Layer Stack Image Asset Management for 3D Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interface development requires substantial software coding and image bookkeeping for 3D image effects, which are not backward-compatible with older devices, necessitating separate 3D image support for each device type and size, and are resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of layer stack images that can display 3D images and animated effects, using a single layer stack image that references external images, allowing for backward compatibility with 2D image development and automatic updating of images, with derived products like flattened images generated at compile time, enabling support for multiple devices with a single API.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If 3D image effects are implemented with separate images for each device, then 3D image quality and device-specific optimization are improved, but software complexity and development time increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image asset system where a single image asset can serve multiple device types and resolutions. The image service automatically adapts the same asset to different device characteristics, eliminating the need for separate 3D image implementations for each device while maintaining quality through automated scaling and rendering techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates derived copies of master image assets at different resolutions and formats as needed. Instead of maintaining separate source images for each device, the system generates appropriate copies from a single master asset, reducing software complexity while preserving 3D image quality through automated copy generation.
2Manufacturing precision
If 3D image effects are implemented with comprehensive bookkeeping for each image property, then image rendering accuracy is improved, but development time and resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image service automatically manages image bookkeeping tasks including resolution matching, z-depth calculations, and property optimization without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts image properties based on device characteristics, maintaining rendering accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual bookkeeping processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs image processing and optimization in advance during asset creation, pre-calculating properties and generating optimized versions for various device types. This preliminary action ensures rendering accuracy is achieved without requiring extensive real-time bookkeeping during application development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate 3D image support is developed for each device type, then device compatibility and optimization are improved, but the number of developers needed and development resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal image asset platform that serves multiple device types through a single interface. The image service automatically adapts assets to different device characteristics, allowing one developer to support multiple device types without needing separate 3D image implementations for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The image service acts as an intermediary layer between the application and various device types. It handles device-specific adaptations and transformations, allowing developers to work with a unified interface while the intermediary manages the complexity of device compatibility automatically.
4Manufacturing precision
If 3D image effects are implemented with multiple separate images, then animation quality and visual effects are improved, but memory usage and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image layers and animation frames into a unified image asset structure. Instead of storing separate images for each animation frame or layer, the system combines them into a single organized asset that can be efficiently rendered, reducing memory usage while maintaining animation quality through smart layer management.
Solution Approach 2:
The image asset system uses a nested structure where master assets contain derived assets, which in turn contain layer information. This nesting allows the system to store comprehensive animation data in a compact hierarchical format, reducing overall memory requirements while preserving full animation quality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for authoring, deploying, and executing layer stack images for applications directed to a plurality of target devices. Resources to implement the layer stack images are compiled into an asset catalog database for each image in each layer stack image for each target device. Derivative resource products, such as a flattened version of the layer stack images and a “blurred” version of layer stack images can be generated and stored in the asset catalog at compile and build time. Three-dimensional effects implemented using the layer stack images can be implemented using an application programming interface that accepts legacy two dimensional images can be used to receive the layer stack images. An platform framework implements logic that detects the type of image requested via the API is a layer stack image or a conventional flat image. Third party layer stack images can be received and displayed at run-time or compile time. Images that make up a layer stack image can be locally-stored, externally referenced, or both. A layer stack image can, itself, refer to other layer stack images.