second main area part corresponding to a part after the border position from a second video signal for synthesis, an image processing section for performing an image processing on the synthesized video signal, and a video signal output section for removing the first and second border area parts from the synthesized video signal to obtain an output video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Kosuge, Shingo Shimazaki, Mikio Ishii, Hiroshi Higuchi, Masahiro Take
  • Patent number: 8207990
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to merging and splitting intersecting geometry-only solids and surfaces in an intuitive manner. One embodiment is a method of merging and cutting geometry-only format CAD objects without related history information, using a single geometry modification tool and interface. In response to receiving a group selection from the user, of a plurality of CAD objects, the method infers a merge operation and automatically merges the plurality of CAD objects into a single merged CAD object. In response to receiving an individual selection from the user of a CAD object, the geometry modification tool enters a merged state when the subsequent second selection from the user is selected in a manner indicating a merger operation, or alternatively, enters a cut state when the subsequent second selection from the user is selected in a manner indicating a cut operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: SpaceClaim Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank DeSimone, Constantin Sevici, Ken Mental
  • Patent number: 8203556
    Abstract: A system provides a technology for generating a parts catalog of a desired part by using three-dimensional model data. A parts catalog is generated by combining a part image of a desired part, an assembly image, boundary data of a desired part, and parts configuration data. When three-dimensional model data of a part is not available, an image generating unit displays an image of a predetermined-shaped part in a corresponding position of the assembly image based on the boundary data of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Yamagata
  • Patent number: 8203576
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for aligning objects receives a reference object and a to-be-moved object; determining feature elements of the reference object. A first coordinate system is constructed according to a plurality of feature elements of the reference object. A second coordinate system is constructed according to a plurality of feature elements of the to-be-moved object. A third coordinate system is constructed according to the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system. An operation matrix is computed according to the three coordinate systems. The two objects are aligned using the operation matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Xin-Yuan Wu, Shao-Qin Xie, Min Wang, Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 8199148
    Abstract: A method and system for surfacing of particle systems is proposed to achieve high surface resolutions and low execution times, comprising partitioning particles into sub-blocks, each sub-block associated linear data arrays, sequentially accessing each array to composite the particles into a respective sub-volume using estimates of grid stencils derived from particle kernels, performing random-access into the sub-volumes, processing each linear array, and lexicographically pushing the corresponding sub-volume into a DT-Grid to convert the sub-volume to a narrow band level set. Further steps to improve the temporal coherence of resulting surface, to reduce artifacts from sparsely sampled regions of space, to enhance artistic expression, and for flexible post processing can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Domain Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Museth
  • Patent number: 8199147
    Abstract: A subject is imaged at a predetermined time interval by a plurality of imaging units which obtains a plurality of images having a parallax of a subject viewed from different viewpoints by imaging the subject from different viewpoints. An evaluation value which includes at least one of a luminance and a high frequency component of the images obtained by the imaging units at the predetermined time interval is calculated. When the evaluation value has changed by an amount exceeding a predetermined threshold value, the distance information calculation and three-dimensional processing on the plurality of images and object are performed. Here, a relative position of the object with respect to the three-dimensional image in a three-dimensional space is changed based on the distance information such that overlapping of the object and the three-dimensional image on top of each other is prevented when the three-dimensional display is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Ishiyama, Kouichi Yahagi, Tomonori Masuda
  • Patent number: 8167718
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and displayed on the LCD is a game screen including a display portion that displays a planar positional relationship between a player object and enemy objects present in a three-dimensional game space. The player object and enemy objects are flight objects, for example. Each time a player presses an X button, a selection state of an enemy object as a target of the player object is switched by turns according to priorities of the enemy objects. When the player continuously presses the X button over a certain period of time, regardless of the priorities of the enemy objects, the selection state is switched to that of a highest priority enemy object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Haga, Tsutomu Koganezawa
  • Patent number: 8169106
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an energy management system (EMS) and a method using the same, wherein the EMS comprises, a communication module receiving a channel information of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system via a network; a circuit realization unit obtaining a connection information among constituent elements symbolizing the constituent elements among each node in electrical symbols by sequentially following pre-set nodes of the HVDC system, and forming the HVDC system by connecting the symbolized constituent elements using electrical lines by using the channel information of HVDC system received by the communication module; a system analyzing unit analyzing an operation mode of the HVDC system through the connection information among the constituent elements of the HVDC system obtained by the circuit realization unit; and a controller managing and controlling the HVDC system by giving an energy management command in response to the operation mode analyzed by the system analyzing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Uk Hwa Lee, Sang Yuen Yuen, Yoon-Sung Cho
  • Patent number: 8140987
    Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems and methods for GUI modeling of web services. One method is a computer implemented method including presenting a plurality of web services to a user through a graphical user interface, with each web service comprising at least one web method. A first graphical model of a first web method of one of the plurality of web services is then presented based on a selection by the user. Next, a second graphical model of a second web method of one of the plurality of web services is then presented based on another selection by the user. The method further includes graphically correlating the first and second graphical models into a new graphical model of a new web service method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Ido Keren, Rafi Elad
  • Patent number: 8130219
    Abstract: A method of provisioning avatars comprises receiving at a first computer system associated with a first user, a metadata file relating to an avatar of a second user. In particular, the metadata file comprises data for use with an avatar generator process that is in execution on the first computer system. Data is extracted from the metadata file, and is provided as input data to the avatar generator process, thereby generating locally to the first computer system the avatar of the second user. The avatar of the second user so generated is displayed to the first user within a virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: AUTODESK, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Fleury, David Chamandy
  • Publication number: 20120050322
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus calculates a near image distance, corresponding to a distance from a virtual viewpoint to a first viewpoint among viewpoints of a plurality of images, and a far image distance, corresponding to a distance from the virtual viewpoint to a second viewpoint among the viewpoints of the plurality of images, which is relatively distant from the virtual viewpoint compared with the first viewpoint, sets a search range, determines parallax vectors corresponding to search reference block coordinates by executing block matching processing within the search range and by using a first block image, included in a near image and corresponding to the search reference block coordinates and the near image distance, and a second block image, included in a far image and corresponding to the search reference block coordinates and the far image distance, and generates an image viewed from the virtual viewpoint by using the parallax vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8125493
    Abstract: A texture is generated using a plurality of images and a geometry that corresponds to an object. The geometry is mapped to each of the plurality of images. A graph includes a plurality of nodes corresponding to portions of the images. An edge exists between a first node and a second node if a first portion corresponding to the first node and a second portion corresponding to the second node can be neighboring portions in a resulting image. Ways of forming the resulting image are represented by paths in the graph. Edges and nodes in the graph may have associated costs. A path in the graph having a smallest total cost is determined and represents the resulting image. A texture is generated for the object using the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Yonatan Wexler, Eyal Ofek
  • Patent number: 8085990
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street -side images show excellent detail but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Eyal Ofek
  • Patent number: 8073190
    Abstract: 3d textured objects are provided for virtual viewpoint animations. In one aspect, an image of an event is obtained from a camera and an object in the image is automatically detected. For example, the event may be a sports event and the object may be a stationary object which is detected based on a known location, color and shape. A 3d model of the object is combined with a textured 3d model of the event to depict a virtual viewpoint which differs from a viewpoint of the camera. The textured 3d model of the event has texture applied from an image of the event, while the 3d model of the object does not have such texture applied, in one approach. In another aspect, an object in the image such as a participant in a sporting event is represented in the virtual viewpoint by a textured 3d kinematics model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Gloudemans, Walter Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8063915
    Abstract: A 3D surface wound, injury, and personal protective equipment (PPE) data entry system provides an easily usable graphical user interface through which an examiner can objectively record data relating to surface wounds and injuries sustained by a subject human, as well as PPE used when the wounds/injuries were sustained. The system includes a 3D human model onto which the examiner draws the surface wound(s) and/or damage to the PPE. The subject human's record is stored in a database of similar records. The database records comprise quantifiable, objective data that is easily compared and analyzed. An analysis tool can aggregate a selected population of human subjects within the database to create wound density information that can be statistically analyzed and/or displayed on a standard 3D human model. Such objective wound density information may facilitate improved medical and/or tactical training, and improved PPE design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Simquest LLC
    Inventors: Howard Champion, Paul Sherman, Mary M. Lawnick, Paul M. Cashman, Harald Scheirich, Timothy Patrick Kelliher
  • Patent number: 8040348
    Abstract: A combined sectional view is produced by obtaining a section plane based on one of a plurality of section lines, which is currently set as a target, and on a cut face along the target section line, obtaining an adjacent section plane passing a crossed point between a connected section line, which is connected to the target section line, and the target section line and being perpendicular to a plane including the plurality of section lines and to the section plane, specifying one or more elements and/or parts of elements of a three-dimensional model, which are necessary to draw a sectional view of the model, with respect to the section plane and the adjacent section plane, projecting the specified elements and/or the parts of the elements to obtain a sectional view corresponding to the target section line, and combining a plurality of sectional views obtained by executing the above-described processes for each of the section lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Ryusuke Eri
  • Publication number: 20110249026
    Abstract: An improved method and/or system to generate depth data for a 2D image for subsequent display on an MLD or other volumetric display. A multi-layered display (MLD) includes first and second display layers with one said display layer overlapping the other said display layer. The first display layer displays a first image and a second display layer displays a second image. The second image is synchronised with said first image such that an alteration of at least one image property of said first age triggers an alteration of at least one image property of said second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: PURE DEPTH LIMITED
    Inventor: Darryl Singh
  • Patent number: 8035653
    Abstract: A system for generating an on-screen display (OSD) is described. The on-screen display, which has a semitransparent background area, is overlaid on top of an image. The data which make up this image are stored in a buffer. An accumulator, connected to the buffer, is used to examine this data, and store information about it. An attached OSD module used the stored information to automatically adjust the semitransparent background of the OSD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Leonard Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110242132
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for allowing an individual to preview how a tattoo will look on their body before they have the design tattooed. By digitally storing images of the individual's body and then overlaying this image with a tattoo design, the individual can modify the tattoo design until they are happy with how it looks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Bailey, Jesse Norman Gifford, Justin Edward Treen
  • Patent number: 8026929
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques that can enable a community of users to upload arbitrary images of particular locations and integrate them into a 3D model of that location in such a way that they appear as correctly aligned overlays with the model. Users can estimate rough location, orientation, and field of view, for one or more images and then add metadata such as keyword “tags” including time parameters. From the user estimates, a computer system determines the pose of the image relative to the 3D model and stores the metadata. A display system enables a community of users to freely navigate through the 3D model with visual indicators of all of the posed images, filterable via the metadata. Users also have control over a “snap-to-view” feature as they approach any of the posed images as well as a transparency feature for the degree of visibility of the overlaid image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Michael Naimark
  • Patent number: 8021160
    Abstract: Disclosed is a learning assessment method and device using a virtual tutor. The device comprises at least one action acquisition module, a virtual tutor synthesis module, and a learning assessment module. The method captures and analyzes a first and a second action-feature for a first and a second targets respectively, and constructs an intrinsic model of the second target based on a reference data of the second target. A virtual tutor is synthesized by applying the first action-feature to the intrinsic model such that the virtual tutor exhibits the intrinsic characteristics of the second target but performs a synthesized action-feature similar to the first action-feature. The method then assesses the difference between the synthesized action-feature and the second action-feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yao-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 8018471
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that merge components on a design surface. The system receives input from a user to add components or clauses to a design surface and analyzes the components to determine if some of the components can be merged. If the system identifies components that can be merged, then the system merges the identified components to reduce the number of components present on the design surface. The system determines that some components can be merged if the components meet the same criteria, such as having components that are equivalent and that have the same number of incoming paths or the same number of outgoing paths. The system provides a visual indicator on the design surface to indicate that components are being merged. The system provides an undo feature to allow the user to undo the component merging when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Nagalinga Durga Prasad Sripathi Panditharadhya, John Edward Churchill, Udaya Kumar Bhaskara
  • Patent number: 7996060
    Abstract: A method for imaging includes receiving a first three-dimensional (3D) image of a vicinity of an organ within a body of a subject and creating a geometrical model of a tubular structure in the first 3D image in the vicinity of the organ. An invasive probe is inserted into the organ, and a second 3D image containing the organ is captured using the invasive probe. One or more points are located on a surface of the tubular structure using the invasive probe, and the second 3D image is registered with the first 3D image by matching the one or more points to the geometrical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Valery Trofimov, Assaf Preiss, Gal Hayam
  • Patent number: 7995076
    Abstract: A method generates and superposes virtual images to an existing image in order to show special effects. Images are generated depending on the relative position of one or more subjects viewing the existing image. The images are generated in order to see an augmented reality. The subjects are people located near a transparent support such as a screen or a window. These people watch the augmented reality through the screen/window. The virtual objects on the screen are created in such a way as to give a realistic impression for different people watching the same screen/window at the same time, thereby generating virtual images in order to create an augmented reality for one or many viewers watching the same real objects at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ossama Emam, Dimitri Kanevsky, Alexander Zlatsin
  • Patent number: 7990396
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a CAD application that allows users to establish, maintain, and synchronize project standards for style definitions and display settings across multiple drawing files that are part of a design project. The CAD application also allows users to specify how changes to a project standard should be synchronized across the drawing files associated with a given design project. A synchronization setting may be manual, semi-automatic or automatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul McArdle, Scott Reinemann
  • Patent number: 7987445
    Abstract: System and method for determining differences and/or matches between a configuration diagram and an actual system. First information is received regarding a configuration diagram comprising a first plurality of nodes and graphically representing a first system, and second information is received regarding an actual system comprising a plurality components. At least a portion of the nodes may correspond to hardware devices, programs, and/or configuration data of the first system, and may be interconnected. The first and second information is analyzed to determine differences and/or matches between the configuration diagram and the actual system, e.g., between hardware, software, configuration, and/or connectivity, e.g., by traversing the configuration diagram or a data structure representing the diagram, and/or traversing the actual system or a data structure representing the actual system. An indication of the differences and/or matches is displayed on a display device, e.g., textually, or graphically, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: David W Fuller, III, Mohammed Kamran Shah
  • Patent number: 7987444
    Abstract: System and method for determining and/or merging differences between configuration diagrams. First information is received regarding a first configuration diagram comprising a first plurality of nodes and graphically representing a first system, and second information is received regarding a second configuration diagram comprising a first plurality of nodes and graphically representing a second system. At least a portion of the nodes may correspond to hardware devices, programs, and/or configuration data of the respective systems, and may be interconnected. The first and second information is analyzed to determine and/or merge differences between the first configuration diagram and the second configuration diagram, e.g., differences between hardware, software, configuration, and/or connectivity, e.g., by traversing the configuration diagrams or data structures representing the diagrams. An indication of the differences and/or a merged configuration diagram may be displayed on a display device, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: David W Fuller, III, Mohammed Kamran Shah
  • Patent number: 7982751
    Abstract: The methods described herein for controlling a computer using a video image and for combining the video image with a computer desktop may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. In one exemplary implementation, the methods described herein may be implemented as computer executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium. Exemplary computer-readable media suitable for use with the implementations described herein include disk storage devices and chip memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Paul David Stotts, Jr., Jason McColm Smith
  • Patent number: 7982735
    Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensionally visualizing two-dimensional flyover data in a three-dimensional graphics environment includes an overlapped region separation unit, a triangulation unit, a height coordinate addition unit, and a visualization unit. The division lines are selectively applied to a polygon to separate overlapped regions from the polygon, an ear cutting algorithm is applied to triangulate the polygon, and various different visualization processes are performed on different portions of the flyover data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keechang Lee, Dokyoon Kim, Jeonghwan Ahn, Shinjun Lee, Heesae Lee
  • Patent number: 7978208
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a video display processing system including a video source input component, a compositing component, and a composite video output component. The video source input component is adapted to receive video data from a plurality of video sources. The compositing component is adapted to generate a composite video image from the video data. The composite video image is based at least in part on a configuration. The configuration specifies an arrangement of the video data. The composite video output component adapted to output the composite video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark M. Morita, Yongjian Bao
  • Publication number: 20110148921
    Abstract: A method comprises steps of: providing a textile coordinate system defined by a horizontal axis and a vertical axis; creating a panel comprising a plurality of panel points and lines defined on the textile coordinate system on the pattern-making window; adding a plurality of pattern-making layers associated with the panel to the pattern-making window; visualizing the panel and at least one of the plurality of pattern-making layers on the pattern making window; editing the panel by applying geometrical operations to the panel points and lines and the pattern-making points and lines; and storing the plurality of panel points and lines, the plurality of pattern-making points and lines, and time stamp of last modification to the panel in a pattern-making computer file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Young-A KO
  • Publication number: 20110148897
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for processing images. The method for generating a manga-style image from an input image comprises: generating a line drawing from the input image; generating a manga-style screening from an input image; and overlaying the line drawing and the manga-style screening to generate the manga-style image. The method can provide a high efficient way for auto-generating manga images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Tien-Tsin Wong, Yingge Qu, Wai-Man Pang, Pheng-Ann Heng
  • Publication number: 20110141103
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing an integrated data visualization interface for multi-dimensional microscopy image and measurement data are disclosed. The integrated data visualization interface utilizes the known dimensional relational relationships between the images to automatically provide synchronized and coordinated visualization and manipulations across multiple related images and measurement data in multiple dataset viewer components (e.g., image grids, browsable image strips, tables, and graphs). Other features of the dataset viewer components are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Avrum I. Cohen, Jerry M. Rubinow, Steven P. Boyd, Arad Shaiber
  • Patent number: 7952577
    Abstract: An automatic 3D modeling system and method are described in which a 3D model may be generated from a picture or other image. For example, a 3D model for a face of a person may be automatically generated. The system and method also permits gestures/behaviors associated with a 3D model to automatically generated so that the gestures/behaviors may be applied to any 3D models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Laastra Telecom GmbH LLC
    Inventor: Young Harvill
  • Patent number: 7950925
    Abstract: Educating a consumer about a personal care product. A request for information regarding a personal care product is received from a consumer. A description of one or more physical characteristics associated with the consumer and related to the personal care product is also received from the consumer. In response to the received request and description, a visual representation of a three-dimensional model is provided to the consumer. The three-dimensional model is a function of the received physical characteristics and the personal care product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lou McDaniel, Mary Jo Meyer, Jennifer Marvin, Kurtis F. Schweitzer, James Jay Tanner
  • Patent number: 7949386
    Abstract: A method for performing computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery includes the steps of: (1) producing and displaying three-dimensional geometrical models of first and second bones, the first and second bones forming a joint; (2) identifying a zone of impingement between the first bone and the second bone on at least one of the bones; and (3) generating and displaying a color map of at least one surface of at least one bone, the at least one surface being within the zone of impingement, the color map including different colors representing different depths of bone to be removed in order to achieve an increased range of motion between the first and second bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: A2 Surgical
    Inventors: Robert L. Buly, Bryan T. Kelly, Andrew Pearle, Carinne Granchi, Stephane Lavallee, Christopher Plaskos, Sylvain Besson