Apparatus and method for transforming a video image into a three dimensional video image with shadows

摘要

There is described a video special effects apparatus 1 comprising: transforming means 2, 10, 12, 14 for mapping an input video image (FIG. 3A) onto a three-dimensional surface (FIG. 3B) to form a transformed image; luminance level calculating means 16 for calculating luminance levels Iout for parts of said transformed image to produce an effect of a positive light source P generating positive light that increases luminance levels of parts of said transformed image corresponding to parts of said three-dimensional surface where said positive light is incident and a negative light source N generating negative light that decreases luminance levels of parts of said transformed image corresponding to parts of said three-dimensional surface where said negative light is incident; and luminance level control means 6 for controlling luminance levels of parts of said transformed image in dependence upon said calculated luminance levels.