2011

Table Of Contents
PXL Tool
The PXL tool provides the ability to write a C-like program to control the
creation of its output image. The program executed by the PXL tool is written
in a new language called PXL, the Pixel eXpression Language (pronounced
pixel). The PXL language offers a rich set of features like conditionals,
looping, and numerous built-in functions. The PXL tool offers users the ability
to create new effects by writing a PXL language program. The PXL tool can
be used to implement any point or gather operator, as it can read any pixel
in its input images.
The PXL tool's primary use cases are two-fold. One use case is for quick creation
of a short, non-reusable PXL program, for simple image generation or
transformation. Another will be to write longer scripts to create customized
effects that are not supplied by Composite, which will be shared by many
users. Examples might include:
Image generators
Warping
Transitions (fade & dissolve)
Blur & convolution
Tone mapping
Noise generators
Filters
Masking
Convert color spaces
Compositions
Color correction
PXL Tool Inputs and Outputs
The PXL tool has a single image output. It has a single, fixed primary input
(which can be unconnected, when used as an image generator). Further image
inputs can be added to the tool, which allows for an arbitrary number of
secondary image inputs to the tool. These secondary inputs can also be
440 | Chapter 18 Pixel Expressions