3D Image Modeling via Façade Plane Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital panorama stitching techniques result in distorted views and obscured objects due to varying perspectives and imprecisions in image stitching, leading to a diminished user experience when viewing lateral images.

Innovation Solution

Creating a three-dimensional model of image data by segmenting image elements into façade planes based on their 2D locations and depths, and merging these planes to provide a natural 3D effect, allowing for different angles of view and mitigating distortions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If images are stitched together to form a panoramic view, then a seamless transition between images is achieved, but distortions and obscured objects occur due to varying perspectives and stitching imprecisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless transitionVSAvoidimage stitching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D panoramic stitching to 3D spatial modeling. By organizing image elements into multiple façade planes with depth information (first façade plane, second façade plane, etc.), the system creates a three-dimensional representation that preserves spatial relationships. This dimensional change allows objects to be viewed from multiple angles and eliminates distortion caused by flat stitching, as each façade plane maintains its original perspective geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the panoramic image into multiple discrete façade planes (first façade plane, second façade plane, third façade plane, etc.) based on depth and spatial position. Each façade plane contains image elements from specific depth ranges, allowing independent processing and rendering. This segmentation enables the system to handle varying perspectives by treating each plane separately, thus avoiding the distortion that occurs when attempting to stitch all images into a single flat panorama.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple images are stitched to provide comprehensive coverage, then more objects are visible, but desired objects may be obscured by foreground objects due to line of sight limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidobscured objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By organizing image elements into multiple façade planes with depth information, the system creates a 3D representation that allows virtual movement through space. Users can navigate between different viewpoints and angles, revealing objects that were previously obscured by foreground elements. The depth-based façade plane structure preserves line-of-sight relationships, enabling the system to determine which objects are visible from which viewpoints and to render alternative views that eliminate occlusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If traditional panoramic stitching is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user experience is diminished due to distortions and artificial appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoiduser experience quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a 3D spatial organization system with multiple façade planes, transforming the traditional 2D panoramic display into an immersive three-dimensional environment. This dimensional enhancement creates a more natural and intuitive user experience by preserving depth relationships and enabling realistic viewpoint changes. While the processing complexity increases compared to simple stitching, the gain in user experience quality is substantial, as users perceive a more authentic and engaging environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9324184B2Image three-dimensional (3D) modeling
Publication Date: 2016.04.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US9324184B2 patent drawing
  • US9324184B2 patent drawing
  • US9324184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for creating a three-dimensional model of an image. Image data, comprise a series of images of a location, such as along a route, can be received. The image data can comprise a first image element location for a first image element, where the first image element location may correspond to a three-dimensional point in the image, such as a location in the image with a depth from a point of observation. The first image element can be segmented into a first façade plane using the first image element location. The first façade plane can be merged with a second façade plane, resulting in a three-dimensional model of the image. The second façade plane can comprise a second image element, where the image data comprises a second image element location for the second image element.