Visual Effect Generation Using Alpha Blending Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital television systems require multiple costly layer processing circuits to change visual effects, leading to resource wastage and increased hardware costs due to the need for complex layer processing.
Innovation Solution
A visual effect generating apparatus and method that uses a color changing module and multiplexer to selectively change pixel values of a selected image block, reducing computational requirements and hardware resources by processing only the necessary pixels within the image block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layer processing circuits are used to change visual effects of selected items, then the visual effect changing capability is improved, but the hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple layer processing circuits into a single layer by using alpha blending technology. Instead of requiring separate processing circuits for each layer, the invention combines multiple visual effect layers into one layer with alpha channel information, allowing the color changing module to process all layers simultaneously through a single multiplexer and blending operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The color changing module is designed to be universal by handling both the selection mask layer and the original image layer within the same processing circuit. The module can selectively apply color changes to different regions by interpreting alpha channel values, eliminating the need for dedicated processing circuits for each specific visual effect layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layer processing circuits are used to change visual effects, then the visual effect capability is improved, but the hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple expensive layer processing circuits into a single integrated color changing module. By using alpha blending, the system achieves the same visual effect capability with fewer hardware components, directly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to apply multiple visual effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alpha channel information as a virtual copy of the selection mask, allowing the system to reference layer information without requiring separate physical processing circuits for each layer. This virtual copying mechanism enables complex multi-layer effects with simplified hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional layer processing is used, then visual effects can be applied, but system resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple layer processing operations into a single alpha blending operation. By combining the selection mask layer and the original image layer into one processing pass, the system eliminates redundant computations and reduces overall system resource consumption while maintaining full visual effect capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The color changing module performs partial processing by only applying color changes to pixels where the alpha channel indicates selection. This selective processing approach avoids unnecessary computations on unselected regions, reducing system resource usage while maintaining the ability to apply visual effects where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual effect generating module for changing visual effects of a selected image block within an image area is disclosed. The visual effect generating module includes a color changing module for receiving and changing pixel values of a plurality of pixels within the selected image block and a first multiplexer coupled to the color changing module for selectively outputting pixels corresponding to the image area or pixels output from the color changing module.