Panoramic Video Stitching for Flexible Camera Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing videoconferencing systems require complex installation due to strict demands on camera placement and distance, leading to overlapping issues and limited viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that process multiple channels of video image data into a single panoramic channel, which is then recombined into multiple channels for display, eliminating overlapping and simplifying installation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are placed at strict physical positions to achieve consecutive viewing experience, then the viewing angle coverage is improved, but the installation complexity and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple video streams from cameras positioned at different angles into a single panoramic video stream through image processing and stitching algorithms. This combines the viewing coverage of multiple cameras while eliminating the need for precise physical positioning, as the software processing compensates for various camera placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives video signals from multiple cameras, performs image stitching and panoramic rendering, and outputs a synthesized panoramic video stream. This intermediary processing layer decouples the relationship between camera physical position and final viewing coverage, allowing flexible installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are arranged to provide wide viewing angle, then the viewing experience is improved, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of precisely positioning multiple cameras to achieve wide viewing coverage with a software-based image processing system. The mechanical positioning system is substituted with digital image stitching and panoramic rendering algorithms that achieve the same viewing angle expansion without complex physical installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal panoramic video processing system that can accept video inputs from cameras in various positions and configurations. The system performs multiple functions including image alignment, stitching, blending, and panoramic rendering, making it adaptable to different installation scenarios without requiring precise camera placement.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are positioned close to users for high definition capture, then the video quality is improved, but the overlapping phenomenon and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful overlapping phenomenon that occurs when cameras are positioned close together into a beneficial feature by using the overlapping regions for image blending and stitching. The overlap provides redundant information that improves stitching accuracy and creates seamless panoramic transitions, turning a problem into an advantage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for processing video image data are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The method includes: obtaining multiple channels of correlative video image data and correlative information; combining the multiple channels of correlative video image data into a single channel of panoramic video image data by using the correlative information; and after recombining the panoramic video image data into multiple channels of video image data satisfying a display requirement of multiple display devices, respectively sending each channel of recombined video image data to each display device for display. Meanwhile, a videoconferencing system and a videoconferencing terminal are also disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. Through a process of processing multiple channels of video image data into a single channel of panoramic video image data, an overlapping phenomenon existing between each channel of video image data can be eliminated. Therefore, an overlapping phenomenon existing in images shot by a camera may be allowed, so that requirements on a position where a camera is placed and a distance between a user and a camera set are lowered.