Stereoscopic Image Depth Perception via Shadow Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to effectively add a sense of distance from the viewer's perspective to stereoscopic images, limiting the immersive interaction between virtual and real-world objects.

Innovation Solution

An I/O device comprising a display device, a depth level sensor, and an event generating unit that creates events within the stereoscopic image region or depth level detection region, allowing for enhanced visual recognition by displaying shadows and changing the surrounding environment based on object movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stereoscopic images are displayed without depth perception enhancement, then the display complexity is reduced, but the sense of distance and immersion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesense of distanceVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces shadow objects as intermediary elements between the stereoscopic image and the viewer. These shadow objects are generated based on depth information from the stereoscopic image and display conditions, serving as visual mediators that enhance the sense of distance without requiring complex hardware modifications. The shadow rendering unit creates these intermediary visual elements that bridge the gap between 2D display and 3D perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new visual dimension by rendering shadow objects with depth information. Instead of solely relying on stereoscopic parallax, the system projects shadow representations onto a shadow display plane, creating an additional visual layer that enhances depth perception. This dimensional enhancement allows viewers to better perceive distance relationships without increasing base display complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If shadow objects are rendered based on depth information and display conditions, then visual recognition and immersion are enhanced, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual recognitionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary depth analysis on the stereoscopic image to generate depth information before shadow rendering. The depth information generation unit pre-processes the stereoscopic image to extract depth maps and distance relationships, which are then used by the shadow rendering unit. This preliminary action organizes complex depth data in advance, making the subsequent shadow rendering process more efficient and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the processing into distinct functional units: stereoscopic image input, depth information generation, shadow object rendering, and composite image output. Each unit handles a specific aspect of the processing pipeline, allowing for modular implementation and optimized computation. The shadow rendering unit specifically segments the shadow display region from the original stereoscopic image region, processing only the necessary portions to reduce overall computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the shadow display region is set within the stereoscopic image display region, then spatial coherence is improved, but the available display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial coherenceVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by rendering shadows only in specific regions where depth enhancement is most beneficial. The shadow display region is strategically positioned within the stereoscopic image display region, typically in areas where objects cast natural shadows or where depth cues are most needed. This localized approach maintains spatial coherence in critical areas while preserving display area in other regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements partial action by applying shadow rendering to only portions of the stereoscopic image rather than the entire display area. The shadow rendering unit determines which regions require shadow enhancement based on depth information and compositional considerations. This partial application of shadow effects maintains spatial coherence where needed while minimizing the impact on overall display area availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10171800B2Input/output device, input/output program, and input/output method that provide visual recognition of object to add a sense of distance
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 MINAMI CHIKARA
  • US10171800B2 patent drawing
  • US10171800B2 patent drawing
  • US10171800B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An I/O device, an I/O program, and an I/O method that can add a sense of distance from the position of visually recognizing eyes to a stereoscopic image that is a virtual image, through an object that is a real image and provide visual recognition as if the stereoscopic image were associated with the object are provided. An I/O device of the present invention includes a display device that can generate a stereoscopic image, a depth level sensor that measures a distance to an object, and an event generating unit that generates an event according to a mode of the object at least either in a stereoscopic region of the stereoscopic image generated by the display device or in a depth level detection region of the depth level sensor.