Patent ID: 6320581
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method for simulating three-dimensional illumination of a planar shape element defined by a closed curve, the method including the steps of:(a) providing a planar shape element having a colour Co;(b) defining a colour Cw between Co and white;(c) defining a colour Cb between Co and black;(d) defining an opacity Oh;(e) defining an opacity Ol;(f) generating a diffuse highlight element 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 opposite second edge portion thereof;(g) generating a diffuse shadow element 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 graduating from Cb,Ol at a first edge portion thereof to Co,0 at a generally opposite second edge portion thereof; and(h) rendering the planar shape element, the diffuse highlight element and the diffuse shadow element for printing or display, such that the diffuse elements are layered on top of the planar shape element, thereby to simulate three-dimensional illumination thereof;wherein steps (a) to (h) may be performed in any suitable order.