3D Stereoscopic Image Depth Map Correction via Filter Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional stereoscopic image processing systems face inefficiencies in accurately estimating disparity and depth values, particularly in occlusion regions, leading to imprecise depth maps and increased computation costs.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image processing system comprising a receiver unit and an image processing unit that computes a first depth map, generates a filter map based on extreme depth values, and combines it with the first depth map to correct abnormal depth data and occlusion holes, using a bidirectional stereo matching approach and a filter function to refine depth values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex algorithms are used to resolve occlusion issues in stereoscopic image processing, then depth map accuracy is improved, but computation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth map processing into distinct regions: occlusion regions identified by occlusion holes and non-occlusion regions. By applying different processing strategies to different segments (using filter map for occlusion regions, standard stereo matching for non-occlusion regions), the system achieves accurate depth estimation without applying computationally expensive algorithms uniformly across the entire image, thus resolving the contradiction between depth map accuracy and computation cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a filter map that contains depth values specifically for occlusion regions, while relying on standard stereo matching for non-occlusion regions. This localized approach ensures high accuracy where needed (in occlusion regions) without incurring the full computational cost of complex algorithms across the entire depth map, effectively balancing accuracy and computation cost
2Device complexity
If standard stereo matching is used for all regions, then computation cost is reduced, but depth map accuracy deteriorates in occlusion regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by first identifying occlusion holes in the depth map before final depth estimation. By detecting these regions in advance and preparing a filter map with appropriate depth values for occlusion regions, the system ensures that when combining results, the occlusion regions are properly handled without requiring expensive post-processing, thus maintaining accuracy while controlling computation cost
Solution Approach 2:
The filter map serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple stereo matching and complex occlusion handling algorithms. The filter map contains pre-computed depth values for occlusion regions that can be seamlessly integrated with standard stereo matching results, allowing the system to achieve accurate depth maps in occlusion regions without directly applying computationally expensive algorithms, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and computation cost
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D stereoscopic image processing system comprises a receiver unit and an image processing unit. The receiver unit is adapted to receive a pair of stereoscopic images. The image processing unit is adapted to compute a first depth map from the pair of stereoscopic images, determine extreme depth values from a window selected in the depth map, determine a filter map based on the extreme depth values, and compute a second depth map by combining the filter map with the first depth map. In other embodiments, a method of processing stereoscopic images is provided, comprising computing a first depth map from a pair of stereoscopic images, generating a filter map associated with the first depth map, and combining the first depth map with the filter map to derive a second depth map.