Stereoscopic Image Processing Apparatus Parallax Elimination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stereoscopic image processing technologies result in unnatural images due to parallax effects and high costs, as they require complex operations and the generation of two separate images, which can lead to edge issues and increased expenses.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that generates left and right images by shifting a two-dimensional image within a display region, attaching edge images to create a stereoscopic effect without parallax, allowing for cost-effective and simple stereoscopic image display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional stereoscopic viewing technology is used to generate parallax images, then a stereoscopic image can be displayed, but the image appears unnatural due to mismatch between convergence and adjustment of sight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenaturalness of stereoscopic imageVSAvoidcomplexity of image generation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the parallax effect from the image generation process. Instead of generating traditional parallax images that cause convergence-adjustment mismatch, the invention processes the two-dimensional image to remove parallax while preserving edge information, thereby achieving natural stereoscopic viewing without the harmful convergence effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying techniques to replicate and attach edge images to appropriate positions. By copying edge portions of the two-dimensional image and attaching them to the left and right images, the invention prevents edge cutoff and maintains image completeness without requiring complex multi-camera setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If parallax images are generated using multiple cameras or complex processing, then stereoscopic image can be achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of stereoscopic imageVSAvoidcost of image generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs copying methods to create stereoscopic images from a single two-dimensional image source. By copying and processing the original image data rather than capturing with multiple expensive cameras, the invention significantly reduces equipment costs while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the processing parameters by eliminating parallax generation and focusing on edge preservation. This parameter change allows standard imaging equipment to be used instead of specialized multi-camera systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If two-dimensional image is shifted to generate left and right images, then processing becomes simple, but edge portions are cut off causing unnatural appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processingVSAvoidnaturalness of edge portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by extracting and preserving edge information from the two-dimensional image before the shifting process. By pre-identifying and storing edge portions, the invention ensures they can be properly attached after shifting, preventing edge cutoff and maintaining natural appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an intermediary approach by introducing edge images as a mediating element between the original two-dimensional image and the final left-right images. These edge images serve as connectors that fill in the gaps created by shifting, ensuring continuous and natural edge portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8791989B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, recording method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 NIKON CORP

AI summary

Provided is an image processing apparatus that stereoscopically displays a two-dimensional image, comprising a generating section that generates a left-side image and a right-side image by shifting the two-dimensional image left and right in a display region; a right-edge processing section that attaches a right-edge image, which is displayed within a prescribed range from a right edge of the display region, to a right side of the left-side image; a left-edge processing section that attaches a left-edge image, which is displayed within a prescribed range from a left edge of the display region, to a left side of the right-side image; and an output section that outputs the left-side image with the right-edge image attached thereto to a left eye of a user and outputs the right-side image with the left-edge image attached thereto to a right eye of the user.