Transition Tree Video Chunking for Seamless Panoramic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online mapping services and GPS-enabled devices display discontinuous panoramic images during virtual navigation due to different camera positions, times of day, and lighting conditions, leading to a non-realistic user experience and the need for large video clip transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of transition trees to determine paths between panoramic images, allowing for the generation and display of video chunks that provide a more continuous visual experience by interpolating and blending images based on metadata such as lighting and camera parameters, enabling flexible and efficient real-time video generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panoramic images are displayed during virtual navigation, then users can experience street level scenery, but the images appear discontinuous due to different camera positions, times of day, and lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that selects and transitions between panoramic images based on metadata matching. This intermediary layer (the transition system) mediates between the discontinuous source images and the user experience, ensuring visual continuity by selecting images with similar lighting conditions, times of day, and camera positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and realism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for image selection and transition by incorporating metadata analysis (lighting conditions, time of day, camera position) into the image transition process. This parameter-based selection ensures that only images with compatible characteristics are displayed in sequence, maintaining visual continuity and realism throughout the virtual navigation experience
2Adaptability or versatility
If video clips are transmitted to provide continuous panoramic views, then visual continuity is improved, but transmission time and data usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panoramic navigation experience into discrete image transitions rather than transmitting continuous video clips. By dividing the navigation into individual panoramic image selections based on metadata matching, the system achieves visual continuity while transmitting only the necessary image data, significantly reducing transmission time and data usage compared to continuous video
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the specific panoramic images needed for the current navigation context rather than excessive full video clips. The system determines the minimum necessary image set based on the user's current position and navigation direction, transmitting only those images required to maintain visual continuity, thereby optimizing transmission efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating video from panoramic images using transition trees are provided. According to an embodiment, a method for generating a video from panoramic images may include receiving a transition tree corresponding to a current panoramic image from a server. The method may also include determining a path of the transition tree to a next panoramic image based on a user navigation request. The method may further include requesting and receiving a video chunk from the server for each edge of the determined path of the transition tree. The method may also include displaying the requested video chunks in sequence according to the transition tree. According to another embodiment, a system for generating a video from panoramic images may include a transition tree module and a video display module.