Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract

An image conversion system for converting monoscopic images for viewing in three dimensions including: an input means adapted to receive the monoscopic images; a preliminary analysis means to determine if there is any continuity between a first image and a second image of the monoscopic image sequence; a secondary analysis means for receiving monoscopic images which have a continuity, and analyzing the images to determine the speed and direction of motion, and the depth, size and position of objects; a first processing means for processing the monoscopic images based on data received from the preliminary analysis means or the secondary analysis means; a second processing means capable of further processing images received from the first processing means; a transmission means capable of transferring the processed images to a stereoscopic display system.

1 . A method for converting monoscopic images for viewing in three dimensions comprising: 
 receiving monoscopic images;    analyzing said monoscopic images to determine characteristics of the images;    processing said monoscopic images based on the determined image characteristics; and    outputting the processed images to suitable storage and/or stereoscopic display systems,    wherein said analyzing further includes determining the motion of said monoscopic images by: 
 dividing each image into a plurality of blocks, wherein corresponding blocks on an adjacent image are offset horizontally and/or vertically; and  
 comparing each said block with said corresponding blocks to find a minimum mean square error and thereby the motion of the block.