Live Imagery System for Map Locations Using 360-Degree Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map data and imagery systems often provide outdated information due to the time lag between image capture and user access, making it irrelevant for current conditions at a given location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that provides near real-time imagery by positioning 360-degree image capture devices at popular locations, processing the images to remove personal information and filter spam, and allowing users to select viewpoints, ensuring that the imagery is continually updated and relevant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vehicle-mounted cameras are used to capture map imagery, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the imagery becomes outdated due to time lag between capture and delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pre-captured images to dynamic live streaming capability. The image capture device continuously captures and transmits imagery as the vehicle moves through locations, allowing the system to adapt to real-time changes in the environment rather than relying on fixed historical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous image capture and transmission operations. The image capture device continuously captures images and the system continuously processes and makes them available, eliminating the interruption and time lag inherent in batch processing approaches.
2Productivity
If 360 degree image capture devices are positioned at popular locations, then near real-time imagery is provided with continuous updates, but the device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system between the image capture device and the user. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of receiving continuous image streams, processing the images, determining points of view, and delivering them to users, thereby isolating the complexity from the end user and enabling simpler deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual image selection and transmission mechanisms with automated computer-based systems. The system automatically processes continuous image streams, identifies relevant frames, determines appropriate points of view, and delivers images without manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If personal information is detected and blurred in live images, then user privacy is protected and information reliability is improved, but the image processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs image processing operations in advance before the images are delivered to users. The system pre-processes continuous image streams to detect and blur personal information, so that when images are requested, they are already prepared and ready for delivery without requiring additional processing power at the moment of access.
Data Source
AI summary
Near real-time imagery of a given location may be provided to user upon request. Most popularly viewed geographic locations are determined, and a 360 degree image capture device is positioned at one or more of the determined locations. The image capture device may continually provide image information, which is processed, for example, to remove personal information and filter spam. Such image information may then be provided to users upon request. The image capture device continually captures multiple views of the given location, and the requesting user can select which perspective to view.