Automatic Cinemagraph Generation via Color Depth Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of creating cinemagraphs is labor-intensive and requires expertise, limiting their availability and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that uses color and depth data to segment dynamic and static elements in video frames, selecting optimal beginning and ending frames, and applying masks to generate smooth, looping animations without user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual expert process is used to create cinemagraphs, then high quality results are achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecinemagraph qualityVSAvoidcreation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic cinemagraph creation by having the computer automatically perform segmentation, frame selection, and mask generation without requiring manual expert intervention. The algorithm independently identifies moving areas, selects optimal frames, and generates the final cinemagraph, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating labor-intensive manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of expert operation with an automated computational system. The computer executes algorithms for color/depth-based segmentation, automatic frame selection, and mask application, substituting human manual labor with automated image processing and computer vision techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated system is used to create cinemagraphs, then productivity and accessibility are improved, but complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecreation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the cinemagraph creation process into distinct automated stages: color-based segmentation, depth-based segmentation, moving area identification, frame selection, and mask generation. Each stage is handled by specific algorithms that work independently but coordinate together, breaking down the complex task into manageable automated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing steps including color segmentation masks, depth map generation, and moving area detection as intermediary elements that bridge the input video and final cinemagraph. These intermediaries facilitate the automated transformation process by providing structured data representations at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If expert knowledge is required for cinemagraph creation, then quality control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecinemagraph qualityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs quality control automatically through embedded algorithms that objectively evaluate and select optimal frames based on motion analysis and segmentation quality. The computer independently determines the best beginning and ending frames and generates appropriate masks without requiring human expert judgment, making quality control accessible to all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the subjective expert judgment process into objective parameter-based automated decision making. The system uses quantifiable parameters such as color similarity, depth differences, motion magnitude, and frame timing to automatically determine quality metrics, replacing subjective expert assessment with measurable computational criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10242710B2Automatic cinemagraph
Publication Date: 2019.03.26 INTEL CORP
  • US10242710B2 patent drawing
  • US10242710B2 patent drawing
  • US10242710B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for performing automatic cinemagraph creation is described herein. The system comprises a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to receive series of images. The processor is coupled to the memory. The processor is to segment the series of images, select the most fitting times and mask, and apply the times and masks to the series of images to generate a cinemagraph.