Dynamic Alpha Blending for Virtual Image Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods struggle to maintain consistent visibility of virtual images superimposed on background images, particularly when brightness and texture similarities affect the visibility of virtual objects, leading to fluctuating visibility depending on the background and virtual image characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that employs a visibility estimation model to optimize the alpha value for blending virtual and background images, using a neurogenic property estimation model to simulate nerve responses and adjust alpha values pixel-by-pixel, ensuring fixed and uniform visibility through real-time arithmetic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the virtual image is superimposed on the background image by making it translucent using fixed ratio alpha blending, then the virtual image can be displayed on the background, but the visibility of the virtual image is remarkably lowered when the brightness of the background and virtual image are similar or when the background has high contrast texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by changing the alpha blending ratio from a fixed value to a dynamic value that varies pixel-by-pixel based on local background characteristics. The system calculates visibility indices for each pixel and adjusts the blending ratio accordingly, transforming a static blending process into a dynamic adaptive process that responds to local image properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making the blending ratio spatially variable rather than uniform. Different regions of the image receive different blending ratios based on their local characteristics such as brightness, contrast, and texture. This allows the virtual image to be displayed with appropriate visibility in each local region while maintaining overall image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display aspect is simply changed in accordance with the image of the photographic object as in Patent Document 1, then the outside world can be made see-through, but nothing is considered as to how the post-composed image is visually recognized by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the calculated visibility index as a control parameter to adjust the blending ratio. The system continuously evaluates the visibility of virtual image pixels against the background and uses this feedback information to optimize the blending ratio, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to visual recognition requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the blending ratio parameter based on visibility requirements rather than simply changing display aspects. The system modifies the alpha blending parameter dynamically based on calculated visibility indices, ensuring optimal visual recognition under different background conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an image processing device and an image processing method by which a user can visually recognize a virtual image favorably is set as a subject. An image processing device 100 is equipped with an image input unit 110, an arithmetic operation unit 130, and an α value updating unit 140. The image input unit 110 accepts inputs of a first input image and a second input image that the virtual image has been superimposed on the first input image at a first transmittance. The arithmetic operation unit 130 calculates, by comparison between results of arithmetic operations performed on a composite image obtained by adding together values that the first input image and the second input image have been respectively multiplied by a second transmittance and a value that the second transmittance has been subtracted from 1 and on the first input image, a value indicating visibility at the second transmittance. The α value updating unit 140 updates the second transmittance in accordance with a result of comparison between the value indicating the visibility at the second transmittance and a target value. The arithmetic operation unit 130 calculates again the value indicating the visibility by using the updated second transmittance.