3D Image Graphic Object Interpolation Zone Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying 3D documents on screens often result in visual discomfort due to occlusion issues, where graphic objects are masked by 3D images, reducing readability and causing eye fatigue, especially when trying to insert 2D graphic elements like menus or logos into 3D scenes without limiting the depth range of the video content.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves determining an interpolation zone around the graphic object with a specific thickness, gradually increasing pixel depth from the exterior to the interior edge, allowing the graphic object to be perceived in front while maintaining the depth perception of surrounding 3D objects, using functions like linear, trigonometric, or parabolic variations, and adjusting the depth based on user input for optimal visual comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If graphic objects are inserted with high disparity to appear in front of 3D images, then readability and visibility of graphic objects are improved, but visual discomfort and ocular fatigue increase due to convergence time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadability of graphic objectsVSAvoidvisual discomfort and ocular fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different disparity values to different regions of the display. Graphic objects are assigned high disparity to ensure they appear in front and are easily readable, while 3D images in the background maintain their original disparity values. This local differentiation allows each element to have optimal disparity for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between readability and visual comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If graphic objects are inserted with low disparity at screen level, then visual comfort is improved, but graphic objects are masked by 3D images reducing visibility and readability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual comfortVSAvoidvisibility of graphic objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent differentiates disparity values by spatial location and object type. Graphic objects receive high disparity values to ensure they are not masked by 3D images, while background 3D images maintain their original disparity. This local quality differentiation ensures graphic objects remain visible and readable without compromising overall visual comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If graphic objects are placed in the foreground with high disparity, then visibility is improved, but depth range of the 3D video is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of graphic objectsVSAvoiddepth range of 3D video
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display into different functional zones: a foreground region for graphic objects with high disparity and a background region for 3D images with preserved depth information. By segmenting the display this way, the patent maintains the full depth range of the 3D video in the background while ensuring graphic objects are clearly visible in the foreground, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and depth range preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2633688B1Method for generation of three-dimensional images encrusting a graphic object in the image and an associated display device
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 THOMSON LICENSING SA
  • EP2633688B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633688B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2633688B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention consists in a method for generation of 3D image signals. A graphic object is inserted in said image at a determined depth. A frame of a determined thickness surrounds the object to be inserted. A transition zone is defined by the frame around the inserted graphic object. The depths of image elements of the transition zone vary progressively from the external edge to the internal edge of the frame of the graphic object to be inserted. The present invention also relates to a device for generation of said display signals.