Stereo Image Contrast Matching via Tone Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic images often exhibit tone contrast differences between the left and right images due to optical system variations and sensor response discrepancies, leading to distractions for viewers.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to reduce tone contrast differences by calculating a tone mapping function based on luminance histograms of both images, compensating the lower contrast image to match the higher contrast image, thereby enhancing the perceived depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate camera systems are used to capture left and right images, then stereo imaging can be achieved, but tone contrast differences arise between the two images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the tone mapping function parameters based on the difference in luminance histograms between left and right images. The system calculates a tone mapping function that transforms pixel values to compensate for optical system variations, thereby achieving consistent tone contrast while maintaining stereo imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the luminance histograms of both images, comparing their contrast characteristics, and using this information to generate a tone mapping function. This feedback loop continuously adjusts the image processing to eliminate tone contrast differences, ensuring high manufacturing precision in the final stereo image output.
2Ease of operation
If optical system variations are present in stereo imaging, then depth perception can be created, but viewer distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of optical system variations into a beneficial outcome by using the observed contrast differences to generate a tone mapping function. Instead of simply correcting variations, the system uses them as input to create an adaptive correction that enhances the overall image quality and eliminates viewer distraction while preserving depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation of image data by applying a tone mapping function that transforms luminance values. This parameter transformation adjusts the contrast characteristics of both images to match each other, thereby eliminating the harmful distraction effect while maintaining the beneficial depth perception created by the stereo imaging setup.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tone contrast compensation is applied to match images, then viewer distraction is reduced, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using luminance histograms as input to generate a tone mapping function. Instead of complex pixel-by-pixel processing, the system transforms the image data through a mathematical function derived from histogram analysis, which simplifies the processing complexity while effectively reducing viewer distraction through tone contrast matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a tone mapping function that replicates the contrast characteristics of one image to match the other. The system copies the luminance histogram information and uses it to generate transformation parameters, thereby reducing the need for complex adaptive processing while still achieving effective tone contrast compensation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method for matching contrast between images of a stereo image pair. A first contrast value corresponding to first pixel information of first image is determined and a second contrast value corresponding to second pixel information of second image is determined. The first and second contrast values are compared and the image having the lower contrast value is selected for compensation. A tone mapping function is generated and applied to the pixel information corresponding to the selected image for generating compensated image pixel information corresponding to the selected image.