Depthmap Compression via Primitive Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Depthmaps are large files that consume significant bandwidth when served across a network and often require proprietary decoders for client devices to retrieve depthmap data, posing challenges in client-server environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for compressing depthmaps using normalization based on minimum and maximum values and encoding models, followed by compression with JPEG or lossless image compression schemes, and transmission with metadata to enable quick decoding by client devices without proprietary decoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If depthmaps are transmitted across a network in their original form, then complete depth information is preserved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential depth information from the full depthmap by identifying and transmitting discrete depth values at key locations. Instead of transmitting the entire depthmap, the system extracts minimal representative data points that can be used to reconstruct or approximate the full depth information at the client side, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while preserving necessary depth information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the depthmap data from a continuous full-resolution representation into a discrete set of depth values with associated metadata. By changing the parameter representation from pixel-by-pixel depth values to a compact format containing only essential depth measurements and their spatial relationships, the system achieves efficient compression while maintaining the ability to retrieve complete depth information when needed.
2Measurement precision
If proprietary decoders are used for retrieving depthmap data, then accurate depth information is obtained, but device complexity and compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal encoding scheme that can be decoded by any standard image processing library or algorithm. The depthmap is encoded in a format compatible with common image processing tools, eliminating the need for proprietary decoders. This allows any device with standard image processing capabilities to accurately retrieve and process depthmap data, thereby reducing device complexity and improving compatibility while maintaining depth information accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If full-resolution depthmaps are transmitted, then maximum depth precision is maintained, but transmission time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the depthmap that contains only the essential depth information needed for the application. Instead of transmitting the full-resolution depthmap, the system transmits a compact representation that can be quickly decoded and, if necessary, reconstructed to the full resolution. This copying approach maintains the essential depth precision while dramatically reducing transmission time and processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for compressing a depthmap are provided. In some aspects, a system includes an encoding module configured to group a plurality of pixels of a depthmap. Each grouped pixel of the depthmap includes a depth value and is associated with an optic ray aligned with a camera capturing the depthmap. Each of the plurality of depth values is within a predetermined offset from one another. The encoding module is further configured to generate a primitive based on the grouped plurality of pixels. The primitive includes an identification value. Each of the plurality of optic rays intersects a corresponding portion of the primitive. The encoding module is further configured to transform the depthmap based on the primitive. Each grouped pixel of the transformed depthmap includes the identification value. The system also includes a compression module configured to compress the transformed depthmap.