U.S. patent application number 11/253222 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for method and system for controlling the motion of stereoscopic cameras using a three-dimensional mouse.
Invention is credited to Byoungyi Yoon.
Application Number | 20060050014 11/253222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27532378 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060050014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoon; Byoungyi |
March 9, 2006 |
Method and system for controlling the motion of stereoscopic
cameras using a three-dimensional mouse
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and system of controlling the
motion of a set of stereoscopic cameras. The method comprises
displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display
device, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional
plane images. The method also comprises providing a pair of input
device indicators, and determining whether each of the pair of
input device indicators has been moved from a first location to a
second location on the two-dimensional plane images. The method
comprises determining location values for the second locations of
the pair of device indicators, and transmitting the determined
location values to a set of stereoscopic cameras located at a
remote site. The method comprises receiving the determined location
values at the remote site, and controlling the motion of the
stereoscopic cameras based on the received location values.
Inventors: |
Yoon; Byoungyi; (Nam-gu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
27532378 |
Appl. No.: |
11/253222 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10280419 |
Oct 24, 2002 |
|
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|
11253222 |
Oct 18, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/6 ;
348/E13.014; 348/E13.025 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 13/296 20180501;
H04N 13/128 20180501; H04N 13/383 20180501; H04N 13/194 20180501;
G03B 35/20 20130101; H04N 13/344 20180501; H04N 13/239 20180501;
H04N 13/246 20180501; H04N 13/398 20180501; H04N 13/139
20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/006 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2001 |
KR |
01-67245 |
Oct 30, 2001 |
KR |
01-67246 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
KR |
02-10422 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
KR |
02-10423 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
KR |
02-10424 |
Aug 17, 2001 |
WO |
PCT/KR01/01398 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic
cameras based on a viewer's eye lens motion, comprising: displaying
at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display devices, the
stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane
images; providing a pair of input device indicators on the pair of
two-dimensional plane images, respectively; determining whether
each of the pair of input device indicators has been moved from a
first location to a second location on the two-dimensional plane
images; determining location values for the second locations of the
pair of input device indicators; transmitting the determined
location values to a set of stereoscopic cameras located at a
remote site; receiving the determined location values at the remote
site; and controlling the motion of the stereoscopic cameras based
on the received location values.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: aligning each center
point of a viewer's eye lenses with each center point of the
two-dimensional plane images; and calculating location values of
the center points of each of a viewer's eye lenses based on the
second location values.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the pair of input device
indicators comprise a pair of mouse cursors controlled by a mouse
that is in data communication with the display devices.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the calculating of the location
values comprises: setting the middle point M between the center
points of the viewer's eyes as an origin coordinate O (0, 0, 0);
setting a distance value (d) that a viewer perceives for the
displayed images; determining a location M.sub.L (I.sub.L, J.sub.L,
K.sub.L) for one mouse cursor displayed on one of the
two-dimensional plane images, and a location M.sub.R (I.sub.R,
J.sub.R, K.sub.R) for the other mouse cursor displayed on the other
of the two-dimensional plane images; determining a center point
location M.sub.N (I.sub.N, J.sub.N, K.sub.N) between the locations
M.sub.L and M.sub.R, wherein I.sub.N is determined as
(I.sub.L+I.sub.R)/2, J.sub.N is determined as (J.sub.L+J.sub.R)/2,
and K.sub.N is determined as the distance value d, determining each
location of the center points of the eyes as A.sub.3L (-W.sub.a/2,
0, 0) and A.sub.3R (W.sub.a/2, 0, 0), wherein W.sub.a represents a
distance between the center points of a viewer's eyes; calculating
the distance Z.sub.L between the A.sub.3L point and the M.sub.N
point using Equation VII, wherein the Equation VII is as follows: Z
L = .times. [ I N - ( - W a 2 ) ] 2 + [ J N - 0 ] 2 + [ K N - 0 ] 2
= .times. [ I N + ( W a 2 ) ] 2 + [ J N ] 2 + [ K N ] 2 ; ##EQU11##
and determining each of the center points of the eye lenses,
A.sub.2L (x1, y1, z1) and A.sub.2R (x2, y2, z2) using Equation
VIII, wherein the Equation VIII is as follows: x1 = ( - W a 2 ) + [
( I N + W a 2 ) .times. S ] Z L ##EQU12## y1 = 0 + [ ( J N )
.times. S ] Z L ##EQU12.2## z1 = 0 + [ ( K N ) .times. S ] Z L
##EQU12.3## x2 = ( W a 2 ) - [ ( I N + W a 2 ) .times. S ] Z L
##EQU12.4## y2 = 0 + [ ( J N ) .times. S ] Z L ##EQU12.5## z2 = 0 +
[ ( K N ) .times. S ] Z L . ##EQU12.6##
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the setting of the distance value
(d) is performed by adjusting a distance (M.sub.d) between the
mouse cursors.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the controlling of the
stereoscopic camera motion comprises: providing a rotation axis
member configured to rotate each of the stereoscopic cameras, the
rotation axis member being fixed while the cameras are moving;
determining a location value for each of the stereoscopic cameras
based on the received eye lens location values; and rotating the
stereoscopic cameras around the rotation axis member based on the
determined camera location values such that each of the cameras
follows the eye lens movement.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the rotating comprises rotating
the stereoscopic cameras in longitudinal and latitudinal
directions.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of display devices
comprises a unitary display device adapted to sequentially display
the two-dimensional plane images.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of display devices
comprises a pair of display devices configured to simultaneously
display the two-dimensional plane images, respectively.
10. A system for controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic
cameras based on a viewer's eye lens motion, comprising: a set of
display devices configured to display at least one stereoscopic
image, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional
plane images; an input device configured to control movement of a
pair of input device indicators being displayed on the pair of
two-dimensional plane images, respectively, each input device
indicator being configured to be moved to a target location on the
two-dimensional plane images; a computing device configured to
determine location values for the target locations of the pair of
input device indicators; a transmitter configured to transmit the
determined location values to a set of stereoscopic cameras; a
receiver configured to receive the location values; and a camera
controller configured to control the motion of the stereoscopic
cameras based on the received location values.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the set of display devices is
located remotely from the stereoscopic cameras.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the camera controller
comprises: a rotation axis member configured to rotate each of the
stereoscopic cameras, the rotation axis member being fixed while
the cameras are moving; and a control portion configured to
determine a location value for each of the stereoscopic cameras
based on the received location values, and to control the rotation
axis member to rotate the stereoscopic cameras around the rotation
axis member based on the determined camera location values.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the received location values
are associated with a viewer's eye lens movement, and wherein the
control portion is configured to control the rotation axis member
to rotate the stereoscopic cameras such that each of the cameras
follows the eye lens movement
14. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a viewing point
structure defining at least one opening configured to allow
tracking of movement of a viewer's eyes, the opening being aligned
with center points of each screen of the display devices, wherein
the computing device is configured to determine the target
locations of the pair of input device indicators and calculate
location values of the center points of each of a viewer's eyes
based on the target locations.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the computing device is
included in at least one of the set of display devices
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the set of display devices
comprises a unitary display device adapted to sequentially display
the two-dimensional plane images.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the set of display devices
comprises a pair of display devices configured to simultaneously
display the two-dimensional plane images, respectively.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein the input device includes a
mouse that is in data communication with the display devices, and
wherein the pair of input device indicators are a pair of mouse
cursors controlled by the mouse.
19. A system for controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic
cameras based on a viewer's eye lens motion, comprising: means for
displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display
devices, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of
two-dimensional plane images; means for providing a pair of input
device indicators on the pair of two-dimensional plane images,
respectively; means for determining whether each of the pair of
input device indicators has been moved from a first location to a
second location on the two-dimensional plane images; means for
determining location values for the second locations of the pair of
input device indicators; means for transmitting the determined
location values to a set of stereoscopic cameras located at a
remote site; means for receiving the determined location values at
the remote site; and means for controlling the motion of the
stereoscopic cameras based on the received location values.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising: means for aligning
each center point of a viewer's eye lenses with each center point
of the two-dimensional plane images; and means for calculating
location values of the center points of each of a viewer's eye
lenses based on the second location values.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application, and claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of application Ser. No.
10/280,419 filed on Oct. 24, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method and system for
generating and/or displaying a more realistic stereoscopic image.
Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system
for controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic cameras based
on the movement of a viewer's eyes using a stereoscopic input
device and at least one indicator that is displayed in each of a
set of display devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0005] In general, a human being can recognize an object by sensing
the environment through eyes. Also, as the two eyes are spaced
apart a predetermined distance from each other, the object
perceived by the two eyes is initially sensed as two images, each
image being formed by one of the left or right eyes. The object is
recognized by the human brain as the two images are partially
overlapped. Here, in the portion where the images perceived by a
human being overlap, as the two different images transmitted from
the left and right eyes are synthesized in the brain, there is a
perception of 3-dimensions.
[0006] By using the above principle, various conventional 3-D image
generating and reproducing systems using cameras and displays have
been developed.
[0007] As one example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,017
discloses "Stereoscopic display method and apparatus therefor."
With a relatively simple construction, the apparatus allows a
viewer to view a stereoscopic image via the naked eye.
[0008] As another example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,143
discloses "Stereoscopic recording and display system." The patent
discloses that the stereoscopically shown image content is easily
controllable by the observer within the scene, which is recorded by
the stereo camera.
[0009] As another example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,607
discloses "Stereoscopic computer graphics image generating
apparatus and stereoscopic TV apparatus." This apparatus
stereoscopically displays two-dimensional images generated from
three-dimensional structural information.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling
the motion of a set of stereoscopic cameras based on a viewer's eye
lens motion. In one embodiment, the method comprises displaying at
least one stereoscopic image on a set of display devices, the
stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane
images, providing a pair of input device indicators on the pair of
two-dimensional plane images, respectively, and determining whether
each of the pair of input device indicators has been moved from a
first location to a second location on the two-dimensional plane
images. The method also comprises determining location values for
the second locations of the pair of input device indicators,
transmitting the determined location values to a set of
stereoscopic cameras located at a remote site, receiving the
determined location values at the remote site, and controlling the
motion of the stereoscopic cameras based on the received location
values.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for
controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic cameras based on a
viewer's eye lens motion. In one embodiment, the system comprises a
set of display devices configured to display at least one
stereoscopic image, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of
two-dimensional plane images, an input device configured to control
movement of a pair of input device indicators being displayed on
the pair of two-dimensional plane images, respectively, each input
device indicator being configured to be moved to a target location
on the two-dimensional plane images, and a computing device
configured to determine location values for the target locations of
the pair of input device indicators. The system also comprises a
transmitter configured to transmit the determined location values
to a set of stereoscopic cameras, a receiver configured to receive
the location values, and a camera controller configured to control
the motion of the stereoscopic cameras based on the received
location values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates one typical 3-D image generating and
reproducing apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates another typical 3-D image generating and
reproducing apparatus.
[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a photographing ratio of a
camera.
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a screen ratio of a display
device that displays a photographed image.
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates the variation of the distance between an
object lens and a film according to the variation of a focal length
of a camera.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates the variation of a photographing ratio
according to the variation of the focal length of the camera.
[0018] FIG. 4C shows the relationship between a photographing ratio
and the focal length of the camera.
[0019] FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary table showing maximum and
minimum photographing ratios of a camera.
[0020] FIG. 5A illustrates a photographing ratio calculation
apparatus according to one aspect of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5B illustrates a photographing ratio calculation
apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the photographing ratio calculation apparatus of
FIG. 5A.
[0023] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the photographing ratio calculation apparatus of
FIG. 5B.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a camera comprising the photographing
ratio calculation apparatus as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a system for displaying stereoscopic
images such that a photographing ratio (A:B:C) is substantially the
same as a screen ratio (D:E:F).
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining the
operation of the image size adjusting portion of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a conceptual drawing for explaining the image
size adjustment in each of the display devices.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the entire operation of the system shown in FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates examples of the display system according
to one aspect of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a 3D display system including an eye
position fixing device according to one aspect of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates a relationship between the displayed
images and a viewer's eyes.
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates a 3D image display system according to
one aspect of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system of FIG. 15.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a conceptual drawing for explaining the operation
of the display device of FIG. 15.
[0035] FIG. 18 illustrates a 3D image display system according to
another aspect of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system of FIG. 18.
[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system of FIG. 18.
[0038] FIG. 21A illustrates an eye lens motion detection
device.
[0039] FIG. 21B is a conceptual drawing for explaining the movement
of the eye lenses.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a conceptual drawing for explaining the movement
of the center points of the displayed images.
[0041] FIG. 23 illustrates a camera system for a 3D display system
according to one aspect of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 24 illustrates a display system corresponding to the
camera system shown in FIG. 23.
[0043] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the camera and display systems shown in FIGS. 23
and 24.
[0044] FIG. 26A is a conceptual drawing that illustrates parameters
for a set of stereoscopic cameras.
[0045] FIG. 26B is a conceptual drawing that illustrates parameters
for a viewer's eyes.
[0046] FIG. 27 is a conceptual drawing that illustrates the
movement of a set of stereoscopic cameras.
[0047] FIG. 28 is a conceptual drawing for explaining the eye lens
movement according to the distance between the viewer and an
object
[0048] FIG. 29 illustrates a 3D display system for controlling a
set of stereoscopic cameras according to another aspect of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the camera
controllers shown in FIG. 29.
[0050] FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the camera controllers according to one aspect of
the invention.
[0051] FIG. 32A illustrates an exemplary table for controlling
horizontal and vertical motors.
[0052] FIG. 32B illustrates a conceptual drawing that explains
motion of the camera.
[0053] FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system shown in FIG. 29.
[0054] FIG. 34 illustrates a stereoscopic camera controller system
used for a 3D display system according to another aspect of the
invention.
[0055] FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary table showing the
relationship between camera adjusting values and selected
cameras.
[0056] FIG. 36A is a top plan view of the plural sets of
stereoscopic cameras.
[0057] FIG. 36B is a front elevational view of the plural sets of
stereoscopic cameras.
[0058] FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system shown in FIG. 34.
[0059] FIG. 38 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 39 illustrates one example of a 3D display image.
[0061] FIGS. 40A-40H illustrate conceptual drawings that explain
the relationship between the 3D mouse cursors and eye lens
locations.
[0062] FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the
display devices as shown in FIG. 38.
[0063] FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the display devices of FIG. 41.
[0064] FIGS. 43A-43C illustrate conceptual drawings that explain a
method for calculating the location of the center points of the eye
lens and the distance between two locations.
[0065] FIG. 44 is a conceptual drawing for explaining a
determination method of the location of the center points of the
displayed images.
[0066] FIG. 45 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention.
[0067] FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the
display device of FIG. 45.
[0068] FIG. 47 is a conceptual drawing for explaining the camera
control based on the movement of the eye lenses.
[0069] FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system shown in FIG. 45.
[0070] FIG. 49 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the camera
controller of FIG. 49.
[0072] FIG. 51 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the camera controller of FIG. 50.
[0073] FIG. 52 illustrates an exemplary table for explaining the
relationship between the space magnification and camera
distance.
[0074] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the entire system shown in FIG. 49.
[0075] FIG. 54 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention.
[0076] FIG. 55 illustrates an exemplary table for explaining the
relationship between the camera motion and display angle.
[0077] FIG. 56 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the entire operation of the system shown in FIG. 54.
[0078] FIG. 57 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 58 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the
display device of FIG. 57.
[0080] FIGS. 59A and 59B are conceptual drawings for explaining the
adjustment of the displayed image.
[0081] FIG. 60 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for explaining
the operation of the system of FIG. 54.
[0082] FIG. 61 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for
transmitting stereoscopic images and photographing ratios for the
images.
[0083] FIG. 62 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for storing
on a persistent memory stereoscopic images and photographing ratios
for the images.
[0084] FIG. 63 illustrates an exemplary format of the data that are
stored in the recording medium of FIG. 62.
[0085] FIG. 64 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a pair of
portable communication devices comprising a pair of digital cameras
and a pair of display screens.
[0086] FIG. 65 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a portable
communication device for displaying stereoscopic images based on a
photographing ratio and a screen ratio.
[0087] FIGS. 66A and 66B illustrate an exemplary block diagram of a
portable communication device for controlling the location of the
stereoscopic images.
[0088] FIG. 67 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a portable
communication device for controlling space magnification for
stereoscopic images.
[0089] FIG. 68 illustrates a conceptual drawing for explaining a
portable communication device having separate display screens.
[0090] FIGS. 69A and 69B illustrate an exemplary block diagram for
explaining the generation of the stereoscopic images from
three-dimensional structural data.
[0091] FIGS. 70 illustrates a 3D display system for conforming the
resolution between the stereoscopic cameras and display
devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0092] FIG. 1A illustrates one typical 3-D image generating and
reproducing apparatus. The system of FIG. 1A uses two display
devices so as to display stereoscopic images. The apparatus
includes a set of stereoscopic cameras 110 and 120, spaced apart a
predetermined distance from each other. The cameras 110 and 120 may
be spaced apart as the same as exists distance between a viewer's
two eyes, for photographing an object 100 at two different
positions. Each camera 110 and 120 provides each photographed image
simultaneously or sequentially to the display devices 140 and 150,
respectively. The display devices 140 and 150 are located such that
a viewer can watch each image displayed in the devices 140 and 150
through their left and right eyes, respectively. The viewer can
recognize a 3-D image by simultaneously or sequentially perceiving
and synthesizing the left and right images. That is, when the
viewer sees a pair of stereoscopic images with each eye, a single
image (object) is perceived having a 3D quality.
[0093] FIG. 1B illustrates another typical 3-D image generating and
reproducing apparatus. The system of FIG. 1B uses one display
device so as to display stereoscopic images. The apparatus includes
a set of stereoscopic cameras 110 and 120, spaced apart a
predetermined distance from each other for photographing the same
object 100 at the two different positions. Each camera 110 and 120
provides each photographed image to a synthesizing device 130. The
synthesizing device 130 receives two images from the left and right
cameras 110 and 120, and sequentially irradiates the received
images on a display device 160. The synthesizing device 130 may be
located in either a camera site or a display site. The viewer wears
special glasses 170 that allow each displayed image to be seen by
each eye. The glasses 170 may include a filter or a shutter that
allows the viewer to see each image alternately. The display device
160 may comprise a LCD or a 3-D glasses such as a head mounted
display (HMD). Thus, the viewer can recognize a 3-D image by
sequentially perceiving the left and right images through each
eye.
[0094] Here, according to the distance between the two cameras and
the object to be photographed by the cameras, and the size of the
photographed object, the size of the displayed image is determined.
Also, as the distance between the left and right images displayed
on the display device has the same ratio as the distance between a
viewer's two eyes, the viewer feels a sense of viewing the actual
object in 3-dimensions.
[0095] In the above technology, an object may be photographed by a
camera while the object moves, the camera moves, or a magnifying
(zoom-in) or reducing (zoom-out) imaging function is performed with
respect to the object, not being in a state in which a fixed object
is photographed by a fixed camera. In those situations, the
distance between the camera and the photographed object, or the
size of the photographed object changes. Thus, a viewer may
perceive the image having a sense of distance different than is the
actual distance from the camera to the object.
[0096] Also, even when the distance between the object and the
stereoscopic cameras is fixed during photographing, each viewer has
their own unique eye distance, a biometric which is measured as the
distance between the center points of the viewer's eyes. For
example, the distance between an adult's eyes is quite different
from that of a child's eyes. Also the eye distance varies between
viewers of the same age. In the meantime, in current 3D display
systems, the distance between the center points of each
stereoscopic image is fixed at the distance value of the average
adult (i.e., 70 mm) as exemplified in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, as
discussed above, each viewer has their own personal eye distance.
This may cause a headache when the viewer sees stereoscopic images
as well as the sense of 3-dimensions being distorted. In certain
instances, the sense of 3-dimensions is not even perceived.
[0097] In order to display a realistic 3D image, one aspect of the
invention is to adjust display images or display devices such that
a screen ratio (D:E:F) in the display device is substantially the
same as a photographing ratio (A:B:C) in the camera. Hereinafter,
the term 3D images and stereoscopic images will be used to convey
the same meaning. Also, a stereoscopic image comprises a pair of
two-dimensional plane images produced by a pair of stereoscopic
images. Stereoscopic images comprise a plurality of stereoscopic
images.
Photographing Ratio (A:B:C) and Screen Ratio (D:E:F)
[0098] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a photographing ratio of a
camera. The ratio relates to a scope or the size of the space,
being proportional to a range which is seen through a viewfinder of
a camera, that the camera can photograph in a scene. The
photographing ratio includes three parameters (A, B, C). Parameters
A and B are defined as horizontal and vertical lengths of the
space, respectively, including the object 22 photographed by the
camera 20. Parameter C is defined as the perpendicular distance
between the camera 20 and the object 22. Generally, a camera has
its own horizontal and vertical ranges that can photograph an
object, and the ratio of the horizontal and vertical lengths is
typically constant, e.g., 4:3 or 16:9. Thus, once one of the
horizontal and vertical lengths is determined, the other length may
be automatically determined. In one embodiment of the invention,
the camera 20 comprises a video camera, a still camera, an analog
camera, or a digital camera.
[0099] For the purpose of the explanation, assume that the object
22 is located "20 m" away from the camera 20 and is photographed
such that the object 22 is included in a single film or an image
frame as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. If the horizontal distance (A)
is 20 m, the vertical distance (B) would be "15 m" for a 4:3 camera
ratio. Since the distance between the camera 20 and the object 22
is 10 m, the photographing ratio is 20:15:10=2:1.5:1. In one
embodiment of the invention, the present photographing ratio while
photographing an object may be determined based on the optical
property of a camera object lens, e.g., the maximum photographing
ratio and minimum photographing ratio.
[0100] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a screen ratio of a display
device that displays a photographed image. The screen ratio relates
to a range or scope that a viewer can see through a display device.
The screen ratio includes three parameters (D, E, F). Parameters D
and E are defined as horizontal and vertical lengths of the image
displayed in the display device 24, respectively. Parameter F is
defined as the perpendicular distance between the display device
and a viewer's eye 26. For convenience, only one eye 26 and one
display device 24 are illustrated instead of two eyes and a set of
display devices in FIGS. 3A and 3B. F may be automatically measured
using a distance detection sensor or may be manually measured, or
may be fixed. In one embodiment of the invention, parameters D and
E are adjusted such that the photographing ratio (A:B:C) equals the
screen ratio (D:E:F). Thus the size of the adjusted image in the
display device 24 corresponds to that of the image that has been
captured by the camera 20. This means that a viewer watches the
display image at the same rate the camera 20 photographs an object.
Thus, by always maintaining the relationship of the adjustment of
being "A:B:C=D:E:F" provides a more realistic 3D image to the
viewer. Thus, by one embodiment of the invention, if the camera
photographs an object with a large photographing ratio, the image
is displayed using a large screen ratio.
[0101] FIG. 4A illustrates the variation of the distance between an
object lens and a film according to the variation of a focal length
of the camera 20. (Note that although the term "film" is used in
this specification, the term is not limited to analog image
recording media. For instance, a CCD device or CMOS image sensor
may be use to capture an image in a digital context. The camera 20
may have more focal length ranges, but only four focal length
ranges are exemplified in FIG. 4A.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4A, the distance between a film and an
object lens ranges from d1-d4 according to the focal length of the
camera 20. The focal length may be adjusted by a focus adjusting
portion (which will be explained below) of the camera 20. The
distance (d1) is shortest when the focal length is "infinity"
(.infin.). When the camera 20 is set to have an infinity focal
length, the camera 20 receives the most amount of light through the
object lens. The distance (d4) is longest when the focal length is
"0.5 m," where the camera receives the least amount of light
through the object lens. That is, the amount of light coming into
the camera 20 varies according to the focal length of the camera
20.
[0103] Since the location of the object lens is normally fixed, in
order to change the distance from d1 to d4, the location of the
film ranges from P.sub.s to P.sub.1 as much as "d" according to the
focal length. The focus adjusting portion of the camera 20 adjusts
the location of the film from P.sub.s to P.sub.1.. The focus
adjusting of the camera 20 may be manually performed or may be
automatically made.
[0104] FIG. 4B illustrates the variation of a photographing ratio
according to the variation of the focal length of the camera 20.
The photographing ratio (A:B:C) may be expressed as (A/C:B/C). When
the camera is set to have an infinity focal length, the value A/C
or B/C is the biggest amount, which is shown as "2.0/1" in FIG. 4B.
In contrast, when the camera 20 is set to have, e.g., a "0.5 m"
focal length, the value A/C or B/C is the smallest amount, which is
shown as "1.0/1" in FIG. 4B. That is, the more amount of light the
camera receives, the larger the photographing ratio. Similarly, the
longer the focal length, the greater the photographing ratio.
[0105] FIG. 4C shows the relationship between a photographing ratio
and a focal length of a camera. The focal length of the camera may
be determined, e.g., by detecting a current scale location of the
focus adjusting portion of the camera. As shown in FIG. 4C, when
the camera has a focal length range of "0.3 m to infinity," the
focus adjusting portion is located in one position of the scales
between 0.3 m and infinity while the camera is photographing an
object. In this situation, the photographing ratio varies linearly
as shown in FIG. 4C. If the camera has a focus adjusting portion
that is automatically adjusted while photographing an object, the
photographing ratio may be determined by detecting the current
focal length that is automatically adjusted.
[0106] FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary table showing maximum and
minimum photographing ratios of a camera. As described before, a
camera has the maximum photographing ratio (A:B:C=3:2:1) when the
focal length is the longest, i.e., a distance of infinity as shown
in FIG. 4D. In addition, the camera has the minimum photographing
ratio (A:B:C=1.5:1:1) when the focal length is the shortest, i.e.,
"0.3 m" as shown in FIG. 4D. The maximum and minimum photographing
ratios of the camera are determined by the optical characteristic
of the camera. In one embodiment, a camera manufacturing company
may provide the maximum and minimum photographing ratios in the
technical specification of the camera. The table in FIG. 4D is used
for determining a photographing ratio when the focus adjusting
portion is located in one scale between "0.3 m and an
infinity."
Method and System for Calculating a Photographing Ratio of a
Camera
[0107] FIG. 5A illustrates a photographing ratio calculation
apparatus according to one aspect of the invention. The apparatus
comprises a focus adjusting portion (FAP) 52, a FAP location
detection portion 54, a memory 56, and a photographing ratio
calculation portion 58. In one embodiment, the photographing ratio
calculation apparatus may be embedded into the camera 20.
[0108] The focus adjusting portion 52 adjusts the focus of the
object lens of the camera 20. The focus adjusting portion 52 may
perform its function either manually or automatically. In one
embodiment of the invention, the focus adjusting portion 52 may
comprise 10 scales between "0.3 m and infinity," and is located in
one of the scales while the camera 20 is photographing an object.
In one embodiment of the invention, the focus adjusting portion 52
may use a known focus adjusting portion that is used in a typical
camera.
[0109] The FAP location detection portion 54 detects the current
scale location of the focus adjusting portion 52 among the scales.
In one embodiment of the invention, the FAP location detection
portion 54 may comprise a known position detection sensor that
detects the scale value in which the focus adjusting portion 52 is
located. In another embodiment of the invention, since the
variation of the scale location is proportional to the distance
between the object lens and film as shown in FIG. 4A, the FAP
location detection portion 54 may comprise a known distance
detection sensor that measures the distance between the object lens
and film.
[0110] The memory 56 stores data representing maximum and minimum
photographing ratios of the camera 20. In one embodiment of the
invention, the memory 56 comprise a ROM, a flash memory or a
programmable ROM. This may apply to all of the other memories
described throughout the specification.
[0111] The photographing ratio calculation portion 58 calculates a
photographing ratio (A:B:C) based on the detected scale location
and the maximum and minimum photographing ratios. In one embodiment
of the invention, the photographing ratio calculation portion 58
comprises a digital signal processor (DSP) calculating the ratio
(A:B:C) using the following Equations I and II. Equation .times.
.times. I : .times. A = ( A max - A min c ) .times. ( S cur S tot )
+ A min c ##EQU1## Equation .times. .times. II : .times. B = ( B
max - B min c ) .times. ( S cur S tot ) + B min c ##EQU1.2##
[0112] In Equations I and II, parameters A.sub.max and B.sub.max
represent horizontal and vertical length values (A and B) of the
maximum photographing ratio, respectively, exemplified as "3" and
"2" in FIG. 4D. Parameters A.sub.min and B.sub.min represent
horizontal and vertical length values (A and B) of the minimum
photographing ratio, respectively, shown as "1.5" and "1" in FIG.
4D. Parameters S.sub.cur and S.sub.tot represent the current
detected scale value and the total scale value, respectively.
Parameter "c" represents the distance value of the maximum or
minimum photographing ratio. Since the photographing ratio (A:B:C)
represents the relative proportion between the three parameters, A,
B and C, the parameters may be simplified as shown in FIG. 4D. For
example, the photographing ratio, A:B:C=300:200:100, is the same as
A:B:C=3:2:1. In one embodiment of the invention, the parameter "c"
has the value "1" as shown in FIG. 4D.
[0113] In another embodiment of the invention, the photographing
ratio calculation portion 58 calculates a photographing ratio
(A:B:C) such that the ratio falls between the maximum and minimum
photographing ratios and at the same time is proportional to the
value of the detected scale location. Thus, as long as the ratio
falls between the maximum and minimum photographing ratios and is
proportional to the value of the detected scale location, any other
equation may be used for calculating the photographing ratio.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 6A, the operation of the photographing
ratio calculation apparatus of FIG. 5A will be explained. The
camera 20 photographs an object (602). In one embodiment of the
invention, the camera 20 comprise a single (mono) camera. In
another embodiment of the invention, the camera 20 comprise a pair
of stereoscopic cameras as shown in FIG. 1A. In either case, the
operation of the apparatus will be described based on the single
camera for convenience.
[0115] Maximum and minimum photographing ratios are provided from
the memory 56 to the photographing ratio calculation portion 58
(604). In one embodiment of the invention, the photographing ratio
calculation portion 58 may store the maximum and minimum
photographing ratios therein. In this situation, the memory 56 may
be omitted from the apparatus.
[0116] The FAP location detection portion 54 detects the current
location of the focus adjusting portion 52 while the camera 20 is
photographing the object (606). While the camera is photographing
the object, the focal length may be changed. The detected current
location of the focus adjusting portion 52 is provided to the
photographing ratio calculation portion 58.
[0117] The photographing ratio calculation portion 58 calculates a
horizontal value (A) of a current photographing ratio from Equation
I (608). It is assumed that the detected current location value is
"5" among the total scale values "10." Using Equation I and the
table of FIG. 4D, the horizontal value A is obtained as follows. A
= ( A max - A min c ) .times. ( S cur S tot ) + A min c = ( 3 - 1.5
1 ) .times. ( 5 10 ) + 1.5 1 = 2.25 ##EQU2##
[0118] The photographing ratio calculation portion 58 calculates a
vertical value (B) of a current photographing ratio from Equation
II (610). In the above example, using Equation II and the table of
FIG. 4D, the vertical value B is obtained as follows. B = ( B max -
B min c ) .times. ( S cur S tot ) + B min c = ( 2 - 1 1 ) .times. (
5 10 ) + 1 1 = 1.5 ##EQU3##
[0119] The photographing ratio calculation portion 58 retrieves
parameter C from the maximum and minimum ratios that have been used
for calculating parameters A and B (612). Referring to the table of
FIG. 4D, the distance value (C) is "1." The photographing ratio
calculation portion 58 provides a current photographing ratio
(A:B:C) (614). In the above example, the current photographing
ratio=2.25:1.5:1.
[0120] FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of a photographing ratio
calculation apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.
The apparatus comprises an iris 62, an iris opening detection
portion 64, a memory 66 and a photographing ratio calculation
portion 68. In one embodiment of the invention, the photographing
ratio calculation apparatus is embedded into the camera 20.
[0121] The iris 62 is a device that adjusts an amount of light
coming into the camera 20 according to the degree of its opening.
When the degree of the opening of the iris 62 is largest, the
maximum amount of light shines on the film of the camera 20. This
largest opening corresponds to the longest focal length and the
maximum photographing ratio. In contrast, when the degree of the
opening of the iris 62 is smallest, the least amount of light comes
into the camera 20. This smallest opening corresponds to the
shortest focal length and the minimum photographing ratio. In one
embodiment of the invention, the iris 62 may be a known iris that
is used in a typical camera.
[0122] The iris opening detection portion 64 detects the degree of
the opening of the iris 62. The degree of the opening of the iris
62 may be quantitized to a range of, for example, 1-10. Degree "10"
may mean the largest opening of the iris 62 and degree "1" may mean
the smallest opening of the iris 62. The memory 66 stores data
representing maximum and minimum photographing ratios of the camera
20.
[0123] The photographing ratio calculation portion 68 calculates a
photographing ratio (A:B:C) based on the detected degree of the
opening and the maximum and minimum photographing ratios. In one
embodiment of the invention, the photographing ratio calculation
portion 68 comprises a digital signal processor (DSP) calculating
the ratio (A:B:C) using the following Equations III and IV.
Equation .times. .times. III : .times. A = ( A max - A min c )
.times. ( I cur I largest ) + A min c ##EQU4## Equation .times.
.times. IV : .times. B = ( B max - B min c ) .times. ( I cur I
largerst ) + B min c ##EQU4.2##
[0124] In Equations III and IV, parameters A.sub.max and B.sub.max,
A.sub.min and B.sub.min, and "c" are the same as the parameters
used in Equations I and II. Parameters I.sub.cur and I.sub.largest
represent the detected current degree of the opening and the
largest degree of the opening, respectively.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 6B, the operation of the photographing
ratio calculation apparatus will be described. The operation with
regard to the first two procedures 702 and 704 is the same as those
in FIG. 6A.
[0126] The iris opening detection portion 64 detects the current
degree of the opening of the iris 62 while the camera 20 is
photographing the object (706). The detected degree of the opening
of the iris 62 is provided to the photographing ratio calculation
portion 68.
[0127] The photographing ratio calculation portion 68 calculates a
horizontal value (A) of a current photographing ratio from Equation
III (708). It is assumed that the detected current opening degree
is 2 among the total degree values 10. Using Equation III and FIG.
4D, the horizontal value A is obtained as follows. A = ( A max - A
min c ) .times. ( I cur I largest ) + A min c = ( 3 - 1.5 1 )
.times. ( 2 10 ) + 1.5 1 = 1.8 ##EQU5##
[0128] The photographing ratio calculation portion 68 calculates a
vertical value (B) of a current photographing ratio from Equation
IV (710). In the above example, using equation IV and FIG. 4D, the
vertical value B is obtained as follows. B = ( B max - B min c )
.times. ( I cur I largerst ) + B min c = ( 2 - 1 1 ) .times. ( 2 10
) + 1 1 = 1.2 ##EQU6##
[0129] The photographing ratio calculation portion 68 retrieves
parameter C from the maximum and minimum ratios that have been used
for calculating parameters A and B (712). Referring to FIG. 4D, the
distance value is "1." The photographing ratio calculation portion
68 provides a current photographing ratio (A:B:C) (714). In the
above example, a current photographing ratio is 1.8:1.2:1.
[0130] FIG. 7 illustrates a camera comprising the photographing
ratio calculation apparatus as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The camera
20 comprises an image data processing apparatus 70, a microcomputer
72, a photographing ratio calculation apparatus 74, and a data
combiner 76.
[0131] In one embodiment of the invention, the camera 20 comprises
an analog camera and a digital camera. When the camera 20
photographs an object, the image data processing apparatus 70
performs a typical image processing of the photographed image
according to the control of the microcomputer 72. In one embodiment
of the invention, the image data processing apparatus 70 may
comprise a digitizer that digitizes the photographed analog image
into digital values, a memory that stores the digitized data, and a
digital signal processor (DSP) that performs an image data
processing of the digitized image data (all not shown). The image
data processing apparatus 70 provides the processed data to a data
combiner 76.
[0132] In one embodiment, the photographing ratio calculation
apparatus 74 comprises the apparatus shown in FIGS. 5A or 5B. The
photographing ratio calculation apparatus 74 calculates a
photographing ratio (A:B:C). The calculated photographing ratio
(A:B:C) data are provided from the apparatus 74 to the data
combiner 76.
[0133] The microcomputer 72 controls the image data processing
apparatus 70, the photographing ratio calculation apparatus 74, and
the data combiner 76 such that the camera 20 outputs the combined
data 78. In one embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 72
controls the image data processing apparatus 70 such that the
apparatus properly processes the digital image data. In this
embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 72 controls the
photographing ratio calculation apparatus 74 to calculate a
photographing ratio for the image being photographed. In this
embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 72 controls the data
combiner 76 to combine the processed data and the photographing
ratio data corresponding to the processed data. In one embodiment
of the invention, the microcomputer 72 may provide a
synchronization signal to the data combiner 76 so as to synchronize
the image data and the ratio data. As discussed above, as long as
the current scale location of the focus adjusting portion or the
opening degree of the iris is not changed, the photographing ratio
is not changed. The microcomputer 72 may detect the change of the
scale location or the opening degree, and control the data combiner
76 such that the image data and the corresponding ratio data are
properly combined.
[0134] In one embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 72 is
programmed to perform the above function using typical
microcomputer products, available from the Intel, IBM and Motorola
companies, etc. This product may also apply to the other
microcomputers described throughout this specification.
[0135] The data combiner 76 combines the image data from the image
data processing apparatus 70 and the calculated photographing ratio
(A:B:C) data according to the control of the microcomputer 72. The
combiner 76 outputs the combined data 78 in which the image data
and the ratio data may be synchronized with each other. In one
embodiment of the invention, the combiner 76 comprises a known
multiplexer.
Method and System for Controlling a Screen Ratio Based on a
Photographing Ratio
[0136] FIG. 8 illustrates a system for displaying stereoscopic
images such that a photographing ratio (A:B:C) is substantially the
same as a screen ratio (D:E:F). The system comprises a camera site
80 and a display site 82. The camera site 80 transmits a
photographing ratio (A:B:C) and photographed image to the display
site 82. The display site 82 displays the transmitted image such
that a screen ratio (D:E:F) is substantially the same as the
photographing ratio (A:B:C). In one embodiment of the invention,
the camera site 80 may comprise a single camera and the display
site may comprise a single display device. In another embodiment of
the invention, the camera site may comprise a set of stereoscopic
cameras and the display site may comprise a set of display devices
as shown in FIG. 8.
[0137] The embodiment of camera site 80 shown in FIG. 8 comprises a
set of stereoscopic cameras 110 and 120, and transmitters 806 and
808. The stereoscopic left and right cameras 110 and 120 may be
located as shown in FIG. 1A with regard to an object to be
photographed. The cameras 110 and 120 comprise the elements
described with respect to FIG. 7. Each of the cameras 110 and 120
provides its own combined data 802 and 804 to the transmitters 806
and 808, respectively. Each transmitter 806 and 808 transmits the
combined data 802 and 804 to the display site 82 through a network
84. The network 84 may comprise a wire transmission or a wireless
transmission. In one embodiment of the invention, each transmitter
806 and 808 is separate from the cameras 110 and 120. In another
embodiment of the invention, each transmitter 806 and 808 may be
embedded into each camera 110 and 120. For convenience, it is
assumed that both of the photographing ratios are referred to as
"A1:B1:C1" and "A2:B2:C2," respectively.
[0138] In one embodiment of the invention, the photographing ratios
"A1:B1:C1" and "A2:B2:C2" are substantially the same. In one
embodiment of the invention, the data 802 and 804 may be combined
and transmitted to the display site 82. In one embodiment of the
invention, the photographing ratio may have a standard data format
in each of the camera and display sites so that the display site
can identify the photographing ratio easily.
[0139] The display site 82 comprises a set of receivers 820, 832, a
set of display devices 86, 88. Each receiver 820, 832 receives the
combined data transmitted from the camera site 80 and provides each
data set to the display devices 86, 88, respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, each of the receivers 820, 832 is
separate from the display devices 86, 88. In another embodiment of
the invention, receivers 820, 832 may be embedded into each display
device 86, 88.
[0140] The display devices 86 and 88 comprise data separators 822
and 834, image size adjusting portions 828 and 840, and display
screens 830 and 842. The data separators 822 and 834 separate the
photographing ratio data (824, 838) and the image data (826, 836)
from the received data. In one embodiment of the invention, each of
the data separators 822 and 834 comprises a typical
demultiplexer.
[0141] The image size adjusting portion 828 adjusts the size of the
image to be displayed in the display screen 830 based on the
photographing ratio (A1:B1:C1), and screen-viewer distance (F1) and
display screen size values (G1, H1). The screen-viewer distance
(F1) represents the distance between the display screen 830 and one
of a viewer's eyes, e.g., a left eye, that is directed to the
screen 830. In one embodiment of the invention, the distance F1 may
be fixed. In this situation, a viewer's eyes may be located in a
eye fixing structure, which will be described in more detail later.
Also, the image size adjusting portion 828 may store the fixed
value F1 therein. The screen size values G1 and H1 represent the
horizontal and vertical dimensions of the screen 830, respectively.
In one embodiment of the invention, the size values G1 and H1 may
be stored in the image size adjusting portion 828.
[0142] The image size adjusting portion 840 adjusts the size of the
image to be displayed in the display screen 842 based on the
photographing ratio (A2:B2:C2), and screen-viewer distance (F2) and
display screen size values (G2, H2). The screen-viewer distance
(F2) represents the distance between the display screen 842 and one
of a viewer's eyes, e.g., a right eye, that is directed to the
screen 842. In one embodiment of the invention, the distance F2 may
be fixed. In one embodiment of the invention, the screen-viewer
distance (F2) is substantially the same as the screen-viewer
distance (F 1). The screen size values G2 and H2 represent the
horizontal and vertical dimensions of the screen 842, respectively.
In one embodiment of the invention, the display screen size values
G2 and H2 are substantially the same as the display screen size
values G1 and H1.
[0143] The operation of the image size adjusting portions 828 and
840 will be described in more detail by referring to FIGS. 9 and
10. Since the operations of the two image size adjusting portions
828 and 840 are substantially the same, for convenience, only the
operation with regard to the image size adjusting portion 828 will
be explained.
[0144] The image data 826, the photographing ratio data (A1:B1:C1)
and the screen-viewer distance (F1) are provided to the image size
adjusting portion 828 (902). A screen ratio (D1:E1:F1) is
calculated based on the photographing ratio (A1:B1:C1) and the
screen-viewer distance (F1) using the following Equation V (904).
Since the value F1 is already provided, the parameters D1 and E1 of
the screen ratio are obtained from Equation V. Equation .times.
.times. V : .times. A1 : B1 : C1 = D1 : E1 : F1 ##EQU7## D1 = A1
.times. F1 C1 ##EQU7.2## E1 = B1 .times. F1 C1 ##EQU7.3##
[0145] The horizontal and vertical screen size values (G1, H1) of
the display screen 830 are provided to the image size adjusting
portion 828 (906). In one embodiment of the invention, the screen
size values G1 and H1, and the distance value F1 are fixed and
stored in the image size adjusting portion 828. In another
embodiment of the invention, the screen size values G1 and H1, and
the distance value F1 are manually provided to the image size
adjusting portion 828.
[0146] Image magnification (reduction) ratios d and e are
calculated from the following Equation VI (908). The ratios d and e
represent horizontal and vertical magnification (reduction) ratios
for the display screens 830 and 842, respectively. Equation .times.
.times. VI : .times. d = D1 G1 ##EQU8## e = E1 H1 ##EQU8.2##
[0147] This is to perform magnification or reduction of the
provided image 826 with regard to the screen sizes (G1, H1). If the
calculated value "D1" is greater than the horizontal screen size
value (G1), the provided image needs to be magnified as much as
"d." If the calculated value "D1" is less than the horizontal
screen size value (G1), the provided image needs to be reduced as
much as "d." The same applies to the calculated value "E1." This
magnification or reduction enables a viewer to recognize the image
at the same ratio that the camera 110 photographed the object. The
combination of the display devices 86 and 88 provides a viewer with
a more realistic three-dimensional image.
[0148] It is determined whether the magnification (reduction)
ratios (d, e) are greater than "1" (910). If both of the ratios (d,
e) are greater than 1, the image data 826 are magnified as much as
"d" and "e," respectively, as shown in FIG. 10A (912). In one
embodiment of the invention, the portion of the image greater than
the screen sizes (G1, H1) is cut out as shown in FIG. 10A
(914).
[0149] If both of the ratios "d" and "e" are not greater than 1, it
is determined whether the magnification (reduction) ratios (d, e)
are less than "1" (916). If both of the ratios d and e are less
than 1, the image data 826 are reduced as much as "d" and "e,"
respectively, as shown in FIG. 10B (918). In one embodiment of the
invention, the blank portion of the screen is filled with
background color, e.g., black color, as shown in FIG. 10B
(920).
[0150] If both of the ratios d and e are equal to 1, no adjustment
of the image size is made (922). In this situation, since the
magnification (reduction) ratio is 1, no magnification or reduction
of the image is made as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0151] Now referring to FIG. 11, the entire operation of the system
shown in FIG. 8 will be described. Photographing an object is
performed using a set of stereoscopic cameras 110 and 120 (1120),
as exemplified in FIG. 1A. Each of the cameras 110 and 120
calculates the photographing ratio (A1:B1:C1) and (A2:B2:C2),
respectively (1140), for example, using the method shown in FIG.
6.
[0152] The image data and the photographing ratio that are
calculated for the image are combined for each of the stereoscopic
cameras 110 and 120 (1160). The combined data are illustrated as
reference numerals 802 and 804 in FIG. 8. In one embodiment of the
invention, the combining is performed per a frame of the image
data. In one embodiment of the invention, as long as the
photographing ratio remains unchanged, the combining may not be
performed and only image data without the photographing ratio may
be transmitted to the display site 82. In that situation, when the
photographing ratio is changed, the combining may resume.
Alternatively, the photographing ratio is not combined, and rather,
is transmitted separately from the image data. Each of the
transmitters 806 and 808 transmits the combined data to the display
site 82 through the communication network 84 (1180).
[0153] Each of the receivers 820 and 832 receives the transmitted
data from the camera site 80 (1200). The photographing ratio and
image data are separated from the combined data (1220).
Alternatively to 1200 and 1220, the image data and photographing
ratio are separately received as they are not combined in
transmission. In one embodiment of the invention, the combined data
may not include a photographing ratio. In that circumstance, the
photographing ratio that has been received most recently is used
for calculating the screen ratio. In one embodiment of the
invention, the screen ratio may remain unchanged until the new
photographing ratio is received.
[0154] The screen ratios (D1:E1:F1) and (D2:E2:F2) for each of the
display devices 86 and 88 are calculated using the method described
with regard to FIG. 9 (1240). The stereoscopic images are displayed
such that each of the photographing ratios (A1:B1:C1) and
(A2:B2:C2) is substantially the same as each of the screen ratios
(D1:E1:F1) and (D2:E2:F2) (1260). In this situation, the image may
be magnified or reduced with regard to the screen size of each of
the display devices 86 and 88 as discussed with reference to FIGS.
9 and 10.
Method and System for Controlling the Display Location of a
Stereoscopic Image
[0155] FIG. 12 illustrates examples of the display system according
to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12A illustrates a head
mount display (HMD) system. The HMD system comprises the pair of
the display screens 1200 and 1220. For convenience, the electronic
display mechanism as exemplified in FIG. 8 is omitted in this HMD
system. A viewer wears the HMD on his or her head and watches
stereoscopic images through each display screen 1200 and 1220.
Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the screen-viewer's eye
distance (F) may be fixed. In another embodiment of the invention,
the distance (F) may be measured with a known distance detection
sensor and provided to the HMD system. Another embodiment of the
invention includes a 3D display system as shown in FIG. 1B. Another
embodiment of the display devices includes a pair of projection
devices that project a set of stereoscopic images on the
screen.
[0156] FIG. 12B illustrates a 3D display system according to
another embodiment of the invention. The display system comprises a
V shaped mirror 1240, and a set of display devices 1260 and 1280.
In one embodiment of the invention, the display devices 1260 and
1280 are substantially the same as the display devices 86 and 88 of
FIG. 8 except for further comprising an inverting portion (not
shown), respectively. The inverting portion inverts the left and
right sides of the image to be displayed. The V shaped mirror 1240
reflects the images coming from the display devices 1260 and 1280
to a viewer's eyes. Thus, the viewer watches a reflected image from
the V shaped mirror 1240. The 3D display system comprising the V
shaped mirror is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/067,628,
which was filed on Feb. 4, 2002, by the same inventor as this
application and is incorporated by reference herein. For
convenience, hereinafter, the description of inventive aspects will
be mainly made based on the display system as shown in FIG. 12B,
however, the invention is applicable to other display systems such
as the one shown in FIG. 12A.
[0157] FIG. 13 illustrates a 3D display system including an eye
position fixing device 1300 according to one aspect of the
invention. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the eye position fixing
device 1300 is located in front of the V shaped mirror 1240 at a
predetermined distance from the mirror 1240. The eye position
fixing device 1300 is used for fixing the distance between the
mirror 1240 and a viewer's eyes. The eye position fixing device
1300 is also used for locating a viewer's eyes such that each of
the viewer's eyes are substantially perpendicular to each of the
mirror (imaginary) images. A pair of holes 1320 and 1340 defined in
the device 1300 are configured to allow the viewer to see each of
the center points of the reflected images. In one embodiment of the
invention, the size of each of the holes 1320 and 1340 is big
enough to allow the viewer to see a complete half portion (left or
right portion) of the V shaped mirror 1240 at a predetermined
distance and location as exemplified in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In one
embodiment of the invention, the eye position fixing device 1300
may be used for fixing the location of a viewer's eyes as necessary
with regard to the other aspects of the invention as discussed
below.
[0158] FIG. 14A illustrates a relationship between the displayed
images and a viewer's eyes. Distance (W.sub.d) represents the
distance between the center points (1430, 1440) of each of the
displayed images (1410, 1420). Distance (W.sub.a) represents the
distance between the center points (1450, 1460) of each of a
viewer's eyes. The distance W.sub.a varies from person to person.
Normally the distance increases as a person grows and it does not
change when he or she reaches a certain age. The average distance
of an adult may be 70 mm. Some people may have 80 mm distance,
other people may have 60 mm distance. Distance (V.sub.a) represents
the distance between the center points (1470, 1480) of each of a
viewer's eye lenses. Here, a lens means a piece of round
transparent flesh behind the pupil of an eye. The lens moves along
the movement of the eye. The distance V.sub.a changes according to
the distance (F) between an object and the viewer's eyes. The
farther the distance (F) is, the greater the value V.sub.a becomes.
Referring to FIG. 14B, when a viewer sees an object farther than,
for example, 10,000 m, V.sub.a has the maximum value (V.sub.amax)
which is substantially the same as the distance W.sub.a.
[0159] Traditional 3D display systems display images without
considering the value W.sub.a. This means that the distance value
(W.sub.d) is the same for all viewers regardless of the fact that
they have a different W.sub.a value. These traditional systems
caused several undesirable problems such as headache or dizziness
of the viewer, and deterioration of a sense of three dimension. In
order to produce a more realistic three-dimensional image and to
reduce headaches or dizziness of a viewer, the distance W.sub.d
needs to be determined by considering the distance W.sub.a. The
consideration of the W.sub.a value may provide a viewer with better
and more realistic three-dimensional images. In one embodiment of
the invention, the distance W.sub.d is adjusted such that the
distance W.sub.d is substantially the same as W.sub.a.
[0160] FIG. 15 illustrates a 3D image display system according to
one aspect of the invention. Once again, the system may be used
with, for example, either a HMD system or a display system with the
V shaped mirror shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a projection display
system, respectively.
[0161] The system shown in FIG. 15 comprises a pair of display
devices 1260 and 1280, and a pair of input devices 1400 and 1500.
Each of the input devices 1400 and 1500 provides the distance value
W.sub.a, to each of the display devices 1260 and 1280. In one
embodiment of the invention, each of the input devices 1400 and
1500 comprises a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, or a remote
controller. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the input
devices 1400 and 1500 may be omitted and the other input device is
used for providing the distance value W.sub.a to both of the
display devices 1260 and 1280.
[0162] The display devices 1260 and 1280 comprise interfaces 1510
and 1550, microcomputers 1520 and 1560, display drivers 1530 and
1570, and display screens 1540 and 1580, respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, each of the display screens 1540 and
1580 comprises a LCD screen, a CRT screen, or a PDP screen. The
interfaces 1510 and 1550 provide the interface between the input
devices 1400 and 1500 and the microcomputers 1520 and 1560,
respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the
interfaces 1510 and 1550 comprises a typical input device
controller and/or a typical interface module (not shown).
[0163] There may be several methods to measure and provide the
distance (W.sub.a). As one example, an optometrist may measure the
W.sub.a value of a viewer with eye examination equipment. In this
situation, the viewer may input the value (W.sub.a) via the input
devices 1400, 1500. As another example, an eye lens motion detector
may be used in measuring the W.sub.a value. In this situation, the
W.sub.a value may be provided from the detector to either the input
devices 1400, 1500 or the interfaces 1510, 1550 in FIG. 15.
[0164] As another example, as shown in FIG. 14C, the W.sub.a value
may be measured using a pair of parallel pipes 200, 220, about 1 m
in length and about 1 mm in diameter, which are spaced
approximately 1 cm apart from a viewer's eyes. Each end of the
pipes 200, 220 is open. The pipe distance (P.sub.d) may be adjusted
between about 40 mm and about 120 mm by widening or narrowing the
pipes 200, 220. The pipes 200, 220 maintain a parallel alignment
while they are widened or narrowed. A ruler 240 may be attached
into the pipes 200, 220, as shown in FIG. 14C so that the ruler 240
can measure the distance between the pipes 200, 220. When the
viewer sees the holes 260, 280 completely through the holes 200,
220, respectively, the ruler 240 indicates the W.sub.a value of the
viewer. In another embodiment, red and blue color materials (paper,
plastic, or glass) may cover the holes 260, 280, respectively. In
this situation, the pipe distance (P.sub.d) is the W.sub.a value of
the viewer where the viewer perceives a purple color from the holes
260, 280 by the combination of the red and blue colors.
[0165] Each of the microcomputers 1520 and 1560 determines an
amount of movement for the displayed images based on the provided
W.sub.a value such that the W.sub.d value is substantially the same
as the W.sub.a value. In one embodiment of the invention, each
microcomputer (1520, 1560) initializes the distance value W.sub.d
and determines an amount of movement for the displayed images based
on the value W.sub.a and the initialized value W.sub.d. Each of the
display drivers 1530 and 1570 moves the displayed images based on
the determined movement amount and displays the moved images on
each of the display screens 1540 and 1580. In one embodiment of the
invention, each microcomputer (1520, 1560) may incorporate the
function of each of the display drivers 1530 and 1570. In that
situation, the display drivers 1530 and 1570 may be omitted.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 16, the operation of the system of FIG. 15
will be described. A set of stereoscopic images are displayed in
the pair of display screens 1540 and 1580 (1610). The stereoscopic
images may be provided from the stereoscopic cameras 110 and 120,
respectively, as exemplified in FIG. 1A. The distance (W.sub.d)
between the center points of the displayed images is initialized
(1620). In one embodiment of the invention, the initial value may
comprise the eye distance value of the average adult, e.g., "70
mm." The distance (W.sub.a) between the center points of a viewer's
eye lenses is provided (1630).
[0167] It is then determined whether W.sub.a equals W.sub.d (1640).
If W.sub.a equals W.sub.d, no movement of the displayed images is
made (1680). In this situation, since the distance (W.sub.a)
between the center points of the viewer's eye is the same as the
distance (W.sub.d) between the center points of the displayed
images, no adjustment of the displayed images is made.
[0168] If W.sub.a does not equal W.sub.d, it is determined whether
W.sub.a is greater than W.sub.d (1650). If W.sub.a is greater than
W.sub.d, the distance (W.sub.d) needs to be increased until W.sub.d
equals W.sub.a. In this situation, the left image 1750 displayed in
the left screen 1540 is moved to the left side and the right image
1760 displayed in the right screen 1580 is moved to the right side
until the two values are substantially the same as shown in FIG.
17A. Referring to FIG. 17B, movements of the displayed images 1750
and 1760 are conceptually illustrated for the display system with a
V shaped mirror. Since the V shaped mirror reflects the displayed
images, which have been received from the display devices 1260 and
1280, to a viewer, in order for the viewer to see the adjusted
images through the mirror as shown in FIG. 17A, the displayed
images 1750 and 1760 need to be moved with regard to the V shaped
mirror as shown in FIG. 17B. That is, when the displayed images
1750 and 1760 are moved as shown in FIG. 17B, the viewer who sees
the V shaped mirror perceives the image movement as shown in FIG.
17A.
[0169] With regard to the HMD system shown in FIG. 12A, the
movement direction of the displayed images is the same as the
direction of those shown in FIG. 17A. With regard to the projection
display system described in connection with FIG. 15, since the
projection display system projects images into a screen that is
located across the projection system, the movement direction of the
displayed images is opposite to the direction of those shown in
FIG. 17A.
[0170] If it is determined that W.sub.a is not greater than
W.sub.d, the distance W.sub.d needs to be reduced until W.sub.d
equals W.sub.a. Thus, the left image 1770 displayed in the display
device 1260 is moved to the right side and the right image 1780
displayed in the display device 1280 is moved to the left side
until the two values are substantially the same as shown in FIGS.
17C and 17D. The same explanation with regard to the movement of
the displayed images described in FIGS. 17A and 17B applies to the
system of FIGS. 17C and 17D.
[0171] FIG. 18 illustrates a 3D image display system according to
another embodiment of the invention. The system comprises an input
device 1810, a microcomputer 1820, a pair of servo mechanisms 1830
and 1835, and a pair of display devices 1840 and 1845. The input
device 1810 provides a viewer's input, i.e., the distance value
W.sub.a, to each of the display devices 1260 and 1280. In one
embodiment of the invention, the input device 1810 may be a
keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, or a remote controller, for
example. An interface is omitted for convenience.
[0172] The microcomputer 1820 determines an amount of the movement
for the display devices 1840 and 1845 based on the provided value
W.sub.a such that the W.sub.d value is substantially the same as
the W.sub.a value. In one embodiment of the invention, the
microcomputer 1820 initializes the distance value (W.sub.d) and
determines an amount of the movement for the display devices 1840
and 1845 based on the value W.sub.a and the initialized value
W.sub.d. Each of the servo mechanisms 1830 and 1835 moves the
display devices 1840 and 1845, respectively, based on the
determined movement amount.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 19, the operation of the system of FIG. 18
will be described. Each of stereoscopic images is displayed in the
display devices 1840 and 1845 (1850). The distance (W.sub.d)
between the center points of the displayed images is initialized
(1855). In one embodiment of the invention, the initial value may
be "70 mm." The distance (W.sub.a) between the center points of a
viewer's eyes is provided to the microcomputer 1820 (1860). It is
determined whether W.sub.a equals W.sub.d (1870). If W.sub.a equals
W.sub.d, no movement of the display devices 1840 and 1845 is made
(1910). If it is determined that W.sub.a is greater than W.sub.d
(1880), the servo mechanisms 1830 and 1835 move the display devices
1840 and 1845, respectively such that W.sub.d is widened to W.sub.a
as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. If it is determined that W.sub.a is
not greater than W.sub.d, the servo mechanisms 1830 and 1835 move
the display devices 1840 and 1845, respectively such that W.sub.d
is narrowed to W.sub.a as shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D.
[0174] In another embodiment of the invention, the distance
(V.sub.a) is automatically detected using a known eye lens motion
detector. This embodiment of the invention will be described
referring to FIG. 21A. The detector 2100 detects the distance
V.sub.a between the center points of a viewer's eye lenses. In
addition, the detector 2100 detects the locations of each of the
eye lenses. In FIGS. 21A and 21B, A.sub.2L and A.sub.2R represent
the center points of a viewer's eye lenses, and A.sub.3L and
A.sub.3R represent the center points of a viewer's eyes. As seen in
FIGS. 21A and 21B, the A.sub.3L location is fixed, but the A.sub.2L
location moves. The detector 2100 detects the current locations of
each of the eye lenses. In one embodiment of the invention, the
detector 2100 comprises a known eye lens detecting sensor
disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,089.
[0175] The detected distance and location values are provided to a
microcomputer 2120. The microcomputer 2120 receives the distance
value V.sub.a and determines an amount of movement for the
displayed images or an amount of movement for the display devices
similarly as described with regard to FIGS. 15-20. The determined
amount is used for controlling either the movement of the displayed
images or the movement of the display devices. In addition, the
microcomputer 2120 determines new locations of the center points of
the images based on the location values of the eye lenses. In this
way, the microcomputer 2120 controls the display drivers (1530,
1570) or the servo mechanisms (1830, 1835) to move the stereoscopic
images from the current center points 2212 and 2232 of the images
to, for example, new center points 2222 and 2242 as shown in FIG.
22.
Method and System for Providing the Motion Information of
Stereoscopic Cameras
[0176] FIG. 23 illustrates a camera system for a 3D display system
according to one aspect of the invention. The camera system is
directed to provide photographed image data and camera motion
detection data to a display site. The camera system comprises a set
of stereoscopic cameras 2200, 2210, motion detection devices 2220,
2230, combiners 2240, 2250, and transmitters 2280, 2290. Each of
the stereoscopic cameras 2200, 2210 captures an image and provides
the captured image data to each of the combiners 2240, 2250.
[0177] The motion detection devices 2220 and 2230 detect the motion
of the cameras 2200 and 2210, respectively. The motion of the
cameras 2200 and 2210 may comprise motions for upper and lower
directions, and left and right directions as shown in FIG. 23. Each
detection device (2220, 2230) provides the detection data to each
of the combiners 2240 and 2250. In one embodiment of the invention,
if each of the detection devices 2220 and 2230 does not detect any
motion of the cameras 2200 and 2210, the devices 2220 and 2230 may
provide no detection data or provide information data representing
no motion detection to the combiners 2240 and 2250. In one
embodiment of the invention, each of the motion detection devices
2220 and 2230 comprises a typical motion detection sensor. The
motion detection sensor may provide textual or graphical detection
data to the combiners 2240 and 2250.
[0178] The combiners 2240 and 2250 combine the image data and the
motion detection data, and provide the combined data 2260 and 2270
to the transmitters 2280 and 2290, respectively. If the combiners
2240 and 2250 receive information data representing no motion
detection from the motion detection devices 2220 and 2230, or if
the combiners 2240 and 2250 do not receive any motion data, each
combiner (2240, 2250) provides only the image data to the
transmitters 2280 and 2290 without motion detection data. In one
embodiment of the invention, each of the combiners 2240 and 2250
comprises a typical multiplexer. Each of the transmitters 2280 and
2290 transmits the combined data 2260 and 2270 to the display site
through a communication network (not shown).
[0179] FIG. 24 illustrates a display system corresponding to the
camera system shown in FIG. 23. The display system is directed to
provide camera motion to a viewer. The camera system comprises a
pair of receivers 2300 and 2310, data separators 2320 and 2330,
image processors 2340 and 2360, microcomputers 2350 and 2370, on
screen data (OSD) circuits 2390 and 2410, combiners 2380 and 2400,
display drivers 2420 and 2430, and display screens 2440 and
2450.
[0180] Each of the receivers 2300 and 2310 receives the combined
data transmitted from the camera system, and provides the received
data to the data separators 2320 and 2330, respectively. Each of
the data separators 2320 and 2330 separates the image data and the
motion detection data from the received data. The image data are
provided to the image processors 2340 and 2360. The motion
detection data are provided to the microcomputers 2350 and 2370.
The image processors 2340 and 2360 perform typical image data
processing for the image data, and provide the processed data to
the combiners 2380 and 2400, respectively.
[0181] Each of the microcomputers 2350 and 2370 determines camera
motion information from the motion detection data. In one
embodiment of the invention, each microcomputer (2350, 2370)
determines camera motion information for at least four directions,
e.g., upper, lower, left, right. The microcomputers 2350 and 2370
provide the determined camera motion information to the OSD
circuits 2390 and 2410, respectively. Each of the OSD circuits 2390
and 2410 produces OSD data representing camera motion based on the
determined motion information. In one embodiment of the invention,
the OSD data comprise arrow indications 2442-2448 showing the
motions of the cameras 2200 and 2210. The arrows 2442 and 2448 mean
that the camera has moved to the upper and lower directions,
respectively. The arrows 2444 and 2446 mean that the camera has
moved to the left and right directions, respectively.
[0182] The combiners 2380 and 2400 combine the processed image data
and the OSD data, and provide the combined image to the display
drivers 2420 and 2430. Each of the display drivers 2420 and 2430
displays the combined image in each of the display screens 2440 and
2450.
[0183] Referring to FIG. 25, the operation of the camera and
display systems shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 will be described. Each of
the stereoscopic cameras 2200 and 2210 images an object (2460). The
pair of the motion detection devices 2220 and 2230 detect the
motions of the cameras 2200 and 2210, respectively (2470). The
photographed image data and the motion detection data are combined
in each of the combiners 2240 and 2250 (2480). The combined data
2260 and 2270 are transmitted to the display site through a
communication network (2490). Other embodiments may not have the
combining and separation of data as shown in the diagrams.
[0184] The transmitted data from the camera system are provided to
the data separators 2320 and 2330 via the receivers 2300 and 2310
(2500). The image data and the motion detection data are separated
in the data separators 2320 and 2330 (2510). The image data are
provided to the image processors 2340 and 2360, and each of the
processors 2340 and 2360 processes the image data (2520). The
motion detection data are provided to the microcomputers 2350 and
2370, and each of the microcomputers 2350 and 2370 determines
motion information from the motion detection data (2520).
[0185] OSD data corresponding to motion information are generated
based on the determined motion information in the OSD circuits 2390
and 2410 (2530). The processed image data and the OSD data are
combined together in the combiners 2380 and 2400 (2540). The
combined data are displayed in the display screens 2440 and 2450
(2550). When the OSD data are displayed on the display screens 2440
and 2450, this means that at least one of the cameras 2200 and 2210
has moved. Thus, the image also moves in the direction in which the
cameras 2200 and 2210 have moved. This is for guiding a viewer's
eye lenses to track the motion of the cameras 2200 and 2210. In one
embodiment of the invention, the arrows 2442-2448 are displayed
right before the image is moved by the movement of the cameras so
that a viewer can expect the movement of the images in advance.
[0186] In another embodiment of the invention, the display system
may allow the viewer to know the movement of the cameras 2200 and
2210 by providing a voice message that represents the movement of
the cameras. By way of example, the voice message may be "the
stereoscopic cameras have moved in the upper direction" or "the
cameras have moved in the right direction." In this embodiment of
the invention, the OSD circuits 2390 and 2410 may be omitted. In
another embodiment of the invention, both of the OSD data and voice
message representing the movement of the cameras may be provided to
the viewer.
[0187] In one embodiment of the invention, the camera and display
systems shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 comprise the functions in which
the image is displayed such that the photographing ratio (A:B:C)
equals the screen ratio (A:B:C) as discussed with regard to FIGS.
7-11. In another embodiment of the invention, the systems may
comprise the function that displays stereoscopic images such that
the distance between the center points of the stereoscopic images
are substantially the same as the distance between the center
points of a viewer's eyes as discussed with regard to FIGS.
15-22.
[0188] Another aspect of the invention provides a 3D display system
that controls the movement of the cameras according to a viewer's
eye lens movement. Before describing the aspect of the invention,
the relationship between a viewer's eyes and a set of stereoscopic
cameras will be described by referring to FIGS. 26-28.
[0189] FIG. 26A is a conceptual drawing that illustrates parameters
for stereoscopic cameras. Each of the cameras 30 and 32 comprises
object lenses 34 and 36, respectively. The camera parameters
comprise C.sub.2L, C.sub.2R, C.sub.3L, C.sub.3R, S.sub.CL,
S.sub.CR, V.sub.c and W.sub.c. C.sub.2L and C.sub.2R represent the
center points of the object lenses 34 and 36, respectively.
C.sub.3L and C.sub.3R represent rotation axes of the cameras 30 and
32, respectively. S.sub.CL represents the line connecting C.sub.2L
and C.sub.3L. S.sub.CR represents the line connecting C.sub.2R and
C.sub.3R. V.sub.c represents the distance between C.sub.2L and
C.sub.2R. W.sub.c represents the distance between C.sub.3L and
C.sub.3R.
[0190] The rotation axes C.sub.3L and C.sub.3R do not move and are
the axes around which the cameras 30 and 32 rotate. The rotation
axes C.sub.3L and C.sub.3R allow the cameras 30 and 32 to rotate by
behaving like a car windshield wiper, respectively, as shown in
FIGS. 27B-27E. FIG. 27A illustrates a default position of the
cameras 30 and 32. FIGS. 27B-27D illustrate the horizontal
movements of the cameras 30 and 32. FIG. 27E illustrates the
vertical movements of the cameras 30 and 32. In one embodiment of
the invention, while they are moving and after they move as shown
in FIGS. 27B-27E, each of the cameras 30 and 32 is substantially
parallel to each other. FIG. 27F is a front view of one of the
stereoscopic cameras and exemplifies the movements of the camera in
eight directions. The diagonal movements 46a-46d may be performed
by the combination of the horizontal and vertical movements. For
example, the movement "46a" is made by moving the camera to the
left and upper directions.
[0191] FIG. 26B is a conceptual drawing that illustrates parameters
for a viewer's eyes. Each of the eyes 38 and 40 comprises eye
lenses 42 and 44, respectively. Each of the eye lenses is located
substantially in the outside surface of the eyes. This means that
the distance between each center point of the eyes and each eye
lens is substantially the same as the radius of the eye. The eye
lens moves along with the rotation of the eye. The eye parameters
comprise A.sub.2L, A.sub.2R, A.sub.3L, A.sub.3R, S.sub.AL,
S.sub.AR, V.sub.a and W.sub.a. A.sub.2L and A.sub.2R represent the
center points of the eye lenses 42 and 44, respectively. Each of
the eye lenses 42 and 44 performs substantially the same function
as the object lenses 34 and 36 of the stereoscopic cameras 30 and
32 in terms of receiving an image. Thus, the eye parameters
A.sub.2L and A.sub.2R may correspond to the camera parameters
C.sub.2L and C.sub.2R.
[0192] A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R represent rotation axes of the eyes 38
and 40, respectively. The rotation axes A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R are
the axes around which the eyes 38 and 40 rotate. The rotation axes
A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R allow the eyes 38 and 40 to rotate as shown
in FIGS. 28B-28D. As the rotation axes C.sub.3L and C.sub.3R of the
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 do not move while the cameras 30 and
32 are rotating, so the rotation axes A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R of a
viewer's eyes 38 and 40 do not move while the eyes 38 and 40 are
rotating. Thus, the eye parameters A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R may
correspond to the camera parameters C.sub.3L and C.sub.3R.
[0193] S.sub.AL represents the line connecting A.sub.2L and
A.sub.3L. S.sub.AR represents the line connecting A.sub.2R and
A.sub.3R. As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the eye parameters
S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR may correspond to the camera parameters
S.sub.CL and S.sub.CR, respectively. V.sub.a represents the
distance between A.sub.2L and A.sub.2R. W.sub.a represents the
distance between A.sub.3L and. A.sub.3R. Similarly, the eye
parameters V.sub.a and W.sub.a may correspond to the camera
parameters V.sub.c and W.sub.c, respectively.
[0194] Referring to FIGS. 28A-28C, it can be seen that when the
directions of the eyes 38 and 40 change, only the directions of
S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR change while the rotations axes A.sub.3L and
A.sub.3R are fixed. This means that W.sub.a is constant while the
lines S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR change. Thus, in order to control the
movements of the cameras 30 and 32 based on the movements of the
eyes 38 and 40, the directions of the camera lines S.sub.CL and
S.sub.CR, need to be controlled based on those of eye lines
S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR while the distance W.sub.c is constant.
[0195] FIG. 28A illustrates an example of the eye configuration in
which a viewer sees an object at least "10,000 m" distant from him
or her. This example corresponds to the camera configuration in
which the focal length of the cameras are infinity. As discussed
before, when a viewer sees an object farther than, for example,
"10,000 m," the distance (V.sub.a) between the center points
A.sub.2L and A.sub.2R of the eye lenses 42 and 44 is substantially
the same as the distance (W.sub.a) between the center points
A.sub.3L and A.sub.3R of the eyes 38 and 40.
[0196] When a viewer sees an object that is located in front of him
or her and is closer than, for example, "10 m," the viewer's left
eye rotates in a clockwise direction and right eye rotates in a
counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 28B. Consequently, the
distance V.sub.a becomes shorter than the distance W.sub.a. If a
viewer sees an object that is located in a slightly right front
side of him or her, each of the eyes rotates in a clockwise
direction as shown in FIG. 28C. In this situation, the distance
V.sub.a may be less than the distance W.sub.a. FIG. 28D exemplifies
the movements of the eyes in eight directions.
Method and System for Controlling the Motion of Stereoscopic
Cameras Based on a Viewer's Eye Lens Motion
[0197] FIG. 29 illustrates a 3D display system for controlling a
set of stereoscopic cameras according to another aspect of the
invention. The system comprises a camera site and a display site.
The display site is directed to transmit eye lens motion data to
the camera site. The camera site is directed to control the set of
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 based on the eye lens motion
data.
[0198] The display site comprises an eye lens motion detecting
device 3000, a transmitter 3010, a pair of display devices 2980 and
2990, a pair of receivers 2960 and 2970, and a V shaped mirror
2985. When the camera site transmits stereoscopic images through a
pair of transmitters 2900 and 2930 to the display site, the display
site receives the images and displays through the display devices
2980 and 2990. A viewer sees stereoscopic images through the V
shaped mirror that reflects the displayed image to the viewer.
While the viewer is watching the images, the viewer's eye lenses
may move in directions, e.g., latitudinal (upper or lower) and
longitudinal (clockwise or counterclockwise) directions. Once
again, another display device such as a HMD, or a projection
display device as discussed above, may be used.
[0199] The eye lens motion detecting device 3000 detects motions of
each of a viewer's eye lenses while a viewer is watching 3D images
through the V shaped mirror. The motions may comprise current
locations of the eye lenses. The detecting device 3000 is
substantially the same as the device 2100 shown in FIG. 21A. The
detecting device 3000 may convert the movements of the eye lenses
to data that a microcomputer 2940 of the camera site can recognize,
and provide the converted data to the transmitter 3010. In one
embodiment of the invention, the detection data may comprise a pair
of (x,y) values for each of the eye lenses.
[0200] The transmitter 3010 transmits the eye lens motion data to
the camera site through a communication network 3015. The detection
data may comprise identification data that identify each of the
left and right eye lenses in the camera site. In one embodiment of
the invention, the display site may comprise a pair of transmitters
each transmitting left and right eye lens motion data to the camera
site. In one embodiment of the invention, before transmitting the
motion data, data modification such as encoding and/or modulation
adapted for transmitting may be performed.
[0201] The camera site comprises a set of stereoscopic cameras 30
and 32, a receiver 2950, a microcomputer 2940, a pair of camera
controllers 2910 and 2920, the pair of transmitters 2900 and 2930.
The receiver 2950 receives the eye lens motion data from the
display site, and provides the data to the microcomputer 2940. The
microcomputer 2940 determines each of the eye lens motion data from
the received data, and provides the left and right eye lens motion
data to the camera controllers 2910 and 2920, respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, the camera site may comprise a pair of
receivers each of which receives left and right eye lens motion
data from the display site, respectively. In that situation, each
receiver provides each eye lens detection data to corresponding
camera controllers 2910 and 2920, respectively, and the
microcomputer 2940 may be omitted.
[0202] The camera controllers 2910 and 2920 control each of the
cameras 30 and 32 based on the received eye lens motion data. That
is, the camera controllers 2910 and 2920 control movement of each
of the cameras 30 and 32 in substantially the same directions as
each of the eye lenses 42 and 44 moves. Referring to FIG. 30, the
camera controllers 2910 and 2920 comprise servo controllers 3140
and 3190, horizontal motors 3120 and 3160, and vertical motors 3130
and 3180, respectively. Each of the servo controllers 3140 and 3190
controls the horizontal and vertical motors (3120, 3160, 3130,
3180) based on the received eye lens motion data. Each of the
horizontal motors 3120 and 3160, respectively moves the cameras 30
and 32 in the horizontal directions. Each of the vertical motors
3130 and 3180, respectively moves the cameras 30 and 32 in the
vertical directions.
[0203] FIG. 31 illustrates a flow chart showing the operation of
the camera controllers 2910 and 2920 according to one aspect of the
invention. FIG. 32A illustrates a table for controlling horizontal
and vertical motors. FIG. 32B illustrates a conceptual drawing that
explains motion of the camera. Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the
operation of the camera controllers 2910 and 2920 will be
described. Since the operation of the camera controllers 2910 and
2920 are substantially the same, only the operation of the camera
controller 2910 will be described. The servo controller 3140
initializes camera adjusting values (3200). In one embodiment of
the invention, the initialization of the camera adjusting values
may comprise setting a default value, for example, "(x,y)=(0,0)"
which means no movement. These values correspond to the eye lens
motion data detected in a situation where a viewer sees the front
direction without moving their eye lenses. In one embodiment of the
invention, the initialization may comprise setting the relationship
between the adjusting values and the actual movement amount of the
camera 30 as shown in FIG. 32.
[0204] The eye lens motion data are provided to the servo
controller 3140 (3210). In one embodiment of the invention, the eye
lens motion data comprise (x,y) coordinate values, where x and y
represent the horizontal and vertical motions of each of the eye
lenses, respectively.
[0205] The servo controller 3140 determines camera adjusting values
(X, Y) based on the provided eye lens motion data. It is determined
whether X equals "0" (3230). If X is "0," the servo controller 3140
does not move the horizontal motor 3120 (3290). If X is not "0," it
is determined whether X is greater than "0" (3240). If X is greater
than "0," the servo controller 3140 operates the horizontal motor
3120 to move the camera 30 in the right direction (3270). As
exemplified in FIG. 32A, if the value X is, for example, "1," the
movement amount is "2.degree.," and the direction is clockwise
(.theta..sub.3 direction). If the value X is, for example, "2," the
movement is "4.degree." in a clockwise direction.
[0206] If X is not greater than "0," meaning this means that X is
less than "0," the servo controller 3140 operates the horizontal
motor 3120 so as to move the camera 30 in a counterclockwise
(.theta..sub.1) direction (3260). Referring to FIG. 32, if the
value X is, for example, "-1," the movement amount is "2.degree.,"
and the direction is counterclockwise. If the value x is, for
example, "-3," the movement is "6.degree." in a counterclockwise
(.theta..sub.1) direction.
[0207] Similarly, it is determined whether Y equals "0" (3300). If
Y is "0," the servo controller 3140 does not move the vertical
motor 3130 (3290). If Y is not "0," it is determined whether Y is
greater than "0" (3310). If Y is greater than "0," the servo
controller 3140 operates the vertical motor 3130 to move the camera
30 to +latitudinal (upper: .theta..sub.2) direction (3320). If the
value Y is, for example, "2," the movement is "4.degree." in the
upper direction.
[0208] If Y is not greater than "0," the servo controller 3140
operates the vertical motor 3130 so as to move the camera 30 in the
lower direction (3330). If the value Y is, for example, "-3," the
movement amount is "6.degree.," and the direction is in a
-latitudinal (lower: .theta..sub.4) direction.
[0209] Now, the entire operation of the system shown in FIG. 29
will be described with reference to FIG. 33. The eye lens motion
detection device 3000 is provided to the display site of the system
(3020). A viewer's eye lens motion is detected by the eye lens
motion detection device 3000 while the viewer is watching
stereoscopic images (3030). The eye lens motion data are
transmitted to the camera site through the transmitter 3010 and the
communication network 3015 (3040). As discussed above, either one
transmitter or a pair of transmitters may be used.
[0210] The receiver 2950 of the camera site receives the eye lens
motion data from the display site (3050). The camera adjusting
values are determined based on the eye lens motion data (3060). The
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 are controlled by the determined
camera adjusting values (3070). In this way, the stereoscopic
cameras 30 and 32 are controlled such that the cameras keep track
of the eye lens motion. In terms of the viewer, he or she notices
that as soon as his or her eye lenses are moved to a certain
direction, stereoscopic images are also moved in the direction to
which the eye lenses has moved.
[0211] FIG. 34 illustrates a stereoscopic camera controller system
used for a 3D display system according to another aspect of the
invention. For convenience, the display site is not shown. This
aspect of the invention selects a pair of stereoscopic cameras
corresponding to movement amount of the eye lenses among plural
sets of stereoscopic cameras instead of controlling the movement of
the pair of stereoscopic cameras.
[0212] The system comprises a microcomputer 3430, a memory 3440,
camera selectors 3420 and 3425, and plural sets of stereoscopic
cameras 30a and 32a, 30b and 32b, and 30c and 32c. The memory 3440
stores a table as shown in FIG. 35. The table shows relationship
between camera adjusting values and selected cameras. The camera
adjusting value "(0,0)" corresponds to, for example, a set of
cameras C33 as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36B. The camera adjusting
value "(1,0)" corresponds to a set of cameras C34 as shown in FIGS.
35 and 36B. The camera adjusting value "(2,2)" corresponds to the
C15 camera set as shown in the Figures. In one embodiment of the
invention, another set of stereoscopic cameras is selected from the
sets of cameras such as one of the C34 camera set and one of the
C32 camera set.
[0213] FIG. 36A is a top view of the plural sets of stereoscopic
cameras. In one embodiment of the invention, the contour line that
is made by connecting all of the object lenses of the plural sets
of stereoscopic cameras is similar to the contour line of a
viewer's eyes which is exposed to the outside.
[0214] The microcomputer 3430 determines camera adjusting values
based on the received eye lens motion data. The microcomputer 3430
also determines first and second camera selection signals based on
the table stored in the memory 3440. The first selection signal is
determined based on the movement of a viewer's left eye lens, and
used for controlling the camera selector 3420. The second selection
signal is determined based on the movement of a viewer's right eye
lens, and used for controlling the camera selector 3425. The
microcomputer 3430 provides each of the selection signals to the
camera selectors 3420 and 3425, respectively.
[0215] The camera selectors 3420 and 3425 select the respective
camera based on the selection signal. In one embodiment of the
invention, a base set of cameras (e.g., C33) shown in FIG. 36B,
image an object and transmit the image to the display site through
the transmitters 2900 and 2930, respectively. In this embodiment of
the invention, if the camera selectors 3420 and 3425 select another
set of cameras, the selected set of cameras image the object and
transmit the image to the display site through the transmitters
2900 and 2930. In one embodiment of the invention, all of the
cameras are turned on and a first set of cameras are connected to
the transmitters 2900 and 2930, respectively. In this embodiment of
the invention, when a second set of cameras are selected, the first
set of cameras are disconnected from the transmitters 2900 and
2930, and the second set of cameras are connected to the
transmitters 2900 and 2930, respectively. In another embodiment of
the invention, only a selected set of cameras are turned on and the
non-selected set of cameras remain turned off. In one embodiment of
the invention, each of the camera selectors 3420 and 3425 comprises
a switch that performs switching between the plural sets of
stereoscopic cameras 30a and 32a, 30b and 32b, and 30c and 32c and
the transmitters 2900 and 2925, respectively.
[0216] Referring to FIG. 37, the operation of the system shown in
FIG. 34 will be described. A base set of cameras (e.g., C33) of
FIG. 36, image an object (3710). Eye lens motion data are received
from the display site (3720). Camera adjusting values are
determined based on the received eye lens motion data (3730). The
camera adjusting values are exemplified in the table of FIG. 35.
Camera selection signals are determined based on the determined
camera adjusting values (3740), for example, using the relationship
of the table of FIG. 35. It is determined whether a new set of
cameras have been selected (3750). If no new set of cameras are
selected, the image output from the base cameras is transmitted to
the display site (3780). If a new set of cameras (e.g., C35) is
selected, the base cameras (C33) are disconnected from the
transmitter 2900 and the new cameras (C35) are connected to the
transmitters 2900 and 2930 (3760). The selected cameras (C35) image
the object (3770), and the image output from the selected cameras
is transmitted to the display site (3790).
[0217] Regarding the embodiments described with regard to FIGS.
29-37, the camera control may be used in remote control technology
such as a remote surgery, remote control of a vehicle, an airplane,
or aircraft, fighter, or remote control of construction,
investigation or automatic assembly equipments.
Method and System of Stereoscopic Image Display for Guiding a
Viewer's Eye Lens Motion Using a Three-dimensional Mouse
[0218] FIG. 38 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. The 3D display system is directed to guide
a viewer's eye lens motion using a three-dimensional input device.
The system is also directed to adjust displayed images using the 3D
input device such that the longitudinal and latitudinal locations
of the center points of a viewer's eye lenses are substantially the
same as those of the center points of the displayed images. In one
embodiment of the invention, the 3D input device comprises a 3D
mouse (will be described later).
[0219] The system comprises a set of stereoscopic cameras 30 and
32, a pair of transmitters 2900 and 2930, a set of display devices
3900 and 3910, a 3D mouse 3920, and an input device 3990. The
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32, a pair of transmitters 2900 and
2930, and a pair of receivers 2960 and 2970 are the same as those
shown in FIG. 29. The display devices 3900 and 3910 display
stereoscopic image that has been transmitted from the camera site.
Also, the devices 3900 and 3910 display the pair of 3D mouse
cursors that guide a viewer's eye lens movement.
[0220] In one embodiment of the invention, the input of the 3D
mouse is provided to both the display devices 3900 and 3910 as
shown in FIG. 38. In this embodiment of the invention, the pair of
3D mouse cursors are displayed and moved by the movement of the 3D
mouse 3920.
[0221] In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of the 3D
mouse cursor comprises a square, an arrow, a cross, a square with a
cross therein as shown in FIGS. 40A-40H, a reticle, or a crosshair.
In one embodiment of the invention, a pair of cross square mouse
cursors 400 and 420 as shown in FIG. 40 will be used for the
convenience. In one embodiment of the invention, when a viewer
adjusts a distance value (will be described in more detail
referring to FIGS. 39 and 40) for the displayed images, the
distance (M.sub.d) between the 3D mouse cursors 400 and 420 is
adjusted. Also, in this embodiment of the invention, the size of
the 3D mouse cursors may be adjusted. In this embodiment of the
invention, the viewer adjusts the distance value, for example, by
turning a scroll button of the 3D mouse. For example, by turning
the scroll button backward (towards the user), the viewer can set a
distance value from a larger value to a smaller one (10,000
m.fwdarw.100 m.fwdarw.5 m.fwdarw.1 m.fwdarw.0.5 m.fwdarw.5 cm).
Also, by turning the scroll button forward (opposite direction of
the backward direction), the viewer may set a distance value from a
smaller value to a larger one (5 cm.fwdarw.0.5 m.fwdarw.1
m.fwdarw.5 m.fwdarw.100 m.fwdarw.10,000 m). Hereinafter the
distance value 10,000 m will very often be referred to as an
infinity value or infinity.
[0222] FIG. 39 illustrates one example of a 3D display image. The
image comprises a mountain image portion 3810, a tree image portion
3820, a house image portion 3830 and a person portion image 3840.
It is assumed that the mountain image 3810, the tree image 3820,
the house image 3830, the person image 3840 are photographed in
distances "about 10,000 m," "about 100 m," "about 5 m," and "about
1 m," respectively, spaced from the set of stereoscopic cameras 30
and 32.
[0223] When a viewer wants to see the mountain image 3810 shown in
FIG. 39, he or she may set the distance value as a value greater
than "10,000 m." In this situation, the mouse cursor distance
M.sub.d has M.sub.d0 value which is the same as the W.sub.a
(V.sub.amax) values as shown in FIG. 40A. As discussed above, when
the viewer sees an infinity object, V.sub.a has the maximum value
(V.sub.amax). Also, the viewer's sight lines L.sub.s1 and L.sub.s2,
each of which is an extended line of each of S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR
(each connecting A.sub.2 and A.sub.3), are substantially parallel
to each other as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B. This means that if the
viewer sees the displayed images with their eye lenses spaced as
much as W.sub.a as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B, the viewer feels a
sense of distance as if they see an object that is "d.sub.0 (10,000
m)" distant. This is because a human being's eyes are spaced apart
from each other about 60-80 mm and a sense of 3 dimension is felt
by the synthesized images of each eye in the brain. Thus, when the
viewer sees the two mouse cursors that are spaced as much as
M.sub.d=W.sub.a, they perceive a single (three-dimensional) mouse
cursor that is located between the two mouse cursors (400, 420) at
an infinity distance.
[0224] When the viewer sets the distance value (d.sub.1) to, for
example, "100 m," and sees the tree image 3820, In this situation,
M.sub.d has M.sub.d1 value which is less than M.sub.d0 as shown in
FIGS. 40C and 40D. Also, the viewer's sight lines L.sub.s1 and
L.sub.s2 are not parallel any more. Thus, when the two sight lines
are extended, they are converged in an imaginary point "M" as shown
in FIG. 40D the point "O" represents the middle point between the
center points of each eye. Similarly, if the viewer sees the
displayed images with their eye lenses spaced as much as M.sub.d1
as shown in FIGS. 40C and 40D, the viewer feels a sense of distance
as if they see an object that is "d.sub.1 (100 m)" distant. The
distance between M and O is not physical length but imaginary
length. However, since the viewer feels a sense of the distance, as
far as the viewer's eye lens distance or directions are concerned,
the distance between M and O can be regarded as the actual distance
between the viewer's eyes and an actual object. That is, when the
viewer sees the two mouse cursors 400 and 420 that are spaced as
much as M.sub.d1, they perceive a single (three-dimensional) mouse
cursor that is located in the M point, at a 100 m distance.
[0225] When the viewer sets a smaller distance value (d.sub.2) to,
for example, "5 m" and sees the house image 3830, M.sub.d has
M.sub.d2 value which is less than M.sub.d1 as shown in FIGS. 40E
and 40F. Also, when the two sight lines are extended in the screen,
they are converged in an imaginary point "M" as shown in FIG. 40F.
Similarly, in this situation when the viewer sees the house image
3830, the viewer feels a sense of distance as if he or she sees an
object that is "d.sub.2 (5 m)" away. Thus, when the viewer sees the
two mouse cursors 400 and 420 that are spaced as much as M.sub.d2,
they perceive a single (three-dimensional) mouse cursor that is
located in the M point, at a 5 m distance.
[0226] When the viewer sets a distance value (d.sub.3) to the
distance between the viewer and the screen, as exemplified as "50
cm," the mouse cursors 400 and 420 overlap with each other as shown
in FIG. 40G. That is, when the distance value is the same as the
actual distance between the point "O" and the center points of the
screen as shown in FIG. 40G, the mouse cursors overlap with each
other.
[0227] As seen in FIGS. 40A-40G, even though a pair of the 3D mouse
cursors 400 and 420 are displayed in each of the display devices
3900 and 3910, the viewer sees one three-dimensional 3D mouse
cursor for which he or she feels a sense of distance.
[0228] When the viewer sets the distance value to a value (d.sub.4)
less than "d.sub.3," the viewer's sight lines are converged in
front of the screen and crossed to each other as shown in FIG. 40H.
In this situation, the viewer may see two mouse cursors 400 and 420
because the viewer's sight lines are converged in front of the
screen.
[0229] As shown in FIGS. 40A-40H, the M.sub.d value is determined
according to the distance value that is set by the viewer.
[0230] FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the
display devices as shown in FIG. 38. Since each of the display
devices 3900 and 3910 performs substantially the same functions,
only one display device 3900 is illustrated in FIG. 41.
[0231] The display device 3900 comprises a display screen 3930, a
display driver 3940, a microcomputer, 3950, a memory 3960 and
Interfaces 3970 and 3980. The display device 3900 adjusts the
distance (M.sub.d) between a pair of 3D mouse cursors 400 and 420
according to the distance value set as shown in FIGS. 40A-40H. The
display device 3900 moves the center points of the displayed images
based on the 3D mouse cursor movement. In one embodiment of the
invention, the display device 3900 moves the displayed images such
that the longitudinal and latitudinal locations of the center
points of a viewer's eye lenses are substantially the same as those
of the center points of the displayed images.
[0232] The 3D mouse 3920 detects its movement amount. The detected
movement amount is provided to the microcomputer 3950 via the
interface 3970. The distance value that the viewer sets is provided
to the microcomputer 3950 via the 3D mouse 3920 and the interface
3970. In one embodiment of the invention, the interface 3970
comprises a mouse controller. In another embodiment of the
invention, the distance value may be provided to the microcomputer
3950 via the input device 3990 and the interface 3980.
[0233] The input device 3990 provides properties of the 3D mouse
such as minimum detection amount (A.sub.m), movement sensitivity
(B.sub.m), and the mouse cursor size (C.sub.m), the viewer-screen
distance (d), and viewer's eye data such as W.sub.a and S.sub.AL
and S.sub.AR to the microcomputer 3950 via the interface 3980. The
minimum detection amount represents the least amount of movement
which the 3D mouse can detect. That is, when the 3D mouse moves
only more than the minimum detection amount, the movement of the 3D
mouse can be detected. In one embodiment of the invention, the
minimum detection amount is set when the 3D mouse is manufactured.
The movement sensitivity represents how sensitive the mouse cursors
move based on the movement of the 3D mouse. This means that the
scroll button of the 3D mouse has different movement sensitivity,
i.e., being either more sensitive or less sensitive, according to
the distance value. For example, if the distance value is greater
than 1,000 m, a "1 mm turn" of the scroll button may increase or
decrease the distance by 2,000 m distance. If the distance value is
between 100 m and 1,000 m, a "1 mm turn" of the scroll button may
increase or decrease distance by 100 m. Similarly, if the distance
value is less than 1 m, a "1 mm turn" of the scroll button may
increase or decrease the distance by 10 cm.
[0234] In one embodiment of the invention, the mouse cursor size
may also be adjusted. The distance (d) represents the distance
between the middle point of the viewer's eyes and the screen as
exemplified in FIG. 43A. In one embodiment of the invention, the
screen comprises a V shaped mirror, a HMD screen, a projection
screen, and a display device screen as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0235] Also, the input device 3990 provides display device
properties to the microcomputer 3950 through the interface 3980. In
one aspect of the invention, the display device properties comprise
the display device resolution and screen size of the display device
3900. The resolution represents the number of horizontal and
vertical pixels of the device 3900. For example, if the resolution
of the display device 3900 is 640.times.480, the number of the
horizontal pixels is 640, and the number of the vertical pixels is
480. The size may comprise horizontal and vertical lengths of the
display device 3900. With the resolution and screen size of the
display device 3900, the length of one pixel can be obtained as,
for example, "1 mm" per 10 pixels.
[0236] In one embodiment of the invention, the input device 3990
comprises a keyboard, a remote controller, and a pointing input
device, etc. In one embodiment of the invention, the interface 3980
comprises the input device controller. In one embodiment of the
invention, the properties of the 3D mouse are stored in the memory
3960. In one embodiment of the invention, the viewer's eye data are
detected using a detection device for eye lens movement or provided
to the display device 3900 by the viewer.
[0237] The microcomputer 3950 determines the mouse cursor distance
(M.sub.d) based on the distance value set by the viewer. A table
(not shown) showing the relationship between the distance value and
the M.sub.d value as shown in FIGS. 40A-40H according to a viewer's
eye data may be stored in the memory 3960. The microcomputer 3950
determines the cursor distance (M.sub.d) by referring to the table,
and provides the determined distance value to the display driver
3940. The display driver 3940 displays the pair of the mouse
cursors 400 and 420 based on the determined M.sub.d value in the
display screen 3930. The microcomputer 3950 also determines new
locations of the mouse cursors 400 and 420, and calculates a
movement amount for the center points of the display images based
on the locations of the mouse cursors 400 and 420. The memory 4730
may also store data that may be needed to calculate the movement
amount for the center points of the display images.
[0238] Referring to FIG. 42, the operation of the display devices
3900 and 3910 will be described. 3D mouse properties are set in
each of the display devices 3900 and 3910 (4200). As discussed
above, the 3D mouse properties comprise a minimum detection amount
(A.sub.m), a movement sensitivity (B.sub.m), and the mouse cursor
size (C.sub.m). Also, the 3D mouse properties may be provided by
the viewer or stored in the memory 3960.
[0239] Display device properties are provided to the display
devices 3900 and 3910 (4205). In one embodiment of the invention,
the display device properties may be stored in the memory 3960.
[0240] The viewer's eye data are provided to the display devices
3900 and 3910 (4210). As discussed above, the viewer's eye data may
be automatically detected by a detection device or provided to the
display devices 3900 and 3910 by the viewer. In one embodiment of
the invention, the viewer's eye data comprise the distance
(W.sub.a) between the center points of the eyes, and the S.sub.A
(S.sub.AL and S.sub.AR) value which is the distance between the eye
lens center point (A.sub.2) and the eye center point (A.sub.3).
[0241] A viewer-screen distance (d) is provided to each of the
display devices 3900 and 3910 via, for example, the input device
3990 (4220).
[0242] The mouse cursor location and distance value are initialized
(4230). In one embodiment of the invention, the initialization is
performed in an infinity distance value. In this situation, left
and right mouse cursors are located at (-W.sub.a/2, 0, 0) and
(W.sub.a/2, 0, 0), respectively, where the origin of the coordinate
system is 0 (0, 0, 0) point as shown in FIG. 43A. Also, the
locations of the center points of each displayed image are
(-W.sub.a/2, 0, 0) and (W.sub.a/2, 0, 0), respectively.
[0243] 3D image and 3D mouse cursors are displayed in each of the
display devices 3900 and 3910 (4240). In one embodiment of the
invention, 3D mouse cursors 400 and 420 are displayed on each of
the 3D images. Since the mouse cursor location has been
initialized, the adjusted mouse cursors 400 and 420 are displayed
on the images.
[0244] It is determined whether initialized distance value has been
changed to another value (4250). When the viewer may want to set
different distance value from the initialized distance value, he or
she may provide the distance value to the display devices 3900 and
3910.
[0245] If the initialized distance value has been changed, 3D mouse
cursor distance (M.sub.d) is adjusted and the 3D mouse cursor
location is reinitialized based on the changed distance value
(4260). For example, in case that the initial location is (0, 0,
10,000 m), if another distance value (e.g., 100 m) as shown in FIG.
40C is provided, the mouse cursor distance (M.sub.d) is changed
from M.sub.d0 to M.sub.d1. However, the x and y values of the point
M do not change, even though the z value of the M point is changed
from 10,000 m to 100 m.
[0246] If the initialized distance value has not been changed, it
is determined whether 3D mouse movement has been detected
(4270).
[0247] If the 3D mouse movement has been detected, a new location
of the 3D mouse cursors 400 and 420 is determined (4280). In one
embodiment of the invention, the new location of the mouse cursors
is determined as follows. First, the number of pixels on which the
mouse cursors have moved in the x-direction is determined. For
example, left direction movement may have "-x" value and right
direction movement may have "+x" value. The same applies to "y"
direction, i.e., "-y" value for lower direction movement and "+y"
value for upper direction movement. The "z" direction movement is
determined by the distance value.
[0248] The locations of the center points of the display images to
be adjusted are calculated based on the new location of the 3D
mouse cursors 400 and 420 (4290). In one embodiment of the
invention, the locations of the center points of the display images
are obtained from the location values of each of the eye lenses,
respectively. In this embodiment of the invention, the location
values of the eye lenses are obtained using Equations VII and VIII
as described below. Referring to FIG. 43, a method of obtaining the
locations of the eye lenses will be described.
[0249] First, the value for Z.sub.L is obtained from Equation VII.
Equation .times. .times. VII : .times. Z L = [ I N - ( - W a 2 ) ]
2 + [ J N - 0 ] 2 + [ K N - 0 ] 2 = [ I N + ( W a 2 ) ] 2 + [ J N ]
2 + [ K N ] 2 ##EQU9##
[0250] In FIG. 43A, M.sub.N (I.sub.N, J.sub.N, K.sub.N) represents
the location of the center point of the two mouse cursors
M.sub.L(I.sub.L, J.sub.L, K.sub.L) and M.sub.R (I.sub.R, J.sub.R,
K.sub.R). Since each of the mouse cursor locations M.sub.L and
M.sub.R is obtained in 4280, the center point location M.sub.N is
obtained. That is, I.sub.N and J.sub.N are obtained by averaging
(I.sub.L, I.sub.R) and (J.sub.L, J.sub.R). K.sub.N is determined by
the current distance value. Z.sub.L is the distance between the
left eye center point (A.sub.3L) and M.sub.N.
[0251] Second, center point locations [(x1, y1, z1); (x2, y2, z2)]
for each eye lens are obtained from Equation VIII. A.sub.2L (x1,
y1, z1) is the center point location of the left eye lens, and
A.sub.2R (x2, y2, z2) is the center point location of the right eye
lens, as shown in FIG. 43A. FIG. 43B illustrates a
three-dimensional view of a viewer's eye. Referring to FIG. 43B, it
can be seen how eye lens center point (A.sub.2L) is moving along
the surface of the eye. Equation .times. .times. VIII : .times. x1
= ( - W a 2 ) + [ ( I N + W a 2 ) .times. S ] .times. ` Z L
##EQU10## y1 = 0 + [ ( J N ) .times. S ] Z L .times. ##EQU10.2## z1
= 0 + [ ( K N ) .times. S ] Z L .times. ##EQU10.3## x2 = ( W a 2 )
+ [ ( I N + W a 2 ) .times. S ] .times. ` Z L ##EQU10.4## y2 = 0 +
[ ( J N ) .times. S ] Z L .times. ##EQU10.5## z2 = 0 + [ ( K N )
.times. S ] Z L .times. ##EQU10.6##
[0252] In one embodiment of the invention, a digital signal
processor may be used for calculating the locations of the eye
lenses.
[0253] Each of the center points of the displayed images is moved
to the locations (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), respectively as shown in
FIG. 44 (4300). In one embodiment of the invention, the blank area
of the screen after moving may be filled with a background color,
e.g., black, as shown in FIG. 44.
[0254] It is determined whether the 3D mouse movement has been
completed (4310). If the 3D mouse movement has not been completed,
procedures 4280-4300 are performed until the movement is completed.
This ensures that the displayed images are moved so long as the
viewer is moving the mouse cursor.
[0255] By using the above calculation method, the distance between
two locations can be measured. Referring to FIG. 43C, M.sub.N1 is a
peak point of a mountain 42 and M.sub.N2 is a point of a house 44.
It is assumed that the location values of M.sub.N1 and M.sub.N2 are
determined to be (-0.02 m, 0.04 m, 100 m) and (0.01 m, 0 m, 10 m),
respectively by the above calculation method. These determined
location values may be stored in the memory 3960, and the distance
between the two locations M.sub.N1 and M.sub.N2 is calculated as
follows. Z.sub.L= {square root over
([-0.02-0.01].sup.2+[0.04-0].sup.2+[100-10].sup.2)}=90
[0256] In this embodiment, the microcomputer 3950 is programmed to
calculate the distance between two locations, or may comprise a
distance measure mode. In this situation, when a viewer designates
a first location (A: middle point of two mouse cursors 400 and
420), the location is determined and stored in the memory 3960. In
one embodiment, the location value may be displayed in the display
screen 3930 or may be provided to a viewer via voice signal. This
applies to a second location (B). In this way, the values of the
first and second locations (A, B) are determined and the distance
between the locations (A, B) is calculated.
Method and System for Controlling the Motion of Stereoscopic
Cameras Using a Three-dimensional Mouse
[0257] FIG. 45 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. The system is directed to control the
movement of stereoscopic cameras based on the movement of a
viewer's eye lenses.
[0258] The system comprises a camera site and a display site. The
display site comprises a pair of transmitters/receivers 4530 and
4540, a set of display devices 4510 and 4520, and an input device
3990 and a 3D mouse 3920.
[0259] The input device 3990 and 3D mouse 3920 are substantially
the same as those of the system shown in FIG. 38. Referring to FIG.
46, the display device 4510 comprises interfaces 3970 and 3980, a
microcomputer 4820, a memory 4830, and an interface 4810. The
interfaces 3970 and 3980 are substantially the same as those of the
display device shown in FIG. 41. The microcomputer 4820 determines
the current location values of the mouse cursors, and calculates
the location values of the center points of a viewer's eye lenses.
The memory 4830 may also store data that may be needed to calculate
the movement amount for the center points of the display
images.
[0260] The interface 4810 may modify the location values adapted
for transmission, and provide the modified data to the transmitter
4530. The transmitter 4530 transmits the modified location data to
the camera site.
[0261] Referring to FIG. 45, the camera site comprises a set of
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32, a pair of transmitters 4570 and
4600, a pair of servo mechanisms 4580 and 4590, and a pair of
receivers 4550 and 4560. Each of the receivers 4550 and 4560
receives the location values transmitted from the display site, and
provides the data to the pair of the servo mechanisms, 4580 and
4590, respectively.
[0262] The servo mechanisms 4580 and 4590 control the cameras 30
and 32 based on the received location data, respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, the servo mechanisms 4580 and 4590
control the cameras 30 and 32 such that the longitudinal and
latitudinal values of the center points of the object lenses
(C.sub.2L, C.sub.2R; FIGS. 26 and 27) of the cameras 30 and 32 are
substantially the same as those of the center points of the
viewer's eye lenses as shown in FIGS. 47A and 47C.
[0263] Referring to FIG. 48, the operation of the system shown in
FIG. 45 will be described. 3D mouse properties and display device
properties are set in each of the display devices 4510 and 4520
(4610). The 3D mouse properties and display device properties are
substantially the same as those explained with regard to FIG. 42.
The viewer's eye data and viewer-screen distance (d) are provided
to each of the display devices 4510 and 4520 (4620). Again, the
viewer's eye data and viewer-screen distance (d) are substantially
the same as those explained with regard to FIG. 42. 3D mouse cursor
location and distance value are initialized (4630). In one
embodiment of the invention, the 3D mouse cursor location is
initialized to the center points of each of the display device
screens, and the distance value is initialized to the infinity
distance value. The 3D image that is received from the camera site,
and 3D mouse cursors (400, 420) are displayed on the display
devices 4510 and 4520 (4640). In one embodiment of the invention,
the 3D mouse cursor may be displayed on the 3D image. In this
situation, the portion of the image under the 3D mouse cursors
(400, 420) may not be seen by a viewer.
[0264] It is determined whether 3D mouse movement is detected
(4650). If movement is detected, the new location of the 3D mouse
cursors is determined (4660). The location values of the center
points of the viewer's eye lenses are calculated based on the new
location of the mouse cursors, respectively (4670). The new
location and movement of the mouse cursors (400, 420) are
illustrated in FIG. 47B. The specific methods for performing the
procedures 4650-4670 have been described with regard to FIGS.
42-44.
[0265] The location value data are transmitted to the camera site
through each of the transmitter/receivers 4530 and 4540 (4680). As
discussed above, the location values are calculated so long as the
mouse cursor is moving. Thus, the location values may comprise a
series of data. In one embodiment of the invention, the location
values are serially transmitted to the camera site so that the
cameras 30 and 32 are controlled based on the received order of the
location values. In another embodiment of the invention, the
sequence of the generated location values may be obtained and
transmitted to the camera site so that the cameras 30 and 32 are
controlled according to the sequence. In one embodiment of the
invention, the location value data are digital data and may be
properly modulated for transmission.
[0266] The location value data are received in each of the
receivers 4550 and 4560 (4690). In one embodiment of the invention,
one transmitter may be used instead of the two transmitters 4530
and 4540. In that situation, one receiver may be used instead of
the receivers 4550 and 4560.
[0267] Camera adjusting values are determined based on the location
values and the stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 are controlled based
on the camera adjusting values (4700). Each of the servo
controllers 4580 and 4590 controls the respective camera 30 and 32
such that each of the center points of the cameras object lenses
keeps track of the movement of the center points of each eye lens
(4710). As shown in FIG. 47C, new location values A.sub.2L1 and
A.sub.2R1 corresponding to the new location of the 3D mouse cursors
are calculated using Equations VIII as discussed above. Each of the
servo controllers 4580 and 4590 controls the cameras 30 and 32 such
that the center points of each of the camera object lenses are
located in C.sub.2L1 and C.sub.2R1 as shown in FIG. 47A. To do
this, the servo controllers 4580 and 4590 may set the location
values of the center points of the camera object lenses so as to
conform to the location values of the center points of the eye
lenses. In one embodiment of the invention, the servo controllers
4580 and 4590 comprise a horizontal motor and a vertical motor that
move each camera to the horizontal direction (x-direction) and the
vertical direction (y-direction), respectively. In one embodiment
of the invention, only one servo controller may be used for
controlling movements of both of the cameras 30 and 32 instead of
the pair of the servo controllers 4580 and 4590.
[0268] While each of the servo controllers 4580 and 4590 is
controlling the stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32, the cameras 30 and
32 are photographing an object. The photographed image is
transmitted to the display site and displayed in each of the
display devices 4510 and 4520 (4720,4730).
[0269] Regarding the embodiments described with regard to FIGS.
45-48, the camera control may be used in remote control technology
such as a remote surgery, remote control of a vehicle, an airplane,
or aircraft, fighter, or remote control of construction,
investigation or automatic assembly equipments.
Method and System for Controlling Space Magnification for
Stereoscopic Images
[0270] FIG. 49 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. The 3D display system is directed to
adjust space magnification for a stereoscopic image based on the
space magnification adjusting data provided by a viewer.
[0271] The system comprises a camera site and a display site. The
display site comprises an input device 4910, a set of display
devices 4920 and 4930, a transmitter 4950, and a pair of receivers
4940 and 4960.
[0272] The input device 4910 provides a viewer's eye distance value
(W.sub.a) as shown in FIG. 43A and space magnification adjusting
data to at least one of the display devices 4920 and 4930. The
space magnification means the size of space that a viewer perceives
from the display images. For example, if the space magnification is
"1," a viewer perceives the same size of the space in the display
site as that of the real space that was photographed in the camera
site. Also, if the space magnification is "10," a viewer perceives
ten times of the size of the space in the display site larger than
that of the real space that was imaged by the camera . In addition,
if the space magnification is "0.1," a viewer perceives ten times
the size of the space in the display site less than that of the
real space that was imaged by the camera. The space magnification
adjusting data represent data regarding the space magnification
that a viewer wants to adjust. In one embodiment of the invention,
the space magnification adjusting data may comprise "0.1" times of
space magnification, "1" times of space magnification, "10" times
of space magnification, or "100" times of space magnification. The
adjustment of the space magnification is performed by an adjustment
of the distance between the cameras 30 and 32, and will be
described in more detail later.
[0273] At least one of the display devices 4920 and 4930 displays
the space magnification adjusting data that are provided through
the input device 4910. The at least one of the display devices 4920
and 4930 provides the space magnification adjusting data and eye
distance value (W.sub.a) to the transmitter 4950. The transmitter
4950 transmits the magnification adjusting data and the value
W.sub.a to the camera site. In one embodiment of the invention, the
space magnification adjusting data and the value W.sub.a may be
provided directly from the input device 4910 to the transmitter
4950 without passing through the display devices 4920 and 4930.
[0274] The receiver 4970 receives the space magnification adjusting
data and W.sub.a from the transmitter 4950, and provides the data
to the camera controllers 4990. The camera controller 4990 controls
the camera distance based on the space magnification adjusting data
and the value W.sub.a. The camera controller 4990 comprises a servo
controller 4985 and a horizontal motor 4975 as shown in FIG. 50.
Referring to FIGS. 50-52, the operation of the camera controller
4990 will be explained.
[0275] The servo controller 4985 initializes camera distance
(C.sub.1), for example, such that C.sub.1 is the same as W.sub.a
(5100). The space magnification relates to the camera distance
(C.sub.1) and the eye distance value (W.sub.a). When C.sub.1 is the
same as W.sub.a, the space magnification is "1," which means that a
viewer sees the same size of the object that is photographed by the
cameras 30 and 32. When C.sub.1 is greater than W.sub.a, the space
magnification is less than "1," which means that a viewer perceives
a smaller space than a space that is imaged by the cameras 30 and
32. When C.sub.1 is less than W.sub.a, the space magnification is
greater than "1," which means that a viewer perceives a larger
sized object than is imaged by the cameras 30 and 32.
[0276] The space magnification adjusting data (SM) are provided to
the servo controller 4985 (5110). It is determined whether the
adjusting data is "1" (5120). If the adjusting data are "1," no
adjustment of the camera distance is made (5160). If the adjusting
data are not "1," it is determined whether the adjusting data is
greater than "1." If the adjusting data are greater than "1," the
servo controller 4985 operates the motor 4975 so as to narrow
C.sub.1 until the requested space magnification is obtained (5150).
Referring to FIG. 52, a table showing the relationship between the
space magnification and camera distance (C.sub.1) is illustrated,
where W.sub.a is 80 mm. Thus, when C.sub.1 is 80 mm, the space
magnification is "1." In this situation, if the requested space
magnification is "10," the camera distance is adjusted to "8 mm" as
shown in FIG. 52.
[0277] If the adjusting data are less than "1," the servo
controller 4985 operates the motor 4975 so as to widen C.sub.1
until the requested space magnification is obtained (5140). As
exemplified in FIG. 52, if the requested space magnification is
"0.1," the camera distance is adjusted to "800 mm."
[0278] Referring to FIG. 53, the operation of the entire system
shown in FIG. 49 will be described. Stereoscopic images are
displayed through the display devices 4920 and 4930 (5010). Eye
distance (W.sub.a) and space magnification adjusting data (SM) are
provided to the at least one of the display devices 4920 and 4930,
or to the transmitter 4950 directly from the input device 4910
(5020). The eye distance (W.sub.a) and space magnification
adjusting data (SM) are transmitted to the camera site (5030). The
camera site receives the W.sub.a and SM values and adjusts the
camera distance (C.sub.1) based on the W.sub.a and SM values
(5040). The stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 image the object with
adjusted space magnification (5050). The image is transmitted to
the display site through the transmitters 4980 and 5000 (5060).
Each of the display devices 4920 and 4930 receives and displays the
image (5070).
[0279] Regarding the embodiments described with regard to FIGS.
49-53, the camera control may be used in remote control technology
such as a remote surgery, remote control of a vehicle, an airplane,
or aircraft, fighter, or remote control of construction,
investigation or automatic assembly equipments.
Method and System for Adjusting Display Angles of Stereoscopic
Image Based on a Camera Location
[0280] FIG. 54 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. The system is directed to adjust the
location of the display devices based on the relative location of
the stereoscopic cameras with regard to an object 5400.
[0281] The system comprises a camera site and a display site. The
camera site comprises a set of stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32, a
pair of direction detection devices 5410 and 5420, transmitters
5430 and 5440. In this embodiment of the invention, the cameras 30
and 32 may not be parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 54. The
direction detection devices 5410 and 5420 detect directions of the
stereoscopic cameras 30 and 32 with respect to the object 5400 to
be photographed, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention,
the devices 5410 and 5420 detect the tilt angle with respect to an
initial location where the two cameras are parallel to each other.
In some situations, the cameras 30 and 32 may be tilted, for
example, 10 degrees in a counterclockwise direction as shown in
FIG. 54, or in a clockwise direction from the initial location. The
detection devices 5410 and 5420 detect the tilted angle of the
cameras 30 and 32, respectively. In one embodiment of the
invention, each of the direction detection devices 5410 and 5420
comprises a typical direction sensor.
[0282] Each of the transmitters 5430 and 5440 transmits the
detected direction data of the cameras 30 and 32 to the display
site. If it is detected that only the camera 32 is tilted as shown
in FIG. 57, the detection device 5410 may not detect a tilting, and
thus only the transmitter 5440 may transmit the detected data to
the display site. The same applies to a situation where only the
camera 30 is tilted.
[0283] The display site comprises a pair of receivers 5450 and
5460, a pair of display device controllers 5470 and 5500, and a set
of display devices 5480 and 5490. Each of the receivers 5450 and
5460 receives the detected tilting data of the cameras 30 and 32,
and provides the data to each of the display device controllers
5470 and 5500. The display device controllers 5470 and 5500
determine display adjusting values based on the received camera
tilting data. The display adjusting values represent movement
amounts to be adjusted for the display devices 5480 and 5490. In
one embodiment of the invention, the display device controllers
5470 and 5500 determine display adjusting values based on a table
as shown in FIG. 55. In this embodiment of the invention, if the
camera 32 is tilted 10 degrees in a counter clockwise direction as
shown in FIG. 54, the display device controller 5500 tilts the
corresponding display device 5490 as much as 10 degrees in a
clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 54. In this way, the camera
location with respect to the object 5400 is substantially the same
as an eye lens location of the viewer with regard to the screen. As
discussed above, the screen may comprise a V shaped mirror, a HMD
screen, a projection screen, or a display screen 160 shown in FIG.
1B.
[0284] Referring to FIG. 56, the entire operation of the system
shown in FIG. 54 will be explained. The set of stereoscopic cameras
30 and 32 image an object (5510). Each of the direction detection
devices 5410 and 5420 detects a camera direction with respect to
the object (5520). That is, for example, the degree of tilting of
each camera 30 and 32 from, for example, a parallel state is
detected. The photographed image data (PID) and direction detection
data (DDD) are transmitted to the display site (5530). The PID and
DDD are received in the display site, and the DDD are retrieved
from the received data (5540, 5550). In one embodiment of the
invention, the retrieving may be performed using a typical signal
separator.
[0285] At least one of the display device controllers 5470 and 5500
determines the display device adjusting values based on the
retrieved DDD (5560). The at least one of the display device
controllers 5470 and 5500 adjusts the display angle with respect to
the viewer's eye lenses by moving a corresponding display device
(5570). The display devices 5480 and 5490 display the received
stereoscopic images (5580).
[0286] FIG. 57 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. The system is directed to adjust displayed
image based on the relative location of the stereoscopic cameras 30
and 32 with regard to the object 5400.
[0287] The system shown in FIG. 57 is substantially the same as the
one of FIG. 54 except for the display devices 5710 and 5720. The
display devices 5710 and 5720 adjust the location of the displayed
images based on the received camera direction detection data.
Referring to FIG. 58, an exemplary block diagram of the display
device 5720 is illustrated. Though not shown, the display device
5710 is substantially the same as the display device 5720. The
display device 5720 comprises a microcomputer 5910, a memory 5920,
a display driver 5930, and a display screen 5940. The memory 5920
stores a table (not shown) showing the relationship between the
camera tilting angle and the adjust amount of displayed images. The
microcomputer 5910 determines display image adjusting values based
on the received camera direction data and the table of the memory
5920. The display driver 5930 adjusts the display angle of the
display image based on the determined adjusting values, and
displays the image in the display screen 5940.
[0288] Referring to FIGS. 59A and 59B, adjustment of the displayed
image is illustrated. In one embodiment of the invention, this may
be performed by enlarging or reducing the image portion of the left
or right sides of the displayed image. For example, according to
the tilting angle of the camera, the enlarging or reducing amount
is determined. In this embodiment of the invention, enlargement or
reduction may be performed by a known image reduction or
magnification software. The image of FIG. 59A may correspond to the
tilting of the display device in a clockwise direction. Similarly,
the image of FIG. 59B may correspond to the tiling of the display
device in a counter clockwise direction.
[0289] Referring to FIG. 60, the operation of FIG. 54 will be
explained. As seen in FIG. 60, procedures 5810-5850 are the same as
those shown in FIG. 55. Display image adjusting values are
determined based on the retrieved camera direction detection data
(DDD) (5860). The image to be displayed is adjusted as shown in
FIG. 59 based on the determined adjusting values (5870). The
adjusted image is displayed (5880).
Method and System for Transmitting or Storing on a Persistent
Memory Stereoscopic Images and Photographing Ratios
[0290] FIG. 61 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention,
stereoscopic images and photographing ratios are transmitted via a
network such as the Internet, or stored on a persistent memory,
such as optical or magnetic disks.
[0291] Referring to FIG. 61, the combined data 620 of stereoscopic
images 624 and at least one photographing ratio (A:B:C) 622 for the
images 624 are shown. The stereoscopic images 624 may comprise
stereoscopic broadcasting images, stereoscopic advertisement
images, or stereoscopic movie images, stereoscopic product images
for Internet shopping, or any other kind of stereoscopic images. In
one embodiment of the invention, the photographing ratio 622 may be
fixed for the entire set of stereoscopic images 624. A method of
combining of the stereoscopic images 624 and photographing ratio
622 has been described above in connection with FIG. 7.
[0292] In one embodiment, stereoscopic images 624 are produced from
a pair of stereoscopic cameras (not shown) and combined with the
photographing ratio 622. In one embodiment of the invention, the
stereoscopic (broadcasting, advertisement, or movie, etc.) images
624 and the photographing ratio 622 may be transmitted from an
Internet server, or a computing device of a broadcasting company.
The Internet server may be operated by an Internet broadcasting
company, an Internet movie company, an Internet advertising company
or an Internet shopping mall company. In another embodiment, the
photographing ratio is not combined, and rather, is transmitted
separately from the stereoscopic images. However, for convenience,
the explanation below will be mainly directed to the combined
method.
[0293] The combined data 620 are transmitted to a computing device
627 at a display site via a network 625. In one embodiment of the
invention, the network 625 may comprise the Internet, a cable, a
PSTN, or a wireless network. Referring to FIG. 63, an exemplary
data format of the combined data 620 is illustrated. The left
images and right images of the stereoscopic images 624 are embedded
into the combined data 620 such that the images 624 are retrieved
sequentially in a set of display devices 626 and 628. For example,
left image 1 and right image 1, left image 2 and right image 2, are
located in sequence in the data format such that the images can be
retrieved in that sequence. In one embodiment, the computing device
627 receives the combined data 620 and retrieves the stereoscopic
images 624 and photographing ratio 622 from the received data. In
another embodiment, the images 624 and photographing ratio 622 are
separately received as they are not combined in transmission.
[0294] The computing device 627 also provides the left and right
images to the display device 626 and 628, respectively. In one
embodiment of the invention, the data format may be constituted
such that the computing device 627 can identify the left and right
images of the stereoscopic images 624 when the device 627 retrieves
the images 624 such as predetermined order or data tagging. In one
embodiment of the invention, the computing device 627 may comprise
any kind of computing devices that can download the images 624 and
ratio 622 either in a combined format or separately via the network
625. In one embodiment, a pair of computing devices each retrieving
and providing left and right images to the display devices 626 and
628, respectively may be provided in the display site.
[0295] The display devices 626 and 628 display the received
stereoscopic images such that the screen ratios (D1:E1:F1,
D2:E2:F2) of each of the display devices 626 and 628 are
substantially the same as the photographing ratio (A:B:C). In one
embodiment of the invention, the screen ratios (D1:E1:F1, D2:E2:F2)
are the same (D1:E1:F1=D2:E2:F2=D:E:F). The display devices 626 and
628 may comprise the elements of the display devices 86 and 88
disclosed in FIG. 8. In one embodiment of the invention, each of
the display devices 626 and 628 may comprise CRT, LCD, HMD, PDP
devices, or projection type display devices.
[0296] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 62,
the combined data which are stored in a recording medium 630 such
as optical or magnetic disks may be provided to the display devices
634 and 636 via a medium retrieval device 632 at the display site.
In one embodiment, the optical disks may comprise a compact disk
(CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD). Also, the magnetic disk may
comprise a hard disk.
[0297] The recording medium 630 is inserted into the medium
retrieval device 632 that retrieves the stereoscopic images 624 and
photographing ratio 622. In one embodiment of the invention, the
medium retrieval device 632 may comprise a CD ROM driver, a DVD ROM
driver, or a hard disk driver (HDD), and a host computer for the
drivers. The medium retrieval device 632 may be embedded in a
computing device (not shown).
[0298] The medium retrieval device 632 retrieves and provides the
stereoscopic images 624 and photographing ratio 622 to the display
devices 634 and 636, respectively. The exemplified data format
shown in FIG. 63 may apply to the data stored in the recording
medium 630. In one embodiment of the invention, the photographing
ratio 622 is the same for the entire stereoscopic images. In this
embodiment, the photographing ratio 622 is provided once to each of
the display devices 634 and 636, and the same photographing ratio
is used throughout the stereoscopic images.
[0299] In one embodiment of the invention, the data format recorded
in the medium 630 is constituted such that the medium retrieval
device 632 can identify the left and right images of the
stereoscopic images 624. The operation of the display devices 634
and 636 is substantially the same as that of the devices 626 and
628 as discussed with regard to FIG. 61.
Portable Communication Device Comprising a Pair of Digital Cameras
that Produce Stereoscopic Images and a Pair of Display Screens
[0300] FIG. 64 illustrates an information communication system
according to another aspect of the invention. The system comprises
a pair of portable communication devices 65 and 67. The device 65
comprises a pair of digital cameras 640, 642, a pair of display
screens 644, 646, a distance input portion 648, an eye interval
input portion 650, and a space magnification input portion 652. The
device 65 comprises a receiver and a transmitter, or a transceiver
(all not shown).
[0301] The pair of digital cameras 640 and 642 produce stereoscopic
images of a scene or an object and photographing ratios thereof. In
one embodiment of the invention, each of the cameras 640 and 642
comprises substantially the same elements of the camera 20 shown in
FIG. 7. The device 65 transmits the produced stereoscopic images
and photographing ratios to the device 67. The pair of display
screens 644 and 646 display stereoscopic images received from the
device 67.
[0302] The distance input portion 648 is provided with the distance
values (similar to screen-viewer distances F1 and F2 in FIG. 8)
between a viewer's eyes and each of the screens 644 and 646. The
eye interval input portion 650 receives the distance values
(exemplified as W.sub.a in FIG. 14A) between the center points of a
viewer's eyes. The space magnification input portion 652 is
provided with adjusting data for space magnification, and provides
the adjusting data to the device 65. In one embodiment of the
invention, each of the distance input portion 648, the eye interval
input portion 645, and the space magnification input portion 652
comprises key pads that can input numerals 0-9. In another
embodiment, all of the input portions are embodied as one input
device.
[0303] The device 67 comprises a pair of digital cameras 664, 666,
a pair of display screens 654, 656, a distance input portion 658,
an eye interval input portion 660, and a space magnification input
portion 662. The device 67 also comprises a receiver and a
transmitter, or a transceiver (all not shown).
[0304] The pair of digital cameras 664 and 666 produce stereoscopic
images of a scene or an object and photographing ratios thereof. In
one embodiment of the invention, each of the cameras 664 and 666
comprises substantially the same elements of the camera 20 shown in
FIG. 7. The device 67 transmits the produced stereoscopic images
and photographing ratios to the device 65. The pair of display
screens 654 and 656 display stereoscopic images received from the
device 65.
[0305] The distance input portion 658, the eye interval input
portion 660, and the space magnification input portion 662 are
substantially the same as those of the device 65.
[0306] The system shown in FIG. 64 may comprise at least one base
station (not shown) communicating with the devices 65 and 67. In
one embodiment of the invention, each of the devices 65 and 67
comprises a cellular phone, an IMT (international mobile
telecommunication)-2000 device, and a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a hand-held PC or another type of portable telecommunication
device.
[0307] In one embodiment of the invention, the space magnification
adjusting data and photographing ratios have a standard data format
so that the devices 65 and 67 can identify the data easily.
The Devices Displaying Stereoscopic Images are Implemented Such
that the Photographing Ratio is Substantially the Same as the
Screen Ratio
[0308] FIG. 65 illustrates a pair of information communication
devices 65 and 67 according to one aspect of the invention. Each of
the devices 65 and 67 displays stereoscopic images received from
the other device such that the photographing ratio of one device is
substantially the same as the screen ratio of the other device. The
device 65 comprises a camera portion 700, a display portion 720,
and a data processor 740, e.g., a microcomputer.
[0309] The camera portion 700 produces and transmits stereoscopic
images and photographing ratios thereof to the device 67. As
discussed above, the communication between the devices 65 and 67
may be performed via at least one base station (not shown). The
camera portion 700 comprises the pair of digital cameras 640, 642,
and a transmitter 710. Each of the digital cameras 640 and 642
produces stereoscopic images and photographing ratios thereof, and
combines the images and ratios (combined data 702 and 704). In one
embodiment of the invention, the photographing ratios provided in
the combined data 702 and 704 are the same. Each of the digital
cameras 640 and 642 may comprise the elements of the camera 20
shown in FIG. 7.
[0310] The production of the stereoscopic images and the
calculation of the photographing ratios, and the combining of the
images and ratios have been explained in detail with regard to
FIGS. 5-11. The transmitter 710 transmits the combined data 702,
704 to the device 67. In another embodiment, the photographing
ratios are not combined, and rather, are transmitted separately
from the stereoscopic images.
[0311] In one embodiment of the invention, the transmitter 710 may
comprise two transmitting portions that transmit the combined data
702 and 704, respectively. The device 67 receives and displays the
stereoscopic images transmitted from the device 65 such that the
received photographing ratio is substantially the same as the
screen ratio of the device 67.
[0312] The display portion 720 receives combined data 714 and 716
of stereoscopic images and photographing ratios thereof from the
device 67, and displays the stereoscopic images such that the
received photographing ratio is substantially the same as the
screen ratio of the device 65.
[0313] The display portion 720 comprises a pair of display devices
706, 708, and a receiver 712. The receiver 712 receives the
combined data 714 and 716 that the device 67 transmitted, and
provides the combined data 714, 716 to the display devices 706,
708, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, the receiver
712 may comprise two receiving portions that receive the combined
data 714 and 716, respectively. In another embodiment, the images
and photographing ratios are separately received as they are not
combined in transmission.
[0314] Each of the display devices 706 and 708 separates the
provided images and ratios from the receiver 712. The devices 706
and 708 also display the stereoscopic images such that the
photographing ratios are substantially the same as the screen
ratios of the display devices 706 and 708, respectively. Each of
the display devices 706 and 708 may comprise substantially the same
elements of the display device 86 or 88 shown in FIG. 8. In one
embodiment, the display devices 706 and 708 are connected to the
distance input portion 648 shown in FIG. 64 so that the
screen-viewer distance for the devices 706 and 708 can be provided
to the device 65. In one embodiment of the invention, the screen
ratios for the devices 706 and 708 are substantially the same. The
detailed operation of the display devices 706 and 708 has been
explained in connection with FIGS. 8-11.
[0315] The microcomputer 740 controls the operation of the camera
portion 700 and display portion 720, and data communication with
the device 67. In one embodiment of the invention, the
microcomputer 740 is programmed to control the camera portion 700
such that the digital cameras 640 and 642 produce stereoscopic
images and photographing ratios thereof, and that the transmitter
710 transmits the images and ratios to the device 67 when the
communication link is established between the devices 65 and 67. In
another embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 740 is
programmed to control the power of the camera portion 700 and the
display portion 720 independently. In this embodiment, even when
the cameras 640 and 642 are turned off, the display devices 706 and
708 may display the stereoscopic images received from the device
67. Also, when the display devices 706 and 708 are turned off, the
cameras 640 and 642 may produce stereoscopic images and
photographing ratios thereof, and transmit the images and ratios to
the device 67. In this embodiment, the device 65 may comprise an
element that performs a voice signal communication with the device
67.
[0316] The device 65 may include a volatile memory such as a RAM
and/or a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a
programmable ROM that store data for the communication. The device
65 may comprise a power supply portion such as a battery.
[0317] In another embodiment of the invention, the device 65 may
include a transceiver that incorporates the transmitter 710 and
receiver 712. In this situation, the transmitter 710 and receiver
712 may be omitted.
[0318] Though not specifically shown, the device 67 may be
configured to comprise substantially the same elements and perform
substantially the same functions as those of the device 65 shown in
FIG. 65. Thus, the detailed explanation of embodiments thereof will
be omitted.
[0319] The devices controlling the display location of the
stereoscopic images FIG. 66A illustrates an information
communication device 65 according to another aspect of the
invention. In this aspect of the invention, the information
communication device 65 controls the display location of the
stereoscopic images based on the distance (W.sub.a) between the
center points of a viewer's eyes.
[0320] In one embodiment of the invention, the device 65 moves the
stereoscopic images displayed in the display screens 644 and 646
such that the distance (W.sub.d) between the center points of the
displayed stereoscopic images is substantially the same as the
W.sub.a distance. The device 65 comprises an eye interval input
portion 650, a data processor 722, e.g., a microcomputer, a pair of
display drivers 724, 726, and a pair of display screens 644, 646.
The eye interval input portion 650 and the pair of display screens
644 and 646 are substantially the same as those of FIG. 64.
[0321] The microcomputer 722 controls the display drivers 724 and
726 based on the received W.sub.a distance such that the W.sub.d
distance is substantially the same as the W.sub.a distance.
Specifically, the display drivers 724 and 726 moves the
stereoscopic images displayed in the display screens 644 and 646
until W.sub.d is substantially the same as W.sub.a. The detailed
explanation with regard to the movement of the stereoscopic images
has been provided in connection with FIGS. 15-17.
[0322] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
66B, the device 65 moves the display screens 644 and 646 such that
the distance (W.sub.d) between the center points of the
stereoscopic images is substantially the same as the W.sub.a
distance. In this embodiment, the device 67 comprises the eye
interval input portion 650, a microcomputer 732, a pair of servo
mechanisms 734, 736, and the pair of display screens 644, 646.
[0323] The microcomputer 732 controls the servo mechanisms 734 and
736 based on the received W.sub.a distance such that the W.sub.d
distance is substantially the same as the W.sub.a distance.
Specifically, the servo mechanisms 734 and 736 move the display
screens 644 and 646 until W.sub.d is substantially the same as
W.sub.a. The detailed explanation with regard to the movement of
the display screens has been provided with regard to FIGS.
18-20.
[0324] Though not specifically shown, the device 67 may comprise
substantially the same elements and performs substantially the same
functions as those of the device 65 shown in FIGS. 66A and 66B.
Thus, the detailed explanation of embodiments thereof will be
omitted.
[0325] The devices adjusting space magnification of stereoscopic
images FIG. 67 illustrates an information communication device 65
according to another aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the
invention, the information communication device 65 adjusts space
magnification based on adjusting data for space magnification. The
device 65 comprises a camera portion 760, a display portion 780,
and a microcomputer 750.
[0326] The camera portion 760 comprises a pair of digital cameras
640, 642, a camera controller 742, and a transceiver 744. The
transceiver 744 receives adjusting data for space magnification
from the device 67, and provides the adjusting data (C) to the
camera controller 742. Space magnification embodiments have been
explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 49-53. The adjusting data
for space magnification are exemplified in FIG. 52.
[0327] The camera controller 742 controls the distance (interval)
between the digital cameras 640 and 642 based on the provided
adjusting data (C). In one embodiment of the invention, the camera
controller 742 comprises a motor that adjusts the camera distance,
and a servo controller that controls the motor (both not shown).
The operation of the camera controller 742 is substantially the
same as that of the controller 4990 described in connection with
FIGS. 50-52. The digital cameras 640 and 642 produce stereoscopic
images in adjusted interval, and transmit the stereoscopic images
to the device 67 through the transceiver 744. The device 67
receives and displays the adjusted stereoscopic images. In this
way, the device 67 can adjust the space magnification for a scene
imaged by the cameras 640, 642 of the device 65. In one embodiment
of the invention, each of the devices 65 and 67 may display in at
least one of the display screens thereof current space
magnification, such as "1", "0.5" or "10," etc., so that a viewer
can know the current space magnification. In another embodiment of
the invention, the devices 65 and 67 may provide a user with an
audio signal representing the current space magnification.
[0328] In another embodiment, space magnification adjusting data
(A) may be provided to the camera controller 742, for example,
through the space magnification input portion 652 shown in FIG. 64.
This embodiment may be useful in a situation where a user of the
device 65 wants to provide stereoscopic images in adjusted space
magnification to a user of the device 67. In one embodiment, the
operation of the camera controller 742 is substantially the same as
in a situation where the adjusting data (C) is received from the
device 67.
[0329] The display portion 780 comprises a pair of display screens
644, 646, and a transceiver 746. Space magnification (SM) adjusting
data (B) are provided to the transceiver 746 from a user of the
device 65. The SM adjusting data (B) are used to adjust the
interval between the cameras 664 and 666 of the device 67 (FIG.
64). The SM adjusting data (B) may also be provided to at least one
of the display screens 644 and 646 so that the SM adjusting data
(B) are displayed in the at least one of the display screens 644
and 646. This is to inform a user of the device 65 of current space
magnification. The transceiver 746 transmits the SM adjusting data
(B) to the device 67.
[0330] The device 67 receives the SM adjusting data (B) and adjusts
the interval between the cameras 664 and 666 of the device 67 based
on the adjusting data (B). Also, the device 67 transmits
stereoscopic images produced in adjusted space magnification to the
device 65. The transceiver 746 receives left and right images from
the device 67 and provides the images to the display screens 644
and 646, respectively. The display screens 644 and 646 display the
stereoscopic images. In one embodiment, each of the devices 65 and
67 of FIG. 67 may further comprise the functions of the devices 65
and 67 described in connection with FIGS. 65 and 66.
[0331] The microcomputer 750 controls the operation of the camera
portion 760 and display portion 780, and data communication with
the device 67. In one embodiment of the invention, the
microcomputer 750 is programmed to control the camera portion 760
and display portion 780 such that after the communication link
between the devices 65 and 67 is established, the SM adjusting data
(B, C) are transmitted or received from or to each other. In
another embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer 750 is
programmed to control the camera portion 760 such that the camera
controller 742 adjusts the interval between the digital cameras 640
and 642 based on the SM adjusting data (A) even when the
communication link between the devices 65 and 67 is not
established.
[0332] The device 65 may include a volatile memory such as a RAM
and/or a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a
programmable ROM that store data for the communication. The device
65 may comprise an element that performs a voice signal
transmission.
[0333] Though not specifically shown, embodiments of the device 67
comprise substantially the same elements and perform the same
functions as those of the device 65 shown in FIG. 67. Thus, a
detailed explanation of these embodiments will be omitted.
The Device Comprising Separate Display Screens
[0334] In another embodiment of the invention, the communication
device 65 comprises a goggle shaped display device 649 as shown in
FIG. 68. The goggle shaped display device comprises a set of
display screens 645 and 647. In one embodiment of the invention,
the display device 649 may be connected to the device 65 through a
communication jack 643. In another embodiment of the invention, the
display device 649 may have a wireless connection to the device
65.
[0335] The device 67 may be applied to the embodiments described
with regard to FIGS. 65-67. In one embodiment of the invention,
each of the devices 65 and 67 may comprise a head mount display
(HMD) device that includes a set of display screens.
Other Aspects of the Invention
[0336] FIG. 69 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention,
stereoscopic images are produced from three-dimensional structural
data. The three-dimensional structural data may comprise 3D game
data or 3D animation data.
[0337] As one example, the three-dimensional structural data
comprise pixel values (e.g., RGB pixel values) ranging from, for
example, (0000, 0000, 0000) to (9999, 9999, 9999) in the locations
from (000, 000, 000) to (999, 999, 999) in a 3D coordinate system
(x, y, z). In this situation, Table 1 exemplifies data #1-data #N
of the 3D structural data. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Data #1 in a Data
#2 in a Data #N in a location location . . . location (001, 004,
002) (001, 004, 004) (025, 400, 087) (0001, 0003, 1348) (0010,
0033, 1234) . . . (0001, 3003, 1274)
[0338] In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 69A,
stereoscopic images are produced from three-dimensional structural
data 752 in a remote server. The three-dimensional structural data
752 are projected into a pair of two dimensional planes using known
projection portions 754 and 756, which are also frequently referred
to as imaginary cameras or view points in stereoscopic image
display technology. The projection portions may comprise a know
software that performs the projection function. These projected
images are stereoscopic images, each comprising a pair of
two-dimensional plane images that are transmitted to a display
site. In the display site, the stereoscopic images are displayed in
a pair of display devices.
[0339] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
69A, stereoscopic images are produced from three-dimensional
structural data in a display site. In this embodiment, the
three-dimensional structural data may be transmitted or downloaded
from a remote server to the display site. The projection portions
772 and 774 are located in a computing device 770. In one
embodiment of the invention, the projection portions 772 and 774
may comprise a software module and be downloaded with the
structural data from the remote server to the computing device 770
of the display site. The projected images, i.e., produced
stereoscopic images are displayed through a pair of display devices
776 and 778. In another embodiment of the invention, the 3D
structural data are stored on a recording medium such as optical
disks or magnetic disks and inserted and retrieved in the computing
device 770 as discussed with regard to FIG. 62. In this situation,
a software module for the projection portions 772 and 774 may be
included in the medium.
[0340] A method of producing stereoscopic images from the
three-dimensional structural data is, for example, disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,607, issued Dec. 21, 1999, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0341] This aspect of the invention may be applied to all of the
aspects of the invention described above. In some embodiments,
however, some modification may be made. As one example, the
photographing ratios of the imaginary cameras (projection portions,
view points) may be calculated by calculating horizontal and
vertical lengths of a photographed object or scene and the distance
between the cameras and the object (scene), using the location of
the cameras and object in the projected coordinate system.
[0342] As another example, the control of the motions of the
imaginary cameras may be performed by a computer software that
identifies the location of the imaginary cameras and controls the
movement of the cameras.
[0343] As another example, the control of the space magnification
may be performed by adjusting the interval between the imaginary
cameras using the identified location of the imaginary cameras in
the projected coordinate system.
[0344] FIG. 70 illustrates a 3D display system according to another
aspect of the invention. This aspect of the invention is directed
to display stereoscopic images such that the resolution of each
display device is substantially the same as that of each
stereoscopic camera. In this aspect of the invention, the locations
of the pixels that are photographed in each camera with regard to a
camera frame (e.g., 640.times.480) are substantially the same as
those of the pixels that are displayed in each display device with
regard to a display screen (e.g., 1280.times.960). Referring to
FIG. 70, the resolution of the display device is double that of the
camera. Thus, one pixel of the left top comer photographed in the
camera is converted to four pixels of the display screen in the
same location as shown in FIG. 70. Similarly, one pixel of the
right bottom comer photographed in the camera is converted to four
pixels of the display screen in the same location as shown in FIG.
70. This aspect of the invention may be applied to all of the 3D
display systems described in this application.
[0345] The above systems have been described showing a
communication location connecting the display to a remote camera
site. However, these various inventions can be practiced without a
receiver/a transmitter and network so that functions are performed
at a single site. Some of the above systems also have been
described based on a viewer's eye lens motion or location. However,
the systems can be practiced based on a viewer's eye pupils or
comeas.
[0346] While the above description has pointed out novel features
of the invention as applied to various embodiments, the skilled
person will understand that various omissions, substitutions, and
changes in the form and details of the device or process
illustrated may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
variations coming within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are embraced within their scope.
* * * * *