Mixed raster content files

Abstract

A system and process for generating and using mixed raster content files is described. MRC files may be created directly from an application, rather than being processed from a composite image, to separate a single image into background, foreground, and selection masks for each page. Also, an improved MRC structure is described in which only relevant portions are contained in background, foreground, and selection layers for each page.

1 . One or more computer readable media storing one or more computer-executable instructions for performing a method for rendering images comprising the steps of: 
 determining a bounding area for each image;    generating at least first and second lists in which said first list reflects those areas with no overlap between images and said second list reflects those areas with overlap;    rendering the non-overlapping areas by each area;    rendering the overlapping areas on a pixel by pixel basis.    
   
   
       2 . One or more computer readable media storing one or more computer-executable instructions for performing a method of rendering composite images comprising the steps of: 
 determining a bounding area for each image;    generating four lists in which said first list reflects those areas with no overlap between images, in which said second list reflects those areas where selection layer areas do not overlap with foreground layer areas, in which said third list reflects those areas where only selection and foreground layer areas overlap, and in which said fourth list reflects those areas where background, selection, and foreground layer areas overlap.    
   
   
       3 . The one or more computer readable media according to  claim 2  having one or computer-executable instructions for: 
 filling said composite image with said foreground layer areas from said first list when said foreground layer areas are present in said first list, otherwise filling said composite image with background layer areas.    
   
   
       4 . The one or more computer readable media according to  claim 2  having one or computer-executable instructions for: 
 filling said composite image with said selection layer area from said second list when said second list contains a non-white selection layer area.    
   
   
       5 . The one or more computer readable media according to  claim 2  having one or computer-executable instructions for: 
 filling said composite image with said selection layer area from said third list when said third list contains a non-white selection layer area, otherwise filling said composite image with said foreground layer area.    
   
   
       6 . The one or more computer readable media according to  claim 2  having one or computer-executable instructions for: 
 filling said composite image with said foreground layer area when said selection layer area is non-white, otherwise filling said composite image with said background layer area.    
   
   
       7 . A computer comprising: 
 a processor; and    a memory configured to store computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform a method of rendering composite images including determining a bounding area for each image;    generating four lists in which said first list reflects those areas with no overlap between images, in which said second list reflects those areas where selection layer areas do not overlap with foreground layer areas, in which said third list reflects those areas where only selection and foreground layer areas overlap, and in which said fourth list reflects those areas where background, selection, and foreground layer areas overlap.    
   
   
       8 . The computer according to  claim 7 , wherein the method further includes 
 filling said composite image with said foreground layer areas from said first list when said foreground layer areas are present in said first list, otherwise filling said composite image with background layer areas.    
   
   
       9 . The computer according to  claim 7 , wherein the method further includes 
 filling said composite image with said selection layer area from said second list when said second list contains a non-white selection layer area.    
   
   
       10 . The computer according to  claim 7 , wherein the method further includes 
 filling said composite image with said selection layer area from said third list when said third list contains a non-white selection layer area, otherwise filling said composite image with said foreground layer area.    
   
   
       11 . The computer according to  claim 7 , wherein the method further includes 
 filling said composite image with said foreground layer area when said selection layer area is non-white, otherwise filling said composite image with said background layer area.