3D Avatar Generation from Single 2D Image Using Template Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating avatars require significant user input and complex processes, often necessitating multiple images or specialized equipment, making them inefficient for creating realistic 3D avatars from a single 2D image.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that detects landmarks in a 2D face image and modifies a 3D template head by moving bones and scaling to create a realistic 3D avatar, using texture generation and blending to produce a combined texture image, allowing for the creation of avatars with minimal user effort and input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing methods for generating avatars are used, then avatars can be created with realistic representation, but the process requires significant user input and complex procedures including multiple images or specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input requirementVSAvoidavatar realism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a 3D template head as a base model that is copied and modified to create the final avatar. Instead of generating a completely new 3D model from scratch or requiring users to perform complex scanning procedures, the system starts with a pre-defined template and adapts it to match the user's facial features detected in a single 2D image, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining realism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system modifies parameters of the 3D template head (such as bone positions, blend shapes, and texture mappings) based on landmark detection from the 2D image. By changing these parameters to match the detected facial features, the system achieves realistic avatar representation without requiring users to provide multiple images or use specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple images or specialized 3D cameras are used for avatar generation, then higher quality avatars can be created, but the complexity of the process and equipment requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavatar qualityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies essential facial structure information from a single 2D image onto a 3D template, eliminating the need for specialized 3D scanning equipment. The system extracts landmark data from the 2D image and uses it to adjust the 3D template's geometry and texture, achieving good avatar quality with minimal equipment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D template head acts as an intermediary between the 2D input image and the final 3D avatar. It serves as a bridge that translates 2D facial landmarks into 3D structural modifications, allowing the system to generate quality avatars without requiring direct 3D scanning equipment while maintaining realistic representation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a single 2D image is used for avatar generation, then the process is simplified, but achieving realistic 3D representation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidfacial detail accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D landmark detection to 3D template modification by using the detected 2D facial landmarks to adjust the positions of bones and vertices in the 3D template space. This dimensional transformation allows the system to infer three-dimensional facial structure from two-dimensional image data, recovering facial detail accuracy while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the 3D template head with proper bone structures, blend shapes, and texture mappings before receiving the user's 2D image. This preparation allows the landmark detection and modification process to proceed efficiently with minimal computational complexity while preserving facial detail accuracy through the pre-configured template structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10467793B2Computer implemented method and device
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 KING COM
  • US10467793B2 patent drawing
  • US10467793B2 patent drawing
  • US10467793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a computer implemented method, landmarks in a two dimensional image of a face are detected. In dependence on the detected landmarks, a three dimensional template head comprising texture, bones, animations and blend shapes is modified. The template head comprises bones corresponding to respective reference landmarks and which are moved in dependence on a respective detected landmark.