Cubemap Projection Sampling Weighting for 360-Degree Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 360-degree video coding technologies face inefficiencies due to non-uniform sampling in cube map projection formats, leading to quality disparities across the sphere and reduced coding efficiency, as well as challenges in providing immersive experiences in virtual reality environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of transform functions to convert non-uniform sampling grids into uniform grids, specifically using unicube map projection (UNICMP), equi-angular cubemap (EAC), and adjusted cubemap (ACP) projections, which adjust parameter weights based on spherical sampling densities to enhance coding efficiency and quality measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cube map projection format is used to code 360-degree video content, then the video can be represented in a structured format, but non-uniform sampling densities lead to quality disparities and reduced coding efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling uniformityVSAvoidcoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing transform functions that modify the sampling density distribution across the cube map projection. Specifically, it uses weighting parameters derived from the derivative values of transform functions to adjust the sampling density, converting non-uniform sampling into uniform sampling while maintaining coding efficiency through optimized parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating weighting parameters and transform functions before the actual video coding process. The weighting parameters are determined in advance based on the derivative values of transform functions, allowing the coding system to operate with optimized uniform sampling without real-time computation overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If non-uniform sampling is used in cube map projection, then coding complexity is reduced, but quality measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding complexityVSAvoidquality measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sampling parameter distribution from non-uniform to uniform by applying transform functions with carefully selected weighting parameters. This transformation maintains the simplicity of cube map projection while improving quality measurement accuracy through uniform sampling density across all regions of the 360-degree video content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional projection formats are used, then implementation is simpler, but spherical data representation is less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidspherical data representation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces transform functions as an intermediary between the simple cube map projection format and the requirement for accurate spherical data representation. These transform functions act as a mediator that converts standard cube map coordinates into uniformly sampled spherical coordinates, preserving implementation simplicity while achieving high representation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3646604B1Weighted to spherically uniform PSNR for 360-degree video quality evaluation using cubemap-based projections
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 INTERDIGITAL VC HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3646604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3646604B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3646604B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

360-degree video content may be coded. A sampling position in a projection format may be determined to code 360-degree video content. For example, a sampling position in a target projection format and a sampling position in a reference projection format may be identified. The sample position in the target projection format may be related to the corresponding sample position in the reference projection format via a transform function. A parameter weight (e.g., a reference parameter weight) for the sampling position in the reference projection format may be identified. An adjustment factor associated with the parameter weight for the sampling position in the reference projection format may be determined. The parameter weight (e.g., adjusted parameter weight) for the sampling position in the target projection format may be calculated. The calculated adjusted parameter weight may be applied to the sampling position in the target projection format when coding the 360-degree video content.