Viewport-Based Metadata Estimation for Image Processing Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Processing per frame metadata in image processing algorithms is resource-intensive and often results in sub-par outcomes.

Innovation Solution

Subdivide metadata into smaller subdivisions and generate metadata estimations based on viewport information, using algorithms like bilinear interpolation and area-based weighted sum, to optimize processing and improve results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If per frame metadata is processed using traditional methods, then complete metadata processing is achieved, but resource consumption increases and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata processing efficiencyVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image frame into multiple tiles and processes metadata for each tile independently rather than processing the entire frame at once. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different regions, improving overall processing efficiency while reducing the computational resources needed for each individual processing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If per frame metadata is processed using traditional methods, then all metadata is processed, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing metadata for each tile separately before the actual image processing operation. This allows the system to quickly retrieve and apply only the necessary metadata during processing, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high throughput by having metadata ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If viewport-based estimation is used, then resource consumption is reduced, but metadata processing completeness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidmetadata processing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating processing levels based on the viewport. High-quality complete metadata processing is applied only to tiles within the visible viewport, while tiles outside the viewport use estimation techniques. This approach maintains processing quality where it matters most (visible areas) while reducing resource consumption in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12518417B2Method and device for generating metadata estimations based on metadata subdivisions

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 APPLE INC

AI summary

In one implementation, a method is performed for generating metadata estimations based on metadata subdivisions. The method includes: obtaining an input image; obtaining metadata associated with the input image; subdividing the metadata into a plurality of metadata subdivisions; determining a viewport relative to the input image based on at least one of head pose information and eye tracking information; generating one or more metadata estimations by performing an estimation algorithm on at least a portion of the plurality of metadata subdivisions based on the viewport; and generating an output image by performing an image processing algorithm on the input image based on the one or more metadata estimations.