Steganographic Depth Image Encoding via Least Significant Bit Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for incorporating depth information into digital images increase file sizes by adding additional channels, which is inefficient, especially for low-resolution data.
Innovation Solution
The method involves steganographically encoding depth information into the least significant bits of pixels in visual images, using segmentation algorithms to identify representative pixels and encode depth data, allowing for the storage of depth information without requiring a dedicated depth channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional channels of depth bits are appended to color image channels, then depth information is incorporated into the image, but the file size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds depth information within the least significant bits of existing color image pixel data, nesting the depth channel inside the color channels rather than appending a separate channel. This allows depth data to be stored within the existing file structure without increasing overall file size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies only specific bits (least significant bits) of pixel data locally to encode depth information, rather than changing the entire file structure. This localized modification preserves the overall file size while incorporating depth data in specific regions where it causes minimal visual degradation
2Loss of information
If additional channels of depth bits are appended to color image channels, then depth information is incorporated into the image, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing color image pixels serve multiple functions by encoding both color information in the most significant bits and depth information in the least significant bits of the same pixel data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate depth processing pipelines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the least significant bits of pixel data for depth encoding, separating depth information extraction from the full pixel data processing. This extraction approach simplifies processing by focusing only on specific bit planes
3Quantity of substance
If least significant bits of pixels are modified to encode depth information, then depth data is stored without increasing file size, but visual quality may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality preservation strategies to different regions of the image by selectively encoding depth information in least significant bits only where it causes minimal visual impact, preserving overall visual quality while enabling depth storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the least significant bits of pixel data as a disposable storage medium for depth information, accepting that these bits may be slightly degraded or modified without significantly impacting overall image quality, similar to using a low-cost storage medium where perfect fidelity is not critical
Data Source
AI summary
Depth information may be encoded into pixels of visual imaging data according to steganographic techniques. The depth information may be captured simultaneously with the visual imaging data, and one or more representative pixels may be identified within a region or sector of the visual imaging data according to a pixel traversal strategy. The depth information corresponding to the region or sector may be encoded into one or more least significant bits of the representative pixels, and a modified set of imaging data including the visual imaging data with the depth information encoded into the representative pixels may be stored in a data store and used for any relevant purpose.