Patent ID: 6944865

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for facilitating creation of a definition for automated data processing, comprising the steps of: providing a set of predetermined function definitions which are different, at least one of said predetermined function definitions defining a function for manipulating image data; and preparing a project definition expressed in a public communication protocol, said project definition defining a project for manipulating said image data according to said one predetermined function definition and including: a plurality of function portions which each correspond to one of said function definitions in said set, and which each define at least one input port and at least one output port that are functionally related according to the corresponding function definition; a further portion which includes a source portion identifying a data source and defining an output port through which data from the data source can be produced, and which includes a destination portion identifying a data destination and defining an input port through which data can be supplied to the data destination; and binding information which includes binding definitions that each associate a respective said input port with one of said output ports; and wherein one of said function definitions implements a function which varies in dependence on control input and said preparing step includes the step of including in said project definition, for each said function portion therein that corresponds to said one of said function definitions, respective control information for use as said control input: wherein said function blurs an image, expands an image, or performs at least one mathematical computation using said image data; and wherein said control information selects between a plurality of blurring techniques, selects between a plurality of colors to fill resulting added area, or selects between a plurality of mathematical equations.