Mixed Image Data Processing for 3D Edge Quality and 2D Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D image processing methods face challenges with backwards compatibility and image quality, particularly when rendering images with depth and transparency information, leading to suboptimal results and distortion of foreground object edges.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a mixed image data format that combines foreground and background images with transparency and depth information, allowing for improved backwards compatibility and image quality by adjusting transparency and depth values to align transitions and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi-layer image and depth representations are used to represent occluded background areas, then image quality and 3D rendering capability are improved, but backwards compatibility with traditional 2D systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D image data into distinct components: a 2D image component and a depth map component. This segmentation allows 2D systems to process only the image component while 3D systems can utilize both components for enhanced rendering, thereby resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining image quality improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth map as an intermediary data structure that bridges 2D images and 3D rendering. The depth map contains depth information for each pixel, enabling 3D systems to perform view synthesis and occlusion handling without requiring complex multi-layer representations, thus maintaining compatibility with standard 2D image processing pipelines.
2Manufacturing precision
If transparency information is added to 3D image data to improve anti-aliasing and edge transitions, then image quality is improved, but data complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transparency information into the existing depth map structure by encoding alpha values alongside depth values. This combination allows the system to handle both depth and transparency using a single integrated data structure, reducing overall data complexity while maintaining the ability to perform anti-aliasing and edge blending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by encoding multiple pieces of information (depth, transparency, and potentially occlusion flags) within the depth map data structure. This parameter consolidation reduces the number of separate data structures needed while preserving all necessary information for high-quality rendering.
3Manufacturing precision
If depth and transparency information are processed together to reduce edge artifacts, then image quality is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-computing and storing depth and transparency information in the depth map during the image capture or generation phase. This preliminary action allows rendering systems to directly utilize the pre-processed data without performing computationally intensive calculations in real-time, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth map structure is designed to be self-sufficient, containing all necessary depth and transparency information required for rendering decisions. This self-service approach enables rendering systems to make immediate rendering decisions without requiring additional processing steps or external data sources, reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Three dimensional image data is provided which includes data representing a first image which specifically may be a background image. A mixed image which is a combination of the first image and a second image which specifically may be a foreground image, a transparency map related to the mixed image comprising transparency values for pixels of the mixed image and a depth indication map for the mixed image comprising depth indication values for pixels of the mixed image. The use of a mixed image may allow three dimensional processing while at the same time allowing 2D backwards compatibility. Image quality around image objects may be improved by modifying transparency values in response to depth indication values and/or depth indication values in response to transparency values. Specifically, an improved alignment of transitions of depth indication values and transparency values may provide improved three dimensional foreground image object edge data.