3D Image Shading Based on Depth Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional (3D) video conferencing systems fail to provide a sufficiently lifelike interaction due to reliance on two-dimensional (2D) images and require complex hardware for 3D capture and processing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves applying shading techniques to 3D image content based on depth values and surface orientation, allowing for the rendering of backgrounds and certain image portions as black, thereby reducing hardware requirements and improving the natural appearance of 3D images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex hardware is used for 3D capture and processing, then 3D image quality and depth accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a 2D camera to capture images and creates synthetic depth information through computational methods rather than using complex 3D capture hardware. The depth map is generated by processing 2D images with algorithms that simulate depth perception, allowing 3D effects to be achieved with simpler hardware while maintaining acceptable depth accuracy for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Illumination intensity

If shading is applied to all image content, then visual quality and natural appearance are improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies shading selectively based on depth information rather than uniformly to all image content. By analyzing the depth map, the system identifies regions that require shading (such as areas behind objects or regions with poor depth data) and applies shading only to those specific areas. This localized approach maintains visual quality where needed while significantly reducing overall processing time and computational resources compared to full-image shading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3743891B1Shading images in three-dimensional content system
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3743891B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3743891B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3743891B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A method includes: receiving three-dimensional (3D) information generated by a first 3D system, the 3D information including images of a scene and depth data about the scene; identifying, using the depth data, first image content in the images associated with a depth value that satisfies a criterion; and generating modified 3D information by applying first shading regarding the identified first image content. The modified 3D information can be provided to a second 3D system. The scene can contain an object in the images, and generating the modified 3D information can include determining a surface normal for second image content of the object, and applying second shading regarding the second image content based on the determined surface normal. A portion of the object can have a greater depth value than another portion, and second shading can be applied regarding a portion of the images where the second portion is located.