When should frame sampling and blending be used over Optical Flow?

Frame sampling and blending are techniques that are best utilized when Optical Flow doesn't yield satisfactory results. Optical Flow analyzes the motion between frames and creates intermediate frames by calculating and synthesizing the motion. However, there are scenarios where Optical Flow can struggle, such as with high motion scenes, fast-moving subjects, or when there is significant camera movement. In these cases, the algorithm may produce artifacts or unnatural motion that detracts from the overall quality of the video.

Frame sampling, on the other hand, simply creates new frames by repeating or blending existing frames without attempting to analyze the motion, making it a safer and more predictable option in those instances when Optical Flow underperforms. By choosing frame sampling or blending in these situations, the video maintains a more coherent and visually pleasant look, ensuring that the flow of movement feels natural to the viewer.

This understanding highlights the importance of knowing when to use each method to optimize the final output of a project based on the visual context and the movement present in the footage.