Image data set with embedded pre-subpixel rendered image

1. A method for displaying an image, the method comprising:

pre-subpixel rendering source image data;

noting a point in an input image data stream in which to embed the pre-subpixel rendered source image data, wherein the input image is not subpixel rendered;

selectively swapping values of the pre-subpixel rendered source image data,

embedding the swapped and unswapped pre-subpixel rendered data into the input image so as to generate a mixed image data; and

displaying an image on a screen based on the mixed image data.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein pre-subpixel rendering the source image data comprises:

adding a color key into the pre-subpixel rendered source image data to indicate pre-subpixel rendering.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein adding the color key comprises:

substituting a first predefined color key value in place of an actual first color value at a first location in the mixed image data; and

substituting a second predefined color key in place of an actual second color key value at a second location in the mixed image data.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein selectively swapping values comprises:

selectively swapping the values of pre-subpixel rendered source image data such that non-presubpixel rendered source image data surrounding the values of pre-subpixel rendered source image data-represents the correct actual color data when the non-presubpixel rendered source image data is being subpixel rendered.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein selectively swapping values further comprises:

swapping values of every other column of the pre-subpixel rendered source image data.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the displaying an image further comprises:

recognizing and extracting the pre-subpixel rendered source image data within the mixed image data; and

displaying the pre-subpixel rendered source image data.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the displaying an image further comprises:

subpixel rendering the input image; and

displaying the subpixel rendered input image.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein either the pre-subpixel rendered source image data or the input image includes a watermark.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the recognizing and extracting further comprises:

detecting the watermark; and

extracting the pre-subpixel rendered source image data associated with the watermark.

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the pre-subpixel rendered source image data and the input image includes a color key.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the recognizing and extracting further comprises:

detecting the color key; and

extracting the pre-subpixel rendered source image data associated with the color key.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-subpixel rendered source and input image include respective data point values for an output image.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the input image includes a plurality of color keys indicating the presence of the pre-subpixel rendered source image data.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the color keys map to specific values for the data point values within the input image for the output image.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the displaying an image further comprises:

detecting the presence of the pre-subpixel rendered source image data by determining whether surrounding data point values around a color key value match the color key value.

16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising decimating the color key value if the surrounding data point values match the color key value.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-subpixel rendering source image data further comprises:

overlaying an idealized image onto a color sample plane that includes a plurality of sample points;

calculating filter values for each of the sample points; and

applying the filter values to a conventional source image data to generate a pre-subpixel rendered source image data.