Layered image compositing system for user interfaces

#(1) Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to computer user interfaces and, more particularly, to a procedural image compositing system for user interfaces.

#(2) Description of the Prior Art

#In the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

#Skinned interfaces according to the present invention use layered image compositing, procedural imaging, a pivot coordinate system, and intelligent invalidation procedures to produce a user interface that is photorealistic, compact, fast rendering, visually appealing, and easily customizable. Additionally, the user interface elements are described separately from the program using XML and XSLT, thereby making the interface easily customizable.

#Skinned interfaces according to the present invention are a new procedural imaging technology that combines effects such as multiple layered semi-transparency, translucency, animation, sub-pixel positioning, anti-aliasing, photo-realism, and layering at the user interface level. A skin-based interface may be understood as a collection of user interface controls, tools, and functions based on a layered image compositing method and an alpha blending model using 32-bit and wider data structures, i.e., a composite image for a user interface. In addition to being able to provide a greater level of photo-realism and design than what is currently possible using conventional graphics for user interfaces, it is also ideally made possible with the fast computer processors not available previously in the art; in other words, it would not have been possible to reasonably employ the system and method of the present invention without the present-day computer processors, i.e., processors with speeds in excess of about 500 MHz and memory capacity in excess of 120 Megabytes of on-board RAM. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer user interface is produced by procedural imaging and image compositing routines and includes elements that collectively form a composite visual image that is viewable by a computer user on a computer screen, display, or other electronic user interface. Each element in the composite image of the user interface is itself an image. An image is defined as a two-dimensional (2D) array of 32-bit pixel data, 24 bits for the red, green, and blue (RGB) channels and 8 bits for the “alpha” or transparency channel. For example, a button may have an up, a down, and a rollover state, each of which is independently considered an image.