Viewpoint Image Edge Blurring for Crosstalk Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Inverse correction processing for crosstalk in stereoscopic and multi-view images is limited by signal value clipping beyond saturation constraints, leading to incomplete image correction and difficulty in inhibiting crosstalk effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that detects the viewpoint position and gaze point of an observer, selectively blurring the outer edge of the viewpoint image in the parallax direction to reduce crosstalk recognition without significantly impairing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If inverse correction processing is applied to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk inhibition is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to signal value clipping at saturation constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image: the center region (within the viewing angle) undergoes inverse correction processing to reduce crosstalk, while the outer edge region (beyond the viewing angle) is blurred to suppress visible artifacts. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by preserving image quality in critical viewing areas while still providing crosstalk suppression in non-critical peripheral areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the image into two distinct regions: a center region corresponding to the viewer's viewing angle and an outer edge region beyond the viewing angle. By separating the image processing approach for these regions, the system can apply aggressive correction where needed while protecting overall image quality, thus resolving the contradiction between crosstalk inhibition and image quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If signal value correction is applied beyond saturation constraints, then crosstalk correction is improved, but the signal value is clipped to 0 or 255 causing incomplete correction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosstalk correctionVSAvoidcorrection completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of signal clipping into a beneficial artifact suppression mechanism. By intentionally allowing signal values to exceed saturation constraints in the outer edge region and then clipping them, the system creates blur effects that suppress visible crosstalk artifacts. This transforms the previously harmful clipping into a useful tool for crosstalk suppression without compromising correction completeness in the critical center region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If inverse correction processing is applied to the entire image, then crosstalk inhibition is improved, but image deterioration occurs in regions with excessive correction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image: the center region (within the viewing angle) undergoes inverse correction processing to reduce crosstalk, while the outer edge region (beyond the viewing angle) is blurred to suppress visible artifacts. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by preserving image quality in critical viewing areas while still providing crosstalk suppression in non-critical peripheral areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the image into two distinct regions: a center region corresponding to the viewer's viewing angle and an outer edge region beyond the viewing angle. By separating the image processing approach for these regions, the system can apply aggressive correction where needed while protecting overall image quality, thus resolving the contradiction between crosstalk inhibition and image quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230410261A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus (1) includes a viewpoint position detection unit (15) and a correction processing unit (11). The viewpoint position detection unit (15) detects a viewpoint position (PS) of an observer. The correction processing unit (11) detects a gaze point (GP) on a viewpoint image (VPI) corresponding to the viewpoint position (PS). The correction processing unit (11) blurs an outer edge of the viewpoint image (VPI) away from the gaze point (GP) in a parallax direction.