Image stitching in a multi-camera array

Abstract

Images captured by multi-camera arrays with overlap regions can be stitched together using image stitching operations. An image stitching operation can be selected for use in stitching images based on a number of factors. An image stitching operation can be selected based on a view window location of a user viewing the images to be stitched together. An image stitching operation can also be selected based on a type, priority, or depth of image features located within an overlap region. Finally, an image stitching operation can be selected based on a likelihood that a particular image stitching operation will produce visible artifacts. Once a stitching operation is selected, the images corresponding to the overlap region can be stitched using the stitching operation, and the stitched image can be stored for subsequent access.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Technical Field[0002]This disclosure relates to camera arrays and, more specifically, to methods for stitching images captured by a camera array.[0003]Description of the Related Art[0004]Corresponding images captured by multiple cameras in a multi-camera array can be combined (or “stitched”) together to create larger images. The resulting stitched images can include a larger field of view and more image data than each individual image. Generating stitched images using a multi-camera array can be more cost-effective than capturing an image of a similar field of view and image data using a higher-resolution and / or higher-performance camera. However, the process of stitching images can produce stitched images with stitching artifacts at or near the stitch lines.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS[0005]The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system and method for stitching images captured by a camera array to create larger images with more data. The stitching process can produce stitched images with stitching artifacts at or near the stitch lines. The patent text describes various methods for stitching images based on the location of the view window within the images, the classification of image features within the image overlap region, the determined likelihood of stitching artifacts, and the depth of image features. The patent text also describes the structure of a multi-camera array, which includes a plurality of cameras with different fields of view. The technical effects of the patent text include improved image quality and more cost-effective stitched images.

Problems solved by technology

However, the process of stitching images can produce stitched images with stitching artifacts at or near the stitch lines.

Images