← Back to Patent Explorer
US5864639A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method and apparatus of rendering a video image

Assignee: Digital Processing Systems Inc Canada
•
Filing: 1995-03-27
•
Granted: 1999-01-26
•
Expires: 2015-03-27
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A method of rendering at least part of an image from an at least one external source into a two-dimensional memory array having integer x and y pixel coordinates based upon a set of integer coordinates of an outline of the rendered image. The method includes the steps of forming a parallelogram defined by a parallel series of effect lines forming an angle e with either the x or y axis of the memory array and bounded on opposing ends of the scan lines by a scan axis, the parallelogram surrounding at least part of the two-dimensional memory array and rendering the image from the at least one external source into the memory array while moving unidirectionally along the effect lines and scan axis using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the image.

Inventors

  • 👤 Philip C. J. Chao

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 12:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T11/00

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim 229 words
A method of rendering at least a portion of a rendered image from an image provided by an at least one external source into memory locations of a destination memory having integer x and y pixel coordinates based upon a set of integer coordinates of an outline of the portion of the rendered image, such method comprising the steps of: superimposing a parallelogram over an area represented by at least some of the memory locations of the destination memory, the parallelogram defined by a parallel series of effect lines forming an angle θ with either an x or y axis of the x and y pixel coordinates of the destination memory and bounded on opposing ends of the effect lines by a scan axis, the parallelogram surrounding the outline of the portion of the rendered image within at least part of the destination memory; and rendering the image from the at least one external source into the outline of the portion of the rendered image within the parallelogram of the destination memory by scanning one effect line at a time at the angle θ to either and x or y axis and depositing source information during each scan of an effect line into corresponding memory locations along the effect line and using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the at least one external source.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 229 words
A method of rendering at least a portion of a rendered image from an image provided by an at least one external source into memory locations of a destination memory having integer x and y pixel coordinates based upon a set of integer coordinates of an outline of the portion of the rendered image, such method comprising the steps of: superimposing a parallelogram over an area represented by at least some of the memory locations of the destination memory, the parallelogram defined by a parallel series of effect lines forming an angle θ with either an x or y axis of the x and y pixel coordinates of the destination memory and bounded on opposing ends of the effect lines by a scan axis, the parallelogram surrounding the outline of the portion of the rendered image within at least part of the destination memory; and rendering the image from the at least one external source into the outline of the portion of the rendered image within the parallelogram of the destination memory by scanning one effect line at a time at the angle θ to either and x or y axis and depositing source information during each scan of an effect line into corresponding memory locations along the effect line and using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the at least one external source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting an at least one pixel pair defining opposing ends of an at least first effect line of the parallel series of effect lines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 31 words
The method as in claim 2 further comprising the step of identifying a locus of pixels joining the at least first pixel pair and defining the at least first effect line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of retrieving the coordinates of the outline from a look-up table.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method as in claim 1 further comprising the steps of detecting transition points by comparing each pixel location of a scan with the coordinates of the outline.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 24 words
The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of generating the coordinates of the outline based upon a set of quadratic equations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method as in claim 6 wherein the quadratic equations further comprise a pair of hyperbolic equations.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 67 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the step of rendering the image from the at least one external source into the destination memory while moving unidirectionally along the effect lines and scan axis using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the image further comprises the step of using incremental line drawing to create a locus of point defining each scan axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 67 words
The method as in claim 1 wherein the step of rendering the image from the at least one external source into the destination memory while moving unidirectionally along the effect lines and scan axis using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the image further comprises the step of using incremental line drawing to create a locus of point defining each effect line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of outlining the transition image on a two-dimensional transition image memory.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method as in claim 10 further comprising the step of painting the two-dimensional image memory with a background color.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 30 words
The method as in claim 11 further comprising the step of outlining the transition image on the two-dimensional transition image memory using an outlining pixel color against the background color.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 24 words
The method as in claim 12 wherein the step of scanning the outline further comprises the step of looking for the outlining pixel color.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 44 words
The method as in claim 13 wherein the step of looking for the outlining color value further comprises the step of comparing each pixel of the two-dimensional transition image memory with a reference outlining pixel color and upon determining a match detecting the outline.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method as in claim 14 further comprising the step of a determining a coordinate of the detected outline.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method as in claim 15 further comprising the step of storing the coordinate of the detected outline.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method as in claim 15 wherein the step of generating the transition image further comprises the step of using the stored coordinate as a transition point from the first video image to the second.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method as in claim 15 wherein the step of generating the transition image further comprises the step of using the stored coordinate as a transition point from the second video image to the first.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method as in claim 15 wherein the step of outlining the shape of the transition image further comprises marking a closest pixel with the outlining pixel color.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 23 words
The method as in claim 19 wherein the step of marking the closest pixel further comprises the step of identifying the closest pixel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method as in claim 20 wherein the step of identifying the closes pixel further comprises the step of determining an error between a current line position and a previously selected pixel location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method as in claim 21 further comprising the step of comparing the determined error with a threshold value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 58 words
The method as in claim 22 wherein the step of comparing the determined error with a threshold value further comprises the step of selecting a new pixel location adjacent the previously selected pixel location along a first dimension where the determined error exceeds the threshold and along a second dimension when the error does not exceed the threshold.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 225 words
An apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a rendered image from an image provided by an at least one external source into memory locations of a destination memory having integer x and y pixel coordinates based upon a set of integer coordinates of an outline of the portion of the rendered image, such apparatus comprising: means for superimposing a parallelogram over at least some of the memory locations of the destination memory, the parallelogram defined by a parallel series of effect lines forming an angle θ with either an x or y axis of the x and y pixel coordinates of the destination memory and bounded on opposing ends of the effect lines by a scan axis, the parallelogram surrounding the outline of the portion of the rendered image within at least part of the destination memory; and means for rendering the image from the at least one external source into the outline of the portion of the rendered image within the parallelogram of the destination memory by scanning one effect line at a time along the angle θ with the x or y axis and depositing source information during each scan of an effect line into corresponding memory locations along the effect line and using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the at least one external source.
Claim 26
Independent Claim 225 words
An apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a rendered image from an image provided by an at least one external source into memory locations of a destination memory having integer x and y pixel coordinates based upon a set of integer coordinates of an outline of the portion of the rendered image, such apparatus comprising: means for superimposing a parallelogram over at least some of the memory locations of the destination memory, the parallelogram defined by a parallel series of effect lines forming an angle θ with either an x or y axis of the x and y pixel coordinates of the destination memory and bounded on opposing ends of the effect lines by a scan axis, the parallelogram surrounding the outline of the portion of the rendered image within at least part of the destination memory; and means for rendering the image from the at least one external source into the outline of the portion of the rendered image within the parallelogram of the destination memory by scanning one effect line at a time along the angle θ with the x or y axis and depositing source information during each scan of an effect line into corresponding memory locations along the effect line and using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the at least one external source.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 34 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 further comprising means for selecting an at least one pixel pair defining opposing ends of an at least first effect line of the parallel series of effect lines.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 30 words
The apparatus as in claim 25 further comprising means for identifying a locus of pixels joining the at least first pixel pair and defining the at least first effect line.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 20 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 further comprising means for retrieving the coordinates of the outline from a look-up table.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 27 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 further comprising means for detecting transition points by comparing each pixel location of a scan with the coordinates of the outline.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 23 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 further comprising means for generating the coordinates of the outline based upon a set of quadratic equations.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus as in claim 29 wherein the quadratic equations further comprise a pair of hyperbolic equations.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 66 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 wherein the means for rendering the image from the at least one external source into the destination memory while moving unidirectionally along the effect lines and scan axis using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the image further comprises means for using incremental line drawing to create a locus of point defining each scan axis.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 66 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 wherein the means for endering the image from the at least one external source into the destination memory while moving unidirectionally along the effect lines and scan axis using the outline coordinates as transition points for selection and non-selection of the image further comprises means for using incremental line drawing to create a locus of point defining each effect line.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 20 words
The apparatus as in claim 24 further comprising means for outlining the transition image on a two-dimensional transition image memory.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 19 words
The apparatus as in claim 33 further comprising means for painting the two-dimensional image memory with a background color.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 29 words
The apparatus as in claim 34 further comprising means for outlining the transition image on the two-dimensional transition image memory using an outlining pixel color against the background color.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 24 words
The apparatus as in claim 35 wherein the means for scanning the outline further comprises the step of looking for the outlining pixel color.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 43 words
The apparatus as in claim 36 wherein the means for looking for the outlining color value further comprises means for comparing each pixel of the two-dimensional transition image memory with a reference outlining pixel color and upon determining a match detecting the outline.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus as in claim 37 further comprising means for determining a coordinate of the detected outline.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 17 words
The apparatus as in claim 38 further comprising means for storing the coordinate of the detected outline.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 34 words
The apparatus as in claim 38 wherein the means for generating the transition image further comprises means for using the stored coordinate as a transition point from the first video image to the second.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 30 words
The apparatus as in claim 38 wherein the means for outlining the shape of the transition image further comprises means for marking a closest pixel with the outlining pixel color.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 22 words
The apparatus as in claim 41 wherein the means for marking the closest pixel further comprises means for identifying the closest pixel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 32 words
The apparatus as in claim 42 wherein the means for identifying the closes pixel further comprises means for determining an error between a current line position and a previously selected pixel location.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 18 words
The apparatus as in claim 43 further comprising means for comparing the determined error with a threshold value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 57 words
The apparatus as in claim 44 wherein the means for comparing the determined error with a threshold value further comprises means for selecting a new pixel location adjacent the previously selected pixel location along a first dimension where the determined error exceeds the threshold and along a second dimension when the error does not exceed the threshold.
Claim 48
Independent Claim 172 words
A method of rendering a page-turning effect for a video transition image from a first video image to a second video image, such method comprising the steps of: selecting a page turning angle for the page-turning effect from an originating corner of the video transition image; determining a locus of coordinates within the video transition image for a first and second hyperbola having parallel hyperbola axis on opposing sides and parallel to a first line radiating at the page turning angle from the originating corner of the video transition image and having respective hyperbola at the hyperbola axis intersection point tangent to a second line normal to the first line radiating from the originating corner; marking the video transition image along the locus of points of the hyperbola and the second line; scanning the video transition image parallel to the second line and storing the coordinates of the first and second hyperbola and second line; and rendering the video transition image based upon the stored coordinates and first and second video images.
Claim 49
Independent Claim 172 words
A method of rendering a page-turning effect for a video transition image from a first video image to a second video image, such method comprising the steps of: selecting a page turning angle for the page-turning effect from an originating corner of the video transition image; determining a locus of coordinates within the video transition image for a first and second hyperbola having parallel hyperbola axis on opposing sides and parallel to a first line radiating at the page turning angle from the originating corner of the video transition image and having respective hyperbola at the hyperbola axis intersection point tangent to a second line normal to the first line radiating from the originating corner; marking the video transition image along the locus of points of the hyperbola and the second line; scanning the video transition image parallel to the second line and storing the coordinates of the first and second hyperbola and second line; and rendering the video transition image based upon the stored coordinates and first and second video images.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4831445A Cited
US5046165A Cited
US5053762A Cited
US5233332A Cited
US5214511A Cited
US5295199A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2002-01-25 2002-07-27 2003-01-26 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2006-01-25 2006-07-27 2007-01-26 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2010-01-25 2010-07-27 2011-01-26 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag