Disparity Map Generation for Accurate Stereoscopic Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereoscopic display systems rely on inaccurate depth information from z-buffers, which reduces image quality due to transformations that obscure the true object depth, making it difficult to recover accurate depth information.
Innovation Solution
A disparity map is generated by performing z-buffering operations and calculating disparity values between images intended for different eyes, allowing for more accurate stereoscopic content generation by using these disparity values instead of z-buffer data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If z-buffer contents are used for depth information, then stereoscopic display can be implemented, but depth accuracy deteriorates due to transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a depth map as an intermediary data structure that stores accurate depth information separately from the transformed z-buffer data. This depth map serves as a mediator between the original scene geometry and the stereoscopic rendering process, preserving true depth values while enabling stereo image generation without relying on transformed z-buffer contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of depth information in the form of a depth map that accurately represents original object depths. Instead of using the transformed z-buffer data directly, the system generates stereoscopic images by referencing this copied depth map, thereby maintaining depth accuracy while achieving stereoscopic functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If z-coordinates are transformed before writing to z-buffer, then z-buffer operations can be performed, but recovery of accurate depth information becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating a depth map before stereoscopic rendering that captures accurate depth information from the original scene geometry. This depth map is created in advance and stored for later use during stereo image generation, preventing the loss of accurate depth information that would occur if only transformed z-buffer data were available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of depth information by storing it in a depth map using original, untransformed depth values rather than relying on transformed z-buffer data. This parameter change preserves the accuracy of depth information while still enabling the z-buffer operations needed for stereoscopic display functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for generating a disparity map. In use, a z-buffering operation is performed. In addition to such z-buffering operation, a plurality of disparity values are calculated, such that a disparity map may be generated utilizing the disparity values. To this end, such disparity map may be used for displaying stereoscopic content.