Real-time process and technology using image processing to maintain and ensure viewer comfort during capture, live transmission, and post-production of stereoscopic 3d imagery

Abstract

This process and invention may be used for “live” (on-line, recorded, real-time, or transmitted) stereoscopic image generation, post production, and viewing to ensure the imagery, from the cameras through the systems to the final screens, maintains an acceptable level of viewer comfort and actively causes an action if an image becomes “uncomfortable” to view. The invention will use image-processing hardware and software to monitor stereoscopic 3D image data, and will generate an output response based on qualifying the imagery. The output responses include generating an alarm to alert technical crew members to a “discomfort” condition so they may take corrective action. The alarm may be an audio or visual alert, and warn of the type of discomfort detected. The alarm condition may trigger the automatic control of a video switching device, which would immediately route an appropriate “comfortable” input source to the output. The alarm condition may duplex a single camera or playback signal into an identical stereo pair, which will be 2D, but will be comfortable to view.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process of using image processing to qualify stereoscopic 3D imagery, with respect to its psychovisual comfort level.