Monocular View Synthesis Using Depth Fusion Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synthesizing multiple views of a dynamic scene from monocular images face challenges in producing geometrically-coherent view synthesis, particularly due to dynamic content and motion, which limits their applicability in reconstructing three-dimensional geometry accurately.

Innovation Solution

A depth fusion network is employed to combine single view depth estimation with multi-view depth data, using a scale correction function to refine depth maps and a self-supervised approach to generate geometrically consistent depth, which is then used in a deep blending network for photorealistic view synthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If monocular images are used to capture dynamic scenes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of three-dimensional geometry reconstruction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidgeometric coherence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces depth maps as an intermediary representation to bridge monocular images and 3D geometry. By estimating depth from monocular images and fusing it with multi-view depth data, the system reconstructs geometrically coherent 3D scenes without requiring complex multi-camera hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and reconstruction accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical multi-camera systems with a computational approach using monocular images and deep learning models. Instead of using multiple physical cameras to capture depth information, the system uses neural networks to estimate and fuse depth data, achieving accurate 3D reconstruction with simpler hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If single view depth estimation is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of depth information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddepth estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges single view depth estimation with multi-view depth data through a depth fusion network. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the simplicity of single-view processing and the accuracy of multi-view geometry, achieving improved depth measurement precision while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The depth fusion network serves multiple functions: it processes single view depth estimates, incorporates multi-view depth data, performs scale correction, and generates final depth maps. This multi-functional approach enhances depth measurement accuracy while maintaining a unified simple processing pipeline

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic content is present in the scene, then the adaptability of the scene representation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of geometric coherence deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidgeometric coherence
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic elements in its architecture, including temporal consistency constraints and motion-aware depth fusion. The system adapts to dynamic content by incorporating temporal information and adjusting depth estimates based on motion patterns, thereby maintaining geometric coherence while representing dynamic scenes accurately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms through temporal consistency constraints and loss functions that compare depth estimates across different views and time steps. This feedback loop allows the system to correct geometric inconsistencies in dynamic regions, maintaining overall geometric coherence while adapting to scene dynamics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11546568B1View synthesis for dynamic scenes
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 NVIDIA CORP
  • US11546568B1 patent drawing
  • US11546568B1 patent drawing
  • US11546568B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and techniques are presented to perform monocular view synthesis of a dynamic scene. Single and multi-view depth information can be determined for a collection of images of a dynamic scene, and a blender network can be used to combine image features for foreground, background, and missing image regions using fused depth maps inferred form the single and multi-view depth information.