The present invention relates generally to a method used to combine dual streams of video into a standard single stream of video. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of combining a dual stream of standard video, to occupy a single stream of standard video, providing a means to enhance a viewers experience in several ways.
Stereoscopic-3D image acquisition is usually done using two video cameras, mounted side-by-side, or in a beam-splitter configuration. Each camera has its own lens, and image sensor chip/s to acquire the stereo image pair.
This invention provides a means of combining the image sensor chip from both cameras into a single image sensor chip, and combining the light path from both lenses or a single lens with dual optical in-points onto the same chip. This simplifies the capture of 3D images, guaranteeing synchronization between the two images, and eliminates all issues usually associated with dual camera capture.
This invention provides a means of combining the image sensor chip from what would normally required from two cameras, into a single image sensor chip, and combining the light path from both lenses onto the same chip. This simplifies the optical path of the system.
The Camera is based on a single high-resolution CMOS or CCD Sensor, such that both left-eye and right-eye images are acquired by the same sensor. The purpose is to equalize and simplify the optical path between lenses and sensor, and to avoid using a shutter. The left-eye and right-eye images are either sides-by-side, or above-and-below.
Sensors are available to acquire images by “binning” adjacent pixels, either horizontally, vertically, or in both directions. For example a 3840×2160 (Quad-HDTV) sensor can be “binned” vertically or horizontally to create two adjacent image areas required.
This invention provides a means of creating a stereoscopic video camera by using a single image acquisition device, or image sensor, to capture the light path from two lenses, onto the single substrate surface of the image sensor device. The image sensor device is double the size of what would be used to capture a single image source, and is doubled either horizontally or vertically, to accommodate both image sources. This simplifies the capture of 3D images, guaranteeing synchronization between the two images, and eliminates all issues usually associated with dual camera capture.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, by example:
This invention provides a means of combining the image sensor chip from what would normally required from two cameras, into a single image sensor chip, and combining the light path from both lenses onto the same chip. This simplifies the optical path of the system.
The Camera is based on a single high-resolution CMOS or CCD Sensor, such that both left-eye and right-eye images are acquired by the same sensor [FIGS. 1, 2]. The purpose is to equalize and simplify the optical path between lenses and sensor, and to avoid using a shutter. The left-eye and right-eye images are either sides-by-side [
Sensors are available to acquire images by “binning” adjacent pixels, either horizontally, vertically, or in both directions. For example a 3840×2160 (Quad-HDTV) sensor can be “binned” vertically or horizontally to create two adjacent image areas required.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional of U.S. provisional patent application entitled, Stereoscopic 3D TV System: End-to-End Solution, filed May 7, 2003, having a Ser. No. 60/468,260, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60468260 | May 2003 | US |