Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for editing digital images in three dimensions includes a computer for storing a digital image of an object and a background, as well as at least one additional background image. Based upon the difference between the hues of the edge of the object and the surrounding background and a predetermined hue difference, the computer locates the edge of the object and removes portions of the image (i.e., the background) that are outside the edge. Then, the object can be combined with a preselected one of the other background images so as to form a composite image. Components of the preselected background image are assigned relative positions in the X-Y plane, and are also assigned a value defining their location in one of a plurality of layers which form the Z dimension of the image. The object to be combined with the background is also assigned a value defining its location in at least one of those layers. In another embodiment of the invention, colors of either a digital or video image can be selectively assigned to a mask. The colors can be of the entire image or from a selected area of the image. Color manipulation can then be performed on just the colors of the image defined by the mask. The mask may be used with the entire image, with a selected area of the image, or with objects. Alternatively, the colors of the image defined by an inverted mask are affected by color manipulation.

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First Claim