Patent Application
20100002006
For many years, the resolution of displays, especially plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) systems, has increased significantly, which has benefited the user in sharper high resolution images. In addition to increased resolution, LCD and plasma displays provide system designers with an ability to show multiple images on a single display. In videoconferencing situations for example, individual participants might desire to view off-site participants from different angles to create a more seamless virtual environment. To accomplish this using traditional displays would require one display for each image viewed. Besides being cost prohibitive, this method often is not feasible because of space constraints.
Using a parallax barrier, a screen with vertical transmissive slits separated by opaque regions set in front of the display to restrict light transmitted through the pixels of certain output angles, multiple images can be displayed on the same display. Other technology, such as lenticular lenses (curved lenses fitted to a display), or angled light pipes have also been used to create multiple images on one display. By interlacing a plurality of images into one video signal where individual images are assigned specific pixel groups within the display screen, and using one of the methods above to direct light from individual pixel groups to specific angles, users positioned at these various angles can see one image from the plurality of interlaced images. This way, multiple users can position themselves in front of a modified display and each user would see a different image depending on the angle at which they were viewing the display.
Because the different images are viewed at different angles, users need to position themselves at particular locations to view the associated images. As the number of images increases for each display, the range of viewable angle for each image decreases. Current multi-view display systems have a fixed number of images that can be viewed and have fixed ranges of viewing angles. While this method works, in some situations challenges are presented.
For example, in videoconferencing situations, while it is desirable to have displays capable of showing multiple images, the restriction on the range of viewing angles can be problematic when the number of participants viewing the videoconference increases. As the number of participants viewing a particular image at a particular angle increases, it becomes more difficult to fit all the participants into the range of viewable angles. When the number of viewers is large, it is desirable to have a wider range of viewable angles, possibly sacrificing the number of possible images shown on the display. When the number of viewers is small, it is desirable to have more images shown on the display, possibly sacrificing the range of viewable angles for each image.
Some display systems currently have the ability to show multiple views. However, because of the angles required to display multiple views, there is a negative relationship between the number of images and the range of viewable angles for each image. As the number of images increases the range of viewing angles decreases. Systems with many images are not suited for situations where there are many viewers because the “sweet spot” where the video image is clear is small. Systems with large viewing angles are not suited for situations where many images are needed on a single display.
Therefore, what is desired are systems and methods that overcome challenges found in the art, including a method for dynamically changing the range of viewing angles and the number of images shown on a display.
a illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example light from pixel columns on a display being affected by a parallax barrier.
b illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of the relationship between the parallax barrier distance from the pixel columns on the display and the viewing angle.
c illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of the effect on the viewing angles as the parallax barrier is shifted.
a illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of the interlacing of images onto different pixel columns of a display to create multiple images viewable from different angles.
b illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of some possible viewing angles in a multiview display.
a illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of how the viewing angles for a specific image is modulated over the linear length of a display.
b illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of the blurring effect created by crossover points between the viewable angles.
a,
4
b and 4c illustrate non-limiting examples of how “sweet spots” vary depending on the viewing angle.
d illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of a “sweet spot” when multiple displays are used.
a illustrates a simplified, non-limiting example of a method for increasing the area of a “sweet spot” for a multi-display system by interlacing the same image onto multiple viewing angles.
b and 5c illustrate examples of the method for increasing the area of a “sweet spot” by interlacing the same image onto adjacent viewing angles.
a illustrates a simplified, non-limiting embodiment showing how the “sweet spot” for viewing images are interlaced from a pixel column perspective.
b illustrates another simplified, non-limiting embodiment showing how the “sweet spot” for viewing images are interlaced from a pixel column perspective.
Overview
Embodiments can be understood in the context of a multi-view display where the display is setup to show a plurality of images viewable from different angles with respect to the surface plane of the display. Users viewing the display may increase or decrease the range of viewing angles for a particular image by changing the configuration of the interlaced images shown on the display. In accordance with an embodiment, to create the multi-view display, a flat panel display is configured with one of a plurality of methods to create a multi-view, multi-image display system. A plurality of images are interlaced such that each image in the plurality of images is associated with specific columns of pixels in the display. The pixel groups associated with a particular image in the plurality of images are configured to display the images at an angle different from pixel groups associated with other images in the plurality of interlaced images. In an embodiment, a parallax barrier may be used for creating the multi-view, multi-image effect on the display. The parallax barrier limits the visibility of each pixel column to a specific angle or range of angles. By changing the relative positioning of the barrier, different numbers of viewing angles and spacing between the viewing angles can be created. Thus, a method is provided comprising configuring a display to provide a plurality of viewing angles; interlacing image data associated with each of a plurality of images such that each viewing angle displays a selected one of the plurality of images; and adjusting a viewing angle for at least one of the plurality of images. In addition, a display system is provided comprising system comprising a display device configured to provide a plurality of viewing angles; a video interlacing device operably connected to the display and configured to interlace image data for each of a plurality of images into a video stream such that each viewing angle displays a selected one of the plurality of images; and a controller device operably connected to the video interlacing device, wherein the controller device is configured to change a range of viewing angles for at least one of the plurality of images.
a illustrates a simplified non-limiting example of a parallax barrier used to create multiple views. In this illustration, a display device is provided shown generally at reference numeral 10 and comprising a flat panel display unit (e.g., a LCD display panel) 100 comprising a plurality of groups of pixels. For example, the pixel groups comprise columns of pixels and in the example shown in
In an embodiment, to create the multi-view, multi-image effect, each pixel column 105, 115, 125 displays a unique image interlaced from a plurality of images. Repeating this method for the plurality of pixel columns in a display, the plurality of interlaced images may be displayed to viewers at different angles such that a viewer in a first position will see a first image from the plurality of interlaced images while a viewer in a second position will see a second image from the plurality of interlaced images, and so on.
b illustrates how the viewing angles can be altered by moving the parallax barrier 101 closer or farther away from the display. As the parallax barrier 101 is moved away from the pixel columns 105, 115, 125 of the flat panel display unit 100, the range of viewable angles 106, 116, 126 associated with each pixel decreases. The range of viewing angles 106, 116, 126 increases as the parallax barrier 101 is moved closer to the flat panel display unit 100.
c illustrates how the viewing angles are altered by moving the parallax barrier 101 in directions parallel to the viewing surface of the flat panel display unit 100. In this illustration, four pixel groups (e.g., columns) are shown at reference numerals 105, 115, 125 and 135. Each pixel column displays a unique image from the plurality of interlaced images. As the parallax barrier 101 is moved in directions parallel to the viewing surface of the display, the viewing angles 106, 116, 126, and 136 for the associated column pixels 105, 115, 125, and 135 change as compared to those of
a illustrates a simplified non-limiting example of multiple images being interlaced and displayed. In this illustration, three images, Image 1, Image 2 and Image 3, are displayed by interlacing their respective image data shown at reference numerals 205, 215, 225 on different column pixels. It is understood that this is an example and that more or fewer images are contemplated within the scope of embodiments described herein. For example, the Image 1 data 205 is displayed on two pixel columns 105, 135. The Image 2 data 215 is displayed on two pixel columns 115, 145. The Image 3 data 225 is displayed on the next two columns 125, 155. The parallax barrier 101 restricts the visibility of the pixel columns to different angles 201, 211, 221.
b illustrates a simplified example of the principles shown in
In an embodiment, the pixel columns associated with an interlaced image are distributed across the flat display panel of the display device 10. The viewing angle for each pixel column may be modulated or adjusted to account for the linear qualities of the display such that the light from each pixel column in the plurality of pixel columns associated with an image is directed to the same general location.
a illustrates an example where viewing angle for an image is adjusted by at one area of the display device 10, such as at the ends of the display device 10. In this example, two images are interlaced and displayed at different angles. By modulating the viewing angles of different pixel columns across the display device 10, the viewers 310 and 320 of the two different images are able to see a complete image. The parallax barrier (not shown) in the display device 10 is configured so that each pixel column associated with an image has a slight variation in the viewable angle. By adjusting the viewing angles of each pixel column, the full image can be viewed when viewers 310 and 320 are positioned in the respective “sweet spot” 305 where all the viewing angles from the plurality of pixel columns for the same image intersect. Because of the variations in the viewing angles, “dead” zones 315 are created. When viewers 310 and 320 position themselves in these “dead” zones, instead of seeing one complete image, the viewers see “ghost” images created from viewing pixel columns associated with different images. In the “sweet spot” 305 the viewers 310 and 320 see one image over the entire display.
b illustrates the blurring effect in locations that are between the viewable angles. Modulating the viewing angles relative to the surface plane of the display creates a crossover effect between the plurality of images. When a viewer is too close to the crossover points 202 between two views, “ghost” images are seen. These “ghost” images are created when a viewer sees pixel columns associated with different interlaced images.
a-4c illustrates non-limiting examples of how the “sweet spot” varies when the viewing angles are changed. Each triangle 430, 440, 450, 460 represents the range of viewing angles for pixel columns showing a unique image on an associated one of display devices 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3). Since the “sweet spot” is generally defined by the viewing angles of the pixel columns at the ends of the display devices 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) the plurality of viewing angles associated with pixel columns between the ends are not shown. In this example, three display devices 10(1)-10(3) are configured to display a unique image at different angles. Note, while each display device 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) is capable of showing multiple images over multiple angles, only one viewing angle from the plurality of possible viewing angles is shown on each display device 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3).
d illustrates how the “sweet spot” decreases in area when multiple displays are added to a system. When multiple display devices 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) are combined into a unit 20 as shown in
In an embodiment, to increase the area of the “sweet spot”, pixel columns with adjacent viewing angles are interlaced with the same image. While the number of total images shown on the displays is reduced, the viewable area or “sweet spot” for at least one image is increased.
b and 5c illustrate how the “sweet spot” for an image is increased by interlacing the same image onto adjacent viewing angles. A “sweet spot” 506 for viewing one image is created by the intersection of the range of viewing angles 450 and 460. This range of viewing angles 450 and 460 represents one of a plurality of viewing angles where a distinct image may be viewed. A second “sweet spot” 508 is created by the intersection of the adjacent range of viewing angles 515, 525 for a second distinct image as shown in
a illustrates how images are interlaced to increase a “sweet spot” or viewable area, and the example case of three images, Image 1, Image 2 and Image 3 is used, produced by their associated image data 205, 215 and 225, respectively. To increase the “sweet spot” of the Image 1, the Image 1 data 205 is interlaced to the original pixel columns 105 and 135 as well as to the pixel columns 115 and 145 associated with the adjacent viewing angle 221. Instead of displaying three images at different angles, there are now two images, Images 1 and 3, with the Image 1 being displayed over two adjacent viewing angles 21 land 221.
b illustrates another example of how images are interlaced to increase a “sweet spot” or viewable are, and the example case of three images, Image 1, Image 2 and Image 3 is used, produced by their associated image data 205, 215 and 225, respectively. To increase the “sweet spot” of Image 2, the Image 2 data 215 is interlaced to the original pixel columns 115 and 145 as well as the pixel columns 125 and 155 associated with the adjacent viewing angle 201. Instead of displaying three images at different angles, there are now two images, Images 1 and 2, with Image 2 being displayed over two adjacent viewing angles 201 and 221.
In another embodiment, instead of using parallax barriers to create multiple images for multiple views, other methods such as lenticular overlays or angled light pipes may be used to achieve the same visual effect. Additionally, pixel groupings are not limited to columns of pixels. Using angled light pipes or lenticular overlays, pixels may be grouped into plurality of different blocks or configurations.
The controller device 710 may also instruct the video interlacing device 720 to interlace the same video image onto more than one viewing angle. For example, the controller device 710 may instruct the video interlacing device to interlace image data 205 to two viewing angles 201 and 221 and to interlace image data 215 to a third viewing angle 211. By interlacing image data 205 to two adjacent angles 201 and 221 the range of viewable angles increases from one range 201 to two ranges 201 and 221 for Image 1. Note,
While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as examples only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
