Binocular 3D Image Tone Mapping for Preserved Depth Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tone mapping of binocular 3D images reduces brightness and global or local contrast, impairing user perception.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that generates a second tone mapping curve based on the disparity map and contrast of a binocular image to compensate for reduced contrast, ensuring a minimum disparity variation for 3D perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If tone mapping is performed on binocular HDR image, then brightness is reduced to fit display device, but contrast is reduced and 3D perception is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different tone mapping strategies to different regions of the binocular image based on disparity information. Regions with high disparity (important for 3D perception) receive different processing than regions with low disparity, preserving local contrast where it matters most for stereoscopic vision while still performing overall brightness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the tone mapping curve parameters based on the disparity map of the binocular image. By changing the mapping parameters according to disparity information, the system preserves contrast in regions that contribute most to 3D perception while maintaining brightness reduction for display compatibility.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional tone mapping curve is used, then image brightness is adjusted, but contrast loss occurs and minimum disparity variation requirement is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the disparity map as feedback information to guide the tone mapping process. The disparity information provides feedback about which regions are critical for 3D perception, allowing the tone mapping algorithm to adjust contrast preservation accordingly while maintaining brightness adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the disparity map before tone mapping. This preliminary action provides the necessary information about depth structure and disparity distribution, enabling the subsequent tone mapping to preserve contrast in critical regions while adjusting brightness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tone mapping is performed to adapt HDR image to display device, then display compatibility is improved, but visual perception quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the binocular image processing into two independent stages: disparity analysis and tone mapping. This segmentation allows the system to first understand the depth structure through disparity mapping, then apply tone mapping that respects this structure, achieving both display compatibility and preserved visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The disparity map serves as an intermediary between the HDR binocular image and the tone mapping process. It mediates the transformation by providing information about which regions require contrast preservation for 3D perception, enabling the system to achieve display compatibility without sacrificing visual perception quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of image processing technologies, and discloses an image processing method and system, and a device, to resolve a problem that tone mapping greatly affects perception of a binocular 3D image. Based on a disparity map of a binocular image, a tone mapping curve is determined for a display device to display an image, instead of being generated merely based on image content. This makes a contrast of a tone mapped binocular image reach at least a level before tone mapping, thereby meeting a minimum disparity variation requirement for 3D perception by human eyes, and improving 3D perception of a 3D image displayed by the display device.