Nonlinear Focus Transition for CG Camera Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer graphics (CG) camera focusing systems experience 'popping' or abrupt changes in focus when transitioning between two target objects, especially when they are far apart, leading to undesirable visual effects like sudden changes in blur.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that smoothly change the focus of a CG camera between multiple target objects by determining a nonlinear function for focus transition, based on the geometry and position of target objects, camera settings, and depth of field, ensuring a seamless shift in focus without discontinuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If linear interpolation is used between two target objects, then the focusing transition is simple to implement, but visual popping occurs when objects are far apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of focus transition from linear to nonlinear by introducing a curve that passes through intermediate focus points. This curve-based approach modifies the transition parameter to eliminate popping while maintaining smooth visual continuity between distant target objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate focus points as mediators between the two target objects. These intermediate points serve as stepping stones that the focus transition passes through, breaking the direct linear path into smaller segments and enabling smoother transitions without popping artifacts.
2Speed
If focus transitions directly between distant target objects, then the transition is quick, but abrupt changes in blur occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the direct focus transition path into multiple smaller transitions by introducing intermediate focus points. Instead of one abrupt transition between distant objects, the focus moves through several intermediate stages, each being less abrupt and collectively forming a smooth continuous transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the focus transition dynamic by using a curve that adapts to the positions of target objects. The transition speed and path are adjusted dynamically based on object distances and intermediate points, allowing faster transitions when appropriate while preventing popping through controlled deceleration at critical transition points.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system to smoothly change the focus of a camera between multiple targets. The system can obtain an indication of a target, an indication of a manner of focus transition between a first target and a second target, and camera settings. The system can determine a point associated with the second target, where the point has a property that focusing the camera on the point places the second target in focus, and the point is closer to the current focus point of the camera than a substantial portion of other points having the property. The system can obtain a nonlinear function indicating a second manner of focus transition between the first target and the second target. The system can change the focus of the camera between the first target and the second target by changing the focus of the camera from the current focus point to the determined point based on the nonlinear function.