Abstract: An antialiasing system is implemented in a graphics system of a computer. A memory control is associated with graphics system for controlling a frame buffer. The antialiasing system is situated in the memory control and is configured to receive from steppers (edge and span) new color values and new depth dimensions z at a plurality of subpixel locations. In turn, the antialiasing system analyzes color data pertaining to each pixel in the frame buffer, and if necessary, updates the color data. The color data is unique and minimizes memory requirements and accesses. Specifically, the color data includes a current display value that corresponds to the pixel, a reference color value that corresponds to one subpixel location, a reference depth dimension that corresponds with the one subpixel location, and reconstruction indicia that correspond with other subpixel locations and that can be utilized to derive respective depth dimensions and colors for the other subpixel locations.

Abstract: A method for generating watermarks in a digitally reproducible document which are substantially invisible when viewed including the steps of: (1) producing a first screen pattern suitable for reproducing a gray image on a document; (2) deriving at least one conjugate screen description that is related to said first pattern; (3) producing an image containing the first screen; (4) producing a second image containing the first and the second screens in combination, whereby upon placing the first and second images in a superposed relationship autocorrelation between the first pattern on each document occurs everywhere within the documents where the first screen is used, and conjugate correlation occurs where the first and second screens occur and the image placed therein using the conjugate screens becomes detectable (e.g., visible) due to the high contrast between the autocorrelated and conjugately correlated regions.

Abstract: A method for generating watermarks in a digitally reproducible document which are substantially invisible when viewed including the steps of: (1) producing a first stochastic screen pattern suitable for reproducing a gray image on a document; (2) deriving at least one stochastic screen description that is related to said first pattern; (3) producing a document containing the first stochastic screen; (4) producing a second document containing one or more of the stochastic screens in combination, whereby upon placing the first and second document in superposition relationship to allow viewing of both documents together, correlation between the first stochastic pattern on each document occurs everywhere within the documents where the first screen is used, and correlation does not occur where the area where the derived stochastic screens occur and the image placed therein using the derived stochastic screens becomes visible.

Abstract: A method for combining foreground objects defined by a mask value and shade value, with a background image defined by a shade value, using high resolution edge information derived from low resolution grey image representations. By treating the object edge pixels in a high resolution grey model, characteristics of an edge represented by an edge pixel can be approximated by reference to surrounding grey elements. Movement of the edge can be approximated by changing the mask values in the high resolution grey model. Changes in the overall grey level of the pixel resulting from the mask changes cause the impression of edge movement in the low resolution edge.

Abstract: A method maintains information associated with items in a database of limited memory which information is used to generate representations of the information such as high-biased histograms. In a first embodiment of the inventive method, information associated with all items with sales above a threshold, together with approximate counts of the items, is maintained. Appropriate choice of a threshold limits the amount of information required to be maintained so as to generate accurate representations of the information with high probability. In a second embodiment of the inventive method, information used to generate a high-biased histogram is maintained within a fixed allotment of memory by dynamic adjusting a threshold which threshold is used to determine a probability with which information is retained in the database.

Abstract: A optical processor facilitates the alignment between an original image and transformation patterns, thus improving the operation accuracy, and, if a fixed transmission mask is to be used, facilitates the fabrication of the fixed transmission mask. The optical processor includes an original image display to display an original image and a pattern display to display the patterns for a transformation on the original image displayed on the original image display. In the optical processor, the original image display is os made as to have pixels with a smaller aperture ratio than that of the pixels of the pattern display.

Abstract: Flash correlation instantaneously compares two or more patterns to determine whether they are the same or essentially the same, regardless of the complexity of the images, and in spite of the addition of noise, local changes, and variations in resolution and focus. Flash correlation artifacts also provide cues to quantitative assessment of relative movement, stretching, blurring, and warping of one image with respect to the other. Presence of a flash correlation artifact between two stacks of patterns is sufficient to identify the stacks as containing at least one pair of massively correlated patterns. Precise control of registration, image size and orientation is not required. An image may be combined with other images, either by overlays or concatenation, and still be identified. A Flash correlation engine may utilize optical, analog or digital processing to provide rapid sorting, classification, and identification functions with minimal computational complexity.

Abstract: Total image processing by way of high-speed parallel optical operations. A multiplication device memorizes a series of optical density figures representing a series of orthogonal function patterns and performs optical multiplications upon an original picture in comparison with each of the orthogonal function patterns. A summation device determines the expansion coefficients of the orthogonal functions for the whole original picture from the operation results obtained by the multiplication device. A quantizing and encoding device quantizes and encodes the orthogonal function expanding coefficients obtained by the summation device for compressing the data. The encoded data is transmitted to a picture restoring section which has the same optical system as the picture compressing section. This enables the system to conduct two-way picture encoding and restoring.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a light mask for balancing light across a display area of a vehicle instrument cluster comprises a camera, a digitiser and a computer. An image of the display area is obtained and digitized to produce data relating to the illumination levels of the image at a plurality of pixels. The illumination levels are used to calculate an appropriate light mask for the display area on the basis of the transmissive density of the masking ink used and of a reference illumination value relating to the least lit part of the display area which it is desired to illuminate. The light mask comprises an array of dots having a diameter related to the amount of attenuation required in the area in which the dot is located. Up to three masking layers may be provided if a single layer is insufficient to produce the required attenuation with the chosen masking ink. Balanced coverlays can readily be produced, and the number of masking layers required can also be reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus having the dual function of display and optical mapping of transparencies which includes a viewing surface to which a transparency is adjacent, a segmented surface underlying the viewing surface and having a plurality of segments at least two of which have a controllable opacity, at least one photodetector underlying the segmented surface which detects light passing through the viewing surface and the segmented surface and generates detected light signals responsive to the intensity of the detected light and a mapping system which, in an opacity determination mode, sequentially varies of the opacity of selected segments and which determines the opacity of portions of the transparency based on signals supplied during such sequential variation.