Parallax Video Generation from Still Images via 3D Scene Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Still images lack the dynamic appeal of animations or videos, making it difficult for users to create engaging visual experiences from static photographs, as existing post-processing techniques are limited by the original image content and cannot easily convert still images into animations or videos.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that segment a still image into a foreground object and background, create a virtual 3D scene, fill in blank regions, and generate a parallax video by simulating a camera path, allowing the image to be viewed from different angles, thereby providing a 2.5D or 3D-like effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a still image is converted into an animation or video to increase visual appeal, then the dynamic appeal and user engagement are improved, but the storage space requirement and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The still image is segmented into multiple layers including foreground objects and background elements. Each layer is independently processed and assigned different depth values, allowing selective manipulation of image components to create parallax effects without converting the entire image into a full video sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a depth dimension to the traditional 2D still image by assigning z-coordinates to different image layers. This creates a 2.5D or 3D-like effect where layers can be shifted relative to each other along the depth axis, generating dynamic visual perception from a static image without requiring full video storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If post-processing effects are applied to still images to enhance visual appeal, then the user engagement is improved, but the effects are limited by the original image content and cannot create new visual experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into semantically meaningful segments such as foreground objects, midground elements, and background. This segmentation enables independent transformation of each layer, allowing diverse visual effects like depth-based parallax, selective focus, and virtual camera movements that go beyond traditional image filtering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing continuous adjustment of layer positions, depths, and transformations. Users can animate still images by moving layers along camera paths, changing depth values over time, and applying temporal transformations, creating video-like experiences from static content
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual 3D scene is created from a still image to enable multi-angle viewing, then the visual appeal and dynamic experience are improved, but the processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The still image is segmented into multiple layers with assigned depth values, creating a layered 3D scene structure. Each layer can be independently transformed and positioned, enabling virtual camera movements and multi-angle viewing without requiring complex full 3D modeling of the entire scene
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified 3D representation by copying and positioning image layers at different depth planes. This layered copying approach approximates a full 3D scene with reduced computational complexity, allowing virtual camera navigation through depth space while maintaining the original image content
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a parallax video from a still image includes following steps. Image segmentation is performed for separating at least a foreground object within the still image from an image background of the still image. A blank region of the image background is filled, and the blank region corresponds to where the separated foreground object locates within the still image. A virtual three-dimensional (3D) scene consisting of the foreground object and the image background is created. The virtual 3D scene is analyzed for determining a camera path; and, creating the parallax video by observing the virtual 3D scene with a virtual camera moving along the camera path.