AR Pixel Blending via Alpha Matting Weighted Average
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining real and virtual image data in augmented reality experiences at high frame rates poses computational and power consumption challenges, particularly in head-mounted devices, where minimal data transmission and low power usage are required.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a combined pixel value as a weighted average of real and virtual pixel values based on alpha matting parameters, with alpha values obtained for each pixel, allowing for efficient blending of images in near real-time without significant data buffering or high power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real and virtual image data are combined at high frame rates, then the augmented reality experience quality is improved, but power consumption and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image combination process into discrete per-pixel operations using alpha matting values. Each pixel is processed independently with a simple weighted average calculation based on pre-computed alpha values, avoiding complex global optimization and reducing computational complexity to enable high frame rates with minimal power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the computational approach by using pre-computed alpha matting parameters to guide the blending process. Instead of complex real-time image analysis, the system uses these parameters to directly compute pixel values through simple weighted averages, significantly reducing computational load while maintaining visual quality at high frame rates
2Productivity
If real and virtual image data are combined at high frame rates, then the augmented reality experience quality is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into independent per-pixel operations using alpha matting. Each pixel value is computed separately using a simple weighted average formula based on pre-computed alpha values, eliminating the need for complex computational algorithms and enabling efficient high-frame-rate processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computation of alpha matting values before the actual image combination. These pre-computed parameters guide the subsequent pixel-value calculations, allowing the system to avoid complex real-time computations during the critical frame rendering phase and thereby reduce computational load
3Manufacturing precision
If alpha matting is used for pixel blending, then image blending quality is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential alpha matting parameters needed for blending from the full image data. By using these extracted parameters to guide per-pixel weighted average calculations, the system achieves high-quality blending while processing minimal data, avoiding the need to analyze or transmit complete image datasets
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a method includes obtaining, for a particular pixel of an image, a real pixel value and a virtual pixel value. The method includes obtaining, for the particular pixel of the image, a first alpha and a second alpha. The method includes generating, for the particular pixel of the image, a combined pixel value as a weighted average of the real pixel value and the virtual pixel value, the weighting being based on at least one of the first alpha and the second alpha.