360-Degree Image Compression via Segmented Lat-Long Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for compressing and decompressing 360-degree images struggle to efficiently process and present wide-angle visual information, particularly in virtual reality applications, where maintaining high resolution and minimizing distortion are crucial for an immersive user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize hardware processors to extract and compress a portion of captured visual information with a horizontal angle-of-view of at least 200 degrees and a vertical angle-of-view of at least 180 degrees, converting it into a compressed video sequence suitable for storage and presentation in a virtual reality head-mounted device, using a proprietary lat-long format and rectilinear projection to reduce distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If 360-degree images are compressed using conventional methods, then file size is reduced, but distortion increases and resolution quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 360-degree visual information into multiple portions, each with different angle-of-view characteristics (e.g., 200-degree horizontal, 180-degree vertical). Each segment is processed independently with appropriate compression parameters, allowing high-resolution preservation in critical regions while achieving overall file size reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compression quality levels to different portions of the visual information based on their importance and viewing characteristics. Central regions maintain higher resolution and lower distortion, while peripheral regions use more aggressive compression, optimizing the balance between file size and perceived quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If wide-angle visual information is processed to maintain high resolution, then image quality is preserved, but processing complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wide-angle visual information into multiple standardized portions (e.g., 200x180 degree segments), the patent simplifies processing by applying consistent compression and encoding parameters to each segment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the visual information into specific parameter formats (horizontal angle-of-view of at least 200 degrees, vertical angle-of-view of at least 180 degrees) that optimize both quality and processing efficiency. This parameter standardization simplifies subsequent compression and playback operations.
3Volume of stationary object
If conventional compression is applied to 360-degree images, then storage space is reduced, but distortion and loss of visual information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual information into multiple portions that can be independently compressed and stored. This allows selective application of compression algorithms, preserving critical visual information while achieving efficient storage utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preserves visual information quality in critical regions by applying lighter compression, while using more aggressive compression in less critical areas. This localized quality approach minimizes overall information loss while achieving compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for compressing and decompressing a sequence of images are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: retrieve the captured visual information from electronic storage; extract a portion from the captured visual information; compress the extracted portion horizontally into a compressed video sequence; create a container that is configured to contain the compressed video sequence; and store the container in electronic storage. The compressed video sequence is decompressed for presentation to users.