U.S. patent application number 14/461468 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for producing three-dimensional graphics.
The applicant listed for this patent is Monotype Imaging Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Joseph Taylor.
Application Number | 20140354643 14/461468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47261302 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140354643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Robert Joseph |
December 4, 2014 |
PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAPHICS
Abstract
A system includes a computing device for producing a
representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points. A metric value is calculated for each image point in
the two dimensional set of image points. The computer device is
configured to assign a visual property to image point in the two
dimensional set of image points based upon the corresponding metric
value. The computing device is also configured to present the
assigned visual properties of the two dimensional set of image
points as being offset from another two dimensional set of image
points to provide a three dimensional appearance of the graphical
element.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Robert Joseph;
(Groton, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Monotype Imaging Inc. |
Woburn |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47261302 |
Appl. No.: |
14/461468 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13153956 |
Jun 6, 2011 |
|
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14461468 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 15/503 20130101;
G06T 11/203 20130101; G06T 15/08 20130101; G06T 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/424 |
International
Class: |
G06T 15/08 20060101
G06T015/08 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: producing a
representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points, wherein a metric value is calculated for each image
point in the two dimensional set of image points; assigning a
visual property to each image point in the two dimensional set of
image points based upon the corresponding metric value; and
presenting the assigned visual properties of the two dimensional
set of image points as being offset from another two dimensional
set of image points to provide a three dimensional appearance of
the graphical element.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which producing
the representation of the graphical element on the two dimensional
set of image points is provided by a central processing unit.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which assigning
the visual property to each image point is provided by a graphical
processing unit.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which the visual
property is an opaque visual property.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which the visual
property includes a transparent visual property.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which each image
point in the two dimensional set of image points represents a
pixel.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which the metric
value is based upon a distance between the position of the image
point and a boundary of the representation of the graphical
element.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which the
graphical element is a textual element.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, in which assigning
the visual property to each image point is provided by a shader
process executed by a graphical processing unit.
10. A system comprising: a computing device for producing a
representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points, wherein a metric value is calculated for each image
point in the two dimensional set of image points, the computer
device is configured to assign a visual property to each image
point in the two dimensional set of image points based upon the
corresponding metric value, the computing device is also configured
to present the assigned visual properties of the two dimensional
set of image points as being offset from another two dimensional
set of image points to provide a three dimensional appearance of
the graphical element.
11. The system of claim 10, in which the computing device includes
a central processing unit for producing the representation of the
graphical element on the two dimensional set of image points.
12. The system of claim 10, in the computing device includes a
graphical processing unit for assigning the visual property to each
image point.
13. The system of claim 10, in which the visual property is an
opaque visual property.
14. The system of claim 10, in which the visual property includes a
transparent visual property.
15. The system of claim 10, in which each image point in the two
dimensional set of image points represents a pixel.
16. The system of claim 10, in which the metric value is based upon
a distance between the position of the image point and a boundary
of the representation of the graphical element.
17. The system of claim 10, in which the graphical element is a
textual element.
18. The system of claim 10, in which the computing device includes
a graphical processing unit for executing a shader process to
assign the visual property to each image point.
19. One or more computer readable media storing instructions that
are executable by one or more processing devices, and upon such
execution cause the one or more processing devices to perform
operations comprising: producing a representation of a graphical
element on a two dimensional set of image points, wherein a metric
value is calculated for each image point in the two dimensional set
of image points; assigning a visual property to each image point in
the two dimensional set of image points based upon the
corresponding metric value; and presenting the assigned visual
properties of the two dimensional set of image points as being
offset from another two dimensional set of image points to provide
a three dimensional appearance of the graphical element.
20. The computer readable media of claim 19, in which producing the
representation of the graphical element on the two dimensional set
of image points is provided by a central processing unit.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/153,956, filed on Jun. 6, 2011, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This description relates to producing the appearance of
three-dimensional graphics for representing text, objects and other
types of graphical elements.
[0003] In the ever-expanding field of presenting three-dimensional
(3D) imagery on two-dimensional surfaces such as documents,
computer displays and even motion picture theater screens, text and
other types of graphics can be used for various applications. Large
and imposing 3D text can often be found in advertisements to draw
the attention of a casual observer to the content of the message.
Magazines, newspapers (and other types of periodicals) along with
websites and webpages may also use 3D text to emphasize content
along with providing a more interesting visual experience for a
reader.
SUMMARY
[0004] The systems and techniques described here relate to
efficiently producing the appearance of three-dimensional text and
other types of graphical elements by computationally defining and
stacking two-dimensional representations of the text.
[0005] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes
producing a representation of a graphical element on a two
dimensional set of image points. A metric value is calculated for
each image point in the two dimensional set of image points. The
method also includes assigning a visual property to each image
point in the two dimensional set of image points based upon the
corresponding metric value. The method also includes presenting the
assigned visual properties of the two dimensional set of image
points as being offset from another two dimensional set of image
points to provide a three dimensional appearance of the graphical
element.
[0006] Implementations may include any or all of the following
features. Producing the representation of the graphical element on
the two dimensional set of image points may be provided by a
central processing unit. Assigning the visual property to each
image point may be provided by a graphical processing unit. The
visual property may be an opaque visual property, a transparent
visual property, or other type of visual property. Each image point
in the two dimensional set of image points may represent a pixel.
The metric value may be based upon a distance between the position
of the image point and a boundary of the representation of the
graphical element. The graphical element may be a textual element.
Assigning the visual property to each image point may be provided
by a shader process executed by a graphical processing unit.
[0007] In another aspect, a system includes a computing device for
producing a representation of a graphical element on a two
dimensional set of image points. A metric value is calculated for
each image point in the two dimensional set of image points. The
computer device is configured to assign a visual property to each
image point in the two dimensional set of image points based upon
the corresponding metric value. The computing device is also
configured to present the assigned visual properties of the two
dimensional set of image points as being offset from another two
dimensional set of image points to provide a three dimensional
appearance of the graphical element.
[0008] Implementations may include any or all of the following
features. The computing device may include a central processing
unit for producing the representation of the graphical element on
the two dimensional set of image points. The computing device may
include a graphical processing unit for assigning the visual
property to each image point. The visual property may be an opaque
visual property, a transparent visual property or other type of
visual property. Each image point in the two dimensional set of
image points may represent a pixel. The metric value may be based
upon a distance between the position of the image point and a
boundary of the representation of the graphical element. The
graphical element may be a textual element. The computing device
may include a graphical processing unit for executing a shader
process to assign the visual property to each image point.
[0009] In another aspect, one or more computer readable media
storing instructions that are executable by one or more processing
devices, and upon such execution cause the one or more processing
devices to perform operations that include producing a
representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points. A metric value is calculated for each image point in
the two dimensional set of image points. Operations also include
assigning a visual property to each image point in the two
dimensional set of image points based upon the corresponding metric
value. Operations also include presenting the assigned visual
properties of the two dimensional set of image points as being
offset from another two dimensional set of image points to provide
a three dimensional appearance of the graphical element.
[0010] Implementations may include any or all of the following
features. Producing the representation of the graphical element on
the two dimensional set of image points may be provided by a
central processing unit. Assigning the visual property to each
image point may be provided by a graphical processing unit. The
visual property may be an opaque visual property, a transparent
visual property, or other type of visual property. Each image point
in the two dimensional set of image point may represent a pixel.
The metric value may be based upon a distance between the position
of the image point and a boundary of the representation of the
graphical element. The graphical element may be a textual element.
Assigning the visual property to each image point may be provided
by a shader process executed by a graphical processing unit.
[0011] In another aspect, a computing device includes a memory for
storing instructions. The computing device also includes a first
processor for executing the instructions to produce a
representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points. A metric value is calculated for each image point in
the two dimensional set of image points. The computing device also
includes a second processor for assigning a visual property to each
image point in the two dimensional set of image points based upon
the corresponding metric value. The computing device is configured
to present the assigned visual properties of the two dimensional
set of image points in a stack of other two dimensional sets of
image points to provide a three dimensional appearance of the
graphical element.
[0012] Implementations may include any or all of the following
features. The first processor may be central processing unit or
other type of processor. The second processor may be a graphical
processing unit or other type of processor.
[0013] These and other aspects and features and various
combinations of them may be expressed as methods, apparatus,
systems, means for performing functions, program products, and in
other ways.
[0014] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the
description and the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates various platforms capable of presenting a
three-dimensional text.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of providing the appearance of
three-dimensional text on a display of a computing device.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a portion of a
computing device for producing representations that provide the
appearance of three-dimensional text.
[0018] FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 5 illustrate techniques for defining
visual properties of two-dimensional representations of a graphical
element to produce the appearance of a three-dimensional
representation of the graphical element.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an example flow chart of operations for producing
two-dimensional representations to produce the appearance of a
three-dimensional representation.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of computing devices and
systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, various type of computing devices and
platforms may be used for computing and presenting different types
of graphical representations such as three-dimensional (3D)
graphics. For example, to catch the eye of a casual observer a
website, webpage, electronic document, etc. may include 3D text for
various applications and content presentations (e.g.,
advertisements, games, visual alerts, etc.). Typically 3D text is
constructed and displayed such that it appears to exist in three
dimensions and possibly give the appearance of having a solid
structure. In most situations, 3D text is produced from a
two-dimensional (2D) representation of the text characters (e.g.,
stored in a file), and a third dimension is produced by extruding a
2D image of text characters into the third dimension. Due to the
need of computational resources, such extrusion processes are often
executed offline and the extruded text is stored (e.g., as an
image) for later retrieval and use.
[0022] Due to the continuing development of computing technology
and the ever-expanding electronic device market, more and more
devices are becoming part of everyday life and used for presenting
various types of content (including text) to users. As such, many
individuals have grown accustomed to having online, near real-time
presentations of such content. For example, various type of
computing devices (e.g., a laptop computer 100, a cellular
telephone 102, etc.) may constantly be within arm's reach and
expected to quickly provide such presentations. However, attempting
to produce such extruded 3D text and rendering the text in near
real-time can become computationally difficult. For example, to
produce such a presentation, the 2D text may need to be reduced
into a set of vertices that accurately represent the 2D shapes of
the text. Next, vertices are typically defined and used to create
the 3D structure of the text. Execution of such operations may not
be computationally efficient. Further, such operations may not be
well suited to be executed by specialized circuitry (e.g., a
graphical processing unit (GPU)) designed to rapidly perform memory
based operations (e.g., manipulate and alter memory locations) to
accelerate the production of images intended for output to a
display. However, processes may be developed and executed by such
GPU's (and other types of specialized circuits) incorporated into
computing devices (e.g., the laptop 100, the cellular telephone
102) such that their functionality may be exploited for presenting
the appearance of 3D text in near real-time. For example, text and
other types of graphical elements may appear to be presented in 3D
by using GPU technology to produce and stack 2D representations of
the text. By performing computations on 2D data and avoiding costly
extrusion calculations that may be computed on a central processing
unit (CPU) and/or a GPU, 3D text may be efficiently produced by
devices that incorporate GPU technology.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, an efficiently computed graphical
presentation is illustrated that uses representations of 2D text to
provide the appearance of 3D text. As shown in image 200, a portion
of an advertisement is presented that includes 3D text to draw the
attention of a reader, e.g., that an advertised product has
received a positive rating. At the typical viewing angle and
resolution provided by the image 200, the 3D text appears to be
constructed solid three dimensional structures (similar to an
extruded version of the text). However, upon closer inspection (as
provided a zoomed-in image 202), the 3D text is actually produced
from four layers of 2D text 204, 206, 208, 210. In particular,
along with increasing magnification, the image 202 also increases
the viewing angle (from the normal viewing perspective) to present
the four individual 2D text layers. As such, while the stacking of
the 2D text layers provides the appearance of 3D text at many
angles and magnifications, the individual layers can be detected.
One or more techniques and methodologies may be implemented to
combat the detectability of the individual 2D layers. For example,
additional layers may be included in the stack of 2D text, one or
more separation distances between the layers may be decreased (or
increased, dependent upon the application and desired look).
Different colors, positioning of light source(s), and other factors
and parameters may also be adjusted.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, various types of implementations may be
used for producing and displaying 2D representations of graphical
elements to give the appearance of 3D structures. For example,
hardware, software and combinations of hardware and software may be
used for presenting such 3D appearances. For one example
illustrated in the figure, an implementation may be based upon an
architecture that includes a GPU and a CPU. Such an implementation
may be incorporated in one or more types of platforms and computing
devices (e.g., computer systems, cellular telephones, smart phones,
tablet computing devices, etc.). In this example, a system 300
includes a CPU 302 and GPU 304 for producing multi-layered stacked
presentations of 2D representations of graphic elements such as
text. In general, one layer of 2D text may be produced and used in
multiple instances to provide the other layers included in the
stack. To produce this one layer, in this arrangement, the CPU 302
preforms operations to define individual image points of a set of
image points that represent the 2D representation. In general, each
image point may be considered as representing a single addressable
point of a displayed image. For example, an image point can be
considered a pixel or vertex fragment which may be a portion of a
vertex (e.g., a triangular shaped element with fragment vertices)
or a complete vertex (e.g., based upon magnification). Once
represented on the 2D set of image points (e.g., a 2D grid of image
points), the CPU 302 may calculate a metric value for each image
point (e.g., pixel) for determining if the position of the image
point is within the represented graphical element or outside the
element. Once a metric value is calculated for each image point,
the GPU 304 can efficiently determine from the value one or more
visual properties to be assigned to the corresponding image point
(e.g., pixel). For example, a predefined color may be assigned to
each pixel determined to be located within the geometry of the
graphical element, or, assigned to be transparent (e.g., assigned
an alpha value) if determined to be located outside of the
graphical element. Once appropriate colors or transparency is
assigned to the pixels of each layer, the stack of layer may be
constructed to present the appearance of a 3D version of the
graphical element.
[0025] In this particular arrangement, the CPU 302 receives data
that represents one or more fonts from a data store 306 (e.g.,
memory, storage device, etc.). Typically, font data is provided in
the form of outlines that represent the 2D shape of glyphs that
represent textual characters. From the received data, the CPU 302
produces a 2D image of a glyph (or other type of graphical
element). Various types of 2D images may be produced by the CPU
302, for example, the image may be monochrome (bitmap),
anti-aliased (grayscale) or another type of image. Once produced,
the 2D image of the glyph may be temporarily stored (e.g., in a
random access memory 308) as provided by the CPU 302 by way of a
connection bus 310. Next, the glyph image may be provided to a
memory 312 (labeled Vertex and Texture Memory) in the form of a 2D
texture image. One or more forms may be used to define such 2D
texture images, for example, one image may be provided for each
glyph, character, text block, etc.
[0026] Once stored in 2D texture image form, the CPU 302 may
retrieve the data for representing (e.g., mapping) the graphical
element (e.g., glyph, character, text block) onto a set of image
points (e.g., pixels). One or more techniques may be implemented
for representing a graphical element onto image points. For
example, a metric may be defined that identifies each image point
located within the boundaries of the graphical element and each
image located outside the boundaries. Once a value of the metric is
known for each image point, a visual property may be assigned to
the image point. For example, image points located on the interior
of the graphical element (e.g., glyph) may be assigned an opaque
color while image points located outside of the element may be
assigned to be transparent (e.g., so as not to obscure pixels later
stacked beneath).
[0027] Briefly referring to FIG. 4a, one metric is illustrated for
defining the location of each image points in a set of image points
relative to the geometry of a graphical element. In this example, a
character 400 (e.g., the character "A") is mapped onto a set of
image points (e.g., 2D grid of pixels). For this metric, referred
to as a distance field, the distance between each image points and
the outline of the character 400 is determined. For example, for
respective image points 402, 404 (represented significantly
magnified for viewing assistance), distances are determined from
the image point to a normal location on the outline of the
character 400, and correspondingly represented with lines 406, 408.
To distinguish the distances as being within or external to the
character outline, various conventions may be implemented. For
example, distances associated with image points within the outline
may be assigned positive values while distances associated with
image points external to the outline may be assigned negative
values. Once determined, these metric values may be used to assign
the visual properties to the image points (e.g., pixels).
[0028] Returning to FIG. 3, in this arrangement, upon being
calculated by the CPU 302, the metric values for each of the image
points are stored in the vertex and texture memory 312. To apply
the visual properties to the image points and produce the 2D
representation layers, the data stored in the memory 312 is
provided to the GPU 304. For example, the GPU 304 may replicate the
received set of image points and associated information to produce
multiple 2D representations of the graphical element. Briefly
referring to FIG. 4b, two sets of image points 410, 412 are
illustrated as being replicated by the GPU 304 from another set of
image points 414 (e.g., retrieved from the memory 312).
Additionally, each of the replicated sets of image points 410, 412
presents a 2D representation of the graphical element represented
by the initial set of image points 414. Returning to FIG. 3, once
the layers are produced, the GPU 304 may further execute operations
in preparation of presenting the 2D representations. For example,
the GPU 304 may determine properties associated with forming a
stack. Along with determining the number of layers to be included
in the stack, the GPU may also determine the separation between the
stack layers, which may or may not be equivalent. Positioning and
orientation of the stack for presentation on a display 314 (e.g.,
placing the stack on an electronic document, website, web page,
etc.) may be determined by the GPU 304, the CPU 302 or by both
devices operating in concert. For example, the layers of image
points are typically stacked along a dimension that is orthogonal
to the 2D representations (e.g., a dimensional defined by a
z-axis). However, one or more of the layers may also be oriented
differently for presenting different types of stacks (e.g., a
slightly twisted stack, a stack of spiraling layers, etc.).
[0029] Prior to presentation, the GPU 304 also uses the image
points and the associated information (e.g., metric values)
retrieved from the memory 312 to assign appropriate colors to the
image points (e.g., pixels) for displaying the 2D representation of
the graphical element. One or more techniques and methodologies may
be implemented by the GPU 304 for providing such color assignments.
For example, the GPU 304 may review the metric value associated
with each image point and assign a color based upon the value. In
one arrangement, for image points with metric values indicating
that the image points are located within the outline of the
graphical element (e.g., a positive value), the GPU 304 may assign
a particular color (e.g., an opaque color) such that the graphical
element (e.g., the character "A") stands out from the background.
Alternatively, for image points with metrics indicating that the
image points are located outside the outline of the graphical
element (e.g., a negative value), the GPU 304 may assign that the
image points be treated as transparent (e.g., assigned an alpha
value such that any underlying objects are allowed to control the
color of these image points).
[0030] In still another example, the GPU 304 may assign visual
properties to define a transition region (e.g., for image points
located near to the outline of the graphical element). Referring
briefly to FIG. 5, a coordinate system 500 is presented that
defines visual property assignments (e.g., color assignments) based
upon three regions within which an image property may be located.
In particular, an x-axis 502 represents the metric values of the
image points (e.g., positive values represent image points within
the outline of the graphical element, negative values represent
image points outside the outline of the graphical element, etc.). A
y-axis 504 represents the visual property to be assigned to each
image point based upon the metric value (e.g., distance from the
outline). For example, for image points located well within the
outline (e.g., large positive metric values along with x-axis 502),
an opaque color is assigned. Similarly, for image points well
outside the outline (e.g., large negative metric values along the
x-axis 502), a transparent visual property is assigned. For image
points located generally close to the outline of the graphical
element (e.g., near zero metric values along the x-axis 502), a
blended color (between opaque and being transparent) may be
assigned as defined by a line 506 (that represents the transition
between opaque and transparent). Along with using other techniques
for assigning visual properties, other types of visual properties
may be assigned. For example, rather than assigning colors,
different patterns or other graphical features may be assigned.
[0031] Returning to FIG. 3, one or more processing techniques may
be implemented by the GPU 304 to prepare the 2D representations for
presentation in the stack. For example, along with assigning visual
properties (e.g., an opaque color, being transparent, etc.) to the
image points (e.g., pixels) of each 2D representation, different
color schemes may be implemented based upon the located of the 2D
representation within the stack. For example, the graphical element
of the upper-most 2D representation (e.g., assigned the top
position of the stack and closest to the viewer) may be assigned a
relatively dominate color that stands out in the foreground. For 2D
representations located beneath (e.g., assigned a positions within
the stack or at the base of the stack), one or more colors may be
assigned that are less dominate and simply provide a color to
highlight the foreground color (of the upper-most layer). For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 4b, while the graphical element
(e.g., the character "A") is present in a dark, black color in the
upper most 2D representation 410 (located at the top of the stack),
a lighter gray color is used for the graphical element in the two
lower 2D representations 412, 414.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 3, to provide the functionality of
preparing 2D representations for presentation on the display 314,
the GPU 304 includes a shader 316. In some arrangements, the shader
316 can be considered as a set of software instructions that may be
executed by the GPU 304 to calculate rendering effects with a
relatively high degree of flexibility. For example, the shader 316
may be used to program the GPU 304 to perform operations for
efficiently manipulating properties (e.g., position, color, etc.)
of image points (e.g., pixels). As such, the shader 316 may be able
to efficiently determine and assign visual properties to image
points based upon the metric values (e.g., distance field values)
calculated, for example, by the CPU 302. In some arrangements, to
further increase efficiency, multiple shaders may be introduced.
For example the GPU 304 may include a separate shader for
processing each 2D representation layer to be stacked. As such,
upon a set of image points and corresponding information (e.g.,
metric values) being provided to the GPU 304 (e.g., from the memory
312), a 2D representation for each corresponding stack layer may be
processed by a dedicated shader. Along with reducing the time
needed for rendering (e.g., by a CPU), memory needs may also be
reduced. Further, by operating upon image points and a layered
stack, computational resources may be conserved compared to
performing calculations associated with extruding (e.g., defining
3D structural elements, calculating connections among structural
elements to form 3D structures, etc.). By reducing the
computational needs and improving efficiency, such layered stacks
may be computed in near real time at relatively high frame rates by
one or more GPUs.
[0033] Providing the appearance of 3D graphical elements by
implementing such layered stacks of 2D representations may be used
in various environments. For example, along with forming layered
stacks of representations on flat surfaces, e.g., an electronic
document, webpage, etc., such stacks may be placed on other type of
surface representations. For example, by segmenting the stacks
and/or producing multiple stacks, stacks may be positioned on
portions of curved surfaces to provide the appearance of one or
more graphical elements (e.g., a banner of text) being draped over
a non-flat surface. The stacks and/or the layers of the stacks may
also be adjusted for various applications. For example, stack
height, the number of layers, separation between the layers, etc.
may be adjusted for to provide an appropriate appearance of 3D
imagery. In other examples, multiple stacks may be used together to
provide different visual effects. For example, slightly differently
produced stacks may be used for producing stereoscopic images
(e.g., a left eye view and a right eye view) such that different
views are provided at different perspectives (e.g., to produce a 3D
display).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 represents operations
of a computing device such as a computer system for producing a
stack of two dimensional representations to provide the appearance
of a three dimensional graphical element (e.g., glyph, character,
text, etc.). Such operations are typically executed by a single
computing device, however, the execution of the operations may be
executed by multiple computing devices. Along with being executed
at a single site (e.g., at the location of a computing device),
operation execution may be distributed among two or more
locations.
[0035] Operations of the computing device may include producing 602
a representation of a graphical element on a two dimensional set of
image points. For example, a representation of a particular glyph
or character (e.g., the character "A") may be produced such that a
rendering appears as a three dimensional structure (e.g., in an
electronic document). Operations may also include assigning 604 a
visual property to each image point in the two dimensional set of
image points based upon a corresponding metric value. For example,
a metric value (e.g., a distance field value) may be calculated for
each image point based upon the location of the respective image
point. From the calculated metric value, a color or alpha value may
be assigned to the image point. Operations may also include
presenting 606 the assigned visual properties of the two
dimensional set of image points as being offset from another two
dimensional set of image points. For example, the visual properties
may be used to define a layer in a multi-layer stack in which the
defined layer represents a 2D representation of the graphical
element.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of computing devices that may be
used and implemented to perform operations associated with
producing a stack of 2D representations of a graphical element to
provide the appearance of a 3D structure of the element. Computing
device 700 is intended to represent various forms of digital
computers, image processing devices and similar type device, such
as digital TV sets, set-top boxes and receivers (e.g., cable,
terrestrial, Internet Protocol television (IPTV), etc.), laptops,
desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, mobile devices
such as cellular telephones, tablet computing devices, portable
gaming devices, portable navigational devices, servers, blade
servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers.
[0037] Computing device 700 includes a processor 702, memory 704, a
storage device 706, a high-speed interface 708 connecting to memory
704 and high-speed expansion ports 710, and a low speed interface
712 connecting to low speed bus 714 and storage device 706. Each of
the components 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, and 712, are interconnected
using various busses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or
in other manners as appropriate. The processor 702 can process
instructions for execution within the computing device 700,
including instructions stored in the memory 704 or on the storage
device 706 to display graphical information for a GUI on an
external input/output device, such as display 716 coupled to high
speed interface 708. In other implementations, multiple processors
and/or multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with
multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing
devices 700 can be connected, with each device providing portions
of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of
blade servers, or a multi-processor system).
[0038] The memory 704 stores information within the computing
device 700. In one implementation, the memory 704 is a
computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory 704 is
a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the
memory 704 is a non-volatile memory unit or units.
[0039] The storage device 706 is capable of providing mass storage
for the computing device 700. In one implementation, the storage
device 706 is a computer-readable medium. In various different
implementations, the storage device 706 can be a floppy disk
device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape
device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device,
or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network
or other configurations. In one implementation, a computer program
product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The
computer program product contains instructions that, when executed,
perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The
information carrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium, such
as the memory 704, the storage device 706, memory on processor 702,
or the like.
[0040] The high speed controller 708 manages bandwidth-intensive
operations for the computing device 700, while the low speed
controller 712 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such
allocation of duties is exemplary only. In one implementation, the
high-speed controller 708 is coupled to memory 707, display 716
(e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to
high-speed expansion ports 710, which can accept various expansion
cards (not shown). In the implementation, low-speed controller 712
is coupled to storage device 706 and low-speed expansion port 714.
The low-speed expansion port, which can include various
communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless
Ethernet) can be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such
as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device
such as a switch or router, e.g., through a network adapter.
[0041] The computing device 700 can be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be
implemented as a standard server 720, or multiple times in a group
of such servers. It can also be implemented as part of a rack
server system 724. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal
computer such as a laptop computer 722. Alternatively, components
from computing device 700 can be combined with other components in
a mobile device (not shown).
[0042] Embodiments of the subject matter and the functional
operations described in this specification can be implemented in
digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or
hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification
and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more
of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this
specification can be implemented as one or more computer program
products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program
instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution
by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The
computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device,
a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a
composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated
signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The term "data
processing apparatus" encompasses all apparatus, devices, and
machines for processing data, including by way of example a
programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or
computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code
that creates an execution environment for the computer program in
question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a
protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system,
or a combination of one or more of them.
[0043] A computer program (also known as a program, software,
software application, script, or code) can be written in any form
of programming language, including compiled or interpreted
languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a
stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other
unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer
program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system.
A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other
programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup
language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in
question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store
one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer
program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on
multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed
across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication
network.
[0044] The processes and logic flows described in this
specification can be performed by one or more programmable
processors executing one or more computer programs to perform
functions by operating on input data and generating output. The
processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus
can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g.,
an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC
(application-specific integrated circuit), specialized processing
units (e.g., GPUs), etc.
[0045] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program
include, by way of example, both general and special purpose
microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of
digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions
and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both.
The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing
instructions and one or more memory devices for storing
instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or
be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or
both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g.,
magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a
computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be
embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to name just a few.
Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program
instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,
media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor
memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices;
magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks;
magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor
and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special
purpose logic circuitry.
[0046] Embodiments of the subject matter described in this
specification can be implemented in a computing system that
includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that
includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or
that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having
a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user
can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described
is this specification, or any combination of one or more such
back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of
the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital
data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of
communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a
wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet.
[0047] The computing system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other.
[0048] While this specification contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of
features specific to particular embodiments of the invention.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the
context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also
be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any
suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be
described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed
combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and
the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or
variation of a subcombination.
[0049] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,
multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover,
the separation of various system components in the embodiments
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the
described program components and systems can generally be
integrated together in a single software product or packaged into
multiple software products.
[0050] Thus, particular embodiments of the invention have been
described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following
claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be
performed in a different order and still achieve desirable
results.
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