Spherical Visual Content Transitions via 3D Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transition effects for non-spherical images/videos do not effectively utilize the viewing capabilities provided by spherical images/videos, limiting the flexibility in content presentation.

Innovation Solution

A system that transitions presentation between spherical visual content by identifying a spherical transition based on a transitional motion within a spherical space, using a processor to obtain and present visual information, and effectuating changes in presentation based on this motion, including rotation, motion of a transition plane, and swirling warps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional non-spherical transition effects are used for spherical visual content, then the transition implementation is simple, but the viewing capabilities and flexibility of spherical images/videos are not effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing capabilities utilizationVSAvoidtransition implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from traditional 2D screen-based transition effects to 3D spherical space transitions. The system defines transitions using spherical coordinates and enables motion along multiple dimensional axes (azimuth, elevation, radius) within the spherical space, allowing content to transition through three-dimensional paths rather than flat screen transitions. This resolves the contradiction by fully utilizing the spherical dimensionality while maintaining manageable complexity through coordinate-based mathematical transformations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements spheroidality by adapting transition effects to follow the curved surface of the sphere rather than applying flat 2D transitions. Transition motions are defined along spherical geodesics, and visual effects such as blending and warping are applied in accordance with spherical geometry. This ensures that transitions respect and enhance the spherical nature of the content, improving adaptability while the use of standardized spherical coordinate systems keeps implementation complexity controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If spherical space transitions are implemented, then the flexibility and viewing experience are enhanced, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent presentation flexibilityVSAvoidcomputational processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by defining transitions through adjustable spherical coordinates (azimuth angle, elevation angle, radial distance) and motion parameters (speed, acceleration, interpolation factors). These parameters can be dynamically modified to create diverse transition effects without changing the underlying computational framework. This approach enhances presentation flexibility while keeping processing complexity manageable through reusable mathematical models and parameterized transition functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal transition framework that can handle multiple types of spherical content (images, videos, 360-degree panoramas) and various transition styles (fade, wipe, swirl, zoom) through a single cohesive system. The spherical coordinate-based approach serves as a multi-functional foundation that adapts to different content types and transition requirements, reducing the need for separate specialized algorithms for each scenario and thereby controlling overall computational complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If complex spherical transition motions are used, then the visual engagement is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual engagement qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing spherical coordinate transformations, transition paths, and interpolation tables that can be quickly referenced during playback. Complex spherical motions are broken down into pre-defined motion templates and keyframes that are processed in advance, allowing the system to achieve visually engaging transitions during playback without real-time computational overhead. This resolves the contradiction by shifting computational burden to preprocessing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic action by implementing smooth, continuous transition animations that follow predictable temporal patterns and easing functions. Transitions are designed with standardized duration profiles and interpolation curves that can be efficiently computed using periodic mathematical functions (such as sinusoidal easing or polynomial interpolation). This approach maintains high visual engagement through smooth motion while keeping processing time predictable and manageable through mathematically efficient periodic calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10587856B1Spherical visual content transitions
Publication Date: 2020.03.10 GOPRO INC
  • US10587856B1 patent drawing
  • US10587856B1 patent drawing
  • US10587856B1 patent drawing

AI summary

First visual information defining first spherical visual content, second visual information defining second spherical visual content, and/or other information may be obtained. Presentation of the first spherical visual content on a display may be effectuated. A spherical transition between the first spherical visual content and the second spherical visual content may be identified. The spherical transition may define a change in presentation of visual content on the display from the first spherical visual content to the second spherical visual content based on a transitional motion within a spherical space and/or other information. A change in presentation of the first spherical visual content on the display to presentation of the second visual content on the display may be effectuated based on the spherical transition and/or other information. The change may be determined based on the transition motion within the spherical space and/or other information.