Multi-Layer Image Reading Using Transparency and Coverage Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of layers in multi-layer images leads to high read bandwidth and power consumption in video RAM, especially at high refresh rates, affecting user experience.

Innovation Solution

Determine a target area for each layer based on pixel transparency information and hierarchical relationships, excluding transparent and covered areas, and only read pixels in these areas to obtain a reduced set of layers for display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of layers in multi-layer images is increased to enrich display content, then the display functionality is improved, but the read bandwidth of video RAM and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary pixel data from each layer by identifying and excluding transparent areas and covered areas. Instead of reading all pixels from M layers, the system selectively reads only the effective pixels that contribute to the final display output, thereby reducing the data volume read from video RAM and lowering power consumption while maintaining complete display functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by treating different regions of each layer differently. Transparent areas and covered areas are identified and excluded from reading, while only effective areas are read. This localized processing approach reduces overall power consumption by focusing resources only on necessary display regions rather than uniformly processing entire layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of layers in multi-layer images is increased to enrich display content, then the display functionality is improved, but the read bandwidth of video RAM increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidread bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary pixel data from each layer by identifying and excluding transparent areas and covered areas. Instead of reading all pixels from M layers, the system selectively reads only the effective pixels that contribute to the final display output, thereby reducing the data volume read from video RAM and lowering power consumption while maintaining complete display functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by reading only a portion of the pixel data from each layer rather than all pixels. By identifying effective areas and reading only those portions, the system reduces the quantity of data transmitted through video RAM bandwidth while still achieving complete display functionality through selective data acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If high refresh rate is used to improve display smoothness, then the display quality is improved, but the power consumption and read bandwidth increase due to more layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefresh rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary pixel data from each layer by identifying and excluding transparent areas and covered areas. Instead of reading all pixels from M layers, the system selectively reads only the effective pixels that contribute to the final display output, thereby reducing the data volume read from video RAM and lowering power consumption while maintaining complete display functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by reading only a portion of the pixel data from each layer rather than all pixels. By identifying effective areas and reading only those portions, the system reduces the quantity of data transmitted through video RAM bandwidth while still achieving complete display functionality through selective data acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4287113B1Method and apparatus for processing multi-layer image, and terminal device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4287113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4287113B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4287113B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

This application provides a method and an apparatus for processing a multi-layer image and a terminal device, and relates to the field of image processing technologies. Through solutions of this application, before a layer is read, a transparent area and/or a coverage area at the layer can be first determined by analyzing a transparency and/or coverage situation of the layer based on pixel transparency components at a plurality of layers and a hierarchical relationship of the layers. Because the transparent area and/or the covered area do/does not contribute to a display effect when being displayed, content of these areas may not be read. Therefore, when the layer is read, content that contributes to the display effect of the read layer is selected to be read, and the transparent areas and/or the covered areas are not read. In this way, read bandwidth can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced.