Offset Map Convolution for 2D-to-3D Image Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2D to 3D image conversion technologies face challenges in associating image data with depth values, especially when focal axes of stereo cameras are not parallel, leading to incomplete or occluded image data, which affects the visual quality of stereoscopic images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining offset values between image data in a stereoscopic pair, generating supplementary offset values using computational convolution, and using an offset mapper to create an offset map, which includes occluded identifiers, allowing for the association of image data with depth values and filling gaps in occluded regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If computational convolution is used to generate supplementary offset values, then the flexibility and speed of 2D-to-3D conversion are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual methods of determining depth values with computational convolution algorithms. The offset generator uses mathematical convolution operations on the offset map to automatically compute supplementary offset values, substituting mechanical processing with efficient computational methods that improve speed while managing complexity through algorithmic approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from direct depth values to offset values that can be computed through convolution. By representing depth information as offsets in an offset map and using kernel-based convolution operations, the system transforms the problem into a parameter space where computation is more efficient and flexible.
2Measurement precision
If offset values are determined for all image data, then the visual fidelity of stereoscopic images is improved, but the loss of information in occluded regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the offset mapper to copy valid offset values from visible regions to occluded regions in the offset map. By identifying corresponding image data between stereo views and copying offset information from unoccluded areas, the system reconstructs depth information for occluded regions without requiring additional physical measurements, thereby maintaining visual fidelity while managing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a complete offset map before actual 3D rendering. The offset generator and offset mapper pre-compute all necessary offset values including those for occluded regions, so that when rendering occurs, all depth information is already available. This preliminary computation prevents information loss during the actual stereoscopic image generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focal axes of stereo cameras are not parallel, then the adaptability of the system to different camera configurations is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring depth values increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal offset map generation process that works with any camera configuration, including non-parallel focal axes. The offset mapper and convolution-based offset generator are designed to handle arbitrary stereo geometries, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different camera setups without requiring configuration-specific algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the offset map as an intermediary representation between the raw stereo images and the final 3D output. Instead of directly computing depth values from complex non-parallel camera geometries, the system first creates an offset map that mediates the transformation, making the depth detection process simpler and more manageable regardless of camera configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for associating a portion of a stereoscopic image with a perceived depth is described. The method includes determining offset values that each indicate a displacement between image data in a first image of a stereoscopic pair and corresponding image data in a second image of the stereoscopic pair. The displacement affects a perceived depth of a point represented by the image data and the corresponding image data. The method also includes identifying image data in the second image that is not associated with a valid offset value, generating a supplementary offset value using valid offset values associated with image data substantially near the image data in the second image, and associating the image data in the second image with the supplementary offset value.