Affine Clustering for Graphics Geometry Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer graphics technologies face inefficiencies in handling complex geometry due to repeated geometric constructs, leading to increased memory usage, reduced rendering performance, and file size, particularly in resource-constrained devices like touch-screen mobile devices and gaming consoles.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented technique identifies and clusters affine variants of graphics objects using a programmable GPU pipeline, performing bucketization, similarity computations, and post-processing to reduce geometric complexity, allowing for automatic and scalable optimization without user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If repeated geometric constructs are used in graphics, then design flexibility and asset reuse are improved, but memory usage and file size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple repeated geometric constructs into a single master geometry definition. By identifying affine variants of the same base geometry and consolidating them into one shared definition with transformation parameters, the system reduces memory usage while preserving design flexibility. The master geometry serves as a template that can be instantiated multiple times with different transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal master geometry definition that serves multiple functions simultaneously. This single geometry definition can be reused across multiple instances with different transformations (scaling, rotation, translation), making it a multi-functional asset that replaces numerous individual geometry definitions while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If repeated geometric constructs are used in graphics, then design flexibility is improved, but rendering performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidrendering performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges repeated geometric constructs into a single master definition that is processed once during rendering, rather than processing each repeated instance separately. This consolidation significantly improves rendering performance by eliminating redundant computation while the transformation parameters allow flexible instantiation of the master geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If geometry optimization is performed manually, then precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization precisionVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system that performs geometry optimization without requiring manual user intervention. The system automatically identifies repeated geometric constructs, clusters them by similarity, generates master geometry definitions, and creates transformation parameters. This self-service approach maintains high precision while eliminating time-consuming manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of geometry optimization with an automated computational system. Using algorithms for affinity variant detection and clustering, the system automatically performs tasks that would otherwise require manual inspection and manipulation, achieving both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive similarity computation is performed on all graphics objects, then clustering accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclustering accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the set of graphics objects into buckets based on preliminary criteria (such as geometry type, complexity, or other distinguishing features) before performing comprehensive similarity computations. This segmentation reduces the number of comparisons needed while maintaining clustering accuracy within each segment, thereby reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11055810B1Optimizing graphics geometry using similarity-based clustering
Publication Date: 2021.07.06 ADOBE INC
  • US11055810B1 patent drawing
  • US11055810B1 patent drawing
  • US11055810B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique is described for clustering graphics objects in a graphic artwork based on affine variance. Geometry data associated with an input set of graphics objects can be processed to identify pairs of graphics objects that are affine variants of each other. The identified affine variants can then be clustered into one or more affine groups. Similar graphics objects in a given affine group can then be represented using a base geometry and a corresponding transformation matrix. Accordingly, the overall geometric complexity of the graphic artwork can be simplified thereby providing various benefits such as reducing file size and improving rendering performance.