Stereoscopic Image Cutout Control for Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic image capture apparatuses face issues with maintaining image quality due to differences between designed and actual imaging axes, and magnification variations between imaging units, leading to incorrect observation of stereoscopic images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes imaging units generating right-eye and left-eye image data, an information storage unit storing position information for correction points derived from differential vectors, and a cutout control unit cutting out partial image data using these correction points to ensure consistent image size and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cutout range is adjusted to correct imaging axis deviation, then imaging axis alignment is improved, but the cutout range is limited by the deviated cutout center and image data range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores correction values (cutout center offsets and cutout range adjustments) in a lookup table during system initialization or calibration. When processing stereoscopic images, the system retrieves the appropriate correction values based on detected imaging axis deviations, rather than calculating them in real-time. This preliminary preparation enables rapid correction while maintaining optimal cutout ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including cutout center position, cutout range dimensions, and imaging axis offset values based on the detected deviation magnitude. By changing these parameters in coordination, the system corrects imaging axis misalignment while preserving adequate cutout range for maintaining image quality.
2Measurement precision
If hardware adjustment is made to correct imaging axis difference, then imaging precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hardware adjustment mechanisms with a software-based correction system. Instead of physically repositioning imaging units or adjusting lens orientations through mechanical means, the system uses computational methods to calculate and apply correction values to the image data, achieving imaging axis alignment through digital processing rather than mechanical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the imaging geometry by calculating correction values that represent the ideal imaging axis alignment. These correction values are stored and applied to subsequent image processing operations, effectively copying the desired geometric relationship without physically replicating it through hardware adjustment.
3Reliability
If magnification difference between imaging units is corrected, then stereoscopic image accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates magnification correction factors during system initialization by comparing the magnification characteristics of left and right imaging units. These correction factors are stored in memory and automatically applied during normal operation, eliminating the need for real-time magnification measurements and calculations while ensuring consistent stereoscopic image accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing a stereoscopic image maintains the image quality of partial image data by appropriately cutting out the partial image data from image data generated by an imaging unit. The apparatus includes imaging units which generate right-eye image data and left-eye image data having binocular parallax for making a viewer sense a stereoscopic image; an information storage unit which stores, when image center points of the right-eye and left-eye image data image data are origins, position information indicating positions of right and left correction points obtained by moving marks projected on the right-eye and left-eye image data by a differential vector, respectively; and a cutout control unit which, based on the position information, cuts out pieces of partial image data having the same size from the right-eye and left-eye image data.