Patent ID: 6850956

Claim:
A method, comprising the steps of: providing a set of predetermined function definitions, at least one of said predetermined function definitions defining a function for manipulating image data; and preparing a project definition, said project definition 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 said image 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 said image data can be supplied to the data destination, said image data from said data source being transferred to said source portion through a network; and binding information which includes binding portions that each associate a respective said input port with one of said output ports; wherein preparing said project definition comprises: displaying a project window that includes a graphical representation of said project definition; and allowing a user to modify said project definition by interacting with said graphical representation using a pointing tool; and wherein execution of said project definition operates at least in part to manipulate said image data according to said one predetermined function definition.