360-Degree Image Transition Path Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

When displaying a part of an image with a continuous 360-degree visual field, such as a celestial sphere image, the transition between output target regions can be unnatural and uncomfortable for the viewer if not handled smoothly.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that specifies transition source and destination output target regions and automatically determines a visual field transition path, considering movement distance, direction, and speed of subjects within the image, to mimic natural viewpoint movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the output target region is changed on the display to show different parts of the 360-degree image, then the viewer can see different subjects or regions of interest, but the transition may appear unnatural and uncomfortable for the audience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display different output target regionsVSAvoidviewing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the output target region changeable and transitionable between different regions of the 360-degree image. The system dynamically adjusts the displayed region based on subject movement detection, allowing the output target region to adapt to the moving subject's position while maintaining smooth transitions that preserve viewer comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by detecting the movement of subjects within the image and using this information to automatically adjust and transition the output target region. The system monitors subject position changes and feeds this information back to control the region transition, ensuring the transition follows the subject's movement naturally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If multiple candidate paths are considered for transitioning the output target region, then a more natural transition path can be selected, but the complexity of determining the transition path increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenaturalness of transitionVSAvoidcomplexity of path determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transition path determination into multiple candidate paths (first candidate path and second candidate path). The system segments the possible transition routes and evaluates each separately based on subject movement, allowing selective choice of the most natural path while managing complexity through structured evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11417062B2Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

In an image including a continuous visual field of 360 degrees, such as a celestial sphere image, in a case where a partial region is displayed as an output target region, transition from a certain output target region to the other output target region is realized smoothly and with natural feeling, without having visually uncomfortable feeling. For this reason, a transition source output target region and a transition destination output target region are specified, in an output target region which is a partial region of the entire image, which is an image having a continuous visual field of 360 degrees in at least one direction. Then, a visual field transition path from the specified transition source output target region to the specified transition destination output target region is automatically determined.