Static images and dynamic image sequences are the projection of time-varying three-dimensional real world scenes onto a two-dimensional plane | Reginald L. Lagendijk et. Al. Stereoscopic Image Processing. 2000 CRC Press LLC. http . Stereoscopic Image Processing1 Reginald L. Lagendijk Delft University of Technology Introduction Ruggero . Franich AEA Technology Culham Laboratory Acquisition and Display of Stereoscopic Images Disparity Estimation Compression of Stereoscopic Images Emile A. Hendriks Delft University of Technology Intermediate Viewpoint Interpolation References Introduction Static images and dynamic image sequences are the projection of time-varying three-dimensional real world scenes onto a two-dimensional plane. As a result of this planar projection depth information of objects in the scene is generally lost. Only by cues such as shadow relative size and sharpness interposition perspective factors and object motion can we form an impression of the depth organization of the real world scene. In a wide variety of image processing applications explicit depth information is required in addition to the scene s gray value information representing intensities color densities etc. 2 4 7 . Examples of such applications are found in 3-D vision robot vision photogrammetry remote sensing systems in medical imaging computer tomography magnetic resonance imaging microsurgery in remote handling of objects for instance in inaccessible industrial plants or in space exploration and in visual communications aiming at virtual presence conferencing education virtual travel and shopping virtual reality . In each of these cases depth information is essential for accurate image analysis or for enhancing the realism. In remote sensing the terrain s elevation needs to be accurately determined for map production in remote handling an operator needs to have precise knowledge of the three-dimensional organization of the area to avoid collisions and misplacements and in visual communications the quality and ease of information exchange significantly benefits from the .
