Optimization of the depth of field for enhanced 3D images

Abstract

Depth of Field in an image is a very significant component in creating a novel image. Recently, the goal in 3D stereopsis development has been to improve the quality of product and to reduce the fatigue on the viewer's part. High quality 3D images contribute to reducing the fatigue while watching the images. Depth of Field is important in creating a high quality image in 3D just as it is in 2D. Therefore, this research will aim to measure and capture the optimal depth of field per distance and types of lenses. In this experiment, a side-by-side 3D image was captured on video and shown to the subjects for a survey session. According to the experiment, the distance between camera and aperture values are inversely proportional: the depth of subjects filmed at a short distance is better expressed with higher aperture values, and vice versa. With the lens type as the variable, we made comparisons of the images filmed with lenses that have short focal lengths and low aperture values with lenses that have long focal lengths and high aperture values. Thus, the experiment will contribute to improving the quality of the 3D images by informing the producers with the optimal conditions of depth expression. © 2011 IEEE.