Stereoscopic Image Processing for Controlled Left-Right Color Difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stereoscopic presentation methods often result in unnatural images and difficulty perceiving depth due to uncorrected color differences between left and right eye images.

Innovation Solution

An image processor that corrects the color difference between left and right eye images to a predetermined value, typically within 0.98 ≤ ΔE 00 ≤ 4.29, using CIEDE2000 with CIE standard illuminant D65, to enhance visual contrast and reduce binocular rivalry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate images are presented to the left and right eyes without color correction, then stereoscopic presentation is achieved, but the images appear unnatural and depth perception becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic presentation qualityVSAvoidvisibility and depth perception
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the color parameters (L*, a*, b*) of the left and right eye images to create an optimal color difference. Specifically, it modifies the color coordinates within the CIE L*a*b* color space to achieve a predetermined color difference value, transforming the color parameters to improve stereoscopic presentation quality and visual comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies color changes by calculating and adjusting the color difference between left and right eye images using the CIEDE2000 formula. It modifies the color values of corresponding pixels in the stereoscopic image pair to achieve an optimal color difference range, which enhances depth perception and reduces visual fatigue while maintaining natural appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Device complexity

If color difference between left and right eye images is not controlled, then image processing is simpler, but binocular rivalry occurs and visual comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing complexityVSAvoidvisual comfort and perception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by calculating the color difference between left and right eye images using the CIEDE2000 formula and using this calculated value to adjust the color parameters. The process continuously monitors the color difference and modifies the images until the predetermined color difference value is achieved, ensuring optimal visual comfort while maintaining manageable processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual color adjustment mechanisms with computational methods. It uses digital image processing algorithms to automatically calculate color differences and adjust color parameters based on the CIEDE2000 formula, substituting physical adjustment mechanisms with efficient computational approaches that reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4637135A1Image processing device, image displaying system, image processing method, and image processing program
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 NIKON ESSILOR
  • EP4637135A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4637135A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4637135A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Means to Solve Problem] An image processor includes: an acquirer that acquires a left-eye source image and a right-eye source image; a generator that generates a left-eye display image and a right-eye display image on the basis of the left-eye source image and the right-eye source image acquired by the acquirer; and an outputter that outputs the left-eye display image and the right-eye display image generated by the generator, wherein the generator corrects at least one of the left-eye source image and the right-eye source image so that a color difference between the left-eye display image and the right-eye display image becomes a predetermined value.