CG Image Parameter Adjustment via Derivative Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for using CG images in synthesis require significant labor and storage capacity to manage small variations in CG images, as they necessitate re-rendering and re-storing multiple versions of images with slight changes, making it difficult to easily modify or manage CG materials.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that allows real-time adjustment of CG material parameters through user operations, enabling dynamic changes to CG images without the need for re-rendering and re-storing, using derivative information to control parameter adjustments and updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of CG images with slight changes are produced by re-rendering and re-stored into the server, then the variety of CG images for synthesis is improved, but the labor required and storage capacity used increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of CG imagesVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The CG image data is segmented into a base CG image and derivative information representing only the changed portions. Instead of storing complete modified CG images, the system stores the original CG image data once and maintains separate derivative information files that describe the modifications (such as parameter changes, position adjustments, or texture modifications). This segmentation allows multiple variations to be generated on-demand without proportionally increasing storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual copies of CG images by applying derivative information to the base image through parameter adjustment rather than physical re-rendering. When a modified CG image is needed, the system copies the base image data and applies the stored derivative modifications to generate the desired variation, eliminating the need to store multiple complete image versions while still providing access to diverse CG image variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of CG images with slight changes are produced by re-rendering and re-stored into the server, then the variety of CG images for synthesis is improved, but the labor required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of CG imagesVSAvoidlabor required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing derivative information that describes potential modifications to CG images. Instead of re-rendering images when modifications are needed, the derivative information (which may include parameter adjustments, transformation data, or material property changes) is prepared and stored in advance. This allows rapid generation of modified CG images by simply applying the pre-computed derivative information to the base image, significantly reducing the labor and time required for image production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying to replicate the base CG image and apply derivative modifications through parameter adjustment rather than re-rendering. This copying approach with selective modification leverages the stored derivative information to efficiently generate multiple CG image variants without repeating the computationally intensive rendering process, thereby reducing labor requirements while maintaining image quality and variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of CG images are produced and stored to achieve smooth variations, then the ability to provide varied CG images is improved, but the management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth variationsVSAvoidmanagement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the CG image library into a master base image and multiple derivative information records. Each derivative record contains only the specific modifications needed to create a variation (such as parameter changes, position offsets, or material property adjustments). This segmentation simplifies management by organizing data hierarchically rather than as numerous independent image files, making it easier to track, version-control, and modify CG assets while still providing smooth visual variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages CG image variations through copying the base image and applying stored derivative modifications rather than managing numerous independent image files. This approach reduces management complexity by maintaining a single source of truth (the base CG image) and using derivative information to generate variations on-demand. The copying mechanism with parameter-based modification allows efficient organization and retrieval of CG assets without the burden of managing large numbers of separate file versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8907967B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US8907967B2 patent drawing
  • US8907967B2 patent drawing
  • US8907967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a working storage section in which computer graphics description data of a storage format in which a computer graphics material can be edited are developed so as to be used for production of an image; an updating controlling section adapted to control a writing operation into part of the working storage section in accordance with derivative information representative of information which describes control for the stored contents of the working storage section; and an image production section adapted to produce a computer graphics image based on the stored contents of the working storage section.