Layered Post-Capture Image Processing for Low-Latency Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently performing image processing operations on digital images captured under varying conditions, which are computationally intensive and latency-prone, especially when performed during image capture.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an extensible graphical rendering pipeline architecture that supports layering of post-processing operations, allowing for composite media content generation, reduces computational intensity and latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If image processing operations are performed during image capture, then real-time processing capability is improved, but computational intensity and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time processing capabilityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments image processing operations into multiple layers: capture-time processing (basic operations) and post-capture processing (advanced operations). This segmentation allows real-time capability to be maintained for essential operations while deferring computationally intensive operations to reduce latency impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image processing operations during capture that prepare the image for subsequent post-processing. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during post-processing while maintaining real-time responsiveness for basic operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple post-processing operations are applied to digital images, then image enhancement quality is improved, but computational intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage enhancement qualityVSAvoidcomputational intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Processing operations are segmented into essential (performed during capture) and advanced (performed post-capture) categories. This allows high-quality enhancement through multiple operations while managing computational intensity by distributing operations across different time phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies processing operations selectively based on user needs and device capabilities. Not all post-processing operations are applied to every image, reducing overall computational intensity while maintaining the ability to achieve high enhancement quality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250292467A1Layering of post-capture processing in a messaging system

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SNAP INC

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein provide for retrieving, from a storage device, first image data previously captured by a client device. The systems and methods further detect a selection of a first image processing operation and perform the first image processing operation on the first image data to generate second image data. The systems and methods further detect a selection of a second image processing operation and perform the second image processing operation on the second image data to generate third image data. The systems and methods generate a message comprising the third image data.