Stereoscopic Panorama Rendering via Depth Buffer and Camera Distance Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic capture and render techniques face challenges in providing immersive 3D experiences due to high computational requirements and image distortions, especially on mobile devices which lack the processing power of larger machines, affecting the realism and immersion of panoramic videos and games.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for capturing and rendering stereoscopic panoramic content using a stereoscopic cube map that includes visual information and camera distance data, allowing for efficient rendering of stereoscopic images during gameplay or video playback, while reducing distortions by capturing camera distance information and using realistic camera models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional stereoscopic rendering techniques are used to provide immersive 3D panoramic content, then image quality and realism are improved, but computational requirements become prohibitively high for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of depth information during the rendering process, storing depth values in a depth buffer for subsequent use. This pre-captured depth data enables efficient compositing of dynamic elements without requiring full re-rendering, significantly reducing computational requirements for mobile devices while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The rendering process is segmented into separate components: static background rendering using pre-captured panoramas, depth buffer generation for static elements, and dynamic element compositing using the depth buffer. This segmentation allows mobile devices to avoid computationally expensive full-scene rendering while preserving realism
2Device complexity
If simplistic camera models are used for stereoscopic capture, then device complexity is reduced, but image distortions increase reducing realism
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies camera model parameters to better match human anatomy, specifically positioning the center of rotation behind the camera plane at a distance equal to the focal length. This parameter adjustment eliminates radial distortion in stereoscopic images while maintaining reasonable device complexity, as it only requires changing the mathematical model rather than adding hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-resolution stereoscopic panoramas are rendered in real-time during gameplay, then immersion is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
High-resolution stereoscopic panoramas are pre-rendered and stored as cube maps before gameplay. During gameplay, the system only needs to composite dynamic elements onto these pre-rendered backgrounds using the depth buffer, reducing real-time processing time from full-scene rendering to much faster element compositing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-captured static panorama images as background copies, then composites dynamic gameplay elements onto these copies using depth buffer information. This approach avoids re-rendering the entire high-resolution scene during gameplay, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining immersion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of capturing and rendering stereoscopic panoramic content is provided. The system may capture information from a virtual scene to generate a stereoscopic panorama in the form of a stereoscopic cube map. Using the pre-captured cube map, the system may render stereoscopic images during gameplay, image viewing, and/or playback of a three dimensional video. The system may capture camera distance information during capture for use in distortion reduction during image rendering and playback. The system may implement additional distortion reduction measures. Further, the system may use the capture camera distance information to write to depth buffers corresponding to rendered images for use when introducing dynamic gameplay elements into the scene. Additionally, the system may use realistic camera models to simulate human anatomy and reduce distortions associated with simplistic camera models.