This application is based on and hereby claims priority to German Application No. 10 2004 010 369.0 filed Mar. 3, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to a device and a method for the stereoscopic reproduction of picture information on a screen. To this ends images must be visible for the left and the right eye of the observer which differ perspectively such that a three-dimensional visual impression can be produced. This can be done for both still and moving images.
Methods are known in which the screen is viewed with spectacles which convey the correct visual impression to both eyes, with the screen displaying the two images alternately. The spectacles must now alternately hide the visual impression to the left and the right, so that each eye can always only capture the correct image in each case. This requires the spectacles to be synchronized with the presentation on the screen which changes with each individual image between the images for the left and the right eye. Two methods are currently used for this purpose.
With the shutter spectacles one side of the spectacles is darkened in each case. This occurs synchronously with the refresh rate of the screen.
With the use of polarization filters spectacles are used which feature passive polarization filters on both sides for which the orientation differs by 90°. An active polarization foil is applied in front of the screen which can be switched between the orientation of the two polarization filters of the spectacles, so that the visual impression will be extinguished for one eye in each case.
So that with this method each eye obtains a flicker and jerk-free visual impression of still and moving pictures, the screen refresh rate of the screen must lie above the known rates. With LED displays in particular, which for known use remain flicker-free thanks to their static display despite low refresh rates, the alternate hiding of the image leads to flickering. The necessary increase in the screen refresh rate is however difficult to implement, particularly with organic LEDs since their reaction times are not short enough. Both methods are expensive and only suited under some conditions to non self-illuminating displays.
A further known approach resorts to using lens raster screens which show both images simultaneously transposed within one another. It is not necessary to wear spectacles with this method. The result of the lens raster is that from the viewing perspective of the eyes of the observer, only the screen pixels are visible which belong to the image which is intended for the relevant eye. This approach makes it necessary to precisely adapt the lens raster to the screen. This method is also expensive and only suited under some conditions for use with cathode ray tube monitors, since it imposes high demands on accuracy with regard to distortions.
One possible object of the invention is thus to develop a low-cost alternative for stereoscopic reproduction of picture information on a screen, without imposing increased demands on the reaction time and freedom from distortion of the screen in doing so.
When the screen features a visible image width which is approximately twice the distance between the observer's eyes, the distance between lens and screen in accordance with an embodiment corresponds to the focal length of the lens, with the images on the screen preferably being offset from one another at approximately the distance between the observer's eyes.
If the screen features a visible image width which is less than twice the distance between the observer's eyes, the optical path of the two subimages in accordance with a further embodiment is redirected by optical components so that through the lenses a central image of the relevant subimage is visible, and the length of the optical path corresponds to the focal length of the lenses.
If the screen features a visible screen width which is more than twice the distance between the observer's eyes, the optical path of the two images in accordance with a further embodiment is diverted by optical components a centered image of the relevant subimage is visible through the lens, and the length of the optical path corresponds to the focal length of the lens.
If the housing is attached to an external screen it includes an attachment device. The advantage of this embodiment is that existing non-stereoscopic screens can be cheaply upgraded for stereoscopic image reproduction.
If the screen is not self-illuminating, the housing preferably features light openings or transparent parts so that the screen surfaces can be illuminated by ambient light. The housing is thus also suitable for non-self-illuminating screens.
Preferably the housing will be used with a mini screen, such as that of a video mobile phone or of a PDA.
The method for stereoscopic reproduction of picture information is designed so that software presents on a screen on a left and right half images for a left and right stereoscopic view arranged next to each other, and these images are made visible to the observer by two lenses, which are accommodated in a housing permanently attached to the screen at roughly the distance between an observer's eyes, so that these can produce a three-dimensional visual impression.
When the screen features a visible image width which is approximately twice the distance between the observer's eyes, the images on the screen are preferably offset from one another by approximately the distance between the observer's eyes and the lens is arranged at a distance of its focal length away from the screen.
If the screen features a visible image width which is less than twice the distance between the observer's eyes the optical path of the two subimages is diverted by optical components such that the lens shows a centered image of the relevant subimage and the length of the optical path correspond to the focal length of the lens.
If the screen features a visible image width which is more than twice the distance between the user's eyes, the optical path of the two subimages is diverted by optical components such that the lens shows a centered image of the relevant subimage and the length of the optical path correspond to the focal length of the lens.
In accordance with an embodiment the housing can also be attached by a fixing unit retroactively to an external non-stereoscopic screen to upgrade it at low cost in conjunction with corresponding software for stereoscopic display.
Non-self-illuminating screens can also be used—in this case the housing preferably features light openings or transparent parts so that the screen surfaces are illuminated by ambient light.
Preferably the method is used for stereoscopic reproduction of still and moving images on mini displays. The device and the method impose no demands on the screen regarding reaction times or accuracy in relation to distortions, meaning that any, even low-cost screens can be used. Furthermore the device does not have to be worn on the head like spectacles By contrast with known approaches, the device and the method can be implemented at low cost.
Capturing and calculation of stereoscopic views may not be important, but the reproduction on an individual screen is important, unlike systems with a plurality of screens as are used for example with data spikes.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The device in accordance with
The images for the left and right stereoscopic view in accordance with
For the embodiment shown in
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof and examples, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention covered by the claims which may include the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” or a similar phrase as an alternative expression that means one or more of A, B and C may be used, contrary to the holding in Superguide v. DIRECTV, 69 USPQ2d 1865 (Fed. Cir. 2004).
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2004 010 369.0 | Mar 2004 | DE | national |