Stereoscopic Image Generation Using Retinal Rivalry
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D projection systems lack innovative methods to generate high-quality stereoscopic images with unique and surprising effects, relying on conventional techniques that provide identical content from offset cameras, limiting the creation of special effects and depth perception.
Innovation Solution
The method involves manipulating left and right eye images by introducing temporal differences or additional/deleted content, creating retinal rivalry through editing processes that delay transitions or add/remove elements in one eye's image stream, allowing for unique effects like transparency or surreal feelings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stereoscopic image generation techniques are used with identical content from offset cameras, then depth perception is achieved, but unique and surprising special effects cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stereoscopic image content time-dependent. Different frames in the left and right eye image streams are selected dynamically to create temporal differences. This allows the same stereoscopic system to produce varying effects (transparency, surrealism, depth modulation) by changing which frames are presented to each eye at different times, rather than using static identical content from offset cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to stereoscopic imaging by offsetting frame selection between left and right eye streams. Instead of only spatial offset (camera position), the invention adds time as another dimension where frames are deliberately desynchronized. This temporal dimension enables unique effects like apparent object transparency and surreal transformations that cannot be achieved with conventional simultaneous frame presentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporal differences are introduced between left and right eye images, then unique special effects are created, but image fusion and depth perception may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by introducing temporal differences selectively rather than uniformly across all frames. Only certain frames are offset between left and right eye streams to create specific effects, while other frames maintain synchronization for stable depth perception. This partial temporal offsetting allows the system to achieve special effects while preserving overall image fusion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of frame presentation by introducing deliberate delays or offsets between left and right eye image streams. By adjusting the temporal alignment parameter dynamically, the system can transition between conventional stereoscopic mode (synchronized frames) and special effects mode (desynchronized frames), controlling the balance between depth perception reliability and effects variety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retinal rivalry is intentionally created through edited alternate eye images, then unique artifacts and effects are generated, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stereoscopic image stream into separate left and right eye components that can be independently edited. The alternate eye images are segmented and manipulated separately from the primary eye images, allowing selective application of temporal offsets and frame substitutions. This segmentation enables controlled creation of retinal rivalry effects without requiring complete reprocessing of both image streams.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of special effects and unique artifacts by intentionally creating retinal rivalry, enhancing the 3D experience with a wide range of possible effects, such as manipulating colors, saturation, and shapes, and improving the integration of disparate images for a more engaging viewer experience.
Implementation Method 1
exploiting retinal rivalry, a physiological effect in which the brain alternates between perceiving different images presented to each eye
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating stereoscopic images with retinal rivalry effects. The method includes retrieving primary eye images and alternate eye images from memory. These images are filmed from horizontally offset cameras but include the same content. The method continues with processing the alternate eye images to introduce retinal rivalry such as by including a set of frames that have differing content from a corresponding set of frames from the primary eye images. The differing content, for example, may include an object rendered for the alternate eye that was not rendered in the primary eye images. The method may further include editing the primary eye images by inserting a transition and then editing the alternate eye images to perform the transition (e.g., a dissolve or cut) at a temporally offset transition point such as several frames later to introduce frames that differ in content from one eye stream to the other.