Image processing device and image processing method

An image processing method, comprising:

• in an image processing device:
• reducing a resolution of a depth image;
• detecting a boundary position on the depth image, where pixel values in the depth image vary, based on a pixel value difference that is larger than a threshold value,
• wherein the pixel value difference is between a plurality of first adjacent pixels in a horizontal direction of the depth image;
• generating boundary information on a pixel basis, wherein the boundary information indicates the plurality of first adjacent pixels adjacent to the boundary position, based on the boundary position;
• generating left-side boundary information on the pixel basis, wherein the left-side boundary information indicates a plurality of second adjacent pixels located on a left side of the boundary position among the plurality of first adjacent pixels indicated by the boundary information,
• wherein, in an increased resolution depth image derived from the depth image having reduced resolution, a first pixel value of a plurality of first pixels adjacent to a plurality of second pixels is changed to a second pixel value of the plurality of second pixels, and wherein the first pixel value is changed to the second pixel value based on the boundary information and the left-side boundary information;
• and
• transmitting the depth image having the reduced resolution, the generated boundary information, and the left-side boundary information.

An image processing device, comprising:

• at least one processor configured to:
• receive a first depth image having a reduced resolution, and boundary information which indicates a plurality of first pixels adjacent to a boundary position where a plurality of pixel values in the first depth image vary;
• increase resolution of the first depth image;
• generate a second depth image of a virtual viewpoint based on the first depth image having the increased resolution, the boundary information, and a position of the virtual viewpoint;
• and
• based on the boundary information, change a first pixel value of the plurality of first pixels indicated by the boundary information to a second pixel value of a plurality of second pixels adjacent to the plurality of first pixels in the first depth image having the increased resolution.

An image processing method, comprising:

• receiving a first depth image having a reduced resolution, and boundary information which indicates a plurality of first pixels adjacent to a boundary position where a plurality of pixel values in the first depth image vary;
• increasing resolution of the received first depth image;
• and
• generating a second depth image of a virtual viewpoint based on the first depth image having the increased resolution, the boundary information and a position of the virtual viewpoint,
• wherein, based on the boundary information, changing a first pixel value of the plurality of first pixels indicated by the boundary information to a second pixel value of a plurality of second pixels adjacent to the plurality of first pixels in the first depth image having the increased resolution.