Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Graphic manipulation
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-26
2004-02-03
Nguyen, Phu K. (Department: 2671)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Graphic manipulation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06686926
ABSTRACT:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for processing two-dimensional images and, more particularly, pertains to a system and method for converting two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images.
2. Description of the Related Art
While three-dimensional photography and software for manipulating images are known, the art of image projection is devoid of a system and method which is particularly adapted to converting two-dimensional images into a format suitable for three-dimensional projection and which provides user-friendly, interactive interfaces which allow for rapid selection of objects within images and efficient application of object rendering functions to the selected objects for the purpose of creating a stereo pair of left and right images for three-dimensional projection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Three Dimensional Imaging
The term 3D is now a commonly used term adopted by the computer graphics world, which actually refers to computer generated images that show height, width, and depth viewed in two dimensions. Prior to the advent of 3D graphics, the term 3D suggested the viewing of images whereby depth is perceived. To avoid confusion, the term 3D in this patent application refers to the reproduction of moving images in such a way that depth is perceived and experienced by the viewer.
There are two very fundamental types of 3D images, stereoscopic and auto-stereoscopic. The term stereoscopic imaging refers to each eye being presented with an image both from one fixed related angle of view. Each image, although very similar, is from a different horizontal angle of view of only 2.5 to 3 inches. This is merely a recreation of the two images presented to our brain for depth perception in the real world. If an image is viewed with only one eye, or if both eyes receive the same information, the brain loses its ability to perceive depth.
When viewing television, movies, photographs, or even a painting on the wall, both eyes see the same information and the experience of reality is lessened as depth and dimension have to be imagined.
Auto-stereoscopic refers to images presented to each eye with one major difference; there is no fixed angle of view. As you move from left to right of the image, the perspective changes. One sees a different angle of view, which will be referred to as the “look around effect”. This is the same effect as when viewing a hologram, although holographic technology at present has far greater unusable restrictions to be used for full color motion applications. The major advantage of auto-stereoscopic viewing is that it does not require special eyewear in order to differentiate between left and right eye images. Instead, the three-dimensional image is a result of a simulated parallax effect produced by a range of simultaneous multiple available viewing angles as compared to just two separate left/right images as with stereoscopic imaging.
Although auto-stereoscopic will be the next natural progression in image technology after stereoscopic 3D, it is actually much more difficult to implement since it requires the simultaneous availability of multiple images containing different viewing angles. The quality of the 3D effect with auto-stereoscopic imaging is also dependent on the high number of available images, or angles of views available.
Some desirable benefits to viewing images in 3D include the fact that ordinary images tend to become much more interesting to view. The reproduction of depth causes one to be drawn to detail in a way that ordinarily would not occur.
The Dimensional™ Process
The term Dimensionalize™ Process describes and defines the method of converting standard two-dimensional images to 3D according to the present invention. The process fundamentally involves scanning images into a computer based system and, with the use of graphic image software and specialized custom software, creating a three-dimensional image that can then be used for viewing and for re-recording for three-dimensional viewing.
A three-dimensional stereoscopic image is composed of two images, a left and right angle of view simulating the natural stereoscopic distance of our eye separation. The Dimensionalize™ Process defines the original image as the reference, or left image. The right image starts off as being a duplicate of the reference (left) image but is to become the newly rendered image.
The fundamentals for Dimensionalizing™ images are to first establish the center, background, and foreground objects and subjects for dimensional placement. Graphic Image software may be used for placement and manipulation of the subjects or objects within a scene or image. Objects or subjects are defined typically by a person, who will be referred to as the Dimensionalist™. The Dimensionalist™ is a person who has the artist's task of drawing around the subjects or objects within the picture. Those identified objects will later be given depth by placing them forward and backward within the image. The Dimensionalist™ draws around objects thereby establishing “user definable” areas or regions.
It would be desirable to have a system including a computer with high-speed decision-making capability of recognizing picture content. Only then, with such computing intelligence would the human not have to take the time to identify and draw around objects. Unfortunately, even with the present state of technology, software to accomplish such a task does not yet exist. The properties that make up an object in an image or scene are too complex for a computer to have the ability to recognize picture content and isolate objects and subjects within a scene. There is not enough definable information whereby software can differentiate between all the image variables that contribute to that particular object or subject within a scene. In other words, if a scene contains a bunch of bananas in the foreground against a yellow background, the brain has a rather unique ability to recognize the bananas at all angles and lighting variations. Technology has not yet evolved to the extent that software has object and subject recognition capability.
There are some useful tools that can help differentiate certain values within an image such as hue and saturation of a color, or its brightness value. Even though these tools may be of use and may aid the process, a human must still be relied upon for the accurate determination of object identification.
Scanning the Film to Digital Storage:
Film images must first be scanned on a high quality motion picture film scanner. Each film frame must be pin registered in order to obtain the maximum image stability as possible. If the film images are not pin registered and moving around, the Dimensionalizing™ process will be enormously aggravated while trying to isolate objects and subjects from frame to frame. Additionally, if the frames are “weaving” left to right the end result 3D effect will be further reduced.
The film images are scanned at a sufficiently high resolution so that there is little or no apparent loss in resolution once the images are eventually re-recorded back onto new film stock, or reproduced by direct electronic projection. The most common motion picture aspect ratio is 1.85 to 1. Although most modern film scanners adequately scan and re-record images at 2,000 by 2,000 pixel resolution, the 1.85 aspect ratio frame is such that the vertical resolution is actually 1,300 pixels from top to bottom, with the remainder of pixels being discarded in order to conform to the 1.85 to 1 aspect ration. It is desirable to scan a film with as much pixel resolution as possible and practical. The drawback for increased pixel resolution
Henricks Slavin & Holmes LLP
In-Three, Inc.
Nguyen Phu K.
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