Image Processing Apparatus Synchronizing Depth and Decoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques face challenges in synchronizing depth estimation and decoding processes for two-dimensional video images, leading to potential time lags and unsuitable three-dimensional conversion due to differing processing speeds and generation times.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus comprising a receiving module, first and second processors, a depth information generation module, and an image generation module, which decodes moving images, generates depth information, and synchronizes decoded data with depth information to produce parallax images, ensuring timely association and display of three-dimensional video.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If depth estimation processing is performed separately from decoding processing, then processing flexibility is improved, but time synchronization between depth information and decoded image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing depth estimation processing in advance on decoded images and storing the results in a buffer before the actual parallax image generation is needed. This allows the depth information to be ready and synchronized with the decoded images when required, eliminating time lags while maintaining processing flexibility.
2Productivity
If depth estimation and decoding are performed at different speeds, then processing efficiency is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component that temporarily stores depth information generated at different speeds from decoding. This buffer acts as a mediator that decouples the depth estimation and decoding processes, allowing them to operate at different speeds while ensuring synchronized output when needed for parallax image generation.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict synchronization is enforced between depth information and decoded image, then parallax image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function into a separate, dedicated buffer management mechanism rather than embedding complex synchronization logic throughout the entire processing system. By isolating the synchronization requirement to a specific buffer operation, the overall processing complexity is reduced while maintaining high parallax image quality through accurate synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving module, first and second processors, depth information generation module, and an image generation module. The receiving module receives a moving image including images. The first and second processors decode the moving image inputted from the receiving module and generate decoded data for each of the images. The depth information generation module generates, based on the decoded data generated by the first processor, depth information concerning the decoded data. The image generation module generates a parallax image, if an image with which the decoded data generated by the second processor is associated is subsequent to an image with which the depth information generated by the depth information generation module is associated, by using the decoded data generated by the second processor and depth information concerning an image subsequent to the image with which the generated depth information is associated.