Abstract: An image processing system is provided which receives image data of a user and generates a set of appearance parameters representative of the appearance of the user in the received images. These appearance parameters may then be transformed either to change the identity of the user in the images or to change the resolution of the image of the user. Synthesised images of the user can then be generated from the transformed parameters. The system can be used as a stand alone image processing system or may form part of an image transmission and reception system. It may also be used for streaming data over limited bandwidth communication channels such as the Internet. A system is also provided for animating a single image from a set of image deviations obtained from a source video sequence. A system for changing the lighting conditions in the single image is also provided.

Abstract: A telephone system is described in which subscriber telephones store appearance models for the appearance of a party to the telephone call, from which it synthesises a video sequence of that party from a set of appearance parameters received from the telephone network. The appearance parameters may be generated either from a camera associated with the user's phone or may be generated from text or speech signals input by that party.

Abstract: A parametric model is provided for modelling the appearance of objects, such as human faces. The model can model both the shape and texture of the object and includes high resolution data which can be used to render high resolution versions of the object from a set of input parameters. In one embodiment, this high resolution texture information is obtained from high resolution texture information derived from a set of training objects.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for generating visible output images, including visually distinct images. A processor generates displayable image data by writing data to a frame store which is repeatedly read therefrom. An input, preferably in the form of a mouse, supplies operator defined input signals to the processor for defining boundary lines (B1, B2) of an object and a sectional line (51), which identifies two boundary lines as defining the object. In addition, a data store is provided for storing data generated in response to the input signals and for storing attribute data defining visual attributes of the objects.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating an animated sequence of pictures consists of a store for storing data defining a plurality of pictures and data defining, for each, a temporal position in the sequence; and interpolator for reading stored data and generating therefrom data defining a plurality of intervening pictures occurring at time positions between those of said stored pictures, and providing a transition therebetween; and an editor for editing the data so as to amend the sequence.