US6034690A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Post-processing generation of focus/defocus effects for computer graphics images
Assignee: US Philips Corp
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Filing: 1997-08-04
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Granted: 2000-03-07
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Expires: 2017-08-04
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are described for post-processing a computer-generated image of a three-dimensional object for display as a pixel image. A focus depth is specified either by a user or from within the system for each image frame. The image pixels are grouped into non-overlapping blocks of adjoining image pixels with a single respective depth value pre-specified or calculated at run-time for each block. Each block is extracted in turn from the image and the pixels within a block are convolution filtered with a common set of filter coefficients. Padding may be applied to fill areas where a full filter kernel cannot be formed. The technique has particular suitability for MPEG-coded image streams where the existing MPEG macroblock specification may be taken advantage of.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard D. Gallery
- 👤 Nathan D. Bliss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 11:11
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/73; G06T5/20; G06T9/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S345/00; Y10S345/949; Y10S345/953
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for post-processing a computer-generated image of a three-dimensional object for display as a series of pixels, having a focus depth specified for each image frame, wherein: image pixels are filtered using contributions from other pixels of the image about the image pixel and with filter coefficients determined in part by the focus depth; the image pixels are grouped into a plurality of blocks of adjoining image pixels with a single respective depth value specified for each block; and all pixels of a block are filtered with the same filter coefficients, said filter coefficients being additionally determined by the block depth value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for post-processing a computer-generated image of a three-dimensional object for display as a series of pixels, having a focus depth specified for each image frame, wherein: image pixels are filtered using contributions from other pixels of the image about the image pixel and with filter coefficients determined in part by the focus depth; the image pixels are grouped into a plurality of blocks of adjoining image pixels with a single respective depth value specified for each block; and all pixels of a block are filtered with the same filter coefficients, said filter coefficients being additionally determined by the block depth value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image has been encoded as an MPEG stream and the blocks of adjoining image pixels are the MPEG macroblocks.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the respective depth value for each macroblock is precalculated and encoded in the MPEG stream.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a respective depth value is specified for each pixel of a block, and the depth value for the block is derived as a weighted average of the individual pixel depth values.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a respective depth value is specified for each pixel of a block, and the depth value for the block is derived by majority vote among the individual pixel depth values.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein substantially all image pixels of a block are convolution filtered with a filter kernel having contributions from other pixels of the block close to the image pixel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 6, comprising the further step of padding to generate filter kernel contributions for pixels of the block less than half the kernel width from the edge of the block.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
Image processing apparatus operable to effect the method of claim 1, the apparatus comprising a buffer memory arranged to receive and store a plurality of pixel values with associated depth values, a filter arranged to identify and extract from the buffer image block pixel values and depth values and operable to perform filtering on the basis of the block depth value and a predetermined focus depth value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising calculation means arranged to extract individually specified image pixel depth values for each pixel of a block from the buffer, and to derive a single block depth value from the individual pixel values.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter is a convolution filter and the buffer memory stores sufficient pixel values to cover the filter kernel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the focus depth is controllably variable, and further comprising user-operable input means for supplying focus depth values to the convolution filter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-07 | 2003-09-06 | 2004-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-09-06 | 2008-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-07 | 2011-09-06 | 2012-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |