Stereoscopic Depth Mapping Correction via Variable Camera Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic image capture and display systems often result in distorted depth perception due to non-linear depth mapping, causing objects to appear closer together as they recede into the distance and leading to 'cardboard cut-out' and 'wall-paper' backgrounds, which can cause viewer discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optimal depth mapping techniques, including real-time rendering and depth-dependent scaling, to correct the non-linear depth mapping by adjusting camera separation and disparity, ensuring a constant factor between perceived and actual depth, and using a depth scaling function to reposition points in a 3D scene for improved depth representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed camera spacing is used to match depth budget, then device complexity is reduced, but depth mapping accuracy deteriorates causing distorted depth perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed camera spacing to variable camera spacing that adapts to different depth ranges in the scene. The system dynamically adjusts the virtual camera separation distance based on the specific depth budget requirements and scene characteristics, allowing optimal depth mapping for different objects at different distances while maintaining manageable device complexity through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the camera separation parameter dynamically. Instead of using a single fixed spacing value, the system changes the camera separation parameter based on depth budget constraints and scene depth characteristics. This allows the depth mapping to be optimized for different ranges while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through algorithmic parameter adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If non-linear depth mapping is applied, then objects appear closer together receding into distance, but depth perception accuracy deteriorates causing 'cardboard cut-out' and 'wall-paper' backgrounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different depth mapping characteristics for different regions of the scene. Instead of applying uniform non-linear compression to all objects, the system adjusts the depth mapping function locally based on the depth budget associated with each object or region. This ensures that foreground objects, midground objects, and background objects each receive appropriate depth treatment, preventing the 'cardboard cut-out' effect while maintaining ease of depth compression where appropriate.
3Measurement precision
If variable camera separation is used to correct depth distortion, then depth mapping accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically adjustable camera spacing with a computational model. Instead of requiring complex mechanical mechanisms to vary camera separation, the system uses virtual camera parameters in software to achieve variable separation effects. This substitution maintains high depth mapping accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment systems.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing optimal correction to depth mapping between captured and displayed stereoscopic content. The solution is derived in a continuous form that can be implemented through CGI scaling techniques compatible with image rendering techniques. Similar correction can be implemented with variable depth- dependent camera separation and disparity re-mapping. The latter is applicable to correcting existing stereoscopic content.