Dynamic Overlay Graphic Placement to Avoid Object Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for placing overlay graphics in image sequences either result in occlusion of important information or require manual intervention, leading to delays in live broadcasts.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for selecting overlay graphic placement locations based on object data and proximity information, using matrix representations and statistical models to determine optimal placement scores, which can be applied to both pre-recorded and live video feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If overlay graphics are placed in fixed locations, then the placement is simple and fast, but important information in the image sequence may be occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed static overlay locations to dynamic locations that automatically adjust based on detected objects in the image sequence. The system calculates placement scores for multiple candidate locations and selects optimal positions that avoid occluding important objects, allowing overlay graphics to move dynamically with the scene while maintaining simplicity through automated decision-making.
2Loss of information
If overlay graphic placement is performed manually by a graphics director, then important information can be avoided from being occluded, but time is consumed and delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine optimal overlay graphic placement locations without human intervention. The automated system processes image sequences, detects objects, calculates placement scores for multiple candidate locations, and selects appropriate positions independently, eliminating the need for manual review by graphics directors and thus removing broadcast delays while maintaining high placement quality.
3Loss of information
If multiple candidate graphic locations are evaluated, then optimal placement avoiding important objects is achieved, but computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by evaluating different regions of the image sequence with different levels of detail. Instead of uniformly processing the entire image, the system identifies specific areas containing important objects and focuses computational resources on calculating placement scores for locations relevant to those objects. This localized approach maintains high placement accuracy while reducing overall computational complexity by ignoring irrelevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the number and selection of candidate locations based on the content of the image sequence. The system modifies parameters such as the number of overlay graphics to display, the resolution at which objects are detected, and the depth of placement score calculations depending on scene complexity, thereby optimizing the balance between placement quality and computational resource consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of selecting an overlay graphic placement location for display of an overlay graphic on a display device over an image sequence originating from a camera, the method comprising: obtaining overlay graphic data; obtaining object data indicating proximity of any objects in the image sequence to the camera at the time the image sequence was recorded; initiating a process to determine a placement score, based on the overlay graphic data and the object data, for each of a plurality of candidate graphic locations, the placement scores being determined in dependence on proximity data derived from the object data; and selecting the overlay graphic placement location in dependence on the placement scores.