Projection-Based 360-Degree Image Decoding for Compression Bottlenecks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle with the massive data generated for 360-degree images in virtual and augmented reality, necessitating improved performance in image encoding and decoding, particularly for 360-degree images.

Innovation Solution

A method for encoding and decoding 360-degree images involves generating a predicted image using syntax information, combining it with a residual image, and reconstructing the image in specific projection formats like ERP, CMP, OHP, or ISP, with image expansion based on partitioning units and motion vector prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-view images are captured with multiple cameras for 360-degree images, then the realism and quality of virtual reality and augmented reality improve, but the amount of data generated increases massively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealism of virtual reality serviceVSAvoidamount of data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The 360-degree image is divided into multiple projection faces (e.g., cube map faces), and each face is processed independently through encoding and decoding operations. This segmentation allows the large data volume to be managed in smaller, more efficient units while maintaining overall image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reference pictures and motion compensation to generate predicted images that are combined with residual images. This copying approach allows efficient representation of redundant information across different views and time points, reducing the actual data that needs to be transmitted and stored

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Area of stationary object

If the amount of data for 360-degree images increases massively, then the coverage and resolution improve, but the performance of image processing systems becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage coverageVSAvoidimage processing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs motion estimation and generates predicted images before the actual decoding process. By preparing reference pictures and motion vectors in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during real-time decoding, improving processing performance while maintaining high-resolution output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding and decoding process adapts dynamically by using motion-compensated prediction that adjusts to scene changes. The system selectively applies different prediction modes and refinement levels based on motion activity, optimizing processing performance for varying content characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional image encoding and decoding methods are used, then the processing is simpler, but the compression performance for 360-degree images is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding complexityVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the 360-degree image into multiple 2D projection faces (e.g., cube map projection) before applying conventional encoding techniques. This dimensional transformation allows standard compression algorithms to work effectively on spherical imagery while maintaining compression efficiency through face-wise independent processing

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250392823A1Image data encoding/decoding method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 INST OF IMAGE TECH INC
  • US20250392823A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392823A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392823A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of decoding an image, includes obtaining at least one offset for a picture, deriving a variable for scaling for the picture based on the at least one offset, and performing inter prediction based on the variable for scaling for the picture. The at least one offset is defined with a direction of scaling.