May sound simple at first, but PLEASE READ FULLY before bidding. If you have made professional quality video-editing/layout softwares, then this may be for you...
I URGENTLY require a library which can be used to zoom and translate (move) images (both zoom and move can be done simultaneousy or separately). The image will always be a 32-bit Windows bitmap (R,G,B,A). Alpha channel has to be taken care of. If you are still with me, read on...
I am writing a small software where images need to zoom in. This doesn't need to be in real-time, but reasonably fast, as the images for each 'frame' are collected and written to an AVI file. Again, speed is not so important, but best quality is a must.
While zooming and moving an image are simple matters, what I need is EXTREMELY smooth zooms/moves. Basically, I'm looking for methods of moving 'between' pixels as well. So, I should be able to move an image by even 0.25 pixels (yeah, quarter of a pixel). I know that pixels are always integers... but by using very fancy graphic effects, it's possible to SIMULATE the effect of partial pixels (using the alpha channel as well).
To understand exactly what I'm saying, check out Adobe AfterEffects or Premiere. Drop an image, and make a 30fps video of it moving by about 15 pixels. Set the duration to 10 seconds (or less, if you have a slow machine!). Normally, using 'integer' images, we would get an image move of 1 pixel in every (30fps*10s)/15px=20 frames, but notice in the video how Adobe has managed to make it appear that the image IS actually moving those fractional pixels as well. You will have to see the effect to understand what I'm looking for. If you don't have access to AE/Premiere, let me know and I'll post a video of what I want (but I would recommend doing it yourself as you will get an insight into the problem).
If you understand the above, you can check out the same thing with zoom: you will know what I mean.
## Deliverables
Please do not bid if you don't have any idea of alpha channels, or advanced resampling and rendering techniques. Please supply a working demo (an application in which I can load my own image, say 320x240px, and move it in the number of frames I can specify - you are free to watermark the frames in the demo). Tell me a time frame (I need this URGENTLY - I have a presentation this is to be used for), and estimated cost. I need this code running in Delphi... so please let me know if you will be able to either provide Delphi code, or port existing code to Delphi (I don't mind if you can search the net and find something that works), or, as a last resort, do this in VB or VC and help me port it. I need a demo from you to know that you CAN do it, the rest we can work out. You also might want to check out Paul Heckbert's excellent zoom algorithms - they are in C.
1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done.
2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables):
a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment.
b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request.
3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement).
## Platform
32-bit Windows. Should NOT depend on DirectX etc: everything has to be done using pixel-manipulation (with scanline). If possible, in Delphi. Otherwise, Pascal, VB, VC, and help me to port.