JPEG File Depth Information Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no industry or open standard for capturing, storing, and viewing depth-enabled images recorded by mobile devices or cameras, making it difficult to share and use depth-enabled images across multiple devices and systems.
Innovation Solution
Embedding depth information in a JPEG image file format, using application-specific segments like APP3 chunks, allows for the storage and extraction of depth data, enabling depth-enhanced photography to be shared and viewed on any device supporting JPEG without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If depth information is stored in a proprietary format, then the depth information can be accurately captured and stored, but the images cannot be easily shared across multiple devices and systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds depth information within the standard JPEG file format using application-specific segments (APP3 chunks), allowing the same file to be universally read by both standard JPEG viewers and depth-enabled applications. This multi-functionality approach enables the image file to serve both as a conventional image and as a carrier of depth data without requiring separate proprietary formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces application-specific segments as an intermediary layer within the JPEG structure. These segments act as a mediator that carries depth information without disrupting the standard JPEG format, allowing depth data to be embedded alongside conventional image data in a way that is transparent to standard viewers but accessible to specialized applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a new proprietary format is created for depth-enabled images, then the depth information can be systematically organized, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments depth information into distinct application-specific chunks within the JPEG structure, with each chunk containing specific types of data (e.g., depth maps, calibration information). This segmentation allows systematic organization of depth data while maintaining the existing JPEG structure, avoiding the need for a completely new complex file format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests depth information within the existing JPEG file structure by embedding application-specific segments inside the standard JPEG container. This nesting approach allows depth data to be organized systematically within the familiar JPEG framework, reducing system complexity compared to creating a separate proprietary format while still providing structured data organization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If depth information is embedded in the image file, then the image can be shared across devices, but the file size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optional application-specific segments that contain depth information. Devices that support depth processing can extract and utilize this additional data, while standard devices simply ignore these segments and display the conventional image. This partial action approach allows depth information to be embedded without forcing all devices to process it, balancing file size increase against compatibility benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for encoding depth-enabled digital images in a file format, such as JPEG. In addition to compressed image data, calibration, disparity and other depth-related information can be embedded in one or more application-specific segments of a given image file.