Patent ID: 7373016

Claim:
An image synthesizing apparatus for synthesizing two images, comprising: coefficient setting means for setting a blending coefficient α(0≦α≦1) for each of a plurality of specific picture elements of a first image at a single specified value, wherein the single specified value is proportional to a value of a specific picture element component of the plurality of specific picture elements of the first image included in picture element components A of the first image when said value of the specific picture element is not zero, wherein said single specified value is set to zero when said value of the specified picture element is zero; and arithmetic means for performing an operation on each of the plurality of said picture element components A, and each of a plurality of picture element components B of a second image in accordance with the single specified value of each of said blending coefficients α, thereby eliminating a need for setting a blending coefficient for every picture element, as follows: A*α+B*(1−α) and performing said operation on all the picture element components A and the picture element components B of a picture element that has the specific picture element component representing the predetermined value by using said blending coefficient α set by said coefficient setting means, wherein the picture element components A and the picture element components B comprise a luminance component Y and a color difference component selected from two color difference components according to sampling frequencies of the two color difference components.