Depth-Based Image Editing for Simpler Object Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for displaying and editing images with depth information are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex user interfaces and redundant user inputs, which waste time and energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implement methods and interfaces that utilize depth information to dynamically adjust simulated lighting levels and selectively edit image elements based on depth ranges, reducing the need for redundant user inputs and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to display and edit images, then images can be displayed and edited, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime for image display and editing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs image processing operations based on captured depth information without requiring users to manually adjust parameters or perform multiple editing steps. The depth data enables automatic segmentation, lighting adjustment, and focus effects to be applied directly to the image output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Depth information is captured and processed in advance during the image capture phase, preparing the data structure and segmentation information before the user initiates any editing operations. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If existing techniques are used to display and edit images, then images can be displayed and edited, but device energy is wasted due to redundant user inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage editing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously processes images using captured depth data, eliminating redundant user inputs that would otherwise require processor cycles and energy consumption. Automatic applications of depth-based effects reduce the need for iterative user adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical interactions (multiple key presses, repeated editing operations) are replaced by an automated digital processing system that uses depth information to directly generate edited images, reducing processor load and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing techniques are used to display and edit images, then basic image display is possible, but depth information is not utilized for enhanced display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display capabilitiesVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image is automatically segmented into multiple depth layers based on captured depth information, allowing different visual effects and processing operations to be applied to different depth planes. This enables sophisticated display capabilities while the system handles the complexity automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Depth information serves as an intermediary data structure that bridges the simple captured image and the enhanced displayed image, enabling automatic application of lighting, focus, and compositional effects without requiring complex user-directed processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260112046A1Displaying and editing images with depth information

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to displaying and editing an image with depth information. In response to an input, an object in the image having one or more elements in a first depth range is identified. The identified object is then isolated from other elements in the image and may be displayed separately from the other elements.