Image stitching by creating a virtual depth

Abstract

A method for image stitching is presented. The approach focuses on images with parallax (depth variation) to create panoramic views with high fidelity. The approach creates the stitching seam at a virtual depth to convert hard stitching problems to simple ones. The virtual depth is created by applying local distortions to the input images at the stitching seam so that the contents visually appear to be located at the same depth. The presented approach targets a wide variety of applications that require generating high (or super) resolution, wide-view images. These applications include tele-presence (or tele-reality) applications such as shopping, touring, conferencing, planning or architecting, learning, inspection, and surveillance. Our results show that the proposed approach provides promising results compared to commercial products that rely on stitching solutions.