Method for producing a synthesized stereoscopic image

Abstract

Methods, devices and systems are provided which produce a synthesized stereoscopic image of a source image by forming at least two images from a source image where at least one image has been modified relative to the source image such that the images have a different spacial appearance than each other. A wide variety of modifications may be made to the source object in order to form modified stereo images. These modifications may involve modifying one or more images relative to the source image. For example, at least one image may be magnified, reduced, or rotated in the X, Y and / or Z plane relative to the source image. Alternatively or in addition, the position of one or more elements of one of the images may also be changed relative to the source image. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the images may be transformed relative to the source image using a function which alters the position of elements of the image along the X or Y axis relative to the source image. In one variation, the function is a distorting algorithm, for example an elliptical or aspheric distorting algorithm which is not dependent on the depth information of the source image.

Description

RELATIONSHIP TO COPENDING APPLICATIONRELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of “METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STEREOSYNTHESIS,”claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.: 60 / 024,900; filed: Aug. 30, 1996 which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to methods, devices and display systems for converting source images to synthesized stereoscopic images and more specifically for forming two or more images from a source image where at least one image of the two or more images has been modified relative to the source image such that synthesized stereoscopic images are formed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Stereoscopic imagery for television and computer monitors is performed by presenting a different image to each eye of the observer. Images for each eye may be created and presented electronically, electrooptically and / or purely optically such that the human observer perceives a th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]In conjunction with forming synthesized stereoscopic images, the various embodiments of the present invention can be employed in a variety of applications where it is desirable to create a three dimensional depiction. For example, the present invention can be used to transform images formed in existing computer programs into stereoscopic images. Accordingly, the present invention can be used to enhance the appearance of cascaded windows being stacked over each other. Different windows can also be made to appear closer or farther from the observer.

[0025]The various embodiments of the present invention can also be employed in combinations with known pan and scan techniques to enhance the effectiveness of three dimensional imaging. For example, motion and depth can be introduced into a still picture by panning across the still picture. Meanwhile, depth can be introduced by modifying the panned image according the present invention. In combination, the modified, panned stereoscopic image has a significantly greater three dimensional appearance.

[0026]Another application of the present invention is in the area of medical tomography such as MRI and CT scans where a series of images are taken at different known depths. By distorting each image according to its known depth, the series of two dimensional images can be converted into a series of three dimensional images which more accurately reflect the tomography of the imaged body location. In addition to creating a three dimensional image based on an overlay of a set of two dimensional images, a sense of depth can be exaggerated in each two dimensional image, thus making it easier to distinguish elements in each image.

[0027]The present invention can also be used in medical endoscopy where two dimensional images taken from an endoscope are converted into three dimensional images by distorting the two dimensional image provided by the endoscope. By providing a stereoscopic endoscopic image as opposed to a two dimensional endoscopic image, the doctor is better able to determine the relative position of different objects in the field of view of the endoscope.

Problems solved by technology

Most systems for producing stereoscopic imagery have depended on the use of true stereo pairs of images created by complex and costly optical or computer systems.

Although there have been attempts to convert two dimensional images to three dimensional images using field delay with image shifting (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,832), such conversions have not produced three dimensional imagery having sufficient quality.

For example, it is not possible to create a quality three dimensional image of a still image using prior art methods since field delay may be required.

Other transformations of such pairs of images from one encoding method to another has been also been difficult and costly because they generally require depth information and computation.

Such arrangements are costly and difficult to use.

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