Abstract: In one embodiment, an image is created by combining an overlay image with a main image. Each pixel of the main and overlay images is defined by a luma component and at least one color component. Each luma component takes a value within a luma range, the lowest and highest values in the luma range being, respectively, a minimum and maximum value. For each pixel in the overlay image, it is determined that the pixel is: an opaque pixel, a transparent pixel, or an intermediate pixel. Each pixel of the main image that is in a location that corresponds to the location of an opaque pixel is replaced with the corresponding opaque pixel. In one embodiment, each pixel of the main image that is in a location that corresponds to the location of a transparent pixel is retained.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in one embodiment, to a method for generating memory addresses for accessing an image in which each pixel in a group of pixels has a luma component, but shares chroma components with other pixels of the group. A preferred method includes providing a memory, having a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions. First memory addresses may be generated, each of which corresponds to one of the first portions. Each first address defines a storage location for the luma components of one of the pixel groups. Second memory addresses may be generated, each of which corresponds to one of the second portions. Each second address defines a storage location for the chroma components of at least one of the pixel groups.