Gradient Modeling Toolkit for 2D to Stereoscopic 3D Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Converting 2-D multimedia content to stereoscopic 3-D content is labor-intensive, requiring specialized skills and significant manual labor, especially when animating objects, as existing methods involve creating virtual 3-D environments and models, which is time-consuming and requires advanced tracking and recreation of entire scenes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that apply gradient models to 2-D images to create stereoscopic depth and volume by horizontally offsetting pixel values based on depth attributes, using gray scale templates and geometric shape models to generate corresponding left and right eye images for stereoscopic viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If virtual 3-D environments and models are created to convert 2-D images to stereoscopic 3-D images, then stereoscopic depth and volume are achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gradient models as simplified copies or representations of complex 3-D environmental data. Instead of creating full virtual 3-D environments, the invention uses gradient models that capture essential depth and volume information, significantly reducing the time and labor required while maintaining acceptable stereoscopic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lightweight gradient model structures that are computationally inexpensive and quick to generate compared to detailed virtual 3-D models. These simplified models can be rapidly created and discarded for each conversion task, eliminating the need for time-consuming creation of persistent virtual environments
2Manufacturing precision
If virtual models are created to match object movement frame by frame, then animation accuracy is improved, but manual labor and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gradient models that copy only the essential depth and volume characteristics of objects rather than creating complete virtual 3-D models. This allows animation accuracy to be maintained for depth perception while avoiding the complexity of tracking and animating full geometric models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the critical depth and volume information from complex 3-D scenes into simplified gradient models. By taking out only the essential stereoscopic attributes rather than reproducing complete 3-D models, the system achieves animation accuracy where needed while eliminating unnecessary complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If entire 2-D scenes are recreated in virtual 3-D environments, then comprehensive stereoscopic control is achieved, but productivity decreases due to extensive manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gradient models as lightweight copies that represent depth and volume information without requiring full scene recreation. This enables comprehensive stereoscopic control through gradient adjustments while maintaining high productivity by avoiding the labor-intensive process of rebuilding entire scenes in 3-D
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates gradient models that can be universally applied to various types of content (images, video, animation) without requiring separate virtual 3-D environments for each. This multi-functional approach provides versatile stereoscopic control across different media types while significantly improving conversion throughput through automation
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention involve methods and systems for creating depth and volume in a 2-D planar image to create an associated 3-D image by utilizing a plurality of layers of the 2-D image, where each layer comprises one or more portions of the 2-D image. Each layer may be reproduced into a corresponding left eye and right eye layers, with one or both layers including a pixel offset corresponding to a perceived depth. Further, a depth model may be created for one or more objects of the 2-D image to provide a template upon which the pixel offset for one or more pixels of the 2-D image may be adjusted to provide the 2-D image with a more nuanced 3-D effect. In this manner, the 2-D image may be converted to a corresponding 3-D image with a perceived depth.