360-Degree Image Decoding with Projection-Specific Motion Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle with the massive data requirements of 360-degree images for virtual and augmented reality, necessitating improved performance in image encoding and decoding, particularly for high-resolution and ultra-high-definition images.

Innovation Solution

A method for encoding and decoding 360-degree images that includes generating a predicted image using syntax information, combining it with a residual image, and reconstructing the image in specific projection formats like Equi-Rectangular, CubeMap, OctaHedron, and IcoSahedral, with image expansion and motion vector prediction to enhance compression performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional image encoding methods are used for 360-degree images, then the encoding process is simple, but the compression performance is insufficient for high-resolution and ultra-high-definition images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression performanceVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 360-degree image is divided into multiple projection formats (ERP, CMP, OHP, ISP) and processed separately. Each projection format has its own encoding parameters and methods, allowing optimized compression for each segment while maintaining overall image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs image expansion and motion vector prediction before the main encoding process. By preparing predicted images and motion information in advance, the actual encoding requires fewer computations, improving compression performance without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution and ultra-high-definition 360-degree images are processed, then image quality is improved, but the data volume increases massively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the projection format parameters to suit different application requirements. By selecting appropriate projection formats (ERP for equirectangular, CMP for cube maps, etc.) and adjusting encoding parameters for each format, the system achieves efficient compression of high-resolution images while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the 360-degree spherical image into multiple 2D projection formats. This dimensional transformation allows standard 2D image compression techniques to be applied effectively, reducing the data volume of high-resolution 360-degree images while preserving visual quality

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

3Loss of energy

If image expansion is performed for motion prediction, then compression performance is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs image expansion only for the regions and blocks that require motion prediction, rather than expanding the entire image. This partial action approach maintains compression efficiency while significantly reducing the total processing time required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260095671A1Image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.02 INST OF IMAGE TECH INC
  • US20260095671A1 patent drawing
  • US20260095671A1 patent drawing
  • US20260095671A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of decoding an image, includes obtaining at least one offset for a picture, deriving a variable for scaling for the picture based on the at least one offset, and performing inter prediction based on the variable for scaling for the picture. The at least one offset is defined with a direction of scaling.