Alignment Functions (e.g., Snapping, Gravity) Patents (Class 345/677)
  • Patent number: 11717756
    Abstract: Procedurally generating live experiences for a virtualized music-themed world, including: providing a headless content management system supporting management of back end; coupling a virtual world client to the back end of the content management system using an interface that provides a content packaging framework to enable customized event scheduling and destination management; and procedurally generating a plurality of content elements in a real-time game engine for live experiences in the virtualized music-themed world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: Sony Group Corporation, Sony Corporation of America
    Inventor: David Lee
  • Patent number: 11636574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scaling method, including: for each of coordinate axis directions of a complex object: assigning a scale mode to each sub-object in the complex object in the direction; for each cross section of the complex object perpendicular to the direction, calculating a scale ratio limit of the cross section; combining adjacent cross sections with the same scale ratio to obtain a segmented scale ratio range of the complex object in the direction; according to an adjustment target value of the complex object in the direction, calculating the segmented scale ratio of the complex object in the direction; and according to the scale ratio of each sub-object in each direction, calculating a new position range of each sub-object and adjusting a size of the complex object. In addition, the present invention further relates to a scaling apparatus, a device, and a medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Lilith Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Di Wu
  • Patent number: 11461945
    Abstract: A mapping system prevents mismatching placement of map labels between adjacent map tiles for rendering digital maps. In particular, the mapping system performs a label placement process that considers labels of a map tile shared with adjacent map tiles in order to prevent labels that intersect the map tile and the adjacent map tiles having mismatching placements. During the label placement process, the mapping system performs a first placement phase to place shared labels of a map tile according to label placement constraints. Based on the first phase, the mapping system identifies intersecting labels that can be successfully placed. Using the successfully placed intersecting labels, the mapping system performs a second label placement phase. In particular, the mapping system first places the successfully placed set of intersecting labels, and subsequently places non-intersecting labels for the map tile according to the label placement constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Mapbox, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail Pozdnyakov
  • Patent number: 10671880
    Abstract: An object retrieval apparatus includes a storage and a retrieval. The storage stores first to N-th space index information relating to X1 objects to XN objects which are selected in a descending order of an object size from among a plurality of objects, and in which a value of XT (where T is a value from 1 to N) decreases as a value of T increases. The retrieval processor divides a sight range into a plurality of pieces according to distance from a sight point, assign a different one of the first to N-th space index information to each divided range such that a smaller index number of the space index information is assigned to the divided range closer to the sight point, and specifies an object having a size visible from the sight point among objects existing in each divided range by retrieving the assigned space index information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yusuke Endoh, Hiromasa Shin
  • Patent number: 10635906
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for annotating video is provided herein. During the process of annotating a video, important text within a form is identified. Annotations are placed within the video that are related to the important text within the form. In addition to annotating the video with important text taken from the form, Information that is determined based on the text, may be taken from the video in order to help fill the form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Guo Dong Gan, Yen Hsiang Chew, Jin Hoe Phua, Tejeash Duraimanickam
  • Patent number: 10235448
    Abstract: A search string including a location name is received from a client terminal, the search string is broken down, related data of each broken down (BD) information is acquired from a website, each BD information and its related data are stored in a storage unit in association with each other. For each BD information, it is determined whether a record of the related data includes a plurality of pieces of latitude/longitude information. A mesh display flag or a pin display flag is set to the BD information in the storage unit based on a result of the determination. Polygon display processing, mesh display processing, or pin display processing on a map is executed on the related data of the BD information based on a value of the mesh display flag and a value of the pin display flag, and a result of the processing is transmitted to the client terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kitou, Satoshi Yashiro, Kei Kitahara
  • Patent number: 9898857
    Abstract: In one aspect, computing device(s) may determine a plurality of fragments for a three-dimensional (3D) model of a geographical location. Each fragment of the plurality of fragments may correspond to a pixel of a blended image and each fragment has a fragment color from the 3D model. The one or more computing devices may determine geospatial location data for each fragment based at least in part on latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information associated with the 3D model. For each fragment of the plurality of fragments, the one or more computing devices may identify a pixel color and an image based at least in part on the geospatial location data, determine a blending ratio based on at least one of a position and an orientation of a virtual camera, and generate the blended image based on at least the blending ratio, the pixel color, and the fragment color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Scott Edward Dillard, Evan Hardesty Parker, Michael Cameron Jones
  • Patent number: 9854258
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: identifying a first type of media and a second type of media; determining a compression technique to be used to compress a combined media created from the first type of media and the second type of media; and aligning using a processor, based on the compression technique determined, the first type of media and the second type of media to create the combined media. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Joseph Reisner
  • Patent number: 9684655
    Abstract: Under one aspect, a computer-implemented method of displaying information about a media object, the media object being associated with location-related content corresponding to a location, includes receiving a request to display a representation of the media object; in response to the request, obtaining a summary of the media object; in response to the request, obtaining a spatial thumbnail of the media object, the spatial thumbnail comprising an image of a spatial domain encompassing the location; and simultaneously displaying both the summary of the media object and the spatial thumbnail on a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: John R. Frank
  • Patent number: 9400842
    Abstract: A method for selection of shots represented by identifiers displayed in a navigation menu. A document is divided into shots. Several attributes such as the moment of appearance of the shot in the document are assigned to each shot. The navigation menu disposes the identifiers according to a first axis according to the moment of appearance of the associated shot and according to a second axis according to the value of a second attribute according to a criterion other than the moment of appearance. A third attribute is determined for each shot according to a criterion other than the two first criteria, the shot identifiers having the same value as this third attribute are connected graphically. In this way the user perceives the value of several attributes associated with each shot and can easily select the shot that interests him. A display device able to display the navigation menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Claire-Hélène Demarty, Gwenaelle Marquant, Ingrid Autier
  • Patent number: 9094788
    Abstract: A method of managing place data for a mobile device, the method comprising storing place data for the mobile device in a centralized place data store, the centralized place data store storing location data for each of a plurality of places defined by the mobile device, and in response to place data requests from a plurality of applications executing on the mobile device, providing the place data from the centralized place data store to the plurality of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ngoc Bich Ngo, Siamak Sartipi, Jason Christopher Beckett, Hai Quang Pham
  • Patent number: 9055398
    Abstract: A method of managing place data for a mobile device, the method comprising storing place data for the mobile device in a centralized place data store, the centralized place data store storing location data for each of a plurality of places defined by the mobile device, and in response to place data requests from a plurality of applications executing on the mobile device, providing the place data from the centralized place data store to the plurality of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ngoc Bich Ngo, Siamak Sartipi, Jason Christopher Beckett, Hai Quang Pham
  • Patent number: 8947423
    Abstract: An interactive 3-D drawing method supports 3-D modeling of real-world scenes captured in the form of multiple images taken from different locations and angles. The method enables the user manipulate a 3-D drawing primitive without changing its appearance on a selected input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ocali Bilisim Teknolojileri Yazilim Donanim San. TIC. A.S.
    Inventors: Ogan Ocali, Ali Erol, Umut Sezen
  • Patent number: 8866855
    Abstract: An acquisition unit acquires a content image corresponding to content. A content image display unit arranges a plurality of content images side by side in a display screen image, and a related information display unit displays information related to an arranged content image. A first reception unit acquires a first moving instruction for the content images arranged side by side, and a second reception unit acquires a second moving instruction for the content images arranged side by side. The content image display unit moves the content images according to a moving instruction acquired by the first reception unit or the second reception unit. A related information display unit displays different types of related information when the first reception unit acquires the first moving instruction and when the second reception unit acquires the second moving instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Funabashi, Shunsuke Kunieda
  • Patent number: 8773473
    Abstract: User input interpretation mechanisms can pass along user input without delay by initially treating it as freeform movement and passing it along unmodified, rather than waiting to receive a sufficient quantity of user input from which to derive a user's intentions. User input within a defined range from an initial point is freeform movement, passed along unmodified, while user input beyond that range can be confined to a groove if it evidences an intention to move in a precisely linear manner. Grooves can be established to aid in precise vertical movement, with no horizontal deviations, precise horizontal movement, with no vertical deviations, or any other orientation. Before being passed along, user input in groove regions can be modified to center the input within the groove region and eliminate human inaccuracies, such as slight deviations to either side. User input can escape groove regions by moving orthogonally to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Armistead Hoover, Michael Patten, Maxim V. Mazeev
  • Patent number: 8767020
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a moderator that defines an editing space providing access to multiple applications. The moderator associates a first portion of the editing space with a first application and aligns the editing space over a work area of the first application. The moderator creates first content with the first application through the first portion of the editing space, such that the first content is bounded according to the dimension of the first portion of the editing space. The moderator further associates a second portion of the editing space with a second application. The moderator aligns the editing space over a work area of the second application. The moderator creates second content in the second application through the second portion of the editing space as the editing space displays the representation of the saved first content in the first portion of the editing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: S. Monikandan
  • Patent number: 8717392
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first expander configured to provide a first image and including a first portion configured to provide a first calibration image; a second expander configured to provide a second image and including a second portion configured to provide a second calibration image; and a controller configured to control alignment of the first image and the second image, a combination of the first calibration image and the second calibration image being useable to control alignment of the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Tapani Levola
  • Patent number: 8704857
    Abstract: A three-dimensional display device is provided in the present disclosure. The three-dimensional display device includes an image displaying device, an optical control element, a direction sensor and a control unit. The optical control element is positioned on a surface of the image displaying device, the direction sensor measures and inclination angle of the display panel, and the control unit adjusts images displayed by the image displaying device according to the inclination angle. The three-dimensional display device of the present disclosure has the advantages of fast tracking speed, high tracking precision and low cost. A mobile terminal and a three-dimensional display tracking method are also provided in the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: SuperD Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaowei Lv
  • Patent number: 8547403
    Abstract: A method for receiving, via a computer, a selection of a drawing line is provided. The drawing line has a first end point and a second end point. The drawing line is displayed in a display area of a display device. The computer receives a selection of a change to the first end point and the second end point. The drawing line and a line end tool are then redisplayed in the display area of the display device based on an orientation of the drawing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Stiglitz
  • Patent number: 8538198
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining misalignment between a first image and a second image, the first and second images being viewable stereoscopically, the apparatus comprising: a determiner operable to determine a feature position within the first image and a corresponding feature position within the second image; a definer operable to define, within the first image and the second image, the optical axis of the cameras capturing said respective images; a calculator operable to calculate the misalignment between the feature position within the first image and the corresponding feature position within the second image using a model, the misalignment being determined in dependence upon the location of the feature position of the first image and the corresponding feature position of the second image relative to the defined optical axis of the respective images; and a tester operable to test the validity of the calculated misalignment using a random sample consensus technique, whereby the tested misalignment is valid w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Thorpe, Sarah Elizabeth Witt
  • Patent number: 8508552
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for improving output rendering in anti-aliased rendering scenarios. Relative guidelines are used to improve output rendering in certain anti-aliased rendering scenarios. The system receives information regarding at least one visual element area which is important for symmetric appearance, with at least two guideline pairs included in the information. These pairs of relative guidelines represent gaps between edges of elements for which gaps should be preserved. A guideline snapping procedure is performed for each relative guideline to generate a snapping displacement for each relative guideline. The snapping displacements are provided as inputs to a pixel snapping procedure that snaps the points of the visual element to create an adjusted image. The adjusted image is then rendered on a display device in an anti-aliased rendering scenario. Equal sizes of gaps between neighboring elements can be preserved when these gaps are defined equal by a client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail M. Lyapunov, Seema L. Ramchandani, Timothy P. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8462111
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display module, a function key, a motion sensor, a determination module, and a regulation module. The motion sensor is operable to acquire a coordinate of the electronic device. The determination module is operable to determine whether the electronic device is in the upright position based on the coordinate. The regulation module regulates backlight brightness of the display module when the function key is operative and the specific application is not executed when the electronic device is in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Li
  • Publication number: 20130106917
    Abstract: A guide is configured in an authoring program to aid the user in editing objects on a document. The guide can be a horizontally or vertically oriented guide line and can be created from a single ruler, either a vertical or horizontal ruler displayed on the workspace. To create a horizontal guide, the user can position the cursor on a horizontal ruler. The user can click-and-hold and drag the cursor to create and position a horizontal guide over the workspace. To create a vertical guide, the user can position the cursor in the horizontal ruler and click and release. The user can create both vertical and horizontal guides using the vertical ruler in a corresponding manner, where clicking on the vertical ruler creates a horizontal guide, and click-and-hold and dragging creates a vertical guide. Guides can be individually configured or altered in their visual characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel John Altin
  • Patent number: 8319775
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a linear segment is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a dynamic bend point, determining a primary snap point based on the location of the dynamic bend point in one of four predetermined regions and snapping the dynamic bend point to the primary snap point. A secondary snap point is also determined and the dynamic bend point is snapped either to the primary snap point or to the secondary snap point, depending on the location of the dynamic bend point inside or outside a predetermined secondary snap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Gershfeld
  • Patent number: 8290304
    Abstract: The present invention presents a technique for use in registering two images. In a first aspect, the invention includes a computer-implemented method for use in registering a first image to a second image, comprising: generating a base transform between the first and second image; generating a plurality of candidate control points from the first and second images; generating a plurality of meshed regions from the base control points and the actual control points from which the first image may be mapped to the second image. In other aspects, the includes a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, will perform the method; a computing apparatus programmed to perform the method; a data product produced by the method; a program storage medium encoded with a data product produced by the method; and a computing apparatus on which resides a data product produced by the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Wear, Steven S. Perkins, Jared J. Lance
  • Publication number: 20120162266
    Abstract: Techniques for an electronic montage system are described. An apparatus may comprise a logic device arranged to execute a montage application comprising a presentation component. The presentation component may be operative to detect when a display size or resolution has changed from one used for an original layout of a montage. The presentation component may reposition, or reflow, the tiles in the montage in the changed display in a way that preserves the spatial characteristics of the tiles to each other. An authoring component may reflow tiles automatically when a tile is deleted from a montage to minimize blank space between tiles. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Malia Douglas, Tristan Davis, Matthew Wood, Robin Troy, Pam Teh
  • Publication number: 20120154446
    Abstract: A method for creating image products includes the following steps. Image data and positional data corresponding to the image data are captured and processed to create geo-referenced images. Edge detection procedures are performed on the geo-referenced images to identify edges and produce geo-referenced, edge-detected images. The geo-referenced, edge-detected images are saved in a database. A user interface to view and interact with the geo-referenced image is also provided such that the user can consistently select the same Points of Interest between multiple interactions and multiple users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Douglas Adams, Yandong Wang, Frank D. Giufrrida
  • Publication number: 20120133680
    Abstract: User input interpretation mechanisms can pass along user input without delay by initially treating it as freeform movement and passing it along unmodified, rather than waiting to receive a sufficient quantity of user input from which to derive a user's intentions. User input within a defined range from an initial point is freeform movement, passed along unmodified, while user input beyond that range can be confined to a groove if it evidences an intention to move in a precisely linear manner. Grooves can be established to aid in precise vertical movement, with no horizontal deviations, precise horizontal movement, with no vertical deviations, or any other orientation. Before being passed along, user input in groove regions can be modified to center the input within the groove region and eliminate human inaccuracies, such as slight deviations to either side. User input can escape groove regions by moving orthogonally to them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Armistead Hoover, Michael Patten, Maxim V. Mazeev
  • Patent number: 8165425
    Abstract: An image processing method is described that allows a user to deform an overlay image for the purpose of registration with a source image. The user defines a stretch vector for example by ‘clicking and dragging’ a mouse pointer and an algorithm deforms the overlay image according to a linear interpolated roll-off function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome DeClerck
  • Patent number: 8144166
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for improving output rendering in anti-aliased rendering scenarios. A pixel snapping mode of operation is turned on and off to improve output rendering. When the system detects that an animation has started, the pixel snapping mode is turned off, and when the system detects that the animation has stopped, the pixel snapping mode is resumed. Techniques for providing a smooth transition can be used when turning pixel snapping on. One example of a transition technique includes turning off pixel snapping when an animation begins by immediately lowering the strength of an effect of the pixel snapping mode to zero. Another example includes turning on pixel snapping when the animation finishes by raising the strength of the effect of the pixel snapping mode over a period of time until the strength is full strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail M. Lyapunov, Seema L. Ramchandani, Timothy P. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8036491
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a full feature point detection section for detecting as a full feature point a point whose pixel value changes significantly along any line through the point, and a semi feature point detection section for detecting as a semi feature point a point whose pixel value hardly changes along one line through the point but changes significantly along other lines through the point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Matsui, Akira Hamada
  • Patent number: 8031209
    Abstract: A method for displaying an operating parameter for a mobile platform. A plurality of different graphs can be digitized to place them in electronic form. Each graph represents a different operational or environmental characteristic relating to operation of the mobile platform, and each is further related to a common parameter. A first one of the digitized graphs is selected by a user. A user positionable marker is displayed on the first digitized graph at a specific, user selected location on the first digitized graph. Next a second one of the digitized graphs is selected. The second one of the digitized graphs is then overlayed over at least a portion of the first digitized graph, with the marker remaining visible and superimposed on the second digitized graph, and without having moved relative to the first digitized graph. The second digitized graph is then aligned relative to the first digitized graph. The marker is then used to assist in reading information from the second digitized graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark L. Sadler
  • Publication number: 20110074830
    Abstract: A method for modifying user interface behavior on a device with a touch-sensitive surface and a display includes displaying a user interface, and while detecting a contact on the touch-sensitive surface: detecting a first movement of the contact corresponding to a first portion of a first gesture; performing a first responsive behavior in accordance with the first portion of the first gesture; detecting a second movement of the contact corresponding to a second gesture; performing a second responsive behavior in response to the second gesture, wherein the second responsive behavior is different from the first responsive behavior; detecting a third movement of the contact, wherein the third movement corresponds to a second portion of the first gesture; and performing a third responsive behavior in accordance with the second portion of the first gesture. The third responsive behavior is different from the first responsive behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Peter William Rapp, Akiva Dov Leffert, Jason Robert Marr, Christopher Douglas Weeldreyer, Jay Christopher Capela
  • Patent number: 7844106
    Abstract: A method for determining a pose of an object from a range image is presented. A distribution of poses for an object is determined from a model of the object. A set of reference poses is selected according to the distribution, such that more reference poses are selected for more probable poses than less probable poses. A reference image for each reference pose is generated, and the reference pose used to generate the reference image that best matches a range image including the object is assigned as the pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc
    Inventors: Hanspeter Pfister, In Kyu Park, Marcel German, Michael D. Breitenstein
  • Patent number: 7756358
    Abstract: A method performed by a processing system. The method includes receiving a sequence of frames, each frame comprising a sequence of at least two images, each image at a different image position in the sequence and each pair of adjacent images having an overlap region. A local alignment value is determined for the images of each pair of adjacent image positions of each frame based on minimizing a difference of a desired parameter between the images in the overlap region. Global alignment values are determined for all images at corresponding pairs of adjacent image positions of each frame based on the local alignment values for the images at the corresponding pair of adjacent image positions of each frame. Each global alignment value is applied to at least one image of the images of the corresponding pair of adjacent image positions of each frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Yining Deng, D. Amnon Silverstein
  • Publication number: 20100053220
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: display means for displaying an image; operation-input receiving means for receiving operation input of a user; and display control means for arranging one or more images on a virtual desktop having an infinite space size and performing, with a part of the desktop set as a display area, display control for causing the display means to display the display area, wherein when selection operation for selecting a predetermined image among the one or more images arranged on the desk top is performed, as the display control, the display control means shifts a relative position of the display area on the desktop such that the predetermined image is included in the center of the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ozawa, Ryo Takaoka, Nobuki Furue
  • Patent number: 7657840
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing a navigable grid to allow for accessible drag-drop in visual modeling tools. The method includes receiving an input which selects an object. The method further includes providing a visual canvas on a display device. The method further includes overlaying the navigable grid onto the canvas, the overlying navigable grid being of a defined granularity, the defined granularity being based on an underlying application being implemented, the overlying navigable grid further being keyed input device-navigable based on the defined granularity. The method further includes designating a drop position on the navigable grid when a position input is received via a keyed input device. The method further includes dropping the object onto a destination position of the canvas when a drop command input is received. The drop position on the overlying navigable grid is directly aligned over the destination position of the canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Becky J. Gibson, Richard S. Schwerdtfeger
  • Publication number: 20100013862
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a linear segment is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a dynamic bend point, determining a primary snap point based on the location of the dynamic bend point in one of four predetermined regions and snapping the dynamic bend point to the primary snap point. A secondary snap point is also determined and the dynamic bend point is snapped either to the primary snap point or to the secondary snap point, depending on the location of the dynamic bend point inside or outside a predetermined secondary snap region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jack Gershfeld
  • Patent number: 7634324
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for aligning and laying out drawing elements in a computer-aided design drawing and computer-readable medium storing instructions for implementing the method. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of receiving a selection of an insertion point on an object within the CAD drawing, where the drawing element attaches to the object at the insertion point, placing the drawing element at the insertion point, and orienting the drawing element at a predetermined alignment angle relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Toby S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7626597
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program for implementing the method is provided for performing efficient and stable comparative image observation in which a plurality of digital images inputted for comparative observation is switched and displayed on the screen of a display means. Brightness adjusting process for the plurality of images inputted for comparative observation, and aligning process for the structures of the subjects among the images are performed by the image processing means. Display control is implemented by the display control means such that each of the images is repeatedly switched and displayed on the screen of the display means at a favorable frame rate for comparative observation in the range from 1 to 5 fps based on the processed image data files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Shimayama, Akira Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7589750
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for arranging and aligning graphical objects are disclosed. The selection of a first graphical object in a graphical user interface is received, and it is determined if the first graphical object is located at a substantially minimal distance in a reference plane from a related second graphical object on the graphical user interface. If the graphical objects are not located at a substantially minimal distance from each other in the reference plane, the graphical objects are graphically arranged to substantially minimize the distance in the reference plane between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Adobe Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Stratton
  • Patent number: 7545392
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus that, in some embodiments, displays one or more guides when a selected object moves into a particular alignment with one or more other objects is described. The one or more guides may be used to align the objects in relation to one another. In this way, the screen is free from the clutter of guides when they are not needed, but the guides are present when they are needed, i.e., when the selected object moves into or near alignment with another object or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Sprang, Steven P. Jobs, Roger Rosner
  • Publication number: 20080192071
    Abstract: A method of automatically grouping channels for display uses a pair of multipurpose knobs, one assigned for selection and the other assigned for movement. A channel or a grouping of channels that forms a “virtual group” may be selected from a menu or from a display by the selection knob. The selected channel or virtual group may then be moved to another position on the display by the movement knob. If the movement of the selected channel or virtual group is stopped in proximity to another channel or virtual group, a new virtual group automatically is formed. If movement of the selected channel or virtual group is stopped between proximate channels or within another virtual group, the selected channel or virtual group is inserted automatically between the proximate channels or within the other virtual group to form a new virtual group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: TEKTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Steven C. Herring, Gary J. Waldo, Kenneth P. Dobyns
  • Publication number: 20080062204
    Abstract: An anti-aliased computer display system has graphical elements that may be defined with a pixel-snapping property that causes the elements to be shifted or transformed to align with the pixel map of a display. When the property is set, horizontal and vertical guidelines are established that are used to calculate a transformation for the elements, and the transformation is applied to the element plus any child elements. In some cases, guidelines may be established for both the right and left as well as top and bottom of the elements, and portions of the graphical elements that end on or are collinear with the guidelines may be transformed by shifting or stretching the elements. In general, the transformation is a translation that is less than one pixel in size. The result is a pixel-snapped image that may be displayed on any type of display with any resolution while remaining crisp and clear, just as the designer intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Seema Ramchandani, Mikhail Lyapunov, Dmitry Titov, Oleg Ovetchkine
  • Publication number: 20080062205
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for improving output rendering in anti-aliased rendering scenarios. A pixel snapping mode of operation is turned on and off to improve output rendering. When the system detects that an animation has started, the pixel snapping mode is turned off, and when the system detects that the animation has stopped, the pixel snapping mode is resumed. Techniques for providing a smooth transition can be used when turning pixel snapping on. One example of a transition technique includes turning off pixel snapping when an animation begins by immediately lowering the strength of an effect of the pixel snapping mode to zero. Another example includes turning on pixel snapping when the animation finishes by raising the strength of the effect of the pixel snapping mode over a period of time until the strength is full strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail M. Lyapunov, Seema L. Ramchandani, Timothy P. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20080062206
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for improving output rendering in anti-aliased rendering scenarios. Relative guidelines are used to improve output rendering in certain anti-aliased rendering scenarios. The system receives information regarding at least one visual element area which is important for symmetric appearance, with at least two guideline pairs included in the information. These pairs of relative guidelines represent gaps between edges of elements for which gaps should be preserved. A guideline snapping procedure is performed for each relative guideline to generate a snapping displacement for each relative guideline. The snapping displacements are provided as inputs to a pixel snapping procedure that snaps the points of the visual element to create an adjusted image. The adjusted image is then rendered on a display device in an anti-aliased rendering scenario. Equal sizes of gaps between neighboring elements can be preserved when these gaps are defined equal by a client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail M. Lyapunov, Seema L. Ramchandani, Timothy P. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20080030525
    Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for improving output rendering in anti-aliased rendering scenarios. The system receives information regarding at least one visual element area which is important for symmetric appearance. The information can include at least one coordinate of a guideline that a client would like to be snapped towards a pixel grid. The system uses the information to perform a pixel snapping procedure to snap the points of visual element to a pixel grid to create an adjusted image. The adjusted image is rendered on a display device in an anti-aliased rendering scenario. APIs are provided for setting horizontal and vertical pixel snapping guidelines. The collections containing the snapping guidelines are accessed and used during the pixel snapping procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Patent Group
    Inventors: Seema L. Ramchandani, David C. Brown, Mikhail M. Lyapunov
  • Patent number: 7305617
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for controlling forced grid line spacing. The height of text consisting of a plurality of characters to be arranged within a current line in a grid displayed on a display device is determined. If the height of the text is larger than a specified dimension for the grid, an arrangement region that includes the current line and at least one subsequent line is demarcated. A coordination line within the arrangement region according to a selected coordination mode is set and the plurality of characters is arranged within the arrangement region while coordinating the plurality of characters with the coordination line. This provides an electronic typesetting technology that can automatically and swiftly perform forced grid line spacing without requiring complicated manual operations by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Nathaniel M. McCully
  • Patent number: 7227558
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to assign line break numbers to locations where line breaks have been made in order to separate a series of figures configured by connecting a number of figures into parts in a manner which makes it easy for a user to view a drawing including the series of figures, or a series of figures. In response to a line break operation for separating a series of figures configured by connecting a plurality of figures into parts, line break numbers displayed at line break locations are sorted based on a positional relationship of the line break locations. The series of figures with the sorted line break numbers assigned to the line break locations is displayed after performing the line break operation. The line numbers are therefore assigned in a consecutive manner for each series of figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazunori Arata
  • Patent number: RE39950
    Abstract: A presumptive mode computer aided design and drafting system for interactively manipulating and displaying graphic objects that employ predefined rules to govern the geometric layout and logical relationships representing a physical design, schematic or process flow diagram. The system is configured to comply with the rules employed by various design disciplines. Specific interactive computer graphics behavior is dynamically accessed to interactively update graphic object relationships according to rules of geometric conduct. The rules of geometric conduct may be stored in external databases along with parameters to verify the logical relationships of the graphic objects used in the drawing. Object orientation is employed in the software design of the system to allow new devcies or procedures to adopt the behavior of existing definitions. In the preferred embodiment, a selected object floats with a cursor in a graphic environment until located in proximity with underlying graphic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Doyle Gantt, Alfredo Contreras