Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing caching in an image-processing system. The system starts by receiving a filtering query for resources in a cache. The system then returning a subcache in response to the filtering query. Upon receiving a resource query for resources in the subcache, the system performs the filtering query on the cache, populates the subcache with addresses of resources returned by the filtering query until the resource query is satisfied, and returns available resources from the subcache in response to the resource query.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing image conversion operations. The system starts by receiving a request from a client for one or more pixel buffers containing a pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of an image representation. The system then determines if a provider can provide the one or more pixel buffers. If so, the system calls the provider to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation. Otherwise, the system calls the provider to generate one or more intermediate pixel buffers, generates a sequence of converters for converting the one or more intermediate pixel buffers, and calls the sequence of converters to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation.

Abstract: A method and data structure for improving the utility of graphics compositions is disclosed. In one embodiment, composition files are created through the connection of patches in a composition editor. Automatically included with the created composition file is protocol information. Preferably such protocol information is included as metadata in the header of the composition file, and can be constructed in any suitable fashion. So constructed, composition files can be grouped together in a physical or virtual repository accessible to other application programs. Another user can then pick an appropriate composition for a new project based on review and filtering of the protocols as contained in the header information of the repositoried composition files. Such review and filtering can be accomplished using a composition picker user interface in the user's application program. The repository can then be queried for composition files matching or otherwise compatible with the specified protocol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing image conversion operations. The system starts by receiving a request from a client for one or more pixel buffers containing a pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of an image representation. The system then determines if a provider can provide the one or more pixel buffers. If so, the system calls the provider to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation. Otherwise, the system calls the provider to generate one or more intermediate pixel buffers, generates a sequence of converters for converting the one or more intermediate pixel buffers, and calls the sequence of converters to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing caching in an image-processing system. The system starts by receiving a filtering query for resources in a cache. The system then returning a subcache in response to the filtering query. Upon receiving a resource query for resources in the subcache, the system performs the filtering query on the cache, populates the subcache with addresses of resources returned by the filtering query until the resource query is satisfied, and returns available resources from the subcache in response to the resource query.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that refactors a port of a node in a graph, wherein the node has one or more input ports and one or more output ports. During operation, the system identifies an input port of the node to be refactored. The system then creates a pass-through node, wherein the value on an output port of the pass-through node equals the value on an input port of the pass-through node. Next, the system connects the output port of the pass-through node to the input port to be refactored, so that the refactored input port receives a value that is set on the input port of the pass-through node.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing caching in an image-processing system. The system starts by receiving a filtering query for resources in a cache. The system then returning a subcache in response to the filtering query. Upon receiving a resource query for resources in the subcache, the system performs the filtering query on the cache, populates the subcache with addresses of resources returned by the filtering query until the resource query is satisfied, and returns available resources from the subcache in response to the resource query.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing image conversion operations. The system starts by receiving a request from a client for one or more pixel buffers containing a pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of an image representation. The system then determines if a provider can provide the one or more pixel buffers. If so, the system calls the provider to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation. Otherwise, the system calls the provider to generate one or more intermediate pixel buffers, generates a sequence of converters for converting the one or more intermediate pixel buffers, and calls the sequence of converters to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that refactors a port of a node in a graph, wherein the node has one or more input ports and one or more output ports. During operation, the system identifies an input port of the node to be refactored. The system then creates a pass-through node, wherein the value on an output port of the pass-through node equals the value on an input port of the pass-through node. Next, the system connects the output port of the pass-through node to the input port to be refactored, so that the refactored input port receives a value that is set on the input port of the pass-through node.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that highlights differences between two graphs that represent programs in a graphical programming language. During operation, the system identifies unique nodes in the two graphs which are not identical to any other node in the other graph. Note that each of the two graphs comprises a set of interconnected nodes which represent functions in the graphical programming language. The system then displays the two graphs within the same editor window, and while doing so highlights nodes which do not have identical counterparts in the other graph.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that dynamically adjusts the range of a navigational controller for an infinite workspace within a graphical display environment. During operation, the system determines that an object has moved from an original position to a new position with respect to a display area of the workspace. If the object at the new position is not contained within the display area of the workspace, the system expands the range of the navigational controller so that the object is contained in the display area of the workspace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing and viewing information in a data processing system is described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a group is created according to a predefined set of rules where the group contains a plurality of icons. The group is displayed on a desktop of the data processing system in a visually distinguishing manner. The group is expanded to display the plurality of icons within the group while a position of a cursor is in proximity to the group.

Abstract: A method and data structure for improving the utility of graphics compositions is disclosed. In one embodiment, composition files are created through the connection of patches in a composition editor. Automatically included with the created composition file is protocol information. Preferably such protocol information is included as metadata in the header of the composition file, and can be constructed in any suitable fashion. So constructed, composition files can be grouped together in a physical or virtual repository accessible to other application programs. Another user can then pick an appropriate composition for a new project based on review and filtering of the protocols as contained in the header information of the repositoried composition files. Such review and filtering can be accomplished using a composition picker user interface in the user's application program. The repository can then be queried for composition files matching or otherwise compatible with the specified protocol.