Dynamic Seam Selection for Surround View Synthesis

The patent transforms the fixed seam approach into a dynamic seam selection process. Instead of using a predetermined fixed seam, the system dynamically determines the optimal seam location for each overlapping region by evaluating multiple candidate seams and selecting the one that minimizes a cost function based on image gradient and intensity differences. This dynamic adaptation allows the seam to adjust to non-planar objects while maintaining computational efficiency through the use of efficient path-finding algorithms.

The patent changes the parameter of seam location from fixed to variable. By introducing a cost function that evaluates different seam positions based on image characteristics (gradients, intensity differences), the system optimizes the seam parameter dynamically. The cost function parameters include gradient magnitude, intensity difference, and positional constraints, allowing flexible adjustment of seam location to achieve better alignment on non-planar objects.

The patent divides the overlapping region into discrete candidate seam positions and evaluates each independently using a cost function. This segmentation approach transforms the continuous optimization problem into a discrete evaluation process, where each candidate seam is scored based on image gradients and intensity differences. The segmentation of the problem space allows for efficient computation while maintaining high precision in seam selection.

The patent evaluates multiple candidate seams beyond the minimum necessary, using a cost function that considers various image characteristics. By computing costs for all candidate positions and selecting the optimal one, the system performs slightly more computation than a simple fixed seam approach but achieves significantly better alignment accuracy on non-planar objects.

The patent performs preliminary computations by pre-calculating image gradients and intensity differences for all candidate seam positions before selecting the optimal seam. This preliminary action prepares the data structure in advance, allowing the cost function evaluation to proceed efficiently. By organizing the candidate seams and their associated cost metrics beforehand, the system reduces the computational burden during the final seam selection phase.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or geometric seam determination methods with an information-based cost function approach. Instead of relying on fixed geometric rules or manual intervention, the system uses computational evaluation of image characteristics (gradients, intensities) to automatically determine the optimal seam. This substitution of mechanical determination with information processing enables efficient evaluation of multiple candidates while maintaining high precision.