U.S. patent application number 12/982330 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for multi-path and multi-source 3d content storage, retrieval, and delivery.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz.
Application Number | 20110157326 12/982330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43797724 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110157326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan ; et
al. |
June 30, 2011 |
MULTI-PATH AND MULTI-SOURCE 3D CONTENT STORAGE, RETRIEVAL, AND
DELIVERY
Abstract
Techniques are described herein for supporting presentation of
multi-path and multi-source viewing content. For example, portions
of three-dimensional viewing content may be received via respective
pathways from respective sources. A visual presentation of the
three-dimensional viewing content may be caused based on the
portions. In another example, instances of viewing content may be
received via respective pathways from respective sources.
Configurations of respective regions of a screen may be directed to
support display of the respective instances.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) ; Bennett; James D.; (Hroznetin, CZ) |
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
43797724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/982330 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61291818 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
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61303119 |
Feb 10, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/51 ; 348/564;
348/E13.026; 348/E5.104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/435 20130101;
H04N 13/139 20180501; H04N 13/361 20180501; G09G 2320/028 20130101;
H04N 13/161 20180501; H04S 7/303 20130101; H04N 13/383 20180501;
H04N 13/00 20130101; H04N 13/351 20180501; G03B 35/24 20130101;
H04N 2013/405 20180501; G09G 5/14 20130101; H04N 13/359 20180501;
H04N 13/189 20180501; G06F 3/14 20130101; H04N 13/305 20180501;
G09G 5/003 20130101; H04N 13/194 20180501; H04N 13/312 20180501;
H04N 13/332 20180501; H04N 21/4122 20130101; G09G 2300/023
20130101; H04N 13/398 20180501; H04N 21/235 20130101; G09G 2370/04
20130101; H04N 13/31 20180501; G06F 3/0346 20130101; H04N 2013/403
20180501; H04N 13/315 20180501; G09G 3/20 20130101; G09G 3/003
20130101; G02B 6/00 20130101; H04N 13/366 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/51 ; 348/564;
348/E13.026; 348/E05.104 |
International
Class: |
H04N 13/04 20060101
H04N013/04; H04N 5/445 20110101 H04N005/445 |
Claims
1. A method used with three-dimensional viewing content, the
three-dimensional viewing content having both a first data portion
associated with a first perspective view and a second data portion
associated with a second perspective view, the method comprising:
receiving the first data portion that originates from a first
source via a first pathway; receiving the second data portion that
originates from a second source via a second pathway; and causing a
visual presentation of the three-dimensional viewing content based
on both the first data portion and the second data portion.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an offer
relating to the second data portion; and carrying out acceptance of
the offer; wherein receiving the second data portion comprises:
receiving the second data portion in response to carrying out the
acceptance of the offer.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: delivering an
indication relating to the first data portion; wherein the offer is
based at least in part on the indication.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein carrying out the acceptance of
the offer triggers a billing event regarding the second data
portion.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data portion comprising
a two-dimensional portion of the three-dimensional viewing
content.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein receiving the first data portion
comprises: receiving the first data portion that represents a
single perspective view from a storage that is local to a device
that causes the visual presentation of the three-dimensional
viewing content; wherein receiving the second data portion
comprises: receiving the second data portion that represents at
least one other perspective view; and wherein causing the visual
presentation comprises: causing the visual presentation of the
three-dimensional viewing content that represents at least two
perspective views.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting the second
data portion based on an orientation of a viewer with respect to a
screen assembly that supports the visual presentation of the
three-dimensional viewing content.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting the second
data portion based on viewer input.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: initiating a search
for the second data in response to a search instruction; wherein
receiving the second data portion comprises: receiving the second
data portion in response to initiating the search.
10. A method used to display first viewing content and second
viewing content on a screen assembly, the method comprising:
receiving the first viewing content that originates from a first
source via a first pathway; receiving the second viewing content
that originates from a second source via a second pathway;
directing a first configuration of a first region of the screen
assembly, the first configuration supporting display of the first
viewing content; and directing a second configuration of a second
region of the screen assembly, the second configuration supporting
display of the second viewing content, and the second configuration
being different from the first configuration.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first pathway comprises a
local pathway and the second pathway comprises a remote
pathway.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the second viewing content is
unrelated to the first viewing content.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first viewing content is
two-dimensional content; and wherein the second viewing content is
three-dimensional content.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first viewing content is
first three-dimensional content that represents a first number of
perspectives; and wherein the second viewing content is second
three-dimensional content that represents a second number of
perspectives, the second number being different from the first
number.
15. Media circuitry that supports three-dimensional viewing
content, the three-dimensional viewing content having both a first
view portion associated with a first perspective view and a second
view portion associated with a second perspective view, the media
circuitry comprising: first circuitry that receives both the first
view portion that originates from a first source via a first
pathway, and the second view portion that originates from a second
source via a second pathway; and second circuitry that causes a
visual presentation of the three-dimensional viewing content based
on both the first view portion and the second view portion.
16. The media circuitry of claim 15, wherein the first circuitry
receives an offer relating to the second view portion; and wherein
the media circuitry further comprises: third circuitry that carries
out acceptance of the offer.
17. The media circuitry of claim 16, further comprising: fourth
circuitry that delivers an indication relating to the first view
portion; wherein the offer is based on the indication.
18. The media circuitry of claim 16, wherein the third circuitry
triggers a billing event regarding the second view portion based at
least in part on acceptance of the offer.
19. The media circuitry of claim 15, wherein the first view portion
represents a single perspective view of the three-dimensional
viewing content.
20. The media circuitry of claim 19, wherein the first circuitry
receives the first view portion from a storage that is local to a
device that includes the media circuitry; and wherein the
three-dimensional viewing content represents at least two
perspective views.
21. The media circuitry of claim 15, further comprising: third
circuitry that selects the second view portion based on an
orientation of a viewer with respect to a screen assembly on which
the second circuitry causes the visual presentation of the
three-dimensional viewing content.
22. The media circuitry of claim 15, wherein the first circuitry
receives a control signal that is generated in response to viewer
input; and wherein the media circuitry further comprises: third
circuitry that selects the second view portion based on the control
signal.
23. The media circuitry of claim 15, further comprising: third
circuitry that initiates a search for the second data in response
to a search instruction; wherein the first circuitry receives the
second data portion in response to initiation of the search.
24. A media system that supports display of first content and
second content on a screen assembly, the media system comprising:
first circuitry that receives both the first content that
originates from a first source via a first pathway, and the second
content that originates from a second source via a second pathway;
second circuitry that directs a first configuration of a first
region of the screen assembly, the first configuration supporting
display of the first content; and the second circuitry directs a
second configuration of a second region of the screen assembly, the
second configuration supporting display of the second content, and
the second configuration being different from the first
configuration.
25. The media system of claim 24, wherein the first pathway
comprises a local pathway and the second pathway comprises a remote
pathway.
26. The media system of claim 24, wherein the second viewing
content is unrelated to the first viewing content.
27. The media system of claim 24, wherein the first viewing content
is two-dimensional content; and wherein the second viewing content
is three-dimensional content.
28. The media system of claim 24, wherein the first viewing content
is first three-dimensional content that represents a first number
of perspectives; and wherein the second viewing content is second
three-dimensional content that represents a second number of
perspectives, the second number being different from the first
number.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/291,818, filed on Dec. 31, 2009, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/303,119, filed on Feb. 10, 2010, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0003] This application is also related to the following U.S.
patent applications, each of which also claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/291,818 and 61/303,119 and
each of which is incorporated by reference herein: [0004] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/774,225, filed on May 5, 2010, and
entitled "Controlling a Pixel Array to Support an Adaptable Light
Manipulator"; [0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,307,
filed on May 5, 2010, and entitled "Display with Elastic Light
Manipulator"; [0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,409,
filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Display With Adaptable
Parallax Barrier"; [0007] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Adaptable
Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and Stereoscopic 3D Display
Regions"; [0008] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,461, filed
on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Display Supporting Multiple
Simultaneous 3D Views"; [0009] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______ (Attorney Docket No. A05.01210000), filed on even date
herewith and entitled "Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable
Parallax Barrier"; [0010] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______
(Attorney Docket No. A05.01240000), filed on even date herewith and
entitled "Coordinated Driving of Adaptable Light Manipulator,
Backlighting and Pixel Array in Support of Adaptable 2D and 3D
Displays"; and [0011] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______
(Attorney Docket No. A05.01330000), filed on even date herewith and
entitled "Video Compression Supporting Selective Delivery of 2D,
Stereoscopic 3D and Multi-View 3D Content".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0012] 1. Field of the Invention
[0013] The present invention relates to techniques for supporting
presentation of multi-path and multi-source viewing content.
[0014] 2. Background Art
[0015] Images may be generated for display in various forms. For
instance, television (TV) is a widely used telecommunication medium
for transmitting and displaying images in monochromatic ("black and
white") or color form. Conventionally, images are provided in
analog form and are displayed by display devices in two dimensions.
More recently, images are being provided in digital form for
display in two dimensions on display devices having improved
resolution (e.g., "high definition" or "HD"). Even more recently,
images capable of being displayed in three dimensions are being
generated.
[0016] Conventional displays may use a variety of techniques to
achieve three-dimensional (3D) image viewing functionality. For
example, various types of glasses have been developed that may be
worn by users to view three-dimensional images displayed by a
conventional display. Examples of such glasses include glasses that
utilize color filters or polarized filters. In each case, the
lenses of the glasses pass two-dimensional (2D) images of differing
perspective to the user's left and right eyes. The images are
combined in the visual center of the brain of the user to be
perceived as a three-dimensional image. In another example,
synchronized left eye, right eye liquid crystal display (LCD)
shutter glasses may be used with conventional two-dimensional image
displays to create a three-dimensional viewing illusion. In still
another example, LCD display glasses are being used to display
three-dimensional images to a user. The lenses of the LCD display
glasses include corresponding displays that provide images of
differing perspective to the user's eyes, to be perceived by the
user as three-dimensional.
[0017] Problems exist with such techniques for viewing
three-dimensional images. For instance, persons that use such
displays and systems to view three-dimensional images may suffer
from headaches, eyestrain, and/or nausea after long exposure.
Furthermore, some content, such as two-dimensional text, may be
more difficult to read and interpret when displayed
three-dimensionally. To address these problems, some manufacturers
have created display devices that may be toggled between
three-dimensional viewing and two-dimensional viewing. A display
device of this type may be switched to a three-dimensional mode for
viewing of three-dimensional images, and may be switched to a
two-dimensional mode for viewing of two-dimensional images (and/or
to provide a respite from the viewing of three-dimensional
images).
[0018] A parallax barrier is another example of a device that
enables images to be displayed in three-dimensions. A parallax
barrier includes a layer of material with a series of precision
slits. The parallax barrier is placed proximal to a display so that
each of a user's eyes sees a different set of pixels to create a
sense of depth through parallax. A disadvantage of parallax
barriers is that the viewer must be positioned in a well-defined
location in order to experience the three-dimensional effect. If
the viewer moves his/her eyes away from this "sweet spot," image
flipping and/or exacerbation of the eyestrain, headaches and nausea
that may be associated with prolonged three-dimensional image
viewing may result. Conventional three-dimensional displays that
utilize parallax barriers are also constrained in that the displays
must be entirely in a two-dimensional image mode or a
three-dimensional image mode at any time.
[0019] Some conventional devices are capable of receiving portions
of 2D content from different sources to be presented on a single
screen. Other conventional devices are capable of receiving media
guide text and program channels of media content wherein a remote
control is used to produce guide text overlaying the media content
on a single 2D screen. Similarly, a conventional browser may
receive 2D graphic and textual content from many sources (e.g.,
different servers) and construct a single display within a single
window. Yet other conventional devices are capable of receiving
full 3D2 content from a single source. For example, such full 3D2
content may be downloaded from a server or retrieved from a
removable or fixed storage. The single piece of 3D2 content can
have a first portion that is destined for the left eye of a viewer
and a second portion that is destined for the right eye of the
viewer. These portions represent perspectives (a.k.a. camera views)
of a common video event.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for
supporting presentation of multi-path and multi-source viewing
content as shown in and/or described herein in connection with at
least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0022] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary system that
supports presentation of portions of 3D content that are received
from respective sources in accordance with an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary system that
supports presentation of multiple instances of content from
respective sources in accordance with an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an exemplary display system in
accordance with an embodiment that utilizes an adaptable parallax
barrier to support multiple viewing configurations.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an adaptable
parallax barrier in accordance with an embodiment that supports a
particular three-dimensional viewing configuration.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an adaptable
parallax barrier in accordance with an alternate embodiment that
supports a particular three-dimensional viewing configuration.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an adaptable
parallax barrier in accordance with an embodiment that supports a
viewing configuration that mixes two-dimensional and
three-dimensional viewing regions.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an adaptable
parallax barrier in accordance with an embodiment in which
different orientations of transparent and opaque slits are used to
simultaneously support different viewer orientations.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
controlling a pixel array to support a same viewing configuration
as an adaptable light manipulator in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an alternate exemplary method
for controlling a pixel array to support a same viewing
configuration as an adaptable light manipulator in accordance with
an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a pixel array to which image
pixels have been mapped to support a two-dimensional viewing
configuration of an adaptable light manipulator in accordance with
an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates how image pixels are mapped to the
portion of the pixel array shown in FIG. 8 to support a first
three-dimensional viewing configuration of an adaptable light
manipulator in accordance with an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates how image pixels are mapped to the
portion of the pixel array shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to support a
second three-dimensional viewing configuration of an adaptable
light manipulator in accordance with an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
that utilizes an adaptable parallax barrier and a light generator
to support multiple viewing configurations in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 12 provides an exploded view of an exemplary display
system that utilizes a controllable backlight array to provide
regional luminosity control in accordance with an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
that includes a pixel array disposed between a light generator and
an adaptable parallax barrier in accordance with an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 14 provides an exploded view of an exemplary display
system that implements a regional brightness control scheme based
on pixel intensity in accordance with an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 15 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary
display panel of a display system in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates two exemplary configurations of an
adaptable light manipulator that includes a parallax barrier and a
brightness regulation overlay in accordance with an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exemplary adaptable
lenticular lens that may be used in a displays system in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the adaptable lenticular lens
of FIG. 17 in accordance with an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
that includes multiple light manipulator layers in accordance with
an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
that includes multiple light manipulator layers in accordance with
an alternate embodiment.
[0044] FIGS. 21 and 22 are block diagrams of exemplary systems that
support presentation of three-dimensional viewing content based on
portions thereof that are received from respective sources in
accordance with embodiments.
[0045] FIGS. 23-29 depict flowcharts of methods for supporting
presentation of three-dimensional viewing content based on portions
thereof that are received from respective sources in accordance
with embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an exemplary system that
directs configurations of respective regions of a screen assembly
to support display of respective instances of content in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 31 depicts a flowchart of a method for directing
configurations of respective regions of a screen assembly for
supporting display of respective instances of content in accordance
with embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an exemplary practical
implementation of an adaptable two-dimensional/three-dimensional
display system in accordance with an embodiment.
[0049] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference
numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number
identifies the drawing in which the reference number first
appears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Introduction
[0050] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments
that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed
embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The
invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
[0051] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial
descriptions (e.g., "above," "below," "up," "left," "right,"
"down," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," etc.) used
herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical
implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially
arranged in any orientation or manner.
[0053] Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for
supporting presentation of multi-path and multi-source viewing
content. For instance, the viewing content may include multiple
portions that originate from respective sources and that are
received via respective paths. Each of the portions may include
two-dimensional (2D) content or three-dimensional (3D) content.
Two-dimensional (2D) content is content that is configured to be
perceived as one or more two-dimensional images. For instance, the
two-dimensional content may represent a single perspective of a
video event. Three-dimensional (3D) content is content that is
configured to be perceived as one or more three-dimensional images.
For example, the three-dimensional content may represent multiple
perspectives of a video event.
[0054] The viewing content may be displayed to a user among any
number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) of regions of a screen, such as a
fixed 2D screen, a fixed 3D screen, or an adaptable 3D screen. With
respect to an adaptable 3D screen, the viewing content may be
displayed among the regions by driving an adaptable light
manipulator and/or a pixel array in a coordinated fashion. Some
exemplary techniques for driving an adaptable light manipulator
and/or a pixel array in a coordinated fashion are described in
commonly-owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
filed on even date herewith and entitled "Coordinated Driving of
Adaptable Light Manipulator, Backlighting and Pixel Array in
Support of Adaptable 2D and 3D Displays," the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0055] The adaptable light manipulator may comprise, for example,
an adaptable lenticular lens such as that described in
commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/774,307, filed on May 5, 2010, and entitled "Display with
Elastic Light Manipulator," the entirety of which is incorporated
by reference herein, or an adaptable parallax barrier such as that
described in commonly-owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Adaptable
Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and Stereoscopic 3D Display
Regions," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
herein. As described in those applications, the adaptable light
manipulator can be dynamically modified in order to accommodate,
for example, a changing viewer sweet spot or switching between
two-dimensional images and three-dimensional images. As further
described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/774,225, filed on May 5, 2010 and entitled "Controlling
a Pixel Array to Support an Adaptable Light Manipulator," the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, the manner
in which images are rendered to pixels of a pixel array used in
conjunction with such an adaptable light manipulator may be
coordinated with the state of the adaptable light manipulator to
support a variety of viewing configurations.
[0056] Moreover, an adaptable light manipulator, a pixel array and
a non-uniform light generator may be driven in a coordinated
fashion. As described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/845,440, in a case of where the
adaptable light manipulator is an adaptable parallax barrier,
simultaneous presentation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional
content (and/or various instances of three-dimensional content
representing differing numbers of perspectives) via different
regions of the same display is also enabled. This feature may be
supported by a non-uniform light generator (such as a backlighting
array) as described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed on even date herewith and
entitled "Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax
Barrier", the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
II. Exemplary Display Systems that Support Multiple Viewing
Configurations
[0057] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary system 140 that
supports presentation of portions of 3D content that are received
from respective sources in accordance with an embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 1A, system 140 includes a media node 160, external sources
194A-194N, and external device(s) 196. Each of the external
device(s) 196 includes a fixed 2D screen 167, a fixed 3D screen
169, or an adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx screen 171. Each
fixed 2D screen 167 has a fixed two-dimensional configuration. A
two-dimensional configuration is used to display a 2D
representation of video content. Each fixed 3D screen 169 has a
fixed three-dimensional configuration. A three-dimensional
configuration is used to display a 3D representation of video
content. A three-dimensional configuration may support presentation
of any two or more viewpoints (a.k.a. perspectives), two of which
may be combined to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience.
For instance, a three-dimensional configuration that includes x
viewpoints is said to be a 3Dx configuration, where x is a positive
integer greater than or equal to two.
[0058] Each fixed 2D screen 167, fixed 3D screen 169, and adaptable
light manipulating 2D/3Dx screen 171 is capable of supporting
presentation of 3D portions 161A-161N of 3D content in respective
regions of a screen surface. Regions of each screen 167, 169, and
171 are configured to support presentation of the respective 3D
portions 161A-161N in the respective regions of the screen surface.
The configurations of the various regions of an adaptable light
manipulating 2D/3Dx screen 171 may be different or the same. Some
examples of an adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx screen are
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1C and 2-20.
[0059] External sources 194A-194N are configured to provide the
respective 3D portions 161A-161N of the 3D content to media node
160. External sources 194A-194N are also configured to provide
respective offer contents 163A-163N to media node 160. Each of the
offer contents 163A-163N includes an offer that relates to at least
one 3D portion of the 3D content. For example, first external
source 194A may provide a first 3D portion 161A to media node 160.
First external source 194A may also provide first offer content
163A to media node 160 that relates to an Nth 3D portion 161N. If
the offer from first external source 194A is accepted by a user,
Nth external source 194N may provide the Nth 3D portion 161N to
media node 160. Nth external source 194N may also provide Nth offer
content 163N to media node 160 that relates to another 3D portion
that may be provided by another of the external sources 194A-194N,
and so on.
[0060] In another example, first external source 194A may provide
the first 3D portion 161A to media node 160. Upon determining that
the first 3D portion 161A is provided to media node 160, Nth
external source 194N may provide Nth offer content 163N to media
node 160 that relates to the Nth 3D portion 161N. If the offer from
Nth external source 194N is accepted by the user, Nth external
source 194N may provide the Nth 3D portion 161N to media node 160.
Upon determining that the Nth 3D portion 161N is provided to media
node 160, another of the external sources 194A-194N may provide its
offer content to media node 160 that relates to a respective 3D
portion of the 3D content, and so on.
[0061] External sources 194A-194N include circuitry 165A-165N for
managing accounts, billing, licenses, and transactions pertaining
to the 3D portions 161A-161N. For example, if first external source
194A provides first 3D portion 161A to media node 160, circuitry
165A may indicate that the first 3D portion 161A has been provided
to media node 160 in an account of the user of media node 160.
Circuitry 165A may perform operations to bill the user for
provision of the first 3D portion 161A, verify that the user is
within a group that is authorized (e.g., licensed) to receive the
first 3D portion, etc.
[0062] Media node 160 includes processing circuitry 162, storage
176, a screen assembly 178, media source interface(s) circuitry
180, and screen interface(s) circuitry 192. Media source
interface(s) circuitry 180 receives the 3D portions 161A-161N of
the 3D content from the respective external sources 194A-194N for
processing by processing circuitry 162. Storage 176 queues the 3D
portions 161A-161N as needed so that the portions 161A-161N may be
synchronized for presentation. Storage 176 may include one or more
internal sources that provide respective portions of the 3D
content. For instance, an internal source may include fixed or
removable media storage from which one or more of the 3D portions
161A-161N may be retrieved. Screen assembly 178 is configured to
present the 3D content (e.g., simultaneously present the 3D
portions 161A-161N) once the 3D portions 161A-161N are
synchronized. Screen assembly 178 may be a fixed 2D screen
assembly, a fixed 3D screen assembly, or an adaptable light
manipulating 2D/3Dx screen assembly.
[0063] Processing circuitry 162 includes circuitry 164, 166, 168,
170, 172, and 174 and 3D portion(s) adjustments circuitry 182.
Circuitry 164 selects the first 3D portion 161A of the 3D content
from first external source 194A. Circuitry 166 interacts with a
second source (e.g., second external source 194B) to locate a
second portion and offer based on the first 3D portion 161A.
Circuitry 168 supports billing and account management regarding the
various 3D portions 161A-161N. For instance, circuitry 168 may
communicate with any one or more of external sources 194A-194N to
facilitate proper billing and account updates regarding the
respective 3D portions 161A-161N.
[0064] Circuitry 170 supports operations pertaining to acceptance
or rejection of each offer that is received by media node 160. For
instance, circuitry 170 may inform external sources 194A-194N
whether offers that are received therefrom are accepted or
rejected. Circuitry 172 initiates delivery of the second 3D portion
from the second source in response to location of the second 3D
portion by circuitry 166. Circuitry 174 manages delivery of the 3D
portions 161A-161N. For instance, circuitry 174 may communicate
with circuitry 172 to authorize initiation of delivery of the
second portion by circuitry 172. Circuitry 174 also supports
queuing of the 3D portions 161A-161N. For example, circuitry 174
may determine an amount of storage 176 to be allocated for queuing
of the 3D portions 161A-161N. In accordance with this example,
circuitry 174 may monitor an amount of storage 176 that is utilized
to determine the amount of storage 176 to be allocated.
[0065] 3D portion(s) adjustments circuitry 182 performs operations
on the 3D portions 161A-161N to facilitate presentation of the 3D
content. 3D portion(s) adjustments circuitry 182 includes circuitry
184, 186, 188, and 190. Circuitry 184 is configured to decode
and/or decrypt the 3D portions 161A-161N that are received from
respective external sources 194A-194N, so that processing may be
performed on the 3D portions 161A-161N. For instance, such
processing may be performed by circuitry 186, 188, and/or 190,
which are described below. Circuitry 184 is also configured to
encrypt and/or encode the 3D content, including the 3D portions
161A-161N, before the 3D content is delivered to external device(s)
196.
[0066] Circuitry 186 synchronizes frames of the 3D portions
161A-161N. For example, circuitry 186 may apply time offsets to one
or more of the portions 161A-161N and/or adjust the frame rates of
one or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N in order to facilitate
synchronization of the 3D portions 161A-161N. In accordance with
this example, circuitry 186 may increase the frames rates of one or
more of the 3D portions 161A-161N, decrease the frame rates of one
or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N, increase the frame rates of
some of the 3D portions 161A-161N while decreasing the frame rates
of others of the 3D portions 161A-161N, etc.
[0067] Circuitry 188 is configured to integrate the 3D portions
161A-161N into a single stream or file. Circuitry 190 is configured
to resize the regions that are associated with the respective 3D
portions 161A-161N based on any of a variety reasons, including but
not limited to bandwidth limitations, user input, etc. Circuitry
190 may reduce the size of region(s) that are associated with one
or more (e.g., all) of the 3D portions 161A-161N, increase the size
of region(s) that are associated with one or more (e.g., all) of
the 3D portions 161A-161N, or reduce the size of some regions which
correspond to a first subset of the 3D portions 161A-161N while
increasing the size of other regions which correspond to a second
subset of the 3D portions 161A-161N. Circuitry 190 may reduce the
resolution of one or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N, increase
the resolution of one or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N, remove
overlapping content from one or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N,
crop one or more of the 3D portions 161A-161N (e.g., to fit a
screen characteristic such as 3:4, 9:16, or windowing), etc. For
instance, circuitry 190 may perform such operations based on
resizing of the corresponding regions.
[0068] Screen interface(s) circuitry 192 provides the 3D content,
including the 3D portions 161A-161N, to external device(s) 196 for
presentation. Screen interface(s) circuitry 192 may provide the 3D
portions 161A-161N in any suitable number of streams. For instance,
screen interface(s) circuitry 192 may provide the 3D portions
161A-161N in respective streams or in a single combined stream to
external device(s) 196.
[0069] For purposes of illustration, assume that a first portion
comprising a desired video presentation is selected from an
internal or external "first" source. This first portion may yield
the presentation in 2D, for example, or 3D2. Either in response to
a user's further search or "add" request (perhaps via a keypad or
external remote control not shown, and at any time before or during
the presentation of the first portion) or automatically based on
the initial selection of the first portion, processing circuitry
160 assists or carries out location of a second portion of content
related to the first portion. The internal or external location of
the second portion is at a different source than that of the first
portion.
[0070] An automatically identified second portion could be (but
doesn't have to be) offered for possible rejection by the viewer.
If accepted or if settings do not require the viewer's
confirmation, processing work may be performed. For example, the
second source portion may or may not have many differing
characteristics from that of the first portion. Processing
circuitry 160 may need to operate on at least one if not both of
the portions to eliminate the differences. Processing circuitry 160
may synchronize, as well. For example, the first portion may be
one-third of the way into the presentation, and the second portion
may need an offset and synchronization. The output of processing
circuitry 160 may be two independent files or streams or one
combined stream. Such output may need to feed one or more fixed 2D,
fixed 3D, and adaptive light manipulating internal or external
screen assemblies. Processing circuitry 160 needs to make all of
these things happen when needed, or provide support therefor. Other
functionality of processing circuitry 160 can be appreciated with
reference to the labels in the FIG. 1A, including payment
processing, licensing, etc.
[0071] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary system 150 that
supports presentation of multiple instances of content from
respective sources in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 1B, system 150 includes a media node 101, external sources
131A-131N, and external device(s) 133. Each of the external
device(s) 133 includes at least one adaptable light manipulating
2D/3Dx assembly. Each of the adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx
assemblies is configured to receive media streams/files outputs
with integrated or separate screen configuration commands (a.k.a.
control signals). The screen commands specify how the regions of
each adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx assembly is to be
configured to support the presentation of the multiple instances of
content. Some embodiments that include such adaptable light
manipulating 2D/3Dx assemblies are discussed below with reference
to FIGS. 1C and 2-20.
[0072] External sources 131A-131N are configured to provide
respective contents 135A-135N to media node 101. The contents
135A-135N may be fully independent and unrelated, or fully or
partially related. External sources 131A-131N are also configured
to provide respective offer contents 137A-137N to media node 101.
Each of the offer contents 137A-137N includes an offer that relates
to at least one of the contents 135A-135N. For example, first
external source 131A may provide first content 135A to media node
101. First external source 131A may also provide first offer
content 137A to media node 101 that relates to Nth content 135N. If
the offer from first external source 131A is accepted by a user,
Nth external source 131N may provide the Nth content 135N to media
node 101. Nth external source 131N may also provide Nth offer
content 137N to media node 101 that relates to other content that
may be provided by another of the external sources 131A-131N, and
so on.
[0073] In another example, first external source 131A may provide
the first content 135A to media node 101. Upon determining that the
first content 135A is provided to media node 101, Nth external
source 131N may provide Nth offer content 137N to media node 101
that relates to the Nth content 135N. If the offer from Nth
external source 131N is accepted by the user, Nth external source
131N may provide the Nth content 135N to media node 101. Upon
determining that the Nth content 135N is provided to media node
101, another of the external sources 131A-131N may provide its
offer content to media node 101 that relates to other content, and
so on.
[0074] External sources 131A-131N include circuitry 139A-139N for
managing accounts, billing, licenses, and transactions pertaining
to the contents 135A-135N. For example, if first external source
131A provides first content 135A to media node 101, circuitry 139A
may indicate that the first content 135A has been provided to media
node 101 in an account of the user of media node 101. Circuitry
139A may perform operations to bill the user for provision of the
first content 135A, verify that the user is within a group that is
authorized (e.g., licensed) to receive the first content, etc.
[0075] Media node 101 includes processing circuitry 103, storage
115, at least one adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx screen
assembly 117, media source interface(s) circuitry 119, and screen
interface(s) circuitry 129. Media source interface(s) circuitry 119
receives the contents 135A-135N from the respective external
sources 131A-131N for processing by processing circuitry 103.
Storage 115 queues the contents 135A-135N as needed so that the
contents 135A-135N may be synchronized for presentation. Storage
115 may include one or more internal sources, each of which is
capable of providing respective content. For instance, an internal
source may include fixed or removable media storage from which one
or more of the contents 135A-135N may be retrieved. The at least
one screen assembly 117 is configured to simultaneously present the
contents 135A-135N once the contents 135A-135N are
synchronized.
[0076] Processing circuitry 103 includes circuitry 105, 107, 109,
111, and 113 and content adjustments circuitry 121. Circuitry 105
provides software application (e.g., browser) based support for
selection of the various contents 135A-135N. For instance,
circuitry 105 may generate a graphical interface for enabling the
viewer to select one or more of the contents 135A-135N for
presentation. Circuitry 107 supports billing and account management
regarding the various contents 135A-135N. For instance, circuitry
107 may communicate with any one or more of external sources
131A-131N to facilitate proper billing and account updates
regarding the respective contents 135A-135N.
[0077] Circuitry 109 provides viewer interface support for enabling
the viewer to accept or reject each offer that is received by media
node 101. For instance, circuitry 109 may inform external sources
131A-131N whether offers that are received therefrom are accepted
or rejected. Circuitry 111 manages delivery of the contents
135A-135N. For instance, circuitry 111 may delay delivery of the
various contents 135A-135N until the contents 135A-135N are
synchronized. Circuitry 111 also supports queuing of the contents
135A-135N. For example, circuitry 111 may determine an amount of
storage 115 to be allocated for queuing of the contents 135A-135N.
In accordance with this example, circuitry 111 may monitor an
amount of storage 115 that is utilized to determine the amount of
storage 115 to be allocated.
[0078] Circuitry 113 supports full and regional (re)configuration
of adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx screen assemblies. For
instance, circuitry 113 may provide screen (re)configuration
commands for configuring an entire adaptable light manipulating
2D/3Dx screen assembly or one or more regions thereof based on any
of a factors, including but not limited to bandwidth limitations,
user input, etc. In one example, such screen (re)configuration
commands may be integrated into the one or more streams/files that
are delivered toward the screen assembly. In another example, such
screen (re)configuration commands may be sent externally from the
aforementioned one or more streams/files via separate command
signaling using the same communication pathway or a separate
pathway that is independent from the pathway that is used for
delivering the one or more streams/files.
[0079] Content adjustments circuitry 121 performs operations on the
contents 135A-135N to facilitate presentation thereof. Content
adjustments circuitry 121 includes circuitry 123, 125, and 127.
Circuitry 123 is configured to decode and/or decrypt the contents
135A-135N that are received from respective external sources
131A-131N, so that processing may be performed on the contents
135A-135N. For instance, such processing may be performed by
circuitry 125 and/or 127, which are described below. Circuitry 123
is also configured to encrypt and/or encode the contents 135A-135N
before delivery thereof to external device(s) 196.
[0080] Circuitry 125 supports outputting multiple streams or files
or an integrated stream or file. For example, circuitry 125 may
synchronize frames of the contents 135A-135N by applying time
offsets to one or more of the contents 135A-135N and/or by
adjusting the frame rates of one or more of the contents 135A-135N.
In accordance with this example, circuitry 125 may increase the
frames rates of one or more of the contents 135A-135N, decrease the
frame rates of one or more of the contents 135A-135N, increase the
frame rates of some of the contents 135A-135N while decreasing the
frame rates of others of the contents 135A-135N, etc.
[0081] Circuitry 127 is configured to resize the regions that are
associated with the contents 135A-135N based on any of a variety
reasons, including but not limited to bandwidth limitations, user
input, etc. Circuitry 127 may reduce the size of region(s) that are
associated with one or more of the contents 135A-135N, increase the
size of region(s) that are associated with one or more of the
contents 135A-135N, or reduce the size of some regions which
correspond to a first subset of the contents 135A-135N while
increasing the size of other regions which correspond to a second
subset of the contents 135A-135N. Circuitry 190 may reduce the
resolution of one or more of the contents 135A-135N, increase the
resolution of one or more of the contents 135A-135N, remove
overlapping content from one or more of the contents 135A-135N,
change (e.g., increase or decrease) a frame rate that is associated
with one or more of the contents 135A-135N, crop one or more of the
contents 135A-135N, etc. For instance, circuitry 127 may perform
such operations based on resizing of the corresponding regions.
[0082] Screen interface(s) circuitry 129 provides the various
contents 135A-135N to external device(s) 133 for presentation.
Screen interface(s) circuitry 129 may provide the contents
135A-135N in any suitable number of streams. For instance, screen
interface(s) circuitry 129 may provide the contents 135A-135N in
respective streams or in a single combined stream to external
device(s) 133. Screen interface(s) circuitry 129 provides the
screen configuration commands that specify how the regions of each
adaptable light manipulating 2D/3Dx assembly of the external
device(s) 133 is to be configured to support the presentation of
the multiple instances of content. The screen configuration
commands may be integrated among the contents 135A-135N or separate
from the contents 135A-135N.
[0083] Although the circuitry and functionality illustrated with
respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B may fall within one device housing (as
illustrated), it may also be distributed across or fully contained
within many of such media nodes. As such, the one or more media
nodes may operate independently or in concert to carry out the
various aspects of the illustrated functionality. A media node can
be any node in the entire end-to-end pathway, including even at one
of the media sources (which might receive other content (e.g., the
second content) from another media source), within the screen
assembly device, within a network node, in any premises device
supporting a screen device such as a set top box, a removable media
(e.g., DVD, CD or Blu-Ray) player, gateway, access point,
television, etc.
[0084] The remainder of this section describes some exemplary
display systems that include display elements, such as an adaptable
light manipulator, a non-uniform light generator, and a pixel
array, to enable multiple two-dimensional (2D) and
three-dimensional (3D) viewing configurations. A two-dimensional
configuration is used to display a 2D representation of video
content. A three-dimensional configuration is used to display a 3D
representation of video content. A three-dimensional configuration
may include any two or more viewpoints (a.k.a. perspectives), two
of which may be combined to provide a three-dimensional viewing
experience. For instance, a three-dimensional configuration that
includes n viewpoints is said to be a 3Dn configuration, where n is
a positive integer greater than or equal to two. The configurations
that are used to display the different video contents or portions
thereof may be different or the same. Moreover, different video
contents may be fully unrelated or at least partially related. For
example, first content may be at least partially related to second
content if the second content is 2D or 3D content and the first
content includes movie text (e.g., closed caption text) that
relates to the 2D or 3D content.
[0085] A. Example Display Systems Using Adaptable Parallax
Barriers
[0086] FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
100 that utilizes an adaptable parallax barrier to support multiple
viewing configurations in accordance with an embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 1C, display system 100 includes driver circuitry 102 and a
screen 104, wherein screen 104 include a pixel array 122 and an
adaptable parallax barrier 124. As further shown in FIG. 1C, driver
circuitry 104 includes pixel array driver circuitry 112 and
adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry 114.
[0087] Pixel array 122 comprises a two-dimensional array of pixels
(e.g., arranged as a grid or other distribution). Pixel array 122
is a self-illuminating or light-generating pixel array such that
the pixels of pixel array 122 each emit light included in light
132. Each pixel may be a separately addressable light source (e.g.,
a pixel of a plasma display, an LCD display, an LED display such as
an OLED display, or of other type of display). Each pixel of pixel
array 122 may be individually controllable to vary color and
intensity. In an embodiment, each pixel of pixel array 122 may
include a plurality of sub-pixels that correspond to separate color
channels, such as a trio of red, green, and blue sub-pixels
included in each pixel.
[0088] Adaptable parallax barrier 124 is positioned proximate to a
surface of pixel array 122. Barrier element array 142 is a layer of
adaptable parallax barrier 124 that includes a plurality of barrier
elements or blocking regions arranged in an array. Each barrier
element of the array is configured to be selectively opaque or
transparent. Combinations of barrier elements may be configured to
be selectively opaque or transparent to enable various effects. For
example, the states of the barrier elements of barrier element
array 142 may be configured such that light 132 emanating from
pixel array 122 is filtered to produce filtered light 134, wherein
filtered light 134 includes one or more two-dimensional and/or
three-dimensional images that may be viewed by users 136 in a
viewing space 106.
[0089] Depending upon the implementation, each barrier element may
have a round, square, or rectangular shape, and barrier element
array 142 may have any number of rows of barrier elements that
extend a vertical length of barrier element array 142. In another
embodiment, each barrier element may have a "band" shape that
extends a vertical length of barrier element array 142, such that
barrier element array 142 includes a single horizontal row of
barrier elements. Each barrier element may include one or more of
such bands, and different regions of barrier element array 142 may
include barrier elements that include different numbers of such
bands.
[0090] It is noted that in some embodiments, barrier elements may
be capable of being completely transparent or opaque, and in other
embodiments, barrier elements may not be capable of being fully
transparent or opaque. For instance, such barrier elements may be
capable of being 95% transparent when considered to be
"transparent" and may be capable of being 5% transparent when
considered to be "opaque." "Transparent" and "opaque" as used
herein are intended to encompass barrier elements being
substantially transparent (e.g., greater than 75% transparent,
including completely transparent) and substantially opaque (e.g.,
less than 25% transparent, including completely opaque),
respectively.
[0091] Driver circuitry 102 receives control signals 108 from
control circuitry (not shown in FIG. 1C). For example, control
signals 108 may be received via a pathway from processing
circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or
processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B. The control signals 108 cause
driver circuitry 102 to place screen 104 in a selected one of a
plurality of different viewing configurations. In particular, based
on control signals 108, adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry
114 transmits drive signals 154 that cause barrier element array
142 to be placed in a state that supports the selected viewing
configuration. The selected viewing configuration may be a
particular two-dimensional viewing configuration, a particular
three-dimensional viewing configuration, or a viewing configuration
that supports the display of different types of two-dimensional
and/or three-dimensional content in corresponding display
regions.
[0092] For example, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary arrangement of an
adaptable parallax barrier 200 that supports a particular
three-dimensional viewing configuration. Adaptable parallax barrier
200 is an example of adaptable parallax barrier 124 of FIG. 1C. As
shown in FIG. 2, adaptable parallax barrier 200 includes a barrier
element array 202, which includes a plurality of barrier elements
204 arranged in a two-dimensional array. Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 2, barrier element array 202 includes a plurality of parallel
strips of barrier elements 204 that are selected to be non-blocking
to form a plurality of parallel non-blocking strips (or "slits")
206a-206g. As shown in FIG. 2, parallel non-blocking strips
206a-206g (non-blocking slits) are alternated with parallel
blocking strips 208a-208g of barrier elements 204 that are selected
to be blocking. In the example of FIG. 2, non-blocking strips
206a-206g and blocking strips 208a-208g each have a width (along
the x-dimension) of two barrier elements 204, and have lengths that
extend along the entire y-dimension (twenty barrier elements 204)
of barrier element array 202, although in other embodiments, may
have alternative dimensions. Non-blocking strips 206a-206g and
blocking strips 208a-208g form a parallax barrier configuration for
adaptable parallax barrier 200. The spacing (and number) of
parallel non-blocking strips 206 in barrier element array 202 may
be selectable by choosing any number and combination of particular
strips of barrier elements 204 in barrier element array 202 to be
non-blocking, to be alternated with blocking strips 208, as
desired. For example, the spacing (and number) of parallel
non-blocking strips 206 in barrier element array 202 may be
selected based on control signals that are received via a pathway
from processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG.
1A or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B. It will be recognized
that hundreds, thousands, or even larger numbers of non-blocking
strips 206 and blocking strips 208 may be present in adaptable
parallax barrier 200.
[0093] FIG. 3 shows an alternative example of an adaptable parallax
barrier 300 that has also been configured to support a particular
three-dimensional viewing configuration. Similarly to adaptable
parallax barrier 200 of FIG. 2, adaptable parallax barrier 300
includes a barrier element array 302, which includes a plurality of
barrier elements 304 arranged in a two-dimensional array
(28.times.1 array). Barrier elements 304 have widths (along the
x-dimension) similar to the widths of barrier elements 204 in FIG.
2, but have lengths that extend along the entire vertical length
(y-dimension) of barrier element array 302. As shown in FIG. 3,
barrier element array 302 includes parallel non-blocking strips
306a-306g alternated with parallel blocking strips 308a-308g. In
the example of FIG. 3, parallel non-blocking strips 306a-306g and
parallel blocking strips 308a-308g each have a width (along the
x-dimension) of two barrier elements 304, and have lengths that
extend along the entire y-dimension (one barrier element 304) of
barrier element array 302. Adaptable parallax barrier 300 may be
configured in accordance with control signals that are received via
a pathway from processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry
162 of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for
example.
[0094] Each of adaptable parallax barriers 200 and 300, configured
in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively, filter light
produced by a pixel array to form one or more three-dimensional
views in a viewing space, thus supporting a three-dimensional
viewing configuration. To achieve a two-dimensional viewing
configuration, all of the barrier elements of either adaptable
parallax barrier 200 or 300 can simply be placed in a non-blocking
state. Additional details concerning how the adaptable parallax
barriers operate to support such three-dimensional viewing may be
found, for example, in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and
entitled "Adaptable Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and
Stereoscopic 3D Display Regions."
[0095] In the adaptable parallax barrier configurations shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, the entirety of the barrier element array is filled
with parallel non-blocking strips to support three-dimensional
viewing. In further embodiments, one or more regions of an
adaptable parallax barrier may be filled with parallel non-blocking
strips to deliver three-dimensional images, and one or more other
regions of the adaptable parallax barrier may be rendered
transparent to deliver two-dimensional images. Thus, a viewing
configuration that mixes two-dimensional and three-dimensional
viewing regions may be supported.
[0096] For instance, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary arrangement of an
adaptable parallax barrier 400 that supports a viewing
configuration that mixes two-dimensional and three-dimensional
viewing regions according to example embodiments. The arrangement
of adaptable parallax barrier 400 may be based on control signals
that are received via a pathway from processing circuitry, such as
processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of
FIG. 1B, for example. Adaptable parallax barrier 400 is similar to
adaptable parallax barrier 200 of FIG. 2, having barrier element
array 202 including a plurality of barrier elements 204 arranged in
a two-dimensional array. In FIG. 4, a first region 402 of barrier
element array 202 includes a plurality of parallel non-blocking
strips alternated with parallel blocking strips that together fill
first region 402. A second region 404 of barrier element array 202
is surrounded by first region 402. Second region 404 is a
rectangular shaped region of barrier element array 202 that
includes a two-dimensional array of barrier elements 204 that are
non-blocking. Thus, in FIG. 4, barrier element array 202 is
configured to enable a three-dimensional image to be generated by
pixels of a pixel array that are adjacent to barrier elements of
first region 402, and to enable a two-dimensional image to be
generated by pixels of the pixel array that are adjacent to barrier
elements inside of second region 404. Note that alternatively,
first region 402 may include all non-blocking barrier elements 202
to pass a two-dimensional image, and second region 404 may include
parallel non-blocking strips alternated with parallel blocking
strips to pass a three-dimensional image. In further embodiments,
adaptable parallax barrier 400 may have additional numbers, sizes,
and arrangements of regions configured to pass different
combinations of two-dimensional images and three-dimensional
images.
[0097] In still further embodiments, different regions of an
adaptable parallax barrier that have parallel non-blocking strips
may have the parallel non-blocking strips oriented at different
angles to deliver three-dimensional images to viewers that are
oriented differently. Thus, a viewing configuration that mixes
three-dimensional viewing regions having different viewing
orientations may be supported.
[0098] For example, FIG. 5 shows an exemplary arrangement of an
adaptable parallax barrier 500 in which transparent slits have
different orientations, according to an example embodiment. The
arrangement of adaptable parallax barrier 500 may be based on
control signals that are received via a pathway from processing
circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or
processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for example. Adaptable
parallax barrier 500 is similar to adaptable parallax barrier 200
of FIG. 2, having barrier element array 202 including a plurality
of barrier elements 204 arranged in a two-dimensional array. A
first region 510 (e.g., a bottom half) of barrier element array 202
includes a first plurality of parallel strips of barrier elements
204 that are selected to be non-blocking to form a first plurality
of parallel non-blocking strips 502a-502e (each having a width of
two barrier elements 204). As shown in FIG. 5, parallel
non-blocking strips 502a-502e are alternated with parallel blocking
strips 504a-504f of barrier elements 204 (each having a width of
three barrier elements 204). Parallel non-blocking strips 502a-502e
are oriented in a first direction (e.g., along a vertical
axis).
[0099] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a second region 512 (e.g.,
a top half) of barrier element array 202 includes a second
plurality of parallel strips of barrier elements 204 that are
selected to be non-blocking to form a second plurality of parallel
non-blocking strips 506a-506d (each having a width of one barrier
element 204). As shown in FIG. 5, parallel non-blocking strips
506a-506d are alternated with parallel blocking strips 508a-508c of
barrier elements 204 (each having a width of two barrier elements
204). Parallel non-blocking strips 506a-506d are oriented in a
second direction (e.g., along a horizontal axis).
[0100] As such, in FIG. 5, first and second pluralities of parallel
non-blocking strips 502a-502e and 506a-506d are present in barrier
element array 202 that are oriented perpendicularly to each other.
The region of barrier element array 202 that includes first
plurality of parallel non-blocking strips 502a-502e may be
configured to deliver a three-dimensional image in a viewing space
to be viewable by a user whose body is oriented vertically (e.g.,
sitting upright or standing up). The region of barrier element
array 202 that includes second plurality of parallel non-blocking
strips 506a-506d may be configured to deliver a three-dimensional
image in a viewing space to be viewable by a user whose body is
oriented horizontally (e.g., laying down). In this manner, users
who are oriented differently relative to each other can still each
be provided with a corresponding three-dimensional image that
accommodates their position.
[0101] The foregoing adaptable parallax barriers and arrangements
thereof have been described herein by way of example only.
Additional adaptable parallax barriers and arrangements thereof may
be used to support additional viewing configurations. For example,
additional adaptable parallax barrier implementations and
arrangements thereof are described in the aforementioned,
incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,440 filed on
Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Adaptable Parallax Barrier Supporting
Mixed 2D and Stereoscopic 3D Display Regions," and in
commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/845,461, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Display
Supporting Multiple Simultaneous 3D Views," the entirety of which
is incorporated by reference herein.
[0102] Returning now to the description of display system 100 of
FIG. 1C, since a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124
can be dynamically modified to support a particular viewing
configuration, pixel array 122 must also be controlled to support
the same viewing configuration. In particular, the rendering of
pixels of an image (also referred to herein as "image pixels")
among the pixels of pixel array 122 (also referred to herein as
"display pixels") must be handled in a manner that is consistent
with a current configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124.
This may entail, for example, changing a number of display pixels
that represents each image pixel (i.e., changing the resolution of
a displayed image) and/or changing which display pixels or groups
thereof correspond to the respective image pixels (i.e., changing
the locations at which the image pixels are displayed), in response
to modification of a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier
124. Such changes may be implemented by a controller (not shown in
FIG. 1C) via delivery of appropriate control signals 108 to pixel
array driver circuitry 112.
[0103] For example, in one embodiment, when a configuration of
adaptable parallax barrier 124 supports a first viewing
configuration responsive to control signals 108, pixel array driver
circuitry 204 sends drive signals 152 in conformance with control
signals 108 such that the rendering of images to pixel array 122
occurs in a manner that also supports the first viewing
configuration. Furthermore, when the configuration of adaptable
parallax barrier 124 is modified to support a second viewing
configuration responsive to control signals 108, pixel array driver
circuitry 204 sends drive signals 152 in conformance with the
control signals 108 such that the rendering of images to pixel
array 122 occurs in a manner that also supports the second viewing
configuration.
[0104] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart 600 of an exemplary method for
controlling a pixel array to support the same viewing configuration
as an adaptable light manipulator (such as adaptable parallax
barrier 124) in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6,
the method of flowchart 600 begins at step 602. During step 602, a
configuration of an adaptable light manipulator, such as adaptable
parallax barrier 124, is modified. At step 604, a number of display
pixels in a pixel array, such as pixel array 122, that represents
each image pixel of a plurality of image pixels is changed in
response to modifying the configuration of the adaptable light
manipulator.
[0105] FIGS. 8 and 9 provide a simple illustration of an exemplary
application of the method of flowchart 600. As shown in FIG. 8, a
portion of a pixel array 800 includes a 16.times.16 array of
display pixels. An example display pixel is shown as display pixel
802. In one embodiment, each display pixel comprises a trio of red,
green, and blue sub-pixels as discussed above. A first image
comprising a 4.times.4 array of image pixels (each shown depicting
the letter "A" to indicate that each is included in the same image)
is mapped to the display pixels such that 4 display pixels are used
to present each image pixel. An example of an image pixel is shown
as image pixel 804. In FIG. 8, the first image is intended to
represent an image that is viewed when an adaptable light
manipulator disposed proximate to the pixel array is configured to
support a two-dimensional viewing configuration.
[0106] FIG. 9 is intended to represent the same portion of pixel
array 800 after the configuration of the adaptable light
manipulator has been changed to support a three-dimensional viewing
configuration. The three-dimensional viewing configuration requires
the combined display of a first image and a second image across the
same portion of pixel array 800. This means that the first image
must be represented with only half the display pixels. To achieve
this, the pixel array is controlled such that 2 rather than 4
display pixels are used to present each image pixel of the first
image (each still shown depicting the letter "A"). This corresponds
to a decreased viewing resolution of the first image. The other
half of the display pixels are now used to present each image pixel
of a second image (each shown depicting the letter "B"). The image
pixels associated with the different images are aligned with the
adaptable light manipulator to achieve a desired three-dimensional
viewing effect.
[0107] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart 700 of another exemplary method
for controlling a pixel array to support the same viewing
configuration as an adaptable light manipulator (such as adaptable
parallax barrier 124) in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 7, the method of flowchart 700 begins at step 702. During step
702, a plurality of image pixels is mapped to a plurality of
respective first subsets of display pixels in a pixel array, such
as pixel array 122. At step 704, a configuration of an adaptable
light manipulator that is positioned proximate to the pixel array
is changed. For example, in an embodiment in which the adaptable
light manipulator includes adaptable parallax barrier 124, a slit
pattern, orientation, or the like, of adaptable parallax barrier
124 may be changed. At step 706, a mapping of the plurality of
image pixels is changed from the plurality of respective first
subsets of the display pixels to a plurality of respective second
subsets of the display pixels in the pixel array to compensate for
changing the configuration of the adaptable light manipulator.
[0108] FIGS. 9 and 10 provide a simple illustration of an exemplary
application of the method of flowchart 700. As shown in FIG. 9, a
portion of a pixel array 800 is used to simultaneously display a
first image comprising image pixels shown depicting the letter "A"
and a second image comprising image pixels shown depicting the
letter "B." As noted above, this display format is utilized to
support a three-dimensional viewing configuration corresponding to
a particular arrangement of an adaptable light manipulator disposed
proximate to the pixel array. FIG. 10 is intended to represent the
same portion of pixel array 800 after the configuration of the
adaptable light manipulator has been changed to support a modified
three-dimensional viewing configuration (e.g., in response to a
changed location of a viewer or some other factor). The modified
three-dimensional viewing configuration requires the display
location of the first image and the second image to be shifted, as
shown in FIG. 10. Thus, for example, rather than rendering image
pixel 904 to the bottom-most two display pixels in the far-left
column of array portion 800, the same image pixel 904 is now
rendered to the bottom-most two display pixels in the second column
from the left of array portion 800.
[0109] Numerous other methods may be used to control the rendering
of image pixels to display pixels in support of a desired
two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional viewing configuration
implemented by an adaptable parallax barrier or other adaptable
light manipulator. Additional details concerning such control of a
pixel array may be found in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/774,225, filed on May 5, 2010, and
entitled "Controlling a Pixel Array to Support an Adaptable Light
Manipulator."
[0110] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an exemplary display system
1100, which is another example of a display system that utilizes an
adaptable parallax barrier to support multiple viewing
configurations. As shown in FIG. 11, display system 1100 includes
driver circuitry 1102 and a screen 1104, wherein screen 1104
include a light generator 1122, an adaptable parallax barrier 1124
and a pixel array 1126. As further shown in FIG. 11, driver
circuitry 1102 includes light generator driver circuitry 1112,
adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry 1114 and pixel array
driver circuitry 1116.
[0111] Light generator 1122 emits light 1132. Adaptable parallax
barrier 1124 is positioned proximate to light generator 1122.
Barrier element array 1144 is a layer of adaptable parallax barrier
1124 that includes a plurality of barrier elements or blocking
regions arranged in an array. Each barrier element of the array is
configured to be selectively opaque or transparent. Barrier element
array 1144 filters light 1132 received from light generator 1122 to
generate filtered light 1134. Filtered light 1134 is configured to
enable a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image (e.g.,
formed by a pair of two-dimensional images in filtered light 1134)
to be formed based on images subsequently imposed on filtered light
1134 by pixel array 1126.
[0112] Pixel array 1126 includes a two-dimensional array of pixels
(e.g., arranged in a grid or other distribution) like pixel array
122 of FIG. 1C. However, pixel array 1126 is not self-illuminating,
and instead is a light filter that imposes images (e.g., in the
form of color, grayscale, etc.) on filtered light 1134 from
adaptable parallax barrier 1124 to generate filtered light 1136 to
include one or more images. Each pixel of pixel array 1126 may be a
separately addressable filter (e.g., a pixel of a plasma display,
an LCD display, an LED display, or of other type of display). Each
pixel of pixel array 1126 may be individually controllable to vary
the color imposed on the corresponding light passing through,
and/or to vary the intensity of the passed light in filtered light
1136. In an embodiment, each pixel of pixel array 1126 may include
a plurality of sub-pixels that correspond to separate color
channels, such as a trio of red, green, and blue sub-pixels
included in each pixel.
[0113] Driver circuitry 1102 receives control signals 1108 from
control circuitry (not shown in FIG. 11). For example, control
signals 1108 may be received via a pathway from processing
circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or
processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B. The control signals 1108 cause
driver circuitry 1102 to place screen 1104 in a selected one of a
plurality of different viewing configurations. In particular, based
on control signals 1108, adaptable parallax barrier driver
circuitry 1114 transmits drive signals 1154 that cause barrier
element array 1144 to be placed in a state that supports the
selected viewing configuration. Likewise, based on control signals
1108, pixel array driver circuitry 1116 transmits drive signals
1156 to cause pixels of one or more images (also referred to herein
as "image pixels") to be rendered among the pixels of pixel array
1126 (also referred to herein as "display pixels") in a manner that
is consistent with a current configuration of adaptable parallax
barrier 1124. The selected viewing configuration may be a
particular two-dimensional viewing configuration, a particular
three-dimensional viewing configuration, or a viewing configuration
that supports the display of different types of two-dimensional
and/or three-dimensional content in different display regions.
[0114] As discussed in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed on even date herewith and
entitled "Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax
Barrier," conventional LCD displays typically include a backlight
and a display panel that includes an array of LCD pixels. The
backlight is designed to produce a sheet of light of uniform
luminosity for illuminating the LCD pixels. When simultaneously
displaying two-dimensional, three-dimensional and multi-view
three-dimensional regions using an adaptable parallax barrier such
as that described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and
entitled "Adaptable Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and
Stereoscopic 3D Display Regions," the use of a conventional
backlight will result in a disparity in perceived brightness
between the different simultaneously-displayed regions. This is
because the number of visible pixels per unit area associated with
a two-dimensional region will generally exceed the number of
visible pixels per unit area associated with a particular
three-dimensional or multi-view three-dimensional region (in which
the pixels must be partitioned among different eyes/views).
[0115] To address this issue, light generator 1122 includes a
backlight array 1142 which is a two-dimensional array of light
sources. Such light sources may be arranged, for example, in a
rectangular grid. Each light source in backlight array 1142 is
individually addressable and controllable to select an amount of
light emitted thereby. A single light source may comprise one or
more light-emitting elements depending upon the implementation. In
one embodiment, each light source in backlight array 1142 comprises
a single light-emitting diode (LED) although this example is not
intended to be limiting.
[0116] The amount of light emitted by the individual light sources
that make up backlight array 1142 can selectively controlled by
drive signals 1152 generated by light generator driver circuitry
1112 so that the brightness associated with each of a plurality of
display regions of screen 1104 can also be controlled. This enables
display system 1100 to provide a desired brightness level for each
display region automatically and/or in response to user input. For
example, backlight array 1142 can be controlled such that a uniform
level of brightness is achieved across different
simultaneously-displayed display regions, even though the number of
perceptible pixels per unit area varies from display region to
display region. As another example, backlight array 1142 can be
controlled such that the level of brightness associated with a
particular display region is increased or reduced without impacting
(or without substantially impacting) the brightness of other
simultaneously-displayed display regions.
[0117] To help illustrate this, FIG. 12 provides an exploded view
of an exemplary display system 1200 that implements a controllable
backlight array as described immediately above. Display system 1200
comprises one implementation of display system 1100. As shown in
FIG. 12, display system 1200 includes a light generator 1202 that
includes a backlight array 1212, an adaptable parallax barrier 1204
that includes a barrier element array 1222 and a display panel 1206
that includes a pixel array 1232. These elements may be aligned
with and positioned proximate to each other to create an integrated
display screen.
[0118] In accordance with the example configuration shown in FIG.
12, a first portion 1234 of pixel array 1232 and a first portion
1224 of barrier element array 1222 have been manipulated to create
a first display region that displays multi-view three-dimensional
content, a second portion 1236 of pixel array 1232 and a second
portion 1226 of barrier element array 1222 have been manipulated to
create a second display region that displays a three-dimensional
image, and a third portion of 1238 of pixel array 1232 and a third
portion 1228 of barrier element array 1222 have been manipulated to
create a third display region that displays a two-dimensional
image. To independently control the brightness of each of the
first, second and third display regions, the amount of light
emitted by light sources included within a first portion 1214, a
second portion 1216 and a third portion 1218 of backlight array
1212 can respectively be controlled. For example, the light sources
within first portion 1214 may be controlled to provide greater
luminosity than the light sources within second portion 1216 and
third portion 1218 as the number of perceivable pixels per unit
area will be smallest in the first display region with which first
portion 1214 is aligned. In further accordance with this example,
the light sources within second portion 1216 may be controlled to
provide greater luminosity than the light sources within third
portion 1218 since the number of perceivable pixels per unit area
will be smaller in the second display region with which second
portion 1216 is aligned than the third display region with which
third portion 1218 is aligned. Of course, if uniform luminosity is
not desired across the various display regions then other control
schemes may be used.
[0119] Of course, the arrangement shown in FIG. 12 provides only a
single teaching example. It should be noted that a display system
in accordance with an embodiment can dynamically manipulate pixel
array 1232 and barrier element array 1222 in a coordinated fashion
to dynamically and simultaneously create any number of display
regions of different sizes and in different locations, wherein each
of the created display regions can display one of two-dimensional,
three-dimensional or multi-view three-dimensional content. To
accommodate this, backlight array 1212 can also be dynamically
manipulated in a coordinated fashion with pixel array 1232 and
barrier element array 1222 to ensure that each display region is
perceived at a desired level of brightness.
[0120] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 12, there is a one-to-one
correspondence between each light source in backlight array 1212
and every display pixel in pixel array 1232. However, this need not
be the case to achieve regional brightness control. For example, in
certain embodiments, the number of light sources provided in
backlight array 1212 is less than the number of pixels provided in
pixel array 1232. For instance, in one embodiment, a single light
source may be provided in backlight array 1212 for every N pixels
provided in pixel array 1232, wherein N is an integer greater than
1. In an embodiment in which the number of light sources in
backlight array 1212 is less than the number of pixels in pixel
array 1232, each light source may be arranged so that it provides
backlighting for a particular group of pixels in pixel array 1232,
although this is only an example. In alternate embodiments, the
number of light sources provided in backlight array 1212 is greater
than the number of pixels provided in pixel array 1232.
[0121] Also, in the examples described above, light sources in
backlight array 1212 are described as being individually
controllable. However, in alternate embodiments, light sources in
backlight array 1212 may only be controllable in groups. This may
facilitate a reduction in the complexity of the control
infrastructure associated with backlight array 1212. In still
further embodiments, light sources in backlight array 1212 may be
controllable both individually and in groups. It will be recognized
that light generator 1202, adaptable parallax barrier 1204, and
display panel 1206 may be controlled based on control signals that
are received via a pathway from processing circuitry, such as
processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of
FIG. 1B.
[0122] It is also noted that although FIGS. 11 and 12 show display
system configurations in which a barrier element array of an
adaptable parallax barrier is disposed between a backlight array of
individually addressable and controllable light sources and a pixel
array, in alternate implementations the pixel array may be disposed
between the backlight array and the barrier element array. Such an
alternate implementation is shown in FIG. 13. In particular, FIG.
13 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system 1300 that
includes a pixel array 1324 disposed between a light generator 1322
that includes a backlight array 1342 and an adaptable parallax
barrier 1326 that includes a barrier element array 1344 to support
the generation of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images
perceivable in a viewing space 1306. In such alternate
implementations, selective control of the luminosity of groups or
individual ones of the light sources in backlight array 1342 may
also be used to vary the backlighting luminosity associated with
different display regions created by the interaction of backlight
array 1342, pixel array 1324 and barrier element array 1344. For
example, light generator 1322. pixel array 1324, and/or adaptable
parallax barrier 1326 may be controlled based on control signals
that are received via a pathway from processing circuitry, such as
processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of
FIG. 1B.
[0123] Other example display system implementations that utilize a
backlight array of independently-controllable light sources are
described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed on even date herewith and
entitled "Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax
Barrier." That application also describes other approaches for
controlling the brightness of different simultaneously-displayed
display regions of a display system. Some of these approaches will
be described below.
[0124] For example, to achieve independent region-by-region
brightness control in a display system that includes a conventional
backlight panel designed to produce a sheet of light of uniform
luminosity, the amount of light passed by the individual pixels
that make up a pixel array can be selectively controlled so that
the brightness associated with each of a plurality of display
regions can also be controlled. To help illustrate this, FIG. 14
provides an exploded view of an exemplary display system 1400 that
implements a regional brightness control scheme based on pixel
intensity as described immediately above. The regional brightness
control scheme may be implemented based on control signals that are
received via a pathway from processing circuitry, such as
processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of
FIG. 1B, for example. As shown in FIG. 14, display system 1400
includes a display panel 1402 and an adaptable parallax barrier
1404. Display system 1400 also includes a backlight panel, although
this element is not shown in FIG. 14. These elements may be aligned
with and positioned proximate to each other to create an integrated
display screen.
[0125] As further shown in FIG. 14, display panel 1402 includes a
pixel array 1412. Each of the pixels in a first portion 1414 of
pixel array 1412 is individually controlled by pixel array driver
circuitry to pass a selected amount of light produced by a
backlight panel (not shown in FIG. 14), thereby producing
display-generated light representative of a single two-dimensional
image. Each of the pixels in a second portion 1416 of pixel array
1412 is individually controlled by the pixel array driver circuitry
to pass a selected amount of light produced by the backlight panel,
thereby producing display-generated light representative of two
two-dimensional images that, when combined by the brain of a viewer
positioned in an appropriate location relative to display system
1400, will be perceived as a single three-dimensional image.
[0126] Adaptable parallax barrier 1404 includes barrier element
array 1422 that includes a first portion 1424 and a second portion
1426. Barrier element array 1422 is aligned with pixel array 1414
such that first portion 1424 of blocking region array 1422 overlays
first portion 1414 of pixel array 1412 and second portion 1426 of
blocking region array 1422 overlays second portion 1416 of pixel
array 1412. Adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry causes all
the barrier elements within first portion 1424 of barrier element
array 1422 to be transparent. Thus, the two-dimensional image
generated by the pixels of first portion 1414 of pixel array 1412
will simply be passed through to a viewer in a viewing space in
front of display system 1400. Furthermore, the adaptable parallax
barrier driver circuitry manipulates the barrier elements within
second portion 1426 of blocking region array 1422 to form a
plurality of parallel transparent strips alternated with parallel
opaque strips, thereby creating a parallax effect that enables the
two two-dimensional images generated by the pixels of second
portion 1416 of pixel array 1412 to be perceived as a
three-dimensional image by a viewer in the viewing space in front
of display system 1400.
[0127] Assume that a viewer is positioned such that he/she can
perceive both the two-dimensional image passed by first portion
1424 of barrier element array 1422 and the three-dimensional image
formed through parallax by second portion 1426 of barrier element
1422. As discussed above, the pixels per unit area perceived by
this viewer with respect to the two-dimensional image will be
greater than the pixels per unit area perceived by this viewer with
respect to the three-dimensional image. Thus, the two-dimensional
image will appear brighter to the viewer than the three dimensional
image when backlighting of constant luminosity is provided behind
pixel array 1412.
[0128] To address this issue, drive signals may be transmitted to
display panel 1402 that selectively cause the pixels included in
first portion 1414 of pixel array 1412 to pass less light from the
backlight panel (i.e., become less intense), thereby reducing the
brightness of the two-dimensional image produced from the pixels in
first portion 1414 of pixel array 1412. Alternatively or
additionally, drive signals may be transmitted to display panel
1402 that selectively cause the pixels included in second portion
1416 of pixel array 1412 to pass more light from the backlight
panel (i.e., become more intense), thereby increasing the
brightness of the three-dimensional image produced from the pixels
in second portion 1416 of pixel array 1412. By controlling the
intensity of the pixels in portions 1414 and 1416 of pixel array
1412 in this manner, the brightness of the two-dimensional image
produced from the pixels in first portion 1414 of pixel array 1412
and the brightness of the three-dimensional image produced from the
pixels in second portion 1416 of pixel array 1412 can be kept
consistent. Additionally, by providing independent control over the
intensity of the pixels in portions 1414 and 1416 of pixel array
1412, independent control over the brightness of the
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images generated therefrom
can also be achieved.
[0129] Of course, the arrangement shown in FIG. 14 provides only a
single teaching example. It should be noted that a display system
in accordance with an embodiment can dynamically manipulate pixel
array 1412 and blocking element array 1422 in a coordinated fashion
to dynamically and simultaneously create any number of display
regions of different sizes and in different locations, wherein each
of the created display regions can display one of two-dimensional,
three-dimensional or multi-view three-dimensional content. To
accommodate this, the intensity of the pixels in pixel array 1412
can also be dynamically manipulated in a coordinated fashion to
ensure that each display region is perceived at a desired level of
brightness.
[0130] In one embodiment, a regional brightness control scheme
combines the use of a backlight array of independently-controllable
light sources as previously described with regional pixel intensity
control. The advantages of such a control scheme will now be
described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustrates a front
perspective view of an exemplary display panel 1500. Display panel
1500 includes a pixel array 1502 that includes a first portion 1504
and a second portion 1506, wherein each of first portion 1504 and
second portion 1506 includes a different subset of the pixels in
pixel array 1502. It is to be assumed that first portion 1504 of
pixel array 1502 is illuminated by backlighting provided by an
aligned first portion of a backlight array (not shown in FIG. 15),
wherein the backlight array is similar to backlight array 1142
described above in reference to FIG. 11. Second portion 1506 of
pixel array 1502 is illuminated by backlighting provided by an
aligned second portion of the backlight array. In one example, the
amount of light emitted by each light source in the second portion
of the backlight array to illuminate second portion 1506 of pixel
array 1502 is controlled such that it is greater than the amount of
light emitted by each light source in the first portion of the
backlight array to illuminate first portion 1504 of pixel array
1502. This control scheme may be applied, for example, to cause a
three-dimensional image formed by interaction between the pixels in
second portion 1506 of pixel array 1502 and an adaptable parallax
barrier to appear to have a uniform brightness level with respect
to a two-dimensional image formed by interaction between the pixels
in first portion 1504 of pixel array 1504 and the adaptable
parallax barrier.
[0131] However, the difference in the amount of light emitted by
each light source in the first and second portions of the backlight
array to illuminate corresponding first and second portions 1504
and 1506 of pixel array 1502 may also give rise to undesired visual
artifacts. In particular, the difference may cause pixels in
boundary areas immediately outside of second portion 1506 of pixel
array 1502 to appear brighter than desired in relation to other
pixels in first portion 1504 of pixel array 1502. For example, as
shown in FIG. 15, the pixels in boundary area 1512 immediately
outside of second portion 1506 of pixel array 1502 may appear
brighter than desired in relation to other pixels in first portion
1504 of pixel array 1502. This may be due to the fact that the
increased luminosity provided by the light sources in the second
portion of the backlight array has "spilled over" to impact the
pixels in boundary area 1512, causing those pixels to be brighter
than desired. Conversely, the difference may cause pixels in
boundary areas immediately inside of second portion 1506 of pixel
array 1502 to appear dimmer than desired in relation to other
pixels in second portion 1506 of pixel array 1502. For example, as
shown in FIG. 15, the pixels in boundary area 1514 immediately
inside of second portion 1506 of pixel array 1502 may appear dimmer
than desired in relation to other pixels in second portion 1506 of
pixel array 1502. This may be due to the fact that the reduced
luminosity of the light sources in the first portion of the
backlight array has "spilled over" to impact the pixels in boundary
area 1514, causing those pixels to be dimmer than desired.
[0132] To address this issue, an embodiment may selectively control
the amount of light passed by the pixels located in boundary region
1512 or boundary region 1514 to compensate for the undesired visual
effects. For example, driver circuitry associated with pixel array
1502 may selectively cause the pixels included in boundary area
1512 of pixel array 1502 to pass less light from the backlight
panel (i.e., become less intense), thereby reducing the brightness
of the pixels in boundary area 1512, thus compensating for an
undesired increase in brightness due to "spill over" from light
sources in the second portion of the backlight array. Alternatively
or additionally, driver circuitry associated with pixel array 1502
may selectively cause the pixels included in boundary area 1514 of
pixel array 1502 to pass more light from the backlight panel (i.e.,
become more intense), thereby increasing the brightness of the
pixels in boundary area 1514, thus compensating for an undesired
reduction in brightness due to "spill over" from light sources in
the first portion of the backlight array. By controlling the
intensity of the pixels in boundary areas 1512 and 1514 in this
manner, the undesired visual effects described above that can arise
from the use of a backlight array to provide regional brightness
control can be mitigated or avoided entirely.
[0133] The illustration provided in FIG. 15 provides only one
example of undesired visual effects that can arise from the use of
a backlight array to provide regional brightness control. Persons
skilled in the relevant art(s) will appreciate that many different
display regions having many different brightness characteristics
can be simultaneously generated by a display system in accordance
with embodiments, thereby giving rise to different undesired visual
effects relating to the brightness of boundary areas inside and
outside of the different display regions. In each case, the
intensity of pixels located in such boundaries areas can be
selectively increased or reduced to mitigate or avoid such
undesired visual effects.
[0134] In additional embodiments, a regional brightness control
scheme is implemented in a display system that does not include a
backlight panel at all, but instead utilizes a display panel
comprising an array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or
polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) which function as display
pixels and also provide their own illumination. Display system 100
described above in reference to FIG. 1C may be representative of
such a system, provided that pixel array 122 comprises an array of
OLEDs or PLEDs. In accordance with such an implementation, the
amount of light emitted by the individual OLED/PLED pixels that
make up the OLED/PLED pixel array can be selectively controlled so
that the brightness associated with each of a plurality of display
regions of display system 100 can also be controlled. This enables
display system 100 to provide a desired brightness level for each
display region automatically and/or in response to user input. For
example, the OLED/PLED pixel array can be controlled such that a
uniform level of brightness is achieved across different
simultaneously-displayed display regions, even though the number of
perceptible pixels per unit area varies from display region to
display region. As another example, the OLED/PLED pixel array can
be controlled such that the level of brightness associated with a
particular display region is increased or reduced without impacting
(or without substantially impacting) the brightness of other
simultaneously-displayed display regions.
[0135] Where OLED/PLED pixel regions such as those described above
are adjacent to each other, it is possible that the brightness
characteristics of one pixel region can impact the perceived
brightness of an adjacent pixel region having different brightness
characteristics, creating an undesired visual effect. For example,
a first OLED/PLED pixel region having a relatively high level of
brightness to support the viewing of multi-view three-dimensional
content may be adjacent to a second OLED/PLED pixel region having a
relatively low level of brightness to support the viewing of
two-dimensional content. In this scenario, light from pixels in a
perimeter area of the first OLED/PLED pixel region that are close
to the boundary between the two pixel regions may "spill over" into
a perimeter area of the second OLED/PLED pixel region. This may
cause pixels in the perimeter area of the second OLED/PLED pixel
region to appear brighter than desired in relation to other pixels
in the second OLED/PLED pixel region. Conversely, pixels in the
perimeter area of the first OLED/PLED pixel array may appear dimmer
than desired in relation to other pixels in the first OLED/PLED
pixel region because of the adjacency to the second OLED/PLED pixel
region. To address this issue, it is possible to selectively
increase or reduce the brightness of one or more OLED/PLED pixels
in either perimeter area to reduce the "spill over" effect arising
from the different brightness characteristics between the
regions.
[0136] In still further embodiments, a regional brightness control
scheme is implemented in a display system that includes an
adaptable parallax barrier that also supports brightness regulation
via an "overlay" approach. Such an approach involves the use of a
brightness regulation overlay that is either independent of or
integrated with an adaptable parallax barrier. The brightness
regulation overlay is used to help achieve the aforementioned goals
of maintaining standard brightness across various regional screen
configurations and compensating for or minimizing backlighting
dispersion.
[0137] The brightness regulation overlay comprises an element that
allows regional dimming through various tones of "grey" pixels. In
one example embodiment, an adaptable parallax barrier and the
brightness regulation overlay are implemented as a non-color (i.e.,
black, white and grayscale) LCD sandwich, although other
implementations may be used. The combined adaptable parallax
barrier and brightness regulation overlay provide full transparent
or opaque states for each pixel, as well as a grayscale alternative
that can be used to "balance out" brightness variations caused by
the parallax barrier itself.
[0138] Control over the individual barrier elements of the parallax
barrier and the individual grayscale pixels of the brightness
regulation overlay may be provided by using coordinated driver
circuitry signaling. Such coordinate signaling may cause the pixels
of the adaptable parallax barrier and the brightness regulation
overlay (collectively referred to below as the manipulator pixels)
to create opaque and transparent barrier elements associated with a
particular parallax barrier configuration and a grayscale support
there between to allow creation of overlays. The regional
brightness control scheme described above with reference to FIG.
15, which may include such coordinated signaling, may be
implemented based on control signals that are received via a
pathway from processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162
of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for example.
[0139] FIG. 16 illustrates two exemplary configurations of an
adaptable light manipulator 1600 that includes an adaptable
parallax barrier and a brightness regulation overlay implemented as
a light manipulating LCD sandwich with manipulator grayscale
pixels. The exemplary configurations of adaptable light manipulator
1600 may be based on control signals that are received via a
pathway from processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162
of FIG. 1A or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for example. In
FIG. 16, the grayscale pixels map to the display pixels on a
one-to-one basis, but that need not be the case.
[0140] A first exemplary configuration of adaptable light
manipulator 1600 is shown above the section line denoted with
reference numeral 1602. In accordance with the first exemplary
configuration, a three-dimensional region 1604 is created with
fully transparent or fully opaque manipulator pixels that provide
parallax barrier functionality and a two-dimensional region 1606 is
created having continuous medium gray manipulator pixels. The
medium gray manipulator pixels operate to reduce the perceived
brightness of two-dimensional region 1606 to better match that of
three-dimensional region 1604. It is noted that in other example
configurations, two-dimensional region 1606 could instead comprise
a three-dimensional region having a number of views that is
different than three-dimensional region 1604, thus also requiring
brightness regulation.
[0141] In the first exemplary configuration, no boundary region
compensation is performed. In the second exemplary configuration,
which is shown below section line 1602, boundary region
compensation is performed. For example, a boundary region 1610
within two-dimensional region 1606 may be "lightened" to a light
gray to compensate for any diminution of light that might occur
near the boundary with three-dimensional region 1604. In contrast,
the grayscale level of an inner portion 1608 of two-dimensional
region 1606 is maintained at the same medium gray level as in the
portion of two-dimensional region 1606 above section line 1602. As
a further example, a first boundary region 1612 and a second
boundary region 1614 within three-dimensional region 1604 comprise
darker and lighter gray transitional areas, respectively, to
account for light dispersion from two-dimensional region 1606. In
contrast, an inner portion 1616 of three-dimensional region 1604
includes only fully transparent or fully opaque manipulator pixels
consistent with a parallax barrier configuration and no brightness
regulation.
[0142] In one embodiment, the configuration of adaptable light
manipulator 1600 is achieved by first creating a white through
various grayscale areas that correspond to the regions and boundary
areas to be formed. Once established, the manipulator pixels in
these areas that comprise the opaque portions of the parallax
barrier are overwritten to turn them black. Of course this
two-stage approach is conceptual only and no "overwriting" need be
performed.
[0143] In certain embodiments, adaptable light manipulator 1600
comprises the only component used in a display system for
performing brightness regulation and/or boundary region
compensation. In alternate embodiments, the display system further
utilizes any one or more of the following aforementioned techniques
for performing brightness regulation and/or boundary region
compensation: a backlight array with independently-controllable
light sources, and/or a pixel array and associated control logic
for selectively increasing or decreasing the intensity of display
pixels (e.g., either LCD pixels or OLED/PLED pixels). Note that in
certain embodiments (such as the one described above in reference
to FIG. 16), adaptable light manipulator 1600 is implemented as an
integrated adaptable parallax barrier and brightness regulation
overlay. However, in alternate embodiments, adaptable light
manipulator 1600 is implemented using an adaptable parallax barrier
panel and an independent brightness regulation overlay panel.
[0144] B. Example Display Systems Using Adaptable Lenticular
Lenses
[0145] In display systems in accordance with further embodiments,
rather than using an adaptable parallax barrier to perform light
manipulation in support of multiple viewing configurations, an
adaptable lenticular lens may be used. For example, with respect to
example display system 100 of FIG. 1C, adaptable parallax barrier
124 may be replaced with an adaptable lenticular lens. Likewise,
with respect to example display system 1300 of FIG. 13, adaptable
parallax barrier 1326 may be replaced with an adaptable lenticular
lens. The configuration of such an adaptable lenticular lens may be
based on control signals that are received via a pathway from
processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A
or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for example.
[0146] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exemplary adaptable
lenticular lens 1700 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 17, adaptable lenticular lens 1700 includes a sub-lens array
1702. Sub-lens array 1702 includes a plurality of sub-lenses 1704
arranged in a two-dimensional array (e.g., arranged side-by-side in
a row). Each sub-lens 1704 is shown in FIG. 17 as generally
cylindrical in shape and having a substantially semi-circular
cross-section, but in other embodiments may have other shapes. In
FIG. 17, sub-lens array 1702 is shown to include eight sub-lenses
for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. For
instance, sub-lens array 1702 may include any number (e.g.,
hundreds, thousands, etc.) of sub-lenses 1704. FIG. 18 shows a side
view of adaptable lenticular lens 1700. In FIG. 18, light may be
passed through adaptable lenticular lens 1700 in the direction of
dotted arrow 1802 to be diverted. Adaptable lenticular lens 1700 is
adaptable in that it can be modified to manipulate light in
different ways in order to accommodate different viewing
configurations. For example, in one embodiment, adaptable
lenticular lens is made from an elastic material and can be
stretched or shrunk in one or more directions in response to
generated drive signals.
[0147] Further description regarding the use of an adaptable
lenticular lens to deliver three-dimensional views is provided in
the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/774,307, filed on May 5, 2010, and entitled "Display with
Elastic Light Manipulator."
[0148] C. Example Display Systems Using Multiple Light
Manipulators
[0149] Display systems in accordance with further embodiments may
include multiple layers of light manipulators. Such display systems
may enable multiple three-dimensional images to be displayed in a
viewing space. The multiple light manipulating layers may enable
spatial separation of the images. For instance, in accordance with
one embodiment, a display device that includes multiple light
manipulator layers may be configured to display a first
three-dimensional image in a first region of a viewing space (e.g.,
a left-side area), a second three-dimensional image in a second
region of the viewing space (e.g., a central area), a third
three-dimensional image in a third region of the viewing space
(e.g., a right-side area), etc. In fact, a display device that
includes multiple light manipulator layers may be configured to
display any number of spatially separated three-dimensional images
as desired for a particular application (e.g., according to a
number and spacing of viewers in the viewing space, etc.).
[0150] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system
1900 that includes multiple light manipulator layers in accordance
with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, display system 1900
includes driver circuitry 1902 and a screen 1904, wherein screen
1904 includes a pixel array 1922, a first light manipulator 1924
and a second light manipulator 1926. As shown in FIG. 19, first
light manipulator 1924 includes first light manipulator elements
1942 and second light manipulator 1926 includes second light
manipulator elements 1944. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, driver
circuitry 1902 includes pixel array driver circuitry 1912 and light
manipulator driver circuitry 1914.
[0151] Light 1932 is received at first light manipulator 1924 from
pixel array 1922. Pixel array driver circuitry 1912 may generate
drive signals 1952 based on a control signal 1908 received from
control circuitry (not shown in FIG. 19) and drive signals 1952 may
be received by pixel array 1922 to generate light 1932. For
example, control signal 1908 may be received via a pathway from
processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A
or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B. Each pixel of pixel array
1922 may generate light that is received at first light manipulator
1924. In an embodiment, pixel array driver circuitry 1912 may
generate drive signals 1952 to cause pixel array 1922 to emit light
1932 containing a plurality of images corresponding to the sets of
pixels.
[0152] First light manipulator 1924 may be configured to manipulate
light 1932 received from pixel array 1922. As shown in FIG. 19,
first light manipulator 1924 includes light manipulator elements
1942 configured to perform manipulating (e.g., filtering,
diverting, etc.) of light 1932 to generate manipulated light 1934.
Light manipulator elements 1942 may optionally be configurable to
adjust the manipulating performed by first light manipulator 1924.
First light manipulator 1924 may perform filtering in a similar
manner as an adaptable parallax barrier described above or in other
manner. In another embodiment, first light manipulator 1924 may
include a lenticular lens that diverts light 1932 to perform light
manipulating, generating manipulated light 1934. In an embodiment,
light manipulator driver circuitry 1914 may generate drive signals
1954 based on control signal 1908 received by driver circuitry 1902
to cause light manipulator elements 1942 to manipulate light 1932
as desired.
[0153] Manipulated light 1934 is received by second light
manipulator 1926 to generate manipulated light 1936 that includes a
plurality of three-dimensional images 1962A-1962N formed in a
viewing space 1906. It will be recognized that manipulated light
1936 may include any number N of three-dimensional images. As shown
in FIG. 19, second light manipulator 1926 includes light
manipulator elements 1944 configured to perform manipulating of
manipulated light 1934 to generate manipulated light 1936. Light
manipulator elements 1944 may optionally be configurable to adjust
the manipulating performed by second light manipulator 1926. In an
embodiment, light manipulator driver circuitry 1914 may generate
drive signals 1956 based on control signal 1908 to cause light
manipulator elements 1944 to manipulate manipulated light 1934 to
generate manipulated light 1936 including three-dimensional images
1962A-1962N as desired. In embodiments, second light manipulator
1926 may include an adaptable parallax barrier or lenticular lens
configured to manipulate manipulated light 1934 to generate
manipulated light 1936.
[0154] As such, screen 1904 of display system 1900 supports
multiple viewers with media content in the form of
three-dimensional images or views. Screen 1904 may provide a first
three-dimensional view based on first three-dimensional media
content to a first viewer, a second three-dimensional view based on
second three-dimensional media content to a second viewer, and
optionally further three-dimensional views based on further
three-dimensional media content to further viewers. First and
second light manipulators 1924 and 1926 each cause
three-dimensional media content to be presented to a corresponding
viewer via a corresponding area of screen 1904, with each viewer
being enabled to view corresponding media content without viewing
media content directed to other viewers. Furthermore, the areas of
screen 1904 that provide the various three-dimensional views of
media content overlap each other at least in part. In the
embodiment of FIG. 19, the areas may be the same area. As such,
multiple three-dimensional views that are each viewable by a
corresponding viewer may be delivered by a single screen.
Embodiments of display system 1900 may also be configured to
generate two-dimensional views, as well as any combination of one
or more two-dimensional views simultaneously with one or more
three-dimensional views.
[0155] FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of an exemplary display system
2000, which is a further example of a display system that includes
multiple light manipulator layers. Like display system 1900 of FIG.
19, display system 2000 is configured to display multiple
three-dimensional images 2062A-2062N in a viewing space 2006 in a
spatially separated manner. As shown in FIG. 20, display system
2000 includes driver circuitry 2002 and a screen 2004, wherein
screen 2004 includes a light generator 2022, a first light
manipulator 2024, a second light manipulator 2026 and a pixel array
2028. As shown in FIG. 20, light generator 2022 optionally includes
a backlight array 2042, first light manipulator 2024 includes first
light manipulator elements 2044, and second light manipulator 2026
includes second light manipulator elements 2046. Furthermore, as
shown in FIG. 20, driver circuitry 2002 receives control signals
2008 and includes light generator driver circuitry 2012, light
manipulator driver circuitry 2014, and pixel array driver circuitry
2016. Control signals 2008 may be received via a pathway from
processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 162 of FIG. 1A
or processing circuitry 103 of FIG. 1B, for example. Light
generator driver circuitry 2012, light manipulator driver circuitry
2014, and pixel array driver circuitry 2016 may generate drive
signals to perform their respective functions based on control
signals 2008. As shown in FIG. 20, first and second light
manipulators 2024 and 2026 are positioned between light generator
2022 and pixel array 2028. In another embodiment, pixel array 2028
may instead be located between first and second light manipulators
2024 and 2026.
III. Exemplary Techniques for Supporting Presentation of Multi-Path
and Multi-Source Viewing Content
[0156] This section describes exemplary systems and methods that
support presentation of multi-path and multi-source viewing
content. For example, FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary
system 2100 that supports presentation of three-dimensional viewing
content based on portions thereof that are received from respective
sources in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21,
system 2100 includes a first source 2102A, a second source 2102B, a
media circuitry 2104, and a screen 2106. First source 2102A
provides first a view portion 2122A of three-dimensional (3D)
viewing content 2134 via a first pathway 2120A. First view portion
2122A represents a first subset of perspective views that are
represented by the 3D viewing content 2134. Second source 2102B
provides a second view portion 2122B of the 3D viewing content 2134
via a second pathway 2120B. The second view portion 2122B
represents a second subset of the perspective views that are
represented by the 3D viewing content 2134. Each of the first and
second subsets may include any suitable number (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
of the perspective views that are represented by the 3D viewing
content 2134. A number of the perspective views that are included
in the first subset and a number of the perspective views that are
included in the second subset may be the same or different.
[0157] In some embodiments, second source 2102B provides a
difference file in lieu of the second view portion 2122B. The
difference file defines a difference between the first view portion
2122A and the second view portion 2122B. Although the following
discussion refers repeatedly to the second view portion 2122B, it
will be recognized that the discussion also applies if second
source 2102B provides the difference file in lieu of the second
view portion 2122B.
[0158] Each of first and second sources 2102A and 2102B may be a
remote source or a local source. Examples of a remote source
include but are not limited to a broadcast media server or an
on-demand media server. Examples of a local source include but are
not limited to a disc player (e.g., a DVD player, a CD player, or
Blu-Ray disc player), a personal computer (e.g., a desktop
computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer), a personal
media player, or a smart phone.
[0159] Each of the first and second pathways 2120A and 2120B may
include one or more local device pathways, point-to-point links,
and/or pathways in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network, a
wide-area network (e.g., the Internet), a local area network (LAN),
another type of network, or a combination thereof. Each of the
first and second pathways 2120A and 2120B may support wired,
wireless, or both transmission media, including satellite,
terrestrial (e.g., fiber optic, copper, twisted pair, coaxial, or
the like), radio, microwave, free-space optics, and/or any other
form or method of transmission.
[0160] Media circuitry 2104 is configured to process the first and
second view portions 2122A and 2122B to support presentation of 3D
viewing content 2134. Media circuitry 2104 includes first circuitry
2112, second circuitry 2114, third circuitry 2116, and fourth
circuitry 2118. First circuitry 2112 receives the first and second
view portions 2122A and 2122B. For example, if the first and second
view portions 2122A and 2122B are encoded, first circuitry 2112 may
decode the first and second view portions 2122A and 2122B for
further processing by second circuitry 2114. In accordance with
this example, if first circuitry 2112 receives the difference file
in lieu of the second view portion 2122B from second source 2102B,
first circuitry 2112 may decode the first view portion 2122A and
the difference file in accordance with one or more techniques
described in commonly-owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, filed on even date herewith and entitled "Video
Compression Supporting Selective Delivery of 2D, Stereoscopic 3D
and Multi-View 3D Content," the entirety of which is incorporated
by reference herein.
[0161] Second circuitry 2114 generates drive signal(s) 2124 based
on the first and second view portions 2122A and 2122B. The drive
signal(s) 2124 are intended to control screen 2106 to support a
visual presentation of the three-dimensional viewing content 2134.
For example, second circuitry 2114 may include pixel array driver
circuitry (e.g., pixel array driver circuitry 112, 1116, 1912, or
2016) for controlling a pixel array (e.g., pixel array 122, 1126,
1922, or 2028) in screen 2106. In another example, second circuitry
2114 may include light manipulator driver circuitry (e.g.,
adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry 114 or 1114, or light
manipulator driver circuitry 1914 or 2014) for controlling one or
more light manipulators (e.g., adaptable parallax barrier(s) 124
and/or 1124, and/or light manipulator(s) 1924, 1926, 2024 and/or
2026) in screen 2106. In yet another example, second circuitry 2114
may include light generator driver circuitry (e.g., light generator
driver circuitry 1112 or 2012) for controlling a light generator
(e.g., light generator 1122 or 2022) in screen 2106.
[0162] Second circuitry 2114 may synchronize the first view portion
2122A and the second view portion 2122B. Second circuitry may
buffer the first view portion 2122A and/or the second view portion
2122B to perform the synchronization. Such buffering may enable
second circuitry 2114 to shift the first view portion 2122A and/or
the second view portion 2122B with respect to time to align frames
that are included in the second view portion 2122B with
corresponding frames that are included in the first view portion
2122A, or vice versa. In accordance with this example, second
circuitry 2114 generates the drive signal(s) in response to
synchronizing the first and second view portions 2122A and
2122B.
[0163] Third circuitry 2116 responds to offers that are provided by
offer system 2108. Third circuitry 2116 receives the offers via
first circuitry 2112. As shown in FIG. 21, first circuitry 2112
receives an offer 2126 that relates to second view portion 2122B
from offer system 2108. First circuitry 2112 forwards the offer
2126 to third circuitry 2116. In an example, third circuitry 2116
may determine whether to accept the offer 2126 based on one or more
predetermined criteria. Such criteria may require, for example,
that a cost that is specified by the offer 2126 be less than a cost
threshold, that the offer 2126 specify one or more perspective
views represented by the second view portion 2122B that are
included among one or more designated perspective views, etc. In
another example, third circuitry 2116 may determine whether to
accept the offer 2126 based on input from a viewer. In accordance
with this example, third circuitry 2116 may send a request
regarding the offer 2126 to the viewer and determine whether to
accept the offer 2126 based on the viewer's response to the
request.
[0164] Third circuitry 2116 is shown in FIG. 21 to provide an
acceptance 2128 of the offer 2126 to offer system 2108 for purposes
of illustration. Provision of the acceptance 2128 by third
circuitry 2116 may trigger any of a variety of events. For example,
second source 2102B may provide the second view portion 2122B to
first circuitry 2112 in response to third circuitry 2116 providing
the acceptance 2128. In another example, offer system 2108 may
provide an enabling signal 2132 to first circuitry 2112 that
enables media circuitry 2104 to access the second view portion
2122B in response to third circuitry 2116 providing the acceptance
2128. For instance, the enabling signal 2132 may include
information, such as a passcode or a decryption key, that first
circuitry 2112 may use to obtain access to the second view portion
2122B. In yet another example, third circuitry 2116 may trigger a
billing event regarding the second view portion 2122B based at
least in part on provision of the acceptance 2128. For instance,
the billing event may involve billing the viewer a cost that is
specified in the offer 2126.
[0165] The discussion above regarding the offer 2132 and the
acceptance 2128 is provided for illustrative purposes and is not
intended to be limiting. It will be recognized that second source
2102B may provide the second view portion 2122B to first circuitry
2112 regardless whether the offer 2126 and the acceptance 2128 are
present. Moreover, first circuitry 2112 may be capable of accessing
the second view portion 2122B regardless whether first circuitry
2112 receives the enabling signal 2132.
[0166] Fourth circuitry 2108 determines that the first view portion
2122A is received by first circuitry 2112. For instance, fourth
circuitry 2108 may receive an indicator from first circuitry 2112
that indicates receipt of the first view portion 2122A. Upon
determining that the first view portion 2122A is received, fourth
circuitry 2108 delivers an indication 2130 relating to the first
view portion 2122A to offer system 2108. The indication 2130
indicates that the first view portion 2122A is received by media
circuitry 2104. In an embodiment, first circuitry 2112 receives the
offer 2126 from offer system 2108 in response to fourth circuitry
2118 providing the indication 2130 to offer system 2108.
[0167] Offer system 2108 provides the offer 2126 relating to the
second view portion 2122B to first circuitry 2112. Offer system
2108 may receive the acceptance 2128 from third circuitry 2116 is
response to providing the offer 2126. In one embodiment, upon
receiving the acceptance 2128, offer system 2108 provides then
instruction 2134 to second source 2102B. The instruction 2134
instructs second source 2102B to deliver the second view portion
2122B to media circuitry 2104. Accordingly, second source may not
deliver the second view portion 2122B to media circuitry 2104 until
receipt of the instruction 2134. In another embodiment, upon
receiving the acceptance 2128, offer system 2108 provides the
enabling signal 2132 to first circuitry 2112 for enabling media
circuitry 2104 to access the second view portion 2122B.
[0168] The output of media circuitry 2104 comprises the drive
signal(s) 2124. Screen 2106 presents the 3D viewing content 2134 in
viewing space 2110 based on the drive signal(s) 2124. As described
above, screen 2106 may include a pixel array, one or more light
manipulators, and/or a light generator for supporting presentation
of the 3D viewing content 2134. Screen 2106 may be any suitable
type of screen, including but not limited to an LCD screen, a
plasma screen, a light emitting device (LED) screen (e.g., an OLED
(organic LED) screen), etc.
[0169] It will be recognized that although first circuitry 2112,
second circuitry 2114, third circuitry 2116, and fourth circuitry
2118 are labeled as such, the functionality of first circuitry
2112, second circuitry 2114, third circuitry 2116, and fourth
circuitry 2118 may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware,
or any combination thereof. Moreover, system 2100 may not include
one or more of first source 2102A, second source 2102B, screen
2106, offer system 2108, first circuitry 2112, second circuitry
2114, third circuitry 2116, and/or fourth circuitry 2118.
Furthermore, system 2100 may include elements in addition to or in
lieu of first source 2102A, second source 2102B, screen 2106, offer
system 2108, first circuitry 2112, second circuitry 2114, third
circuitry 2116, and/or fourth circuitry 2118.
[0170] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of another exemplary system 2100
that supports presentation of three-dimensional viewing content
based on portions thereof that are received from respective sources
in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, display
system 2200 includes a first source 2202A, a second source 2202B,
media circuitry 2204, and a screen 2206. First and second sources
2202A and 2202B and screen 2206 operate in like manner to first and
second sources 2102A and 2102B and screen 2106, as described above
with reference to FIG. 21. For instance, first and second sources
2202A and 2202B provide respective first and second view portions
2222A and 2222B via respective first and second pathways 2220A and
2220B to media circuitry 2104. Screen 2206 presents 3D viewing
content 2234 in viewing space 2210 based on drive signal(s) 2224
that are received from media circuitry 2204.
[0171] Media circuitry 2204 includes first circuitry 2212, second
circuitry 2214, and third circuitry 2216. First and second
circuitry 2212 and 2214 operate in like manner to first and second
circuitry 2112 and 2114, as described above with reference to FIG.
21. For instance, first circuitry 2212 receives the first and
second view portions 2222A and 2222B from first and second sources
2202A and 2202B. Second circuitry 2214 generates the drive
signal(s) 2224 based on the first and second view portions 2222A
and 2222B.
[0172] First circuitry 2212 is shown in FIG. 22 to receive a
control signal 2236, a search instruction 2238, and an orientation
indication 2240 for illustrative purposes. It will be recognized
that first circuitry 2212 need not necessarily receive each of the
control signal 2236, the search instruction 2238, and the
orientation indication 2240. For instance, first circuitry may
receive any one or more of the control signal 2236, the search
instruction 2238, and/or the orientation indication 2240.
[0173] The control signal 2236 is generated in response to viewer
input. For instance, the control signal 2236 may specify one or
more portions or perspective views that are identified by the
viewer input. First circuitry 2212 may receive the control signal
2236 from a user input interface that is accessible to the viewer.
The user input interface may be a remote control device, a
traditional computer input device such as a keyboard or mouse, a
touch screen, a gamepad or other type of gaming console input
device, or one or more sensors including but not limited to video
cameras, microphones and motion sensors. In an embodiment, third
circuitry 2216 selects the second view portion 2222B based on the
control signal 2236. For instance, third circuitry 2216 may review
available portions of content to identify the portion(s) that are
specified by the control signal 2236 or that represent perspective
views that are specified by the control signal 2236. In accordance
with this embodiment, third circuitry 2216 may select the second
view portion 2222B in response to the second view portion 2222B
including the identified portion(s).
[0174] The search instruction 2238 is intended to initiate a search
for portion(s) of content that may be combined with the first view
portion 2222A for presentation of the 3D viewing content 2234. The
search instruction 2238 may be generated by a user input interface
in response to viewer input, for example. In an embodiment, third
circuitry 2216 initiates the search based on the search instruction
2238. In accordance with this embodiment, first circuitry 2212 may
receive the second view portion 2222B in response to initiation of
the search.
[0175] The orientation indication 2240 indicates an orientation of
the viewer with respect to screen 2206. For example, the
orientation indication 2240 may be received from a device that is
worn by the viewer, held by the viewer, sitting in the viewer's
lap, in the viewer's pocket, sitting next the viewer, etc. In
another example, the orientation indication 2240 may be received in
response to a distancing signal that is transmitted toward the
viewer by third circuitry 2216. In accordance with this example,
third circuitry 2216 may determine an orientation (e.g., location)
of the viewer based on a difference between a time at which third
circuitry 2216 transmits the distancing signal and a time at which
third circuitry receives the orientation indication 2240. For
instance, a reflection of the distancing signal from the viewer may
be received by third circuitry 2216 as the orientation indication
2240.
[0176] In an embodiment, third circuitry 2216 selects the second
view portion 2222B based on the orientation of the viewer, as
indicated by the orientation indication 2240. As shown in FIG. 22,
third circuitry 2216 provides a selection instruction 2242 to
second source 2202B. The selection instruction 2242 instructs
second source 2202B to provide the second view portion 2222B to
media circuitry 2204.
[0177] In an example, if the orientation indication 2240 indicates
that the orientation of the viewer is toward a left side of screen
2206, third circuitry 2216 may select the second view portion 2222B
based on the second view portion 2222B representing perspective
views that facilitate a left-oriented viewing experience, such as
perspective views 1, 2, and 4 of 3D8 viewing content. In accordance
with this example, if the first view portion 2222A represents a
single perspective view, such as perspective view 3, the 3D viewing
content 2234 may be presented as 3D4 viewing content that
represents perspective views 1, 2, 3, and 4.
[0178] In another example, if the orientation indication 2240
indicates that the orientation of the viewer is substantially
aligned with a center of screen 2206, third circuitry 2216 may
select the second view portion 2222B based on the second view
portion 2222B representing perspective views that facilitate a
center-oriented viewing experience, such as perspective views 4, 6,
8, 10, 12, and 14 of 3D16 viewing content. In accordance with this
example, if the first view portion 2222A represents two perspective
views, such as perspective views 5 and 9, the 3D viewing content
2234 may be presented as 3D8 viewing content that represents
perspective views 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14.
[0179] In yet another example, if the orientation indication 2240
indicates that the orientation of the viewer is toward a right side
of screen 2206, third circuitry 2216 may select the second view
portion 2222 based on the second view portion 2222 representing
perspective views that facilitate a right-oriented viewing
experience, such as perspective views 9, 11, 13, and 15 of 3D16
viewing content. In accordance with this example, if the first view
portion 2222A represents four perspective views (e.g., perspective
views 8, 10, 12, and 14), the 3D viewing content 2234 may be
presented as 3D8 viewing content that represents perspective views
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The examples provided herein are
merely teaching examples and are not intended to be limiting.
[0180] Presentation of multi-path and multi-source viewing content
may be supported in a variety of ways according to embodiments. For
instance, FIGS. 23-29 depicts flowcharts 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600,
2700, 2800, and 2900 of exemplary methods for supporting
presentation of three-dimensional viewing content based on portions
thereof that are received from respective sources in accordance
with embodiments. Flowcharts 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800,
and 2900 may be performed by system 2100 shown in FIG. 21 or system
2200 shown in FIG. 22, for example. However the methods of
flowcharts 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 are not
limited to those embodiments. Further structural and operational
embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
art(s) based on the discussion regarding flowcharts 2300, 2400,
2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 23, flowchart 2300 begins with step 2302.
In step 2302, a first data portion of three-dimensional viewing
content is received via a first pathway. The first data portion
originates from a first source. The first data portion is
associated with a first perspective view. For instance, the first
data portion may comprise a two-dimensional portion of the
three-dimensional viewing content, though the scope of the
embodiments is not limited in this respect. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 2112 or 2212 receives first view
portion 2122A or 2222A of 3D viewing content 2134 or 2234 via first
pathway 2120A or 2220A. First view portion 2122A or 2222A
originates from first source 2102A or 2202A.
[0182] At step 2304, a second data portion of the three-dimensional
viewing content is received via a second pathway. The second data
portion originates from a second source. The second data portion is
associated with a second perspective view. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 2112 or 2212 receives second view
portion 2122B or 2222B of 3D viewing content 2134 or 2234 via
second pathway 2120B or 2220B. Second view portion 2122B or 2222B
originates from second source 2102B or 2202B.
[0183] At step 2306, a visual presentation of the three-dimensional
viewing content is caused based on both the first data portion and
the second data portion. In an exemplary implementation, second
circuitry 2114 or 2214 causes a visual presentation of 3D viewing
content 2134 or 2234 based on both the first view portion 2122A or
2222A and the second view portion 2122B or 2222B.
[0184] In an embodiment, instead of performing step 2304 of
flowchart 2300, the steps shown in flowchart 2400 or flowchart 2500
of respective FIG. 24 or 25 may be performed. As shown in FIG. 24,
flowchart 2400 begins at step 2402. In step 2402, a search for a
second data portion of the three-dimensional viewing content is
initiated in response to a search instruction. In an exemplary
implementation, third circuitry 2216 initiates a search for second
view portion 2222B in response to search instruction 2238.
[0185] At step 2404, the second data portion is received via a
second pathway in response to initiating the search. The second
data portion originates from a second source. The second data
portion is associated with a second perspective view. In an
exemplary implementation, first circuitry 2212 second view portion
2222B.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 25, flowchart 2500 begins at step 2502. In
step 2502, an offer relating to a second data portion of the
three-dimensional viewing content is received. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 2112 receives offer 2126 relating
to second view portion 2122B.
[0187] At step 2504, acceptance of the offer is carried out. For
instance, carrying out the acceptance of the offer may trigger a
billing event regarding the second data portion. In an exemplary
implementation, third circuitry 2116 carries out acceptance of
offer 2126. For instance, Third circuitry 2116 may provide
acceptance 2128 to accept offer 2126.
[0188] At step 2506, the second data portion is received via a
second pathway. The second data portion originates from a second
source. The second data portion is associated with a second
perspective view. In an exemplary implementation, first circuitry
2112 receives second view portion 2122B via second pathway
2120B.
[0189] In an embodiment, instead of performing step 2502 of
flowchart 2500, the steps shown in flowchart 2600 of FIG. 26 may be
performed. As shown in FIG. 26, flowchart 2600 begins at step 2602.
In step 2602, an indication relating to the first data portion is
delivered. In an exemplary implementation, fourth circuitry 2118
delivers indication 2130 relating to first view portion 2122A.
[0190] At step 2604, an offer relating to a second data portion of
the three-dimensional viewing content is received. The offer is
based at least in part on the indication. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 2112 receives offer 2126 relating
to second view portion 2122B.
[0191] Flowchart 2300 of FIG. 3 may further include the step shown
in flowchart 2700 of FIG. 27 or the step shown in flowchart 2800 of
FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 27, flowchart 2700 includes step 2702. At
step 2702, the second data portion is selected based on an
orientation of a viewer with respect to a screen assembly that
supports the visual presentation of the three-dimensional viewing
content. In an exemplary implementation, third circuitry 2216
selects second view portion 2222B based on an orientation of a
viewer with respect to screen 2206, which supports visual
presentation of 3D viewing content 2234.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 28, flowchart 2800 includes step 2802. At
step 2802, the second data portion is selected based on viewer
input. In an exemplary implementation, third circuitry 2216 selects
second view portion 2222B based on control signal 2236, which is
generated in response to viewer input.
[0193] FIG. 29 depicts an exemplary implementation of the method of
flowchart 2300 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG.
29, flowchart 2900 begins at step 2902. In step 2902, a first data
portion of three-dimensional viewing content that comprises a
two-dimensional portion is received via a first pathway. The first
data portion is associated with a single first perspective view.
The first data portion originates from a storage that is local to a
device that causes a visual presentation of the three-dimensional
viewing content. In an exemplary implementation, first circuitry
2112 or 2212 receives first view portion 2122A or 2222A via a first
pathway 2120A or 2220A. In accordance with this implementation,
first view portion 2122A or 2222A comprises a two-dimensional
portion and is associated with a single first perspective view.
Further in accordance with this implementation, first view portion
2122A or 2222A originates from first source 2102A or 2202A, which
may be local to a device that includes media circuitry 2104 or
2204, for example.
[0194] At step 2904, a second data portion of the three-dimensional
viewing content is received via a second pathway. The second data
portion is associated with at least one second perspective view.
The second data portion originates from a second source. In an
exemplary implementation, first circuitry 2112 or 2212 receives
second view portion 2122B or 2222B via a second pathway 2120B or
2220B. In accordance with this implementation, second view portion
2122B or 2222B is associated with at least one second perspective
view. Further in accordance with this implementation, second view
portion 2122B or 2222B originates from second source 2102B or
2202B. For instance, second source 2102B or 2202B may be local or
remote to the device that includes media circuitry 2104 or
2204.
[0195] At step 2906, the visual presentation of the
three-dimensional viewing content is caused based on both the first
data portion and the second data portion. The three-dimensional
viewing content represents at least two perspective views. In an
exemplary implementation, second circuitry 2114 or 2214 causes a
visual presentation of 3D viewing content 2134 or 2234 based on
both the first view portion 2122A or 2222A and the second view
portion 2122B or 2222B. In accordance with this exemplary
implementation, 3D viewing content 2134 or 2234 represents at least
two perspective views.
[0196] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 3000 that
directs configurations of respective regions of a screen assembly
to support display of respective instances of content in accordance
with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30, system 3000 includes first
source 3002A, second source 3002B, media system 3004, and screen
3006. First source 3002A provides a first content instance 3022A
via a first pathway 3020A. Second source 3002B provides a second
content instance 3022B via a second pathway 3020B. Each of the
first and second content instances 3022A and 3022B may represent
any suitable number of perspective views. A number of perspective
views represented by the first content instance 3022A and a number
of perspective views represented by the second content instance
3022B may be the same or different.
[0197] First source 3002A and/or second source 3002B may include
multiple sources. For example, portions of the first content
instance 3022A may be provided by respective sources that are
included in first source 3002A. Each portion of the first content
instance 3022A may represent a respective subset of the perspective
views that are represented by the first content instance 3022A. In
another example, portions of the second content instance 3022B may
be provided by respective sources that are included in second
source 3002B. Each portion of the second content instance 3022B may
represent a respective subset of the perspective views that are
represented by the second content instance 3022B.
[0198] Media circuitry 3004 includes first circuitry 3012 and
second circuitry 3014. First circuitry 3012 receives the first and
second content instances 3022A and 3022B. For example, if the first
and second content instances 3022A and 3022B are encoded, first
circuitry 3012 may decode the first and second content instances
3022A and 3022B for further processing by second circuitry
3014.
[0199] Second circuitry 3014 generates first drive signal(s) 3024A
to direct a first configuration of a first region 3044A of screen
3006. The first configuration supports display of the first content
instance 3022A. Second circuitry 3014 further generates second
drive signal(s) 3024B to direct a second configuration of a second
region 3044B of screen 3006. The second configuration supports
display of the second content instance 3022B. The second
configuration is different from the first configuration.
[0200] For example, second circuitry 3014 may include pixel array
driver circuitry (e.g., pixel array driver circuitry 112, 1116,
1912, or 2016) for generating pixel array drive signals (e.g.,
drive signals 152, 1156, or 1952). In another example, second
circuitry 3014 may include light manipulator driver circuitry
(e.g., adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry 114 or 1114, or
light manipulator driver circuitry 1914 or 2014) for generating
light manipulator drive signals (e.g., drive signals 154, 1154,
1954, and/or 1956). In yet another example, second circuitry 3014
may include light generator driver circuitry (e.g., light generator
driver circuitry 1112 or 2012) for generating light generator drive
signals (e.g., drive signals 1152). Any of the aforementioned drive
signals may be included among the first and second drive signal(s)
3024A and 3024B.
[0201] Screen 3006 includes first region 3044A and second region
3044B. The first and second regions 3044A and 3044B may include
respective portions of a pixel array (e.g., pixel array 122, 1126,
1922, or 2028), respective portions of one or more light
manipulators (e.g., adaptable parallax barrier(s) 124 and/or 1124,
and/or light manipulator(s) 1924, 1926, 2024 and/or 2026), and/or
respective portions of a light generator (e.g., light generator
1122 or 2022). For instance, the first drive signal(s) 3024A may be
configured to control configurations of the portions of the pixel
array, light manipulator(s), and/or light generator that are
included in first region 3044A. The second drive signal(s) 3024B
may be configured to control configurations of the portions of the
pixel array, light manipulator(s), and/or light generator that are
included in second region 3044B.
[0202] FIG. 31 depicts a flowchart 3100 of a method for directing
configurations of respective regions of a screen assembly for
supporting display of respective instances of content in accordance
with embodiments. As shown in FIG. 31, flowchart 3100 begins at
step 3102. In step 3102, first viewing content that originates from
a first source is received via a first pathway. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 3012 receives first content
instance 3022A via first pathway 3020A. In accordance with this
implementation, the first content instance 3022A originates from
first source 3002A.
[0203] At step 3104, second viewing content that originates from a
second source is received via a second pathway. In an exemplary
implementation, first circuitry 3012 receives second content
instance 3022B via second pathway 3020B. In accordance with this
implementation, the second content instance 3022B originates from
second source 3002B.
[0204] In an embodiment, the first pathway comprises a local
pathway, and the second pathway comprises a remote pathway. A local
pathway is a pathway from a local source. A remote pathway is a
pathway from a remote source. Examples of a remote source include
but are not limited to a broadcast media server or an on-demand
media server. Examples of a local source include but are not
limited to a disc player (e.g., a DVD player, a CD player, or
Blu-Ray disc player), a personal computer (e.g., a desktop
computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer), a personal
media player, or a smart phone.
[0205] In another embodiment, the first viewing content is
two-dimensional content, and the second viewing content is
three-dimensional content. In accordance with this embodiment, the
first viewing content represents a single perspective view. In
further accordance with this embodiment, the second viewing content
represents multiple views, any two of which may be combined for
perception as three-dimensional image(s).
[0206] In yet another embodiment, the first viewing content is
first three-dimensional content, and the second viewing content is
second three-dimensional content. The first three-dimensional
content may represent a first number of perspectives, and the
second three-dimensional content may represent a second number of
perspectives. The first number may be different from or the same as
the first number.
[0207] The second viewing content may be related to the first
viewing content or unrelated to the first viewing content. If the
first viewing content and the second viewing content correspond to
a common video event, the first viewing content and the second
viewing content are said to be related. Otherwise, the first
viewing content and the second viewing content are said to be
unrelated.
[0208] At step 3106, a first configuration of a first region of a
screen assembly is directed. The first configuration supports
display of the first viewing content. In an exemplary
implementation, second circuitry 3014 directs a first configuration
of first region 3044A of screen 3006. In accordance with this
implementation, the first configuration of first region 3044A
supports display of first content instance 3022A.
[0209] At step 3108, a second configuration of a second region of
the screen assembly is directed. The second configuration supports
display of the second viewing content. The second configuration is
different from the first configuration. In an exemplary
implementation, second circuitry 3014 directs a second
configuration of second region 3044B of screen 3006 that is
different from the first configuration of first region 3044A. In
accordance with this implementation, the second configuration of
second region 3044B supports display of second content instance
3022B.
[0210] FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an example practical
implementation of a display system 3200 in accordance with an
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, display system 3200 generally
comprises control circuitry 3202, driver circuitry 3204 and a
screen 3206.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 32, control circuitry 3202 includes a
processing unit 3214, which may comprise one or more
general-purpose or special-purpose processors or one or more
processing cores. Processing unit 3214 is connected to a
communication infrastructure 3212, such as a communication bus.
Control circuitry 3202 may also include a primary or main memory
(not shown in FIG. 32), such as random access memory (RAM), that is
connected to communication infrastructure 3212. The main memory may
have control logic stored thereon for execution by processing unit
3214 as well as data stored thereon that may be input to or output
by processing unit 3214 during execution of such control logic.
[0212] Control circuitry 3202 may also include one or more
secondary storage devices (not shown in FIG. 32) that are connected
to communication infrastructure 3212, including but not limited to
a hard disk drive, a removable storage drive (such as an optical
disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or the
like), or an interface for communicating with a removable storage
unit such as an interface for communicating with a memory card,
memory stick or the like. Each of these secondary storage devices
provide an additional means for storing control logic for execution
by processing unit 3214 as well as data that may be input to or
output by processing unit 3214 during execution of such control
logic.
[0213] Control circuitry 3202 further includes a user input
interface 3218, a viewer tracking unit 3216, and a media interface
3220. User input interface 3218 is intended to generally represent
any type of interface that may be used to receive user input,
including but not limited to a remote control device, a traditional
computer input device such as a keyboard or mouse, a touch screen,
a gamepad or other type of gaming console input device, or one or
more sensors including but not limited to video cameras,
microphones and motion sensors.
[0214] Viewer tracking unit 3216 is intended to generally represent
any type of functionality for determining or estimating a location
of one or more viewers of display system 3200 and/or a head
orientation of one or more viewers of display system 3200. Viewer
tracking unit may perform such functions using different types of
sensors (e.g., cameras, motion sensors, microphones or the like) or
by using tracking systems such as those that wirelessly track an
object (e.g., headset, remote control, or the like) currently being
held or worn by a viewer.
[0215] Media interface 3220 is intended to represent any type of
interface that is capable of receiving media content such as video
content or image content. In certain implementations, media
interface 3220 may comprise an interface for receiving media
content from a remote source such as a broadcast media server, an
on-demand media server, or the like. In such implementations, media
interface 3220 may comprise, for example and without limitation, a
wired or wireless internet or intranet connection, a satellite
interface, a fiber interface, a coaxial cable interface, or a
fiber-coaxial cable interface. Media interface 3220 may also
comprise an interface for receiving media content from a local
source such as a DVD or Blu-Ray disc player, a personal computer, a
personal media player, smart phone, or the like. Media interface
3220 may be capable of retrieving video content from multiple
sources.
[0216] Control circuitry 3202 further includes a communication
interface 3222. Communication interface 3222 enables control
circuitry 3202 to send control signals via a communication medium
3252 to another communication interface 3230 within driver
circuitry 3204, thereby enabling control circuitry 3202 to control
the operation of driver circuitry 3204. Communication medium 3252
may comprise any kind of wired or wireless communication medium
suitable for transmitting such control signals.
[0217] As shown in FIG. 32, driver circuitry 3204 includes the
aforementioned communication interface 3230 as well as pixel array
driver circuitry 3232 and adaptable light manipulator driver
circuitry 3234. Driver circuitry also optionally includes light
generator driver circuitry 3236. Each of these driver circuitry
elements is configured to receive control signals from control
circuitry 3202 (via the link between communication interface 3222
and communication interface 3230) and, responsive thereto, to send
selected drive signals to a corresponding hardware element within
screen 3206, the drive signals causing the corresponding hardware
element to operate in a particular manner. In particular, pixel
array driver circuitry 3232 is configured to send selected drive
signals to a pixel array 3242 within screen 3206, adaptable light
manipulator driver circuitry 3234 is configured to send selected
drive signals to an adaptable light manipulator 3244 within screen
elements 3206, and optional light generator driver circuitry 3236
is configured to send selected drive signals to an optional light
generator 3246 within screen 3206.
[0218] In one example mode of operation, processing unit 3214
operates pursuant to control logic to receive video content via
media interface 3220 and to generate control signals necessary to
cause driver circuitry 3204 to render such video content to screen
3206 in accordance with a selected viewing configuration. The
control logic that is executed by processing unit 3214 may be
retrieved, for example, from a primary memory or a secondary
storage device connected to processing unit 3214 via communication
infrastructure 3212 as discussed above. The control logic may also
be retrieved from some other local or remote source. Where the
control logic is stored on a computer readable medium, that
computer readable medium may be referred to herein as a computer
program product.
[0219] Among other features, driver circuitry 3204 may be
controlled in a manner previously described to send coordinated
drive signals necessary for simultaneously displaying
two-dimensional images, three-dimensional images and multi-view
three-dimensional content via different display regions of the
screen. The manner in which pixel array 3242, adaptable light
manipulator 3244 (e.g., an adaptable parallax barrier), and light
generator 3246 may be manipulated in a coordinated fashion to
perform this function was described previously herein. Note that in
accordance with certain implementations (e.g., implementations in
which pixel array comprises an OLED/PLED pixel array), screen 3206
need not include light generator 3246.
[0220] In one embodiment, at least part of the function of
generating control signals necessary to cause pixel array 3242,
adaptable light manipulator 3244 and light generator 3246 to render
video content to screen 3206 in accordance with a selected viewing
configuration is performed by drive signal processing circuitry
3238 which is integrated within driver circuitry 3204. Such
circuitry may operate, for example, in conjunction with and/or
under the control of processing unit 3214 to generate the necessary
control signals.
[0221] In certain implementations, control circuitry 3202, driver
circuitry 3204 and screen elements 3206 are all included within a
single housing. For example and without limitation, all these
elements may exist within a television, a laptop computer, a tablet
computer, or a telephone. In accordance with such an
implementation, the link 3252 formed between communication
interfaces 3222 and 3230 may be replaced by a direct connection
between driver circuitry 3204 and communication infrastructure
3212. In an alternate implementation, control circuitry 3202 is
disposed within a first housing, such as set top box or personal
computer, and driver circuitry 3204 and screen 3206 are disposed
within a second housing, such as a television or computer monitor.
The set top box may be any type of set top box including but not
limited to fiber, Internet, cable, satellite, or terrestrial
digital.
IV. Conclusion
[0222] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and
scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *