Video Loop Generation via Per-Pixel Temporal Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for generating video loops often result in low quality, require extensive computation, and consume excessive resources, failing to efficiently create seamless and dynamic output video loops with varying levels of dynamism.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining per-pixel loop periods and start frames by optimizing an objective function with spatial and temporal consistency terms, using Poisson blending and temporal scaling to create an output video loop that can be assembled using multiple read streams, reducing memory usage and computation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to generate video loops, then the output video loop can be created, but the quality is low and the computation is extensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput video loop qualityVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video generation process into multiple independent components: motion estimation, optical flow calculation, and frame synthesis. By dividing the computation into discrete stages that can be processed independently and in parallel, the system achieves both high quality output and improved computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary motion estimation and optical flow calculation on selected key frames before generating the complete video loop. This pre-processing step establishes motion patterns that are then applied to intermediate frames, reducing the overall computational burden while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to generate video loops, then the output video loop can be created, but excessive resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput video loop qualityVSAvoidcomputing system resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the video based on motion characteristics. High-motion regions receive full optical flow processing while low-motion regions use simpler interpolation, optimizing resource allocation according to local requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies full computational processing only to key frames and selectively processes intermediate frames using the established motion patterns. This partial application of the full processing pipeline reduces resource consumption while maintaining overall quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If per-pixel loop periods are determined by optimizing an objective function, then the output video loop quality is enhanced, but computation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput video loop qualityVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an objective function that automatically evaluates and optimizes loop period assignments based on motion consistency and temporal coherence metrics. The system self-adjusts parameters to achieve optimal quality without requiring extensive manual tuning or iterative refinement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters (loop periods, motion vectors) directly through the objective function rather than performing exhaustive frame-by-frame analysis. By changing and optimizing key parameters selectively, the system achieves high quality with reduced computation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If multiple read streams are used to assemble the output video loop, then resource usage is reduced, but the complexity of the assembly process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory usageVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the input video into multiple temporal segments that are processed and assembled using separate read streams. Each stream handles a specific time range, allowing parallel processing with reduced memory requirements while maintaining a systematic assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3365873B1Video loop generation
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3365873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3365873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3365873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various technologies described herein pertain to generating an output video loop (202) from an input video (200) that includes values at pixels over a time range. Respective input time intervals within the time range of the input video are determined for the pixels by performing an optimization. The optimization can be performed to assign the input time intervals at a first level of resolution, while terms of an objective function use a finer, second level of resolution. An input time interval for a particular pixel includes a per-pixel loop period (px) of a single, contiguous loop at the particular pixel within the time range from the input video. The input time intervals can be temporally scaled based on per-pixel loop periods and an output video loop period. The output video loop (202) is created based on the values at the pixels over the input time intervals for the pixels in the input video.