Methods and systems for 2d/3d image conversion and optimization

Abstract

A method that improves compensation for hard cuts and/or vertical motion effects in the conversion of 2D images to 3D images, displays 2D images to one eye and computed images to the other eye. Generating the computed images includes using an approximation variable that represents some relationship between the 2D images, such as the speed of motion across two images. Compensating for the hard cut or vertical motion effect includes temporarily setting the approximation variable to a value that makes the left and right eye images more similar (if identical, displaying a 2D image). The approximation variable can be pre-set to a value based on the speed of motion in a scene to be displayed. A method of displaying images in either 2D or 3D may include converting 3D images to 2D images by displaying images computed from images intended for either the left eye or the right eye.

1 - 63 . (canceled)  
     
     
         64 . A method for preparing 3D image data, comprising the steps of: 
 generating 3D image data for display from a first sequence of 2D images, including the step of computing a second sequence of images from at least two images of the first sequence using an approximation variable that changes based on a relationship between at least two images of the first sequence;    comparing at least two images of the first sequence to detect rapid change; and    setting the approximation variable to a value that provides a low non-zero degree of parallax between respective images of the first and second sequences of images in response to the detection of a rapid change in images of the first sequence.    
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the setting step includes resetting the approximation variable step-wise over a predetermined time.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65 , wherein the resetting step adjusts the approximation variable over a number of images based on the magnitude of the detected change.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 64 , further comprising the step of regulating the amount of each change of the approximation variable in the computation of successive images of the second sequence.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , further comprising, prior to the setting step, the step of storing the value of the approximation variable in a memory.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68 , comprising the step of repeating the regulating step until the approximation variable returns to the value of the approximation variable just prior to the setting step.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 64 , further comprising, promptly after the setting step, the step of allowing the approximation variable to change based on a relationship between at least two images of the first sequence.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70 , further comprising the step of regulating the amount of each change of the approximation variable in the computation of successive images of the second sequence until the approximation variable reaches a target value.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the setting step includes temporarily setting the approximation variable to zero.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 72 , further comprising, after the resetting step, the step of allowing the approximation variable to change based on a relationship between at least two images of the first sequence.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 72 , further comprising, prior to the setting step, the step of storing the value of the approximation variable in a memory.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the comparing step includes detecting at least one of a hard cut and a vertical disparity.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the setting step includes the step of reducing the value of the approximation variable.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the reducing step includes reducing the approximation variable upon the vertical disparity exceeding a predetermined threshold.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the reducing step includes the step of reducing the approximation variable upon the occurrence of a vertical disparity over a number of images of the first sequence, wherein the number of images exceeds two.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising, promptly after the reducing step, allowing the approximation variable to change based on a relationship between at least two images of the first sequence.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising, prior to the setting step, the step of storing the value of the approximation variable in a memory.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising the step of regulating the amount of each change of the approximation variable in the computation of successive images of the second sequence until the approximation variable returns to the value of the approximation variable just prior to the reducing step.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 76 , comprising the steps of determining the amount of vertical disparity and using the amount of vertical disparity to determine the value of the reduction of the approximation variable.  
     
     
         83 . An apparatus for preparing 3D image data, comprising 
 means for generating 3D image data for display from a first sequence of images and a second sequence of images computed from at least two respective images of the first sequence by using an approximation variable that changes based on a relationship between at least two images of the first sequence,    means responsive to occurrence of a rapid change in images of the first sequence for setting the approximation variable to a value that provides a low non-zero degree of parallax between the respective images of the first and second sequences of images.