Video sample rate conversion to achieve 3-d effects

Abstract

The two dimensional sample rate conversion capabilities of a video display system are used to produce three-dimensional effects. Linear and non-linear scaling is applied to a video image to convey a sense of depth. The three dimensional effects are used to increase the visual appeal of existing and new feature sets in display systems. A multi-faceted object representation, such as a representation of a cube or a pyramid, can be used to display different video images on each facet of the representation. By appropriately scaling each image on each facet, an impression of depth is achieved. The images on the different facets can be selected to represent different aspects of a common theme, such as datacast information related to a primary source of information. Channel changing on a television can be presented as a rotation of the multifaceted object. In like manner, other familiar representations, such as a representation of a book can be used, wherein channel changing is presented as a turning of the pages of the book, each television program being presented on a different page. Advanced features, such as program categorization, can be represented as tabs on the book that facilitate the selection of a particular category. In like manner, a rotation of a multifaceted object about one axis may correspond to a change of channel within a select category, whereas a rotation about another axis may correspond to a change of category. Techniques are presented for achieving these three dimensional effects with calculations that are well suited for execution via the sample rate converters of conventional display systems.