Three dimensional (3D) image duration-related metadata encoding of apparent minimum observer distances (disparity)

摘要

A three dimensional (3D) video image encoding apparatus comprises: segmentation means to partition a 3D video image sequence into two or more segments, each comprising one or more 3D video images; image processing means, identifying a value corresponding to an overall minimum apparent distance (disparity) to an observer within each segment of the 3D video image sequence; and metadata generation means encoding the overall minimum apparent disparity or distance within metadata associated with that segment. The metadata generator encodes indications of the length of time of the segment or the time until the next segment. An associated 3D video image decoding apparatus decodes the signal via metadata parsing. Minimum distances may be disparity between corresponding image features of a left and right (L, R) stereoscopic image pair. Thus, by including timing information, it is ensured that image features, such as on-screen displays (OSDs), graphical user interfaces (GUIs), electronic program guides (EPGs), subtitles, clocks and other additional display information, are displayed correctly in front of scene image features, avoiding display errors (OSD behind or too far in front of image: Figure 3) and positioning â jumpsâ or discontinuities (Figure 6).