Spherical Content Editing via Patch Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

When generating spherical content using cameras, the structure images at the lower end of the camera are often represented awkwardly, such as being twisted or partially cut, due to the presence of camera supports or other structures.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method for editing spherical content that allows for intuitive editing of partial regions, specifically addressing the issue of structure images by providing a patch function to seamlessly integrate or remove unwanted structures from the spherical content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spherical content is generated using a camera with supports or structures at the lower end, then the camera can be stabilized for capture, but the structure images are represented awkwardly (twisted or partially cut) in the spherical content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera stabilityVSAvoidstructure image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the problematic structure image (tripod, hand, or support) from the spherical content by detecting it in the reference image and filling the corresponding region in the target image with corrected content, thereby eliminating the awkward representation while preserving camera stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to avoid capturing structures during shooting, the patent inverts the approach by capturing the structures and then correcting them in post-processing by filling the defective regions with properly rendered content from the spherical panorama

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional image editing methods are used on spherical content, then editing can be performed, but the editing process is complex and not intuitive for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveediting capabilityVSAvoidediting intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a reference image (2D or 360-degree image) that copies or represents the spherical content structure to provide visual guidance during editing, allowing users to intuitively understand the spatial relationships and perform edits more easily

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference image as an intermediary between the user and the spherical content editing process, enabling users to perform edits intuitively by visualizing the content structure without dealing with complex spherical coordinate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3460745B1Spherical content editing method and electronic device supporting same

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a memory storing spherical content, at least a portion of which is provided in the shape of at least a portion of a sphere with respect to a central point of an image, a display configured to output the spherical content, and a processor configured to be electrically connected with the memory and the display. The processor is configured to arrange a specified patch image on a central point of the spherical content when outputting the spherical content on the display. In addition, various embodiments ascertained through the specification are possible.