Depth Image Window Mapping for Lower-Bandwidth 3D Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting depth images, such as via HDMI, often result in a decrease in resolution or narrowing of the depth range when reducing pixel data size, leading to image degradation.
Innovation Solution
A transmission apparatus and program that identify a window corresponding to the subject's position within a depth image, converting measured distances into relative distances within that window, and transmitting these values as pixel data, allowing for reduced pixel data size without compromising resolution or range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pixel data size of the depth image is reduced for transmission, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the resolution of the depth image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement range in the depth direction is divided into multiple windows, each with its own depth range. By segmenting the depth image data according to these windows and transmitting only the relevant window data, the patent reduces the overall pixel data size while maintaining the resolution within each segment. This allows efficient transmission without compromising the measurement precision within the active window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different depth ranges and window configurations to different regions of the depth image. By identifying the subject's position and focusing on the relevant window, the system maintains high resolution for the subject area while reducing data transmission for less important regions, thus improving overall transmission efficiency without sacrificing local measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the pixel data size of the depth image is reduced for transmission, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the depth range is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the window configuration and depth range based on the subject's position and the required measurement precision. By making the window settings adaptive rather than fixed, the system can transmit reduced data sizes while maintaining an adequate depth range for the subject. The window parameters are optimized in real-time to balance transmission efficiency with depth range requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the subject's position and determines the appropriate window configuration before transmission. By pre-configuring the windows based on expected subject positions or initial detection, the system prepares the optimal data subset for transmission, ensuring both efficient data size reduction and adequate depth range coverage for the anticipated measurement needs.
3Productivity
If the resolution of the depth image is decreased to reduce pixel data size, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the depth image into multiple windows and transmitting only the relevant window data at full resolution, the patent avoids the need to decrease resolution across the entire image. The segmentation allows selective transmission of high-precision data for the subject area while reducing overall data size, thus improving transmission efficiency without compromising measurement precision for the critical regions.
4Productivity
If the depth range is narrowed to reduce pixel data size, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the versatility of the depth image application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the depth range and window configuration dynamic, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements. By adjusting the window parameters and depth range based on the specific subject and application needs, the system maintains versatility while achieving reduced data transmission. The dynamic configuration enables the same system to serve multiple applications with varying depth range requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission apparatus includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a reception apparatus, and a controller configured to acquire a depth image obtained by at least one depth camera measuring distances to a subject within a measurement range, identify, with reference to the acquired depth image, a window corresponding to a position of the subject from among a plurality of windows set within the measurement range and aligned in a depth direction, transmit a window identifier identifying the identified window to the reception apparatus via the communication interface, and for each pixel of the depth image, convert a measured distance into a relative distance within the window and transmit a resulting converted value as pixel data to the reception apparatus via the communication interface.