Yoshihiro Morioka

Practical depth map generation in zooming-up/ zooming-down from asymmetric stereo cameras

We present a novel configuration technique for a new type of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) camcorder, having distinct features of compact-size and high picture quality, in addition, having the capability of zooming while shooting. We first devised a new way to system configuration, then developed a prototype and verified its picture quality. The imaging system of this S3D camcorder is composed of, unlike in the case of conventional apparatus, first imaging system with zoom lens (L-ch) and second imaging system with short focus lens (R-ch). We developed new algorithm which generates a dense depth map by stereo matching of these asymmetrical L-ch and R-ch stereo zoom system, a new 3D image warping using depth image based rendering (DIBR) from L-ch and DM, and new occlusion hole filling by use of R-ch pixels.

A hybrid stereoscopic camcorder

An algorithm in matching of view angles is presented for a hybrid stereoscopic video imaging system consisting of two camcorders; one with an optical-zoom focusing lens and the other with single fixed focus. By stereo matching with the two pictures in same view angle, it generates practical depth maps for 3D movies. Herein, accurate view angle is essential against mismatches caused by e.g. residual distortion and repetitive pattern. We improve vertical matching with adaptively selecting feature points and areas, and obtain well-qualified result of dense depth maps and stereoscopic pictures.

A Surface Roughness Evaluation Method of Magnetic Recording Media

It is well known that recording and reproduce characteristics at short wavelengths are influenced by the surface roughness of the magnetic recording medium. The surface roughness is usually measured by an apparatus designed for the purpose, with the result expressed in terms of one of several indexes--RMS, Ra or Rmax. Since these indexes are defined for general use, they are not always suitable for evaluation of medium surface roughness. We therefore studied a new index, using computer simulations involving the distance between the medium surface and the head gap. In simulations, the head was scanned over the medium surface and the distance calculated using a spacing loss coefficient. The new index is useful for evaluating the surface roughness of contact recording media, especially when comparing the roughnesses of different kinds of media.

A two-channel recording VCR using orthogonal arrangement of heads

The authors describe a novel design technique for FM carrier allocation and an improved two-channel recording technique allowing both standard and long-play modes. Consequently, the experimental VCR can be used as a wide-screen-TV recorder. Experimental results confirm that this high-efficiency recording technique provides a picture quality nearly equal to that of the VCR for broadcast use with 1/2-inch conventional video tape. For users of conventional TV a converter from wide-screen to conventional signal format has been developed. >