Equal Area Projection for Panoramic Image Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panoramic image projections such as plate carrée and cubic projections result in larger data file sizes due to oversampling and undersampling issues, which hampers image quality and data efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves collecting 3D point cloud data using LIDAR systems and 2D imagery, colorizing the point cloud data with 2D images, and synthesizing an equal area projection panoramic image, where each pixel represents an equal area, thereby reducing data size while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If plate carrée or cubic projections are used to create panoramic images, then the projected image can be saved and processed, but the data file size becomes larger than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the projection parameter from conventional plate carrée or cubic projections to an equal-area projection system. This parameter change ensures that each pixel represents the same ground area, eliminating the oversampling at poles and undersampling at equator inherent in conventional projections, thereby reducing data file size while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing multiple separate 2D images from different camera lenses to creating a unified 3D point cloud representation, then projecting it to 2D using equal-area projection. This dimensional transformation allows for more efficient data representation and reduced file size
2Measurement precision
If conventional projection methods are used, then panoramic images can be generated, but oversampling and undersampling issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the projection parameter to use equal-area projection where each pixel represents the same ground area. This eliminates the sampling inconsistencies of conventional projections, achieving uniform sampling accuracy across the entire panoramic image without oversampling or undersampling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different parts of the image data. The 3D point cloud is processed to ensure each region is represented with appropriate detail, and the equal-area projection ensures consistent quality across all regions without unnecessary data redundancy in any specific area
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the panoramic image file size by up to 25% compared to conventional methods, avoiding oversampling and undersampling, and allows for faster data transfer and improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a three-dimensional point cloud generated from an optical distancing system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for producing an improved panoramic image. A three-dimensional point cloud image is generated from an optical distancing system. Additionally, at least one two-dimensional image is generated from at least one camera. The three-dimensional point cloud image is colorized with the at least one two-dimensional image, thereby forming a colorized three-dimensional point cloud image. An equal area projection panoramic image is synthesized from the colorized three-dimensional point cloud, wherein the panoramic image comprises a plurality of pixels, and each pixel in the plurality of pixels represents a same amount of area.