Image processing method and apparatus having a digital airbrush for touch up
First Claim
1. Electrical image processing apparatus comprisingbyte map memory means for storing raster image signals representative of continuous tone images wherein each signal has a value related to the tone level of a pixel within the continuous tone image,display means coupled to the memory means for creating a visual image in response to the raster image signals applied to it,cursor means coupled to the display means for applying cursor image signals thereto for creation of an airbrush tip image over a limited region of a visual image and for locating the airbrush tip image relative to the visual image in response to position signals andairbrush means coupled to the memory and cursor means including pointer means for generating position signals for controlling the location of the airbrush tip image relative to the visual image and control means for gradually modifying in given increments the tone level of raster image signals responsible for creation of the visual image at the region of the airbrush tip image in response to manipulation of the pointer by a viewer at least including movement of the pointer.
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Abstract
A digital image processing system is disclosed wherein a cathode ray tube (CRT) binary display device has visual images created under control of a computer system. The visual images are screened facsimiles of a continuous tone image represented by digital raster image signals stored in the computer system. An image of an airbrush tip is superimposed by a cursor means in the computer system over a small (0.22×0.22 inch) region of a visual image on the display and is moved to different locations over the visual image by a pointer device manipulated by a viewer. The pointer supplies position signals X and Y to the cursor means. When a viewer simultaneously moves the pointer and depresses either buttons A or C on the pointer, the stored raster image signals associated with the visual image under the image of the airbrush tip have their tone changed. Depression of the A button causes an increase in tone and depression of the C button, a decrease in tone. A third button on the pointer causes a change in the size of the airbrush tip when simultaneously depressed with either of the other buttons A or C.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. Electrical image processing apparatus comprising
byte map memory means for storing raster image signals representative of continuous tone images wherein each signal has a value related to the tone level of a pixel within the continuous tone image, display means coupled to the memory means for creating a visual image in response to the raster image signals applied to it, cursor means coupled to the display means for applying cursor image signals thereto for creation of an airbrush tip image over a limited region of a visual image and for locating the airbrush tip image relative to the visual image in response to position signals and airbrush means coupled to the memory and cursor means including pointer means for generating position signals for controlling the location of the airbrush tip image relative to the visual image and control means for gradually modifying in given increments the tone level of raster image signals responsible for creation of the visual image at the region of the airbrush tip image in response to manipulation of the pointer by a viewer at least including movement of the pointer.
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11. Electrical image processing method comprising
creating a visual image on a display device from continuous tone raster image signals representative of a continuous tone raster image with each signal having a value between a minimum and a maximum level related to the tone level of a pixel within the raster image, creating on the display device an airbrush tip image over a limited area of a visual image and enabling the location of the airbrush tip image to be moved relative to a visual image in response to movement of a pointer device by a viewer of the images and touching up the tone levels of the continuous tone raster image signals by gradually modifying in given increments but not replacing the tone values of the raster image signals corresponding to the signals creating the visual image under the airbrush tip image in response to moving the airbrush tip image over the visual image by moving the pointer.
Specification