U.S. patent application number 12/619518 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for 3d glasses.
Invention is credited to David W. Allen, Rodney W. Kimmell, Boyd MacNaughton.
Application Number | 20100177254 12/619518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41567242 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100177254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacNaughton; Boyd ; et
al. |
July 15, 2010 |
3D Glasses
Abstract
A viewing system for viewing video displays having the
appearance of a three dimensional image.
Inventors: |
MacNaughton; Boyd;
(Portland, OR) ; Kimmell; Rodney W.; (Forest
Grove, OR) ; Allen; David W.; (Beaverton,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
41567242 |
Appl. No.: |
12/619518 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61115477 |
Nov 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
61179248 |
May 18, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
349/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 13/341 20180501;
H04N 2213/008 20130101; H04N 13/398 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
349/15 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1335 20060101
G02F001/1335 |
Claims
1. A method for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter for use in
3D glasses, comprising: causing the liquid crystal to rotate to an
open position, the liquid crystal achieving a light transmission
rate of at least twenty-five percent in less than one millisecond;
waiting until the liquid crystal rotates to a point having maximum
light transmission; stopping the rotation of the liquid crystal at
the point of maximum light transmission; and holding the liquid
crystal at the point of maximum light transmission for a period of
time.
2. A system for providing a three dimensional video image to a user
of 3D glasses, the system comprising: a pair of liquid crystal
shutters having corresponding first and a second liquid crystal
shutters, and a control circuit adapted to open the first liquid
crystal shutter, wherein the first liquid crystal shutter opens to
a point of maximum light transmission in less than one millisecond,
apply a catch voltage to hold the first liquid crystal shutter at
the point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
then close the first liquid crystal shutter, open the second liquid
crystal shutter, wherein the second liquid crystal shutter opens to
a point of maximum light transmission in less than one millisecond,
apply a catch voltage to hold the second liquid crystal shutter at
the point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
and then close the second liquid crystal shutter; wherein the first
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
first eye of the user and the second period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a second eye of the user.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit is
adapted to use a synchronization signal to determine the first and
second period of time.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the catch voltage is
two volts.
5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of
light.
6. The system according to claim 2, further comprising an emitter
that provides a synchronization signal and wherein the
synchronization signal causes the control circuit to open one of
the liquid crystal shutters.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the synchronization
signal comprises an encrypted signal.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit
will only operate after validating the encrypted signal.
9. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a battery
sensor.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the control circuit is
adapted to provide an indication of a low battery condition.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the indication of a
low battery condition comprises a liquid crystal shutter that is
closed for a period of time and then open for a period of time.
12. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit is
adapted to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the
liquid crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization
signal.
13. The system according to claim 7, wherein the encrypted signal
will only operate a pair of liquid crystal glasses having a control
circuit adapted to receive the encrypted signal.
14. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a test
signal wherein the test signal operates the liquid crystal shutters
at a rate that is visible to the user wearing the pair of liquid
crystal shutter glasses.
15. A system for providing three dimensional video images,
comprising: a pair of glasses comprising a first lens having a
first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having a second
liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters each having a
liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
and a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal orientation is
held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein a catch voltage holds
the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light transmission.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of
light.
18. The system according to claim 15, further comprising an emitter
that provides a synchronization signal and wherein the
synchronization signal causes the control circuit to open one of
the liquid crystal shutters.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the synchronization
signal comprises an encrypted signal.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the control circuit
will only operate after validating the encrypted signal.
21. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a battery
sensor.
22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the control circuit
is adapted to provide an indication of a low battery condition.
23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the indication of a
low battery condition comprises a liquid crystal shutter that is
closed for a period of time and then open for a period of time.
24. The system according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit
is adapted to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating
the liquid crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization
signal.
25. The system according to claim 19, wherein the encrypted signal
will only operate a pair of liquid crystal glasses having a control
circuit adapted to receive the encrypted signal.
26. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a test
signal wherein the test signal operates the liquid crystal shutters
at a rate that is visible to a person wearing the pair of liquid
crystal shutter glasses.
27. A method for providing a three dimensional video image, the
method comprising: opening a first liquid crystal shutter in less
than one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening a second
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, and holding
the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer.
28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising holding
the liquid crystal shutter at the point of maximum light
transmission by a catch voltage.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the catch voltage is
two volts.
30. The method according to claim 27, wherein the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of
light.
31. The method according to claim 27, further comprising emitting a
synchronization signal for controlling an operation of the liquid
crystal shutters.
32. The method according to claim 27, wherein the synchronization
signal comprises an encrypted signal.
33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the synchronization
signal will only control the operation of the liquid crystal
shutters control circuit after being validating the encrypted
signal.
34. The method according to claim 27, further comprising sensing a
power level of a battery.
35. The method according to claim 34, further comprising providing
an indication of the power level of the battery.
36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the indication of a
low battery power level comprises a liquid crystal shutter that is
closed for a period of time and then open for a period of time.
37. The method according to claim 27, further comprising detecting
a synchronization signal and then operating the liquid crystal
shutters after detecting the synchronization signal.
38. The method according to claim 32, further comprising only
operating the liquid crystal shutters after receiving an encrypted
signal specially designated for the liquid crystal shutters.
39. The method according to claim 27, further comprising providing
a test signal that operates the liquid crystal shutters at a rate
that is visible to the viewer.
40. A computer program installed on a machine readable medium in a
housing for 3D glasses having at least one liquid crystal shutter
for providing a three dimensional video image to a user of the 3D
glasses, the computer program comprising: causing a liquid crystal
to rotate by applying an electrical voltage to the liquid crystal,
the liquid crystal achieving a light transmission rate of at least
twenty-five percent in less than one millisecond; waiting until the
liquid crystal rotates to a point having maximum light
transmission; stopping the rotation of the liquid crystal at the
point of maximum light transmission; and holding the liquid crystal
at the point of maximum light transmission for a period of
time.
41. A computer program installed on a machine readable medium for
providing a three dimensional video image to a user of 3D glasses
having first and second liquid crystal shutters, the computer
program comprising: opening the first liquid crystal shutter in
less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter
at a point of maximum light transmission for a first period of
time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the
second liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, and
holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
first eye of the user and the second period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a second eye of the user.
42. The computer program according to claim 41, wherein the liquid
crystal shutter is held at the point of maximum light transmission
by a catch voltage.
43. The computer program according to claim 42, wherein the catch
voltage is two volts.
44. The computer program according to claim 41, wherein the point
of maximum light transmission transmits more than thirty two
percent of light.
45. The computer program according to claim 41, further comprising
providing a synchronization signal that controls an operation of
the liquid crystal shutters.
46. The computer program according to claim 41, wherein the
synchronization signal comprises an encrypted signal.
47. The computer program according to claim 46, further comprising
operating the liquid crystal shutters only after validating the
encrypted signal.
48. The computer program according to claim 41, further comprising
sensing a power level of a battery.
49. The computer program according to claim 48, further comprising
providing an indication of a low battery condition.
50. The computer program according to claim 49, further comprising
providing an indication of a low battery condition by closing a
liquid crystal shutter for a period of time and then opening the
liquid crystal shutter for a period of time.
51. The computer program according to claim 41, further comprising
detecting a synchronization signal and then operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal.
52. The computer program according to claim 46, further comprising
only operating the liquid crystal shutters after receiving an
encrypted signal specifically designated from controlling the
liquid crystal shutters.
53. The computer program according to claim 41, further comprising
providing a test signal that opens and closes the liquid crystal
shutters at a rate that is visible to the user.
54. A system for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter,
comprising: means for causing a liquid crystal to rotate by
applying an electrical voltage to the liquid crystal, the liquid
crystal achieving a light transmission rate of at least twenty-five
percent in less than one millisecond; means for waiting until the
liquid crystal rotates to a point having maximum light
transmission; means for stopping the rotation of the liquid crystal
at the point of maximum light transmission; and means for holding
the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light transmission for a
period of time.
55. A system for providing a three dimensional video image to a
user of 3D glasses having first and second liquid crystal shutters,
the system comprising: means for opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the first
liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for
a first period of time, means for closing the first liquid crystal
shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less
than one millisecond, and means for holding the second liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
second period of time, and wherein the first period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of a
viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer.
56. The system according to claim 55, wherein the at least one of
the first and second liquid crystal shutter is held at the point of
maximum light transmission by a catch voltage.
57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the catch voltage is
about two volts.
58. The system according to claim 55, wherein the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of
light.
59. The system according to claim 55, further comprising means for
providing a synchronization signal and wherein the synchronization
signal causes one of the liquid crystal shutters to open.
60. The system according to claim 55, wherein the synchronization
signal comprises an encrypted signal.
61. The system according to claim 60, further comprising means for
only operating the liquid crystal shutters after validating the
encrypted signal.
62. The system according to claim 55, further comprising means for
sensing an operating condition of a battery.
63. The system according to claim 62, further comprising means for
providing an indication of a low battery condition.
64. The system according to claim 63, wherein the means for
providing an indication of a low battery condition comprises means
for closing a liquid crystal shutter for a period of time and then
opening the liquid crystal shutter for a period of time.
65. The system according to claim 55, further comprising means for
detecting a synchronization signal and means for operating the
liquid crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization
signal.
66. The system according to claim 60, further comprising means for
only operating the liquid crystal shutters after receiving an
encrypted signal specially designated for operating the liquid
crystal shutters.
67. The system according to claim 55, further comprising means for
operating the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to
the viewer.
68. A method for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter for use
in 3D glasses, comprising: causing the liquid crystal to rotate to
an open position, waiting until the liquid crystal rotates to a
point having maximum light transmission; stopping the rotation of
the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light transmission; and
holding the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light
transmission for a period of time; wherein the liquid crystal
comprises an optically thick liquid crystal.
69. A method for providing a three dimensional video image to a
user of 3D glasses having first and second crystal shutters, the
method comprising: transmitting an encrypted synchronization
signal, receiving the encrypted synchronization signal at a remote
location, after validating the received encrypted synchronization
signal, opening a first liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of
maximum light transmission for a first period of time, closing the
first liquid crystal shutter and then opening a second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the second
liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for
a second period of time, providing battery power for opening and
closing the liquid crystal shutters; sensing a power level of the
battery power, and providing an indication of the sensed power
level of the battery power by opening and closing the liquid
crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to a viewer, wherein the
first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image,
for a first eye of the viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of the
viewer, and wherein the liquid crystal shutters are held at the
point of maximum light transmission by a catch voltage.
Description
1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to Design Pat. application No.
29/326,498, by Carlow, et al., titled "3D Glasses," filed on Oct.
20, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/115,477, filed on Nov.
17, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0003] This application is related to Design Pat. application No.
29/314,202, by Carlow, et al., titled "Improved 3D Glasses," filed
on Mar. 13, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0004] This application is related to Design Pat. application No.
29/314,966, by Carlow, et al., titled "Further Improved 3D
Glasses," filed on May 13, 2009, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0005] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,248, filed on May
18, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0006] This application is related to each of U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 12/619,518, 12/619,517, 12/619,415,
12/619,400, 12/619,431, 12/619,163, 12/619,456, and 12/619,102, all
filed on Nov. 16, 2009, and having attorney docket nos.
092847.000027, 092847.000042, 092847.000044, 092847.000045,
092847.000046, 092847.000060, 092847.000064 and 092847.000080,
respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
2. BACKGROUND
[0007] This disclosure relates to image processing systems for the
presentation of a video image that appears three dimensional to the
viewer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a
system for providing three dimensional images.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of the operation of the
method of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
experimental embodiment of the operation of the method of FIG.
2.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a graphical illustration of the operation of the
method of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a graphical illustration of the operation of the
method of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of the operation of the
method of FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration of the operation of the
method of FIG. 13.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a
method for operating the system of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the
3D glasses of the system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIGS. 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are a schematic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of 3D glasses.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the digitally
controlled analog switches of the shutter controllers of the 3D
glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of the digitally
controlled analog switches of the shutter controllers, the
shutters, and the control signals of the CPU of the 3D glasses of
FIGS. 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0033] FIG. 26 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0035] FIG. 28 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0036] FIG. 29 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 18, 18a,
18b, 18c, and 18d.
[0037] FIGS. 30, 30a, 30b, and 30c are a schematic illustration of
an exemplary embodiment of 3D glasses.
[0038] FIG. 31 is a schematic illustration of the digitally
controlled analog switches of the shutter controllers of the 3D
glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a, 30b, and 30c.
[0039] FIG. 32 is a schematic illustration of the operation of the
digitally controlled analog switches of the shutter controllers of
the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a, 30b, and 30c.
[0040] FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0041] FIG. 34 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0042] FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0043] FIG. 36 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0044] FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0045] FIG. 38 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0046] FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0047] FIG. 40 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0048] FIG. 41 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0049] FIG. 42 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0050] FIG. 43 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of the operation of the 3D glasses of FIGS. 30, 30a,
30b, and 30c.
[0051] FIG. 44 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of 3D
glasses.
[0052] FIG. 45 is a rear view of the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0053] FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0054] FIG. 47 is a front view of the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0055] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the 3D glasses of FIG.
44.
[0056] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the use of a key to
manipulate a housing cover for a battery for the 3D glasses of FIG.
44.
[0057] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the key used to manipulate
the housing cover for the battery for the 3D glasses of FIG.
44.
[0058] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the housing cover for the
battery for the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0059] FIG. 52 is a side view of the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0060] FIG. 53 is a perspective side view of the housing cover,
battery and an O-ring seal for the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0061] FIG. 54 a perspective bottom view of the housing cover,
battery and the O-ring seal for the 3D glasses of FIG. 44.
[0062] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the glasses of FIG. 44 and an alternative embodiment of the key
used to manipulate housing cover of FIG. 50.
[0063] FIG. 56 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary
embodiment of a signal sensor for use in one or more of the
exemplary embodiments.
[0064] FIG. 57 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary data
signal suitable for use with the signal sensor of FIG. 56.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] In the drawings and description that follows, like parts are
marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same
reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily
to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details
of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of
clarity and conciseness. The present invention is susceptible to
embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described
in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification
of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit
the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be
fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments
discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable
combination to produce desired results. The various characteristics
mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics
described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description
of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0066] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a system 100 for viewing a
three dimensional ("3D") movie on a movie screen 102 includes a
pair of 3D glasses 104 having a left shutter 106 and a right
shutter 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 104 include
a frame and the shutters, 106 and 108, are provided as left and
right viewing lenses mounted and supported within the frame.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the shutters, 106 and 108, are
liquid crystal cells that open when the cell goes from opaque to
clear, and the cell closes when the cell goes from clear back to
opaque. Clear, in this case, is defined as transmitting enough
light for a user of the 3D glasses 104 to see an image projected on
the movie screen 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the user of the
3D glasses 104 may be able to see the image projected on the movie
screen 102 when the liquid crystal cells of the shutters, 106
and/or 108, of the 3D glasses 104 become 25-30 percent
transmissive. Thus, the liquid crystal cells of a shutter, 106
and/or 108, is considered to be open when the liquid crystal cell
becomes 25-30 percent transmissive. The liquid crystal cells of a
shutter, 106 and/or 108, may also transmit more than 25-30 percent
of light when the liquid crystal cell is open.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the shutters, 106 and 108, of
the 3D glasses 104 include liquid crystal cells having a PI-cell
configuration utilizing a low viscosity, high index of refraction
liquid crystal material such as, for example, Merck MLC6080. In an
exemplary embodiment, the PI-cell thickness is adjusted so that in
its relaxed state it forms a 1/2-wave retarder. In an exemplary
embodiment, the PI-cell is made thicker so that the 1/2-wave state
is achieved at less than full relaxation. One of the suitable
liquid crystal materials is MLC6080 made by Merck, but any liquid
crystal with a sufficiently high optical anisotropy, low rotational
viscosity and/or birefringence may be used. The shutters, 106 and
108, of the 3D glasses 104 may also use a small cell gap,
including, for example, a gap of 4 microns. Furthermore, a liquid
crystal with a sufficiently high index of refraction and low
viscosity may also be suitable for use in the shutters, 106 and
108, of the 3D glasses 104.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the Pi-cells of the shutters,
106 and 108, of the 3D glasses 104 work on an electrically
controlled birefringence ("ECB") principle. Birefringence means
that the Pi-cell has different refractive indices, when no voltage
or a small catching voltage is applied, for light with polarization
parallel to the long dimension of the Pi-cell molecules and for
light with polarization perpendicular to long dimension, no and ne.
The difference no-ne=.DELTA.n is optical anisotropy.
.DELTA.n.times.d, where d is thickness of the cell, is optical
thickness. When .DELTA.n.times.d=1/2.lamda. the Pi-cell is acting
as a 1/2 wave retarder when cell is placed at 45.degree. to the
axis of the polarizer. So optical thickness is important not just
thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the Pi-cells of the
shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses 104 are made optically too
thick, meaning that .DELTA.n.times.d>1/2.lamda.. The higher
optical anisotropy means thinner cell--faster cell relaxation. In
an exemplary embodiment, when voltage is applied the molecules' of
the Pi-cells of the shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses 104
long axes are perpendicular to substrates--homeotropic alignment,
so there is no birefringence in that state, and, because the
polarizers have transmitting axes crossed, no light is transmitted.
In an exemplary embodiment, Pi-cells with polarizers crossed are
said to work in normally white mode and transmit light when no
voltage is applied. Pi-cells with polarizers' transmitting axes
oriented parallel to each other work in a normally black mode,
i.e., they transmit light when a voltage is applied.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, when high voltage is removed
from the Pi-cells, the opening of the shutters, 106 and/or 108,
start. This is a relaxation process, meaning that liquid crystal
("LC") molecules in the Pi-cell go back to the equilibrium state,
i.e. molecules align with the alignment layer, i.e. the rubbing
direction of the substrates. The Pi-cell's relaxation time depends
on the cell thickness and rotational viscosity of the fluid.
[0071] In general, the thinner the Pi-cell, the faster the
relaxation. In an exemplary embodiment, the important parameter is
not the Pi-cell gap, d, itself, but rather the product And, where
.DELTA.n is the birefringence of the LC fluid. In an exemplary
embodiment, in order to provide the maximum light transmission in
its open state, the head-on optical retardation of the Pi-cell,
.DELTA.nd, should be .lamda./2. Higher birefringence allows for
thinner cell and so faster cell relaxation. In order to provide the
fastest possible switching fluids with low rotational viscosity and
higher birefringence--.DELTA.n (such as MLC 6080 by EM industries)
are used.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to using switching
fluids with low rotational viscosity and higher birefringence in
the Pi-cells, to achieve faster switching from opaque to clear
state, the Pi-cells are made optically too thick so that the
1/2-wave state is achieved at less than full relaxation. Normally,
the Pi-cell thickness is adjusted so that in its relaxed state it
forms a 1/2-wave retarder. However, making the Pi-cells optically
too thick so that the 1/2-wave state is achieved at less than full
relaxation results in faster switching from opaque to clear state.
In this manner, the shutters 106 and 108 of the exemplary
embodiments provide enhanced speed in opening versus prior art LC
shutter devices that, in an exemplary experimental embodiment,
provided unexpected results.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, a catch voltage may then be used
to stop the rotation of the LC molecules in the Pi-cell before they
rotate too far. By stopping the rotation of the LC molecules in the
Pi-cell in this manner, the light transmission is held at or near
its peak value.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 further includes
a signal transmitter 110, having a central processing unit ("CPU")
110a, that transmits a signal toward the movie screen 102. In an
exemplary embodiment, the transmitted signal is reflected off of
the movie screen 102 towards a signal sensor 112. The transmitted
signal could be, for example, one or more of an infrared ("IR")
signal, a visible light signal, multiple colored signal, or white
light. In some embodiments, the transmitted signal is transmitted
directly toward the signal sensor 112 and thus, may not reflected
off of the movie screen 102. In some embodiments, the transmitted
signal could be, for example, a radio frequency ("RF") signal that
is not reflected off of the movie screen 102.
[0075] The signal sensor 112 is operably coupled to a CPU 114. In
an exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 112 detects the
transmitted signal and communicates the presence of the signal to
the CPU 114. The CPU 110a and the CPU 114 may, for example, each
include a general purpose programmable controller, an application
specific intergrated circuit ("ASIC"), an analog controller, a
localized controller, a distributed controller, a programmable
state controller, and/or one or more combinations of the
aforementioned devices.
[0076] The CPU 114 is operably coupled to a left shutter controller
116 and a right shutter controller 118 for monitoring and
controlling the operation of the shutter controllers. In an
exemplary embodiment, the left and right shutter controllers, 116
and 118, are in turn operably coupled to the left and right
shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses 104 for monitoring and
controlling the operation of the left and right shutters. The
shutter controllers, 116 and 118, may, for example, include a
general purpose programmable controller, an ASIC, an analog
controller, an analog or digital switch, a localized controller, a
distributed controller, a programmable state controller, and/or one
or more combinations of the aforementioned devices.
[0077] A battery 120 is operably coupled to at least the CPU 114
and provides power for operating one or more of the CPU, the signal
sensor 112, and the shutter controllers, 116 and 118, of the 3D
glasses 104. A battery sensor 122 is operably coupled to the CPU
114 and the batter 120 for monitoring the amount of power remaining
in the battery.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 114 may monitor and/or
control the operation of one or more of the signal sensor 112, the
shutter controllers, 116 and 118, and the battery sensor 122.
Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the signal sensor
112, the shutter controllers, 116 and 118, and the battery sensor
122 may include a separate dedicated controller and/or a plurality
of controllers, which may or may not also monitor and/or control
one or more of signal sensor 112, the shutter controllers, 116 and
118, and the battery sensor 122. Alternatively, or in addition, the
operation of the CPU 114 may at least be partially distributed
among one or more of the other elements of the 3D glasses 104.
[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 112, the CPU
114, the shutter controllers, 116 and 118, the battery 120, and the
battery sensor 122 are mounted and supported within the frame of
the 3D glasses 104. If the movie screen 102 is positioned within a
movie theater, then a projector 130 may be provided for projecting
one or more video images on the movie screen. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter 110 may be positioned proximate,
or be included within, the projector 130. In an exemplary
embodiment, the projector 130 may include, for example, one or more
of an electronic projector device, an electromechanical projector
device, a film projector, a digital video projector, or a computer
display for displaying one or more video images on the movie screen
102. Alternatively, or in addition to the movie screen 102, a
television ("TV") or other video display device may also be used
such as, for example, a flat screen TV, a plasma TV, an LCD TV, or
other display device for displaying images for viewing by a user of
the 3D glasses that may, for example, include the signal
transmitter 110, or an additional signal transmitter for signaling
to the 3D glasses 104, that may be positioned proximate and/or
within the display surface of the display device.
[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system
100, the CPU 114 controls the operation of the shutters, 106 and
108, of the 3D glasses 104 as a function of the signals received by
the signal sensor 112 from the signal transmitter 110 and/or as a
function of signals received by the CPU from the battery sensor
122. In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 114 may direct the left
shutter controller 116 to open the left shutter 106 and/or direct
the right shutter controller 118 to open the right shutter 108.
[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the shutter controllers, 116 and
118, control the operation of the shutters, 106 and 108,
respectively, by applying a voltage across the liquid crystal cells
of the shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage applied
across the liquid crystal cells of the shutters, 106 and 108,
alternates between negative and positive. In an exemplary
embodiment, the liquid crystal cells of the shutters, 106 and 108,
open and close the same way regardless of whether the applied
voltage is positive or negative. Alternating the applied voltage
prevents the material of the liquid crystal cells of the shutters,
106 and 108, from plating out on the surfaces of the cells.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system
100, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system may implement a
left-right shutter method 200 in which, if in 202a, the left
shutter 106 will be closed and the right shutter 108 will be
opened, then in 202b, a high voltage 202ba is applied to the left
shutter 106 and no voltage 202bb followed by a small catch voltage
202bc are applied to the right shutter 108 by the shutter
controllers, 116 and 118, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment,
applying the high voltage 202ba to the left shutter 106 closes the
left shutter, and applying no voltage to the right shutter 108
starts opening the right shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
subsequent application of the small catch voltage 202bc to the
right shutter 108 prevents the liquid crystals in the right shutter
from rotating too far during the opening of the right shutter 108.
As a result, in 202b, the left shutter 106 is closed and the right
shutter 108 is opened.
[0083] If in 202c, the left shutter 106 will be opened and the
right shutter 108 will be closed, then in 202d, a high voltage
202da is applied to the right shutter 108 and no voltage 202db
followed by a small catch voltage 202dc are applied to the left
shutter 106 by the shutter controllers, 118 and 116, respectively.
In an exemplary embodiment, applying the high voltage 202da to the
right shutter 108 closes the right shutter, and applying no voltage
to the left shutter 106 starts opening the left shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the subsequent application of the small catch
voltage 202dc to the left shutter 106 prevents the liquid crystals
in the left shutter from rotating too far during the opening of the
left shutter 106. As a result, in 202d, the left shutter 106 is
opened and the right shutter 108 is closed.
[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the catch
voltage used in 202b and 202d ranges from about 10 to 20% of the
magnitude of the high voltage used in 202b and 202d.
[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the
system 100, during the method 200, during the time that the left
shutter 106 is closed and the right shutter 108 is open in 202b, a
video image is presented for the right eye, and during the time
that the left shutter 106 is opened and the right shutter 108 is
closed in 202d, a video image is presented for the left eye. In an
exemplary embodiment, the video image may be displayed on one or
more of the movie theater screen 102, an LCD television screen, a
digital light processing ("DLP") television, a DLP projector, a
plasma screen, and the like.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the
system 100, the CPU 114 will direct each shutter, 106 and 108, to
open at the same time the image intended for that shutter, and
viewer eye, is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, a
synchronization signal may be used to cause the shutters, 106 and
108, to open at the correct time.
[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, a synchronization signal is
transmitted by the signal transmitter 110 and the synchronization
signal could, for example, include an infrared light. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter 110 transmits the
synchronization signal toward a reflective surface and the surface
reflects the signal to the signal sensor 112 positioned and mounted
within the frame of the 3D glasses 104. The reflective surface
could, for example, be the movie theater screen 102 or another
reflective device located on or near the movie screen such that the
user of the 3D glasses 104 is generally facing the reflector while
watching the movie. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter 110 may send the synchronization signal directly to the
sensor 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 112 may
include a photo diode mounted and supported on the frame of the 3D
glasses 104.
[0088] The synchronization signal may provide a pulse at the
beginning of each left-right lens shutter sequence 200. The
synchronization signal could be more frequent, for example
providing a pulse to direct the opening of each shutter, 106 or
108. The synchronization signal could be less frequent, for example
providing a pulse once per shutter sequence 200, once per five
shutter sequences, or once per 100 shutter sequences. The CPU 114
may have an internal timer to maintain proper shutter sequencing in
the absence of a synchronization signal.
[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination of viscous
liquid crystal material and narrow cell gap in the shutters, 106
and 108, may result in a cell that is optically too thick. The
liquid crystal in the shutters, 106 and 108, blocks light
transmission when voltage is applied. Upon removing the applied
voltage, the molecules in the liquid crystals in the shutters, 106
and 108, rotate back to the orientation of the alignment layer. The
alignment layer orients the molecules in the liquid crystal cells
to allow light transmission. In a liquid crystal cell that is
optically too thick, the liquid crystal molecules rotate rapidly
upon removal of power and thus rapidly increase light transmission
but then the molecules rotate too far and light transmission
decreases. The time from when the rotation of the liquid crystal
cell molecules starts until the light transmission stabilizes, i.e.
liquid crystal molecules rotation stops, is the true switching
time.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, when the shutter controllers,
116 and 118, apply the small catch voltage to the shutters, 106 and
108, this catch voltage stops the rotation of the liquid crystal
cells in the shutters before they rotate too far. By stopping the
rotation of the molecules in the liquid crystal cells in the
shutters, 106 and 108, before they rotate too far, the light
transmission through the molecules in the liquid crystal cells in
the shutters is held at or near its peak value. Thus, the effective
switching time is from when the liquid crystal cells in the
shutters, 106 and 108, start their rotation until the rotation of
the molecules in the liquid crystal cells is stopped at or near the
point of peak light transmission.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 4, the transmission refers to the
amount of light transmitted through a shutter, 106 or 108, wherein
a transmission value of 1 refers to the point of maximum, or a
point near the maximum, light transmission through the liquid
crystal cell of the shutter, 106 or 108. Thus, for a shutter, 106
or 108, to be able to transmit its maximum of 37% of light, a
transmission level of 1 indicates that the shutter, 106 or 108, is
transmitting its maximum, i.e., 37%, of available light. Of course,
depending upon the particular liquid crystal cell used, the maximum
amount of light transmitted by a shutter, 106 or 108, could be any
amount, including, for example, 33%, 30%, or significantly more or
less.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in an exemplary experimental
embodiment, a shutter, 106 or 108, was operated and the light
transmission 400 was measured during operation of the method 200.
In the exemplary experimental embodiment of the shutter, 106 or
108, the shutter closed in approximately 0.5 milliseconds, then
remained closed through the first half of the shutter cycle for
about 7 milliseconds, then the shutter was opened to about 90% of
the maximum light transmission in about one millisecond, and then
the shutter remained open for about 7 milliseconds and then was
closed. As a comparison, a commercially available shutter was also
operated during the operation of the method 200 and exhibited the
light transmission 402. The light transmission of the shutter, 106
and 108, of the present exemplary embodiments, during the operation
of the method 200, reached about 25-30 percent transmissive, i.e.,
about 90% of the maximum light transmission, as shown in FIG. 4, in
about one millisecond whereas the other shutter only reached about
25-30 percent transmissive, i.e., about 90% of the maximum light
transmission, as shown in FIG. 4, after about 2.5 milliseconds.
Thus, the shutters, 106 and 108, of the present exemplary
embodiments, provided a significantly more responsive operation
than commercially available shutters. This was an unexpected
result.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, the
system 100 implements a method 500 of operation in which, in 502,
the signal sensor 114 receives an infrared synchronization ("sync")
pulse from the signal transmitter 110. If the 3D glasses 104 are
not in the RUN MODE in 504, then the CPU 114 determines if the 3D
glasses 104 are in the OFF MODE in 506. If the CPU 114 determines
that the 3D glasses 104 are not in the OFF MODE in 506, then the
CPU 114 continues normal processing in 508 and then returns to 502.
If the CPU 114 determines that the 3D glasses 104 are in the OFF
MODE in 506, then the CPU 114 clears the sync inverter ("SI") and
validation flags in 510 to prepare the CPU 114 for the next
encrypted signals, initiates a warm up sequence for the shutters,
106 and 108, in 512, and then proceeds with normal operations 508
and returns to 502.
[0094] If the 3D glasses 104 are in the RUN MODE in 504, then the
CPU 114 determines whether the 3D glasses 104 are already
configured for encryption in 514. If the 3D glasses 104 are already
configured for encryption in 514, then the CPU 114 continues normal
operations in 508 and proceeds to 502. If the 3D glasses 104 are
not already configured for encryption in 514, then the CPU 114
checks to determine if the incoming signal is a three pulse sync
signal in 516. If the incoming signal is not a three pulse sync
signal in 516, then the CPU 114 continues normal operations in 508
and proceeds to 502. If the incoming signal is a three pulse sync
signal in 516, then the CPU 114 receives configuration data from
the signal transmitter 110 in 518 using the signal sensor 112. The
CPU 114 then decrypts the received configuration data to determine
if it is valid in 520. If the received configuration data is valid
in 520, then the CPU 114 checks to see if the new configuration ID
("CONID") matches the previous CONID in 522. In an exemplary
embodiment, the previous CONID may be stored in a memory device
such as, for example, a nonvolatile memory device, operably coupled
to the CPU 114 during the manufacture or field programming of the
3D glasses 104. If the new CONID does not match the previous CONID
in 522, then the CPU 114 directs the shutters, 106 and 108, of the
3D glasses 104 to go into CLEAR MODE in 524. If the new CONID does
match the previous CONID, in 522, then the CPU 114 sets the SI and
CONID flags to trigger the NORMAL MODE shutter sequence for viewing
three dimensional images in 526.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, in the RUN or NORMAL MODE, the
3D glasses 104 are fully operational. In an exemplary embodiment,
in the OFF MODE, the 3D glasses are not operational. In an
exemplary embodiment, in the NORMAL MODE, the 3D glasses are
operational and may implement the method 200.
[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter 110 may
be located near the theater projector 130. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter 110, among other functions,
sends a synchronization signal ("sync signal") to the signal sensor
112 of the 3D glasses 104. The signal transmitter 110 may instead,
or in addition to, receive a synchronization signal from the
theater projector 130 and/or any display and/or any emitter device.
In an exemplary embodiment, an encryption signal may be used to
prevent the 3D glasses 104 from operating with a signal transmitter
110 that does not contain the correct encryption signal.
Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the encrypted transmitter
signal will not properly actuate 3D glasses 104 that are not
equipped to receive and process the encrypted signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter 110 may also send
encryption data to the 3D glasses 104.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, during
operation, the system 100 implements a method 600 of operation in
which, in 602, the system determines if the signal transmitter 110
was reset because the power just came on in 602. If the signal
transmitter 110 was reset because the power just came on in 602,
then the signal transmitter generates a new random sync invert flag
in 604. If the signal transmitter 110 did not have a power on reset
condition in 602, then the CPU 110a of the signal transmitter 110
determines whether the same sync encoding has been used for more
than a predetermined amount of time in 606. In an exemplary
embodiment, the predetermined time in 606 could be four hours or
the length of a typical movie or any other suitable time. If the
same sync encoding has been used for more than four hours in 606,
then the CPU 110a of the signal transmitter 110 generates a new
sync invert flag in 604.
[0098] The CPU 110a of the signal transmitter 110 then determines
if the signal transmitter is still receiving a signal from the
projector 130 in 608. If the signal transmitter 110 is not still
receiving a signal from the projector 130 in 608, then the signal
transmitter 110 may use its own internal sync generator to continue
sending sync signals to the signal sensor 112 at the proper time in
610.
[0099] During operation, the signal transmitter 110 may, for
example, alternate between two-pulse sync signals and three-pulse
sync signals. In an exemplary embodiment, a two-pulse sync signal
directs the 3D glasses 104 to open the left shutter 108, and a
three-pulse sync signal directs the 3D glasses 104 to open the
right shutter 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter 110 may send an encryption signal after every n.sup.th
signal.
[0100] If the signal transmitter 110 determines that it should send
a three-pulse sync signal in 612, then the signal transmitter
determines the signal count since the last encryption cycle in 614.
In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter 110 sends an
encryption signal only once out of every ten signals. However, in
an exemplary embodiment, there could be more or less signal cycles
between encryption signals. If the CPU 110a of the signal
transmitter 110 determines this is not the n.sup.th three-pulse
sync in 614, then the CPU directs the signal transmitter to send a
standard three pulse sync signal in 616. If the sync signal is the
n.sup.th three-pulse signal, then the CPU 110a of the signal
transmitter 110 encrypts the data in 618 and sends a three pulse
sync signal with embedded configuration data in 620. If the signal
transmitter 110 determines that it should not send a three-pulse
sync signal in 612, then the signal transmitter sends a two-pulse
sync signal in 622.
[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in an exemplary embodiment,
during operation of the system 100, the signal transmitter 110
implements a method 700 of operation in which the sync pulses are
combined with encoded configuration data and then transmitted by
the signal transmitter 110. In particular, the signal transmitter
110 includes a firmware internal clock that generates a clock
signal 800. In 702, the CPU 110a of the signal transmitter 110
determines if the clock signal 800 is at the beginning of the clock
cycle 802. If the CPU 110a of the signal transmitter 110 determines
that the clock signal 800 is at the beginning of the clock cycle in
702, then the CPU of the signal transmitter checks to see if a
configuration data signal 804 is high or low in 704. If the
configuration data signal 804 is high, then a data pulse signal 806
is set to a high value in 706. If the configuration data signal 804
is low, then the data pulse signal 806 is set to a low value in
708. In an exemplary embodiment, the data pulse signal 806 may
already include the sync signal. Thus, the data pulse signal 806 is
combined with the synch signal in 710 and transmitted by the signal
transmitter 110 in 710.
[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the encrypted form of the
configuration data signal 804 may be sent during every sync signal
sequence, after a predetermined number of sync signal sequences,
embedded with the sync signal sequences, overlayed with the sync
signal sequences, or combined with the sync signal
sequences--before or after the encryption operation. Furthermore,
the encrypted form of the configuration data signal 804 could be
sent on either the two or three pulse sync signal, or both, or
signals of any other number of pulses. In addition, the encrypted
configuration data could be transmitted between the transmission of
the sync signal sequence with or without encrypting the sync
signals on either end of the transmission.
[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, encoding the configuration data
signal 804, with or without the sync signal sequence, may be
provided, for example, using Manchester encoding.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5, 8, 9 and 10, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the system 100, the 3D glasses
104 implement a method 900 of operation in which, in 902, the CPU
114 of the 3D glasses 104 checks for a wake up mode time out. In an
exemplary embodiment, the presence of a wake up mode time out in
902 is provided by a clock signal 902a having a high pulse 902aa
with a duration of 100 milliseconds that may occur every 2 seconds,
or other predetermined time period. In an exemplary embodiment, the
presence of the high pulse 902aa indicates a wake up mode time
out.
[0105] If the CPU 114 detects a wake up time out in 902, then the
CPU checks for the presence or absence of a sync signal using the
signal sensor 112 in 904. If the CPU 114 detects a sync signal in
904, then the CPU places the 3D glasses 104 in a CLEAR MODE of
operation in 906. In an exemplary embodiment, in the CLEAR MODE of
operation, the 3D glasses implement, at least portions of, one or
more of the methods 200 and 500, receiving sync pulses, and/or
processing configuration data 804. In an exemplary embodiment, in
the CLEAR mode of operation, the 3D glasses may provide at least
the operations of the method 1300, described below.
[0106] If the CPU 114 does not detect a sync signal in 904, then
the CPU places the 3D glasses 104 in an OFF MODE of operation in
908 and then, in 902, the CPU checks for a wake up mode time out.
In an exemplary embodiment, in the OFF MODE of operation, the 3D
glasses do not provide the features of NORMAL or CLEAR mode of
operations.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the method 900 is implemented by
the 3D glasses 104 when the 3D glasses are in either the OFF MODE
or the CLEAR MODE.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, in an exemplary
embodiment, during operation of the system 100, the 3D glasses 104
implement a warm up method 1100 of operation in which, in 1102, the
CPU 114 of the 3D glasses checks for a power on of the 3D glasses.
In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 104 may be powered on
either by a user activating a power on switch or by an automatic
wakeup sequence. In the event of a power on of the 3D glasses 104,
the shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses may, for example,
require a warm-up sequence. The molecules of the liquid crystal
cells of the shutters, 106 and 108, that do not have power for a
period of time may be in an indefinite state.
[0109] If the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses 104 detect a power on of
the 3D glasses in 1102, then the CPU applies alternating voltage
signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the shutters, 106 and 108,
respectively, in 1104. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage
applied to the shutters, 106 and 108, is alternated between
positive and negative peak values to avoid ionization problems in
the liquid crystal cells of the shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, are at least
partly out of phase with one another. Alternatively, the voltage
signals, 1104a and 1104b, may be in phase or completely out of
phase. In an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the voltage
signals, 1104a and 1104b, may be alternated between a zero voltage
and a peak voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, other forms of
voltage signals may be applied to the shutters, 106 and 108, such
that the liquid crystal cells of the shutters are placed in a
definite operational state. In an exemplary embodiment, the
application of the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the
shutters, 106 and 108, causes the shutters to open and close,
either at the same time or at different times. Alternatively, the
application of the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, causes the
shutters, 106 and 108, to be closed all of the time.
[0110] During the application of the voltage signals, 1104a and
1104b, to the shutters, 106 and 108, the CPU 114 checks for a warm
up time out in 1106. If the CPU 114 detects a warm up time out in
1106, then the CPU will stop the application of the voltage
signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the shutters, 106 and 108, in
1108.
[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, in 1104 and 1106, the CPU 114
applies the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the shutters, 106
and 108, for a period of time sufficient to actuate the liquid
crystal cells of the shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU
114 applies the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the shutters,
106 and 108, for a time out period of two seconds. In an exemplary
embodiment, the maximum magnitude of the voltage signals, 1104a and
1104b, may be 14 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the time out
period in 1106 may be two seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the
maximum magnitude of the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, may be
greater or lesser than 14 volts, and the time out period may be
longer or shorter. In an exemplary embodiment, during the method
1100, the CPU 114 may open and close the shutters, 106 and 108, at
a different rate than would be used for viewing a movie. In an
exemplary embodiment, in 1104, the voltage signals, 1104a and
1104b, applied to the shutters, 106 and 108, alternate at a
different rate than would be used for viewing a movie. In an
exemplary embodiment, in 1104, the voltage signals applied to the
shutters, 106 and 108, do not alternate and are applied constantly
during the warm up time period and therefore the liquid crystal
cells of the shutters may remain opaque for the entire warm up
period. In an exemplary embodiment, the warm-up method 1100 may
occur with or without the presence of a synchronization signal.
Thus, the method 1100 provides a WARM UP mode of the operation for
the 3D glasses 104. In an exemplary embodiment, after implementing
the warm up method 1100, the 3D glasses are placed in a NORMAL RUN
MODE of operation and may then implement the method 200.
Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, after implementing the
warm up method 1100, the 3D glasses are placed in a CLEAR MODE of
operation and may then implement the method 1300, described
below.
[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the system 100, the 3D glasses
104 implement a method 1300 of operation in which, in 1302, the CPU
114 checks to see if the sync signal detected by the signal sensor
112 is valid or invalid. If the CPU 114 determines that the sync
signal is invalid in 1302, then the CPU applies voltage signals,
1304a and 1304b, to the shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses
104 in 1304. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage applied to the
shutters, 106 and 108, is alternated between positive and negative
peak values to avoid ionization problems in the liquid crystal
cells of the shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, one or both of
the voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, may be alternated between a
zero voltage and a peak voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, other
forms of voltage signals may be applied to the shutters, 106 and
108, such that the liquid crystal cells of the shutters remain open
so that the user of the 3D glasses 104 can see normally through the
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the application of the
voltage signals, 1104a and 1104b, to the shutters, 106 and 108,
causes the shutters to open.
[0113] During the application of the voltage signals, 1304a and
1304b, to the shutters, 106 and 108, the CPU 114 checks for a
clearing time out in 1306. If the CPU 114 detects a clearing time
out in 1306, then the CPU will stop the application of the voltage
signals, 1304a and 1304b, to the shutters, 106 and 108, in
1308.
[0114] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, if the 3D glasses 104 do
not detect a valid synchronization signal, they may go to a clear
mode of operation and implement the method 1300. In the clear mode
of operation, in an exemplary embodiment, both shutters, 106 and
108, of the 3D glasses 104 remain open so that the viewer can see
normally through the shutters of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary
embodiment, a constant voltage is applied, alternating positive and
negative, to maintain the liquid crystal cells of the shutters, 106
and 108, of the 3D glasses in a clear state. The constant voltage
could, for example, be in the range of, 2-3 volts, but the constant
voltage could be any other voltage suitable to maintain reasonably
clear shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the shutters, 106 and
108, of the 3D glasses 104 may remain clear until the 3D glasses
are able to validate an encryption signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses may
alternately open and close at a rate that allows the user of the 3D
glasses to see normally.
[0115] Thus, the method 1300 provides a method of clearing the
operation of the 3D glasses 104 and thereby provide a CLEAR MODE of
operation.
[0116] Referring now to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment, during
the operation of the system 100, the 3D glasses 104 implement a
method 1500 of monitoring the battery 120 in which, in 1502, the
CPU 114 of the 3D glasses uses the battery sensor 122 to determine
the remaining useful life of the battery. If the CPU 114 of the 3D
glasses determines that the remaining useful life of the battery
120 is not adequate in 1502, then the CPU provides an indication of
a low battery life condition in 1504.
[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, an inadequate remaining battery
life may, for example, be any period less than 3 hours. In an
exemplary embodiment, an adequate remaining battery life may be
preset by the manufacturer of the 3D glasses and/or programmed by
the user of the 3D glasses.
[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, in 1504, the CPU 114 of the 3D
glasses 104 will indicate a low battery life condition by causing
the shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses to blink slowly, by
causing the shutters to simultaneously blink at a moderate rate
that is visible to the user of the 3D glasses, by flashing an
indicator light, by generating an audible sound, and the like.
[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, if the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses
104 detects that the remaining battery life is insufficient to last
for a specified period of time, then the CPU of the 3D glasses will
indicate a low battery condition in 1504 and then prevent the user
from turning on the 3D glasses.
[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses
104 determines whether or not the remaining battery life is
adequate every time the 3D glasses transition to the CLEAR MODE of
operation.
[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, if the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses
determines that the battery will last for at least the
predetermined adequate amount of time, then the 3D glasses will
continue to operate normally. Operating normally may include
staying in the CLEAR MODE of operation for five minutes while
checking for a valid signal from the signal transmitter 110 and
then going to an OFF MODE wherein the 3D glasses 104 periodically
wake up to check for a signal from the signal transmitter.
[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses
104 checks for a low battery condition just before shutting off the
3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, if the battery 120 will not
last for the predetermined adequate remaining life time, then the
shutters, 106 and 108, will begin blinking slowly.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, if the battery 120 will not last
for the predetermined adequate remaining life time, the shutters,
106 and/or 108, are placed into an opaque condition, i.e., the
liquid crystal cells are closed, for two seconds and then placed
into a clear condition, i.e., the liquid crystal cells are opened,
for 1/10.sup.th of a second. The time period that the shutters, 106
and/or 108, are closed and opened may be any time period.
[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 104 may check for
a low battery condition at any time including during warm up,
during normal operation, during clear mode, during power off mode,
or at the transition between any conditions. In an exemplary
embodiment, if a low battery life condition is detected at a time
when the viewer is likely to be in the middle of a movie, the 3D
glasses 104 may not immediately indicate the low battery
condition.
[0125] In some embodiments, if the CPU 114 of the 3D glasses 104
detects a low battery level, the user will not be able to power the
3D glasses on.
[0126] Referring now to FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, a
tester 1600 may be positioned proximate the 3D glasses 104 in order
to verify that the 3D glasses are working properly. In an exemplary
embodiment, the tester 1600 includes a signal transmitter 1600a for
transmitting test signals 1600b to the signal sensor 112 of the 3D
glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the test signal 1600b may
include a sync signal having a low frequency rate to cause the
shutters, 106 and 108, of the 3D glasses 104 to blink at a low rate
that is visible to the user of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary
embodiment, a failure of the shutters, 106 and 108, to blink in
response to the test signal 1600b may indicate a failure on the
part of the 3D glasses 104 to properly operate.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 17, in an exemplary embodiment, the 3D
glasses 104 further include a charge pump 1700 operably coupled to
the CPU 114, the shutter controllers, 116 and 118, the battery 120
for converting the output voltage of the battery to a higher output
voltage for use in operating the shutter controllers.
[0128] Referring to FIGS. 18, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d, an exemplary
embodiment of 3D glasses 1800 is provided that is substantially
identical in design and operation as the 3D glasses 104 illustrated
and described above except as noted below. The 3D glasses 1800
include a left shutter 1802, a right shutter 1804, a left shutter
controller 1806, a right shutter controller 1808, a CPU 1810, a
battery sensor 1812, a signal sensor 1814 and a charge pump 1816.
In an exemplary embodiment, the design and operation of the left
shutter 1802, the right shutter 1804, the left shutter controller
1806, the right shutter controller 1808, the CPU 1810, the battery
sensor 1812, the signal sensor 1814, and the charge pump 1816 of
the 3D glasses 1800 are substantially identical to the left shutter
106, the right shutter 108, the left shutter controller 116, the
right shutter controller 118, the CPU 114, the battery sensor 122,
the signal sensor 112, and the charge pump 1700 of the 3D glasses
104 described and illustrated above.
[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 1800 include the
following components:
TABLE-US-00001 NAME VALUE/ID R12 10K R9 100K D3 BAS7004 R6 4.7K D2
BP104FS R1 10M C5 .1 uF R5 20K U5-2 MCP6242 R3 10K C6 .1 uF C7 .001
uf C10 .33 uF R7 1M D1 BAS7004 R2 330K U5-1 MCP6242 R4 1M R11 330K
U6 MCP111 R13 100K U3 PIC16F636 C1 47 uF C2 .1 uF R8 10K R10 20K
R14 10K R15 100K Q1 NDS0610 D6 MAZ31200 D5 BAS7004 L1 1 mh C11 1 uF
C3 .1 uF U1 4052 R511 470 C8 .1 uF C4 .1 uF U2 4052 R512 470 C1 47
uF C11 1 uf Left Lens LCD 1 Right Lens LCD 2 BT1 3 V Li
[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the left shutter controller 1806
includes a digitally controlled analog switch U1 that, under the
control of the CPU 1810, depending upon the mode of operation,
applies a voltage across the left shutter 1802 for controlling the
operation of the left shutter. In similar fashion, the right
shutter controller 1808 includes a digitally controller analog
switch U2 that, under the control of the CPU 1810, depending upon
the mode of operation, applies a voltage across the right shutter
1804 for controlling the operation of the right shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, U1 and U2 are conventional commercially
available digitally controlled analog switches available from
Unisonic Technologies or Texas Instruments as part numbers, UTC
4052 and TI 4052, respectively.
[0131] As will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in
the art, the 4052 digitally controlled analog switch includes
control input signals A, B and INHIBIT ("INH"), switch I/O signals
X0, X1, X2, X3, Y0, Y1, Y2 and Y3, and output signals X and Y and
further provides the following truth table:
TABLE-US-00002 TRUTH TABLE Control Inputs Select ON Inhibit B A
Switches 0 0 0 Y0 X0 0 0 1 Y1 X1 0 1 0 Y2 X2 0 1 1 Y3 X3 1 X X None
* X = Don't Care
And, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the 4052 digitally controlled
analog switch also provides a functional diagram 1900. Thus, the
4052 digitally controlled analog switch provides a digitally
controlled analog switch, each having two independent switches,
that permits the left and right shutter controllers, 1806 and 1808,
to selectively apply a controlled voltage across the left and right
shutters, 1802 and 1804, to control the operation of the
shutters.
[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 1810 includes a
microcontroller U3 for generating output signals A, B, C, D and E
for controlling the operation of the digitally controlled analog
switches, U1 and U2, of the left and right shutter controllers,
1806 and 1808. The output control signals A, B and C of the
microcontroller U3 provide the following input control signals A
and B to each of the digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and
U2:
TABLE-US-00003 U3 - Output Control U1 - Input Control Signals
Signals U2 - Input Control Signals A A B A C B B
[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the output control signals D and
E of the microcontroller U3 provide, or otherwise affect, the
switch I/O signals X0, X1, X2, X3, Y0, Y1, Y2 and Y3 of the
digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and U2:
TABLE-US-00004 U3 - Output Control Signals U1 - Switch I/O Signals
U2 - Switch I/O Signals D X3, Y1 X0, Y2 E X3, Y1 X0, Y2
[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller U3 of the
CPU 1810 is a model number PIC16F636 programmable microcontroller,
commercially available from Microchip.
[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery sensor 1812 includes
a power detector U6 for sensing the voltage of the battery 120. In
an exemplary embodiment, the power detector U6 is a model MCP111
micropower voltage detector, commercially available from
Microchip.
[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 1814 includes
a photodiode D2 for sensing the transmission of the signals,
including the sync signal and/or configuration data, by the signal
transmitter 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the photodiode D2 is a
model BP104FS photodiode, commercially available from Osram. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 1814 further includes
operational amplifiers, U5-1 and U5-2, and related signal
conditioning components, resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9,
R11, and R12, capacitors C5, C6, C7, and C10, and schottky diodes,
D1 and D3.
[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, the charge pump 1816 amplifies
the magnitude of the output voltage of the battery 120, using a
charge pump, from 3V to -12V. In an exemplary embodiment, the
charge pump 1816 includes a MOSFET Q1, a schottky diode D5, an
inductor L1, and a zener diode D6. In an exemplary embodiment, the
output signal of the charge pump 1816 is provided as input signals
to switch I/O signals X2 and Y0 of the digitally controlled analog
switch U1 of the left shutter controller 1806 and as input signals
to switch I/O signals X3 and Y1 of the digitally controlled analog
switch U2 of the right shutter controller 1808.
[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment,
during operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the digitally controlled
analog switches, U1 and U2, under the control of the control
signals A, B, C, D, and E of the CPU 1810, may provide various
voltages across one or both of the left and right shutters, 1802
and 1804. In particular, the digitally controlled analog switches,
U1 and U2, under the control of the control signals A, B, C, D, and
E of the CPU 1810, may provide: 1) a positive or negative 15 volts
across one or both of the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804,
2) a positive or negative voltage, in the range of 2-3 volts,
across one or both of the left and right shutters, or 3) provide 0
volts, i.e., a neutral state, across one or both of the left and
right shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the digitally
controlled analog switches, U1 and U2, under the control of the
control signals A, B, C, D, and E of the CPU 1810, may provide 15
volts by, for example, combining +3 volts with -12 volts to achieve
a differential of 15 volts across the one or both of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804. In an exemplary embodiment, the
digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and U2, under the control
of the control signals A, B, C, D, and E of the CPU 1810, may
provide a 2 volt catch voltage, for example, by reducing the 3 volt
output voltage of the battery 120 to 2 volts with a voltage
divider, including components R8 and R10.
[0139] Alternatively, the digitally controlled analog switches, U1
and U2, under the control of the control signals A, B, C, D, and E
of the CPU 1810, may provide: 1) a positive or negative 15 volts
across one or both of the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804,
2) a positive or negative voltage, of about 2 volts, across one or
both of the left and right shutters, 3) a positive or negative
voltage, of about 3 volts, across one or both of the left and right
shutters, or 4) provide 0 volts, i.e., a neutral state, across one
or both of the left and right shutters. In an exemplary embodiment,
the digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and U2, under the
control of the control signals A, B, C, D, and E of the CPU 1810,
may provide 15 volts by, for example, combining +3 volts with -12
volts to achieve a differential of 15 volts across the one or both
of the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804. In an exemplary
embodiment, the digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and U2,
under the control of the control signals A, B, C, D, and E of the
CPU 1810, may provide a 2 volt catch voltage, for example, by
reducing the 3 volt output voltage of the battery 120 to 2 volts
with a voltage divider, including components R8 and R10.
[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the 3D
glasses execute a normal run mode of operation 2100 in which the
control signals A, B, C, D and E generated by the CPU 1810 are used
to control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
1806 and 1808, to in turn control the operation of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804, as a function of the type of sync
signal detected by the signal sensor 1814.
[0141] In particular, in 2102, if the CPU 1810 determines that the
signal sensor 1814 has received a sync signal, then, in 2104, the
CPU determines the type of sync signal received. In an exemplary
embodiment, a sync signal that includes 3 pulses indicates that the
left shutter 1802 should be closed and the right shutter 1804
should be opened while a sync signal that includes 2 pulses
indicates that the left shutter should be opened and the right
shutter should be closed. More generally, any number of different
pulses may used to control the opening and closing of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804.
[0142] If, in 2104, the CPU 1810 determines that sync signal
received indicates that the left shutter 1802 should be closed and
the right shutter 1804 should be opened, then the CPU transmits
control signals A, B, C, D and E to the left and right shutter
controllers, 1806 and 1808, in 2106, to apply a high voltage to the
left shutter 1802 and no voltage followed by a small catch voltage
to the right shutter 1804. In an exemplary embodiment, the
magnitude of the high voltage applied to the left shutter 1802 in
2106 is 15 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the
catch voltage applied to the right shutter 1804 in 2106 is 2 volts.
In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is applied to the
right shutter 1804 in 2106 by controlling the operational state of
the control signal D, which can be either low, high or open, to be
open thereby enabling the operation of the voltage divider
components R8 and R10, and maintaining the control signal E at a
high state. In an exemplary embodiment, the application of the
catch voltage in 2106 to the right shutter 1804 is delayed by a
predetermined time period to allow faster rotation of the molecules
within the liquid crystals of the right shutter during the
predetermined time period. The subsequent application of the catch
voltage, after the expiration of the predetermined time period,
then prevents the molecules within the liquid crystals in the right
shutter 1804 from rotating too far during the opening of the right
shutter.
[0143] Alternatively, if, in 2104, the CPU 1820 determines that
sync signal received indicates that the left shutter 1802 should be
opened and the right shutter 1804 should be closed, then the CPU
transmits control signals A, B, C, D and E to the left and right
shutter controllers, 1806 and 1808, in 2108, to apply a high
voltage to the right shutter 1804 and no voltage followed by a
small catch voltage to the left shutter 1802. In an exemplary
embodiment, the magnitude of the high voltage applied to the right
shutter 1804 in 2108 is 15 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the
magnitude of the catch voltage applied to the left shutter 1802 in
2108 is 2 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is
applied to the left shutter 1802 in 2108 by controlling the control
signal D to be open thereby enabling the operation of the voltage
divider components R8 and R10, and maintaining the control signal E
at a high level. In an exemplary embodiment, the application of the
catch voltage in 2108 to the left shutter 1802 is delayed by a
predetermined time period to allow faster rotation of the molecules
within the liquid crystals of the left shutter during the
predetermined time period. The subsequent application of the catch
voltage, after the expiration of the predetermined time period,
then prevents the molecules within the liquid crystals in the left
shutter 1802 from rotating too far during the opening of the left
shutter.
[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, during the method 2100, the
voltages applied to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, are
alternately positive and negative in subsequent repetitions of the
steps 2106 and 2108 in order to prevent damage to the liquid
crystal cells of the left and right shutters.
[0145] Thus, the method 2100 provides a NORMAL or RUN MODE of
operation for the 3D glasses 1800.
[0146] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, in an exemplary
embodiment, during operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the 3D glasses
implement a warm up method 2300 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D and E generated by the CPU 1810 are used to
control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
1806 and 1808, to in turn control the operation of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804.
[0147] In 2302, the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses checks for a power
on of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses
1810 may be powered on either by a user activating a power on
switch or by an automatic wakeup sequence. In the event of a power
on of the 3D glasses 1810, the shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D
glasses may, for example, require a warm-up sequence. The liquid
crystal cells of the shutters, 1802 and 1804, that do not have
power for a period of time may be in an indefinite state.
[0148] If the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses 1800 detects a power on of
the 3D glasses in 2302, then the CPU applies alternating voltage
signals, 2304a and 2304b, to the left and right shutters, 1802 and
1804, respectively, in 2304. In an exemplary embodiment, the
voltage applied to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, is
alternated between positive and negative peak values to avoid
ionization problems in the liquid crystal cells of the shutter. In
an exemplary embodiment, the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, may
be at least partially out of phase with one another. In an
exemplary embodiment, one or both of the voltage signals, 2304a and
2304b, may be alternated between a zero voltage and a peak voltage.
In an exemplary embodiment, other forms of voltage signals may be
applied to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, such that
the liquid crystal cells of the shutters are placed in a definite
operational state. In an exemplary embodiment, the application of
the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, to the left and right
shutters, 1802 and 1804, causes the shutters to open and close,
either at the same time or at different times. Alternatively, the
application of the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, to the left
and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, may causes the shutters to
remain closed.
[0149] During the application of the voltage signals, 2304a and
2304b, to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, the CPU 1810
checks for a warm up time out in 2306. If the CPU 1810 detects a
warm up time out in 2306, then the CPU will stop the application of
the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, to the left and right
shutters, 1802 and 1804, in 2308.
[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, in 2304 and 2306, the CPU 1810
applies the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, to the left and right
shutters, 1802 and 1804, for a period of time sufficient to actuate
the liquid crystal cells of the shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the CPU 1810 applies the voltage signals, 2304a and
2304b, to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, for a period
of two seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude
of the voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, may be 15 volts. In an
exemplary embodiment, the time out period in 2306 may be two
seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of the
voltage signals, 2304a and 2304b, may be greater or lesser than 15
volts, and the time out period may be longer or shorter. In an
exemplary embodiment, during the method 2300, the CPU 1810 may open
and close the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, at a
different rate than would be used for viewing a movie. In an
exemplary embodiment, in 2304, the voltage signals applied to the
left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, do not alternate and are
applied constantly during the warm up time period and therefore the
liquid crystal cells of the shutters may remain opaque for the
entire warm up period. In an exemplary embodiment, the warm-up
method 2300 may occur with or without the presence of a
synchronization signal. Thus, the method 2300 provides a WARM UP
mode of the operation for the 3D glasses 1800. In an exemplary
embodiment, after implementing the warm up method 2300, the 3D
glasses 1800 are placed in a NORMAL or RUN MODE of operation and
may then implement the method 2100. Alternatively, in an exemplary
embodiment, after implementing the warm up method 2300, the 3D
glasses 1800 are placed in a CLEAR MODE of operation and may then
implement the method 2500 described below.
[0151] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the 3D
glasses implement a method 2500 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D and E generated by the CPU 1810 are used to
control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
1806 and 1808, to in turn control the operation of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804, as a function of the sync signal
received by the signal sensor 1814.
[0152] In 2502, the CPU 1810 checks to see if the sync signal
detected by the signal sensor 1814 is valid or invalid. If the CPU
1810 determines that the sync signal is invalid in 2502, then the
CPU applies voltage signals, 2504a and 2504b, to the left and right
shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 in 2504. In an
exemplary embodiment, the voltage applied, 2504a and 2504b, to the
left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, is alternated between
positive and negative peak values to avoid ionization problems in
the liquid crystal cells of the shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, one or both of the voltage signals, 2504a and 2504b,
may be alternated between a zero voltage and a peak voltage. In an
exemplary embodiment, other forms of voltage signals may be applied
to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, such that the liquid
crystal cells of the shutters remain open so that the user of the
3D glasses 1800 can see normally through the shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, the application of the voltage signals, 2504a
and 2504b, to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, causes
the shutters to open.
[0153] During the application of the voltage signals, 2504a and
2504b, to the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, the CPU 1810
checks for a clearing time out in 2506. If the CPU 1810 detects a
clearing time out in 2506, then the CPU 1810 will stop the
application of the voltage signals, 2504a and 2504b, to the
shutters, 1802 and 1804, in 2508.
[0154] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, if the 3D glasses 1800 do
not detect a valid synchronization signal, they may go to a clear
mode of operation and implement the method 2500. In the clear mode
of operation, in an exemplary embodiment, both shutters, 1802 and
1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 remain open so that the viewer can see
normally through the shutters of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary
embodiment, a constant voltage is applied, alternating positive and
negative, to maintain the liquid crystal cells of the shutters,
1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 in a clear state. The
constant voltage could, for example, be in the range of 2-3 volts,
but the constant voltage could be any other voltage suitable to
maintain reasonably clear shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the
shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 may remain clear
until the 3D glasses are able to validate an encryption signal
and/or until a clearing mode time out. In an exemplary embodiment,
the shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 may remain
clear until the 3D glasses are able to validate an encryption
signal and then may implement the method 2100 and/or if a time out
occurs in 2506, then may implement the method 900. In an exemplary
embodiment, the shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses 1800 may
alternately open and close at a rate that allows the user of the 3D
glasses to see normally.
[0155] Thus, the method 2500 provides a method of clearing the
operation of the 3D glasses 1800 and thereby provide a CLEAR MODE
of operation.
[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the 3D
glasses implement a method 2700 of monitoring the battery 120 in
which the control signals A, B, C, D and E generated by the CPU
1810 are used to control the operation of the left and right
shutter controllers, 1806 and 1808, to in turn control the
operation of the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, as a
function of the condition of the battery 120 as detected by battery
sensor 1812.
[0157] In 2702, the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses uses the battery
sensor 1812 to determine the remaining useful life of the battery
120. If the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses 1800 determines that the
remaining useful life of the battery 120 is not adequate in 2702,
then the CPU provides an indication of a low battery life condition
in 2704.
[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, an inadequate remaining battery
life may, for example, be any period less than 3 hours. In an
exemplary embodiment, an adequate remaining battery life may be
preset by the manufacturer of the 3D glasses 1800 and/or programmed
by the user of the 3D glasses.
[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, in 2704, the CPU 1810 of the 3D
glasses 1800 will indicate a low battery life condition by causing
the left and right shutters, 1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses to
blink slowly, by causing the shutters to simultaneously blink at a
moderate rate that is visible to the user of the 3D glasses, by
flashing an indicator light, by generating an audible sound, and
the like.
[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, if the CPU 1810 of the 3D
glasses 1800 detects that the remaining battery life is
insufficient to last for a specified period of time, then the CPU
of the 3D glasses will indicate a low battery condition in 2704 and
then prevent the user from turning on the 3D glasses.
[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses
1800 determines whether or not the remaining battery life is
adequate every time the 3D glasses transition to the OFF MODE
and/or to the CLEAR MODE of operation.
[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, if the CPU 1810 of the 3D
glasses 1800 determines that the battery will last for at least the
predetermined adequate amount of time, then the 3D glasses will
continue to operate normally. Operating normally may, for example,
include staying in the CLEAR MODE of operation for five minutes
while checking for a signal from the signal transmitter 110 and
then going to the OFF MODE or to a turn-on mode wherein the 3D
glasses 1800 periodically wake up to check for a signal from the
signal transmitter.
[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses
1800 checks for a low battery condition just before shutting off
the 3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, if the battery 120 will
not last for the predetermined adequate remaining life time, then
the shutters, 1802 and 1804, will begin blinking slowly.
[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, if the battery 120 will not last
for the predetermined adequate remaining life time, the shutters,
1802 and/or 1804, are placed into an opaque condition, i.e., the
liquid crystal cells are closed, for two seconds and then placed
into a clear condition, i.e., the liquid crystal cells are opened,
for 1/10.sup.th of a second. The time period that the shutters,
1802 and/or 1804, are closed and opened may be any time period. In
an exemplary embodiment, the blinking of the shutters, 1802 and
1804, is synchronized with providing power to the signal sensor
1814 to permit the signal sensor to check for a signal from the
signal transmitter 110.
[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 1800 may check
for a low battery condition at any time including during warm up,
during normal operation, during clear mode, during power off mode,
or at the transition between any conditions. In an exemplary
embodiment, if a low battery life condition is detected at a time
when the viewer is likely to be in the middle of a movie, the 3D
glasses 1800 may not immediately indicate the low battery
condition.
[0166] In some embodiments, if the CPU 1810 of the 3D glasses 1800
detects a low battery level, the user will not be able to power the
3D glasses on.
[0167] Referring now to FIG. 29, in an exemplary embodiment, during
the operation of the 3D glasses 1800, the 3D glasses implement a
method for shutting down the 3D glasses in which the control
signals A, B, C, D and E generated by the CPU 1810 are used to
control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
1806 and 1808, to in turn control the operation of the left and
right shutters, 1802 and 1804, as a function of the condition of
the battery 120 as detected by the battery sensor 1812. In
particular, if the user of 3D glasses 1800 selects shutting down
the 3D glasses or the CPU 1810 selects shutting down the 3D
glasses, then the voltage applied to the left and right shutters,
1802 and 1804, of the 3D glasses are both set to zero.
[0168] Referring to FIGS. 30, 30a, 30b, and 30c, an exemplary
embodiment of 3D glasses 3000 is provided that is substantially
identical in design and operation as the 3D glasses 104 illustrated
and described above except as noted below. The 3D glasses 3000
include a left shutter 3002, a right shutter 3004, a left shutter
controller 3006, a right shutter controller 3008, common shutter
controller 3010, a CPU 3012, a signal sensor 3014, a charge pump
3016, and a voltage supply 3018. In an exemplary embodiment, the
design and operation of the left shutter 3002, the right shutter
3004, the left shutter controller 3006, the right shutter
controller 3008, the CPU 3012, the signal sensor 3014, and the
charge pump 3016 of the 3D glasses 3000 are substantially identical
to the left shutter 106, the right shutter 108, the left shutter
controller 116, the right shutter controller 118, the CPU 114, the
signal sensor 112, and the charge pump 1700 of the 3D glasses 104
described and illustrated above, except as described below and
illustrated herein.
[0169] In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses 3000 include the
following components:
TABLE-US-00005 NAME VALUE/ID R13 10K D5 BAS7004 R12 100K D3 BP104F
R10 2.2M U5-1 MIC863 R3 10K R7 10K R8 10K R5 1M C7 .001 uF R9 47K
R11 1M C1 .1 uF C9 .1 uF D1 BAS7004 R2 330K U5-2 MIC863 U3 MIC7211
U2 PIC16F636 C3 .1 uF C12 47 uF C2 .1 uF LCD1 LEFT SHUTTER C14 .1
uF LCD2 RIGHT SHUTTER U1 4053 U6 4053 C4 .1 uF U4 4053 R14 10K R15
100K Q1 NDS0610 L1 1mh D6 BAS7004 D7 MAZ31200 C13 1 uF C5 1 uF Q2
R16 1M R1 1M BT1 3 V Li
[0170] In an exemplary embodiment, the left shutter controller 3006
includes a digitally controlled analog switch U1 that, under the
control of the common controller 3010, that includes a digitally
controlled analog switch U4, and the CPU 3012, depending upon the
mode of operation, applies a voltage across the left shutter 3002
for controlling the operation of the left shutter. In similar
fashion, the right shutter controller 3008 includes a digitally
controller analog switch U6 that, under the control of the common
controller 3010 and the CPU 3012, depending upon the mode of
operation, applies a voltage across the right shutter 3004 for
controlling the operation of the right shutter 3004. In an
exemplary embodiment, U1, U4 and U6 are conventional commercially
available digitally controlled analog switches available from
Unisonic Technologies as part number UTC 4053.
[0171] As will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in
the art, the UTC 4053 digitally controlled analog switch includes
control input signals A, B, C and INHIBIT ("INH"), switch I/O
signals X0, X1, Y0, Y1, Z0 and Z1, and output signals X, Y and Z,
and further provides the following truth table:
TABLE-US-00006 TRUTH TABLE Control Inputs ON Select Switches
Inhibit C B A UTC 4053 0 0 0 0 Z0 Y0 X0 0 0 0 1 Z0 Y0 X1 0 0 1 0 Z0
Y1 X0 0 0 1 1 Z0 Y1 X1 0 1 0 0 Z1 Y0 X0 0 1 0 1 Z1 Y0 X1 0 1 1 0 Z1
Y1 X0 0 1 1 1 Z1 Y1 X1 1 x x x None x = Don't Care
And, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the UTC 4053 digitally controlled
analog switch also provides a functional diagram 3100. Thus, the
UTC 4053 provides a digitally controlled analog switch, each having
three independent switches, that permits the left and right shutter
controllers, 3006 and 3008, and the common shutter controller 3010,
under the control of the CPU 3012, to selectively apply a
controlled voltage across the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004, to control the operation of the shutters.
[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 3012 includes a
microcontroller U2 for generating output signals A, B, C, D, E, F
and G for controlling the operation of the digitally controlled
analog switches, U1, U6 and U4, of the left and right shutter
controllers, 3006 and 3008, and the common shutter controller
3010.
[0173] The output control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G of the
microcontroller U2 provide the following input control signals A,
B, C and INH to each of the digitally controlled analog switches,
U1, U6 and U4:
TABLE-US-00007 U2 - Output Control U1 - Input U6 - Input Control U4
- Input Control Signals Control Signals Signals Signals A A, B B A,
B C C INH D A E F C G B
[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, input control signal INH of U1
is connected to ground and input control signals C and INH of U6
are connected ground.
[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch I/O signals X0, X1,
Y0, Y1, Z0 and Z1 of the digitally controlled analog switches, U1,
U6 and U4, are provided with the following inputs:
TABLE-US-00008 U1 - INPUT INPUT INPUT Switch I/O For U6 - Switch
For U4 - Switch For Signals U1 I/O Signals U6 I/O Signals U4 X0 X
of U4 X0 Z of U1 X0 Z of U4 Y of U4 X1 V-bat X1 V-bat X1 output of
charge pump 3016 Y0 V-bat Y0 V-bat Y0 Z of U4 Y1 X of U4 Y1 Z of U1
Y1 output of Y of U4 charge pump 3016 Z0 GND Z0 GND Z0 E of U2 Z1 X
of U4 Z1 GND Z1 output of voltage supply 3018
[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller U2 of the
CPU 3012 is a model number PIC16F636 programmable microcontroller,
commercially available from Microchip.
[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 3014 includes
a photodiode D3 for sensing the transmission of the signals,
including the sync signal and/or configuration data, by the signal
transmitter 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the photodiode D3 is a
model BP104FS photodiode, commercially available from Osram. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal sensor 3014 further includes
operational amplifiers, U5-1, U5-2, and U3, and related signal
conditioning components, resistors R2, R3, R5, R7, R8, R9, R10,
R11, R12 and R13, capacitors C1, C7, and C9, and schottky diodes,
D1 and D5, that may, for example, condition the signal by
preventing clipping of the sensed signal by controlling the
gain.
[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, the charge pump 3016 amplifies
the magnitude of the output voltage of the battery 120, using a
charge pump, from 3V to -12V. In an exemplary embodiment, the
charge pump 3016 includes a MOSFET Q1, a schottky diode D6, an
inductor L1, and a zener diode D7. In an exemplary embodiment, the
output signal of the charge pump 3016 is provided as input signals
to switch I/O signals X1 and Y1 of the digitally controlled analog
switch U4 of the common shutter controller 3010 and as input
voltage VEE to the digitally controlled analog switches U1, U6, and
U4 of the left shutter controller 3006, the right shutter
controller 3008, and the common shutter controller 3010.
[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage supply 3018 includes
a transistor Q2, a capacitor C5, and resistors R1 and R16. In an
exemplary embodiment, the voltage supply 3018 provides 1V signal as
an input signal to switch I/O signal Z1 of the digitally controlled
analog switch U4 of the common shutter controller 3010. In an
exemplary embodiment, the voltage supply 3018 provides a ground
lift.
[0180] As illustrated in FIG. 32, in an exemplary embodiment,
during operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the digitally controlled
analog switches, U1, U6 and U4, under the control of the control
signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G of the CPU 3012, may provide various
voltages across one or both of the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004. In particular, the digitally controlled analog switches,
U1, U6 and U4, under the control of the control signals A, B, C, D,
E, F and G of the CPU 3012, may provide: 1) a positive or negative
15 volts across one or both of the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, 2) a positive or negative 2 volts across one or both of
the left and right shutters, 3) a positive or negative 3 volts
across one or both of the left and right shutters, and 4) provide 0
volts, i.e., a neutral state, across one or both of the left and
right shutters.
[0181] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the
control signal A controls the operation of left shutter 3002 and
the control signal B controls the operation of the right shutter
3004 by controlling the operation of the switches within the
digitally controlled analog switches, U1 and U6, respectively, that
generate output signals X and Y that are applied across the left
and right shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the control inputs
A and B of each of the digitally controlled analog switches U1 and
U6 are connected together so that switching between two pairs of
input signals occurs simultaneously and the selected inputs are
forwarded to terminals of the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004. In an exemplary embodiment, control signal A from the CPU
3012 controls the first two switches in the digitally controlled
analog switch U1 and control signal B from the CPU controls first
two switches in the digitally controlled analog switch U6.
[0182] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 32, one
of the terminals of each of the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004, are always connected to 3V. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment,
the digitally controlled analog switches U1, U6 and U4, under the
control of the control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G of the CPU
3012, are operated to bring either -12V, 3V, 1V or 0V to the other
terminals of the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004. As a
result, in an exemplary embodiment, the digitally controlled analog
switches U1, U6 and U4, under the control of the control signals A,
B, C, D, E, F and G of the CPU 3012, are operated to generate a
potential difference of 15V, 0V, 2V or 3V across the terminals of
the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004.
[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, the third switch of the
digitally controlled analog switch U6 is not used and all of the
terminals for the third switch are grounded. In an exemplary
embodiment, the third switch of the digitally controlled analog
switch U1 is used for power saving.
[0184] In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 32, the control signal C controls the operation of the switch
within the digitally controlled analog switch U1 that generates the
output signal Z. As a result, when the control signal C is a
digital high value, the input signal INH for the digitally
controlled analog switch U4 is also a digital high value thereby
causing all of the output channels of the digitally controlled
analog switch U4 to be off. As a result, when the control signal C
is a digital high value, the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004, are short circuited thereby permitting half of the charge to
be transferred between the shutters thereby saving power and
prolonging the life of the battery 120.
[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, by using the control signal C to
short circuit the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, the high
amount of charge collected on one shutter that is in the closed
state can be used to partially charge the other shutter just before
it goes to the closed state, therefore saving, the amount of charge
that would otherwise have to be fully provided by the battery
120.
[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, when the control signal C
generated by the CPU 3012 is a digital high value, for example, the
negatively charged plate, -12V, of the left shutter 3002, then in
the closed state and having a 15V potential difference there
across, is connected to the more negatively charged plate of the
right shutter 3004, then in the open state and still charged to +1V
and having a 2V potential difference there across. In an exemplary
embodiment, the positively charged plates on both shutters, 3002
and 3004, will be charged to +3V. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control signal C generated by the CPU 3012 goes to a digital high
value for a short period of time near the end of the closed state
of the left shutter 3002 and just before the closed state of the
right shutter 3004. When the control signal C generated by the CPU
3012 is a digital high value, the inhibit terminal INH on the
digitally controlled analog switch U4 is also a digital high value.
As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, all of the output
channels, X, Y and Z, from U4 are in the off state. This allows the
charge stored across the plates of the left and right shutters,
3002 and 3004, to be distributed between the shutters so that the
potential difference across both of the shutter is approximately
17/2V or 8.5V. Since one terminal of the shutters, 3002 and 3004,
is always connected to 3V, the negative terminals of the shutters,
3002 and 3004, are then at -5.5V. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control signal C generated by the CPU 3012 then changes to a
digital low value and thereby disconnects the negative terminals of
the shutters, 3002 and 3004, from one another. Then, in an
exemplary embodiment, the closed state for the right shutter 3004
begins and the battery 120 further charges the negative terminal of
the right shutter, by operating the digitally controlled analog
switch U4, to -12V. As a result, in an exemplary experimental
embodiment, a power savings of approximately 40% was achieved
during a normal run mode of operation, as described below with
reference to the method 3300, of the 3D glasses 3000.
[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, the control signal C generated
by the CPU 3012 is provided as a short duration pulse that
transitions from high to low when the control signals A or B,
generated by the CPU, transition from high to low or low to high,
to thereby start the next left shutter open/right shutter closed or
right shutter open/left shutter closed.
[0188] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D
glasses execute a normal run mode of operation 3300 in which the
control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G generated by the CPU 3012
are used to control the operation of the left and right shutter
controllers, 3006 and 3008, and central shutter controller 3010, to
in turn control the operation of the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, as a function of the type of sync signal detected by the
signal sensor 3014.
[0189] In particular, in 3302, if the CPU 3012 determines that the
signal sensor 3014 has received a sync signal, then, in 3304,
control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G generated by the CPU 3012
are used to control the operation of the left and right shutter
controllers, 3006 and 3008, and central shutter controller 3010, to
transfer charge between the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004,
as described above with reference to FIG. 32.
[0190] In an exemplary embodiment, in 3304, the control signal C
generated by the CPU 3012 is set to a high digital value for
approximately 0.2 milliseconds to thereby short circuit the
terminals of the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, and thus
transfer charge between the left and right shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, in 3304, the control signal C generated by
the CPU 3012 is set to a high digital value for approximately 0.2
milliseconds to thereby short circuit the more negatively charged
terminals of the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, and thus
transfer charge between the left and right shutters. Thus, the
control signal C is provided as a short duration pulse that
transitions from high to low when, or before, the control signals A
or B transition from high to low or from low to high. As a result,
power savings is provided during the operation of the 3D glasses
3000 during the cycle of alternating between open left/closed right
and closed left/opened right shutters.
[0191] The CPU 3012 then determines the type of sync signal
received in 3306. In an exemplary embodiment, a sync signal that
includes 2 pulses indicates that the left shutter 3002 should be
opened and the right shutter 3004 should be closed while a sync
signal that includes 3 pulses indicates that the right shutter
should be opened and the left shutter should be closed. In an
exemplary embodiment, other different numbers and formats of sync
signals may be used to control the alternating opening and closing
of the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004.
[0192] If, in 3306, the CPU 3012 determines that sync signal
received indicates that the left shutter 3002 should be opened and
the right shutter 3004 should be closed, then the CPU transmits
control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G to the left and right
shutter controllers, 3006 and 3008, and the common shutter
controller 3010, in 3308, to apply a high voltage across the right
shutter 3004 and no voltage followed by a small catch voltage to
the left shutter 3002. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of
the high voltage applied across the right shutter 3004 in 3308 is
15 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the catch
voltage applied to the left shutter 3002 in 3308 is 2 volts. In an
exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is applied to the left
shutter 3002 in 3308 by controlling the operational state of the
control signal D to be low and the operational state of the control
signal F, which may be either be low or high, to be high. In an
exemplary embodiment, the application of the catch voltage in 3308
to the left shutter 3002 is delayed by a predetermined time period
to allow faster rotation of the molecules within the liquid crystal
of the left shutter. The subsequent application of the catch
voltage, after the expiration of the predetermined time period;
prevents the molecules within the liquid crystals in the left
shutter 3002 from rotating too far during the opening of the left
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the application of the catch
voltage in 3308 to the left shutter 3002 is delayed by about 1
millisecond.
[0193] Alternatively, if, in 3306, the CPU 3012 determines that
sync signal received indicates that the left shutter 3002 should be
closed and the right shutter 3004 should be opened, then the CPU
transmits control signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G to the left and
right shutter controllers, 3006 and 3008, and the common shutter
controller 3010, in 3310, to apply a high voltage across the left
shutter 3002 and no voltage followed by a small catch voltage to
the right shutter 3004. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude
of the high voltage applied across the left shutter 3002 in 3310 is
15 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitude of the catch
voltage applied to the right shutter 3004 in 3310 is 2 volts. In an
exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is applied to the right
shutter 3004 in 3310 by controlling the control signal F to be high
and the control signal G to be low. In an exemplary embodiment, the
application of the catch voltage in 3310 to the right shutter 3004
is delayed by a predetermined time period to allow faster rotation
of the molecules within the liquid crystal of the right shutter.
The subsequent application of the catch voltage, after the
expiration of the predetermined time period, prevents the molecules
within the liquid crystals in the right shutter 3004 from rotating
too far during the opening of the right shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, the application of the catch voltage in 3310 to the
right shutter 3004 is delayed by about 1 millisecond.
[0194] In an exemplary embodiment, during the method 3300, the
voltages applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, are
alternately positive and negative in subsequent repetitions of the
steps 3308 and 3310 in order to prevent damage to the liquid
crystal cells of the left and right shutters.
[0195] Thus, the method 3300 provides a NORMAL or RUN MODE of
operation for the 3D glasses 3000.
[0196] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, in an exemplary
embodiment, during operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D glasses
implement a warm up method 3500 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G generated by the CPU 3012 are used
to control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
3006 and 3008, and central shutter controller 3010, to in turn
control the operation of the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004.
[0197] In 3502, the CPU 3012 of the 3D glasses checks for a power
on of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3D glasses
3000 may be powered on either by a user activating a power on
switch, by an automatic wakeup sequence, and/or by the signal
sensor 3014 sensing a valid sync signal. In the event of a power on
of the 3D glasses 3000, the shutters, 3002 and 3004, of the 3D
glasses may, for example, require a warm-up sequence. The liquid
crystal cells of the shutters, 3002 and 3004, that do not have
power for a period of time may be in an indefinite state.
[0198] If the CPU 3012 of the 3D glasses 3000 detects a power on of
the 3D glasses in 3502, then the CPU applies alternating voltage
signals to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004,
respectively, in 3504. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage
applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, is
alternated between positive and negative peak values to avoid
ionization problems in the liquid crystal cells of the shutter. In
an exemplary embodiment, the voltage signals applied to the left
and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, may be at least partially out of
phase with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, one or both of
the voltage signals applied to the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, may be alternated between a zero voltage and a peak
voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, other forms of voltage signals
may be applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, such
that the liquid crystal cells of the shutters are placed in a
definite operational state. In an exemplary embodiment, the
application of the voltage signals to the left and right shutters,
3002 and 3004, causes the shutters to open and close, either at the
same time or at different times.
[0199] During the application of the voltage signals to the left
and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, the CPU 3012 checks for a warm
up time out in 3506. If the CPU 3012 detects a warm up time out in
3506, then the CPU will stop the application of the voltage signals
to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, in 3508.
[0200] In an exemplary embodiment, in 3504 and 3506, the CPU 3012
applies the voltage signals to the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, for a period of time sufficient to actuate the liquid
crystal cells of the shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU
3012 applies the voltage signals to the left and right shutters,
3002 and 3004, for a period of two seconds. In an exemplary
embodiment, the maximum magnitude of the voltage signals applied to
the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, may be 15 volts. In an
exemplary embodiment, the time out period in 3506 may be two
seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of the
voltage signals applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004, may be greater or lesser than 15 volts, and the time out
period may be longer or shorter. In an exemplary embodiment, during
the method 3500, the CPU 3012 may open and close the left and right
shutters, 3002 and 3004, at a different rate than would be used for
viewing a movie. In an exemplary embodiment, in 3504, the voltage
signals applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, do
not alternate and are applied constantly during the warm up time
period and therefore the liquid crystal cells of the shutters may
remain opaque for the entire warm up period. In an exemplary
embodiment, the warm-up method 3500 may occur with or without the
presence of a synchronization signal. Thus, the method 3500
provides a WARM UP mode of the operation for the 3D glasses 3000.
In an exemplary embodiment, after implementing the warm up method
3500, the 3D glasses 3000 are placed in a NORMAL MODE, RUN MODE or
CLEAR MODE of operation and may then implement the method 3300.
[0201] Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D
glasses implement a method 3700 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G generated by the CPU 3012 are used
to control the operation of the left and right shutter controllers,
3006 and 3008, and the common shutter controller 3010, to in turn
control the operation of the left and right shutters, 3002 and
3004, as a function of the sync signal received by the signal
sensor 3014.
[0202] In 3702, the CPU 3012 checks to see if the sync signal
detected by the signal sensor 3014 is valid or invalid. If the CPU
3012 determines that the sync signal is invalid in 3702, then the
CPU applies voltage signals to the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 in 3704. In an exemplary
embodiment, the voltage applied to the left and right shutters,
3002 and 3004, in 3704, is alternated between positive and negative
peak values to avoid ionization problems in the liquid crystal
cells of the shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage
applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, in 3704, is
alternated between positive and negative peak values to provide a
square wave signal having a frequency of 60 Hz. In an exemplary
embodiment, the square wave signal alternates between +3V and -3V.
In an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the voltage signals
applied to the left and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, in 3704, may
be alternated between a zero voltage and a peak voltage. In an
exemplary embodiment, other forms, including other frequencies, of
voltage signals may be applied to the left and right shutters, 3002
and 3004, in 3704, such that the liquid crystal cells of the
shutters remain open so that the user of the 3D glasses 3000 can
see normally through the shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the
application of the voltage signals to the left and right shutters,
3002 and 3004, in 3704, causes the shutters to open.
[0203] During the application of the voltage signals to the left
and right shutters, 3002 and 3004, in 3704, the CPU 3012 checks for
a clearing time out in 3706. If the CPU 3012 detects a clearing
time out in 3706, then the CPU 3012 will stop the application of
the voltage signals to the shutters, 3002 and 3004, in 3708, which
may then place the 3D glasses 3000 into an OFF MODE of operation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the duration of the clearing time out
may, for example, be up to about 4 hours in length.
[0204] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, if the 3D glasses 3000 do
not detect a valid synchronization signal, they may go to a clear
mode of operation and implement the method 3700. In the clear mode
of operation, in an exemplary embodiment, both shutters, 3002 and
3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 remain open so that the viewer can see
normally through the shutters of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary
embodiment, a constant voltage is applied, alternating positive and
negative, to maintain the liquid crystal cells of the shutters,
3002 and 3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 in a clear state. The
constant voltage could, for example, be 2 volts, but the constant
voltage could be any other voltage suitable to maintain reasonably
clear shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the shutters, 3002 and
3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 may remain clear until the 3D glasses
are able to validate an encryption signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the shutters, 3002 and 3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 may
alternately open and close at a rate that allows the user of the 3D
glasses to see normally.
[0205] Thus, the method 3700 provides a method of clearing the
operation of the 3D glasses 3000 and thereby provide a CLEAR MODE
of operation.
[0206] Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 41, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D
glasses implement a method 3900 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D, E, F and G generated by the CPU 3012 are used
to transfer charge between the shutters, 3002 and 3004. In 3902,
the CPU 3012 determines if a valid synchronization signal has been
detected by the signal sensor 3014. If the CPU 3012 determines that
a valid synchronization signal has been detected by the signal
sensor 3014, then the CPU generates the control signal C in 3904 in
the form of a short duration pulse lasting, in an exemplary
embodiment, about 200 .mu.s. In an exemplary embodiment, during the
method 3900, the transfer of charge between the shutters, 3002 and
3004, occurs during the short duration pulse of the control signal
C, substantially as described above with reference to FIGS. 33 and
34.
[0207] In 3906, the CPU 3012 determines if the control signal C has
transitioned from high to low. If the CPU 3012 determines that the
control signal C has transitioned from high to low, then the CPU
changes the state of the control signals A or B in 3908 and then
the 3D glasses 3000 may continue with normal operation of the 3D
glasses, for example, as described and illustrated above with
reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.
[0208] Referring now to FIGS. 30a, 40 and 41, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D
glasses implement a method 4000 of operation in which the control
signals RC4 and RC5 generated by the CPU 3012 are used to operate
the charge pump 3016 during the normal or warm up modes of
operation of the 3D glasses 3000, as described and illustrated
above with reference to FIGS. 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. In 4002, the
CPU 3012 determines if a valid synchronization signal has been
detected by the signal sensor 3014. If the CPU 3012 determines that
a valid synchronization signal has been detected by the signal
sensor 3014, then the CPU generates the control signal RC4 in 4004
in the form of a series of short duration pulses.
[0209] In an exemplary embodiment, the pulses of the control signal
RC4 control the operation of the transistor Q1 to thereby transfer
charge to the capacitor C13 until the potential across the
capacitor reaches a predetermined level. In particular, when the
control signal RC4 switches to a low value, the transistor Q1
connects the inductor L1 to the battery 120. As a result, the
inductor L1 stores energy from the battery 120. Then, when the
control signal RC4 switches to a high value, the energy that was
stored in the inductor L1 is transferred to the capacitor C13.
Thus, the pulses of the control signal RC4 continually transfer
charge to the capacitor C13 until the potential across the
capacitor C13 reaches a predetermined level. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control signal RC4 continues until the potential
across the capacitor C13 reaches -12V.
[0210] In an exemplary embodiment, in 4006, the CPU 3012 generates
a control signal RC5. As a result, an input signal RA3 is provided
having a magnitude that decreases as the potential, across the
capacitor C13 increases. In particular, when the potential across
the capacitor C13 approaches the predetermined value, the zener
diode D7 starts to conduct current thereby reducing the magnitude
of the input control signal RA3. In 4008, the CPU 3012 determines
if the magnitude of the input control signal RA3 is less than a
predetermined value. If the CPU 3012 determines that the magnitude
of the input control signal RA3 is less than the predetermined
value, then, in 4010, the CPU stops generating the control signals
RC4 and RC5. As a result, the transfer of charge to the capacitor
C13 stops.
[0211] In an exemplary embodiment, the method 4000 may be
implemented after the method 3900 during operation of the 3D
glasses 3000.
[0212] Referring now to FIGS. 30a, 42 and 43, in an exemplary
embodiment, during the operation of the 3D glasses 3000, the 3D
glasses implement a method 4200 of operation in which the control
signals A, B, C, D, E, F, G, RA4, RC4 and RC5 generated by the CPU
3012 are used to determine the operating status of the battery 120
when the 3D glasses 3000 have been switched to an off condition. In
4202, the CPU 3012 determines if the 3D glasses 3000 are off or on.
If the CPU 3012 determines that the 3D glasses 3000 are off, then
the CPU determines, in 4204, if a predetermined timeout period has
elapsed in 4204. In an exemplary embodiment, the timeout period is
2 seconds in length.
[0213] If the CPU 3012 determines that the predetermined timeout
period has elapsed, then the CPU determines, in 4206, if the number
of synchronization pulses detected by the signal sensor 3014 within
a predetermined prior time period exceeds a predetermined value. In
an exemplary embodiment, in 4206, predetermined prior time period
is a time period that has elapsed since the most recent replacement
of the battery 120.
[0214] If the CPU 3012 determines that the number of
synchronization pulses detected by the signal sensor 3014 within a
predetermined prior time period does exceed a predetermined value,
then the CPU, in 4208, generates control signal E as a short
duration pulse, in 4210, provides the control signal RA4 as a short
duration pulse to the signal sensor 3014, and, in 4212, toggles the
operational state of the control signals A and B, respectively. In
an exemplary embodiment, if the number of synchronization pulses
detected by the signal sensor 3014 within a predetermined prior
time period does exceed a predetermined value, then this may
indicate that the remaining power in the battery 120 is low.
[0215] Alternatively, if the CPU 3012 determines that the number of
synchronization pulses detected by the signal sensor 3014 within a
predetermined prior time period does not exceed a predetermined
value, then the CPU, in 4210, provides the control signal RA4 as a
short duration pulse to the signal sensor 3014, and, in 4212,
toggles the operational state of the control signals A and B,
respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, if the number of
synchronization pulses detected by the signal sensor 3014 within a
predetermined prior time period does not exceed a predetermined
value, then this may indicate that the remaining power in the
battery 120 is not low.
[0216] In an exemplary embodiment, the combination of the control
signals A and B toggling and the short duration pulse of the
control signal E, in 4208 and 4212, causes the shutters, 3002 and
3004, of the 3D glasses 3000 to be closed, except during the short
duration pulse of the control signal E. As a result, in an
exemplary embodiment, the shutters, 3002 and 3004, provide a visual
indication to the user of the 3D glasses 3000 that the power
remaining within the battery 120 is low by flashing the shutters of
the 3D glasses open for a short period of time. In an exemplary
embodiment, providing the control signal RA4 as a short duration
pulse to the signal sensor 3014, in 4210, permits the signal sensor
to search for and detect synchronization signals during the
duration of the pulse provided.
[0217] In an exemplary embodiment, the toggling of the control
signals A and B, without also providing the short duration pulse of
the control signal E, causes the shutters, 3002 and 3004, of the 3D
glasses 3000 to remain closed. As a result, in an exemplary
embodiment, the shutters, 3002 and 3004, provide a visual
indication to the user of the 3D glasses 3000 that the power
remaining within the battery 120 is not low by not flashing the
shutters of the 3D glasses open for a short period of time.
[0218] In embodiments that lack a chronological clock, time may be
measured in terms of sync pulses. The CPU 3012 may determine time
remaining in the battery 120 as a factor of the number of sync
pulses for which the battery may continue to operate and then
provide a visual indication to the user of the 3D glasses 3000 by
flashing the shutters, 3002 and 3004, open and closed.
[0219] Referring now to FIGS. 44-55, in an exemplary embodiment,
one or more of the 3D glasses 104, 1800 and 3000 include a frame
front 4402, a bridge 4404, right temple 4406, and a left temple
4408. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame front 4402 houses the
control circuitry and power supply for one or more of the 3D
glasses 104, 1800 and 3000, as described above, and further defines
right and left lens openings, 4410 and 4412, for holding the right
and left ISS shutters described above. In some embodiments, the
frame front 4402 wraps around to form a right wing 4402a and a left
wing 4402b. In some embodiments, at least part of the control
circuitry for the 3D glasses 104, 1800 and 3000 are housed in
either or both wings 4402a and 4402b.
[0220] In an exemplary embodiment, the right and left temples, 4406
and 4408, extend from the frame front 4402 and include ridges,
4406a and 4408a, and each have a serpentine shape with the far ends
of the temples being spaced closer together than at their
respective connections to the frame front. In this manner, when a
user wears the 3D glasses 104, 1800 and 3000, the ends of the
temples, 4406 and 4408, hug and are held in place on the users
head. In some embodiments, the spring rate of the temples, 4406 and
4408, is enhanced by the double bend while the spacing and depth of
the ridges, 4406a and 4408a, control the spring rate. As shown in
FIG. 55, some embodiments do not use a double bended shape but,
rather, use a simple curved temple 4406 and 4408.
[0221] Referring now to FIGS. 48-55, in an exemplary embodiment,
the control circuitry for one or more of the 3D glasses 104, 1800
and 3000 is housed in the frame front, which includes the right
wing 4402a, and the battery is housed in the right wing 4402a.
Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, access to the battery 120
of the 3D glasses 3000 is provided through an opening, on the
interior side of the right wing 4402a, that is sealed off by a
cover 4414 that includes an o-ring seal 4416 for mating with and
sealingly engaging the right wing 4402a.
[0222] Referring to FIGS. 49-55, in some embodiments, the battery
is located within a battery cover assembly formed by cover 4414 and
cover interior 4415. Battery cover 4414 may be attached to battery
cover interior 4415 by, for example, ultra-sonic welding. Contacts
4417 may stick out from cover interior 4415 to conduct electricity
from the battery 120 to contacts located, for example, inside the
right wing 4402a.
[0223] Cover interior 4415 may have circumferentially spaced apart
radial keying elements 4418 on an interior portion of the cover.
Cover 4414 may have circumferentially spaced apart dimples 4420
positioned on an exterior surface of the cover.
[0224] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 49-51,
the cover 4414 may be manipulated using a key 4422 that includes a
plurality of projections 4424 for mating within and engaging the
dimples 4420 of the cover. In this manner, the cover 4414 may be
rotated relative to the right wing 4402a of the 3D glasses 104,
1800 and 3000 from a closed (or locked) position to an open (or
unlocked) position. Thus, the control circuitry and battery of the
3D glasses 104, 1800 and 3000 may be sealed off from the
environment by the engagement of the cover 4414 with the right wing
4402a of the 3D glasses 3000 using the key 4422. Referring to FIG.
55, in another embodiment, key 4426 may be used.
[0225] Referring now to FIG. 56, an exemplary embodiment of a
signal sensor 5600 includes a narrow band pass filter 5602 that is
operably coupled to a decoder 5604. The signal sensor 5600 in turn
is operably coupled to a CPU 5604. The narrow band pass filter 5602
may be an analog and/or digital band pass filter that may have a
pass band suitable for permitting a synchronous serial data signal
to pass therethrough while filtering out and removing out of band
noise.
[0226] In an exemplary embodiment, the CPU 5604 may, for example,
be the CPU 114, the CPU 1810, or the CPU 3012, of the 3D glasses,
104, 1800, or 3000.
[0227] In an exemplary embodiment, during operation, the signal
sensor 5600 receives a signal from a signal transmitter 5606. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter 5606 may, for example,
be the signal transmitter 110.
[0228] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal 5700 transmitted by
the signal transmitter 5606 to the signal sensor 5600 includes one
or more data bits 5702 that are each preceded by a clock pulse
5704. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the signal
sensor 5600, because each bit 5702 of data is preceded by a clock
pulse 5704, the decoder 5604 of the signal sensor can readily
decode long data bit words. Thus, the signal sensor 5600 is able to
readily receive and decode synchronous serial data transmissions
from the signal transmitter 5606. By contrast, long data bit words,
that are asynchronous data transmissions, are typically difficult
to transmit and decode in an efficient and/or error free fashion.
Therefore, the signal sensor 5600 provides an improved system for
receiving data transmissions. Further, the use of synchronous
serial data transmission in the operation of the signal sensor 5600
ensures that long data bit words may be readily decoded.
[0229] A liquid crystal shutter has a liquid crystal that rotates
by applying an electrical voltage to the liquid crystal and then
the liquid crystal achieves a light transmission rate of at least
twenty-five percent in less than one millisecond. When the liquid
crystal rotates to a point having maximum light transmission, a
device stops the rotation of the liquid crystal at the point of
maximum light transmission and then holds the liquid crystal at the
point of maximum light transmission for a period of time. A
computer program installed on a machine readable medium may be used
to facilitate any of these embodiments.
[0230] A system presents a three dimensional video image by using a
pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses that have a first and a
second liquid crystal shutter, and a control circuit adapted to
open the first liquid crystal shutter. The first liquid crystal
shutter can open to a point of maximum light transmission in less
than one millisecond, at which time the control circuit may apply a
catch voltage to hold the first liquid crystal shutter at the point
of maximum light transmission for a first period of time and then
close the first liquid crystal shutter. Next, the control circuit
opens the second liquid crystal shutter, wherein the second liquid
crystal shutter opens to a point of maximum light transmission in
less than one millisecond, and then applies a catch voltage to hold
the second liquid crystal shutter at the point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, and then close the second
liquid crystal shutter. The first period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a first eye of a viewer and the second
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
second eye of a viewer. A computer program installed on a machine
readable medium may be used to facilitate any of the embodiments
described herein.
[0231] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted
to use a synchronization signal to determine the first and second
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is
two volts.
[0232] In an exemplary embodiment, the point of maximum light
transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of light.
[0233] In an exemplary embodiment, an emitter provides a
synchronization signal and the synchronization signal causes the
control circuit to open one of the liquid crystal shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal comprises an
encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit
of the three dimensional glasses will only operate after validating
an encrypted signal.
[0234] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit has a
battery sensor and may be adapted to provide an indication of a low
battery condition. The indication of a low battery condition may be
a liquid crystal shutter that is closed for a period of time and
then open for a period of time.
[0235] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted
to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal.
[0236] In an exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only
operate a pair of liquid crystal glasses having a control circuit
adapted to receive the encrypted signal.
[0237] In an exemplary embodiment, a test signal operates the
liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to a person
wearing the pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses.
[0238] In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of glasses has a first
lens that has a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens that
has a second liquid crystal shutter. Both liquid crystal shutters
have a liquid crystal that can open in less than one millisecond
and a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters. When the liquid crystal shutter opens, the
liquid crystal orientation is held at a point of maximum light
transmission until the control circuit closes the shutter.
[0239] In an exemplary embodiment, a catch voltage holds the liquid
crystal at the point of maximum light transmission. The point of
maximum light transmission may transmit more than thirty two
percent of light.
[0240] In an exemplary embodiment, an emitter that provides a
synchronization signal and the synchronization signal causes the
control circuit to open one of the liquid crystal shutters. In some
embodiments, the synchronization signal includes an encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit will only
operate after validating the encrypted signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control circuit includes a battery sensor and may
be adapted to provide an indication of a low battery condition. The
indication of a low battery condition could be a liquid, crystal
shutter that is closed for a period of time and then open for a
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is
adapted to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the
liquid crystal shutters after it detects the synchronization
signal.
[0241] The encrypted signal may only operate a pair of liquid
crystal glasses that has a control circuit adapted to receive the
encrypted signal.
[0242] In an exemplary embodiment, a test signal operates the
liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to a person
wearing the pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses.
[0243] In an exemplary embodiment, a three dimensional video image
is presented to a viewer by using liquid crystal shutter
eyeglasses, opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than
one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
closing the first liquid crystal shutter, then opening the second
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, and then
holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a second period of time. The first period of
time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of
a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer.
[0244] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal shutter is
held at the point of maximum light transmission by a catch voltage.
The catch voltage could be two volts. In an exemplary embodiment,
the point of maximum light transmission transmits more than thirty
two percent of light.
[0245] In an exemplary embodiment, an emitter provides a
synchronization signal that causes the control circuit to open one
of the liquid crystal shutters. In some embodiments, the
synchronization signal comprises an encrypted signal.
[0246] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit will only
operate after validating the encrypted signal.
[0247] In an exemplary embodiment, a battery sensor monitors the
amount of power in the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit is adapted to provide an indication of a low
battery condition. The indication of a low battery condition may be
a liquid crystal shutter that is closed for a period of time and
then open for a period of time.
[0248] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted
to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only operate a pair
of liquid crystal glasses that has a control circuit adapted to
receive the encrypted signal.
[0249] In an exemplary embodiment, a test signal operates the
liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to a person
wearing the pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses.
[0250] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for providing three
dimensional video images may include, a pair of glasses that has a
first lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens
having a second liquid crystal shutter. The liquid crystal shutters
may have a liquid crystal and an may be opened in less than one
millisecond. A control circuit may alternately open the first and
second liquid crystal shutters, and hold the liquid crystal
orientation at a point of maximum light transmission until the
control circuit closes the shutter. Furthermore, the system may
have a low battery indicator that includes a battery, a sensor
capable of determining an amount of power remaining in the battery,
a controller adapted to determine whether the amount of power
remaining in the battery is sufficient for the pair of glasses to
operate longer than a predetermined time, and an indicator to
signal a viewer if the glasses will not operate longer than the
predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment, the low battery
indicator is opening and closing the left and right liquid crystal
shutters at a predetermined rate. In an exemplary embodiment, the
predetermined amount of time is longer than three hours. In an
exemplary embodiment, the low battery indicator may operate for at
least three days after determining that the amount of power
remaining in the battery is not sufficient for the pair of glasses
to operate longer than the predetermined amount of time. In an
exemplary embodiment, the controller may determine the amount of
power remaining in the battery by measuring time by the number of
synchronization pulses remaining in the battery.
[0251] In an exemplary embodiment for providing a three dimensional
video image, the image is provided by having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses that includes a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a second
period of time. The first period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a first eye of the viewer and the
second period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image
for the second eye of the viewer. In this exemplary embodiment, the
three dimensional viewing glasses sense the amount of power
remaining in the battery, determine whether the amount of power
remaining in the battery is sufficient for the pair of glasses to
operate longer than a predetermined time, and then indicate a
low-battery signal to a viewer if the glasses will not operate
longer than the predetermined time. The indicator may be opening
and closing the lenses at a predetermined rate. The predetermined
amount of time for the battery to last could be more than three
hours. In an exemplary embodiment, the low battery indicator
operates for at least three days after determining the amount of
power remaining in the battery is not sufficient for the pair of
glasses to operate longer than the predetermined amount of time. In
an exemplary embodiment, the controller determines the amount of
power remaining in the battery by measuring time by the number of
synchronization pulses that the battery can last for.
[0252] In an exemplary embodiment, for providing three dimensional
video images, the system includes a pair of glasses comprising a
first lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens
having a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters
having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one
millisecond. A control circuit may alternately open the first and
second liquid crystal shutters, and the liquid crystal orientation
is held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter. Furthermore, a synchronization device
that includes a signal transmitter that sends a signal
corresponding to an image presented for a first eye, a signal
receiver sensing the signal, and a control circuit adapted to open
the first shutter during a period of time in which the image is
presented for the first eye. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
is an infrared light.
[0253] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter projects
the signal toward a reflector, the signal is reflected by the
reflector, and the signal receiver detects the reflected signal. In
some embodiments, the reflector is a movie theater screen. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter receives a timing
signal from an image projector such as the movie projector. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal is a radio frequency signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal is a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval. In an exemplary embodiment, where the
signal is a series of pulses at a predetermined interval, the first
predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter and a second predetermined number of pulses opens the
second liquid crystal shutter.
[0254] In an exemplary embodiment for providing a three dimensional
video image, the method of providing the image includes: having a
pair of three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid
crystal shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding
the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a second
period of time. The first period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for the left eye of a viewer and the
second period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image
for the right eye of a viewer. The signal transmitter can transmit
a signal corresponding to the image presented for a left eye, and,
sensing the signal the three dimensional view glasses can use the
signal to determine when to open the first liquid crystal shutter.
In an exemplary embodiment, the signal is an infrared light. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter projects the signal
toward a reflector which reflects the signal toward the three
dimensional viewing glasses, and the signal receiver in the glasses
detects the reflected signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
reflector is a movie theater screen.
[0255] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter receives
a timing signal from an image projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal is a radio frequency signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal could be a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval. A first predetermined number of pulses
could open the first liquid crystal shutter and a second
predetermined number of pulses could open the second liquid crystal
shutter.
[0256] In an exemplary embodiment of a system for providing three
dimensional video images, a pair of glasses has a first lens having
a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having a second
liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having a liquid
crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond. A control
circuit alternately opens the first and second liquid crystal
shutters, and the liquid crystal orientation is held at a point of
maximum light transmission until the control circuit closes the
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a synchronization system
comprising a reflection device located in front of the pair of
glasses, and a signal transmitter sending a signal towards the
reflection device. The signal corresponds to an image presented for
a first eye of a viewer. A signal receiver senses the signal
reflected from the reflection device, and then a control circuit
opens the first shutter during a period of time in which the image
is presented for the first eye.
[0257] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal is an infrared light.
In an exemplary embodiment, the reflector is a movie theater
screen. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter receives
a timing signal from an image projector. The signal may a series of
pulses at a predetermined interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the
signal is a series of pulses at a predetermined interval and the
first predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter and the second predetermined number of pulses opens the
second liquid crystal shutter.
[0258] In an exemplary embodiment for providing a three dimensional
video image, the image can be provided by having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, and then holding the second liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
second period of time. The first period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a first eye of a viewer and the second
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
second eye of a viewer. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter
transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the image presented
for a first eye. The three dimensional viewing glasses sense the
infrared signal, and then use the infrared signal to trigger the
opening of the first liquid crystal shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal is an infrared light. In an exemplary
embodiment, the reflector is a movie theater screen. In an
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter receives a timing
signal from an image projector. The timing signal could be a series
of pulses at a predetermined interval. In some embodiments, a first
predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter and a second predetermined number of pulses opens the
second liquid crystal shutter.
[0259] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for providing three
dimensional video images includes a pair of glasses that have, a
first lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens
having a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters
having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one
millisecond. The system could also have a control circuit that
alternately opens the first and second liquid crystal shutters, and
hold the liquid crystal orientation at a point of maximum light
transmission until the control circuit closes the shutter. The
system may also have a test system comprising a signal transmitter,
a signal receiver, and a test system control circuit adapted to
open and close the first and second shutters at a rate that is
visible to a viewer. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter does not receive a timing signal from a projector. In
an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an infrared
signal. The infrared signal could be a series of pulses. In another
exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an radio
frequency signal. The radio frequency signal could be a series of
pulses.
[0260] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for providing a three
dimensional video image, the method could include having a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, and holding the second liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a second
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the first period of
time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of
a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer. In an
exemplary embodiment, a transmitter could transmit a test signal
towards the three dimensional viewing glasses, which then receive
the test signal with a sensor on the three dimensional glasses, and
then use a control circuit to open and close the first and second
liquid crystal shutters as a result of the test signal, wherein the
liquid crystal shutters open and close at a rate that is observable
to a viewer wearing the glasses.
[0261] In an exemplary embodiment the signal transmitter does not
receive a timing signal from a projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an infrared signal, which
could be a series of pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter emits an radio frequency signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the radio frequency signal is a series of pulses.
[0262] An exemplary embodiment of a system for providing three
dimensional video images could include a pair of glasses comprising
a first lens that has a first liquid crystal shutter and a second
lens that has a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal
shutters having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than
one millisecond. The system could also have a control circuit that
alternately opens the first and second liquid crystal shutters,
holds the liquid crystal orientation at a point of maximum light
transmission and then close the shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, an auto-on system comprising a signal transmitter, a
signal receiver, and wherein the control circuit is adapted to
activate the signal receiver at a first predetermined time
interval, determine if the signal receiver is receiving a signal
from the signal transmitter, deactivate the signal receiver if the
signal receiver does not receive the signal from the signal
transmitter within a second period of time, and alternately open
the first and second shutters at an interval corresponding to the
signal if the signal receiver does receive the signal from the
signal transmitter.
[0263] In an exemplary embodiment, the first period of time is at
least two seconds and the second period of time could be no more
than 100 milliseconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid
crystal shutters remain open until the signal receiver receives a
signal from the signal transmitter.
[0264] In an exemplary embodiment, a method for providing a three
dimensional video image could include having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, and holding the second liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a second
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the first period of
time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of
a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method could include activating a signal
receiver at a first predetermined time interval, determining if the
signal receiver is receiving a signal from the signal transmitter,
deactivating the signal receiver if the signal receiver does not
receive the signal from the signal transmitter within a second
period of time, and opening and closing the first and second
shutters at an interval corresponding to the signal if the signal
receiver does receive the signal from the signal transmitter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first period of time is at least two
seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the second period of time is
no more than 100 milliseconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the
liquid crystal shutters remain open until the signal receiver
receives a signal from the signal transmitter.
[0265] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for providing three
dimensional video images could include a pair of glasses comprising
a first lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second
lens having a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal
shutters having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than
one millisecond. It could also have a control circuit that can
alternately open the first and second liquid crystal shutters, and
hold the liquid crystal orientation at a point of maximum light
transmission until the control circuit closes the shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted to hold the
first liquid crystal shutter and the second liquid crystal shutter
open. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit holds the
lenses open until the control circuit detects a synchronization
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage applied to the
liquid crystal shutters alternates between positive and
negative.
[0266] In one embodiment of a device for providing a three
dimensional video image, a pair of three dimensional viewing
glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a second
liquid crystal shutter, wherein the first liquid crystal shutter
can open in less than one millisecond, wherein the second liquid
crystal shutter can open in less than one millisecond, open and
close the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a rate that
makes the liquid crystal shutters appear to be clear lenses. In one
embodiment, the control circuit holds the lenses open until the
control circuit detects a synchronization signal. In one
embodiment, the liquid crystal shutters alternates between positive
and negative.
[0267] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for providing three
dimensional video images could include a pair of glasses comprising
a first lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second
lens having a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal
shutters having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than
one millisecond. It could also include a control circuit that
alternately opens the first and second liquid crystal shutters and
hold the liquid crystal at a point of maximum light transmission
until the control circuit closes the shutter. In an exemplary
embodiment, an emitter could provide a synchronization signal where
a portion of the synchronization signal is encrypted. A sensor
operably connected to the control circuit could be adapted to
receive the synchronization signal, and the first and second liquid
crystal shutters could open and close in a pattern corresponding to
the synchronization signal only after receiving an encrypted
signal.
[0268] In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal is a
series of pulses at a predetermined interval. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal is a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval and a first predetermined number of pulses
opens the first liquid crystal shutter and a second predetermined
number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, a portion of the series of pulses is
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the series of pulses
includes a predetermined number of pulses that are not encrypted
followed by a predetermined number of pulses that are encrypted. In
an exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid crystal
shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving two consecutive
encrypted signals.
[0269] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for providing a three
dimensional video image, the method could include having a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first
liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, closing the first liquid
crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, and holding the second liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a second
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the first period of
time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of
a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer. In an
exemplary embodiment, an emitter provides a synchronization signal
wherein a portion of the synchronization signal is encrypted. In an
exemplary embodiment, a sensor is operably connected to the control
circuit and adapted to receive the synchronization signal, and the
first and second liquid crystal shutters open and close in a
pattern corresponding to the synchronization signal only after
receiving an encrypted signal.
[0270] In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal is a
series of pulses at a predetermined interval. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal is a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval and wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the series of
pulses is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the series of
pulses includes a predetermined number of pulses that are not
encrypted followed by a predetermined number of pulses that are
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving two consecutive
encrypted signals.
[0271] A method for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter for
use in 3D glasses has been described that includes causing the
liquid crystal to rotate to an open position, the liquid crystal
achieving a light transmission rate of at least twenty-five percent
in less than one millisecond, waiting until the liquid crystal
rotates to a point having maximum light transmission; stopping the
rotation of the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light
transmission; and holding the liquid crystal at the point of
maximum light transmission for a period of time. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system includes a pair of liquid crystal shutters
having corresponding first and a second liquid crystal shutters,
and a control circuit adapted to open the first liquid crystal
shutter, wherein the first liquid crystal shutter opens to a point
of maximum light transmission in less than one millisecond, apply a
catch voltage to hold the first liquid crystal shutter at the point
of maximum light transmission for a first period of time, then
close the first liquid crystal shutter, open the second liquid
crystal shutter, wherein the second liquid crystal shutter opens to
a point of maximum light transmission in less than one millisecond,
apply a catch voltage to hold the second liquid crystal shutter at
the point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
and then close the second liquid crystal shutter; wherein the first
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
first eye of the user and the second period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a second eye of the user. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted to use a
synchronization signal to determine the first and second period of
time. In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is two volts.
In an exemplary embodiment, the point of maximum light transmission
transmits more than thirty two percent of light. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes an emitter that provides a
synchronization signal and wherein the synchronization signal
causes the control circuit to open one of the liquid crystal
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes an encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit will only operate after validating the encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes a
battery sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is
adapted to provide an indication of a low battery condition. In an
exemplary embodiment, the indication of a low battery condition
comprises a liquid crystal shutter that is closed for a period of
time and then open for a period of time. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control circuit is adapted to detect a
synchronization signal and begin operating the liquid crystal
shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only operate a pair
of liquid crystal glasses having a control circuit adapted to
receive the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes a test signal wherein the test signal
operates the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to
the user wearing the pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses.
[0272] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses including a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters each
having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one
millisecond, and a control circuit that alternately opens the first
and second liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal
orientation is held at a point of maximum light transmission until
the control circuit closes the shutter. In an exemplary embodiment,
a catch voltage holds the liquid crystal at the point of maximum
light transmission. In an exemplary embodiment, the point of
maximum light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent
of light. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes
an emitter that provides a synchronization signal and wherein the
synchronization signal causes the control circuit to open one of
the liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes an encrypted signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control circuit will only operate after
validating the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes a battery sensor. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control circuit is adapted to provide an indication
of a low battery condition. In an exemplary embodiment, the
indication of a low battery condition includes a liquid crystal
shutter that is closed for a period of time and then open for a
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is
adapted to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the
liquid crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only operate
a pair of liquid crystal glasses having a control circuit adapted
to receive the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes a test signal wherein the test signal
operates the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to a
person wearing the pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses.
[0273] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes opening a first liquid crystal shutter
in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal
shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a first period
of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening
a second liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, and
holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
first eye of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method further includes holding the
liquid crystal shutter at the point of maximum light transmission
by a catch voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage
is two volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of light.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes emitting a
synchronization signal for controlling an operation of the liquid
crystal shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes an encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal will only control the operation of the
liquid crystal shutters control circuit after being validating the
encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes sensing a power level of a battery. In an exemplary
embodiment, the method further includes providing an indication of
the power level of the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the
indication of a low battery power level includes a liquid crystal
shutter that is closed for a period of time and then open for a
period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes detecting a synchronization signal and then operating the
liquid crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes only
operating the liquid crystal shutters after receiving an encrypted
signal specially designated for the liquid crystal shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method further includes providing a test
signal that operates the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is
visible to the viewer.
[0274] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium in
a housing for 3D glasses for providing a three dimensional video
image to a user of the 3D glasses has been described that includes
causing a liquid crystal to rotate by applying an electrical
voltage to the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal achieving a light
transmission rate of at least twenty-five percent in less than one
millisecond; waiting until the liquid crystal rotates to a point
having maximum light transmission; stopping the rotation of the
liquid crystal at the point of maximum light transmission; and
holding the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light
transmission for a period of time.
[0275] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image to a user of the 3D
glasses has been described that includes opening the first liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first
liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for
a first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter
and then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, and holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a second period of time,
wherein the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of
an image for a first eye of the user and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of the
user. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal shutter is
held at the point of maximum light transmission by a catch voltage.
In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage is two volts. In an
exemplary embodiment, the point of maximum light transmission
transmits more than thirty two percent of light. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes providing a
synchronization signal that controls an operation of the liquid
crystal shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal comprises an encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment,
the computer program further includes operating the liquid crystal
shutters only after validating the encrypted signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the computer program further includes sensing
a power level of a battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the
computer program includes providing an indication of a low battery
condition. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes providing an indication of a low battery condition by
closing a liquid crystal shutter for a period of time and then
opening the liquid crystal shutter for a period of time. In an
exemplary embodiment, the computer program further includes
detecting a synchronization signal and then operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the computer program further includes only
operating the liquid crystal shutters after receiving an encrypted
signal specifically designated from controlling the liquid crystal
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes providing a test signal that opens and closes the liquid
crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to the user.
[0276] A system for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter has
been described that includes means for causing a liquid crystal to
rotate by applying an electrical voltage to the liquid crystal, the
liquid crystal achieving a light transmission rate of at least
twenty-five percent in less than one millisecond; means for waiting
until the liquid crystal rotates to a point having maximum light
transmission; means for stopping the rotation of the liquid crystal
at the point of maximum light transmission; and means for holding
the liquid crystal at the point of maximum light transmission for a
period of time.
[0277] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for opening the first liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a first period of time, means for closing the
first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, and means for holding
the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, and wherein the first
period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a
first eye of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer. In an
exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second liquid
crystal shutter is held at the point of maximum light transmission
by a catch voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, the catch voltage
is two volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the point of maximum
light transmission transmits more than thirty two percent of light.
In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for
providing a synchronization signal and wherein the synchronization
signal causes one of the liquid crystal shutters to open. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal comprises an
encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further
includes means for only operating the liquid crystal shutters after
validating the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for sensing an operating condition of
a battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes
means for providing an indication of a low battery condition. In an
exemplary embodiment, the means for providing an indication of a
low battery condition includes means for closing a liquid crystal
shutter for a period of time and then opening the liquid crystal
shutter for a period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for detecting a synchronization
signal and means for operating the liquid crystal shutters after
detecting the synchronization signal. In an exemplary embodiment,
the system further includes means for only operating the liquid
crystal shutters after receiving an encrypted signal specially
designated for operating the liquid crystal shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for
operating the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is visible to
the viewer.
[0278] A method for rapidly opening a liquid crystal shutter for
use in 3D glasses has been described that includes causing the
liquid crystal to rotate to an open position, waiting until the
liquid crystal rotates to a point having maximum light
transmission; stopping the rotation of the liquid crystal at the
point of maximum light transmission; and holding the liquid crystal
at the point of maximum light transmission for a period of time;
wherein the liquid crystal comprises an optically thick liquid
crystal.
[0279] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes transmitting an encrypted
synchronization signal, receiving the encrypted synchronization
signal at a remote location, after validating the received
encrypted synchronization signal, opening a first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening a second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time,
providing battery power for opening and closing the liquid crystal
shutters; sensing a power level of the battery power, and providing
an indication of the sensed power level of the battery power by
opening and closing the liquid crystal shutters at a rate that is
visible to a viewer, wherein the first period of time corresponds
to the presentation of an image for a first eye of the viewer and
the second period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a second eye of the viewer, and wherein the liquid
crystal shutters are held at the point of maximum light
transmission by a catch voltage.
[0280] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having
a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal orientation is
held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter, and a low battery indicator that
includes a battery operably coupled to the control circuit, a
sensor capable of determining an amount of power remaining in the
battery, a controller adapted to determine whether the amount of
power remaining in the battery is sufficient for the pair of
glasses to operate longer than a predetermined time, and an
indicator to signal a viewer if the glasses will not operate longer
than the predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
indicator includes opening and closing the left and right liquid
crystal shutters at a predetermined rate. In an exemplary
embodiment, the predetermined amount of time is longer than three
hours. In an exemplary embodiment, the low battery indicator
operates for at least three days after determining the amount of
power remaining in the battery is not sufficient for the pair of
glasses to operate longer than the predetermined amount of time. In
an exemplary embodiment, the controller adapted to determine the
amount of power remaining in the battery measures time by a number
of synchronization pulses.
[0281] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of the
viewer, sensing an amount of power remaining in a battery,
determining whether the amount of power remaining in the battery is
sufficient for the pair of three dimensional viewing glasses to
operate longer than a predetermined time, and indicating a
low-battery signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing
glasses will not operate longer than the predetermined time. In an
exemplary embodiment, indicating a low-battery signal to a viewer
if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate longer
than the predetermined time includes opening and closing the first
and second liquid crystal shutters at a predetermined rate. In an
exemplary embodiment, the predetermined amount of time is longer
than three hours. In an exemplary embodiment, indicating a
low-battery signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing
glasses will not operate longer than the predetermined time
includes indicating a low-battery signal to a viewer if the three
dimensional viewing glasses for at least three days after
determining the amount of power remaining in the battery is not
sufficient for the pair of three dimensional viewing glasses to
operate longer than the predetermined amount of time. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method further includes determining the
amount of power remaining in the battery comprises measuring a
number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the three
dimensional viewing glasses.
[0282] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image using a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses including a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter has been described that
includes opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of
maximum light transmission for a first period of time, closing the
first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the second
liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for
a second period of time, wherein the first period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of a
viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer, sensing an
amount of power remaining in a battery, determining whether the
amount of power remaining in the battery is sufficient for the pair
of three dimensional viewing glasses to operate longer than a
predetermined time, and indicating a low-battery signal to a viewer
if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate longer
than the predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
computer program includes indicating a low-battery signal to a
viewer if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate
longer than the predetermined time comprises opening and closing
the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a predetermined
rate. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined amount of time
is longer than three hours. In an exemplary embodiment, the
computer program includes indicating a low-battery signal to a
viewer if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate
longer than the predetermined time comprises indicating a
low-battery signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing
glasses will not operate longer than the predetermined time for at
least three days after determining the amount of power remaining in
the battery is not sufficient for the pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses to operate longer than the predetermined amount of
time. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes determining the amount of power remaining in the battery
by measuring a number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the
three dimensional viewing glasses.
[0283] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, means for opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means
for holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a first period of time, means for closing
the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer, means for
sensing an amount of power remaining in a battery, means for
determining whether the amount of power remaining in the battery is
sufficient for the pair of three dimensional viewing glasses to
operate longer than a predetermined time, and means for indicating
a low-battery signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing
glasses will not operate longer than the predetermined time. In an
exemplary embodiment, the low-battery signal comprises means for
opening and closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at
a predetermined rate. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined
amount of time is longer than three hours. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes means for indicating a low
battery power for at least three days after determining the amount
of power remaining in the battery is not sufficient for the pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses to operate longer than the
predetermined amount of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for determining the amount of power
remaining in the battery by measuring time by a number of
synchronization pulses.
[0284] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of three dimensional viewing
glasses comprising a first lens having a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second lens having a second liquid crystal shutter, a
control circuit for controlling the operation of the first and
second liquid crystal shutters, a battery operably coupled to the
control circuit, and a signal sensor operably coupled to the
control circuit, wherein the control circuit is adapted to
determine whether the amount of power remaining in the battery is
sufficient for the pair of three dimensional viewing glasses to
operate longer than a predetermined time as a function of a number
of external signals detected by the signal sensor and operate the
first and second liquid crystal shutters to provide a visual
indication of the amount of power remaining in the battery. In an
exemplary embodiment, the visual indication comprises opening and
closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a
predetermined rate.
[0285] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, sensing an amount of power remaining
in a battery by determining a number of external signals
transmitted to the three dimensional viewing glasses, determining
whether the amount of power remaining in the battery is sufficient
for the pair of three dimensional viewing glasses to operate longer
than a predetermined time, and indicating a low-battery signal to a
viewer if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate
longer than the predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
low-battery signal includes opening and closing the first and
second liquid crystal shutters at a predetermined rate.
[0286] A computer program stored in a memory device for use in
operating a pair of three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a
first liquid crystal shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter
providing a three dimensional video image has been described that
includes sensing an amount of power remaining in a battery of the
three dimensional viewing glasses by determining a number of
external signals transmitted to the three dimensional viewing
glasses, determining whether the amount of power remaining in the
battery is sufficient for the pair of three dimensional viewing
glasses to operate longer than a predetermined time, and indicating
a low-battery signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing
glasses will not operate longer than the predetermined time. In an
exemplary embodiment, the low-battery signal comprises opening and
closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a
predetermined rate.
[0287] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses including a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter has been described that includes
opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of
maximum light transmission for a first period of time, closing the
first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the second
liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for
a second period of time, wherein the first period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye of a
viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer, sensing an
amount of power remaining in a battery, determining whether the
amount of power remaining in the battery is sufficient for the pair
of three dimensional viewing glasses to operate longer than a
predetermined time, and indicating a low-battery signal to a viewer
if the three dimensional viewing glasses will not operate longer
than the predetermined time; wherein indicating a low-battery
signal to a viewer if the three dimensional viewing glasses will
not operate longer than the predetermined time includes opening and
closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a
predetermined rate, and wherein determining the amount of power
remaining in the battery comprises measuring a number of
synchronization pulses transmitted to the three dimensional viewing
glasses.
[0288] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters each
having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one
millisecond, a control circuit that alternately opens the first and
second liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal
orientation is held at a point of maximum light transmission until
the control circuit closes the shutter, and a synchronization
device operably coupled to the control circuit, including a signal
receiver for sensing a synchronization signal corresponding to an
image presented to a user of the glasses, and a control circuit
adapted to open the first liquid crystal shutter or the second
liquid crystal shutter during a period of time in which the image
is presented as a function of the synchronization signal
transmitted. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes an infrared light. In an exemplary embodiment, the system
further includes a signal transmitter, wherein the signal
transmitter projects the synchronization signal toward a reflector,
wherein the synchronization signal is reflected by the reflector,
and wherein the signal receiver detects the reflected
synchronization signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflector
comprises a movie theater screen. In an exemplary embodiment, the
signal transmitter receives a timing signal from an image
projector. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a radio frequency signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval, wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter, and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal is
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
comprises a series of pulses and configuration data for the control
circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the series of
pulses and the configuration data are encrypted. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes at least one data
bit preceded by at least one clock pulse. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a synchronous
serial data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal is sensed between the presentation of images for the first
and second liquid crystal shutters.
[0289] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of the
viewer, transmitting a synchronization signal corresponding to the
image presented to the viewer, sensing the synchronization signal,
and using the synchronization signal to determine when to open the
first liquid crystal shutter or the second liquid crystal shutter.
In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes an
infrared light. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes projecting the synchronization, signal toward a reflector,
reflecting the synchronization signal off of the reflector, and
detecting the reflected synchronization signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the method further includes reflecting the
synchronization signal off of a movie theater screen. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method further includes receiving a
timing signal from an image projector. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a radio frequency signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a series
of pulses at a predetermined interval. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval, wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter, and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes
encrypting the synchronization signal. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses and
configuration data for the control circuit. In an exemplary
embodiment, the method further includes encrypting at least one of
the series of pulses and the configuration data. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes at least one data
bit preceded by at least one clock pulse. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a synchronous
serial data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal is sensed between the presentation of images for the first
and second liquid crystal shutters.
[0290] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having
a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal orientation is
held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter, and a synchronization system including:
a reflection device located in front of the pair of glasses, a
signal transmitter sending a synchronization signal towards the
reflection device, the synchronization signal corresponding to an
image presented to a user of the glasses, a signal receiver sensing
the synchronization signal reflected from the reflection device,
and a control circuit adapted to open the first shutter or the
second shutter during a period of time in which the image is
presented. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes an infrared light. In an exemplary embodiment, the
reflector includes a movie theater screen. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter receives a timing signal from an
image projector. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes a series of pulses at a predetermined interval. In
an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
series of pulses at a predetermined interval, wherein a first
predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter, and wherein a second predetermined number of pulses opens
the second liquid crystal shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses and
configuration data for the control circuit. In an exemplary
embodiment, at least one of the series of pulses and the
configuration data are encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes at least one data bit preceded by
at least one clock pulse. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes a synchronous serial data signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal is sensed
between the presentation of images for the first and second liquid
crystal shutters.
[0291] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image, using a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, has been described
that includes opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than
one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the
second liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding
the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer, sensing a
synchronization signal corresponding to an image presented to the
viewer, and using the sensed synchronization signal to determine
when to open the first or the second liquid crystal shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes an
infrared light. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program
further includes projecting the synchronization signal toward a
reflector, reflecting the synchronization signal off of the
reflector, and detecting the reflected synchronization signal. In
an exemplary embodiment, the reflector includes a movie theater
screen. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes receiving a timing signal from an image projector. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a radio
frequency signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes a series of pulses at a predetermined interval. In
an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
series of pulses at a predetermined interval, wherein a first
predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter, and wherein a second predetermined number of pulses opens
the second liquid crystal shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
computer program further includes encrypting the synchronization
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a series of pulses and configuration data for the control
circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes encrypting at least one of the series of pulses and the
configuration data. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes at least one data bit preceded by at least one
clock pulse. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a synchronous serial data signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes sensing the
synchronization signal between the presentation of images for the
first and second liquid crystal shutters.
[0292] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, means for opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means
for holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a first period of time, means for closing
the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of the viewer, means for
sensing a synchronization signal corresponding to the image
presented to the viewer, and means for using the sensed
synchronization signal to determine when to open the first or the
second liquid crystal shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes an infrared light. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes means for transmitting the
synchronization signal toward a reflector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the reflector includes a movie theater screen. In an
exemplary embodiment, the means for transmitting includes means for
receiving a timing signal from an image projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a radio frequency
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a series of pulses at a predetermined interval. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a series
of pulses at a predetermined interval and wherein a first
predetermined number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal
shutter and wherein a second predetermined number of pulses opens
the second liquid crystal shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for encrypting the synchronization
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a series of pulses and configuration data for the control
circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes
means for encrypting at least one of the series of pulses and the
configuration data. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes at least one data bit preceded by at least one
clock pulse. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes a synchronous serial data signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes means for sensing the
synchronization signal between the presentation of images for the
first and second liquid crystal shutters.
[0293] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of the
viewer, projecting an encrypted synchronization signal toward a
reflector, reflecting the encrypted synchronization signal off of
the reflector, detecting the reflected encrypted synchronization
signal, decrypting the detected encrypted synchronization signal,
and using the detected synchronization signal to determine when to
open the first liquid crystal shutter or the second liquid crystal
shutter, wherein the synchronization signal comprises an infrared
light, wherein the synchronization signal comprises a series of
pulses and configuration data, wherein a first predetermined series
of pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter, wherein a second
predetermined series of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter, wherein the synchronization signal comprises at least one
data bit preceded by at least one clock pulse, wherein the
synchronization signal comprise a synchronous serial data signal,
and wherein the synchronization signal is detected between the
presentation of images for the first and second liquid crystal
shutters.
[0294] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having
a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, and wherein an orientation of at least one
of the liquid crystal shutters is held at a point of maximum light
transmission until the control circuit closes the liquid crystal
shutter, and a test system comprising a signal transmitter, a
signal receiver, and a test system control circuit adapted to open
and close the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a rate
that is visible to a viewer. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter does not receive a timing signal from a projector. In
an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an infrared
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the infrared signal comprises a
series of pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal
transmitter emits an radio frequency signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the radio frequency signal comprises a series of
pulses.
[0295] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of a
viewer, transmitting a test signal towards the three dimensional
viewing glasses, receiving the test signal with a sensor on the
three dimensional glasses, and using a control circuit to open and
close the first and second liquid crystal shutters as a result of
the received test signal, wherein the liquid crystal shutters open
and close at a rate that is observable to a viewer wearing the
glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter does
not receive a timing signal from a projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an infrared signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the infrared signal comprises a series of
pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an
radio frequency signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the radio
frequency signal includes a series of pulses.
[0296] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image using a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses including a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, the computer program
has been described that includes opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of a
viewer, transmitting a test signal towards the three dimensional
viewing glasses, receiving the test signal with a sensor on the
three dimensional glasses, and using a control circuit to open and
close the first and second liquid crystal shutters as a result of
the received test signal, wherein the liquid crystal shutters open
and close at a rate that is observable to a viewer wearing the
glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter does
not receive a timing signal from a projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an infrared signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the infrared signal includes a series of
pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitter emits an
radio frequency signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the radio
frequency signal comprises a series of pulses.
[0297] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes a means for having a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, means for opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means
for holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a first period of time, means for closing
the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer, means for
transmitting a test signal towards the three dimensional viewing
glasses, means for receiving the test signal with a sensor on the
three dimensional glasses, and means for using a control circuit to
open and close the first and second liquid crystal shutters as a
result of the test signal, wherein the liquid crystal shutters open
and close at a rate that is observable to a viewer wearing the
glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for transmitting
does not receive a timing signal from a projector. In an exemplary
embodiment, the means for transmitting emits an infrared signal. In
an exemplary embodiment, the infrared signal includes a series of
pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for transmitting
emits an radio frequency signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
radio frequency signal includes a series of pulses.
[0298] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of a
viewer, transmitting an infrared test signal towards the three
dimensional viewing glasses, receiving the infrared test signal
with a sensor on the three dimensional glasses, and using a control
circuit to open and close the first and second liquid crystal
shutters as a result of the received infrared test signal, wherein
the liquid crystal shutters open and close at a rate that is
observable to a viewer wearing the glasses, wherein the signal
transmitter does not receive a timing signal from a projector,
wherein the infrared signal comprises a series of pulses, wherein
the infrared signal comprises one or more data bits that are each
preceded by at least one clock pulse, and wherein the infrared
signal comprises a synchronous serial data signal.
[0299] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters each
having a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one
millisecond, a control circuit that alternately opens the first and
second liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal
orientation is held at a point of maximum light transmission until
the control circuit closes the shutter, and signal receiver
operably coupled to the control circuit, wherein the control
circuit is adapted to activate the signal receiver at a first
predetermined time interval, determine if the signal receiver is
receiving a valid signal, deactivate the signal receiver if the
signal receiver does not receive the valid signal within a second
predetermined time interval, and alternately open and close the
first and second shutters at an interval corresponding to the valid
signal if the signal receiver does receive the valid signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first period of time includes at least
two seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the second period of time
includes no more than 100 milliseconds. In an exemplary embodiment,
both of the liquid crystal shutters remain either open or closed
until the signal receiver receives the valid signal.
[0300] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of a
viewer, activating a signal receiver at a first predetermined time
interval, determining if the signal receiver is receiving a valid
signal from a signal transmitter, deactivating the signal receiver
if the signal receiver does not receive the valid signal from the
signal transmitter within a second period of time, and opening and
closing the first and second shutters at an interval corresponding
to the valid signal if the signal receiver does receive the valid
signal from the signal transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
first period of time includes at least two seconds. In an exemplary
embodiment, the second period of time includes no more than 100
milliseconds. In an exemplary embodiment, both of the liquid
crystal shutters remain either open or closed until the signal
receiver receives a valid signal from the signal transmitter.
[0301] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having
a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
a control circuit that can alternately open the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal orientation is
held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter, and wherein the control circuit is
adapted to hold both the first liquid crystal shutter and the
second liquid crystal shutter open. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit holds the first liquid crystal shutter and the
second liquid crystal shutter open until the control circuit
detects a synchronization signal. In an exemplary embodiment, a
voltage applied to the first and second liquid crystal shutters
alternates between positive and negative.
[0302] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, wherein the first liquid crystal
shutter can open in less than one millisecond, wherein the second
liquid crystal shutter can open in less than one millisecond, and
opening and closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at
a rate that makes the first and second liquid crystal shutters
appear to be clear lenses to a user. In an exemplary embodiment,
the method further includes opening and closing the first and
second liquid crystal shutters at a rate that makes the liquid
crystal shutters appear to be clear lenses to the user until
detecting a valid synchronization signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the method further includes applying a voltage to the
first and second liquid crystal shutters that alternates between
positive and negative until detecting a valid synchronization
signal.
[0303] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image, for use in a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, has been described
that includes opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than
one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the
second liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding
the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer, activating a
signal receiver at a first predetermined time interval, determining
if the signal receiver is receiving a valid signal from the signal
transmitter, deactivating the signal receiver if the signal
receiver does not receive the valid signal from the signal
transmitter within a second period of time, and opening and closing
the first and second shutters at an interval corresponding to the
valid signal if the signal receiver does receive the valid signal
from the signal transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the first
period of time comprises at least two seconds. In an exemplary
embodiment, the second period of time comprises no more than 100
milliseconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second
liquid crystal shutters remain open until the signal receiver
receives the valid signal from the signal transmitter.
[0304] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image, for use in a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, wherein the first
liquid crystal shutter can open in less than one millisecond, and
wherein the second liquid crystal shutter can open in less than one
millisecond, and has been described that includes opening and
closing the first and second liquid crystal shutters at a rate that
makes the liquid crystal shutters appear to be clear lenses. In an
exemplary embodiment, the computer program further includes holding
the first and second liquid crystal shutters open until detecting a
valid synchronization signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
computer program further includes applying a voltage to the first
and second liquid crystal shutters that alternates between positive
and negative until detecting a valid synchronization signal.
[0305] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for providing a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, means for opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means
for holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a first period of time, means for closing
the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer, means for
activating a signal receiver at a first predetermined time
interval, means for determining if the signal receiver is receiving
a valid signal from the signal transmitter, means for deactivating
the signal receiver if the signal receiver does not receive the
valid signal from the signal transmitter within a second period of
time, and means for opening and closing the first and second
shutters at an interval corresponding to the valid signal if the
signal receiver does receive the valid signal from the signal
transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the first period of time
includes at least two seconds. In an exemplary embodiment, the
second period of time includes no more than 100 milliseconds. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid crystal shutters
remain open until the signal receiver receives a valid signal from
the signal transmitter.
[0306] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses including a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters having
a liquid crystal and an opening time of less than one millisecond,
and a control circuit that alternately opens the first and second
liquid crystal shutters, wherein the liquid crystal orientation is
held at a point of maximum light transmission until the control
circuit closes the shutter, wherein the control circuit opens and
closes the first and second liquid crystal shutters after the
glasses are powered on for a predetermined time period. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control circuit alternatively opens and
closes the first and second liquid crystal shutters after the
glasses are powered on for a predetermined time period. In an
exemplary embodiment, the control circuit, after the predetermined
time period, then opens and closes the first and second liquid
crystal shutters as a function of a synchronization signal received
by the control circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal comprises a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval and wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the series of
pulses is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the series of
pulses includes a predetermined number of pulses that are not
encrypted followed by encrypted data. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal comprises one or more data bits that are
each preceded by one or more clock pulses. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a synchronous
serial data signal.
[0307] A method for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes having a pair of three dimensional
viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal shutter and a
second liquid crystal shutter, opening the first liquid crystal
shutter in less than one millisecond, holding the first liquid
crystal shutter at a point of maximum light transmission for a
first period of time, closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
then opening the second liquid crystal shutter in less than one
millisecond, holding the second liquid crystal shutter at a point
of maximum light transmission for a second period of time, wherein
the first period of time corresponds to the presentation of an
image for a first eye of a viewer and the second period of time
corresponds to the presentation of an image for a second eye of a
viewer, powering on the glasses; and opening and closing the first
and second liquid crystal shutters for a predetermined time period
after powering on the glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the
method further includes providing a synchronization signal, wherein
a portion of the synchronization signal is encrypted, sensing the
synchronization signal, and wherein the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
sensed synchronization signal only after receiving an encrypted
signal after the predetermined time period. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses
at a predetermined interval and wherein a first predetermined
number of pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter and wherein
a second predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid
crystal shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the
series of pulses is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the
series of pulses includes a predetermined number of pulses that are
not encrypted followed by a predetermined number of pulses that are
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving two consecutive
encrypted signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes one or more data bits that are each preceded by one
or more clock pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal comprises a synchronous serial data
signal.
[0308] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium
for providing a three dimensional video image, using a pair of
three dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, has been described
that includes opening the first liquid crystal shutter in less than
one millisecond, holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a
point of maximum light transmission for a first period of time,
closing the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the
second liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, holding
the second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer, powering on
the glasses; and opening and closing the first and second liquid
crystal shutters for a predetermined time period after powering on
the glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program
further includes providing a synchronization signal, wherein a
portion of the synchronization signal is encrypted, sensing the
synchronization signal, and wherein the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving an encrypted signal
after the predetermined time period. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval, and wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the series of
pulses is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the series of
pulses includes a predetermined number of pulses that are not
encrypted followed by a predetermined number of pulses that are
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving two consecutive
encrypted signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes one or more data bits that are each preceded by one
or more clock pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal comprises a synchronous serial data
signal.
[0309] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for providing a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, wherein the first
liquid crystal shutter can open in less than one millisecond,
wherein the second liquid crystal shutter can open in less than one
millisecond, and means for opening and closing the first and second
liquid crystal shutters after powering up the glasses for a
predetermined period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for opening and closing the first and
second liquid crystal shutters upon receiving a synchronization
signal after the predetermined period of time. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes one or more data
bits that are each preceded by one or more clock pulses. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
synchronous serial data signal.
[0310] A system for providing a three dimensional video image has
been described that includes means for providing a pair of three
dimensional viewing glasses comprising a first liquid crystal
shutter and a second liquid crystal shutter, means for opening the
first liquid crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means
for holding the first liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum
light transmission for a first period of time, means for closing
the first liquid crystal shutter and then opening the second liquid
crystal shutter in less than one millisecond, means for holding the
second liquid crystal shutter at a point of maximum light
transmission for a second period of time, wherein the first period
of time corresponds to the presentation of an image for a first eye
of a viewer and the second period of time corresponds to the
presentation of an image for a second eye of a viewer, and means
for opening and closing the first and second liquid crystal
shutters after powering up the glasses for a predetermined period
of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes
means for transmitting a synchronization signal, wherein a portion
of the synchronization signal is encrypted, means for sensing the
synchronization signal, and means for opening and closing the first
and second liquid crystal shutters in a pattern corresponding to
the synchronization signal only after receiving an encrypted signal
after the predetermined time period. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a series of pulses at a
predetermined interval and wherein a first predetermined number of
pulses opens the first liquid crystal shutter and wherein a second
predetermined number of pulses opens the second liquid crystal
shutter. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the series of
pulses is encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the series of
pulses includes a predetermined number of pulses that are not
encrypted followed by a predetermined number of pulses that are
encrypted. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second liquid
crystal shutters open and close in a pattern corresponding to the
synchronization signal only after receiving two consecutive
encrypted signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization
signal includes one or more data bits that are each preceded by one
or more clock pulses. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal comprises a synchronous serial data
signal.
[0311] A frame for 3-D glasses having right and left viewing
shutters has been described that includes a frame front that
defines right and left lens openings for receiving the right and
left viewing shutters; and right and left temples coupled to and
extending from the frame front for mounting on a head of a user of
the 3-D glasses; wherein each of the right and left temples
comprise a serpentine shape. In an exemplary embodiment, each of
the right and left temples include one or more ridges. In an
exemplary embodiment, the frame further includes a left shutter
controller mounted within the frame for controlling the operation
of the left viewing shutter; a right shutter controller mounted
within the frame for controlling the operation of the right viewing
shutter; a central controller mounted within the frame for
controlling the operation of the left and right shutter
controllers; a signal sensor operably coupled to the central
controller for sensing a signal from an external source; and a
battery mounted within the frame operably coupled to the left and
right shutter controllers, the central controller, and the signal
sensor for supplying power to the left and right shutter
controllers, the central controller, and the signal sensor. In an
exemplary embodiment, the viewing shutters each include a liquid
crystal having an opening time of less than one millisecond. In an
exemplary embodiment, the frame further includes a battery sensor
operably coupled to the battery and the central controller for
monitoring the operating status of the battery and providing a
signal to the central controller representative of the operating
status of the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame
further includes a charge pump operably coupled to the battery and
the central controller for providing an increased voltage supply to
the left and right shutter controllers. In an exemplary embodiment,
the frame further includes a common shutter controller operably
coupled to the central controller for controlling the operation of
the left and right shutter controllers. In an exemplary embodiment,
the signal sensor includes a narrow band pass filter; and a
decoder.
[0312] 3-D glasses having right and left viewing shutters have been
described that include a frame defining left and right lens
openings for receiving the right and left viewing shutters; a
central controller for controlling the operation of the right and
left viewing shutters; a housing coupled to the frame for housing
the central controller defining an opening for accessing at least a
portion of the controller; and a cover received within and
sealingly engaging the opening in the housing. In an exemplary
embodiment, the cover comprises an o-ring seal for sealingly
engaging the opening in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment,
the cover comprises one or more keying members for engaging
complimentary recesses formed in the opening in the housing. In an
exemplary embodiment, the 3-D glasses further include a left
shutter controller operably coupled to the central controller
mounted within the housing for controlling the operation of the
left viewing shutter; a right shutter controller operably coupled
to the central controller mounted within the housing for
controlling the operation of the right viewing shutter; a signal
sensor operably coupled to the central controller for sensing a
signal from an external source; and a battery mounted within the
housing operably coupled to the left and right shutter controllers,
the central controller, and the signal sensor for supplying power
to the left and right shutter controllers, the central controller,
and the signal sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the viewing
shutters each include a liquid crystal having an opening time of
less than one millisecond. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3-D
glasses further include a battery sensor operably coupled to the
battery and the central controller for monitoring the operating
status of the battery and providing a signal to the central
controller representative of the operating status of the battery.
In an exemplary embodiment, the 3-D glasses further include a
charge pump operably coupled to the battery and the central
controller for providing an increased voltage supply to the left
and right shutter controllers. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3-D
glasses further include a common shutter controller operably
coupled to the central controller for controlling the operation of
the left and right shutter controllers. In an exemplary embodiment,
the signal sensor includes a narrow band pass filter; and a
decoder.
[0313] A method of housing a controller for 3-D glasses having
right and left viewing elements has been described that includes
providing a frame for supporting the right and left viewing
elements for wearing by a user; providing a housing, within the
frame for housing a controller for the 3-D glasses; and sealing the
housing within the frame using a removable cover having a sealing
element for sealingly engaging the housing. In an exemplary
embodiment, the cover includes one or more dimples. In an exemplary
embodiment, sealing the housing comprises operating a key to engage
the dimples in the cover of the housing. In an exemplary
embodiment, the housing further houses a removable battery for
providing power to the controller for the 3-D glasses.
[0314] A system for providing a three dimensional video image to a
user of 3D glasses has been described that includes a power supply,
first and a second liquid crystal shutters operably coupled to the
power supply, and a control circuit operably coupled to the power
supply and the liquid crystal shutters adapted to open the first
liquid crystal shutter for a first period of time, close the first
liquid crystal shutter for a second period of time, open the second
liquid crystal shutter for the second period of time, close the
second liquid crystal shutter for the first period of time, and
transfer charge between the first and second liquid crystal
shutters during portions of at least one of the first and second
periods of time, wherein the first period of time corresponds to
the presentation of an image for a first eye of the user and the
second period of time corresponds to the presentation of an image
for a second eye of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit is adapted to use a synchronization signal to
determine the first and second periods of time. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes an emitter that provides a
synchronization signal and wherein the synchronization signal
causes the control circuit to open one of the liquid crystal
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes an encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit will only operate after validating the encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted
to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only operate a pair
of liquid crystal glasses having a control circuit adapted to
receive the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes one or more data bits that are each
preceded by one or more clock pulses. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal comprises a synchronous serial data
signal.
[0315] A system for providing three dimensional video images has
been described that includes a pair of glasses comprising a first
lens having a first liquid crystal shutter and a second lens having
a second liquid crystal shutter, the liquid crystal shutters each
having a liquid crystal, and a control circuit that alternately
opens the first and second liquid crystal shutters and transfers
charge between the liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes an emitter that provides a
synchronization signal and wherein the synchronization signal
causes the control circuit to open one of the liquid crystal
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal
includes an encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control circuit will only operate after validating the encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is adapted
to detect a synchronization signal and begin operating the liquid
crystal shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the encrypted signal will only operate a pair
of liquid crystal glasses having a control circuit adapted to
receive the encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
synchronization signal includes one or more data bits that are each
preceded by one or more clock pulses. In an exemplary embodiment,
the synchronization signal includes a synchronous serial data
signal.
[0316] A method for providing a three dimensional video image using
first and second liquid crystal shutters has been described that
includes closing the first liquid crystal shutter and opening the
second liquid crystal shutter, then closing the second liquid
crystal shutter and opening the first liquid crystal shutter, and
transferring charge between the first and second liquid crystal
shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes
providing a synchronization signal, and opening one of the liquid
crystal shutters in response to the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes an
encrypted signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further
includes operating only after validating the encrypted signal. In
an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes detecting a
synchronization signal, and begin operating the liquid crystal
shutters after detecting the synchronization signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal comprises one or
more data bits that are each preceded by one or more clock pulses.
In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
synchronous serial data signal.
[0317] A computer program installed on a machine readable medium in
a housing for 3D glasses having first and second liquid crystal
shutters for providing a three dimensional video image to a user of
the 3D glasses has been described that includes closing the first
liquid crystal shutter and opening the second liquid crystal
shutter, then closing the second liquid crystal shutter and opening
the first liquid crystal shutter, and transferring charge between
the first and second liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes providing a
synchronization signal, and opening one of the liquid crystal
shutters in response to the synchronization signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal includes an encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer program further
includes validating the encrypted signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes detecting a
synchronization signal, and operating the liquid crystal shutters
after detecting the synchronization signal. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal comprises one or more data
bits that are each preceded by one or more clock pulses. In an
exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
synchronous serial data signal.
[0318] A system for providing a three dimensional video image using
first and second liquid crystal shutters has been described that
includes means for closing the first liquid crystal shutter and
opening the second liquid crystal shutter, means for then closing
the second liquid crystal shutter and opening the first liquid
crystal shutter, and means for transferring charge between the
first and second liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system further includes means for providing a
synchronization signal, and means for the synchronization signal
causing opening one of the liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronization signal comprises an encrypted
signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes
means for only operating after validating the encrypted signal. In
an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes one or
more data bits that are each preceded by one or more clock pulses.
In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronization signal includes a
synchronous serial data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
system further includes means for detecting a synchronization
signal, and means for operating the liquid crystal shutters after
detecting the synchronization signal.
[0319] A system for providing electrical power to 3D glasses
including left and right liquid crystal shutters has been described
that includes a controller operably coupled to the left and right
liquid crystal shutters; a battery operably coupled to the
controller; and a charge pump operably coupled to the controller;
wherein the controller is adapted to transfer electrical charge
between the left and right liquid crystal shutters when changing
the operational state of either of the left or right liquid crystal
shutter; and wherein the charge pump is adapted to accumulate
electrical potential when the controller changes the operational
state of either the left or right liquid crystal shutter. In an
exemplary embodiment, the charge pump is adapted to stop
accumulating electrical potential when the level of the electrical
potential equals a predetermined level.
[0320] A method of providing electrical power to 3D glasses
including left and right liquid crystal shutters has been described
that includes transferring electrical charge between the left and
right liquid crystal shutters when changing the operational state
of either of the left or right liquid crystal shutters; and
accumulating electrical potential when changing the operational
state of either the left or right liquid crystal shutters. In an
exemplary embodiment, the method further includes stopping the
accumulation of electrical potential when the level of the
electrical potential equals a predetermined level.
[0321] A computer program stored in a machine readable medium for
providing electrical power to 3D glasses including left and right
liquid crystal shutters has been described that includes
transferring electrical charge between the left and right liquid
crystal shutters when changing the operational state of either of
the left or right liquid crystal shutters; and accumulating
electrical potential when changing the operational state of either
the left or right liquid crystal shutters. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes stopping the
accumulation of electrical potential when the level of the
electrical potential equals a predetermined level.
[0322] A system for providing electrical power to 3D glasses
including left and right liquid crystal shutters has been described
that includes means for transferring electrical charge between the
left and right liquid crystal shutters when changing the
operational state of either of the left or right liquid crystal
shutters; and means for accumulating electrical potential when
changing the operational state of either the left or right liquid
crystal shutters. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further
includes means for stopping the accumulation of electrical
potential when the level of the electrical potential equals a
predetermined level.
[0323] A signal sensor for use in 3D glasses for receiving a signal
from a signal transmitter and sending a decoded signal to a
controller for operating the 3D glasses has been described that
includes a band pass filter for filtering the signal received from
the signal transmitter; and a decoder operably coupled to the band
pass filter for decoding the filtered signal and providing the
decoded signal to the controller of the 3D glasses. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal received from the signal transmitter
includes one or more data bits; and one or more clock pulses that
proceed a corresponding one of the data bits. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal received from the signal transmitter
comprises a synchronous serial data transmission. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal received from the signal transmitter
comprise a synchronization signal for controlling the operation of
the 3D glasses.
[0324] 3-D have been described that include a band pass filter for
filtering the signal received from a signal transmitter; a decoder
operably coupled to the band pass filter for decoding the filtered
signal; a controller operably coupled to the decoder for receiving
the decoded signal; and left and right optical shutters operably
coupled to and controlled by the controller as a function of the
decoded signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal received
from the signal transmitter includes one or more data bits; and one
or more clock pulses that proceed a corresponding one of the data
bits. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal received from the
signal transmitter comprises a synchronous serial data
transmission.
[0325] A method of transmitting data signals to 3D glasses has been
described that includes transmitting a synchronous serial data
signal to the 3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment, the data
signal comprises one or more data bits that are each preceded by a
corresponding clock pulse. In an exemplary embodiment, the method
further includes filtering the data signal to remove out of band
noise. In an exemplary embodiment, the synchronous serial data
signal comprises a synchronization signal for controlling the
operation of the 3D glasses.
[0326] A method of operating 3D glasses having left and right
optical shutters has been described that includes transmitting a
synchronous serial data signal to the 3D glasses; and controlling
the operation of the left and right optical shutters as a function
of data encoded in the data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the
data signal includes one or more data bits that are each preceded
by a corresponding clock pulse. In an exemplary embodiment, the
method further includes filtering the data signal to remove out of
band noise.
[0327] A computer program for transmitting data signals to 3D
glasses has been described that includes transmitting a synchronous
serial data signal to the 3D glasses. In an exemplary embodiment,
the data signal includes one or more data bits that are each
preceded by a corresponding clock pulse. In an exemplary
embodiment, the computer program further includes filtering the
data signal to remove out of band noise. In an exemplary
embodiment, the synchronous serial data signal includes a
synchronization signal for controlling the operation of the 3D
glasses.
[0328] A computer program for operating 3D glasses having left and
right optical shutters has been described that includes
transmitting a synchronous serial data signal to the 3D glasses;
and controlling the operation of the left and right optical
shutters as a function of data encoded in the data signal. In an
exemplary embodiment, the data signal includes one or more data
bits that are each preceded by a corresponding clock pulse. In an
exemplary embodiment, the computer program further includes
filtering the data signal to remove out of band noise.
[0329] A synchronization signal for operating one or more optical
shutters within a pair of three dimensional viewing glasses, the
synchronization signal stored within a machine readable medium, has
been described that includes one or more data bits for controlling
the operation of the one or more of the optical shutters within the
pair of three dimensional viewing glasses; and one or more clock
pulses that precede each of the data bits. In an exemplary
embodiment, the signal is stored within a machine readable medium
operably coupled to a transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the
transmitter includes an infra red transmitter. In an exemplary
embodiment, the transmitter includes a visible light transmitter.
In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter includes a radio
frequency transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal is
stored within a machine readable medium operably coupled to a
receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter includes an
infra red transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter
includes a visible light transmitter. In an exemplary embodiment,
the transmitter includes a radio frequency transmitter.
[0330] It is understood that variations may be made in the above
without departing from the scope of the invention. While specific
embodiments have been shown and described, modifications can be
made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or
teaching of this invention. The embodiments as described are
exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and
modifications are possible and are within the scope of the
invention. Furthermore, one or more elements of the exemplary
embodiments may be omitted, combined with, or substituted for, in
whole or in part, one or more elements of one or more of the other
exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not
limited to the embodiments described, but is only limited by the
claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all
equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
* * * * *