Abstract:
A method for producing an image, the method comprises the steps of: storing a plurality of theme images; storing a plurality of annotations; providing a random number generator for randomly selecting the theme images and annotations; and combining the theme image and the annotation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to the field of digital image processing and, more particularly, to such processing which randomly composites one of a plurality of templates with a predetermined user image such that the random selection of the template is from one of a plurality of categories where specific category selection is based on user input. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Presently, digital image processing includes methods and systems for compositing a template and a predetermined user image. Such systems typically include a computer workstation having a database that includes a plurality of images from which the user selects for combining with the user-defined image. The user images are input into the computer workstation via any suitable means, such as scanning and the like. The user is then permitted to re-composite the user-defined image with another template until a desired result is reached. 
     Although the presently known and utilized methods and systems are satisfactory, they include drawbacks. The image processing systems are highly structured and deterministic so that the user is not presented with an element of surprise. 
     Consequently, a need exists for compositing templates with predetermined user images that overcome the above-described drawback. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, the invention resides in a method for producing an image, the method comprising the steps of: storing a plurality of theme images; storing a plurality of annotations; providing a random number generator for randomly selecting the theme images and annotations; and combining the theme image and the annotation. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF THE INVENTION 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an element of surprise to the users since the particular template is randomly selected and not known by the user before viewing. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is entertaining and intriguing to users. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it permits automated compositing based on natural language input. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is that it also eliminates time-consuming, manual reviews of templates. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an illustration of an image processing apparatus for implementing the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the monitor of the image processing apparatus illustrating categories for user selection; 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image composition system of the present invention;. 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a typical database of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 is a further detailed illustration of FIG.  4 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, the present invention will be described in the preferred embodiment as a software program. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the equivalent of such software may also be constructed in hardware. 
     Still further, as used herein, computer readable storage medium may comprise, for example; magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such as an optical disc, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid state electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or medium employed to store a computer program. 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an image processing apparatus  10  that may be used for implementing the present invention. The image processing apparatus  10  includes a microprocessor-based unit  20  for receiving and processing software programs and for performing other processing functions. Software programs may be received by the microprocessor-based unit  20  either from a floppy disk  22  which is inserted into the microprocessor based unit  20 , or pre-programmed into memory  23  contained in the microprocessor based unit  20 . 
     A scanner  25  (either a film scanner  25   a  or print scanner  25   b ) is electrically connected to the microprocessor-based unit  20  for digitizing images  27  that are placed on the scanner  25 , and for sending the digitized image to the microprocessor-based unit  20 . The digitized image contains a plurality of pixels each having a value typically between a minimum value (for example 0) and a maximum value (for example 255). 
     A display  30  is electrically connected to the microprocessor-based unit  20  for displaying user-related information associated with the software. A keyboard  40  is also connected to the microprocessor-based unit  20  for allowing a user to input information to the software. As an alternative to using the keyboard  40  for input, a mouse  50  may be used for moving a selector  52  on the display  30  and for selecting an item on which the selector  52  overlays, such as generally referred to in the art as cutting, copying and pasting, or adjusting a user-interface object such as a slider. 
     An alternative method of inputting software programs and digitized images to the microprocessor-based unit  20  includes connecting a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM)  55  to the microprocessor based unit  20  for receiving software programs and images, and for providing a means of inputting the software programs and other information to the microprocessor-based unit  20 . The CD-ROM receives the software and images via a compact disk  60  on which the software and images are stored, and which compact disk  60  is inserted into the CD-ROM  55  for operability. A printer  56  is connected to the microprocessor-based unit  20  for printing a hardcopy of the output of the image processing apparatus  10 . 
     Still further, a digital camera  60  may be electrically connected to the microprocessor-based unit  20  for directly inputting digitized images thereto. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a plurality of categories  70  that are presented to the user on the monitor  30 . A software of the present invention is programmed into a microcontroller (see FIG. 3) for directing the display of the categories. Such categories may be, for example, movies, sports, celebrities, and political figures, although other categories may also be used. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block diagram of the present invention that is preferably implemented in the above-described microprocessor-based unit  20  of the image processing apparatus  10 . Before describing the invention further, it facilitates understanding to note that the microcontroller  100  directs operation of the individual components of the present invention so that the below described interaction of the individual components are achieved. Turning now to the particulars of the invention, digitized images are input by a user to the microprocessor-based unit  20  via any of the above-described means. Information related to the user image is also input to the microprocessor-based unit  20 , as described below. The images are passed to an image processor  80  where they may be processed for enhancement, such as sharpening, tone scale adjustment, color mapping and the like. The processed images are then sent to an image composition unit  90  where it will be composited with a template, as described herein below. 
     The microcontroller  100  then prompts the user to input written answers in response to a series of queries that are presented on the monitor  30 . These answers become the user profile, and such input is preferably performed on the keyboard. Such queries may be, for example, name, favorite sport, favorite hobby and the like. The user profile is interpreted by a semantic interpreter  110  that converts the user profile into a computer-usable form suitable for use by a database selector  120 . 
     The database selector  120  then retrieves the database containing the previously selected category from an image/annotation database  132 . Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the database  132  includes a plurality of image groupings  134  in which each grouping contains a plurality of predetermined images (see FIG.  5 ). Each image grouping  134  is mated with an annotation grouping  136  that contains a plurality of annotations (see FIG.  5 ). It is instructive to note that, although only one database  132  is illustrated for purposes of brevity, each category includes its own unique database in the database selector having image groupings and annotation groupings. The database selector analyzes the user profile input form the semantic interpreter  110 , and retrieves the image grouping  134  most relevant to the user profile. 
     Referring to both FIGS. 3 and 5, a the random number generator  140  then randomly selects a particular image  142  from the previously selected image grouping  134 , and also randomly selects an annotation  144  from the annotation grouping  136  mated with the previously selected image grouping  134 . 
     Referring only to FIG. 3, the particular selected image  142  is then passed through the image processor  80  for processing, as described herein above, and finally into the image composition unit  90 . The particular selected annotation  144  is also passed to the image composition unit  90  where the image inputted by the user and the image retrieved from the database are combined into a single image. Such image composition is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The annotation is then written onto the combined image for forming a personalized image for the user. 
     The combined image is displayed on the monitor  30  for viewing by the user. The monitor  30  also includes a menu, prompted by the microcontroller  100 , for permitting the user to retrieve another random image and annotation, or for inputting another user profile. If this option is selected, the random number generator  140  then repeats the above-described process. If not, the microcontroller  100  directs the display of the original menu of categories are displayed on the monitor  30  for permitting another use of the personalized image process. 
     The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.