Video Graphics Rendering with Opacity Mask and Dynamic Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video conferencing systems face challenges in optimizing video communications, particularly in rendering enhanced graphics and managing network traffic effectively, which affects the quality and user experience of video sessions.

Innovation Solution

The system generates a grayscale element by evaluating alpha values of pixels in the video input, creating an opacity mask, and setting RGB values to indicate the presence of an opacity mask, allowing for the mixing of source video with the user interface, thereby enhancing video graphics and network traffic management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If video resolution is increased to enhance graphics quality, then rendering precision improves, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphics rendering precisionVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts video resolution based on network conditions and display requirements. The resolution is not fixed but adapts in real-time to balance graphics quality with bandwidth consumption, allowing high resolution when bandwidth is available and lowering resolution when bandwidth is constrained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resolution parameter of video streams based on available bandwidth and rendering requirements. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the trade-off between graphics quality and network resource consumption without requiring fixed high-resolution streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time video processing is enhanced to improve graphics rendering, then visual quality improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo graphics qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of video frames, such as generating opacity masks and preparing rendering data in advance. This preliminary action reduces the processing burden during real-time rendering, allowing high graphics quality without excessive processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The video processing pipeline is segmented into distinct stages: opacity mask generation, rendering preparation, and actual display rendering. By dividing the processing workload into manageable segments that can be executed in parallel or with different priorities, the system achieves high graphics quality while controlling processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If user interface graphics are enhanced with smooth edges and dynamic resizing, then visual appeal improves, but rendering complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUI graphic smoothnessVSAvoidrendering system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary opacity mask layer between the user interface graphics and the video background. This intermediary element simplifies the rendering process by using compositing operations rather than complex real-time calculations, achieving smooth rounded edges and dynamic resizing with reduced rendering complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses alpha channel manipulation and color-based opacity masks to create smooth transitions and rounded edges in UI graphics. By leveraging color and transparency information rather than complex geometric calculations, the system achieves visually appealing graphics with simpler rendering algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9143725B2System and method for providing enhanced graphics in a video environment
Publication Date: 2015.09.22 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US9143725B2 patent drawing
  • US9143725B2 patent drawing
  • US9143725B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a video input from a video source coupled to a display configured for rendering a user interface thereon; generating a grayscale element associated with the user interface by evaluating alpha values related to pixels associated with the video input; generating an opacity mask; and setting red, green, blue (RGB) values equal to an alpha value of a source image for certain pixels in the source image.