Lighting Value Update via Segmented Preview Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of balancing light source values in computer-aided design is time-consuming and frustrating, as users must iteratively adjust values in a modeling environment without immediate visual feedback, leading to numerous attempts and significant time spent to achieve a desired rendered image, especially with complex scenes and multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
An effects manager is introduced that allows users to balance light source values by manipulating a stack of low-resolution individual images, where each image corresponds to a light source or group, providing rapid visual feedback through additive combination and tone mapping, allowing adjustments without re-rendering the images each time, and generating updated values for light sources based on applied operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users iteratively adjust light source values in the modeling environment and re-render the scene to observe changes, then the user can achieve the desired lighting balance, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple attempts without immediate visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting evaluation process by creating individual low-resolution preview images for each light source separately. This allows users to adjust one light source at a time and immediately see its isolated effect, eliminating the need to re-render the entire scene with all light sources. The segmentation of lighting control into individual adjustable parameters with immediate preview feedback directly resolves the contradiction between achieving precise lighting balance and minimizing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary low-resolution preview system that acts as a mediator between light source parameter adjustments and final high-resolution rendering. This intermediary preview mechanism provides immediate visual feedback during the adjustment process, allowing users to make informed decisions without waiting for time-consuming high-resolution renders. The intermediary preview resolves the contradiction by providing the visual feedback needed for precise lighting balance without the time cost of repeated high-resolution re-renders.
2Ease of operation
If users make blind adjustments to light source values without immediate visual feedback, then the adjustment process is simple, but the number of attempts and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback by displaying low-resolution preview images that update in real-time as users adjust light source parameters. This feedback mechanism allows users to see the effect of each adjustment instantly, transforming the blind adjustment process into an informed iterative process. The feedback principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity through immediate visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by rendering only low-resolution preview images during the adjustment phase rather than full high-resolution renders. This partial rendering approach provides sufficient visual information for making adjustment decisions without the computational overhead of complete renders. By applying partial action (low-res previews instead of full renders), the system maintains ease of operation while significantly improving lighting balance efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the scene complexity and number of light sources increase, then the rendered image quality requirement becomes more challenging, but the time and number of attempts required to achieve desired appearance increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex scene into individual light source contributions, rendering separate low-resolution preview images for each light source. This segmentation allows users to systematically adjust each light source independently, making the management of complex scenes with multiple light sources tractable. The segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by providing a structured method to achieve high-quality lighting balance in complex scenes without the exponential time increase that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using low-resolution previews during the iterative adjustment process for complex scenes. This partial rendering provides sufficient detail for making adjustment decisions in complex scenes without the computational burden of high-resolution renders during each iteration. The partial action approach resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient lighting balance even in complex scenes, maintaining quality requirements while dramatically reducing time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a stack of individual images of a scene are created. Each individual image corresponds to a respective light source or light source group associated with the scene. The individual images are combined to produce a combined image. The combined image is displayed. In response to user input indicating adjustments to a light source or light source group, an operator is applied to a corresponding individual image of the stack of individual images. An updated combined image is displayed on the display screen. Values for light sources or light source groups are generated based on the applied operator. The generated values are provided to a design session in a modeling environment.