Masking Window Objects for Stereoscopic Scene Depth Paradoxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic computer animation often results in visual paradoxes when objects are clipped by the edge of the image, distracting from the depth effect and degrading the visual experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method places a window object between the stereoscopic cameras and the nearest computer-generated object, offset from the object, to prevent clipping and maintain the stereo effect, with the window object's location stored in memory and adjusted over time to accommodate changing object positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stereoscopic filming techniques use parallax to create depth perception, then the illusion of depth is enhanced and objects appear to extend outward from the screen, but objects may be clipped by the edge of the image creating a visual paradox
Solution Approach 1:
A window object is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the viewer and the computer-generated object. This window object acts as a mediator that masks the clipped portions of objects at image edges, preventing the visual paradox while preserving the stereoscopic depth effect. The window object is strategically placed to block the harmful clipping effect without interfering with the perceived depth of the scene.
2Reliability
If an object is displayed with negative parallax to make it appear to protrude from the screen, then depth perception is enhanced, but the object may fall outside the display screen area and appear hidden behind the screen edge
Solution Approach 1:
The window object serves as a mediator that resolves the conflict between maintaining negative parallax for stereo effect and preventing object clipping. By positioning the window object in the foreground, it masks the clipped portions of objects that would otherwise disappear at the screen edges, ensuring complete object visibility while preserving the intended stereoscopic depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The window object is pre-positioned in the scene before rendering the stereoscopic image. This preliminary placement ensures that the masking function is already in place to prevent edge clipping, allowing the main objects to be rendered with negative parallax without risk of information loss at the image boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for placing a window object within a computer-generated scene. The computer-generated scene includes a pair of stereoscopic cameras adapted to capture an image of at least one computer-generated object and the window object. A left portion and right portion of the image along the left and right edges of the image are obtained. The nearest computer-generated object to the pair of stereoscopic cameras within the left and right portions of the image is identified. The window object is placed between the identified computer-generated object and the stereoscopic cameras at an offset distance from the identified computer-generated object.