BACKGROUND
The presentation of stereoscopic imagery—three dimensional still pictures and motion video—has been achieved through the use of dual projector systems, single projection systems with the aid of shutter glasses, an other relatively complicated systems. Such systems are typically out of reach of the average consumer. Often, they are expensive and difficult to set up, operate, and maintain. Conventional two dimensional video cameras and projectors, however, are within the reach of many consumers. Unfortunately, these conventional devices do not enable consumers to record and then display stereoscopic imagery.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary stereo image according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary stereoscopic adapter coupled to a projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary mirror pair placement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is perspective view of the exemplary stereoscopic adapter and the projector of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a first light path through the exemplary stereoscopic adapter and projector of FIG. 2 projecting a right perspective of an image on a target according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a second light path through the exemplary stereoscopic adapter and projector of FIG. 2 projecting a left perspective of an image on a target according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 simultaneously illustrates a first and a second light path through the exemplary stereoscopic adapter and projector of FIG. 2 superimposing the left and right image perspectives on a target according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary pair of viewing glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary stereoscopic adapter coupled to an image capture device according to an embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
INTRODUCTION: Audiences enjoy viewing three dimensional images. Unfortunately systems for capturing and projecting three dimensional images have been too costly for the average consumer. Embodiments of the present invention provide an adapter that can be coupled to an image capture device such as a digital camera to capture stereo images. The stereo images may be still frame or motion video. The adapter can then be coupled to a projector allowing the captured stereo images to be projected on a screen.
The following description is broken into sections. The first section describes an exemplary stereo image. The second section describes the components of an exemplary stereoscopic adapter, and the third section describes the operation of the exemplary adapter.
STEREO IMAGE: FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stereo image 10. Image 10 can be a physical image such as a photo or slide or it might be a digital image capable of being displayed on a monitor or projected on a screen. Image 10 has two cells, 12 and 14. Cell 12 contains a right perspective image 16 and cell 14 contains a left perspective image 18. Alternatively, cell 12 could contain left perspective image 18, and cell 14 could contain right perspective image 16.
Right and left perspective images 16 and 18 are two representations of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object. For example, right perspective image 16 may represent the object as seen by an individual's right eye, and left perspective image 18 may represent the object as seen by the individual's left eye.
Cells 12 and 14 are in a top and bottom relative orientation meaning that when positioned to be viewed, cell 12 is on top of cell 14. In the example shown, image 10 has an approximate four to three aspect ratio meaning it has a viewing width of four units and a viewing height of three units. This aspect ratio matches the aspect ration of many CCD (Charge Coupled Device) arrays in digital cameras. The top and bottom orientation of cells 12 and 14 allows each cell 12 and 14 to have an aspect ratio of approximately 4 to 1.5—a ratio more suitable for “wide screen” viewing. It is noted that cells 12 and 14 may instead be a side-by side relative orientation. When positioned to be viewed, cell 12 would be beside cell 14 rather than on top.
COMPONENTS: FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an exemplary stereoscopic adapter 20 for use in capturing and projecting stereo images such as stereo image 10 of FIG. 1. Referring first to FIG. 2, adapter 20 is coupled to projector 22. Projector 22 represents generally any device capable of projecting a selected image (such as image 10) onto a target. In the simplified example of FIG. 2, projector 22 is a slide projector and includes lamp 24 and lens 26. Here image 10 is on a slide. Lamp 24 directs a light flux through image 10. Lens 26 is then responsible for focusing the flux to cast an image 10 on a screen or other target. It is noted that lens 26 can represent one or more lenses. Alternatively, image 10 may be a digital image and projector 22 may be a digital projector.
Adapter 20 includes splitter 28, filters 30A and 30B, and housing 32. Splitter 28 represents a component capable of diverting a first portion of a light flux from projector 22 along a first light path and diverting a second portion of the light flux from the projector along a second light path. The first and second light paths are selected so that the first and second portions of the light flux cast superimposed images. Examples of the first and second light paths are described below with reference to FIGS. 5-7. Referring back to FIG. 1 as an example, the first portion of image 10 may include the contents of cell 12 and the second portion may include the contents of cell 14. Splitter 28 is configured to cause the contents of cells 12 and 14 to be superimposed over one another when projected on a screen or other target.
Filter 30A represents generally any component capable of filtering light flux diverted along the first light path by splitter 28. Filter 30B represents generally any component capable of filtering light flux diverted along the second light path by splitter 28. For example, filters 30A and 30B may be polarizing filters having opposing linear or circular polarizing characteristics. Alternatively, filters 30A and 30B may be color filters—one red and the other blue for example. In this way each of the images superimposed on a screen by splitter 28 is filtered differently than the other.
Housing 32 represents generally any structure capable of supporting and holding splitter 28 and filters 30A and 30B stationary relative to one another. Housing also includes coupler 34 which represents generally any structure capable of coupling housing 32 to projector 22. As shown, coupler 34 is configured with threads to allow a user to screw adapter 20 onto projector 22.
In the example shown, splitter 28 includes mirror pairs 36A, 36B and 38A, 38B. Mirrors 36A and 36B are positioned in housing 32 to define the first light path for diverting the contents of first cell 12 of image 10 (FIG. 1). Mirrors 38A and 38B are positioned in housing 32 to define the second light path for diverting the contents of second cell 14 of image 10 (FIG. 1).
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, mirrors 36A and 38A are in a relative top and bottom orientation and positioned to intercept from projector 22 a light flux projecting image 10. Mirror 36A is positioned to intercept a first portion of the light flux projecting the contents of first cell 12 of image 10, and mirror 38A is positioned to intercept a second portion of the light flux projecting the contents of second cell 14 of image 10. Mirror 36A is positioned and aimed to reflect the first portion of the light flux toward mirror 36B. Similarly, mirror 38A is positioned and aimed to reflect the second portion of the light flux toward mirror 38B. Mirrors 36B and 38B are positioned and aimed to reflect the first and second portions of the light flux toward a common target. More particularly, mirrors 36B and 38B are aimed to allow the first and second portions of the light flux to cast superimposed images on that target. Furthermore, the center points of mirrors 36B and 38B are spaced apart a distance (D). Distance (D), for example may approximate the average distance between the eyes of an intended audience member.
It is noted that mirrors 36A and 36B may instead be in a side-by-side relative orientation and positioned to intercept from projector 22 a light flux projecting image cells that are also in side-by-side relative orientation. Mirrors 36B and 38B would then each be positioned and aimed to reflect the light flux to cast superimposed images on a target.
FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of adapter 20 and projector 22. As shown, filters 30A and 30B are removable from housing 32 to reveal apertures 40A and 40B. With filters 30A and 30B removed, adapter 20 can be coupled to an image capture device such as a digital camera for use in capturing stereo images such as stereo image 10 of FIG. 1. An example of adapter 20 coupled to an image capture device is discussed below with reference to FIG. 9.
OPERATION: The operation of exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5-9. Starting with FIG. 5, projector 22 casts a light flux projecting image 10. Mirror pair 36A, 36B are positioned to intercept a first portion of the light flux projecting the contents of first cell 12 of image 10 (FIG. 1) diverting the first portion of the light flux along light path 42 defined by mirror pair 36A, 36B. Light path 42 passes through filter 30A filtering the first portion of the light flux. Ultimately, mirror pair 36A, 36B causes the filtered first portion of the light flux to cast projected image 44 on target screen 46.
Moving to FIG. 6, mirror pair 38A, 38B are positioned to intercept a second portion of the light flux projecting the contents of second cell 14 of image 10 (FIG. 1), diverting the second portion of the light flux along light path 48 defined by mirror pair 38A, 38B. Light path 48 passes through filter 30B filtering the second portion of the light flux. Ultimately, mirror pair 38A, 38B causes the filtered second portion of the light flux to cast projected image 50 on target screen 46.
FIG. 7 is a composite of FIGS. 5 and 6. Mirror pairs 36A, 36B, and 38A, 38B have intercepted first and second portions of the light flux projecting image 10. Mirror pairs 36A, 36B divert the first portion along light path 42. Mirror pairs 38A, 38B divert the second portion of the light flux along light path 48. Mirror pairs 36A, 36B, and 38A, 38B are positioned and aimed to combine the filtered first and second portions of the light flux so that projected images 44 and 50 are superimposed over one another on target screen 46. It is noted that where filters 30A and 30B are polarizing filters, screen 46 is selected so that it preserves the polarization of light projected upon it.
As noted above, filters 30A and 30B filter the first and second portions of the light flux in differing manners. For example, filter 30A might provide linear or circular polarization in a given direction. Filter 30B might then provide linear or circular polarization in an opposing direction.
To enjoy a three dimensional presentation provided by the projection of superimposed images 44 and 50 an audience member can benefit from the aid of a filtering viewer. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary viewing filter in the form of viewing glasses 52. Glasses 52 include viewing filters 54 and 56. Viewing filter 54 is configured to compliment filter 30A (FIG. 7) meaning that light flux projected through filter 30A can be viewed through viewing filter 54. Viewing filter 54 is configured to oppose filter 30B (FIG. 7) meaning that light flux projected through filter 30B is blocked by viewing filter 54. Similarly, viewing filter 56 is configured to compliment filter 30B and to oppose filter 30A.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 together, an audience member donning viewing glasses 52 is able to see projected image 44 (a right perspective image) with her right eye through viewing filter 54 and see projected image 50 (a left perspective image) with her left eye through viewing filter 56. Viewing filter 54 blocks projected image 50, and viewing filter 56 blocks projected image 44 allowing the audience member to enjoy a three dimensional presentation.
Moving to FIG. 9, adapter 20 is coupled to image capture device 58. Filters 30A and 30B (FIGS. 4-7) have been removed, revealing apertures 40A and 40B. Image capture device 58 represents generally any device capable of recording a still image or motion video. For example, image capture device 58 may be a conventional film camera, a digital camera, a video camera, or a digital video camera. Among other components not shown, image capture device 58 includes capture medium 60 and lens 62. Capture medium 60 represents generally any component on which an image can be recorded or otherwise captured. Capture medium 60, for example, may be film or a CCD (charge coupled device) array. Lens 62 may include one or more lenses and is responsible for focusing an incoming light flux on capture medium 60.
As described above with reference to FIG. 5-7, splitter 28 includes mirror pair 36A, 36B which defines first light path 42 and mirror pair 38A, 38B which defines second light path 48. Mirror pair 36A, 36B collects and diverts a light flux casting right perspective 64 on target 66 along first light path 42. Mirror pair 38A, 38B collects and directs a light flux casting left perspective 68 on target 66 along second light path 48. Mirrors 36A and 38A are positioned and aimed in housing 32 so that they allow lens 62 to focus the light flux casting the left and right perspectives on capture medium. More particularly mirrors 36A and 38A may be aimed to allow lens 62 to focus the light flux casting the left and right perspectives on capture medium in a relative top and bottom orientation to record a stereo image such as image 10 seen in FIG. 1.
CONCLUSION: As described above, embodiments of the present invention provide an adapter for allowing a user to record stereoscopic imagery in the form of still pictures or motion video using a readily available image capture device. The user can then couple the same adapter to a projector to enjoy a three dimensional viewing experience. Although, embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to the foregoing exemplary implementations, it is to be understood that other forms, details, and embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined in the following claims.
Patent Application
20060012753
