Patent ID: 6226000
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A computer based interactive image editing apparatus comprising:a receiving circuit for receiving (i) a two dimensional (2D) image of a rendered three dimensional (3D) scene viewed from a given viewpoint, the 2D image comprising an array of pixels which represents the appearance of said 3D scene from said viewpoint; and (ii) depth values for the pixels within the 2D image, which depth values represent the distance between said viewpoint and points in the 3D scene represented by the pixels;an output circuit for outputting the 2D image to a display for displaying the 2D image to a user;a designator, responsive to an input from a user, for designating pixels of the 2D image which represent at least one object within the 3D scene whose appearance within the 2D image is to be edited; andan image editor for modifying the designated pixels in dependence upon a user selected editing operation and upon the depth values associated with the designated pixels, so as to modify the appearance, within the 2D image, of the at least one object represented by the designated pixels.