Animation Rendering via Pre-arranged Image Matrix Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices face challenges in rendering resource-intensive animations due to limited processing resources, necessitating a more lightweight approach to animation presentation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating an animation image matrix by decoding video files into still images, identifying similar images, and defining image paths for smooth transitions, allowing for adjustable animation duration and dynamic endpoint changes, which can be displayed on devices with limited capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional animation software programs are used to decompress and decode animation files, then animation quality and smoothness are improved, but computing resource consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation qualityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The animation file is segmented into individual still images that are pre-arranged in sequential order within the PDF document structure. Instead of decoding a continuous animation file, the system divides the animation into discrete image segments that can be independently rendered and displayed in sequence, reducing the computational burden of real-time decoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The animation images are pre-processed and arranged in their final display sequence during PDF generation. Image compression, ordering, and path definition are performed in advance during document creation, so that during playback, the device only needs to render pre-arranged images rather than performing complex real-time decomposition and sequencing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If resource-intensive animation decoding is performed, then animation smoothness is improved, but device compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation smoothnessVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses PDF as an intermediary format that copies the essential visual content of animation frames into a universally supported document format. Rather than requiring devices to natively decode proprietary animation formats, the animation content is converted into PDF images that can be rendered by any device with a PDF viewer, ensuring broad compatibility while preserving visual fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The PDF format serves multiple functions: it stores image data, defines animation sequences, specifies timing information, and provides rendering instructions all in a single universal container. This multi-functional approach allows the same file to be processed by diverse devices without requiring device-specific animation decoders, thereby improving compatibility across different platforms and hardware capabilities.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex animation processing is performed in real-time, then animation flexibility is improved, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Animation paths, image sequences, and timing parameters are all defined in advance during PDF generation. The system pre-calculates the optimal display sequence and timing for each image, storing this information in the PDF metadata. During playback, devices simply follow the pre-defined instructions rather than performing real-time pathfinding or sequence determination, dramatically improving processing speed while maintaining flexibility through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses PDF metadata to store adjustable parameters such as animation duration, frame timing, and sequence definitions. These parameters can be modified in the source PDF without changing the core image data, allowing flexible animation behavior to be achieved through parameter adjustment rather than complex real-time processing. This separates the flexible parameter definition from the execution phase, improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9280844B2Animation
Publication Date: 2016.03.08 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • US9280844B2 patent drawing
  • US9280844B2 patent drawing
  • US9280844B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An animation system may allow users to create animations by accessing a matrix of possible animation images, in which images may be arranged to be adjacent to one another based on similarity, and allowing a user to select one or more images. The system may then determine an animation path through the matrix or group of images. A display system can retrieve and display images along the path to generate an animation.