Image capturing method, apparatus, and storage medium

A method and an apparatus for image capturing, and a storage medium can be applied to a terminal device. When it is determined that the terminal is in an augmented reality image capturing scene, augmented reality environment information of the augmented reality image capturing scene is determined. When an image capturing instruction is received, an image is captured and augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image is recorded to obtain a target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010101946.2, filed on Feb. 19, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is to increase a perception of a user to the real world through information provided by a computer system, apply virtual information to the real world, and superimpose virtual objects, scenes, or systematic prompt information generated by the computer system to a real scene, to augment the reality.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of augmented reality technology, and more specifically, to an image capturing method, apparatus, and storage medium.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for image capturing, applicable to a terminal device. The method can include: in response to determining that the terminal in an augmented reality image capturing scene, augmented reality environment information of the augmented reality image capturing is determined. In response to receiving an image capturing instruction, an image is captured and the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image is recorded to obtain a target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a device for image capturing, including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The processor is configured to call the instructions to execute the method for image capturing according to the first aspect or of any example of the first aspect.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed by the processor, a method for image capturing according to the first aspect or of any example of the first aspect is executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Users may not be satisfied with taking a photo of the real scene, but may want to merge virtual contents into their photos to achieve the augmented reality and make the photos look more beautiful or attractive. Augmented reality technologies can meet requirements of the users by overlaying augmented content, such as the virtual content, onto the image captured by the camera to obtain an AR image.

To overlay the virtual content onto the shot image, an image capturing application may have to be enabled. In addition, in the AR image generated by overlaying the virtual content onto the captured image, the AR effect realized by the virtual content is often fixed with pixels of the image, which cannot be modified or edited.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method for image capturing, which can modify and edit the AR effect of the captured image without enabling the image capturing application.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to an application scene of image capturing by using a camera provided on a terminal. In the example embodiments described below, the terminal may also be referred to as a smart terminal device. The terminal may be a mobile terminal, such as user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), etc. The terminal is a device that provides voice and/or data connection to the user, or a chip disposed within the device; for example, a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, etc., with wireless connectivity. Examples of the terminal may include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile Internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in a field of industrial control, a wireless terminal in a field of unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in a field of remote surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a field of transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc.

FIG.1is a flowchart illustrating a method for image capturing according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.1, the method is applied in a terminal and includes the following.

In block S11, it is determined that the terminal is in the augmented reality (AR) image capturing scene, and the augmented reality environment information of the augmented reality image capturing scene is determined.

In the present disclosure, for example, when an instruction for enabling an AR image capturing mode is received, the AR image capturing mode of the image capturing apparatus is enabled, to determine that the terminal is in the AR image capturing scene.

In order to establish robust AR environment information of the AR image capturing scene, the environment information of the image capturing scene may be scanned by the image capturing apparatus. The robust AR environment information of the image capturing scene may be obtained after the image capturing apparatus scans the environment information of the image capturing scene. The AR environment information scanned by the image capturing apparatus may be, for example, one or more of plane information, light source information, and environment depth information of the image capturing scene.

The plane information of the image capturing scene may include, for example, the number of planes, position and size of each plane, etc. The light source information of the image capturing scene may include, for example, the number of light sources, the position of the light source, and the like. The environment depth information may be, for example, three-dimensional positions and sizes of the image capturing environment.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning of the environment information of the image capturing scene by the image capturing apparatus to obtain the robust AR environment information of the image capturing scene according to some embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG.2, after the environment information of the image capturing scene is scanned by the image capturing apparatus, available plane information may include the position and size of a plane region of the ground having grid lines that are interlaced to each other and the position and size of a plane region of a desktop having grid lines that are interlaced with each other. In addition, after the environment information of the image capturing scene is scanned by the image capturing apparatus, the environment depth information is obtained, including information of three-dimensional positions and sizes of the image capturing environment generated from discrete points marked in an image and the plane information.

In block S12, when an image capturing instruction is received, an image is captured and the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image is recorded to obtain a target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, after the robust AR environment information is established based on the AR image capturing scene, the image may be captured according to the received image capturing instruction and the AR environment information corresponding to the image may be recorded, to obtain the image carrying the AR environment information.

In some embodiments, it is determined that the terminal is in the AR image capturing scene, and the AR environment information of the AR image capturing scene is determined. When the image capturing instruction is received, the image is captured and the AR environment information corresponding to the image is recorded to obtain the image carrying the AR environment information. In addition, according to the AR environment information carried in the captured image, modification and edition of the AR effect on the captured image may be realized without enabling the image capturing application.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the received image capturing instruction may be an instruction for capturing the image or an instruction for capturing a video. The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to practical applications, in which a case for capturing a picture based on the image capturing instruction and a case for capturing a video based on the image capturing instruction may be described respectively.

The present disclosure will be described in detail below with respect to a case that the picture is captured by applying the method according to the present disclosure.

FIG.3is a flowchart illustrating a method for image capturing according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.3, the method is applicable in the terminal and may include blocks S31and S32. The block S31is similar to the block S11ofFIG.1, which is not elaborated here.

In block S32, when the instruction for capturing a picture is received, a preview image is acquired, and the augmented reality environment information for generating the preview image is recorded using an augmented reality algorithm. The preview image is associated with the augmented reality environment information for generating the preview image to obtain the target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to prevent the case that the recorded AR environment information is inaccurate due to a size inconsistency between the preview image and a captured image, the present disclosure may set in advance a same field of view (FOV) for acquiring the preview image and for capturing the image. Therefore, when the instruction for capturing the picture is received, the FOV for acquiring the preview image and the FOV for capturing the image are always consistent with each other. Therefore, the accuracy of the recorded AR environment information of the target image should be improved.

In an implementation, after the AR environment information for acquiring each preview image is recorded using the AR algorithm, each preview image may be associated with the AR environment information for acquiring the preview image to obtain the target image carrying the AR environment information.

After the AR environment information for acquiring each preview image is recorded using the AR algorithm, each preview image may be associated with one or more pieces of AR environment information for acquiring the respective preview image in a form of key-value pair.

For example, the AR environment information of the image includes the plane information, the light source information, and the environment depth information of the image. After the AR environment information of each preview image is recorded using the AR algorithm, the preview image is associated with the plane information of the preview image, the light source information of the preview image and the environment depth information of the preview image in the form of key-value pair, such that the preview image and several pieces of AR environment information of the preview image form a set of AR environment information.

In some embodiments, by determining that the terminal is in the AR image capturing scene, the AR environment information of the AR image capturing scene is determined. When the instruction for capturing a picture is received, the AR environment information for acquiring each preview image is recorded using the AR algorithm, and each preview image is associated with the AR environment information for acquiring the respective preview image to obtain the target image carrying the AR environment information. Therefore, according to the AR environment information carried in the target image, modification and edition on the AR effect of the target image may be implemented, thereby enriching an application scene of AR.

FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating a method for image capturing according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.4, the method is applicable to a terminal and may include blocks S41, S42, S43, and S44. The blocks S41and S42are similar to the blocks S31and S32ofFIG.3, which are not elaborated here.

In block S43, according to a file storage type of the target image, the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the target image is packaged into a file of the target image to obtain a target picture carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, according to the file storage type of the target image, the AR environment information corresponding to the target image may be packaged into the file of the target image to obtain the target picture carrying the AR environment information.

For example, the file storage type of the target image is a JPEG format. A length of several AR environment information, i.e., a set of AR environment information, of the target image is written into metadata (such as xmp) of image file of the JPEG format and the set of AR environment information of the target image is attached to the end of the image file of the JPEG format.

As another example, the file storage type of the target image is a HEIF format. Since the HEIF format allows customized data to be written into the image file as an independent data block, the data can be customized, and the set of AR environment information of the target image may be written into the image file of the HEIF format as independent data.

In block S44, when an instruction for performing augmented reality on the target picture is received, an augmented reality processing is performed on the target picture according to the augmented reality environment information of the target picture.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the instruction for performing the AR on the target picture may be generated based on the user's selection on AR processing instructions when the image is edited by the user. The instruction for performing the AR on the target picture may include overlapping an AR image onto the target picture, replacing the AR effect of the target picture, and overlaying a sound effect on the target picture, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an implementation, after the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the target image is packaged into the file of the target image based on the file storage type of the target image to obtain the target picture carrying the augmented reality environment information, and when the instruction for performing the AR on the target picture is received, the target image is decoded to obtain the AR environment information of the target picture. The AR is performed on the target picture based on the AR environment information of the target picture and a preset AR processing manner.

For example, the file storage type of the target image is the JPEG format. The length of the several AR environment information, i.e., the set of AR environment information, of the image picture is written into the metadata (e.g. xmp) of the image file of the JPEG format, and the data of the set of AR environment information of the target image is attached to the end of the image file of the JPEG format. After an instruction for overlapping an AR image onto the target picture is received, the target picture is decoded. In decoding the target picture, in addition to generally decoding the image file of the JPEG format, the data of the set of AR environment information of the target picture at the end of the image file of the JPEG format is decoded. Since the beginning and the length of the set of AR environment information are recorded in a header of the image file of the JPEG format when the image file is generated and it is unaware of the set of AR environment information of the target picture attached to the end of the image file, it requires to obtain the length from the metadata, such as xmp, through decoding, such that the image file is decoded from a position of the set of AR environment information that is calculated based on the length starting from an end point of the image file, to obtain the set of AR environment information of the target picture. The AR processing is performed on the target picture based on the AR environment information of the target picture and the instruction for performing the AR on the target picture.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram illustrating the augmented reality processing on the target picture according to the instruction from some embodiments.

InFIG.5, when the instruction for performing the augmented reality processing on the target picture is received, for example after triggering the touch key “AR” as illustrated inFIG.5, the AR image may be overlapped onto the target image within the region formed by the grid lines of the AR plane based on the AR environment information of the picture.

In some embodiments, after the AR environment information of the target image is packaged into the file of the target image based on the file storage type of the target image to obtain the target picture carrying the AR environment information, and when the instruction for performing the AR on the target picture is received, the AR processing may be performed on the target picture based on the AR environment information of the target picture, thereby allowing the target picture to be re-edited secondarily, enriching the application scene of AR, and improving user experience.

The present disclosure will be described in detail below with respect to the case that the video is captured by applying the method according to the present disclosure.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating a method for image capturing according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.6, the method may be applicable to a terminal and may include blocks S61and S62. The block S61is similar to the block S11ofFIG.1, which is not elaborated here.

In block S62, when the instruction for image capturing a video is received, during image capturing the video, the augmented reality environment information corresponding to each video frame of the shot video is sequentially recorded using the augmented reality algorithm. Based on a display timestamp of each video frame, each video frame of the shot video is associated with the augmented reality environment information corresponding to respective video frame, to obtain a target video carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the instruction for image capturing a video is received, during image capturing the video, the augmented reality environment information corresponding to each video frame of the shot video is recorded in sequence according to the time sequence of the shot video.

After the augmented reality environment information corresponding to each video frame of the shot video is obtained, each video frame may be associated with one or more pieces of augmented reality environment information of respective video frame in a form of key-value pair, such that the video frame and several AR environment information of the video frame form a set of environment information in various dimensions.

According to the display timestamp of each video frame, each video frame of the shot video is associated with the set of several AR environment information of the respective video frame to obtain the target video carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the augmented reality environment information of the augmented reality image capturing scene is determined by determining that the terminal is in the augmented reality image capturing scene. When the instruction for capturing a video is received, the augmented reality environment information corresponding to each video frame of the shot video is recorded using the augmented reality algorithm. Based on a display timestamp of each video frame, each video frame of the shot video is associated with the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the respective video frame to obtain the target video carrying the augmented reality environment information. Therefore, according to the augmented reality environment information carried in the target video, modification and edition on the AR effect of the target video may be implemented.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method for image capturing with augmented reality according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.7, the method may be applicable to a terminal and may include blocks S71, S72, S73, and S74. The blocks S71and S72are similar to the blocks S61and S62ofFIG.6, which are not elaborated here.

In block S73, according to the file storage type of the target video, the augmented reality environment information for capturing the target video is packaged into the file of the target video to obtain a target video file carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the file storage type of the target video, the AR environment information of the target video may be packaged into the file of the target video to obtain the target video file carrying the AR environment information.

For example, the file storage type of the target video is a mkv format. The mkv format allows to customize data structure. For example, a multi-track video file and a multi-caption video file may be customized in the video file of the mkv format. A video track that is displayed over time may be generated from a “frame,” i.e., the AR environment information of each frame (that is, the set of the AR environment information), together with the display timestamp corresponding to this frame, and may be written into the video file of the mkv format.

In block S74, when an instruction for performing augmented reality on the target video file is received, the augmented reality processing is performed on the target video file according to the augmented reality environment information of the target video.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, the instruction for performing the AR on the target video file may be received based on the user's selection on the AR processing instructions when the user edits the video. The instruction for performing AR on the target video file may include overlapping an AR image onto the target video file, replacing the AR image of the target video file, overlapping a sound effect onto the target video file.

In an implementation, after the AR environment information of the target video is packaged into the file of the target video according to the file storage type of the target video, to obtain the target video file carrying the augmented reality environment information, and when the instruction for performing the AR on the target video file is received, the AR processing may be performed on the target video file based on the AR environment information of the target video file and a preset AR processing manner.

For example, when an instruction for overlapping the AR sound effect onto the target video file is received, target video file is received, the AR sound effect is overlaid onto the target video file based on the AR environment information of the target video and a preset AR sound effect.

In examples of the present disclosure, after the AR environment information of the target video is packaged into the file of the target video based on the file storage type of the target video, to obtain the target video file carrying the AR environment information and when the instruction for performing AR on the target video file is received, the AR processing may be performed on the target video file according to the AR environment information of the target video file, thereby allowing the target video to be re-edited and improving user experience.

Based on the same inventive concept, the present disclosure further provides an apparatus for image capturing with augmented reality.

It may be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the apparatus provided in embodiments of the present disclosure may include a hardware structure and/or a software module for performing each function. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software, in combination with the exemplary elements and algorithm steps disclosed in the disclosed embodiments. Whether to perform the function in hardware or by hardware driven by the computer software depends upon the particular application and design constraints of the solution. Those ordinary in the art may implement the described functions in varying ways depending on each particular application, but such implementations should not be interpreted as a departure from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.8is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for image capturing according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.8, the apparatus may include a determining unit101and a processing unit102.

The determining unit101may be configured to, in response to determining that the terminal is in the augmented reality image capturing scene, determine augmented reality environment information of the augmented reality image capturing scene;

The processing unit102may be configured to, in response to receiving an image capturing instruction, capture an image and record the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image to obtain a target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments, the augmented reality environment information may include one or more of plane information, light source information, and environment depth information of the image capturing scene.

In some embodiments, the image capturing instruction is an instruction for capturing an image. The processing unit102is configured to capture the image and record the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image to obtain the target image carrying the augmented reality environment information by the following. A preview image is acquired. The augmented reality environment information corresponding to the preview image is recorded using an augmented reality algorithm. Each preview image is associated with the augmented reality environment information of the respective preview image, to obtain the target image carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments, the image capturing instruction is an instruction for image capturing a video. The processing unit102is configured to capture the image and record the augmented reality environment information corresponding to the image to obtain the target image carrying the augmented reality environment information by the following. When capturing the video, the augmented reality environment information of each video frame of the shot video is sequentially recorded using the augmented reality algorithm. Based on display timestamp of each video frame, each video frame of the shot video is associated with the augmented reality environment information of the respective video frame to obtain the target video carrying the augmented reality environment information.

In some embodiments, the processing unit102is further configured to, based on the file storage type of the target image, package the augmented reality environment information of the target image into the file of the target image to obtain the target picture carrying the augmented reality environment information. In addition, the processing unit102is further configured to, when receiving an instruction for performing augmented reality on the target picture, perform the augmented reality processing on the target picture according to the augmented reality environment information of the target picture.

In some embodiments, the processing unit102is further configured to, package the augmented reality environment information of the target video into the file of the target video based on the file storage type of the target video, to obtain the target video file carrying the augmented reality environment information. In addition, the processing unit102is further configured to, when receiving an instruction for performing augmented reality on the target video file, perform the augmented reality processing on the target video file according to the augmented reality environment information of the target video file.

With regard to the apparatus in the above embodiment, the specific mode in which each module performs the operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be described in detail here.

FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus900for image capturing according to some embodiments. For example, the apparatus900may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, an exercise device, a personal digital assistant, and the like.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the apparatus900may include one or more of following components: a processing component902, a component memory904, a power supply component906, a multimedia component908, an audio component910, an input/output (I/O) interface912, a sensor component914, and a communication component916.

The processing component902generally controls the overall operation of the apparatus900, such as operations associated with a display, telephone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. Further, the processing component902may include one or more processors920to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the method described above. Further, the processing component902may include one or more modules to facilitate processing of interactions between processing component902and other components. For example, the processing component902may include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component908and the processing component902.

The memory904is configured to store various types of data to support operations of the apparatus900. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the apparatus900, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory904may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as s static random access memory (SRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, a disk or CD-ROM.

The power supply component906provides power to various components of the apparatus900. The power supply component906may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power supplies for the apparatus900.

The multimedia component908includes a screen providing an output interface between the apparatus900and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). In some embodiments, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display can be employed.

If the screen includes the TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The TP includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, swipe, and gestures on the TP. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundary of a touch or sliding motion, but also detect the duration and pressure related to the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component908includes a front camera and/or a rear camera. When the apparatus900is in an operation mode, such as an image capturing mode or a video mode, the front camera and/or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and an optical zoom capability.

The audio component910is configured to output and/or input audio signals. For example, the audio component910includes a microphone (MIC). When the apparatus900is in the operation mode, such as a call mode, a record mode, and a voice recognition mode, the MIC is configured to receive external audio signals. The received audio signals may be further stored in the memory904or sent via the communication component916. In some embodiments, the audio component910further includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

The I/O interface912provides an interface between the processing component902and a peripheral interface module. The peripheral interface module may be a keyboard, a click wheel, a button, and the like. These buttons may include, but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

The sensor component914includes one or more sensors, configured to provide various aspects of a state assessment for the apparatus900. For example, the sensor component914may detect an open/closed state of the apparatus900, and a relative positioning of the components, such as a display and a keypad of the apparatus900. The sensor component914may further detect a change in a position of the apparatus900or a component of the apparatus900, the presence or absence of a contact between the user and the apparatus900, the position or an acceleration/deceleration of the apparatus900and the temperature change of the apparatus900. The sensor component914may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects in the absence of any physical contact. The sensor component914may further include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or a CCD image sensor, for use in an imaging application. In some embodiments, the sensor component914may also include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

The communication component916is configured to facilitate a wired or a wireless communication between the apparatus900and other devices. The apparatus900may access a wireless network based on communication standards, such as WI-FI, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component916receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In some embodiments, the communication component916further includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate a short-range communication. For example, an NFC module may be implemented based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, an infrared data association (IrDA) technology, an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

In some embodiments, the apparatus900may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors (DSP), digital signal processing equipment (DSPD), programmable logic devices (PLD) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors and other electronic components, and configured to execute the above method.

In some embodiments, a non-temporary computer readable storage medium including instructions is further provided, for example, the memory904including instructions. The above instructions may be executed by the processor920of the apparatus900to complete the above method. For example, the non-temporary computer readable storage medium may be a ROM, a random-access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage equipment, and the like.

The various device components, modules, units, blocks, or portions may have modular configurations, or are composed of discrete components, but nonetheless can be referred to as “modules” in general. In other words, the “components,” modules,” “blocks,” “portions,” or “units” referred to herein may or may not be in modular forms, and these phrases may be interchangeably used.

The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

It should be understood that “a plurality” or “multiple” as referred to herein means two or more. “And/or,” describing the association relationship of the associated objects, indicates that there may be three relationships, for example, A and/or B may indicate that there are three cases where A exists separately, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists separately. The character “/” generally indicates that the contextual objects are in an “or” relationship.

In the present disclosure, a first element being “on” a second element may indicate direct contact between the first and second elements, without contact, or indirect geometrical relationship through one or more intermediate media or layers, unless otherwise explicitly stated and defined. Similarly, a first element being “under,” “underneath” or “beneath” a second element may indicate direct contact between the first and second elements, without contact, or indirect geometrical relationship through one or more intermediate media or layers, unless otherwise explicitly stated and defined.