PanoSynthVR: View Synthesis From a Single Input Panorama With Multi-cylinder Images

Abstract

We introduce a method to automatically convert a single panoramic input into a multi-cylinder image representation that supports real-time, free-viewpoint view synthesis for virtual reality. We apply an existing convolutional neural network trained on pinhole images to a cylindrical panorama with wrap padding to ensure agreement between the left and right edges. The network outputs a stack of semi-transparent panoramas at varying depths which can be easily rendered and composited with over blending. Initial experiments show that the method produces convincing parallax and cleaner object boundaries than a textured mesh representation.