Method for creating 3D virtual reality from 2D images
US9407904B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N13/261
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method that enables creation of a 3D virtual reality environment from a series of 2D images of a scene. Embodiments map 2D images onto a sphere to create a composite spherical image, divide the composite image into regions, and add depth information to the regions. Depth information may be generated by mapping regions onto flat or curved surfaces, and positioning these surfaces in 3D space. Some embodiments enable inserting, removing, or extending objects in the scene, adding or modifying depth information as needed. The final composite image and depth information are projected back onto one or more spheres, and then projected onto left and right eye image planes to form a 3D stereoscopic image for a viewer of the virtual reality environment. Embodiments enable 3D images to be generated dynamically for the viewer in response to changes in the viewer's position and orientation in the virtual reality environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.