Stereoscopic Image Synchronization via Segmented Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing stereoscopic images face challenges in synchronizing left and right images effectively, particularly in digital broadcasting, leading to reduced image resolution and system complexity, and difficulty in maintaining compatibility with typical digital broadcasting systems, especially at high definition levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronizing stereoscopic images by storing one image and receiving the correlated second image, using a synchronization controller to align them, and outputting the synchronized images, which allows for high-quality stereoscopic digital broadcasting within limited bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with typical digital broadcasting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side-by-side method is used to form a stereoscopic image, then synchronization of left and right images is easy, but image resolution is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stereoscopic image transmission into two separate streams: a main image stream and a supplementary image stream. The main image is transmitted in full resolution through digital broadcasting, while the supplementary image (containing the other eye's view) is stored locally and synchronized based on timing information. This segmentation allows full-resolution transmission of one image while maintaining synchronization capability, resolving the contradiction between easy synchronization and image resolution.
2Manufacturing precision
If the frame sequential method is used to form a stereoscopic image, then full resolution is achieved, but synchronization difficulty increases and service reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the supplementary image (one eye's view) in local memory before broadcasting. The stored image includes timing information that enables automatic synchronization with the main image stream during playback. This preliminary preparation eliminates real-time synchronization complexity and ensures reliable operation even if transmission issues occur, resolving the contradiction between full resolution and synchronization reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different CODECs are used to encode left and right images, then stereoscopic content can be provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by encoding both the main image and supplementary image using the same CODEC (e.g., MPEG-2 or AVC). This unified encoding approach allows typical digital broadcasting receivers to decode and display the content without requiring additional specialized CODECs, while still providing full stereoscopic functionality. The system maintains compatibility with existing infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between stereoscopic capability and system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional CODECs are used for individually coding and decoding left and right images, then stereoscopic image can be provided, but bandwidth requirements exceed digital broadcasting limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one eye's image (supplementary image) from the real-time transmission stream and places it in the locally stored buffer. Only the main image stream is transmitted through the bandwidth-constrained digital broadcasting channel at full resolution. The extracted supplementary image is retrieved from local storage and synchronized during playback. This extraction approach provides full-resolution stereoscopic images without requiring additional bandwidth beyond standard digital broadcasting capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for synchronizing and providing a stereoscopic image are provided. The method includes storing a first image, receiving a second image that forms a stereoscopic image with the first image correlated, synchronizing the first image and the second image, and outputting the synchronized two images.