Naoki Akimoto obtained a PhD (Engineering) degree for his research on image generation.

PhD dissertation title: Image Outpainting: From Normal Field of View to 360 Degrees

Dissertation abstract:

Using Image Outpainting, which complements the peripheral pixels of images, this research extends images and generates 360-degree images. Because these are extrapolation problems, existing Image Inpainting methods, which focus on interpolation, cannot achieve desirable results, necessitating the development of new approaches. In the first half of this research, image extension is achieved by using a CNN that consolidates wide-ranging information and by simplifying the problem through pre-processing of the input image. In the latter half, the generation of 360-degree images, an advanced problem, is realized by introducing a Transformer that aggregates information non-locally. This method not only produces naturally appearing images superior to previous techniques but also provides users with various output options. This research advances the practical application of Image Outpainting in content creation such as 3D computer graphics.

March 2023