Image Processing Apparatus for Color Parallax Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo image capturing systems require complex optical systems to obtain color parallax images, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and program that obtain image data including reference and parallax images with partial primary color information missing, calculate disparity amounts, and convert non-color image data to color image data by implanting primary color information based on disparity, allowing for efficient generation of color parallax images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex optical systems are used to capture color parallax images, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single optical system to capture both color reference images and monochrome parallax images, creating copies of the same scene from different viewpoints. Instead of requiring separate optical systems for each view, the invention captures multiple images through one system, reducing device complexity while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical system performs multiple functions: capturing color reference images and monochrome parallax images simultaneously. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate optical systems for different image types, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optical systems are used to capture color parallax images, then color accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures color reference images and monochrome parallax images as copies of the same scene, then processes these copies computationally to generate color parallax images. This approach avoids the need for expensive multi-optical-system hardware while maintaining color accuracy through digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical/optical systems with computational processing. Instead of using multiple optical systems to capture color parallax images directly, the patent uses a single optical system combined with disparity calculation and color information implantation algorithms to achieve the same result at lower cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capturing optical systems are used, then parallax capture capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates parallax effect by capturing copies of the same scene at different positions or angles using a single optical system, then processing these copies to simulate multi-viewpoint imaging. This approach achieves parallax capture capability without requiring multiple physical optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational processing as an intermediary between image capture and final output. The disparity amount operation section and image converting section act as mediators that transform single-system captures into multi-viewpoint color parallax images, enabling versatile parallax capture with simple hardware
Data Source
AI summary
So as to obtain color parallax images, it has been necessary to prepare an image capturing optical system and an image capturing element that are complex, to capture the parallax images. In view of the above, provided is an image processing apparatus including: an image obtaining section; a disparity amount operation section; and an image converting section.