Real-Time 2D to 3D Video Conversion via Depth Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating three-dimensional video sequences are complex and resource-intensive, limiting consumer ability to produce their own 3D content, as they often require post-processing of multiple video streams captured by specialized systems.
Innovation Solution
A real-time pipelining architecture in digital cameras processes two-dimensional video frames to estimate depth and generate disparity maps, allowing for the conversion of 2D images into stereoscopic 3D images without additional components or extensive post-processing, using existing camera components in a novel way.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple video streams are captured by specialized imaging systems with dual cameras, then three-dimensional image sequences can be created, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the imaging process by generating a synthetic second view from the single captured image. Instead of requiring physical dual cameras, the system uses depth estimation and image warping to create a virtual camera view, thereby achieving 3D content creation with simplified hardware while maintaining the capability to produce stereoscopic pairs for 3D displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth maps as an intermediary representation between the single captured image and the final stereoscopic pair. The depth map serves as a mediator that enables the warping process to generate the synthetic view, allowing the system to bridge the gap between 2D capture and 3D output without requiring complex multi-camera hardware
2Reliability
If post-processing is performed to create three-dimensional images from captured video, then 3D content can be generated, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs depth estimation and disparity map generation during the video capture phase rather than as a separate post-processing step. By computing these intermediate representations in real-time alongside the captured frames, the system prepares the necessary data structures beforehand, enabling rapid 3D conversion without time-consuming post-processing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous processing pipeline where depth estimation, disparity calculation, and image warping occur in real-time during video capture. This continuous action ensures that 3D content is generated concurrently with 2D capture, eliminating idle time and maintaining constant productive processing throughout the recording session
3Reliability
If specialized dual camera systems are used to capture stereoscopic views, then three-dimensional video sequences can be produced, but the ease of operation and accessibility for typical consumers decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the 3D content creation system universal by enabling it to function with a single standard camera that all consumers already possess. The system performs multiple functions - capturing 2D video, estimating depth, generating disparity maps, and creating stereoscopic pairs - all within a single device, thereby making 3D video production accessible to typical consumers without requiring specialized equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards enabling digital cameras to digitally process captured two dimensional image sequences at a real time video rate, to convert the two dimensional image sequences into stereoscopic three dimensional image sequences. In one embodiment, using a pipelining architecture, various statistics are obtained for a captured two dimensional sequence. The statistics are used to estimate depth within each frame image within the sequence, in real time. Using the depth data a disparity map is generated that is provided to a warping component to generate a second perspective of the two dimensional image. The two images for the frame provide a three dimensional perspective for the frame within the sequence. Together the two perspective images for the frame are provided to a video encoder component to encode the stereoscopic three dimensional frame for the sequence.