Panoramic Image Processing Reducing Polar Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panoramic image processing methods suffer from significant image distortion near the north and south poles when converting spherical images to equidistant cylindrical projections, leading to reduced accuracy in image detection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves converting a first planar projection image into a spherical image, determining the position of a region of interest, cutting and expanding the spherical image based on this position, and obtaining a second planar projection image with the region of interest closer to the center, thereby reducing distortion and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If spherical panoramic image is converted into equidistant cylindrical projection image, then the panoramic image can be displayed on a planar surface, but large distortion occurs in regions close to north pole or south pole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the image have different projection characteristics. Regions close to the north and south poles are excluded from the equidistant cylindrical projection and instead processed using a different projection method (stereographic or gnomonic projection) that preserves local geometry better, while the equatorial regions use the standard equidistant cylindrical projection. This selective application of different projection qualities to different regions resolves the contradiction between planar display and distortion-free representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the panoramic image into different regions based on their distance from the north and south poles. The image is divided into a central equatorial region and polar regions. Each segment is then processed with an appropriate projection method: the equatorial region uses equidistant cylindrical projection for planar display, while the polar regions are handled separately with projections that minimize distortion. This segmentation approach allows the system to achieve both planar display and reduced distortion in critical regions.
2Area of stationary object
If region of interest is located near north pole or south pole in equidistant cylindrical projection, then the panoramic coverage is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to large distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the image have different projection characteristics. Regions close to the north and south poles are excluded from the equidistant cylindrical projection and instead processed using a different projection method (stereographic or gnomonic projection) that preserves local geometry better, while the equatorial regions use the standard equidistant cylindrical projection. This selective application of different projection qualities to different regions resolves the contradiction between planar display and distortion-free representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-identifying regions close to the north and south poles before applying the equidistant cylindrical projection. These polar regions are detected and marked in advance, allowing the system to apply alternative projection methods specifically to these areas. This preliminary identification and separation of problematic regions enables the main processing pipeline to focus on the equatorial regions where equidistant projection works well, while polar regions receive specialized handling to maintain detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus and an electronic device for processing a panoramic image are provided. The method includes converting a first planar projection image of the panoramic image into a spherical image; determining a position of a region of interest in the spherical image; and cutting and expanding the spherical image based on the position of the region of interest in the spherical image, and obtaining a second planar projection image of the panoramic image. A distance between the region of interest in the second planar projection image and a center point of the second planar projection image is shorter than a distance between the region of interest in the first planar projection image and a center point of the first planar projection image.