The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 20, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 26, 1999
Cameron Bolitho Browne, Burleigh Heads, AU;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A method for simulating three-dimensional illumination of a planar shape element (,) defined by a closed curve. The method includes the steps of providing a planar shape element (,) having a colour Co, defining a colour Cw between Co and white and defining a colour Cb between Co and black. Opacities Oh and Ol are then defined. A diffuse highlight element (,) is generated based on a first curve portion (,) of the closed curve, the colour and opacity of the diffuse highlight element (,) graduating from Cw,Oh at a first edge portion (,) thereof to Co,0 at a generally offset second edge portion (,) thereof. Similarly, a diffuse shadow element (,) is generated based on a second curve portion (,) of the closed curve generally opposite the first curve portion (,) thereof. The colour and opacity of the diffuse shadow element (,) graduates from Cb,Ol at a first edge portion (,) thereof to Co,0 at a generally opposite second edge portion (,) thereof. The planar shape element (,) is then rendered, such that the diffuse elements are layered on top of the planar shape element, thereby to simulate three-dimensional illumination thereof. Preferably, the method includes the steps of generating a specular element (,) and, during the rendering step, rendering the specular element (,) such that it substantially overlaps the diffuse highlight element (,). Also disclosed is an apparatus for implementing the method of invention.