Color selection tool for selecting a custom color component

A non-transitory machine readable medium that has a computer program for execution by at least one processing unit is described. The computer program receives a selection of a location on an image that includes several pixels. Each pixel has several color values. The computer program identifies a set of color values of a pixel that corresponds to the selected location on the image. Based on the identified set of color values, the computer program defines a custom color component that is defined by a fractional contribution from each of the plurality of primary color components of the color space. The computer program generates a response curve along the custom color component. The response curve corresponds a set of input color values of the custom color component to a set of output color values of the custom color component.

BACKGROUND

Digital graphic design, image editing, and video editing applications (hereafter collectively referred to as media content editing applications or media editing applications) provide graphical designers, media artists, and other users with the necessary tools to view and edit a variety of media content. Examples of such applications include iPhoto®, Aperture®, Final Cut Pro® and iMovie®, all sold by Apple, Inc. These applications give users the ability to edit images and videos in a variety of manners. For example, some applications provide different range sliders for adjusting different color values of an image or in a video.

Many media editing applications, however, do not provide intuitive color adjustment controls. For example, the user is required to have extensive knowledge about color editing in order to effectively use most of the existing color adjustment tools. Furthermore, the controls for adjusting different aspects of the color values of an image are dispersed in different locations of the user interface. These deficiencies cause unnecessary inconvenience in editing an image.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of several novel user interface (UI) tools for editing a set of images in a media editing application are described. The media editing application of some embodiments provides a color-editing tool that allows a user to create a blended bump on a tonal adjustment graph for adjusting color values of an image. A blended bump (also referred as a composite bump) is a composite of a set of basic bumps. In these embodiments, the color-editing tool of the application allows a user to create a set of basic bumps on a tonal adjustment graph. The color-editing tool blends the set of basic bumps on the graph to form a blended bump, which will be used by the media editing application to adjust the color values of the image.

The blended bump corresponds different color values within a tonal range to different adjustment values on the tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the tonal range can be defined along one of the primary color components of a color space (e.g., the red component, the green component, and the blue component of a RGB color space) or along a luminance component. In these embodiments, the blended bump corresponds each color value in the primary color component (or in the luminance component) to a different adjustment value.

As mentioned above, the application of some embodiments allows a user to create a set of basic bumps on a tonal adjustment graph by providing a set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graph. Different embodiments of the application use different techniques to implement the basic bumps. In some embodiments, the basic bumps are implemented as Gaussian curves, which are bell-shaped curves. In other embodiments, the basic bumps are implemented as Bezier curves (i.e., ellipsoid-shaped curves) or step-graphs.

After the set of basic bumps is created, the media editing application of some embodiments also allows the user to modify the characteristics (e.g., height, width, etc.) of any one of the individual basic bumps in the set by providing another set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graph. This way, the tonal adjustment graph also serves as a UI tool that the user can select and manipulate. In other embodiments, the application allows the user to create and modify the basic bumps by inputting a set of values for defining the properties of the basic bumps (e.g., center location, height, and width, etc.).

After the user has created a set of basic bumps on the tonal adjustment graph, the application of some embodiments generates a blended (or composite) bump by blending (or combining) the set of basic bumps on the tonal adjustment graph. Different embodiments use different technique to blend the basic bumps. For example, the media editing application of some embodiments generates the blended bump by adding the values from all the basic bumps. That is, for each location that corresponds to a particular color value on the tonal adjustment graph, the blended bump corresponds to an adjustment value that equals to the sum of the corresponding adjustment values from each of the basic graphs. In other embodiments however, instead of taking the sum of the adjustments from each basic graph, the application of some other embodiments generates the blended bump by taking the highest (or lowest) adjustment value from the basic graphs. In some embodiments, the application uses a function that takes adjustment values from the basic graphs as inputs and generates an output adjustment value for the blended bump.

As mentioned above, the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph can be defined along one of the primary color components or the luminance component. The application of the application of some embodiments also allow the user to define the tonal range along a custom color component that is not one of the primary color components of the color space. Specifically, a custom color component is a composite of two or more primary color components. Each of the primary color contributes a specific fraction that makes up the custom color component. In these embodiments, after the blended bump is created along the custom color component, the application breaks down the blended bump into several curves, each corresponds to a primary color component that contributes to the custom color component. The adjustment values on each divided curve depends on the specific fraction of the corresponding primary color component that makes up the custom color component. The application then uses these curves to adjust the color values of the image.

Different embodiments provide different UI tools for allowing the user to select a custom color component. For example, the application of some embodiments provides a set of range sliders that each associated with a primary color component. By adjusting the range sliders, the user can specify a particular fraction for each primary color component that contributes to the custom color component. Instead of or in addition to the range sliders, some embodiments also allow a user to specify a custom color component by selecting a location on a displayed image. The application corresponds the selected location to a particular pixel of the image, and uses the color values of the particular pixel to determine a custom color component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments novel user interface tools and a media editing application are set forth and described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention may be practiced without some of the specific details and examples discussed.

The media editing application of some embodiments provides a color-editing tool that allows a user to create a blended bump on a tonal adjustment graph for adjusting color values of an image. The tonal adjustment graph is a graph that has vertical and horizontal axes (e.g., x- and y-axis) as well as curves drawn along these axes. In this application, the tonal adjustment graph may mean an area of the media editing application of some embodiments in which bumps can be drawn and plotted along the vertical and horizontal axes. The vertical axis and/or horizontal axis may not have to be displayed in the tonal adjustment graph in some embodiments.

A blended bump is a composite of a set of basic bumps. A basic bump is a curve formed by plotting values according to a function on the tonal adjustment graph. As mentioned above, a blended bump is also referred to as a composite bump because a blended bump is a composite of the basic bumps.

FIG. 1illustrates an example graphical UI (GUI)100of a media editing application of some embodiments that allows a user to edit an image by creating a blended bump on a graph at four different stages105,110,115, and120.

As shown in the first stage105ofFIG. 1, the GUI100illustrates an image125, which is a picture of a person canoeing in a sea, and a tonal adjustment graph140. As mentioned above, a tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph140can be defined along any one of the primary color components of a color space or along a luminance component. In this example, the tonal adjustment graph140is defined along the luminance component of the color space in which the color values of the image125are defined.

As shown inFIG. 1, the tonal adjustment graph140is defined along two axes: a horizontal axis that represents different color values along the luminance component of the color space, and a vertical axis that represents different adjustment values. The far left of the horizontal axis represents a minimum luminance value (e.g., a black color). The luminance values increase from the left to the right on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph140, and the far right of the horizontal axis represents a maximum luminance value (i.e., a white color). As such, the darker colors are represented toward the left side of the graph and the brighter colors are represented toward the right side of the graph. The mid-point145of the vertical axis of the tonal adjustment graph140represents zero adjustment. The adjustment values increases with positive adjustment values from the mid-point145to the top of the vertical axis, and decreases with negative adjustment values from the mid-point145to the bottom of the vertical axis.

Different embodiments of the application allow the user to use different methods to create a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph140. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to create a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph140by specifying a center location and a height of the basic bump. The second stage110illustrates the GUI100when a user has specified a center location for a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph140. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a center location of a basic bump by selecting a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph (e.g., a location that corresponds to a particular color value along the color component). The selection of a baseline location may be performed by placing a cursor at the baseline location and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) at the baseline location on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen. As shown in the second stage110, the user has specified the center location for the basic bump by placing a cursor170at location130on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph140and providing an input. The selection is also indicated by the highlighting of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph140.

The third stage115illustrates the GUI100after the user has begun to specify a height for the basic bump. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a height for the basic bump by providing a vector on the tonal adjustment graph. In these embodiments, the magnitude of the vector corresponds to the height of the basic bump (i.e., the larger the magnitude, the higher the basic bump). The vector can be provided by dragging a cursor in a direction on the tonal adjustment graph or by performing a gesture (e.g., dragging a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the tonal adjustment graph. As shown, the user has provided a vector on the tonal adjustment graph140by dragging the cursor170upward. As a result of the drag movement, the application generates a basic bump135on the tonal adjustment graph140. Specifically, the basic bump135has a center that corresponds to the selected baseline location130and a height that corresponds to the user provided vector.

Different embodiments of the application generate different types of basic bumps based on the user's input on the tonal adjustment graph. In this example, the basic bump135generated by the application is a Gaussian curve, which is a bell-shaped curve with two sides gradually fall off from an apex of the curve. In other embodiments, the application may generate the basic bump as a Bezier curve or a step-graph. As mentioned above, the bump on the tonal adjustment graph corresponds different color values within a tonal range to different adjustment values on the tonal adjustment graph. In this example, the bump135corresponds different luminance values on the tonal adjustment graph140to different adjustment values. As shown, the bump135corresponds luminance value150to adjustment value155, and corresponds luminance value160to adjustment value165. In this example, since the entire bump135is located in the positive region (the region above the horizontal axis) of the tonal adjustment graph140, the bump135corresponds any luminance value to a positive adjustment value. In other embodiments where the bump covers only the negative region (the region below the horizontal axis) or covers both the positive and the negative region, the bump may correspond some luminance value to negative adjustment values. In some embodiments, the application adjusts the color values of the image125based on the bump on the tonal adjustment graph140. As shown, the color values of the image125have increased in brightness, as indicated by the diagonal lines across the image125.

When adjusting the color values of the image125, the application of some embodiments iteratively performs the following procedure for each pixel in the image125. First, the application retrieves, from the pixel, a color value of the particular color component along which the tonal adjustment graph is defined. In this example, the application retrieves the luminance value from the pixel. The application then identifies a corresponding adjustment value for the retrieved color value on the tonal adjustment graph140, and uses the adjustment value to adjust the color value of the pixel. Different embodiments use the adjustment value to adjust the color value of the pixel differently. For instance, the application of some embodiments adjusts the color value by multiplying the adjustment value to the color value. Alternatively or conjunctively, the application adjusts the color value by adding the adjustment value to the color value. In some embodiments, the application uses a function other than simple multiplication or addition. Such function would take as inputs the color value of the pixel and the adjustment value and outputs an adjusted color value.

The fourth stage120illustrates the GUI100after the user has moved the cursor further upward on the tonal adjustment graph140. The cursor movement specifies a new height for the basic bump135. As a result, the application adjusts the height of the bump135according to the new vector. The application also re-adjusts the color values of the image125based on the modified bump135. As shown, the color values of the image125in the fourth stage120is shown to be brighter than the color values of the image125in the third stage115, as indicated by more diagonal lines across the image220.

As mentioned above, the tonal range of a tonal graph may be defined along any one of the primary color components of a color space. In some embodiments, the tonal range may also be defined along a custom color component. A custom color component is a composite of two or more primary color components. Each of the primary color contributes a specific fraction that makes up the custom color component. Different embodiments provide different interfaces for allowing a user to select a custom color component. In one approach, the application provides a set of tools (e.g., range sliders) that allow the user to specify a fractional contribution of each primary color component for the custom color component.FIG. 2illustrates an example of such an approach. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates an example of selecting a custom color component for a response graph (for drawing a response curve or a color response curve) through a GUI200at four different stages205,210,215, and220.

As shown inFIG. 2, the GUI200illustrates an image225, which is a picture of a person canoeing in a sea, a response graph240, and a set of tools245-255for specifying fractional contributions of the primary color components to the custom color component. The response graph240is defined along two axes: a horizontal axis that specifies the original tonal values (input values) along a tonal range, with a minimum tonal value on the left and progressively larger tonal values toward the right, and a vertical axis that specifies the changed tonal values (output values), with a minimum tonal value on the bottom and progressively larger tonal values toward the top. As such, a tonal graph represents changes to the tonal scale of a color space.

In this example, the set of tools245-255are range sliders. Specifically, range slider245is for specifying a fractional contribution of a red color component, range slider250is for specifying a fractional contribution of a green color component, and range slider255is for specifying a fractional contribution of a blue color component. As shown in the first stage205, the range slider245is at a maximum position (e.g.,255) while the range sliders250and255are at a minimum position (e.g.,0), indicating a pure red color component. The user can manipulate the range sliders245-255in order to specify different fractional contributions of the primary color component in this stage.

The second stage210illustrates the GUI200after the user has specified a custom color component. As shown, the user has moved the knob of the range slider250from the minimum position to the middle (e.g.,127). The movement of the range slider250has caused the custom color component to be changed from a pure red color component to a custom color component with one-third red and two-thirds green. That is, this custom color component is made up of red and green with the red twice as much as the green.

The third stage215illustrates the GUI200when the user begins to adjust the response curve (e.g., a color response curve) on the response graph240by selecting a location on the response curve. The fourth stage220illustrates the GUI200after the user has adjusted the response curve on the response graph240. As shown, the user has adjusted the response curve by dragging the cursor toward the top left corner of the response graph240. As a result the color values of the image225that corresponds to the custom color component have been modified, as indicated by the diagonal lines across the image220.

Several more detailed embodiments of the invention are described in the sections below. Section I describes details of creating and manipulating a set of basic bumps on a tonal adjustment graph and Section II describes details of specifying a custom color component for defining a tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph. Section III illustrates the software architecture of the media editing application of some embodiments. Finally, Section IV describes an electronic system that implements some embodiments of the invention.

I. Creating and Modifying Bumps on a Tonal Adjustment Graph

As mentioned above, the application of some embodiments allows a user to create a set of bump on a tonal adjustment graph by providing a set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graph.FIG. 3illustrates an example of creating a bump on a tonal adjustment graph through a GUI300at four different stages305,310,315, and320.

As shown in the first stage305ofFIG. 3, the GUI300includes a display area370, a tonal adjustment graph340, a selectable UI item345, and a drop-down menu350. The display area370is for displaying an image being edited. In this example, the display area370is displaying an image325, which is a picture of a red bicycle. The selectable UI item345is for initiating a color selection tool for selecting a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph340. The operation of selecting a custom color component will be explained in more details below in Section II. The drop-down menu350is for selecting a primary color component or a luminance component for the tonal adjustment graph340. In this example, the user has selected the luminance component for the tonal adjustment graph340. As such, the tonal adjustment graph340is defined along the luminance component of the color space in which the color values of the image325are defined.

As shown inFIG. 3, the tonal adjustment graph340is defined along two axes: a horizontal axis that represents different values along the luminance component of the color space, and a vertical axis that represents different adjustment values. The far left of the horizontal axis represents a minimum luminance value (i.e., a black color). The luminance values increase from the left to the right on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340, and the far right of the horizontal axis represents a maximum luminance value (i.e., a white color). As such, the darker colors are represented toward the left side of the graph and the brighter colors are represented toward the right side of the graph. The mid-point355of the vertical axis of the tonal adjustment graph340represents zero adjustment. The adjustment values increases with positive adjustment values from the mid-point355to the top of the vertical axis, and decreases with negative adjustment values from the mid-point355to the bottom of the vertical axis.

Different embodiments of the application allow the user to use different methods to create a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to create a basic bump by specifying a center location and a height of the basic bump. The second stage310illustrates the GUI300when a user has specified a center location of the basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a center location of a basic bump by selecting a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph (e.g., a location on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340that corresponds to a particular color value along the color component). The selection of a baseline location may be performed by placing a cursor at the baseline location and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) at the baseline location on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen. As shown in the second stage310, the user has specified the center location for the basic bump by placing a cursor at location330on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340and providing an input. The selection is also indicated by the highlighting of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340.

The third stage315illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to specify a height for the basic bump. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a height for the basic bump by providing a vector on the tonal adjustment graph. In these embodiments, the magnitude of the vector corresponds to the height of the basic bump (i.e., the larger the magnitude, the higher the basic bump). The vector can be provided by dragging a cursor in a direction on the tonal adjustment graph or by performing a gesture (e.g., dragging a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the tonal adjustment graph. As shown, the user has provided a vector on the tonal adjustment graph340by dragging the cursor upward, as indicated by the arrow360. As a result of the drag movement, the application generates a basic bump335on the tonal adjustment graph340. Specifically, the basic bump335has a center that corresponds to the selected baseline location330and a height that corresponds to the user provided vector.

Different embodiments of the application generate different types of basic bumps based on the user's input on the tonal adjustment graph. In this example, the basic bump335generated by the application is a Gaussian curve, which is a bell-shaped curve with two sides gradually fall off from an apex of the curve. A Gaussian curve is a symmetrical bell-shaped curve that is generated using a Gaussian function

f⁡(x)=a⁢⁢ⅇ(x-b)22⁢⁢c2,
whereas parameter “a” represents the height of the curve's peak (i.e., the highest point on the Gaussian curve), parameter “b” represents the position of the center of the peak, and parameter “c” controls the width of the “bell”.

The application determines the center of the peak (i.e., parameter “b”) based on the user's selected baseline location. The application also determines the height of the peak (i.e., parameter “a”) based on the user's vector input. Different embodiments construct the Gaussian curves with different widths by using different values for the parameter “c” in the Gaussian function. For example, the application of some embodiments may use a larger “c” value (e.g., 0.8) to construct a Gaussian curve with a wide width and the application of other embodiments may use a smaller “c” value (e.g., 0.2) to construct a Gaussian curve with a narrow width.

As mentioned above, the curve on the tonal adjustment graph corresponds different color values within a tonal range to different adjustment values on the tonal adjustment graph. In this example, the bump335corresponds different luminance values on the tonal adjustment graph340to different adjustment values. As shown, the Gaussian curve335specifies that the luminance values that are represented at locations around the selected baseline location330(i.e., mid-tone luminance values) have a larger positive adjustments than the luminance values that are represented at locations that are farther away from the selected baseline location330(i.e., bright and dark color values). In some embodiments, the application adjusts the color values of the image325based on the bump. As shown, the color values of the image325(especially those having mid-tone luminance values) have increased in brightness.

The fourth stage320illustrates the GUI300after the user has moved the cursor further upward on the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow365. The cursor movement specifies a new height for the bump335. As a result, the application adjusts the height of the bump335according to the new vector. The application also re-adjusts the color values of the image325based on the modified bump335. As shown, the color values of the image325(especially those having mid-tone luminance values) in the fourth stage320is shown to be brighter than the color values of the image325in the third stage315.

Once a basic bump is created, the media editing application of some embodiments allows the user to manipulate the bump.FIG. 3aillustrates an example manipulation of a basic bump in four different stages381-384. Specifically, this figures illustrates that the media editing application of some embodiments allows the user to change height of the basic bump or move the basic bump horizontally by providing a vector input vertically and/or horizontally. This figure illustrates a tonal adjustment graph380and a basic bump385.

The first stage381illustrates the basic bump385that has been created. The user places a cursor386and selects a location (e.g., by clicking) on the tonal adjustment graph380. The next stage382illustrates that the user has dragged the cursor386vertically upward in the tonal adjustment graph380. The media editing application increases the height as the cursor386is moving upward. The dotted curve represents the shape of the basic bump385at the previous stage381. The media editing application also adjust the color values an image (not shown) based on the modified bump385.

The third stage383shows that the user has dragged the cursor386horizontally to the right and the media editing application has moved the basic bump385to the right along the horizontal axis. The dotted curve represents the position of the basic bump385at the previous stage382. The media editing application also adjust the color values the image (not shown) based on the modified bump385.

The fourth stage384illustrates that the user has provided both vertical and horizontal vectors by moving the cursor386diagonally (i.e., dragging the cursor diagonally) to the lower left. The media editing application therefore reduces the height of the basic bump385as the media editing application moves the basic bump385to the left. The media editing application also adjust the color values an image (not shown) based on the modified bump385.

In the example illustrated above by reference toFIG. 3, the application generates a Gaussian curve based on the user's input on the tonal adjustment graph. In other embodiments, the application may generate different types of curve, such as a Bezier curve, which is an ellipsoid-shaped curve.

As mentioned above, the application of some embodiments allows the user to create more than one basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph. In these embodiments, the application generates a composite bump (also referred as a blended bump) by blending the basic bumps together.FIG. 4illustrates an example of generating a composite bump by blending two basic bumps together through the GUI300at four different stages405,410,415, and420.

The first stage405is similar to the fourth stage320ofFIG. 3, except that the tonal adjustment graph340includes a different basic bump435. As shown, the GUI300display the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The tonal adjustment graph340in this example has a tonal range that is defined along a luminance component. As such, the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340represents different luminance values of the color space in which the color values of the image325are defined. Since the bump435covers an area that is toward the higher end of the luminance spectrum (i.e., the center of the bump435is located on the right side of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340), only the pixels with high luminance values are adjusted to be brighter.

The second stage410illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to create a second basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location425on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340. The third stage415illustrates the GUI300after the user has provided a vector input on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor toward the top of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow430. Based on the user's inputs, the application creates a basic bump440on the tonal adjustment graph340with a center of the bump located at the selected baseline location425and a height that corresponds to the vector input. In addition, the application generates a composite bump445based on the basic bumps435and440. Different embodiments of the application use different techniques to generate the composite bump. In this example, the composite bump445is generated by adding the two basic bumps435and440. Specifically, for any given point on the horizontal axis, the composite bump445corresponds to an adjustment value that equals to the sum of the corresponding adjustment values from the two basic bumps435and440. The application of some embodiments adjusts the color values of the image using this composite bump. Since the newly generated composite bump445includes the basic bump440in addition to the already existing basic bump435, the color values of the image325with low luminance values are also adjusted to be brighter in this third stage415.

The fourth stage420illustrates the GUI300after the user has increased the height of the basic bump440. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further upward, toward the top of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow450. As a result, the application modifies the basic bump440as well as the composite bump445to reflect this change. As a result, the color values of the image325with low luminance values are adjusted to be even brighter at the fourth stage420than the color values in the third stage415.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of generating a composite bump based on two basic bumps that are both on the positive side of the tonal adjustment graph (i.e., above the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph).FIG. 5illustrates another example of generating a composite bump through the GUI300at four different stages505,510,515, and520. In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, the composite bump is generated based on a basic bump that is on the positive side of the tonal adjustment graph and a basic bump that is on the negative side of the tonal adjustment graph.

The first stage505is identical to the first stage405ofFIG. 4. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The tonal adjustment graph340in this example has a tonal range that is defined along the luminance component. As such, the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340represents different luminance values of the color space in which the color values of the image325are defined. Since the bump435covers an area that is toward the higher end of the luminance spectrum (i.e., the center of the bump435is located on the right side of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340), only the color values with high luminance values are adjusted to be brighter.

The second stage510illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to create a second basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location525on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340. The third stage515illustrates the GUI300after the user has provided a vector input on the tonal adjustment graph340. Unlike the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the user in the third stage515provides a vector by moving (or dragging) a cursor downwards, toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow530. Based on the user's inputs, the application creates a basic bump540on the tonal adjustment graph340with a center of the bump located at the selected baseline location525and a height that corresponds to the vector input.

As shown, since the user creates a vector in a downward direction, the basic bump540is on the negative side of the tonal adjustment graph340(i.e., the bump540is located below the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340). In addition, the third stage515also illustrates that the application generates a composite bump545based on the basic bumps435and540. Different embodiments of the application use different techniques to generate the composite bump. In this example, the composite bump545is generated by adding the two basic bumps435and540. Specifically, for any given point on the horizontal axis, the composite bump545corresponds to an adjustment value that equals to the sum of the corresponding adjustment values from the two basic bumps435and540. The application of some embodiments adjusts the color values of the image using this composite bump. Since the newly generated composite bump545includes the basic bump540, the color values of the image325with low luminance values are adjusted to be darker in this third stage515.

The fourth stage520illustrates the GUI300after the user has increased the height of the basic bump540. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further downward, toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow550. As a result, the application modifies the basic bump540as well as the composite bump545to reflect this change. As a result, the color values of the image325with low luminance values are adjusted to be even darker at the fourth stage520than the color values in the third stage515.

FIGS. 4 and 5above illustrate two examples of generating a composite bump by blending two different bumps together. In those two examples, the application blends the different bumps by adding the bumps together.FIG. 6illustrates the mechanism of adding different bumps together through two examples605and610. In example605, two basic bumps620and625have been created on a tonal adjustment graph615. As shown, both basic bumps620and625are on the positive side of the tonal adjustment graph615as both bumps620and625are located above the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph615. Each basic bump corresponds different color values represented by different horizontal locations of the tonal adjustment graph615to different adjustment values. For example, the basic bump620corresponds the color value represented by the horizontal location635to a value “x” while the basic bump625corresponds the same color value represented by the horizontal location635to a value “y”. The example605also shows a composite bump630that is generated by the application of some embodiments based on the basic bumps620and625. As shown, the composite bump630is generated by adding the two basic bumps620and625together. Thus, the generated composite bump630corresponds each color value represented by a horizontal location of the tonal adjustment graph615to an adjustment value that equals to a sum of the color value's corresponding adjustment values from the two basic bumps620and625. For example, the generated composite bump630corresponds the color value represented by the horizontal location635to a value equals to a sum of “x” and “y” (i.e., x+y).

Example610illustrates another composite bump. In this example, two basic bumps640and645have been created on the tonal adjustment graph615. As shown, the basic bump640is on the positive side of the tonal adjustment graph615(i.e., above the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph640) while the basic bump645is on the negative side of the tonal adjustment graph615(i.e., below the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph640). Each basic bump corresponds different color values represented by different horizontal location of the tonal adjustment graph615to different adjustment values. For example, the basic bump640corresponds the color value represented by the horizontal location655to a value “a” while the basic bump645corresponds the same color value represented by the horizontal location655to a value “−b”.

The example610also shows a composite bump650that is generated by the application of some embodiments based on the basic bumps640and645. As shown, the composite bump650is generated by adding the two basic bumps640and645. Thus, the generated composite bump650corresponds each color value represented by a horizontal location of the tonal adjustment graph to an adjustment value that equals to a sum of the color value's corresponding adjustment values from the two basic bumps640and645. For example, the generated composite bump650corresponds the color value represented by the horizontal location655to a value equals to a sum of “a” and “−b” (i.e., a−b).

The application of some embodiments may employ a function to blend two or more basic bumps. For instance, the application may use a function

B⁡(t)=∑i=1n⁢⁢f⁡(1-t-bcibwi)⁢bhi,
whereas B(t) is the composite bump from blending n bumps, t is a horizontal location of the tonal adjustment graph, bc is the baseline location of each basic bump, bw is the width of each basic bump, and bh is the height of each basic bump. That is, the composite bump's adjustment value for a particular horizontal location of the tonal adjustment graph is a sum of adjustment values of the basic bumps that are weighted for the particular horizontal location by a weighting function.

Different embodiments use different weighting functions. For instance, the application of some embodiments may use a Gaussian function, a smoothing function, or a liner function, etc. More specifically, the application of some embodiments may use a function,
ƒ(x)=6x5−15x4+10x3
or a function,
ƒ(x)=x2*(3−2x),
whereas in each of these two functions, x is

Moreover, the application of some embodiments employs a simple cubic Hermite interpolation technique or Perlin's smooth step to compute adjustment values when the adjustment values and horizontal location are of floating type. That is, when the resulting adjustment values of the composite bump do not have sufficient granularity, the application of these embodiments interpolates to generate intermediate adjustment values that have sufficient granularity.

FIG. 7illustrates a media editing application700of some embodiments that allows a user to edit the color values of an image by creating a set of basic bumps on a tonal adjustment graph. As shown inFIG. 7, the media editing application700includes a UI module705, a bump generator710, and a color adjustment engine720. The UI module705receives user inputs provided on a tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the user inputs include providing a selection of a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph and providing a vector.

FIG. 7illustrates a set of example user inputs on a tonal adjustment graph740. In this example, the user inputs include selecting a baseline location730(i.e., a location on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph740) and providing a vector735. After receiving the user inputs on the tonal adjustment graph, the UI module705passes the inputs to the bump generator710.

Based on the received user inputs, the bump generator710creates a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph740. In this example, the bump generator710creates a basic bump745on the tonal adjustment graph740based on the baseline location730and the vector735. In some embodiments, when there exists another bump on the tonal adjustment graph, the media editing application700generates a composite bump based on the basic bumps. Since another basic bump725has already been created on the tonal adjustment graph740inFIG. 7, the bump generator710generates a composite bump750by blending the basic bumps725and745.

The bump generator710then passes the composite bump750to the color adjustment engine720. The color adjustment engine720receives an image and adjusts the color values of the image based on the composite bump750on the tonal adjustment graph740.

When adjusting the color values of the image, the application of some embodiments iteratively performs the following procedure for each pixel in the image. First, the application retrieves, from the pixel, a color value of the particular color component along which the tonal adjustment graph is defined. The application then identifies a corresponding adjustment value for the retrieved color value on the tonal adjustment graph, and uses the adjustment value to adjust the color values of the pixel.

FIG. 8conceptually illustrates a process800for generating a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph and editing an image based on the composite bump. In some embodiments, the process is performed by the media editing application700ofFIG. 7. The process800begins by displaying (at805) a tonal adjustment graph for a particular image.

Next, the process receives (at810) a set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the set of inputs includes selection of a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph and definition of a vector. The process then (at815) creates a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph based on the received set of inputs. In some embodiments, the application uses the selected baseline location as the center location of the basic bump. The application of some embodiments also uses the vector input to specify a height of the basic bump. As mentioned above, the basic bump corresponds different color values within a tonal range to different adjustment values on the tonal adjustment graph.

After creating a basic bump based on the user inputs, the process generates (at820) a composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph by blending the basic bump with any existing bumps if necessary. In some embodiments, when there exists one or more other bumps on the tonal adjustment graph, the process generates a composite bump by blending the newly created basic bump with the existing bumps. Different embodiments blend bumps differently as described above. If there does not exist any other bump, the newly created bump is the composite bump for the tonal adjustment graph.

Next, the process adjusts (at825) the particular image based on the composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph. The operation of adjusting an image based on a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph will be described in more detail below by reference toFIG. 10.

The process then determines (at830) whether there is any more input received on the tonal adjustment graph. If more inputs are received, the process returns to815to create a new basic bump based on the newly received inputs. The process will cycle through operations815-830until no more inputs are received on the tonal adjustment graph. If there is no more inputs received, the process ends.

FIG. 9conceptually illustrates a process900for creating a basic bump based on a set of user inputs on a tonal adjustment graph for editing an image. In some embodiments, the process is performed by the bump generator710of the media editing application700. The process900begins by receiving (at905) a selection of a baseline location on a tonal adjustment graph. As mentioned above, the baseline location is a location on an axis of the tonal adjustment graph that represents different values along a color component of a color space. The process then receives (at910) a vector input on the tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the user can provide the vector input by dragging a cursor on the tonal adjustment graph or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the tonal adjustment graph.

After receiving both inputs, the process (at915) creates a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph with a center of the bump at the selected baseline location and a height that corresponds to the magnitude of the received vector. In some embodiments, the larger vector's magnitude corresponds to a larger height on the bump. Then the process ends.

FIG. 10conceptually illustrates a process1000for adjusting the color values of an image based on a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the process1000is performed by the color adjustment engine720of the media editing application700during operation825of process800ofFIG. 8. In addition, the application performs the process1000iteratively for each pixel in the image until all pixels in the image have been traversed and processed. As shown, the process begins by receiving (at1005) a pixel from the image.

The process next retrieves (at1010), from the pixel, a color value of the particular color component. As mentioned above, the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph of some embodiments can be defined along one of the primary color components of a color space in which the color values of an image are defined, or along a luminance component. In these embodiments, the bump on the tonal adjustment graph corresponds each color value along a particular color component to a corresponding adjustment value. For example, if the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph is defined along a red color component, the process retrieves a red color value from the pixel. The process then identifies (at1015) a corresponding adjustment value for the retrieved color value using the composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph.

After identifying the corresponding adjustment value for the pixel, the process uses (at1020) the identified adjustment value to adjust the retrieved color value of the pixel. In some embodiments, the application adjusts the color value by performing a computation using the retrieved color value and the adjustment value (e.g., multiplying the color value by the adjustment value, adding the adjustment value to the color value, using a function that takes as inputs the color value and the adjustment value and outputs the adjusted color value, etc.)

The process then determines whether there are any pixels in the image that have not been processed. If more pixels in the image need to be processed, the process returns to1005to receive another pixel from the image. The process will cycle through operations1005-1025until all the pixels in the image are processed. If all the pixels from the image are processed, the process ends.

After a bump (a basic bump or a composite bump) is created on the tonal adjustment graph, the application of some embodiments allows the user to modify several attributes of the bump. For example, the application of some embodiments allows a user to select an individual basic bump and adjust the width of the basic bump.FIG. 11illustrates an example operation of modifying the width of a basic bump through GUI300at four different stages1105,1110,1115, and1120.

The first stage1105is identical as the fourth stage320ofFIG. 3. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The tonal adjustment graph340also includes a basic bump335that was created by a user for adjusting the color values of the image325.

The second stage1110illustrates the GUI300after the user has initiated a width adjustment operation on the bump335by selecting the bump335. In some embodiments, the user may modify the width of a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph by selecting the basic bump and providing a vector input. The selection of a bump can be performed by placing a cursor at an area inside the bump and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the bump335. As shown, the user has selected the bump335by placing a cursor within the area covered by the bump335(i.e., the area between the bump335and the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph) and providing a providing an input, as indicated by the highlighting of half of the area covered by the bump335.

The third stage1115illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to reduce the width of the bump335. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the width of a bump by dragging a cursor either toward the center of the bump or away from the center of the bump. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor toward the center of the bump335, as indicated by the arrow1125. As a result of the drag movement, the width of the bump335has been reduced. In some embodiments, the application re-adjusts the color values of the image when the bump on the tonal adjustment graph is modified. As a result of the modification to the bump335, a smaller range of color values along the luminance component is adjusted. As shown, the area of the image325that has been adjusted has shrunk in the third stage1115compare to the image in the second stage1110.

In this example, the user has dragged the cursor toward the center of the bump335in order to reduce the width of the bump335. The fourth stage1120illustrates the GUI300after the user has further reduced the width of the bump. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further toward the center of the bump335, as indicated by the arrow1130. As a result, the width of the bump335in the fourth stage1120has been further reduced compare to the width of the bump in the third stage1115. In addition, due to the modification to the bump335, the area in the image that has been adjusted is also reduced. In a similar manner, the user may also drag the cursor away from the center of the bump to enlarge the width of the bump324.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of reducing the width of a basic bump on a tonal adjustment graph when there is only one basic bump on the graph.FIG. 12illustrates another example of modifying the width of one of the basic bumps of a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph through the GUI300at four different stages1205,1210,1215, and1220.

The first stage1205is identical as the fourth stage420ofFIG. 4. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The tonal adjustment graph340includes two basic bumps435and440that are created by a user for adjusting the color values of the image325. The tonal adjustment graph340also includes a composite bump445that is generated based on the basic bumps435and440.

The second stage1210illustrates the GUI300after the user has initiated a width adjustment operation on the bump440by selecting the bump440. In some embodiments, the user may modify the width of one of the basic bumps of a composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph by selecting the basic bump and providing a vector input. The selection of a bump can be performed by placing a cursor at an area inside the bump and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the bump440. As shown, the user has selected the bump440by placing a cursor within the area covered by the bump440(i.e., the area between the bump440and the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph) and providing a providing an input, as indicated by the highlighting of half of the area covered by the bump440. As a result, the blended

The third stage1215illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to reduce the width of the bump440. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the width of a bump by dragging a cursor either toward the center of the bump or away from the center of the bump. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor toward the center of the bump440, as indicated by the arrow1250. As a result of the drag movement, the width of the bump440has been reduced. In some embodiments, the application re-adjusts the color values of the image when the bump on the tonal adjustment graph is modified. As a result of the modification to the bump440, a smaller range of dark color values (with low luminance values) along the luminance component is adjusted. As shown, the area of the image325that has been adjusted has shrunk in the third stage1215compare to the image in the second stage1210. As a result, the blended bump445has been changed. That is, the horizontal range shared by the basic bumps435and440has been shrunk and the adjustment values represented by the blended bump for the range have been changed accordingly.

The fourth stage1220illustrates the GUI300after the user has further reduced the width of the bump. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further toward the center of the bump440, as indicated by the arrow1255. As a result, the width of the bump440in the fourth stage1220has been further reduced compare to the width of the bump in the third stage1215. In addition, due to the modification to the bump440, the area in the image that has been adjusted is also reduced.

FIG. 13conceptually illustrates a process1300for adjusting the width of a basic bump based on a set of user inputs. In some embodiments, the process is performed by the media editing application700ofFIG. 7. The process1300begins by receiving (at1305) a selection of a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph. As mentioned, the selection of a basic bump can be performed by placing a cursor at an area inside the bump and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the bump.

Next, the process receives (at1310) a set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graph for adjusting the width of the selected bump. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the width of a bump by dragging a cursor either toward the center of the bump or away from the center of the bump.

The process then (at1315) adjusts the width of the selected bump based on the set of inputs. In some embodiments, dragging the cursor toward the center of the bump reduces the width of the bump and dragging the cursor away from the center of the bump enlarges the width of the bump. In addition, the extent of adjustment to the bump's width corresponds to the extent of the user's drag movement.

After adjusting the width of the basic bump, the process then modifies (at1320) the composite bump based on the adjusted bump and other existing bumps. In some embodiments, the process modifies a horizontal range of the composite bump that the adjusted width of the basic bump spans. That is, the adjustment values within the range of the composite bump are modified because the adjustment values of the basic bump are modified as the width of the basic bump is adjusted.

Next, the process re-adjusts (at1325) the color values of the image based on the updated composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph. The process then determines (at1330) whether a basic bump is being selected. If another basic bump is selected, the process returns to1310to receive another set of inputs for modifying the width of the selected bump. The process will cycle through operations1310-1330until no more basic bump is selected. If no more bump is selected, the process ends.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate two examples of adjusting the width of a basic bump on a tonal adjustment graph. In addition to adjusting the characteristics of a basic bump, the application of some embodiments also allows the user to adjust the entire composite bump. Different embodiments of the application provide different tools for adjusting the entire composite bump. In one approach, the application allows the user to adjust the entire composite bump by selecting and modifying one of the horizontal endpoints of the tonal adjustment graph.FIG. 14illustrates an example of this approach. Specifically,FIG. 14illustrates an example of adjusting a composite bump by manipulating a horizontal endpoint of a tonal adjustment graph through the GUI300at four different stages1405,1410,1415, and1420.

The first stage1405is similar to the fourth stage320ofFIG. 3, except that the tonal adjustment graph340includes a different basic bump1435that is created by a user. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. Since the tonal adjustment graph340in this example only includes one basic bump1435, the composite bump1450includes the basic bump1435and the flat line that extends toward the right side of the graph340from the basic bump1435.

The tonal adjustment graph340in this example has a tonal range that is defined along a luminance component. As such, the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340represents different luminance values of the color space in which the color values of the image325are defined. Since the bump1435covers an area that is toward the lower end of the luminance spectrum (i.e., the center of the bump1435is located on the left side of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340), only the color values with low luminance values are adjusted to be brighter.

In some embodiments, the user may modify the composite bump by selecting and manipulating one of the two horizontal endpoints (end portions)1440and1445of the tonal adjustment graph340. The horizontal endpoints1440and1445(at the two ends of the horizontal axis) corresponds to the minimum color component value and the maximum color component value on the tonal adjustment graph340. The second stage1410illustrates the GUI300after the user has initiated a bump adjustment operation by selecting an endpoint. The selection of the endpoint can be performed by placing a cursor on the endpoint and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the endpoint. As shown, the user has selected the endpoint1440by placing a cursor on the endpoint1440, as indicated by the highlighting of the endpoint1440.

The third stage1415illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to adjust the composite bump. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the composite bump by dragging an endpoint up or down. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor down, toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow1455. As a result of the drag movement, the composite bump has been adjusted. The composite bump before adjustment is depicted in dashed line. Different embodiments of the application use different techniques to adjust the composite bump based on the manipulation of an endpoint. In this example, the application modifies the adjustment value of the minimum or maximum color component value (depending on which endpoint the user has selected and manipulates) according to the user's manipulation. For example, if the user drags the end point up, the application increases the adjustment value on the composite bump that corresponds to the minimum or maximum color component value. Similarly, if the user drags the end point down, the application decreases the adjustment value on the composite bump that corresponds to the minimum or maximum color component value.

In some embodiments, the application also modifies the adjustment values on the composite bump that correspond to the other color component values, but the modification to the adjustment values decreases on the composite bump as the corresponding horizontal location is farther away from the selected end point. In addition, the application retains (does not modify) the adjustment value on the composite bump that corresponds to the unselected endpoint location. That is, an adjustment value that corresponds to a color component value that is closer to the moving endpoint gets changed more than an adjustment value that corresponds to a color component value that is farther to the moving endpoint does. And the adjustment value that corresponds to the other endpoint does not get changed at all in some embodiments.

As shown, since the user drags the cursor down in this example, the entire composite bump1450is adjusted. Different sections on the composite bump1450have different extents of adjustments. As shown, the section of the composite bump1450closer to the selected endpoint1440has larger extents of adjustments than the section of the composite bump1450that is farther away from the selected endpoint1440. In addition, the point of the composite bump1450at the unselected endpoint1445is unchanged. The color values of the image325are also modified according to the update to the composite bump1450at this third stage1415.

In this example, the user has dragged the cursor down toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340to reduce the adjustment values along the entire composite bump1450. In a similar manner, the user may also drag the cursor up to increase the adjustment values along the entire composite bump1450. The fourth stage1420illustrates the GUI300after the user has further reduced the adjustment values of the composite bump1450. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further down toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow1460. As a result, the adjustment values of the entire composite bump1450has been further reduced. In addition, due to the modification to the composite bump1450, the color values of the image325have also been adjusted according to the updated composite bump1450.

FIG. 13aillustrates an example of adjusting a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph by adjusting one of the basic bumps that make up the composite bump. Specifically,FIG. 13aillustrates that the media editing application of some embodiments highlights different portions of different basic bumps of the composite bump as the cursor is hovering over the different portions of the different basic bumps. This figure also illustrates that the media editing application of some embodiments allows the user to select one of the basic bumps and modify the basic bump by selecting and dragging a portion of the basic bump. This figures illustrates a composite bump1360that is generated by blending two basic bumps1365and1370.

The media editing application defines one or more selectable regions within a basic bump (i.e., within the area enclosed by the horizontal axis and the curve of the basic bump) that is one of several basic bumps that are blended into form a composite bump. For instance, the media editing application of some embodiments defines three regions of the basic bump—left region, middle region, and right region. The left and right regions of the basic bump in some embodiments are for adjusting the width of the basic bump. The user can select either of the left or right regions and adjust the width of the basic bump by providing a vector input. Modifying the width of the basic bump may be done in a similar manner described above by reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

The middle region of the basic bump in some embodiments is for adjusting the height of the basic bump as well as for moving the basic bump horizontally. That is, when the user selects the middle region of the basic bump and provides a vector input that may have both a vertical component and a horizontal component, the media editing application changes the height of the basic bump based on the vertical component of the vector input and moves the basic bump horizontally along the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph based on the horizontal component of the vector input.

The first stage1351illustrates that the user has placed a cursor1355on the left of the composite bump1360. The next stage1352illustrates that the user has moved the cursor1355over the left region of the basic bump1365. The media editing application highlights the left region of the basic bump1365. The highlighting is depicted as horizontal lines covering the region. The user may select this region and provide a vector input in order to adjust the width of the basic bump1365.

The third stage1353shows that the user has moved the cursor1355over the middle region of the basic bump1365. The media editing application highlights the middle region of the basic bump1365as shown. The user may select this region and provide a vector input in order to adjust the height of the basic bump1365or move the basic bump1365to the left or to the right along the horizontal axis.

The next stage1354illustrates that the user has moved the cursor1355over the right region of the basic bump1365. The media editing application highlights the right region of the basic bump1365as shown. The user may select this region and provide a vector input in order to adjust the width of the basic bump1365.

The fifth stage1355illustrates that the user has move the cursor1355over the left region of the basic bump1370. The media editing application highlights the left region of the basic bump1370as shown. The user may select this region and provide a vector input in order to adjust the width of the basic bump1370.

The sixth stage1356shows that the user has moved the cursor1355over the middle region of the basic bump1370. The media editing application highlights the middle region of the basic bump1370as shown. The user may select this region and provide a vector input in order to adjust the height of the basic bump1370or move the basic bump1370to the left or to the right along the horizontal axis.

The seventh stage1357illustrates that the user has selected the middle region of the basic bump1370by clicking on the middle region of the basic bump1370. The final stage1358illustrates that the user has moved the cursor1355to the upper left direction from the position of the cursor at the previous stage1357. The user thereby has provided a vector input that has both a vertical component and a horizontal component. The media editing application increases the height of the basic bump1370based on the vertical component of the vector input. The media editing application at the same time moves the basic bump1370to the left according to the horizontal component of the vector input. The media editing application does not change the width of the basic bump1370. The media editing application also modifies the composite bump1360as the media editing application modifies the basic bump1370. The media editing application also adjust the color values an image (not shown) based on the modified composite bump1360.

FIG. 14illustrates an example of adjusting a composite bump on a tonal adjustment graph that is made up of only one basic bump.FIG. 15illustrates another example of adjusting an entire composite bump that is made up of more than one basic bump. Specifically,FIG. 15illustrates an example of adjusting a composite bump by manipulating a horizontal endpoint of a tonal adjustment graph through the GUI300at four different stages1505,1510,1515, and1520.

The first stage1505is identical to the fourth stage420ofFIG. 4. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The tonal adjustment graph includes two basic bumps435and440and also a composite bump445that is generated based on the two basic bumps435and440.

The tonal adjustment graph340in this example has a tonal range that is defined along a luminance component. As such, the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340represents different luminance values of the color space in which the color values of the image325are defined.

In some embodiments, the user may modify the composite bump by selecting and manipulating one of the two horizontal endpoints1440and1445of the tonal adjustment graph340. The horizontal endpoints1440and1445(at the two ends of the horizontal axis) corresponds to the minimum color component value and the maximum color component value on the tonal adjustment graph340. The second stage1410illustrates the GUI300after the user has initiated a bump adjustment operation by selecting an endpoint. The selection of the endpoint can be performed by placing a cursor on the endpoint and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the endpoint. As shown, the user has selected the endpoint1440by placing a cursor on the endpoint1440, as indicated by the highlighting of the endpoint1440.

The third stage1515illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to adjust the composite bump. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the composite bump445by dragging an endpoint up or down. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor down, toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow1555. As a result of the drag movement, the composite bump has been adjusted. When the adjusted composite bump is made up of two or more basic bumps, the application of some embodiments adjusts the basic bumps that make up the composite bump accordingly while the application of other embodiments does not adjust the basic bumps as the composite bump is adjusted.

As shown, since the user drags the cursor down in this example, the entire composite bump445is adjusted. Different sections on the composite bump445have different extents of adjustments. As shown, the section of the composite bump445closer to the selected endpoint1440has larger extents of adjustment than the section of the composite bump445that is farther away from the selected endpoint1440. In addition, the point of the composite bump1450at the unselected endpoint1445is unchanged. The color values of the image325are also modified according to the update to the composite bump445at this third stage1515.

In this example, the user has dragged the cursor down toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340to reduce the adjustment values along the entire composite bump445. The fourth stage1520illustrates the GUI300after the user has further reduced the adjustment values of the composite bump445. As shown, the user has dragged the cursor further down toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow1560. As a result, the adjustment values of the entire composite bump445has been further reduced. In addition, due to the modification to the composite bump445, the color values of the image325have also been adjusted according to the updated composite bump445. In a similar manner, the user may also drag the cursor up to increase the adjustment values along the entire composite bump445.

FIG. 16conceptually illustrates a process1600for adjusting the composite bump based on a set of user inputs. In some embodiments, the process is performed by the media editing application700ofFIG. 7. The process1600begins by receiving (at1605) a selection of an endpoint on the tonal adjustment graph of an image. As mentioned, the endpoints correspond to the minimum or the maximum color component value on the tonal adjustment graph.

Next, the process receives (at1610) a set of inputs on the selected endpoint. In some embodiments, the user may adjust composite bump by dragging the selected endpoint up or down. The process then (at1615) adjusts the composite bump based on the set of inputs. In some embodiments, the section of the composite bump closer to the selected endpoint has larger extents of adjustments than the section of the composite bump that is farther away from the selected endpoint. In addition, the point of the composite bump at the unselected endpoint is unchanged.

After adjusting the composite bump, the process then re-adjusts (at1620) the color values of the image based on the updated composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the process adjusts the color values of the image by performing a computation using the adjustment values of the adjusted composite bump (e.g., multiplying the color values by the corresponding adjustment values, adding the corresponding adjustment values to the color values, using a function that takes as inputs the color values and the corresponding adjustment values and outputs the adjusted color values, etc.)

The process then determines (at1625) whether an endpoint is selected. If another endpoint is selected, the process returns to1610to receive another set of inputs for modifying the composite bump. The process will cycle through operations1610-1625until no more endpoint is selected. If no more endpoint is selected, the process ends.

II. Color Component Selection for Tonal Graphs

As mentioned above, the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph can be defined along one of the primary color components or the luminance component. In the examples illustrated above by reference toFIGS. 3,4,5,11,12,14, and15, the tonal ranges of the tonal adjustment graphs are defined along the luminance component. The media editing application of some embodiments allows a user to select a different primary color component for the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph through the GUI. Different embodiments of the application implement different tools for allowing a user to select a different color component. In one approach, the application provides a color component selection tool in the GUI that allows a user to select one of the primary color component or the luminance component.FIG. 17illustrates an example of such an approach. Specifically,FIG. 17illustrates the operation of selecting a different color component for the tonal adjustment graph through the GUI300at six different stages1705,1710,1715,1720,1725, and1730.

The first stage1705is identical to the first stage305ofFIG. 3. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The GUI300also displays a selectable UI item350for invoking a color component selection tool for selecting a color component for the tonal adjustment graph340. In some embodiments, the application also displays the current selection of color component for the tonal adjustment graph on the GUI. For example, the application may display the current selection of color component “luma” on the selectable UI item350.

The second stage310illustrates the GUI300after the user has invoked the color component selection tool. As shown, the user has invoked the color component selection tool by selecting the selectable UI item350. Different embodiments implement the color component selection tool differently. In this example, the color component selection tool is implemented as a drop down menu. As shown, after the user has selected the selectable UI item350, a drop down menu1740is displayed in the GUI300. The drop down menu1740includes four selectable UI items for selecting the luminance component or one of the three primary color components. For example, the selectable UI item1745labeled “L” is associated with the luminance component, the selectable UI item1750labeled “R” is associated with the red primary color component, the selectable UI item1755labeled “G” is associated with the green primary color component, and the selectable UI item1750labeled “B” is associated with the blue primary color component.

The third stage1715illustrates the GUI300after the user has selected the selectable UI item1750. As a result, the application modifies the tonal adjustment graph340such that the tonal range is now defined along the red primary color component instead of the luminance component. That is, the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340now represents different color values along the red primary color component (i.e., different red color values). The far left of the horizontal axis represents a color of black (i.e., a red color value of zero). The red color values increase from the left to the right on the horizontal axis and the far right of the horizontal axis represents a maximum red color value.

The fourth stage1720illustrates the GUI300when a user has begun to create a bump on the tonal adjustment graph340by specifying a center location of the basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a center location of a basic bump by selecting a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph (e.g., a location that corresponds to a particular color value along the color component). The selection of a baseline location may be performed by placing a cursor at the baseline location and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) at the baseline location on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen. As shown in the fourth stage1720, the user has specified the center location for the basic bump by placing a cursor at location1765on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340and providing an input. The selection is also indicated by the highlighting of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340.

The fifth stage1725illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to specify a height for the basic bump. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to specify a height for the basic bump by providing a vector on the tonal adjustment graph. In these embodiments, the magnitude of the vector corresponds to the height of the basic bump (i.e., the larger the magnitude, the higher the basic bump). The vector can be provided by dragging a cursor in a direction on the tonal adjustment graph or by performing a gesture (e.g., dragging a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the tonal adjustment graph. As shown, the user has provided a vector on the tonal adjustment graph340by dragging the cursor upward, toward the top of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow1770. As a result of the drag movement, the application generates a basic bump1775on the tonal adjustment graph340. Specifically, the basic bump1775has a center that corresponds to the selected baseline location1765and a height that corresponds to the user provided vector.

In this example, the basic bump1775corresponds different color values along the red primary color component on the tonal adjustment graph340to different adjustment values. As shown, the basic bump1775specifies that the color values that are represented at locations around the selected baseline location1765(i.e., mid-tone colors) have a larger positive adjustments than the luminance values that are represented at locations that are farther away from the selected baseline location1765(i.e., dark or bright colors). In some embodiments, the application adjusts the color values of the image325based on the basic bump1775. As shown, the color values of the image325(especially those with mid-tone colors) have been changed to become more red.

The sixth stage1730illustrates the GUI300after the user has moved the cursor further upward on the tonal adjustment graph340. The cursor movement specifies a new height for the basic bump1775. As a result, the application adjusts the height of the basic bump1775according to the new vector. The application also re-adjusts the color values of the image325based on the modified basic bump1775. As shown, the color values of the image325(especially those having mid-tone) in the sixth stage1730is shown to be even more red than the color values of the image325in the fifth stage1725.

FIG. 17above illustrates an example of changing the color component along which the tonal adjustment graph is defined to a red color component. In some embodiments, the user may selects other primary color components (e.g., the green color component, the blue color component, etc.) using similar techniques.

In addition to selecting a primary color component or a luminance component for the tonal adjustment graph, some embodiments of the application also allow the user to define the tonal range along a custom color component that is not one of the primary color components or the luminance component of the color space. Specifically, a custom color component is a composite of two or more primary color components. Each of the primary color contributes a specific fraction that makes up the custom color component.

Different embodiments provide different UI tools for allowing the user to select a custom color component. For example, the application of some embodiments provides a set of range sliders that each associated with a primary color component. By adjusting the range sliders, the user can specify a particular fraction for each primary color component that contributes to the custom color component.FIG. 18illustrates an example of selecting a custom color component for a tonal adjustment graph by adjusting the range sliders through the GUI300at four different stages1805,1810,1815, and1820.

As shown in the first stage1805ofFIG. 18, the GUI300displays an image325in the display area370, the tonal adjustment graph340, and also the selectable UI item345for invoking the custom color component selection tool. The tonal adjustment graph340in this example includes a tonal range that is defined along the red primary color component. The second stage1810illustrates the GUI300after the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool. As shown, the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool by selecting the selectable UI item345. As a result, a new window1845appears in the GUI300. The window1845includes three UI controls1850-1860, and a display area1865for displaying the color component that has been selected by the user. The three UI controls1850-1860allow a user to select a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by specifying a fractional contribution for each primary color component. For example, the user can adjust the UI control1850to specify a fractional contribution for the red color component, the user can adjust the UI control1855to specify a fractional contribution for the green color component, and the user can also adjust the UI control1860to specify a fractional contribution for the blue color component. Although the UI controls1850-1860are implemented as range sliders in this example, the application of other embodiments may provide different types of range related UI controls (e.g., dials, buttons, number fields, and the like) for specifying the fractional contributions of the primary color components.

As shown in the second stage1810, since the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph340is currently defined along the red primary color component, only the UI control1850(i.e., associated with the red color component) shows a maximum value while the UI controls1855and1860(associated with the green and blue color component respectively) show a minimum value. As such, the display area1865displays a pure red color indicating that the selected color component is a pure red color component.

The third stage1815illustrates the GUI300after the user has specified a different custom color component. As shown, the user has moved a knob230of the UI control1855(associated with the green color component) toward the right, thereby increasing the fractional contribution by the green color component. As shown in the display area1865, the custom color component is now an orange color, which is a composite of the red color component and the green color component. Specifically, the custom color component that is specified in the third stage1815includes a larger fractional contribution from the red color component and a smaller fractional contribution from the green color component.

The fourth stage1820illustrates the GUI300after the user has created a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location1870on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340, and provided a vector, as indicated by the arrow1875. Based on the user's input (i.e., the selected baseline location and the vector), the application creates a basic bump1880on the tonal adjustment graph340. As mentioned above, the bump1880on the tonal adjustment graph340corresponds different color values within a tonal range along a particular color component to different adjustment values. The application then adjusts the color values of the image325based on the bump1880. In some embodiments, before adjusting the color values of the image325, the application breaks down the composite bump1880into several curves for the primary color components that have contributed to the custom color component. In this example, the application uses the composite bump1880to generate a curve for the red color component and a curve for the green color component. In some of these embodiments, the application breaks down the composite bump1880according to the fractional contribution of each primary color component to make up the custom color component. Thus, if the application determines that the custom color component is made up of sixty percent (60%) of the red color component and forty percent (40%) of the green color component, the application creates a curve for the red color component that is sixty percent of the composite bump1880and a curve for the green color component that is forty percent of the composite bump1880. Thus, when the composite bump1880corresponds a particular color value to a value “x” on the tonal adjustment graph340, the curve for the red component corresponds the particular color value to a value equals to sixty percent of “x”, and the curve for the green color component corresponds the particular color value to a value equals to forty percent of “x”.

The application then adjusts the color values of the image325based on these curves that are generated for each primary color component. As shown, the colors of the image325(especially those having mid-tone colors) have been modified to become more orange.

FIG. 19illustrates another example of selecting a custom color component for a tonal adjustment graph using the range sliders through the GUI300at four different stages1905,1910,1915, and1920.

The first stage1905is identical to the first stage305ofFIG. 3. As shown, the GUI300displays the image325in the display area370, the tonal adjustment graph340, and also the selectable UI item345for invoking the custom color component selection tool. The tonal adjustment graph340in this example includes a tonal range that is defined along the luminance color component. The second stage1910illustrates the GUI300after the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool. As shown, the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool by selecting the selectable UI item345. As a result, a new window1845appears in the GUI300. The window1845includes three UI controls1850-1860, and a display area1865for displaying the color component that has been selected by the user. The three UI controls1850-1860allow a user to select a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by specifying a fractional contribution for each primary color component. For example, the user can adjust the UI control1850to specify a fractional contribution for the red color component, the user can adjust the UI control1855to specify a fractional contribution for the green color component, and the user can also adjust the UI control1860to specify a fractional contribution for the blue color component. Although the UI controls1850-1860are implemented as range sliders in this example, the application of other embodiments may provide different types of range related UI controls (e.g., dials, buttons, number fields, and the like) for specifying the fractional contributions of the primary color components.

As shown in the second stage1910, since the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph340is currently defined along the luminance color component, all three UI controls1850-1860shows a maximum value. As such, the display area1865displays a pure white color indicating that the selected color component is a luminance color component.

The third stage1915illustrates the GUI300after the user has specified a different custom color component. As shown, the user has moved the knob of the UI control1855(associated with the green color component) to specify a minimum value, thereby removing the contribution of the green color component to the custom color component. The user has also moved the knob of the UI control1860(associated with the blue color component) toward the left, thereby decreasing the fractional contribution by the blue color component. As shown in the display area1865, the custom color component is now a purple color, which is a composite of the red color component and the blue color component. Specifically, the custom color component that is specified in the third stage1915includes a larger fractional contribution from the red color component and a smaller fractional contribution from the blue color component.

The fourth stage1920illustrates the GUI300after the user has created a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location1970on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340, and provided a vector, as indicated by the arrow1975. Based on the user's input (i.e., the selected baseline location and the vector), the application creates a basic bump1980on the tonal adjustment graph340. As mentioned above, the bump1980on the tonal adjustment graph340corresponds different color values within a tonal range along a particular color component to different adjustment values. The application then adjusts the color values of the image325based on the bump1980. In some embodiments, before adjusting the color values of the image325, the application breaks down the composite bump1980into several curves for the primary color components that have contributed to the custom color component. In this example, the application uses the composite bump1980to generate a curve for the red color component and a curve for the blue color component. In some of these embodiments, the application breaks down the composite bump1980according to the fractional contribution of each primary color component to make up the custom color component. Thus, if the application determines that the custom color component is made up of sixty percent (60%) of the red color component and forty percent (40%) of the blue color component, the application creates a curve for the red color component that is sixty percent of the composite bump1980and a curve for the blue color component that is forty percent of the composite bump1980. Thus, when the composite bump1980corresponds a particular color value to a value “y” on the tonal adjustment graph340, the curve for the red component corresponds the particular color value to a value equals to sixty percent of “y”, and the curve for the blue color component corresponds the particular color value to a value equals to forty percent of “y”.

The application then adjusts the color values of the image325based on these curves that are generated for each primary color component. As shown, the colors of the image325(especially those having mid-tone colors) have been modified to become more purple.

FIGS. 18 and 19above illustrates two examples of selecting a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by manipulating a set of range sliders that area associated with the primary color components of the color space. Instead of or in addition to the range sliders, some embodiments also allow a user to specify a custom color component by selecting a location on a displayed image. The application corresponds the selected location to a particular pixel of the image, and uses the color values of the particular pixel to determine a custom color component.FIG. 20illustrates an example of specifying a custom color component for a tonal adjustment graph by selecting a location on a displayed image. Specifically,FIG. 20illustrates an example custom color component selection operation through the GUI300at four different stages2005,2010,2015, and2020.

As shown in the first stage2005ofFIG. 20, the GUI300displays a display area370for displaying an image being edited, the tonal adjustment graph340, and also the selectable UI item345for invoking a custom color component selection tool. In this example, the display area370displays an image2025, which is a picture of a castle.

The second stage2010illustrates the GUI300after the color selection tool is invoked. As shown, the user has invoked the color selection tool by selecting the selectable UI item345. As a result, a new window1845appears in the GUI300. The window1845includes three UI controls1850-1860, and a display area1865for displaying the color component that has been selected by the user. The three UI controls1850-1860allow a user to select a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by specifying a fractional contribution for each primary color component. For example, the user can adjust the UI control1850to specify a fractional contribution for the red color component, the user can adjust the UI control1855to specify a fractional contribution for the green color component, and the user can also adjust the UI control1860to specify a fractional contribution for the blue color component. Although the UI controls1850-1860are implemented as range sliders in this example, the application of other embodiments may provide different types of range related UI controls (e.g., dials, buttons, number fields, and the like) for specifying the fractional contributions of the primary color components.

In addition to using the UI controls2050-2060, the application also allows the user to specify a custom color component by selecting a location on the image2025. When a user selects a location on the image, the application identifies a custom color component based on the color values of the pixel that corresponds to the selected location on the image. In some embodiments, the selection of a location on the image can be performed by placing a cursor at the location on the image2025and providing an input (e.g., an input from a cursor controlling device or a hot key) or by performing a gesture (e.g., placing, pointing, or tapping a finger) on a device having a touch or near touch sensitive screen that displays the image2025. The third stage2015illustrates the GUI300after the user has specified a custom color component. As shown, the user has specified a custom color component by selecting a location2085on the image2025. Since the location2085displays an orange color, the display area1865displays the orange color that corresponds the color of the selected location2085on the image2025. The third stage2015also illustrates that the UI controls1850-1860are also modified according to the newly selected custom color component. As shown, the UI controls1850-1860shows different fractional contribution from each of the primary color components that make up the new custom color component. The UI controls1850-1860indicate that the custom color component contains a larger fractional contribution from the red color component, a lesser fractional contribution from the green color component and a even lesser fractional contribution from the blue color component.

The fourth stage2020illustrates the GUI300after the user has created a basic bump. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location2090provided a vector, as indicated by the arrow2075. Based on the user's input (i.e., the selected baseline location and the vector), the application creates a basic bump2080on the tonal adjustment graph340. As mentioned above, the bump2080on the tonal adjustment graph340corresponds different color values within a tonal range along a particular color component to different adjustment values. The application then adjusts the color values of the image2025according to the bump2080. As shown, the orange color values of the image2025(especially those having mid-tone colors) have been modified to become less orange.

After specifying a custom color component for a tonal adjustment graph, the application of some embodiments allow the user to adjust the custom color component after a custom color component is specified.FIG. 21illustrates an example of adjusting a custom color component after the user has specified the custom color component by selecting a location on the displayed image. Specifically,FIG. 21illustrates an example operation of adjusting a custom color component through the GUI300at four different stages2105,2110,2115, and2120.

The first stage2105is identical to the third stage2015ofFIG. 20. As shown, the GUI300displays the image2025in the display area370and the tonal adjustment graph340. The GUI300also shows a window1845that includes three UI controls1850-1860, and a display area1865for displaying the color component that has been selected by the user. The three UI controls1850-1860allow a user to select a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by specifying a fractional contribution for each primary color component. The display area1865displays an orange color that corresponds the color selected by the user. In addition, the UI controls2050-2060also show the different fractional contribution from each of the primary color components that make up this custom color component. Specifically, the UI controls2050-2060indicate that the custom color component contains a larger fractional contribution from the red color component, a lesser fractional contribution from the green color component and a even lesser fractional contribution from the blue color component. In some embodiments, the custom color component is specified by selecting a location on the image2025.

The second stage2110illustrates the GUI300after the user has modified the existing custom color component. In some embodiments, the application allows the user to modify the custom color component by manipulate the UI controls1850-1860. As shown, the user has modified the custom color component by moving the knob of the UI control1855(associated with the green color component) to the left, thereby decreasing the fractional contribution of the green color component to the custom color component. As a result, the display area1865now displays a pinkish color instead of an orange color.

The third stage2115illustrates the GUI300after the user has begun to create a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph340. As shown, the user has selected a baseline location2180on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the highlighting of the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph340. The fourth stage2120illustrates the GUI300after the user has provided a vector input. As shown, the user has provided a vector input by dragging the cursor down toward the bottom of the tonal adjustment graph340, as indicated by the arrow2175. As a result of the user inputs, the application has created a basic bump2150on the tonal adjustment graph340. As mentioned above, the bump2150on the tonal adjustment graph340corresponds different color values within a tonal range along a particular color component to different adjustment values. The application then adjusts the color values of the image2025based on the bump2150in the same manner as described above by reference toFIGS. 18,19, and20. As shown, the colors of the image325(especially those having mid-tone colors) have been modified to become less pink.

In some embodiments, the application allows the user to modify the custom color component even after a set of basic bumps have been created on the tonal adjustment graph.FIG. 22illustrates such an example. Specifically,FIG. 22illustrates an example of modifying a custom color component on a tonal adjustment graph after a basic bump is created on the tonal adjustment graph through the GUI300at three stages2205,2210, and2215.

The first stage2205is identical as the fourth stage2020ofFIG. 20. As shown, the GUI300displays the image2025, the tonal adjustment graph340, and also the selectable UI item345for invoking a custom color component selection tool. The first stage2205also shows that a basic bump2080has been created on the tonal adjustment graph340.

The second stage2210illustrates the GUI300after the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool. As shown, the user has invoked the custom color component selection tool by selecting the selectable UI item345. As a result, a window a new window1845appears in the GUI300. The window1845includes three UI controls1850-1860, and a display area1865for displaying the color component that has been selected by the user. The three UI controls1850-1860allow a user to select a custom color component for the tonal adjustment graph by specifying a fractional contribution for each primary color component. For example, the user can adjust the UI control1850to specify a fractional contribution for the red color component, the user can adjust the UI control1855to specify a fractional contribution for the green color component, and the user can also adjust the UI control1860to specify a fractional contribution for the blue color component. Although the UI controls1850-1860are implemented as range sliders in this example, the application of other embodiments may provide different types of range related UI controls (e.g., dials, buttons, number fields, and the like) for specifying the fractional contributions of the primary color components.

The second stage2210also illustrates that the UI controls1850-1860shows the different fractional contributions from the primary color components that make up the currently specified custom color component. In this example, the UI controls1850-1860indicate that the custom color component contains a larger fractional contribution from the red color component, a lesser fractional contribution from the green color component and a even lesser fractional contribution from the blue color component.

The third stage2215illustrates the GUI300after the user has modified the custom color component. As shown, the user has modified the custom color component by dragging the knob of the UI control1855(associated with the green color component) to the left. As a result, the custom color component is changed from an orange color to a pink color, as shown in the display area1865. The third stage2215also illustrates that after the custom color component is modified, the application of some embodiments re-adjusts the color values of the image2025according to the bump2080based on the newly defined custom color component.

FIGS. 21 and 22above illustrate examples of modifying a custom color component that has been previously specified by a user (either by manipulating the UI controls or selecting a location on the image). In addition to modifying an existing custom color component, the application of some other embodiments allow the user to specify more than one custom color components and create bumps that are based on the different custom color components. In these embodiments, the application provides a tool (such as the color component selection tool350) to allow the user to display the tonal adjustment graph along the different custom color components that have been previously specified by the user.

FIGS. 18,19,20,21, and22above illustrate examples of specifying (or defining) custom color components for the tonal adjustment graph. However, the application of some other embodiments allows the user to use the same manner to specify a custom color component for other tonal graph, such as a response graph, for editing color values of an image.

FIG. 23illustrates a media editing application700of some embodiments that allows a user to specify a custom color component for a tonal adjustment graph and to edit the color values of an image by creating a set of basic bumps on the tonal adjustment graph. In addition,FIG. 23illustrates an example of breaking down a composite bump associated with a custom color component into several curves for each of the primary color components. As shown, the media editing application700includes a UI module705, a bump generator2310, and a color adjustment engine720. The UI module705receives user inputs provided on a tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the user inputs include providing a selection of a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph and providing a vector.

FIG. 23illustrates a set of example user inputs on a tonal adjustment graph2340. The tonal adjustment graph2340in this example has a tonal range that is defined along a custom color component. The custom color component is a composite of thirty percent of a red color component, sixty percent of a green color component, and ten percent of a blue color component. As shown, the user inputs include selecting a baseline location2330(i.e., a location on the horizontal axis of the tonal adjustment graph2340) and providing a vector2335. Based on the user inputs, the bump generator2310creates a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph2340. In this example, the bump generator2310creates a basic bump2345on the tonal adjustment graph2340. In some embodiments, when there exists another bump on the tonal adjustment graph, the media editing application700generates a composite bump based on the basic bumps. Since another basic bump2325has been created on the tonal adjustment graph2340inFIG. 23, the bump generator2310generates a composite bump2350by blending the basic bumps2325and2345.

The bump generator then breaks down the composite bump2350into several curves for each of the primary color components that have contributed to the custom color component. In this example, the application uses the composite bump2350to generate a curve for the red color component, a curve for the green color component, and a curve for the blue color component. In some of these embodiments, the application breaks down the composite bump2350according to the fractional contribution of each primary color component that makes up the custom color component. Thus, the bump generator2310generates a curve2355for the red color component by taking thirty percent of the composite bump2350, generates a curve2360for the green color component by taking sixty percent of the composite bump2350, and generates a curve2365for the blue color component by taking 10% percent of the composite bump2350.

The bump generator2310then passes the curves2350-2360for the primary color components to the color adjustment engine720. The color adjustment engine720receives an image and adjusts the color values of the image based on the curves2350-2360on the tonal adjustment graph.

FIG. 24conceptually illustrates a process2400for editing an image based on a bump on a tonal adjustment graph with a tonal range along a custom color component. In some embodiments, the process is performed by the media editing application700. The process2400begins by receiving (at2405) a specification of a custom color component. As mentioned above, different embodiments of the application allow the user to specify the custom color component in different manners. In some embodiments, the application provides a set of UI controls that are associated with the set of primary color components of a color space. In these embodiments, the user can specify a custom color component by manipulating the set of UI controls. In other embodiments, the user can specify a custom color component by selecting a location on a displayed image.

Next, the process displays (at2410), for an image, a tonal adjustment graph with a tonal range along the specified custom color component. The process then receives (at2415) a set of inputs on the tonal adjustment graphs. In some embodiments, the set of inputs includes selecting a baseline location on the tonal adjustment graph and providing a vector. Based on the received set of inputs, the process (at2420) creates a basic bump on the tonal adjustment graph. In some embodiments, the application uses the selected baseline location as the center location of the basic bump. The application of some embodiments also uses the vector input to specify a height of the basic bump. As mentioned above, the basic bump corresponds different color values along the custom color component to different adjustment values on the tonal adjustment graph.

After creating a basic bump based on the user inputs, the process generates (at2425) a composite bump on the tonal adjustment graph by blending the basic bump with any existing bumps if necessary. In some embodiments, when there exists one or more other bumps on the tonal adjustment graph, the process generates a composite bump by blending the newly created basic bump with the existing bumps. If there does not exist any other bump, the newly created bump is the composite bump for the tonal adjustment graph.

Next, the process generates (at2430) a curve for each primary color component based on the composite bump. As mentioned above, a custom color component is a composite of more than one primary color component. Each primary color component contributes a specific fraction that makes up the custom color component. As such, the process divides (or breaks down) the composite bump into several curves according to the specific fraction for each primary color component that makes up the custom color component. In some embodiments, the process uses the same technique as illustrated above by reference toFIG. 23to divide the composite bump. Each of the curves corresponds different color values along a primary color component to different adjustment values.

The process then adjusts (at2435) the color values of the image using the set of curves generated for the primary color components. Next, the process determines (at2440) whether there is any more input received on the tonal adjustment graph. If more inputs are received, the process returns to2420to create a new basic bump based on the newly received inputs. The process will cycle through operations2420-2440until no more inputs are received on the tonal adjustment graph. Then the process ends.

III. Software Architecture

In some embodiments, the processes described above are implemented as software running on a particular machine, such as a computer or a handheld device, or stored in a machine readable medium.FIG. 25conceptually illustrates the software architecture of a media editing application2500of some embodiments. Some examples of such media editing application include iPhoto®, iMovie® and Final Cut Pro®, all sold by Apple Inc.®

In some embodiments, the media editing application is a stand-alone application or is integrated into another application, while in other embodiments the application might be implemented within an operating system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the application is provided as part of a server-based solution. In some such embodiments, the application is provided via a thin client. That is, the application runs on a server while a user interacts with the application via a separate machine remote from the server. In other such embodiments, the application is provided via a thick client. That is, the application is distributed from the server to the client machine and runs on the client machine.

As shown, the media editing application2500includes a user interface (UI) interaction module2505, a video rendering module2510, a set of video editing modules2515, a media import module2520, a bump generator2525, and a color adjustment engine2535. The application also includes a media storage2540. In some embodiments, the media storage2540is a set of file folders organized by the media editing application and stored on a particular set of storage devices. The storage devices may include the boot drive of the electronic device on which the application operates, a different partition of that disk, a separate internal or external hard drive, a flash drive, SD card, etc.

The UI interaction module2505of the media editing application2500interprets the user input data received from the input device drivers2545and passes it to various modules, including the media editing modules2515, the media import module2520, the bump generator2525, and the color adjustment engine2535. In some embodiments, the input data directly affects the composite presentation data or other data stored in the media storage2540.

The UI interaction module2505also manages the display of the UI, and outputs this display information to the display drivers2550. This UI display information may be based on information from the various modules, including the video editing modules2515, the video rendering module2510, the media import module2520, the color graphs generator2525, and the color adjustment engine2535.

The media import module2520imports media (e.g., an image, a video containing multiple picture frames, etc.) into the media editing application for use. Some embodiments, as shown, receive the media directly from a video capturing device such as a video camera2555. Some embodiments import media from an external storage2560. The external storage2560may be an SD card, a flash drive, an external hard drive, an internal hard drive in which the files are not stored in the organized file folder structure of the application, etc.

The bump generator2525creates basic bumps on a tonal adjustment graph based on user inputs that are received from the UI interaction module2505. The bump generator2525also generates a composite bump by blending a set of basic bumps together on the tonal adjustment graph. In addition, when the tonal range of the tonal adjustment graph is defined along a custom color component, the bump generator2525also generates a curve on a tonal adjustment graph for each primary color component that contributes to the custom color component.

The color adjustment engine2535adjusts the color values of an image according to the bump that is generated by the bump generator2525.

FIG. 25also illustrates an operating system that includes input device driver(s)2545and display drivers2550. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the device drivers2545and display drivers2550are part of the operating system even when the media editing application2500is an application separate from the operating system.

The input device drivers2545may include drivers for translating signals from a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, drawing tablet, touchscreen, etc. A user interacts with one or more of these input devices, which send signals to their corresponding device driver. The device driver then translates the signals into user input data that is provided to the UI interface interaction module2505.

The present application describes a graphical user interface that provides users with numerous ways to perform different sets of operations and functionalities. In some embodiments, these operations and functionalities are performed based on different commands that are received from users through different input devices (e.g., keyboard, trackpad, touchpad, mouse, etc.). For example, the present application illustrates the use of a cursor in the graphical user interface to control (e.g., select, move) objects in the graphical user interface. However, in some embodiments, objects in the graphical user interface can also be controlled or manipulated through other controls, such as touch control. In some embodiments, touch control is implemented through an input device that can detect the presence and location of touch on a display of the input device. An example of a device with such functionality is a touch screen device (e.g., as incorporated into a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.). In some embodiments with touch control, a user directly manipulates objects by interacting with the graphical user interface that is displayed on the display of the touch screen device. For instance, a user can select a particular object in the graphical user interface by simply touching that particular object on the display of the touch screen device. As such, when touch control is utilized, a cursor may not even be provided for enabling selection of an object of a graphical user interface in some embodiments. However, when a cursor is provided in a graphical user interface, touch control can be used to control the cursor in some embodiments.

IV. Electronic System

FIG. 26conceptually illustrates an electronic system2600with which some embodiments of the invention are implemented. The electronic system2600may be a computer (e.g., a desktop computer, personal computer, tablet computer, etc.), phone, PDA, or any other sort of electronic device. Such an electronic system includes various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. Electronic system2600includes a bus2605, processing unit(s)2610, a graphics processing unit (GPU)2615, a system memory2620, a network2625, a read-only memory2630, a permanent storage device2635, input devices2640, and output devices2645.

The bus2605collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of the electronic system2600. For instance, the bus2605communicatively connects the processing unit(s)2610with the read-only memory2630, the GPU2615, the system memory2620, and the permanent storage device2635.

From these various memory units, the processing unit(s)2610retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the invention. The processing unit(s) may be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different embodiments. Some instructions are passed to and executed by the GPU2615. The GPU2615can offload various computations or complement the image processing provided by the processing unit(s)2610. In some embodiments, such functionality can be provided using CoreImage's kernel shading language.

The read-only-memory (ROM)2630stores static data and instructions that are needed by the processing unit(s)2610and other modules of the electronic system. The permanent storage device2635, on the other hand, is a read-and-write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system2600is off. Some embodiments of the invention use a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) as the permanent storage device2635.

Other embodiments use a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash memory device, etc., and its corresponding disk drive) as the permanent storage device. Like the permanent storage device2635, the system memory2620is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage device2635, the system memory2620is a volatile read-and-write memory, such a random access memory. The system memory2620stores some of the instructions and data that the processor needs at runtime. In some embodiments, the invention's processes are stored in the system memory2620, the permanent storage device2635, and/or the read-only memory2630. For example, the various memory units include instructions for processing multimedia clips in accordance with some embodiments. From these various memory units, the processing unit(s)2610retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of some embodiments.

The bus2605also connects to the input and output devices2640and2645. The input devices2640enable the user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system. The input devices2640include alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”), cameras (e.g., webcams), microphones or similar devices for receiving voice commands, etc. The output devices2645display images generated by the electronic system or otherwise output data. The output devices2645include printers and display devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystal displays (LCD), as well as speakers or similar audio output devices. Some embodiments include devices such as a touchscreen that function as both input and output devices.

Finally, as shown inFIG. 26, bus2605also couples electronic system2600to a network2625through a network adapter (not shown). In this manner, the computer can be a part of a network of computers (such as a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system2600may be used in conjunction with the invention.