US5764871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for constructing intermediate images for a depth image from stereo images using velocity vector fields
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 1993-10-21
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Granted: 1998-06-09
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Expires: 2013-10-21
Abstract
Abstract An interpolation operation is performed between a pair of stereo images to produce plural intermediate images. The interpiolation operation involves estimating the velocity vector field of the intermediate images. The estimation for a particular intermediate image includes constraining the search for the correspondences between the two images in the horizontal direction allowing the system to arrive at a more optimal solution. Excessive gap filling by smoothing is not necessary. At the same time the process vertically aligns the entirety of the images.
Inventors
- 👤 Sergei Valentinovich Fogel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:28
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T7/00; G06T7/50; G06T7/55; G06T7/593; G06T2207/00; G06T2207/10; G06T2207/10004; G06T2207/10012; G06T2207/20; G06T2207/20212; G06T2207/20221; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/10; H04N13/20; H04N13/204; H04N2013/0074; H04N2013/0081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A method, comprising the steps of: (a) capturing a pair of stereo images of a scene separated in a horizontal direction; (b) creating, using a computer, an in-between image intermediate between the pair by estimating velocity vector fields providing a correspondence between the images using a global search constrained in a horizontal direction and interpolating the in-between image; and (c) producing a depth image from the pair of stereo images and the in-between image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
A method, comprising the steps of: (a) capturing a pair of stereo images of a scene separated in a horizontal direction; (b) creating, using a computer, an in-between image intermediate between the pair by estimating velocity vector fields providing a correspondence between the images using a global search constrained in a horizontal direction and interpolating the in-between image; and (c) producing a depth image from the pair of stereo images and the in-between image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein step (b) creates plural in-between images.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein step (b) includes aligning an entirety of the pair of stereo and the in-between image in a vertical direction simultaneously.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the steps of: (i) determining a scene correspondence between the pair of stereo images by constraining correspondence searching in the horizontal direction; and (ii) interpolating between the pair of stereo images using the scene correspondence.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-08 | 2001-12-08 | 2002-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-08 | 2005-12-08 | 2006-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-08 | 2009-12-08 | 2010-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |