DC-ControlNet: Decoupling Inter- and Intra-Element Conditions in Image Generation with Diffusion Models
This work addresses the limitation of global control in image generation for users needing element-specific control, representing a novel method for a known bottleneck.
The paper tackles the problem of multi-condition image generation by decoupling control conditions into hierarchical elements, enabling more flexible and precise control. The result is a framework that significantly outperforms existing models in control flexibility and precision.
In this paper, we introduce DC (Decouple)-ControlNet, a highly flexible and precisely controllable framework for multi-condition image generation. The core idea behind DC-ControlNet is to decouple control conditions, transforming global control into a hierarchical system that integrates distinct elements, contents, and layouts. This enables users to mix these individual conditions with greater flexibility, leading to more efficient and accurate image generation control. Previous ControlNet-based models rely solely on global conditions, which affect the entire image and lack the ability of element- or region-specific control. This limitation reduces flexibility and can cause condition misunderstandings in multi-conditional image generation. To address these challenges, we propose both intra-element and Inter-element Controllers in DC-ControlNet. The Intra-Element Controller handles different types of control signals within individual elements, accurately describing the content and layout characteristics of the object. For interactions between elements, we introduce the Inter-Element Controller, which accurately handles multi-element interactions and occlusion based on user-defined relationships. Extensive evaluations show that DC-ControlNet significantly outperforms existing ControlNet models and Layout-to-Image generative models in terms of control flexibility and precision in multi-condition control. Our project website is available at: https://um-lab.github.io/DC-ControlNet/