Wearable Omnidirectional Camera System for Hands-Free 360 Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omnidirectional image processing apparatuses are inconvenient for users to carry and capture 360-degree images naturally, often requiring installation or being held by hand, which limits their usability in daily life and can include the user's image in the captured view.
Innovation Solution
A wearable omnidirectional image processing apparatus with multiple image capturing units arranged to capture images from different angles and heights, allowing for easy carrying and natural image capture by stitching images from various locations, and including a processor for image processing to generate a seamless 360-degree image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing omnidirectional image processing apparatus is installed or mounted at a certain place, then stable omnidirectional image acquisition is achieved, but portability and ease of carrying are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple wearable modules (first and second omnidirectional image capturing apparatus) that can be separately worn on different body parts, enabling portable omnidirectional imaging while maintaining stable image acquisition through distributed sensor placement
2Reliability
If omnidirectional image processing apparatus is held by both hands, then stable image capture is achieved, but user convenience and hands-free operation are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented across multiple wearable units distributed on the user's body, eliminating the need for handheld operation while maintaining stable capture through body-mounted positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable apparatus utilizes the user's own body as the mounting structure, automatically positioning the imaging devices without requiring external support or active holding, thereby achieving hands-free stable capture
3Adaptability or versatility
If 360-degree camera is used, then omnidirectional view is achieved, but user image inclusion in captured view occurs, deteriorating image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional view is constructed by combining images from multiple segmented capturing units positioned at different body locations, allowing exclusion of the user from certain view sectors while maintaining complete 360-degree coverage through stitching
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the omnidirectional image have different quality characteristics - areas captured away from the user's body position maintain high quality, while areas where the user appears can be selectively processed or excluded based on local image quality assessment
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple image capturing units are used, then natural omnidirectional image is generated, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a minimal segmentation of two omnidirectional image capturing apparatus worn on opposite sides of the body, achieving natural omnidirectional imaging without excessive complexity by strategically placing just two units to capture complementary views
Solution Approach 2:
Images from multiple capturing units are merged through stitching processing to create a seamless omnidirectional image, combining the advantages of multiple perspectives while integrating them into a unified output that appears as a single natural view
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional image capturing method and an apparatus performing the method are provided. An omnidirectional image processing apparatus includes: a plurality of image capturing units configured to generate a plurality of images for generating an omnidirectional image; and a processor configured to process the plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images are generated based on a plurality of image capturing lines of the plurality of image capturing units and the plurality of image capturing lines are imaginary lines vertically penetrating centers of a plurality of lenses included in the plurality of image capturing units, respectively.