Surrogate depth maps for stereoscopic imaging: different edge types

Wa James Tam; Carlos Vázquez; Filippo Speranza

doi:10.1117/12.704494

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5 March 2007 Surrogate depth maps for stereoscopic imaging: different edge types

Wa James Tam, Carlos Vázquez, Filippo Speranza

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Proceedings Volume 6490, Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XIV; 64900C (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.704494
Event: Electronic Imaging 2007, 2007, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Previously we demonstrated that surrogate depth maps, consisting of "depth" values mainly at object boundaries in the image of a scene, are effective for converting 2D images to stereoscopic 3D images using depth image based rendering. In this study we examined the use of surrogate depth maps whose depth edges were derived from cast shadows located in multiple images (Multiflash method). This method has the capability to delineate actual depth edges, in contrast to methods based on (Sobel) edge identification and (Standard Deviation) local luminance distribution. A group of 21 nonexpert viewers assessed the depth quality and visual comfort of stereoscopic images generated using these three methods on two sets of source images. Stereoscopic images based on the Multiflash method provided an enhanced depth quality that is better than the depth provided by a reference monoscopic image. Furthermore, the enhanced depth was comparable to that observed with the other two methods. However, all three methods generated images that were rated "mildly uncomfortable" or "uncomfortable" to view. It is concluded that there is no advantage in the use of the Multiflash method for creating surrogate depth maps. As well, even though the depth quality produced with surrogate depth maps is sufficiently good, the visual comfort of the stereoscopic images need to be improved before this approach of using surrogate depth maps can be deemed suitable for general use.

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Wa James Tam, Carlos Vázquez, and Filippo Speranza "Surrogate depth maps for stereoscopic imaging: different edge types", Proc. SPIE 6490, Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XIV, 64900C (5 March 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.704494

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