Stereo Image Demultiplexing via Pixel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic images face challenges in maintaining planar image quality when transmitted over existing infrastructure designed for single planar images, as inserting two images into the bandwidth pipeline often results in image compromise.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for multiplexing and demultiplexing stereoscopic images, using techniques such as pixel selection, filtered scaling, staggering, and variable scaling to combine and separate left and right images into a single frame, ensuring compatibility with existing compression protocols like JPEG and MPEG, while maintaining high image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two stereoscopic images are inserted into the existing bandwidth pipeline designed for single planar images, then stereoscopic imaging capability is achieved, but image quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stereoscopic image transmission process into distinct segments: multiplexing two images into a single frame, transmitting through the pipeline, and demultiplexing back into separate images. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between achieving stereoscopic capability and maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple images within a single frame structure, nesting the left and right stereoscopic images inside one transmitted frame. This nesting approach allows the existing single-image infrastructure to carry stereoscopic content without modification, preserving image quality while achieving stereoscopic capability.
2Productivity
If compression functions are applied to fit stereoscopic images into the transmission pipeline, then bandwidth constraints are satisfied, but image fidelity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression functions in advance during the multiplexing stage, before transmission through the pipeline. By pre-compressing the stereoscopic images into the single frame structure, the system satisfies bandwidth constraints upfront while preserving the ability to maintain fidelity through optimized demultiplexing and reconstruction processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing infrastructure is used without modification, then compatibility is maintained, but stereoscopic transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal single frame structure that can carry both traditional single planar images and stereoscopic image pairs. This multi-functional approach allows the existing infrastructure to handle both types of content without modification, achieving stereoscopic transmission capability while maintaining full compatibility and avoiding infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for demultiplexing frames of compressed image data is provided. The image data includes a series of left compressed images and a series of right compressed images, the right compressed images and left compressed images compressed using a compression function. The method includes receiving the frames of compressed image data via a medium configured to transmit images in single frame format, and performing an expansion function on frames of compressed image data, the expansion function configured to select pixels from the series of left compressed images and series of right compressed images to produce replacement pixels to form a substantially decompressed set of stereo image pairs. Additionally, a system for receiving stereo pairs, multiplexing the stereo pairs for transmission across a medium including single frame formatting, and demultiplexing received data into altered stereo pairs is provided.