Method and apparatus for applying alterations selected from a set of alterations to a background scene
First Claim
1. A method for the generation and placement of multiple overlay images at different locations in a single background image to generate an output image, each of the images including rows of pixels, comprising the steps of:
- a) defining a background descriptor for a background image having rows of pixels;
b) defining an overlay element descriptor for each of an associated one of a plurality of overlay element images each having at least one row of pixels;
c) defining a selection descriptor including the background descriptor, a subset of the overlay element descriptors associated with selected ones of the overlay element images, formatting properties and imaging properties;
d) performing a configuration of a software engine utilizing the selection descriptor to generate objects, layout parameters and an imaging operation;
e) performing a layout of the overlay element images associated with the subset of the overlay element descriptors relative to the background image by assigning one of a drawing path and a drawing area to each of the selected ones of the overlay element images; and
f) performing an imaging by processing the background image and the selected ones of the overlay element images according to the layout to generate an output image.
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Abstract
An apparatus and a method for capturing the visual appearance of each alteration in a set of potential physical alterations of an object or class of objects, such that the potential application of any combination of alterations from that set applied to an object of that class can be represented visually even if that combination of alterations has never actually been physically applied to an object of that class. The visual representation can be a digital image file of photographic quality and accuracy with no visible anomalies between the background image and the applied alterations. The physical alterations can be intended to communicate a textual message.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for the generation and placement of multiple overlay images at different locations in a single background image to generate an output image, each of the images including rows of pixels, comprising the steps of:
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a) defining a background descriptor for a background image having rows of pixels;
b) defining an overlay element descriptor for each of an associated one of a plurality of overlay element images each having at least one row of pixels;
c) defining a selection descriptor including the background descriptor, a subset of the overlay element descriptors associated with selected ones of the overlay element images, formatting properties and imaging properties;
d) performing a configuration of a software engine utilizing the selection descriptor to generate objects, layout parameters and an imaging operation;
e) performing a layout of the overlay element images associated with the subset of the overlay element descriptors relative to the background image by assigning one of a drawing path and a drawing area to each of the selected ones of the overlay element images; and
f) performing an imaging by processing the background image and the selected ones of the overlay element images according to the layout to generate an output image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for the generation and placement of multiple overlay images at different locations in a single background image to generate an output image, each of the images including rows of pixels, comprising:
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a designer means for inputting a background image, a plurality of overlay element images and information related to positioning and relationship of the overlay element images to the background image;
a selector means for inputting selection information; and
an engine means having inputs connected to outputs of said designer means and said selector means for processing said background image, said overlay element images, said positioning and relationship information and said selection information to generate an output image containing said overlay elements images combined with said background image. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification