Curvilinear Luminance Gradient for Mixed Reality Boundary

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mixed reality applications using head-mounted displays, the boundary between monocular and binocular regions can be noticeable due to binocular rivalry caused by steep luminance differences, leading to discomfort during wide-angle image observation.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that applies a luminance gradient to the boundary portions between monocular and binocular regions, forming curvilinear shapes to minimize the visibility of these boundaries, using a determination unit to set start positions for gradation processing and a correction unit to execute the gradation based on these positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If linear gradation is executed to make the black portion unnoticeable, then the luminance difference at the boundary is reduced, but the boundary portion has a rectilinear shape that does not match the natural curvilinear boundary perceived by human eyes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of black portion at boundaryVSAvoidshape of gradation boundary
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvilinear gradation boundaries instead of rectilinear ones to match the natural curvature of human visual perception. The gradation processing unit calculates luminance values using curved boundary equations (e.g., elliptical or circular arc equations) that conform to the actual curvilinear shape of the boundary between monocular and binocular regions, making the transition more natural and less noticeable to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the luminance parameter along the gradation boundary by applying a luminance gradient that varies continuously from the monocular region to the binocular region. The luminance value at each pixel is calculated based on its distance from the curvilinear boundary, creating a smooth transition that reduces the visibility of the black portion while maintaining the natural curvilinear shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If images with different view angles are displayed for right and left eyes with only partial overlap, then the view angle is widened, but binocular rivalry causes the black portion to be visually recognized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview angleVSAvoidbinocular rivalry visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different luminance characteristics to different regions of the display. The curvilinear gradation processing is applied specifically at the boundary between monocular and binocular regions, while the rest of the image maintains its original luminance properties. This localized processing reduces binocular rivalry visibility at the critical boundary area without affecting the overall wide-angle view quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gradation processing is performed in advance on the images before they are displayed to the user. The luminance values are pre-calculated for each pixel based on its position relative to the curvilinear boundary, so that when the images are displayed with partial overlap, the black portion is already softened and less likely to cause binocular rivalry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10547832B2Image processing apparatus, method, and storage medium for executing gradation on stereoscopic images
Publication Date: 2020.01.28 CANON KK
  • US10547832B2 patent drawing
  • US10547832B2 patent drawing
  • US10547832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The aspect of the embodiments is directed to an image processing apparatus capable of executing gradation processing according to various shapes of boundary portions by determining start positions for starting the gradation processing for applying a gradient to a luminance value in a horizontal direction of an image in positions in a vertical direction of the image.