Alpha Channel Depth Encoding for 3D Virtual Object Rendering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices struggle to provide immersive three-dimensional rendering of virtual objects by effectively incorporating depth information into alpha channels, limiting the ability to create realistic augmented reality experiences.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with a processor and memory that processes depth information to add depth values to an alpha channel of an image, allowing for the generation of images and videos with integrated transparency and depth values, enabling three-dimensional rendering through binocular parallax adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If depth information is added to the alpha channel to enable three-dimensional rendering, then the realism and interactivity of augmented reality are improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional rendering capabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines depth values and transparency values into a single alpha channel data structure. By merging these two previously separate pieces of information into one channel, the system enables three-dimensional rendering without requiring additional separate depth buffer or channel, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform immersive AR rendering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alpha channel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it stores both transparency information for compositing and depth information for three-dimensional rendering. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated channels for each purpose, reducing device complexity while enabling advanced AR capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If depth values are integrated into the alpha channel, then the realism of virtual objects is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements for data processing increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of virtual objectsVSAvoiddata processing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the alpha channel into distinct regions or segments that can independently store depth values and transparency values. This segmentation allows for precise control over how depth and transparency information are encoded and processed, enabling high realism in virtual object rendering while managing the complexity of data processing through structured organization of the data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250365401A1Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for generating three-dimensional image or three-dimensional video using alpha channel in which depth value is included

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes: memory comprising one or more storage media storing instructions; and at least one processor comprising processing circuitry, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to: obtain depth information of a visual object, identify, based on the depth information of the visual object, depth values, add the depth values to an alpha channel of an image representing the visual object, and generate the image, and wherein the alpha channel includes the depth values and transparencies of the visual object.