Panoramic Image Fusion via Multi-View Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile device cameras cannot capture high-resolution panoramic images due to limitations in visual angle and camera size, requiring users to choose between low-resolution panoramic shots or multiple high-resolution non-panoramic images.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for combining panoramic images using multiple original images from the same scene, involving image pre-processing, registration, and combining modules to align and transform images into a seamless, high-definition panoramic image without reducing resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the camera zooms out to photograph a larger scene, then the field of view increases, but the resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large-scene photographing task into multiple smaller sub-tasks by capturing several high-resolution images at different positions or angles. Each individual image maintains high resolution while collectively covering a larger field of view, thus resolving the contradiction between scene size and resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single two-dimensional image capture to a multi-dimensional approach by taking multiple images from different positions, angles, or depths of field. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve both large field of view and high resolution simultaneously through subsequent image fusion or selection.

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

2Area of moving object

If a special camera is used to photograph panoramic images, then the field of view increases, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidcamera hardware
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ordinary mobile device camera perform panoramic photography functions by implementing software-based image fusion algorithms. The same camera hardware can capture both ordinary photos and panoramic images, eliminating the need for specialized panoramic camera equipment while achieving similar or better results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual panoramic images by capturing multiple copies of the scene from slightly different positions or angles and then fusing them through image processing. This virtual copying approach achieves panoramic效果 without requiring physical panoramic camera hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple high-resolution non-panoramic pictures are taken, then the image resolution is maintained, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic image fusion functionality within the camera application itself. The system automatically captures multiple images, performs alignment and fusion processing, and generates panoramic results without requiring users to manually select or process individual images. This self-service approach maintains high resolution while significantly reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing steps automatically before the user needs to view or use the final result. The system pre-captures the necessary multiple images, pre-processes them through alignment and fusion, and prepares the final panoramic image ready for display, thereby simplifying the user's interaction to merely triggering the capture process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9224189B2Method and apparatus for combining panoramic image
Publication Date: 2015.12.29 ZTE CORP
  • US9224189B2 patent drawing
  • US9224189B2 patent drawing
  • US9224189B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for combining panoramic image. The method includes: obtaining multiple original images of the same scene, performing folding change and coordinates transformation to the multiple original images, and determining an overlapping area of the multiple original images; establishing a mathematical model of the multiple original images, aligning the overlapping area of the multiple original images, and transforming the multiple original images to a coordinate system of a reference image; obtaining the space transformation relationship among/between the multiple original images according to the coordinate system of the reference image, selecting an appropriate image combining strategy, and completing the combining of the images. The solution can realize obtaining scene picture with large field of view without reducing image resolution.