2D vs 3D visual quality evaluation : the depth factor

Visual quality evaluation (VQE) for 3D-TV has so far evolved as an extension to the 2D-TV methodology; the same is true for 3D content processing. In this paper, we present our research on those two topics, and provide new insights on the unique 3D-TV VQE factor and how to incorporate it in applications. These insights are based on experiments including 2D and 3D content in different viewing modes and to which enhancement is applied, using video processing algorithms known from 2D-TV. The viewing modes used are selected from 2D vs. 3D comparisons in their standard viewing conditions; (1) 2D content is shown on a 3D-TV in 2D mode (i.e., with the 3D settings turned off and no glasses), (2) 2D content is shown on a 3D-TV in 3D mode (i.e., with the 3D settings turned on and with glasses), and (3) 3D content is shown on a 3D-TV in 3D mode (i.e., with the 3D settings turned on and with glasses). All our experimental results indicate a statistically significant content effect. It has become apparent that analyzing the content, especially on depth, can be used to partition content and to indicate what kind of processing is more likely to affect quality. We will argue that with 3D content depth is an additional factor to be considered when deciding whether post-processing should be applied to make the content look more appealing.