Per-Pixel Video Loop Optimization for Dynamic Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for creating video loops struggle with scenes containing many independently moving elements, as they find it difficult to locate compatible frames, and require user input for identifying spatial regions and loop periods, limiting the creation of dynamic and engaging video loops.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines per-pixel loop periods and start times automatically, using a two-stage or single-stage optimization algorithm to generate a progressive video loop spectrum, allowing for varying levels of dynamism from static to animated loops, and enables interactive adjustment of scene liveliness by segmenting spatial regions for independent looping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods locate pairs of similar video frames to create video loops, then video looping can be achieved, but finding compatible frames becomes difficult for scenes with many independently moving elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo loop compatibilityVSAvoidframe matching difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video into multiple independently loopable regions or clips, each containing elements with similar motion characteristics. This segmentation allows each region to be looped separately, avoiding the difficulty of finding globally compatible frames while maintaining visual coherence within each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different loop parameters (such as loop period, start frame, and motion compensation) to different spatial regions of the video. This local quality approach enables each region to have optimized looping characteristics suitable for its specific motion patterns, rather than applying a uniform loop to the entire scene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If user input is required to identify spatial regions and loop periods, then control over video loop characteristics is improved, but the complexity and time required for video loop creation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo loop creation simplicityVSAvoidvideo loop creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated detection algorithms that analyze video content to automatically identify suitable spatial regions, determine optimal loop periods, and select appropriate reference frames. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual user input while maintaining high-quality video loop generation, significantly reducing creation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the video content to pre-identify motion patterns, segment boundaries, and candidate loop regions before the actual loop creation process. This preliminary action prepares the data structures and parameters needed for rapid loop generation, reducing the time required during the creation phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If video regions are selectively frozen and played to create cinemagraphs, then compelling visual effects are achieved, but the ability to create progressive dynamism with varying levels of animation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo loop dynamismVSAvoidvideo processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a progressive video loop spectrum that allows dynamic adjustment of animation levels, enabling transitions from static images through partially animated regions to fully animated loops. This dynamic capability is achieved through parameterized control of loop periods and region activation, allowing the same video processing system to adapt to different desired levels of dynamism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3119079B1Automated video looping with progressive dynamism
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3119079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3119079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3119079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various technologies described herein pertain to generating a video loop. An input video can be received, where the input video includes values at pixels over a time range. An optimization can be performed to determine a respective input time interval within the time range of the input video for each pixel from the pixels in the input video. The respective input time interval for a particular pixel can include a per-pixel loop period and a per-pixel start time of a loop at the particular pixel within the time range from the input video. Moreover, an output video can be created based upon the values at the pixels over the respective input time intervals for the pixels in the input video.