Transition Data for Seamless Panoramic Image Switching in VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiuser virtual environments using panoramic images lack a seamless transition experience when switching between viewing positions, leading to an unnatural experience for users, particularly in immersive VR or AR settings, as the transition is often abrupt and not conveyed to all users in the environment.
Innovation Solution
A processor system and method that generate and output transition data to simulate the movement between panoramic images, allowing other processors to render a representation of the transition, such as moving an avatar along a trajectory, to provide a more natural and immersive experience for all users by conveying the sense of physical movement between different capture positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If panoramic images are used to represent different viewing positions in a virtual environment, then the virtual environment can be rendered efficiently with fewer resources, but the transition between viewing positions appears abrupt and unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transition data as an intermediary element that mediates between the abrupt switching of panoramic images and the desire for natural transition. This transition data includes trajectory information and timing data that enables smooth transitions without requiring complex intermediate panoramic images, thus maintaining efficiency while improving naturalness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining viewing positions and capturing panoramic images at these positions in advance. The transition data is prepared beforehand with trajectory and timing information, allowing smooth transitions to be achieved without real-time computational complexity, thus maintaining ease of environment creation while improving transition naturalness.
2Ease of operation
If transition between panoramic images is rendered for one user, then that user experiences seamless transition, but other users in the virtual environment do not perceive the transition and may experience confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by broadcasting transition information to all users in the virtual environment. When one user transitions between panoramic images, the transition data is communicated to other users' processor systems, which then render the transition representation for them as well. This ensures all users perceive the transition event, eliminating confusion while maintaining the seamless experience for the transitioning user.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition representation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides seamless transition for the user experiencing the transition, communicates transition information to other users, and maintains consistency across all user views. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the transition experience universal rather than private.
3Manufacturing precision
If 3D models are used to create realistic virtual environments, then the visual realism is improved, but the creation and rendering process becomes time and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by capturing panoramic images at predefined viewing positions as a simpler alternative to creating full 3D models. These panoramic images serve as representations or copies of the environment from specific viewpoints, achieving sufficient visual realism without the computational complexity of 3D modeling and rendering, thus improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of representation from detailed 3D geometric models to panoramic images with associated viewing position data. This parameter change maintains visual realism for the intended use case while dramatically reducing creation time and rendering resource requirements, as panoramic images can be captured efficiently and rendered without complex 3D processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Processor systems and computer-implemented methods are provided for rendering a multiuser virtual environment in which different panoramic images are provided as image-based backdrop for different viewing positions in the virtual environment. When a user switches from a first viewing position for which a first panoramic image is rendered to a second viewing position for which a second panoramic image is rendered, a transition may be rendered for the user, for example as a mathematical transformation of the panoramic images. To avoid other users perceiving the representation of the user in the virtual environment from abruptly switching to the second viewing position, transition data may be provided which enables another processor system to render a representation of the transition in the virtual environment, e.g., by moving an avatar of the user along a movement trajectory.