Desktop digital video processing system

Abstract

A digital image processing system includes a microprocessor, random access memory, storage memory, input, display, and suitable logic to provide existing digital video image processing operations in a graphical user interface which allows the user to quickly and efficiently edit a movie. The system includes logic for displaying the assembled video and audio media, transitions, and special effects in a series of independent, time-correlated tracks which provide the system operator with a linear view of the movie as well as a quick understanding of the dataflow associated with the processing of the constituents of the movie at any point in time. In one embodiment, the system preserves the dataflow associated with processing a video clip by storing the information associated with that clip in a composite data file which includes not only the digital movie media in a conventional format, but also includes an additional data segment having the appropriate indices to any source clips and image processing effects, including the necessary timing and parameters for reproduction of the resultant clip. The system also preferably includes logic for creating, maintaining and displaying a separate render track which maintains the media corresponding to the portions of the program that have already been rendered in proper synchronization with those portions of the program that have been edited since the last rendering, thereby limiting any future rendering to those portions of the program which require reprocessing since the last rendering of the program of the movie.