Wireless Image Metadata Signaling for 360-Degree Video Stitching

The patent combines multiple image streams into a single transmitted stream by embedding metadata about multiple images within one image data structure. This allows the receiver to extract and process multiple images without requiring separate transmission channels for each image, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to perform accurate stitching operations.

The transmitted image stream is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it carries the actual image data for display, embedded metadata for stitching operations, and information about additional images that can be extracted and processed separately. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated streams for each purpose.

The metadata is segmented into distinct functional components including stitching parameters, image acquisition information, and processing instructions. This segmentation allows the receiving device to parse and process only the specific metadata elements relevant to its capabilities, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high processing accuracy for each individual function.

The metadata is prepared and organized in advance during the image capture and preprocessing stage, with all necessary stitching information and image characteristics pre-calculated and embedded. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden on the receiving device, as the complex analysis and organization of metadata has already been performed by the transmitting device.