Depth-Guided Non-Photorealistic Rendering for Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-based non-photorealistic rendering techniques struggle with accurately processing out-of-focus areas, leading to irregular and inconsistent line drawings and region borders, and fail to adapt the non-photorealistic effect based on image composition, such as foreground and background.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes depth information from a depth image to vary segmentation and edge extraction scales across the image, allowing independent control of region flattening and line drawing, and employs pre-computed hierarchical segmentation and weighted-edge representations to optimize computational power and time, with optional automatic reference depth determination using gaze-tracking analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional edge detection and segmentation methods are applied to out-of-focus areas, then processing can be performed uniformly across the image, but rendering accuracy deteriorates due to poor edge detection performance in out-of-focus regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different segmentation and edge extraction scales to different depth regions. For out-of-focus areas, a coarser scale is used to maintain stability, while in-focus areas use finer scales for detailed rendering. This local adaptation resolves the contradiction by improving reliability where needed without uniformly increasing processing complexity across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the segmentation and edge extraction scales based on depth information. The scales vary across the image according to the depth of each region, allowing the system to adapt its processing intensity locally. This dynamic adjustment enables high accuracy in in-focus regions while maintaining computational efficiency in out-of-focus regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the whole image is processed at the same non-photorealistic effect scale, then processing is simplified and uniform, but adaptability to image composition (foreground, background, depth) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different non-photorealistic rendering effects to different depth regions. Foreground elements receive different treatment compared to background elements, with each region's rendering parameters adapted to its depth characteristics. This enables the system to adapt to image composition while managing complexity through depth-based organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into multiple depth regions based on depth information. Each segment is then processed with appropriate rendering parameters tailored to its depth characteristics. This segmentation strategy enables adaptability to different image compositions while organizing processing complexity into manageable depth-based groups.
3Manufacturing precision
If fine-scale processing is applied to all regions including out-of-focus areas, then rendering detail is improved, but computational time and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using fine processing scales only in in-focus regions where rendering detail is most important, while using coarser scales in out-of-focus regions. This selective application of processing intensity maintains rendering precision where needed without unnecessarily increasing computational efficiency across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary portions of the image at high detail levels. Out-of-focus areas receive reduced processing intensity since fine details are less perceptually important in these regions. This partial processing strategy maintains adequate rendering quality while significantly improving computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for rendering a non-photorealistic (NPR) content from a set (SI) of at least one image of a same scene is provided. The set of images (SI) is associated with a depth image comprising a set of regions. Each region corresponds to a region of a given depth. The method for rendering a non-photorealistic content includes generation of a segmented image having at least one segmented region generated with a given segmentation scale. The at least one segmented region corresponds to at least one region of the set of regions. A binary edge image is generated in which at least one binary edge region is generated with a given edge extraction scale, the at least one binary edge region corresponding to at least one region of the set of regions. The non-photorealistic content is rendered by combining the segmented image and the binary edge image.