U.S. patent application number 14/220149 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for methods and systems for determining frames and photo composition within multiple frames.
This patent application is currently assigned to HTC Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is HTC Corporation. Invention is credited to Bing-Sheng LIN, Yi-Chi LIN, Tai-Ling LU.
Application Number | 20150271381 14/220149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54120832 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150271381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIN; Bing-Sheng ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING FRAMES AND PHOTO COMPOSITION
WITHIN MULTIPLE FRAMES
Abstract
Methods and systems for determining frames and photo composition
within multiple frames are provided. First, a plurality of frames,
which are respectively captured with a predefined time interval are
obtained. At least one object within at least two of the frames is
detected. In some embodiments, a moving speed of the object is
calculated according to the positions of the object in the
respective frames and the predefined time interval, and candidate
frames are selected from the frames according, to the moving speed
of the object. In some embodiments, an overlapped area
corresponding to the object within a first frame and a second frame
is calculated, and at least one candidate frame is selected
according to the overlapped area corresponding to the object. The
at least one candidate frame is composed to generate a composed
photo.
Inventors: |
LIN; Bing-Sheng; (Taoyuan
County, TW) ; LIN; Yi-Chi; (Taoyuan County, TW)
; LU; Tai-Ling; (Taoyuan County, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HTC Corporation |
Taoyuan County |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
HTC Corporation
Taoyuan County
TW
|
Family ID: |
54120832 |
Appl. No.: |
14/220149 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/221.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 2207/10016
20130101; H04N 5/2625 20130101; H04N 5/91 20130101; G06T 7/254
20170101; H04N 5/2621 20130101; G06T 2207/20224 20130101; G06F
3/0488 20130101; G06F 3/04845 20130101; H04N 5/2353 20130101; G06T
7/174 20170101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/235 20060101
H04N005/235; G06T 5/50 20060101 G06T005/50; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; H04N 5/372 20060101 H04N005/372; H04N 5/374 20060101
H04N005/374; H04N 5/232 20060101 H04N005/232; G06T 7/20 20060101
G06T007/20 |
Claims
1. A method for determining frames within multiple frames for use
in an electronic device, comprising: obtaining a plurality of
frames, wherein the respective frames are captured with a time
interval; detecting at least one object within at least two of the
frames; calculating a moving speed of the object according to the
positions of the object in the respective frames and the time
interval; and selecting candidate frames from the frames according
to the moving speed of the object.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting at least
one object within at least two of the frames comprises the steps
of: transforming the at least two frames into grayscale frames; and
subtracting the grayscale frames with each other to obtain a
contour of the object.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting candidate
frames from the frames according to the moving speed of the object
comprises the steps of: looking up a table according to the moving
speed of the object to obtain a frame gap number; and selecting the
candidate frames within the frames at intervals of the frame gap
number.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the faster the moving speed is,
the larger the frame gap number is.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising recording a video, and
the frames are obtained from the video.
6. A method for determining frames within multiple frames for use
in an electronic device, comprising: obtaining a plurality of
frames, wherein the respective frames are captured with a time
interval; detecting at least one object within at least two of the
frames: calculating an overlapped area corresponding to the object
within a first frame and a second frame; and selecting at least one
candidate frame according to the overlapped area corresponding to
the object.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of selecting at least
one candidate frame according to the overlapped area corresponding
to the object comprises the steps of: determining whether the
overlapped area corresponding to the object is less than a specific
percentage of a contour area of the object; if the overlapped area
corresponding to the object is less than a specific percentage of
the contour area of the object, selecting the second frame as the
candidate frame.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of selecting at least
one candidate frame according to the overlapped area corresponding
to the object comprises the steps of: determining whether the
overlapped area corresponding to the object equals to zero; if the
overlapped area corresponding to the object equals to zero,
calculating a moving speed of the object according to the positions
of the object in the respective frames and the predefined time
interval; selecting candidate frames within the frames according to
the moving speed of the object.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of detecting at least
one object within at least two of the frames comprises the steps
of: transforming the at least two frames into grayscale frames; and
subtracting the grayscale frames with each other to obtain a
contour of the object.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of selecting candidate
frames within the frames according to the moving speed of the
object comprises the steps of: looking up a table according to the
moving speed of the object to obtain a frame gap number; and
selecting the candidates frames within the frames at intervals of
the frame gap number.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the faster the moving speed is
the larger the frame gap number is.
12. The method of claim 6, further comprising recording a video,
and the frames are obtained from the video.
13. A system for determining frames within multiple frames for use
in an electronic, device, comprising: a storage unit comprising a
plurality of frames, wherein the respective frames are captured
with a predefined time interval; and a processing unit detecting at
least one object within at least two of the frames, calculating a
moving speed of the object according to the positions of the object
in the respective frames and the predefined time interval, and
selecting candidate frames from the frames according to the moving
speed of the object.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to image frame management,
and, more particularly to methods and systems for determining
frames and photo composition within multiple frames.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recently, portable devices, such as handheld devices, have
become more and more technically advanced and multifunctional. For
example, a handheld device may have telecommunications
capabilities, e-mail message capabilities, image capture
capabilities, an advanced address book management system, a media
playback system, and various other functions. Due to increased
convenience and functions of the devices, these devices have become
necessities of life.
[0005] Currently, a function called continuous shot is provided on
the portable devices. In the continuous shot mode, the image
capture unit, such as a camera takes images immediately one after
another in a short amount of time. That is, when the continuous
shot function is performed, a continuous image capture process is
performed to continuously capture a plurality of images in
sequence. Additionally, an inventive function called "dynamic
continuous shot composition" may be also provided on the portable
devices. The dynamic continuous shot composition is a way for image
composition. In the dynamic continuous shot composition, a camera
can be set on a tripod, and several images with the same scene are
continuously captured by the camera. The moving object within the
images are extracted and overlapped onto the last image, thus to
present the dynamic effect of the track of the moving object. The
overlap of the moving object onto the last image can be achieved by
using an image composition algorithm. It is understood that, the
image composition algorithm may be various and known in the art,
and related descriptions are omitted here.
[0006] Conventionally, the respective images are continuously
captured with a fixed time interval. If the time interval is too
short or the moving speed of the object is too fast, the objects on
the composed image may have a large overlapped portion, as shown in
FIG. 1A. On the contrary, if the time interval is too long or the
moving speed of the object is too slow, the objects may be
scattered on the composed image, as shown in FIG. 1B, and the
number of the objects on the composed image may be not enough,
resulting in difficulties for presenting the dynamic effect.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Methods and systems for determining frames and photo
composition within multiple frames are provided are provided.
[0008] In an embodiment of a method for determining frames within
multiple frames, a plurality of frames, which are respectively
captured with a predefined time interval are obtained. At least one
object within at least two of the frames is detected. A moving
speed of the object is calculated according to the positions of the
object in the respective frames and the predefined time interval,
and candidate frames are selected from the frames according to the
moving speed of the object.
[0009] An embodiment of a system for determining frames within
multiple frames comprises a storage unit and a processing unit. The
storage unit comprises a plurality of frames, which are
respectively captured with a predefined time interval. The
processing unit detects at least one object within at least two of
the frames. The processing unit calculates a moving speed of the
object according to the positions of the object in the respective
frames and the predefined time interval, and selects candidate
frames from the frames according to the moving speed of the
object.
[0010] In an embodiment of a method for photo composition within
multiple frames, a plurality of frames, which are respectively
captured with a predefined time interval are obtained. At least one
object within at least two of the frames is detected. A moving
speed of the object is calculated according to the positions of the
object in the respective frames and the predefined time interval,
and candidate frames are selected from the frames according to the
moving speed of the object. The candidate frames are composed to
generate a composed photo.
[0011] An embodiment of a system for photo composition within
multiple frames comprises a storage unit and a processing unit. The
storage unit comprises a plurality of frames, which are
respectively captured with a predefined time interval. The
processing unit detects at least one object within at least two of
the frames. The processing unit calculates a moving speed of the
object according to the positions of the object in the respective
frames and the predefined time interval, and selects candidate
frames from the frames according to the moving speed of the object.
The processing unit composes the candidate frames to generate a
composed photo.
[0012] In some embodiments, a table is looked up according to the
moving speed of the object to obtain a frame gap number, and the
candidates frames are selected within the frames at intervals of
the frame gap number. In some embodiments, the faster the moving
speed is, the larger the frame gap number is.
[0013] In an embodiment of a method for determining frames within
multiple frames, a plurality of frames, which are respectively
captured with a predefined time interval are obtained. At least one
object within at least two of the frames is detected. An overlapped
area corresponding to the object within a first frame and a second
frame is calculated, and at least one candidate frame is selected
according, to the overlapped area corresponding to the object.
[0014] An embodiment of a system for determining frames within
multiple frames comprises a storage unit and a processing unit. The
storage unit comprises a plurality of frames, which are
respectively captured with a predefined time interval. The
processing unit detects at least one object within at least two of
the frames. The processing unit calculates an overlapped area
corresponding to the object within a first frame and a second
frame, and selects at least one candidate frame according to the
overlapped area corresponding to the object.
[0015] In an embodiment of a method for photo composition within
multiple frames, a plurality of frames, which are respectively
captured with a predefined time interval are obtained. At least one
object within at least two of the frames is detected. An overlapped
area corresponding to the object within a first frame and a second
frame is calculated, and at least one candidate frame is selected
according to the overlapped area corresponding to the object. The
at least one candidate frame is composed to generate a composed
photo.
[0016] An embodiment of a system for photo composition within
multiple frames comprises a storage unit and a processing unit. The
storage unit comprises a plurality of frames, which are
respectively captured with a predefined time interval. The
processing unit detects at least one object within at least two of
the frames. The processing unit calculates an overlapped area
corresponding to the object within a first frame and a second
frame, and selects at least one candidate frame according to the
overlapped area corresponding to the object. The processing unit
composes the at least one candidate frame to generate a composed
photo.
[0017] In some embodiments, it is determined whether the overlapped
area corresponding to the object is less than a specific percentage
of a contour area of the object. If the overlapped area
corresponding to the object is less than a specific percentage of
the contour area of the object, the second frame is selected as the
candidate frame.
[0018] In some embodiments, it is determined whether the overlapped
area corresponding to the object equals to zero. If the overlapped
area corresponding to the object equals to zero, a moving speed of
the object is calculated according to the positions of the object
in the respective frames and the predefined time interval, and
candidate frames are selected within the frames according to the
moving speed of the object.
[0019] Methods for determining frames and photo composition within
multiple frames may take the form of a program code embodied in a
tangible media. When the program code is loaded into and executed
by a machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the
disclosed method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will become more fully understood by referring
to the following detailed description with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
composed image with objects having a large overlapped portion;
[0022] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a
composed image with scattered objects;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
a system for determining frames and photo composition within
multiple frames of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for
determining frames within multiple frames of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
determining frames within multiple frames of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for
selecting at least one candidate frame according to the overlapped
area corresponding to the object of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
selecting at least one candidate frame according to the overlapped
area corresponding to the object of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for photo
composition within multiple frames of the invention; and
[0029] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
photo composition within multiple frames of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Methods and systems for determining frames and photo
composition within multiple frames are provided.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
a system for determining frames and/or photo composition within
multiple frames of the invention. The system for determining frames
and/or photo composition within multiple frames 100 can be used in
an electronic device, such as a computer, or a portable device,
such as a digital camera, a handheld device such as a mobile phone,
a smart phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a GPS (Global
Positioning System), or any picture-taking device.
[0032] The system for determining frames and/or photo con position
within multiple frames 100 comprises a storage unit 110 and a
processing unit 120. The storage unit 110 comprises a plurality of
frames, which are respectively captured with a tune interval. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, a time interval would be
predefined or dynamically defined. It is understood that, in some
embodiments, the frames can be obtained from a video. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, the system for determining
frames and/or photo composition within multiple frames 100 can also
comprise an image capture unit (not shown in FIG. 2). The image
capture unit may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS
(Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), placed at the imaging
position for objects inside the electronic device. The image
capture unit can continuously capture the frames within a
predefined time interval. It is also understood that, in some
embodiments, the system for determining frames and/or photo
composition within multiple frames 100 can also comprise a display
unit (not shown in FIG. 2). The display unit can display related
figures and interfaces, and related data, such as the image frames
continuously captured by the image capture unit. It is understood
that, in some embodiments, the display unit may be a screen
integrated with a touch-sensitive device (not shown). The
touch-sensitive device has a touch-sensitive surface comprising
sensors in at least one dimension to detect contact and movement of
an input tool, such as a stylus or finger on the touch-sensitive
surface. That is, users can directly input related data via the
display unit. The processing unit 120 can control related
components of the system for determining frames and/or photo
composition within multiple frames 100, process the image frames,
and perform the methods for determining frames and/or photo
composition within multiple frames, which will be discussed further
in the following paragraphs. It is noted that, in some embodiments,
the system for determining frames and/or photo composition within
multiple frames 100 can further comprise a focus unit (not shown in
FIG. 2). The processing unit 120 can control the focus unit to
perform a focus process for at least one object during, the
photography process.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for
determining frames within multiple frames of the invention. The
method for determining frames within multiple frames can be used in
an electronic device, such as a computer, or a portable device,
such as a digital camera, a handheld device such as a mobile phone,
a smart phone, a PDA, a GPS, or any picture-taking device. In the
embodiment, candidate frames for photo composition can be
determined.
[0034] In step S310, a plurality of frames are obtained. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, the frames are continuously
and respectively captured within a predefined time interval. In
some embodiments, the frames can be obtained from a video. In step
S320, at least one object within at least two of the frames, such
as the first two successive frames is detected. It is understood
that, in some embodiments, the object can be obtained by
transforming the at least two frames into grayscale frames, and
subtracting the grayscale frames with each other to obtain a
contour of the object. In step S330, a moving speed of the object
is calculated according to the positions of the object in the
respective frames and the predefined time interval. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, once the contour of the
object is detected, the area of the contour is calculated based on
the contour of the object, the position of mass center of the area
is calculated based on the area of the contour, and the moving
speed of the object can be also calculated based on the position of
mass center of the area. In step S340, candidate frames are
selected from the frames according to the moving speed of the
object. It is understood that, in some embodiments, a table can be
looked up according to the moving speed of the object to obtain a
frame gap number, and the candidates frames can be selected within
the frames at intervals of the frame gap number. In the table, the
faster the moving speed is, the larger the frame nap number is. It
is noted that, the actual value of the frame gap number can be
flexibly designed according different applications and
requirements. The selected candidate frames can be used for photo
composition.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
determining frames within multiple frames of the invention. The
method for determining frames within multiple frames can be used in
an electronic device, such as a computer, or a portable device,
such as a digital camera, a handheld device such as a mobile phone,
a smart phone, a PDA, a GPS, or any picture-taking device. In the
embodiment, candidate frames for photo composition can be
determined.
[0036] In step S410, a plurality of frames are obtained. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, the frames are continuously
and respectively captured with a predefined time interval. In some
embodiments, the frames can be obtained from a video. In step S420,
at least one object within at least two of the frames, such as the
first two successive frames is detected. It is understood that, in
some embodiments, the object can be obtained by transforming the at
least two frames into grayscale frames, and subtracting the
grayscale frames with each other to obtain as contour of the
object. In step S430, an overlapped area corresponding to the
object within two frames, such as a first frame and a second frame
is calculated. It is understood that, in some embodiments, once the
contour of the object is detected, the area and the position of the
contour of the object can be calculated, and the overlapped area
can be accordingly calculated. In step S440, at least one candidate
frame is selected according to the overlapped area corresponding to
the object. The selected candidate frames can be used for photo
composition.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for
selecting at least one candidate frame according to the overlapped
area corresponding to the object of the invention. In step S510, it
is determined whether the overlapped area corresponding to the
object within two frames, such as a first frame and a second frame
is less than a specific percentage of a contour area of the object.
If the overlapped area corresponding to the object is less than a
specific percentage of the contour area of the object (Yes in step
S510), in step S520, the rear frame, such as the second frame is
selected as the candidate frame. If the overlapped area
corresponding to the object is not less than a specific percentage
of the contour area of the object (No in step S510), the procedure
is completed. It is understood that thereafter, an overlapped area
corresponding to the object within the first frame and a subsequent
frame, such as a third frame (wherein the second frame is not
selected as a candidate frame) can be calculated, and accordingly
determined. Alternatively, an overlapped area corresponding to the
object within the second frame and a subsequent frame, such as a
third frame (wherein the second frame is selected as a candidate
frame) can be calculated, and accordingly determined. The process
is repeated until all frames are examined.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
selecting at least one candidate frame according to the overlapped
area corresponding to the object of the invention. In step S610, it
is determined whether the overlapped area corresponding to the
object within two frames, such as a first frame and a second frame
equals to zero. If the overlapped area corresponding to the object
equals to zero (Yes in step S610), in step S620, a moving speed of
the object is calculated according to the positions of the object
in the two frames and the predefined time interval. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, once the contour of the
object is detected, the area of the contour, the position of mass
center of the area, and the moving speed of the object can be also
calculated. In step S630, candidate frames are selected within the
frames accord Mg to the moving speed of the object. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, a table can be looked up
according to the moving speed of the object to obtain a frame gap
number, and the candidates frames can be selected within the frames
at intervals of the frame gap number. In the table, the faster the
moving speed is, the larger the frame gap number is. It is noted
that, the actual value of the frame gap number can be flexibly
designed according different applications and requirements. The
selected candidate frames can be used for photo composition. If the
overlapped area corresponding to the object does not equal to zero
(No in step S610), the procedure is completed. It is understood
that, thereafter, an overlapped area corresponding to the object
within the first frame and a subsequent frame, such as a third
frame (wherein the overlapped area corresponding to the object does
not equal to zero) can be calculated, and accordingly determined.
The process is repeated until all frames are examined.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of it method for
photo composition within multiple frames of the invention. The
method for photo composition within multiple frames can be used in
an electronic device, such as a computer, or a portable device,
such as a digital camera, a handheld device such as a mobile phone,
a smart phone, a PDA, a GPS, or any picture-taking device. In the
embodiment, candidate frames can be selected from frames and used
for photo composition.
[0040] In step S710, a plurality of frames are obtained. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, the frames are continuously
and respectively captured with a predefined time interval. In some
embodiments, the frames can be obtained from a video. In step S720,
at least one object within at least two of the frames, such as the
first two successive frames is detected. It is understood that, in
some embodiments, the object can be obtained by transforming the at
least two frames into grayscale frames, and subtracting the
grayscale frames with each other to obtain a contour of the object.
In step S730, a moving speed of the object is calculated according
to the positions of the object in the respective frames and the
predefined time interval. It is understood that, in some
embodiments, once the contour of the object is detected, the area
of the contour, the position of mass center of the area, and the
moving speed of the object can be also calculated. In step S740,
candidate frames are selected from the frames according to the
moving speed of the object. It is understood that, in some
embodiments, a table can be looked up according to the moving speed
of the object to obtain a frame gap number, and the candidates
frames can be selected within the frames at intervals of the frame
gap number. In the table, the faster the moving speed is, the
larger the frame gap number is. It is noted that, the actual value
of the frame gap number can be flexibly designed according
different applications and requirements. In step S750, the selected
candidate frames are composed to generate a composed photo. It is
understood that, the composition of candidate frames can be
performed by using an image composition algorithm. It is understood
that the image composition algorithm may be various and known in
the art, and related descriptions are omitted here.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for
photo composition within multiple frames of the invention. The
method for photo composition can be used in an electronic device,
such as a computer, or a portable device, such as a digital camera,
a handheld device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a
GPS, or any picture-taking device, in the embodiment, candidate
frames can be selected from frames and used for photo
composition.
[0042] In step S810, a plurality of frames are obtained. It is
understood that, in some embodiments, the frames are continuously
and respectively captured with as predefined time interval. In some
embodiments, the frames can be obtained from a video. In step S820,
at least one object within at least two of the frames, such as the
first two successive frames is detected. It is understood that, in
some embodiments, the object can be obtained by transforming the at
least two frames into grayscale frames, and subtracting the
grayscale frames with each other to obtain a contour of the object.
In step S830, an overlapped area corresponding to the object within
two frames, such as a first frame and a second frame is calculated.
It is understood that, in some embodiments, once the contour of the
object is detected, the area and the position of the contour of the
object can be calculated, and the overlapped area can be
accordingly calculated. In step S840, at least one candidate frame
is selected according to the overlapped area corresponding, to the
object. It is understood that, in some embodiments, it is
determined whether the overlapped area corresponding to the object
is less than a specific percentage of a contour area of the object.
If the overlapped area corresponding to the object is less than a
specific percentage of the contour area of the object, the second
frame is selected as the candidate frame. In some embodiments, it
is determined whether the overlapped area corresponding to the
object equals to zero. If the overlapped area corresponding to the
object equals to zero, a moving speed of the object is calculated
according to the positions of the object in the respective frames
and the predefined time interval, and candidate frames are selected
within the frames according to the moving speed of the object.
After all frames are examined, in step S850, the selected candidate
frames are composed to generate a composed photo. It is understood
that, the composition of candidate frames can be performed by using
an image composition algorithm. It is understood that, the image
composition algorithm may be various and known in the art, and
related descriptions are omitted here.
[0043] Therefore, the methods and systems for determining frames
and photo composition within multiple frames of the present
invention can select appropriate frames from continuously captured
frames according to the moving speed of the object, and/or the
overlapped area corresponding to the object with frames, and
accordingly generate a composed frame, thus improving the dynamic
effect of the track of the moving object.
[0044] Methods for determining frames and photo composition within
multiple frames, may take the form of a program code (i.e.,
executable instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy
diskettes, CD-ROMS, hard drives, or any other machine-readable
storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded, into and
executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine thereby
becomes an apparatus for practicing the methods. The methods may
also be embodied in the form of a program code transmitted over
some transmission medium, such as electrical wiring or cabling,
through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission,
wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and
executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an
apparatus for practicing, the disclosed methods. When implemented
on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the
processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates analogously
to application specific logic circuits.
[0045] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto. Those who are skilled in this
technology can still make various alterations and modifications
without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
Therefore, the scope of the present invention shall be defined and
protected by the following claims and their equivalent.
* * * * *