Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Donald M Marsh

Steven J White

Tomasz S M Kasperkiewicz

Jingyang Xu

Denis Demandolx

David R Blythe

Mahmood Gulam Qadir

Douglas Alan Ricard

Methods and systems for processing digital image data utilizing vertically-oriented Effect graphs are provided. When processing digital image data utilizing Effect graphs, it is often necessary for certain Effects on the graph to render their outputs multiple times during a single rendering pass. To alleviate the exponential processing that such a scenario can cause, methods and systems for caching at least a portion of the digital image data being processed in image buffers associated with the output of one or more Effects in the Effect graph during processing are provided. Additionally provided are methods and systems for caching digital image data in image buffers associated with the output of one or more Effects across multiple processing passes of an Effect graph.

Caching digital image data

Systems for rendering Effect graphs for non-destructively processing digital image data which integrate Central Processing Unit (CPU) processing and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) processing are provided. Additionally provided are systems for processing digital image data utilizing Effect graphs. The systems of the present invention integrate CPU processing and GPU processing to facilitate accelerated rendering of Effect graphs and, consequently, accelerated processing of digital images. Methods for processing digital image data utilizing the systems herein described are also provided.

Non-destructive processing of digital image data

Methods and systems for processing, e.g., non-destructively processing, digital image data utilizing vertically-oriented Effect graphs are provided. In non-destructive processing where and when data is transformed is fairly important, both in terms of quality and performance. The further down the vertically-oriented Effect graph a transformation occurs, the better. As such, methods for pushing transformations down an Effect graph to the lowest point possible and applying them at that point rather than the location at which they may have been placed are provided. Systems for implementing the methods herein disclosed are also provided.

Accumulating transforms through an effect graph in digital image processing

Methods and systems for processing, e.g., non-destructively processing, digital image data utilizing one or more Effect Layers are provided. Effect Layers combine Effects in useful ways that simplify the process of creating Effect graphs. Each Effect Layer contains a logical Effect sub-graph that includes a plurality of logical Effects, e.g., a main Effect, a blend Effect, and a mask Effect. In one embodiment, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving input regarding processing of digital image data, determining the impact that input will have on each logical Effect upon processing of digital image data, and creating a physical Effect sub-graph in accordance with the determined impact. The physical Effect sub-graph may closely resemble or appear nothing like the logical Effect sub-graph. Images may subsequently be rendered utilizing the physical Effect sub-graph.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Donald M Marsh