Image Processing Apparatus Depth Sensation Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing techniques require correct segmentation of areas of interest and direct depth information extraction, making it difficult to enhance depth sensation in images, especially in moving pictures, as they rely on complex high-level image processing and separate depth information acquisition devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that calculates an interest feature index based on depth sensation estimation cues and performs adaptive discrimination processing using an interest feature index integration map, without the need for segmentation or correct depth information extraction, enhancing the three-dimensional effect by processing image portions differently based on their importance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If correct segmentation of area of interest and direct depth information extraction are used, then depth sensation enhancement is achieved, but device complexity and processing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using multiple estimation cues (motion parallax, perspective, occlusion, shading, brightness) as mediators to infer depth information indirectly. Instead of directly extracting depth information or performing complex segmentation, the system uses these intermediate cues to calculate interest feature indexes that guide the depth sensation enhancement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/complex segmentation system and direct depth extraction system with a computational approach based on analyzing existing image cues. By substituting physical depth sensing devices or complex segmentation algorithms with cue-based computational methods, the system achieves depth enhancement with reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex high-level image processing methods are used for area of interest extraction, then depth sensation can be enhanced, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only the most important cues and regions. The system calculates interest feature indexes based on multiple cues but focuses enhancement on areas with high interest indexes, avoiding exhaustive processing of the entire image. This selective approach reduces processing time while maintaining enhancement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis by calculating interest feature indexes from multiple estimation cues before the actual depth sensation enhancement. This preliminary step identifies important regions and cues in advance, allowing the subsequent enhancement process to focus computational resources efficiently on critical areas rather than processing the entire image uniformly.
3Loss of information
If separate depth information acquisition devices are used, then direct depth information can be obtained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts depth information indirectly from existing image cues rather than using separate depth acquisition devices. By extracting depth-related information from motion parallax, perspective, occlusion, shading, and brightness cues already present in standard images, the system eliminates the need for additional depth sensing hardware while maintaining depth information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image processing system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard image processing and depth sensation enhancement using the same hardware and image data. The system processes multiple types of information (motion, perspective, occlusion, shading, brightness) simultaneously to achieve depth enhancement without requiring specialized depth acquisition devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing method and apparatus for improving image quality and enhancing a three-dimensional effect. By extracting an interest feature index from an input image based on a depth sensation estimation cue existing in the image, calculating an interest feature index integration map based on the interest feature index and importance of interest of the depth sensation estimation cue, and performing discrimination processing of the image based on the interest feature index integration map, three-dimensional effect and true sensation enhancement processing can be performed based on the probability of the existence of a depth sensation estimation cue, without segmentation of an object of interest, correct depth information, or an object model.