360-Degree Spherical Image Capture for Simultaneous Multi-Point Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in simultaneously providing captured images of multiple points of interest using a single image capturing device, especially in real-time communication systems, leading to conflicts and challenges in intuitive operation for users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image communication system that utilizes a digital camera capable of capturing 360-degree spherical images, which combines hemispherical images from multiple lenses to generate equirectangular projections, allowing for the display of predetermined areas within the spherical image, enabling multiple points of interest to be viewed simultaneously through a communication management apparatus and terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image capturing device is used to capture multiple points of interest, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously provide captured images of multiple points of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D image capture to 360-degree spherical image capture, adding a dimensional aspect that enables a single device to capture multiple points of interest simultaneously by capturing the entire surrounding environment in all directions
Solution Approach 2:
The single image capturing device is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images of different points of interest, generating spherical images, and providing real-time viewing of multiple locations, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cameras
2Device complexity
If traditional 2D cameras are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but multiple points of interest cannot be captured simultaneously from a single device
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves from 2D plane-based image capture to 360-degree spherical capture, enabling a single camera to capture multiple spatial locations and perspectives simultaneously by recording light from all directions around the device
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical image is divided into multiple predetermined areas corresponding to different points of interest, allowing the system to extract and display specific regions of interest from the comprehensive 360-degree capture
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capturing devices are deployed to capture multiple points of interest, then coverage is improved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual representation of the physical environment through spherical images, allowing users to interact with and view multiple points of interest through digital manipulation rather than physically moving between locations or managing multiple physical cameras
4Adaptability or versatility
If spherical image processing is implemented, then multiple points of interest can be viewed simultaneously, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical image is segmented into multiple predetermined areas, each corresponding to a specific point of interest, allowing the processing system to efficiently extract and manage individual regions of interest from the comprehensive spherical capture without processing the entire spherical data set as a single unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A communication management apparatus (50) for communicating with a communication terminal (70) configured to display images captured by a plurality of image capturing devices, includes receiving means (51) for receiving pieces of designated-position information transmitted from the communication terminal, each of the pieces of designated-position information indicating a corresponding one of a plurality of designated positions in an area where the plurality of image capturing devices are provided; and transmitting means (51) for transmitting to the communication terminal (70) identification information of a shareable image capturing device selected from among the plurality of image capturing devices and pieces of predetermined-area information of the shareable image capturing device, the shareable image capturing device being an image capturing device for which distances from any two designated positions among the plurality of designated positions indicated by the pieces of designated-position information received by the receiving means (51) are shortest and which is capable of sharing images of the two designated positions, each of the pieces of predetermined-area information of the shareable image capturing device indicating a predetermined area in which a corresponding one of the two designated positions is viewed at the front. An image communication system including the communication management apparatus and the communication terminal, a communication management method performed by the communication management apparatus, and carrier means for carrying computer readable code for controlling a computer system to carry out the above-described method are provided.