2D Image Layer Offset for Stereoscopic Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for converting 2-D multimedia content to 3-D multimedia content are labor-intensive and computationally demanding, requiring specialized talent and extensive computing power, especially when dealing with animated films, as they necessitate the creation of virtual 3-D environments and precise tracking of object movements frame by frame.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize pre-existing 2-D image layers by extracting and offsetting pixel data to create corresponding left eye and right eye layers, allowing for the conversion of 2-D multimedia content to 3-D by storing and manipulating image features on distinct layers, which are then combined to achieve stereoscopic depth perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual 3-D environment with virtual models and cameras is created to convert 2-D image to stereoscopic 3-D image, then stereoscopic effect is achieved, but labor intensity and computational power requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic effectVSAvoidvirtual 3-D environment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates stereoscopic 3-D images by copying and offsetting pixel data from existing 2-D image layers. Instead of creating complex virtual models, the system generates left eye and right eye images by duplicating and horizontally offsetting pixel information from the original 2-D image, thereby achieving the stereoscopic effect without requiring complex virtual 3-D environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the 2-D image into multiple layers (e.g., foreground objects, background elements) and processes each layer separately to create corresponding stereoscopic layers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the stereoscopic effect while working with simpler, pre-existing 2-D image data rather than complex virtual models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If virtual models are created and animated frame by frame to match 2-D image movement, then accurate 3-D representation is achieved, but time consumption and manual labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject movement accuracyVSAvoidframe by frame tracking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the 2-D image layers themselves as the source material for creating 3-D stereoscopic images. Instead of requiring manual frame-by-frame tracking and model animation, the system automatically extracts and offsets pixel data from the existing 2-D layers, allowing the 2-D image data to serve itself in creating the corresponding 3-D representation without additional manual labor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assumes that 2-D image layers are already available from the original animation production process. By utilizing these pre-existing layers, the system performs preliminary extraction and offsetting operations to create stereoscopic versions without requiring subsequent frame-by-frame tracking or model animation, thereby saving significant time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If entire 2-D image is recreated in virtual 3-D environment, then complete 3-D conversion is achieved, but computational resources and manual labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3-D conversion capabilityVSAvoidcomputational power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts pixel data from specific regions of the 2-D image layers (such as foreground objects and background elements) and uses this extracted data to create corresponding stereoscopic layers. By taking out only the necessary pixel information from the existing 2-D layers rather than recreating the entire image in virtual 3-D environment, the system achieves 3-D conversion with significantly reduced computational resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2306744B1Method and system for utilizing pre-existing image layers of a two-dimensional image to create a stereoscopic image
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP2306744B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2306744B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2306744B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Implementations of the present invention involve methods and systems for converting a 2-D multimedia image to a 3-D multimedia image by utilizing a plurality of layers of the 2-D image. The layers may comprise one or more portions of the 2-D image and may be digitized and stored in a computer-readable database. The layers may be reproduced as a corresponding left eye and right eye version of the layer, including a pixel offset corresponding to a desired 3-D effect for each layer of the image. The combined left eye layers and right eye layers may form the composite right eye and composite left eye images for a single 3-D multimedia image. Further, this process may be applied to each frame of a animated feature film to convert the film from 2-D to 3-D.