Multilayer Graphics Controller for Masked Image Compositing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face complexity in combining and displaying images from multiple applications, particularly when integrating still images and video, often requiring extensive non-standard virtual interface development environments.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a multilayer graphics controller, where a first application defines masked display regions and a second application provides images for display within these regions, enabling the composition of images from various sources such as still images, streaming video, or Internet content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If still images and video images are integrated in a single application package for playback, then image integration is achieved, but the system limits playback to only those images integrated with the application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage playback versatilityVSAvoidapplication package complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the image playback functionality into separate application packages - a first application for still images and a second application for video images. Each application independently defines masked display regions and provides images to the multilayer graphics controller, allowing versatile playback without requiring a single complex integrated application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multilayer graphics controller serves as a universal component that receives image data from multiple different applications and composites them for display. This multi-functional controller enables both still image and video playback capabilities across different applications without requiring each application to be self-sufficient for all image types.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If other approaches to combining images and video images are used, then image integration flexibility is improved, but extensive use of non-standard virtual interface development environment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage combination flexibilityVSAvoidinterface development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The multilayer graphics controller acts as an intermediary component between multiple applications and the display. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies development by handling the complex tasks of image composition and masked region display, eliminating the need for extensive non-standard virtual interface development environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a multilayer graphics architecture where applications provide images to different layers of the graphics controller. This layered approach adds a dimensional organization to image handling, allowing flexible combination of still and video images through layer composition rather than requiring complex interface development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3905235A1System compositing images from multiple applications
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • EP3905235A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905235A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905235A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

1. A system comprising: a processor configured to interface with at least one of a WiFi transceiver, an Internet gateway, and an image acquisition device; a touchscreen display; a user interface application and an image application; and a multilayer graphics controller having first and second layers and adapted to provide a direct interface between the touchscreen display and each of the user interface and image applications to control the touchscreen display; wherein the user interface application is configured to: direct the multilayer graphics controller to display one or more user interface images on the touchscreen display using the first layer, and define a masked region to the first layer using a masking criterion; and wherein the image application is configured to: receive one or more images from at least one of the WiFi transceiver, the Internet gateway and the image acquisition device, and direct the received one or more images to the second layer of the multilayer graphics controller for display in the masked region.