Predictive coding of multi-viewpoint image sets

Three dimensional display of moving images greatly enhances realism and adds a unique sense of "presence". Three dimensional video systems have been kept from widespread application by two technical problems, the need for glasses, viewing hoods, or other cumbersome devices for image steering, and the high bandwidths needed for transmission. Devices that avoid the discomfort of headgear by using autostereoscopic (pseudo-holographic) displays are known, but these methods require even higher bandwidths to be effective. This paper introduces the use of digital predictive coding as a means of data compression for the transmission or storage of a set of spatially related images needed for an autostereoscopic display. (Interframe coding without frame memories.) The algorithms, implementations, and application of a new sort of predictor called Disparity Corrected Prediction are described.