Hierarchical Image Processing for Progressive Quality Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image compression systems inefficiently manage network bandwidth, processing resources, and user experience by separately transmitting and processing images at multiple quality levels, leading to increased data usage and latency.
Innovation Solution
A method of hierarchical image processing that uses a single compressed data stream to progressively reconstruct images at multiple quality levels, allowing adaptive rendering based on device characteristics and user input, reducing unnecessary data transmission and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If images are transmitted and processed at multiple quality levels separately, then image quality is improved, but network bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into a base layer (lower quality) and enhancement layers (additional quality information). The base layer is transmitted first and can be displayed independently, while enhancement layers are transmitted separately and can be progressively applied to improve quality. This allows the system to transmit only the necessary amount of data for the desired quality level, avoiding transmission of unnecessary high-quality data when low quality suffices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where enhancement layers are built upon the base layer. Each enhancement layer contains information that refines or improves the previous layer, similar to nested dolls. The base layer provides the fundamental image structure, and subsequent enhancement layers add progressive improvements, allowing quality to be scaled by including or excluding specific nested layers without retransmitting the entire image.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple quality level images are processed separately, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by creating a base layer that contains the essential image structure and can be displayed immediately. This base layer is prepared in advance and transmitted first, allowing the system to start processing and displaying image data before all enhancement layers are received. The enhancement layers are then progressively applied to the base layer, continuously improving quality without requiring complete reprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting image processing into base layer processing and enhancement layer processing, the system can process and display the base layer independently and quickly, then progressively process enhancement layers as they become available. This segmentation eliminates the need to wait for complete high-quality data before starting processing, reducing overall processing time while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality output.
3Manufacturing precision
If high resolution images are transmitted, then image quality is improved, but data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of image data required to achieve acceptable quality. The base layer provides sufficient quality for many purposes without transmitting the complete high-resolution data. Enhancement layers are transmitted partially or selectively based on network conditions, device capabilities, and user needs, allowing the system to transmit less data than full high-resolution images while still providing quality improvement when needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If complete images are processed before display, then image quality is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation by creating and transmitting a base layer that can be displayed immediately upon receipt. This base layer is prepared in advance as a ready-to-display representation that provides acceptable quality without requiring complete processing of all image data. The system displays this preliminary result quickly, reducing latency, and then progressively improves the display quality as enhancement layers are received and applied, maintaining quality improvement without sacrificing initial display speed.
Data Source
AI summary
First compressed data is decoded to obtain a representation of an image at a first level of quality which is output for display. In response to a predetermined trigger event, second compressed data is decoded to obtain reconstruction data, and the reconstruction data is used to reconstruct a representation of part of the image at a second, higher level of quality using the representation at the first level of quality. The representation of part of the image is output for display at the second level of quality.