Image editing method and image editing apparatus

Abstract

An image editing method comprises storing original images, storing alpha masks corresponding to the original images, respectively, superposing in turn object images that are extracted from the original images by the alpha masks, to display a composite image on a first display region of a display screen, modifying selectively the alpha masks on a second display region of the display screen to modify the composite image as necessary, and displaying the composite image reflecting modification of at least one of the alpha masks on the second display region.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . An image editing apparatus comprising: 
 a memory unit configured to store a plurality of original images including still pictures;    a generator configured to generate a plurality of alpha masks corresponding respectively to object images extracted from the plurality of original images, respectively;    a superposing unit configured to superpose in turn the object images that are extracted from the plurality of original images by the plurality of alpha masks, to display a composite image on a first display region of a display screen;    a modifying unit configured to modify selectively the alpha masks on a second display region of the display screen to modify the composite image, when superposing in turn the object images, which alpha masks are selectively displayed on the second display region simultaneously with the composite image being displayed on the first display region; and    a display unit configured to display the composite image reflecting modification of at least one of the alpha masks on the second display region.    
   
   
       21 . A computer system for video editing, comprising: 
 means for storing a plurality of original images including still pictures;    means for generating a plurality of alpha masks corresponding respectively to object images extracted from the plurality of original images, respectively;    means for superposing in turn the object images that are extracted from the plurality of original images by the plurality of alpha masks, to display a composite image on a first display region of a display screen;    means for modifying selectively the alpha masks on a second display region of the display screen to modify the composite image, when superposing in turn the object images, which alpha masks are selectively displayed on the second display region simultaneously with the composite image being displayed on the first display region; and    means for displaying the composite image reflecting modification of at least one of the alpha masks on the second display region.    
   
   
       22 . A video edition program stored in a computer readable medium, comprising: 
 means for instructing a computer to store a plurality of original images including still pictures;    means for instructing the computer to generate a plurality of alpha masks corresponding respectively to obtain images extracted from the plurality of original images, respectively;    means for instructing the computer to superpose in turn the object images that are extracted from the plurality of original images by the plurality of alpha masks, to display a composite image on a first display region of a display screen;    means for instructing the computer to modify selectively the alpha masks on a second display region of the display screen to modify the composite image, when superposing in turn the object images, which alpha masks are selectively displayed on the second display region simultaneously with the composite image being displayed on the first display region; and    means for instructing the computer to display the composite image reflecting modification of at least one of the alpha masks on the second display region.