Panoramic Image Fill via Pixel Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating panoramic images with valid data throughout a wide angle field of view is challenging due to obstructions or undesirable objects, leading to invalid pixel data, especially when multiple cameras capture street-level imagery, requiring significant user effort in photo editing applications to correct these issues.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for filling panoramic images with invalid regions by identifying and replacing pixel data from nearby valid regions, using a filter and pixel replacement module to generate a valid fill region, which can be implemented in software, firmware, or hardware, and includes enhanced multi-band blending for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture wide angle field of view, then panoramic image coverage is improved, but invalid pixel data increases due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary processing system that identifies invalid regions in panoramic images and replaces them with valid pixel data from overlapping areas of adjacent images. This mediator process resolves the contradiction by automatically filling obstructions while preserving the wide coverage achieved by multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of invalid regions and pre-processing of adjacent images to prepare valid pixel data before final image assembly. This preliminary action ensures that obstructions are addressed proactively rather than requiring post-processing manual editing.
2Reliability
If manual photo editing is used to correct invalid pixel data, then image quality is improved, but user time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system that independently identifies invalid regions, selects appropriate replacement data from adjacent images, and performs the filling operation without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual photo editing while maintaining image quality, directly resolving the time-effort contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of manual photo editing with an automated computational process. The computer-implemented method substitutes human operators with algorithmic processing, achieving the same quality improvement without the associated time cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If general photo editing applications are used, then image modification capability is provided, but processing efficiency for large volumes of panoramic images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing system that handles multiple panoramic images with consistent automated logic. This multi-functional approach maintains the adaptability to handle various image types while achieving high throughput by processing large volumes efficiently through standardized automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual, sequential editing to automated, parallel processing. By transforming the processing mode and utilizing computational parameters, the system maintains versatility while dramatically improving productivity for large batches of panoramic images.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for filling panoramic images having valid and invalid pixel regions are provided. An invalid region is identified in an initial panoramic image. Pixel data of invalid pixels in the initial panoramic image are replaced with pixel data of pixels from a valid region in at least one nearby panoramic image to obtain a valid fill region.