Adjustable Parallax Stereo Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereo imaging apparatuses often capture raw data with extreme parallax between left and right images, leading to unnatural viewing experiences and eye strain due to conditions at the time of imaging or subject arrangement.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and image processing device that generate and adjust parallax image data from a single scene, using reference image data, first parallax image data, and second parallax image data to produce third and fourth parallax image data with adjusted parallax amounts, allowing for the output of adjustment conditions associated with the captured image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereo imaging is performed with large baseline distance to capture sufficient depth information, then depth perception capability is improved, but parallax between left and right images becomes extreme causing viewer discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the parallax amount adjustable rather than fixed. The imaging apparatus allows users to dynamically change the parallax between left and right images according to viewing conditions, subject distance, and personal preference. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt between maximum depth perception (large parallax) and maximum comfort (small parallax) as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parallax parameter to resolve the contradiction. By providing multiple parallax settings (e.g., large, medium, small parallax amounts), the system can adjust this critical parameter to balance depth perception quality against viewer comfort. The adjustment condition acquiring section captures user preferences, and the image processing device modifies the parallax parameter accordingly.
2Measurement precision
If parallax amount is increased to enhance 3D effect, then depth perception is improved, but naturalness of viewing experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts parallax based on captured adjustment conditions such as subject distance, scene type, and user preferences. This allows the apparatus to optimize the balance between depth perception enhancement and viewing naturalness for each specific imaging situation, rather than using a fixed parallax amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by capturing adjustment conditions from users (e.g., preferred parallax amount, subject distance information) and using this feedback to automatically adjust the parallax in the generated stereo images. This closed-loop approach ensures that the parallax setting maintains both depth perception quality and viewing naturalness according to actual usage conditions.
3Device complexity
If fixed parallax settings are used to simplify processing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different imaging conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus performs self-adjustment by automatically capturing adjustment conditions (such as subject distance, scene characteristics, and user preferences) and using this information to autonomously determine optimal parallax settings. This self-service mechanism provides high adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or post-processing intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal adjustment mechanism that handles multiple imaging conditions through a unified approach. The same image processing device and adjustment condition acquiring section work across various scenarios (different subjects, distances, and user preferences), providing versatile adaptability without requiring separate processing paths for each condition.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging apparatus including an imaging section that generates, from a single scene, captured image data including reference image data, first parallax image data having a first parallax in one direction relative to a subject of the reference image data, and second parallax image data having a second parallax in another direction that is opposite the one direction; an adjustment condition acquiring section that acquires an adjustment condition relating to parallax amount adjustment; and an image processing device that processes the reference image data, the first parallax image data, and the second parallax image data, based on the adjustment condition, to generate third parallax image data having a third parallax that is in the one direction and different from the first parallax and fourth parallax image data having a fourth parallax that is in the other direction and different from the second parallax.