Superimposition Depth Map for 3D Video Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for superimposing images on 3D video streams require high computational effort and bandwidth due to the large depth maps needed for generating 3D effects, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a lower-resolution superimposition depth map, specifically coded for positioning overlays, is integrated into the stereoscopic video stream, allowing for efficient image superimposition without generating the 3D image, thus reducing computational cost and bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a large depth map is used for generating 3D images, then the 3D effect quality is improved, but the bandwidth usage and computational effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image qualityVSAvoidbandwidth usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the depth map into two distinct types: a first depth map used for generating the 3D stereoscopic images, and a second depth map used specifically for positioning superimposed images. This segmentation allows each depth map to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing the overall data requirements while maintaining 3D image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the depth information needed for superimposition from the overall depth map, creating a separate second depth map that contains only the necessary data for positioning overlays. This extraction eliminates the need to transmit and process the entire high-resolution depth map for superimposition purposes, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a large depth map is used for generating 3D images, then the 3D effect quality is improved, but the computational effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image qualityVSAvoidcomputational effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the depth map into two distinct types: a first depth map used for generating the 3D stereoscopic images, and a second depth map used specifically for positioning superimposed images. This segmentation allows each depth map to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing the overall data requirements while maintaining 3D image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the depth information needed for superimposition from the overall depth map, creating a separate second depth map that contains only the necessary data for positioning overlays. This extraction eliminates the need to transmit and process the entire high-resolution depth map for superimposition purposes, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If a high-resolution depth map is transmitted, then the positioning accuracy of superimposed images is improved, but the bandwidth occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuperimposition positioning accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the depth information needed for superimposition from the overall depth map, creating a separate second depth map that contains only the necessary data for positioning overlays. This extraction eliminates the need to transmit and process the entire high-resolution depth map for superimposition purposes, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the depth map system. The first depth map maintains high resolution for 3D image generation, while the second depth map uses a resolution specifically optimized for superimposition positioning needs. This local quality differentiation ensures adequate positioning accuracy without unnecessarily high bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2599319B1Method for combining images relating to a three-dimensional content
Publication Date: 2015.12.16 SISVEL SOCIETA ITALIANA PER LO SVILUPPO DELL ELETTRONICA SPA
  • EP2599319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2599319B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2599319B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for superimposing images on three- dimensional content, wherein a video stream is received which comprises the three- dimensional content and a depth map for superimposing images on the three- dimensional content. Once the video stream has been received, images are superimposed on the three-dimensional content in a position in depth dependent on the superimposition depth map (DM). The superimposition depth map contains information about the depth of the three-dimensional content and is inserted as an image contained in a frame (C) of the video stream. The depth map has a smaller number of pixels than that of a two-dimensional image associated with the three-dimensional content. The invention also relates to devices enabling the implementation of said methods.