VR Image Editing via Spherical Projection Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current VR image editing tools do not support intuitive editing of 360° images, as they distort when projected onto a plane, lacking functions like drawing or text insertion, and fail to provide real-time distortion review.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus and control method that allow users to edit VR images by changing the shape and position of objects within the editing tool, using projection methods to maintain the integrity of the spherical image while editing on a planar representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spherical VR image is projected onto a plane for editing, then the image can be displayed and edited on a flat screen, but distortion occurs during the projection process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting capabilityVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spherical geometry to the editing process by creating a virtual spherical coordinate system that maps onto the planar display. Editing objects are positioned and sized according to spherical relationships, allowing intuitive editing on a flat screen while maintaining accurate spatial representation of the 360° VR image through spherical projection mathematics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing photo editing tools are used on projected VR images, then basic editing functions are available, but the tools do not provide additional 360° image functions and editing does not match user intent due to distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting functionVSAvoidediting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms editing parameters from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates, changing the fundamental parameter system used by editing tools. Objects are positioned using azimuth and elevation angles instead of x-y coordinates, and sizing is based on angular dimensions, which maintains accurate spatial relationships in the 360° VR image while providing specialized functions for spherical content creation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If editing is performed on a planar projection of a spherical image, then editing can be visualized on screen, but real-time distortion review is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting efficiencyVSAvoiddistortion information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously calculating and displaying distortion information as the user performs editing operations. The system computes the projection distortion based on the current spherical to planar transformation parameters and provides visual feedback to the user, allowing immediate assessment and adjustment of editing decisions to achieve the desired final appearance in the 360° VR image

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3520086B1Display apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3520086B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3520086B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3520086B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a storage that stores store a Virtual Reality (VR) image and a processor that converts the VR image into a spherical VR image, generates a planar VR image corresponding to an area of the spherical VR image, and controls a display to display the planar VR image.