Dynamic Image Overlay Transparency Based on Feature Point Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image overlay technologies in augmented and non-augmented reality applications use a default transparency value that does not consider the content of the base and overlaid images, leading to suboptimal visualization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a transparency value for overlaying images by comparing the number of feature points in the overlay area of the base and overlaid images using algorithms like SIFT, SURF, FREAK, or BRISK, adjusting transparency based on this comparison to emphasize the image with more feature points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a default transparency value is used for overlaid images, then the implementation is simple and quick, but the visualization quality and user experience deteriorate because the content of the images is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the transparency parameter of the overlaid image based on the comparison of feature point quantities between the base image and overlaid image. Instead of using a fixed default transparency value, the system adjusts the transparency parameter adaptively to emphasize the image with more feature points, thereby improving visualization quality while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs feedback by comparing the feature point quantities of both images and using this comparison result to determine the appropriate transparency value. This feedback mechanism ensures that the transparency setting is optimized based on the actual content characteristics of the images being overlaid
2Loss of information
If the transparency value is adjusted to emphasize one image over the other, then the visualization quality improves, but the complexity of determining the appropriate transparency value increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the appropriate transparency value through comparing feature point quantities of the images themselves. The images' own characteristics (feature point counts) are used to make the transparency decision, eliminating the need for complex external analysis or manual intervention while maintaining high visualization quality
3Loss of information
If feature point comparison is performed to determine transparency, then the emphasis on the image with more feature points improves visualization, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for transparency determination - specifically, the quantity of feature points in each image. By extracting and comparing only this single quantitative metric rather than analyzing the full image content, the system achieves improved visualization quality while minimizing processing time and computational resource requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a computer-implemented method of overlaying two images on an electronic display, and an overlay area between a base image and an overlaid image is determined. A number of feature points in the overlay area of the base image is determined, and a number of feature points in the overlay area of the overlaid image is also determined. A comparison is performed of the number of feature points in the overlay area of each of the base image and the overlaid image. A transparency value is determined for the overlaid image based on the comparison. The base image and overlaid image are displayed on an electronic display, such that the overlaid image is overlaid on the base image, with a transparency of the overlaid image being based on the determined transparency value.