Abstract: An optical system including an array of photonic devices that convert light signals to electrical signals or electrical signals to light signals are coupled together and optically coupled to an array of optic fibers of an information channel. A lens couples optical beams generated to at least one array of photonic devices and the array of optic fibers for an optical communication there-between. The array of photonic devices and the array of optic fibers are respectively arranged in a honeycomb configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating alignment of optical systems and optoelectronic systems are disclosed here. The methods and systems include passively detecting images, determining relative positions of components and aligning components. An imaging component can detect images and determine relative positions and repositioning instructions.

Abstract: A method for aligning two optical assemblies comprises positioning a first optical assembly in relation to a second optical assembly and securing the first optical assembly to the second optical assembly. The positioning aligns a plurality of first alignment features of the first optical assembly to a plurality of second alignment features of the second optical assembly. Aligning the first alignment features to the second alignment features aligns the second optical assembly to a plurality of optical components on the first optical assembly.

Abstract: An automated method of quantifying a set of processing resources used by an image transform operation is described. The method receives a set of image processing instructions for performing the transform operation, and, for the set of image processing instructions, generates data that estimates the amount of processing resources required to perform the set of image processing instructions. The method associates the data with the set of image processing instructions, the association allowing evaluation of the data at run-time to facilitate execution of the set of image processing instructions on a particular processing unit having a particular set of processing resources. In addition, an automated method of concatenating a plurality of image processing instruction sets, where each image processing instruction set includes data representing an estimate of processing resources required by the image processing instruction set is described.

Abstract: An automated method of rendering image data using a multithread central processing unit (“CPU”) is described. The method retrieves a set of image processing instructions. The method determines an image section size to be processed by the CPU using the set of image processing instructions. The method iteratively: (i) retrieves a section of the image data that matches the image section size, and (ii) sends the section of the image data to a particular thread of the multithread CPU for processing using the processing instructions.

Abstract: An automated method of generating sets of image processing instructions that identifies a region of picture elements for processing and a region of picture elements to be produced is described. The method receives a first set of image processing instructions for performing a transform operation, and, for the first set of image processing instructions, produces a second set of image processing instructions that identify a region of picture elements for processing from an input image and a third set of image processing instructions that identify a region of picture elements to be produced in an output image. The method associates the second and third sets of image processing instructions with the first set of image processing instructions, the association allowing the execution of the second and third sets of image processing instructions at run-time to facilitate the execution of the first set of image processing instructions.

Abstract: Techniques for editing signal data using a three-dimensional visual representation of the signal data are provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, audio signal data is displayed as a surface occupying three dimensions. User input, which indicates a selected area of the surface, is received. The audio signal data is then modified by applying an effect to one or more parts of the audio signal data that correspond to the selected area.

Abstract: An automated method of quantifying a set of processing resources used by an image transform operation is described. The method receives a set of image processing instructions for performing the transform operation, and, for the set of image processing instructions, generates data that estimates the amount of processing resources required to perform the set of image processing instructions. The method associates the data with the set of image processing instructions, the association allowing evaluation of the data at run-time to facilitate execution of the set of image processing instructions on a particular processing unit having a particular set of processing resources. In addition, an automated method of concatenating a plurality of image processing instruction sets, where each image processing instruction set includes data representing an estimate of processing resources required by the image processing instruction set is described.

Abstract: An automated method of rendering image data using a multithread central processing unit (“CPU”) is described. The method retrieves a set of image processing instructions. The method determines an image section size to be processed by the CPU using the set of image processing instructions. The method iteratively: (i) retrieves a section of the image data that matches the image section size, and (ii) sends the section of the image data to a particular thread of the multithread CPU for processing using the processing instructions.

Abstract: A method for compiling image processing instructions is described. The method receives multiple image processing instruction sets. The method, for each received image processing instruction set, produces several image processing instruction sets, where two different produced image processing instruction sets that are associated with a same received image processing instruction set are for processing by at least two different processing units.

Abstract: An automated method of generating sets of image processing instructions that identifies a region of picture elements for processing and a region of picture elements to be produced is described. The method receives a first set of image processing instructions for performing a transform operation, and, for the first set of image processing instructions, produces a second set of image processing instructions that identify a region of picture elements for processing from an input image and a third set of image processing instructions that identify a region of picture elements to be produced in an output image. The method associates the second and third sets of image processing instructions with the first set of image processing instructions, the association allowing the execution of the second and third sets of image processing instructions at run-time to facilitate the execution of the first set of image processing instructions.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to flare-suppress a source frame. A distance value is defined that, for any pixel, describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximizes the distance value of a selected background pixel. A flare value is then calculated for each pixel that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. Compensating values are also calculated that are functions of the amounts that when added to the components of the transformed selected background pixel make its color grey. The processing means then, for each pixel, multiplies the compensating values by the flare value and adds the results to the components of the pixel to suppress flare of the backing color from the foreground image.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to color-suppress a source frame that is composed of a plurality of pixels, each pixel being represented by three components defining a position within a color space. The source frame, comprising a foreground image against a background of a substantially uniform backing color, is provided to a processing means via an input means. A distance value is defined that for any, pixel describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximises the distance value of a selected background pixel. Then, for each pixel, the processing means calculates a transparency value that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. The transparency value is used to calculate how much of the backing color should be subtracted. The foreground image can then be composited with a replacement background using the same transparency values.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to flare-suppress a source frame that is composed of a plurality of pixels, each pixel being represented by three components defining a position within a color space. The source frame, comprising a foreground image against a background of a substantially uniform backing color is provided to a processing means via an input means. A distance value is defined that, for any pixel, describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximises the distance value of a selected background pixel. A flare value is then calculated for each pixel that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. Compensating values are also calculated that are functions of the amounts that when added to the components of the transformed selected background pixel make its color grey.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a source frame 901, which comprises storage means 205 for storing said image data, memory means 203 for storing said image data and instructions 504, 510, processing means 201 for processing said instructions and further comprising graphics processing means 206, 310 equipped with at least one frame buffer 309, wherein said instructions are processed by said processing means to configure (404, 405) said graphics processing means 206, 310 to perform the steps of defining said image data 901 as at least one image texture 911 to be applied to at least one polygon 513, 514 or 515; processing said image texture 911 to generate corresponding texture elements 941 defining a matte thereof; and drawing (1006) said texture elements 941 in said frame buffer.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to color-suppress a source frame that is composed of a plurality of pixels, each pixel being represented by three components defining a position within a color space. The source frame, comprising a foreground image against a background of a substantially uniform backing color, is provided to a processing means via an input means. A distance value is defined that for any pixel describes how close its color is to a specified color, and the processing means calculates a transformation that maximises the distance value of a selected background pixel. Then, for each pixel, the processing means calculates a transparency value that is a function of the distance value of the corresponding transformed pixel. The transparency value is used to calculate how much of the backing color should be subtracted. The foreground image can then be composited with a replacement background using the same transparency values.

Abstract: An object shown in a first clip of image frames is composited with frames of a second clip on a frame-by-frame basis. A track of positions are determined over time which specify a relationship between a point on frames from said first clip in relation to corresponding frames in said second clip. The object is overlaid transparently over corresponding frames of second clip and the positions of said track are modified. Thereafter, the images are composited on the basis of the modified track positions.

Abstract: Image data is processed by identifying a region of substantially constant color within a first image. Color variations, in terms of standard deviation about an average color, are analyzed and a similar level of variation is applied to a second image. The first image may be derived from cinematographic film, with color variations due to film grain. The second image may be a video image or a computer generated image and the application of a similar level of variation may reproduce noise similar to that present within the film due to grain. In this way, it is possible to add grain to non-filmed images so as to match said images to images derived from film.

Abstract: Displayed picture points are re-locatable in response to manual operation of an interface device such as a stylus or a mouse etc. The interface device is activated, by being placed into pressure or by clicking, and an identified picture point is subsequently moved in response to manual operation of the interface device. In response to said picture point being moved, other picture points are also moved by a displacement which differs from the displacement of the identified picture point and which varies in proportion to the original distance of the other picture point from the identified picture point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing unwanted movements in digitized image caused by unsuitable camera mountings or recordings made under difficult conditions. The image data is processed by tracking a selected image portion over a plurality of frames. The position of the image within its frame is adjusted so that the position of the selected image portion remains substantially constant frame after frame, and modifications to the image are made. Portions of the images that extend beyond frame edges are repositioned within the frame edge. The position of the image within its frame is then reset to its original position, so that the modified image moves as if it were part of an original shot.