Omnidirectional Display Mode Adjustment for View Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in conveniently viewing omnidirectional images due to severe distortion when displayed on a single screen, with objects often being cut off at the edges, and this issue is exacerbated by the fixed nature of larger display devices like TVs, making it difficult for users to navigate and view the entire image efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a user-input interface that allows users to set display modes, including aspect ratio-based modes and additional horizontal or vertical display modes, enabling the controller to adjust the size and orientation of the displayed image, along with indicators for shifting views and displaying angle information, allowing users to freely navigate and zoom in or out of the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the omnidirectionally captured image is displayed on one screen according to aspect ratio, then the display area is determined, but objects may be cut off at the edges and users need to shift the view inconveniently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidview navigation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spherical coordinate system to map the omnidirectional image, allowing the image to be displayed on a 2D screen while preserving 360-degree spatial information. This dimensional transformation enables users to view the entire omnidirectional content without physical screen movement, resolving the contradiction between fixed display area and view navigation convenience.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic view shifting capability where the display area can be dynamically adjusted and repositioned within the omnidirectional image space. Users can shift the displayed portion to different directions (up, down, left, right) while maintaining the same screen boundaries, making the fixed display area adaptive to different viewing needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the display area size is set according to aspect ratio, then the display fits the screen, but a specific object may not be fully included in the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidobject completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the display area within the omnidirectional image space. Users can shift the displayed portion to different directions to ensure complete objects are included in the screen boundaries, preventing information loss while maintaining aspect ratio compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides visual feedback mechanisms (such as indicators showing the current view direction and boundaries) that help users understand what portion of the omnidirectional image is currently displayed. This feedback enables users to make informed decisions about shifting the view to include complete objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the TV is used for viewing omnidirectional image, then a more efficient viewing environment is provided, but shift of the view becomes more inconvenient due to fixed position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing efficiencyVSAvoidview shifting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical view-shifting mechanism (physical screen movement or camera rotation) with a software-based virtual view shifting system. The controller processes and repositions image data to simulate different viewing angles, enabling convenient view shifting on fixed displays like TVs without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of different portions of the omnidirectional image and displays them on the fixed screen. Instead of moving the physical display or camera, the system generates and switches between different image representations corresponding to different viewing directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3510767B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3510767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3510767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device including a display configured to display at least a portion of an omnidirectional image; a user input interface configured to input a display mode of the omnidirectional image to be one of a first display mode and a second display mode; and a controller configured to in response to the input display mode being the first display mode, set a size of an area of the omnidirectional image to be displayed on the display to correspond with an aspect ratio of the display, in response to the input display mode being the second display mode, set the size of the area of the omnidirectional image to be displayed on the display to correspond with an aspect ratio that is different than the aspect ratio of the display, and display a first partial image on the display including an area having the set size of the omnidirectional image.