Abstract:
A method and apparatus for performing actions while selecting objects on a user interface display. A user may select a first item in an area of a display controlled by a first process and drag that item to a second area on a display controlled by a second process. The second process may negotiate with the first process to provide certain data types, and based upon those data types, the second process will determine a list of actions in hierarchical fashion which may be performed upon the data. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, printing, sending electronic mail, and performing other actions in the computer system. Alternative and primary actions may also be specified by a user, such as by selecting various keys on a keyboard or other input device. Further, a user may specify that the second process display a list of actions which may be performed upon the selected item and allow the user to select an action from a list.
Abstract:
An image forming apparatus has a developing device which develops a portion of one page into raster image data by translating a page describing language. A memory stores the developed partial image data of one page, and a reader reads an original in the units into which the original is divided. A composition device forms composite image data on the basis of the image data read from the memory and the original image data read from the memory and the original image data read by the reader. A control circuit controls the development device, the reader and an image forming device so as to develop an image of one page in the predetermined units. In addition the control circuit operates the reader, the composition device and the image forming device so as to form an image in synchronism with development of an image in the units, and repeats image development in the units to form an image for one page.
Abstract:
There is provided a communication apparatus, adapted to be used as a user terminal, connected to a message communication system in which a plurality of user terminals are interconnected, the plurality of user terminals sharing virtual worlds and avatars (symbols) of users each operating an associated one of the user terminals, and messages are exchanged among the plurality of user terminals while creating an atmosphere such that as if one's own self enters the virtual world and has conversations. In the communication apparatus, the users (symbols) are classified into a plurality of categories, and action contents of the symbols are controlled in accordance with the categories. According to the communication apparatus, a symbol with a great deal of individuality is produced, so that a virtual world full of variety may be implemented.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for using a computer to provide justification of a plurality of characters and fonts in a plurality of text strings within a document from a document system library. Document files from a document system library are obtained and relevant information is transferred to a dBase II relational database. Character and font information for each character in a text string is identified so that the location and length of a text string can be determined. The text string is then manipulated as required for a desired justification.
Abstract:
The method embodying the invention uses a data transmission network between at least a server connected to data sources and a plurality of receiving and dialog peripherals for users. This network transmits the data in the form of a succession of digital data cells respectively associated with a virtual channel constituting a source/destination link for the data. In a first mode, each channel is associated with a respective previously compiled program whereas, in a second mode, a virtual channel is associated with each user, the latter being able to individually access and act on the different sources in order to compose the program he wishes to view. The invention applies notably to the distribution of data on board an aircraft.
Abstract:
In an X-ray computed tomography apparatus for producing a sectional image of an object, an X-ray computed tomography gantry comprises an X-ray tube unit, an X-ray tube cooling unit, an X-ray detection unit, a signal amplifier unit, a mechanical control unit, and a power source unit. These units are fixed on the rotating base. These units are integrally fixed at portions thereof opposite to portions thereof fixed on the rotating base by a band.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for automatically closing gaps prior to painting a cel in a vector-based computer-aided drawing system. A drawing is processed, as it is entered by a user, to generate a stored planar map containing geometric and topological characteristics of the drawing. The planar map is searched to identify gaps and updated to store synthesized gap-closing vectors for those gaps smaller than a selectable size. The gaps are closed before the painting of the cel, or coloring of the drawing, so as to prevent unintended spill-over of the color into adjacent regions.
Abstract:
A system for delineating partially- or fully-bounded areal regions of a map utilizes deformable templates, which it dynamically expands and contorts to conform to the boundaries of the regions. The system segments the map into a number of cells, with each cell relating, for example, to a pixel. The system then defines an "energy" field for the floor plan by assigning cells corresponding to boundary edges predetermined minimum energy values, cells corresponding to boundary interiors predetermined maximum energy values, and each non-boundary cell an energy value defined by the distance of the cell from the closest boundary edge cell. The system then iteratively manipulates a template over a selected region of the floor plan in an attempt to minimize the "potential" of the template, which is defined by a potential function that includes a "total energy score" and various size and test terms that encourage desired template deformations. The system determines the total energy score, by (i) scan converting the template sides, (ii) weighting the energy values of the cells through which the sides pass based on the lengths of the sides passing through the cells, and (iii) summing the scores. After determining the potential for all possible new locations for each of the vertices, the system selects next locations for each of the vertices and, as necessary, moves the vertices to these next locations to complete an iteration. At various times, the system raises the energy field and updates the template by altering the number of vertices. The system ends its manipulations of the template when it has performed a predetermined number of iterations or, in an energy field at its ceiling values, either the template vertices do not move between iterations or the potential of the template does not change. A user may then edit the template to conform the template more closely to the selected region. A user may also specify certain constraints on template deformation. In response, the system uses a modified potential function for controlling the deformation of the template.
Abstract:
An image signal generating system has a contour drafting control portion. The portion generates contour points of a predetermined character on the basis of character information. It also writes contour information of the generated contour points in corresponding storage portions of a work memory per a drafting effective region. Further, the portion updates a value stored in the storage portion of a counter table at a corresponding position in the Y-direction to the contour point when a contour point to be present in another drafting effective region is positioned at a raster scanning starting side in the X-direction with respect to the drafting effective region currently processed. There is also a painting processing portion for scanning the work memory per one line in the X-direction, and updating a value of the storage portion of the counter table corresponding to the scanning line and generating painting data for the area where the value of the counter table is other than "0".
Abstract:
A graphic processing method and apparatus allows the operator to easily draw a curve with any curvature in any section of a graphic on the display screen of a computer. A frame appears when selecting a subject graphic to be transformed by operating a mouse. The frame has an operating member for size change, an operating member for movement, operating members for rotation, and an operating member for movement of the center. Each of the rotation operating members has a frame and a subject graphic rotation operating member, a frame rotation operating member, or a subject graphic rotation member. By selecting any one of the operating members, the subject graphic and frame rotate together, or only the frame or subject graphic rotates. The ratio for enlargement or reduction can be changed in accordance with the direction of the subject graphic by rotating only the frame or subject graphic and moving the transformation center according to necessity before changing the size. Therefore, it is possible to draw a curve with any curvature in any section of a graphic.