1. A method for separating an image signal into a set of image planes in accordance with a control signal, the method comprising the operations of: (a) receiving the control signal and producing a selector signal, via a selector module; (b) receiving the selector signal and producing a decision signal, via an edge processing module; and (c) receiving the image signal and the decision signal, and outputting a foreground signal and a background signal, via a foreground/background separation module, a representation of the current pixel of the image signal being included in at least one of the foreground signal and the background signal in accordance with the decision signal.