360-Degree Image Decoding With Region-Specific Padding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle with the massive data generated by 360-degree images for virtual and augmented reality, necessitating improved performance in encoding and decoding methods.

Innovation Solution

A method for encoding and decoding 360-degree images that considers the characteristics of these images by using different padding methods for left and right sides of a face, determining expansion region sizes based on width information, and employing various padding techniques to enhance compression performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single padding method is used for both left and right sides of a face in 360-degree image encoding, then the encoding process is simpler, but compression performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression performanceVSAvoidencoding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different padding methods to different regions (left and right sides) of the 360-degree image based on their specific characteristics. The encoder determines whether to apply circular padding or reflection padding differently for left and right expansion regions, optimizing compression performance for each region while maintaining manageable encoding complexity through systematic decision-making based on picture type and expansion region characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the expansion region size is not optimized, then the encoding process is faster, but the compression efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidencoding time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of expansion region sizes and padding methods during the encoding setup phase. The encoder pre-calculates the first and second width information for left and right expansion regions respectively, and pre-determines the appropriate padding method based on picture type and region characteristics, so that the actual encoding process can proceed efficiently without real-time optimization overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If padding methods do not consider 360-degree image characteristics, then the method is more general applicable, but compression performance for 360-degree images is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression performance for 360-degree imagesVSAvoidmethod generality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific parameters for 360-degree image encoding including first and second width information for left and right expansion regions, and uses these parameters to control different padding methods. The encoder adjusts padding behavior based on picture type (intra-picture or inter-picture) and expansion region characteristics, making the method specifically optimized for 360-degree images while maintaining clear parameterized control that could be adapted to other image types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4510587B1Image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 INST OF IMAGE TECH INC
  • EP4510587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4510587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4510587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus. A method for decoding a 360-degree image comprises the steps of: receiving a bitstream obtained by encoding a 360-degree image; generating a prediction image by making reference to syntax information obtained from the received bitstream; combining the generated prediction image with a residual image obtained by dequantizing and inverse-transforming the bitstream, so as to obtain a decoded image; and reconstructing the decoded image into a 360-degree image according to a projection format. Here, the step of generating the prediction image comprises the steps of: obtaining, from motion information included in the syntax information, a motion vector candidate group including a motion vector of a block adjacent to a current block to be decoded; deriving a prediction motion vector from the motion vector candidate group, on the basis of selection information extracted from the motion information; and determining a prediction block for the current block to be decoded, using a fmal motion vector derived by adding the prediction motion vector to a differential motion vector extracted from the motion information.