Omnidirectional Image Storage Reduction via Viewing Direction Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and reproducing omnidirectional images require significant storage capacity due to the need to store images in all possible line-of-sight directions, making them inefficient in terms of storage size.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that reduce the storage size by accepting and processing omnidirectional images projected onto 2D planes, acquiring and recording viewing direction information, and dynamically adjusting image storage based on user viewing logs, allowing for reduced resolution and compression of images not frequently viewed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional images are stored in all possible line-of-sight directions, then complete coverage of all viewing directions is achieved, but storage size becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional image is segmented into multiple planar projections (e.g., front, back, left, right, top, bottom views). Instead of storing the complete omnidirectional image in its entirety, only the necessary planar segments corresponding to actual viewing directions are stored and transmitted, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining complete directional coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the omnidirectional space are treated differently based on their importance. Frequently viewed directions (such as front, back, left, right) are stored in high resolution, while less frequently viewed directions (such as top, bottom) are stored in lower resolution or omitted entirely. This local differentiation optimizes storage allocation according to actual usage patterns.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution is maintained for all omnidirectional images, then image quality is preserved, but storage capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resolution qualities to different planar projections based on their viewing frequency and importance. High-resolution images are stored for directions that are frequently viewed (front, back, left, right), while lower-resolution or compressed images are used for less frequently viewed directions (top, bottom). This selective quality approach maintains overall image quality where needed while dramatically reducing total storage capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resolution parameter is dynamically adjusted for different planar projections. Instead of using a uniform high resolution for all directions, the system varies the resolution parameter based on the specific viewing direction and its importance, optimizing the balance between image quality and storage capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complete omnidirectional image data is stored, then all viewing directions are available, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The complete omnidirectional image data is divided into discrete planar projection segments. The system stores only the essential segments that correspond to actual viewing directions, eliminating redundant data. This segmentation approach maintains full availability of all necessary viewing directions while dramatically improving storage efficiency by removing unnecessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential components of omnidirectional image data - the planar projections corresponding to actual viewing directions - while discarding redundant or unnecessary data. This extraction process retains all necessary viewing information while optimizing storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that make it possible to reduce a storage capacity necessary for an omnidirectional image. Of a plurality of images generated by perspectively projecting an omnidirectional image mapped to a 3D model onto a plurality of two-dimensional planes, an image corresponding to a viewing direction of a user and an omnidirectional image reduced in resolution are accepted, and a drawing block generates a display image on the basis of at least one of the accepted image and the accepted omnidirectional image reduced in resolution. A viewing direction acquisition block acquires viewing direction information related with the viewing direction of the user, and a sending block sends a viewing direction log recorded on the basis of the acquired viewing direction information.