U.S. patent application number 12/982047 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for 2d/3d projection system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz.
Application Number | 20110157330 12/982047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43797724 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110157330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bennett; James D. ; et
al. |
June 30, 2011 |
2D/3D PROJECTION SYSTEM
Abstract
Projection systems, including projectors and projection screens,
that support the presentation of two-dimensional and
three-dimensional images for viewing are described, as well as
methods for operating the same. In each of the example projection
systems, a projection screen is used in conjunction with a light
manipulator, such as a parallax barrier or a lenticular lens, that
is disposed adjacent to (and may be integrated with) the projection
screen to support the viewing of both two-dimensional and
three-dimensional images.
Inventors: |
Bennett; James D.;
(Hroznetin, CZ) ; Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) |
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
43797724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/982047 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61291818 |
Dec 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
61303119 |
Feb 10, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/54 ;
348/E13.026; 348/E9.025; 353/7; 359/443; 359/458 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 5/14 20130101; H04N
13/312 20180501; H04N 13/161 20180501; H04N 13/315 20180501; H04N
2013/403 20180501; G09G 2320/028 20130101; G02B 6/00 20130101; H04N
13/194 20180501; H04N 13/305 20180501; H04N 13/398 20180501; G03B
35/24 20130101; H04N 13/189 20180501; H04N 2013/405 20180501; G09G
3/003 20130101; H04N 13/31 20180501; H04S 7/303 20130101; H04N
13/351 20180501; G09G 5/003 20130101; H04N 13/00 20130101; G06F
3/0346 20130101; G09G 2300/023 20130101; H04N 21/435 20130101; H04N
21/4122 20130101; G06F 3/14 20130101; G09G 3/20 20130101; H04N
13/139 20180501; H04N 13/359 20180501; H04N 13/366 20180501; H04N
21/235 20130101; G09G 2370/04 20130101; H04N 13/332 20180501; H04N
13/361 20180501; H04N 13/383 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/54 ; 353/7;
359/443; 359/458; 348/E13.026; 348/E09.025 |
International
Class: |
H04N 13/04 20060101
H04N013/04; G03B 21/14 20060101 G03B021/14; G02B 27/22 20060101
G02B027/22; G03B 21/56 20060101 G03B021/56; G03B 21/60 20060101
G03B021/60 |
Claims
1. A projection system that assists in delivering a visual
presentation of three-dimensional content via a projection screen
to a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, the three-dimensional
content comprising a first image and a second image, the projection
system comprising: a first projection assembly that at least
assists in projecting first light toward the projection screen, the
first light representing a first part of the three-dimensional
content corresponding to the first image; a second projection
assembly that at least assists in projecting second light toward
the projection screen, the second light representing a second part
of the three-dimensional content corresponding to the second image;
the first projection assembly at least assisting in projecting the
first light at the same time that the second projection assembly at
least assists in projecting the second light.
2. The projection system of claim 1, wherein the first projection
assembly comprises a first image generator that imposes the first
image on first light to generate first filtered light, and a first
lens assembly that projects the first filtered light; and wherein
the second projection assembly comprises a second image generator
that imposes the second image on second light to generate second
filtered light, and a second lens assembly that projects the second
filtered light.
3. The projection system of claim 2, wherein the first projection
assembly further comprises a first parallax barrier that
manipulates the first filtered light prior to projection thereof by
the first lens assembly; and wherein the second projection assembly
further comprises a second parallax barrier that manipulates the
second filtered light prior to projection thereof by the second
lens assembly.
4. The projection system of claim 3, further comprising: projector
control circuitry that modifies a state of the first parallax
barrier and a state of the second parallax barrier.
5. The projection system of claim 4, wherein the projector control
circuitry modifies the state of the first parallax barrier and the
state of the second parallax barrier responsive to information
concerning a state of an adaptable light manipulator associated
with a projection screen.
6. The projection system of claim 4, wherein the projector control
circuitry modifies the state of the first parallax barrier and the
state of the second parallax barrier responsive to information
concerning a location or head orientation of a viewer.
7. The projection system of claim 1, wherein the first projection
assembly comprises a first parallax barrier that receives filtered
light that includes both the first image and the second image and
that passes only the filtered light that includes the first image
to produce first manipulated light, and a first lens assembly that
projects the first manipulated light; and wherein the second
projection assembly comprises a second parallax barrier that
receives the filtered light that includes both the first image and
the second image and passes only the filtered light that includes
the second image to produce second manipulated light, and a second
lens assembly that projects the second manipulated light.
8. A screen that supports delivery of three-dimensional projection
content to a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, the
three-dimensional projection content corresponding to both a first
image of subject matter from a first perspective and a second image
of the subject matter from a second perspective, the screen
comprising: a panel that receives the three-dimensional projection
content; and a light manipulator disposed adjacent to the panel;
the light manipulator directing a first portion of the
three-dimensional projection content corresponding to the first
image to the left eye of the viewer, and directing a second portion
of the three-dimensional projection content corresponding to the
second image to the right eye of the viewer.
9. The screen of claim 8, wherein the panel comprises a reflective
panel for use with a forward-projection system.
10. The screen of claim 8, wherein the panel comprises a
transmissive panel for use with a rear-projection system.
11. The screen of claim 8, wherein the light manipulator comprises
a parallax barrier.
12. The screen of claim 8, wherein the light manipulator comprises
a lenticular lens.
13. The screen of claim 8, further comprising control circuitry
that modifies a state of the light manipulator.
14. A method used by a projection system to visually present
three-dimensional video data via a projection screen to a left eye
and a right eye of a viewer, the three-dimensional video data
corresponding to both first video capture from a first perspective
and second video capture from a second perspective, the method
comprising: projecting first light toward the projection screen in
accordance with a first orientation, the first light representing a
first part of the three-dimensional video data corresponding to the
first video capture from the first perspective; and projecting
second light toward the projection screen in accordance with a
second orientation, the second light representing a second part of
the three-dimensional video data corresponding to the second video
capture from the second perspective, the second orientation being
different from that of the first orientation.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein projecting the first light
toward the projection screen in accordance with the first
orientation comprises projecting the first light by a first
projection assembly; and wherein projecting the second light toward
the projection screen in accordance with the second orientation
comprises projecting the second light by a second projection
assembly; and wherein the first light and the second light are
projected concurrently.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein projecting the first light
toward the projection screen in accordance with the first
orientation comprises projecting the first light by a projection
assembly during a first time interval; and wherein projecting the
second light toward the projection screen in accordance with the
second orientation comprises projecting the second light by the
projection assembly during a second time interval.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising redirecting the
first light toward the left eye of the viewer.
18. A projection system, comprising: a projection unit comprising a
first projection assembly that projects a first image, and a second
projection assembly that projects a second image; and a projection
screen comprising a reflective surface upon which at least a
portion of the first image and at least a portion of the second
image are projected, and a light manipulator disposed adjacent to
the reflective surface, the light manipulator operable to
manipulate reflected light produced by the projection of the at
least a portion of the first image and the at least a portion of
the second image on the reflective surface to produce a left-eye
image and a right-eye image, the left-eye and right-eye images
forming a three-dimensional image when perceived by a respective
left eye and right eye of a viewer.
19. The projection system of claim 18, wherein the light
manipulator comprises a lenticular lens.
20. The projection system of claim 18, wherein the light
manipulator comprises a parallax barrier.
21. The projection system of claim 18, wherein the projection unit
further comprises: a first parallax barrier that filters the first
image projected by the first projection assembly; and a second
parallax barrier that filters the second image projected by the
second projection assembly.
22. A projection system, comprising: a projection unit comprising a
projection assembly that alternately projects left-eye images and
right-eye images; and a projection screen comprising a reflective
surface upon which the left-eye images and the right-eye images are
alternately projected, and a light manipulator disposed adjacent to
the reflective surface, the light manipulator operable to
manipulate reflected light produced by the projection of the
left-eye images to produce manipulated left-eye images and to
manipulate reflected light produced by the projection of the
right-eye images to produce manipulated right-eye images, the
manipulated left-eye images and manipulated right-eye images
forming three-dimensional images when perceived by a respective
left eye and right eye of a viewer wearing shutter glasses.
23. The projection system of claim 22, wherein the light
manipulator comprises a lenticular lens.
24. The projection system of claim 22, wherein the light
manipulator comprises a parallax barrier.
25. The projection system of claim 22, wherein the projection
assembly comprises: an image generating element that produces
images; and an adaptable parallax barrier that filters the images
produced by the image generating element, the adaptable parallax
barrier comprising an array of barrier elements that may be
selectively placed in a blocking or non-blocking state, the state
of the barrier elements being controlled to produce at least a
first parallax barrier configuration that filters images generated
by the image generating element to produce the left-eye images and
a second parallax barrier configuration that filters images
generated by the image generating element to produce the right-eye
images.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/291,818, filed on Dec. 31, 2009, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/303,119, filed on Feb. 10,
2010. The entirety of each of these applications is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0002] 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:
[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,307, filed on May 5,
2010, and entitled "Display with Elastic Light Manipulator";
and
[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,409, filed on Jul.
28, 2010, and entitled "Display with Adaptable Parallax
Barrier."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to projectors, projection
screens, and projection systems that support the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images.
[0007] 2. Background Art
[0008] A projector is a device that receives a signal
representative of an image and projects or "throws" the
corresponding image on a projection screen or other suitable
surface using a lens system. Projectors use a very bright light to
project the image, and most modern ones can correct any curves,
blurriness, and other inconsistencies through manual settings.
Projectors are widely used for conference room presentations,
classroom training and live events applications. Projectors are
also widely used in many schools and other educational settings,
connected to an interactive whiteboard to interactively teach
pupils.
[0009] Projectors are also increasingly being used for home theater
applications. Such applications allow consumers to view video
content from a variety of sources on a large screen, often
accompanied by surround-sound audio, while in the comfort of their
own home. A projector used in the home may be mounted or placed in
front of a projection screen or other suitable reflective surface.
In this case, the light projected by the projector is reflected off
of the projection screen and the reflected light is perceived by a
viewer. A projector may also be built into a cabinet or other
suitable enclosure behind a rear-projection screen to form a single
unified display device, sometimes referred to as a rear-projection
television or RPTV. In the case of rear-projection systems, the
screen passes the light emitted by the projector rather than
reflecting it.
[0010] An emerging trend in home entertainment involves the
delivery of video content capable of being displayed in
three-dimensions. A variety of techniques may be used to achieve
three-dimensional image viewing functionality. In the case of
projection systems, the primary approach to viewing
three-dimensional content appears to be the use of glasses that may
be worn by users to view three-dimensional images projected on a
screen. Examples of such glasses include glasses that utilize color
filters or polarized filters. In each case, the lenses of the
glasses pass two-dimensional 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 projection systems to create a three-dimensional
viewing illusion. Problems exist with such techniques for viewing
three-dimensional images. For instance, persons that use such
projection 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Projection systems, including projectors and projection
screens, that support the presentation of two-dimensional and
three-dimensional images for viewing are described herein, as well
as methods for operating the same. Such apparatuses, systems, and
methods are substantially 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
[0012] 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.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example projection system that
utilizes a combined projection screen/parallax barrier and a
projector having multiple projection assemblies to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of a projector having two projection
assemblies in accordance with an embodiment, wherein one of the
projection assemblies comprises user-moveable components to allow
for manual adjustment thereof.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of a projector having two projection
assemblies in accordance with an alternate embodiment, wherein both
of the projections assemblies comprise user-moveable components to
allow for manual adjustment thereof.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a projector that includes two
projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a projector that includes two
projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
alternate embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a projector that includes two
projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with yet
another alternate embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example projection system that
utilizes a combined projection screen/lenticular lens and a
projector having multiple projection assemblies to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a projector that includes two
projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with a
further alternate embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a projection system in
accordance with an embodiment that supports synchronization between
adaptable parallax barriers in a projector and an adaptable light
manipulator of a projection screen.
[0022] FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart of a method used by a projection
system to visually present a two-dimensional or three-dimensional
image to a viewer in accordance with certain embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example projection system that
utilizes a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector having a single projection assembly to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a projector that includes a
single projection assembly for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a projector that includes a
single projection assembly for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
alternate embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart of an alternate method used by a
projection system to visually present a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional image to a viewer in accordance with certain
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example rear-projection system
that utilizes a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector to facilitate the viewing of both two-dimensional and
three-dimensional images in accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] 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
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
II. EXEMPLARY 2D/3D PROJECTION SYSTEMS
[0032] Projection systems, including projectors and projection
screens, that support the presentation of two-dimensional and
three-dimensional images for viewing are described below, as well
as methods for operating the same. In each of the example
projection systems described herein, a projection screen is used in
conjunction with a light manipulator, such as a parallax barrier or
a lenticular lens, that is disposed adjacent to (and may be
integrated with) the projection screen to support the viewing of
both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. First, exemplary
projection systems that utilize a combined projection screen/light
manipulator and a projector having at least two projection
assemblies will be described. Second, exemplary projection systems
that utilize a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector having a single projection assembly will be described.
Finally, rear-projection variants will be described.
[0033] A. Example 2D/3D Projection Systems that use a Combined
Projection Screen/Light Manipulator and Projector with at Least Two
Projection Assemblies
[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example projection system 100 that
utilizes a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector having multiple projection assemblies to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, projection
system 100 includes a projector 102 and a projection screen 104.
Projection system 100 is intended to represent a front-projection
system. In accordance with a front-projection system, viewers are
located on a same side of projection screen 104 as projector
102.
[0035] Projector 102 includes a first projection assembly 112 and a
second projection assembly 114. First projection assembly 112 is
operable to project first light 132 toward projection screen 104
and second projection assembly 114 is operable to project second
light 134 toward projection screen 104. First projection assembly
112 may project first light 132 toward projection screen 104 in
accordance with a first orientation while second projection
assembly 112 may project second light 134 toward projection screen
104 in accordance with a second orientation that is different than
the first orientation. By utilizing different orientations, first
and second projection assemblies 112 and 114 can respectively
project first light 132 and second light 134 at projection screen
104 at different angles so as to achieve a desired viewing
effect.
[0036] In a two-dimensional viewing mode, first light 132 and
second light 134 may each represent the same two-dimensional image,
or at least a portion of the same two-dimensional image. In a
three-dimensional viewing mode, first light 132 may represent at
least a first image and second light 134 may represent at least a
second image, the first and second images corresponding to
different perspective views of the same subject matter that, when
taken together, comprise a single three-dimensional image. The
manner in which projector 102 operates to generate and project
first light 132 and second light 134 will be described in more
detail below.
[0037] Projection screen 104 comprises a combination of a
reflective panel 122 and a light manipulator in the form of a
parallax barrier 124. Panel 122 may comprise a sheet of white,
silver or grey fabric, a painted wall, or any other element or
structure having a surface that is suitable for diffusively
reflecting light projected thereon. Parallax barrier 124 comprises
a series of vertical light-blocking elements that are disposed in
front of panel 122. The vertical light-blocking elements of
parallax barrier 124 define a series of vertical light-passing gaps
or slits. Parallax barrier 124 may be implemented as a series of
physically distinct bars or strips that are mounted in place over
panel 122. Alternatively, parallax barrier 124 may be implemented
as a single layer of material comprising alternating opaque and
transparent bars or strips. Still other implementations of parallax
barrier 124 may be used.
[0038] Parallax barrier 124 is arranged such that only a portion of
first light 132 is allowed to reach certain portions of panel 122,
referred to herein as first portions of panel 122. Parallax barrier
124 is further arranged so that light reflected from these first
portions is substantially directed to only one eye of a viewer 106.
Parallax barrier 124 is also arranged such that only a portion of
second light 134 is allowed to reach certain portions of panel 122,
referred to herein as second portions of panel 122. Parallax
barrier 124 is further arranged so that light reflected from these
second portions is substantially directed to only the other eye of
viewer 106.
[0039] For ease of explanation, the image content of the portion of
first light 132 that is reflected from the first portions of panel
122 to one eye of viewer 106 will be referred to as "first image
content" and the image content of the portion of second light 134
that is reflected from the second portions of panel 122 to the
other eye of viewer 106 will be referred to as "second image
content." By controlling the first and second image content, system
100 can selectively enable the viewing of either two-dimensional
images or three-dimensional images by viewer 106. For example, if
the first image content comprises a first portion of a view of
certain subject matter from a given perspective and the second
image content comprises a second portion of the view of the same
subject matter from the same perspective, then the first and second
image content can be combined in the mind of viewer 106 to form a
two-dimensional image of the subject matter. As another example, if
the first image content comprises a view of certain subject matter
from a first perspective and the second image content comprises a
view of the same subject matter from a second perspective that is
different from the first, then the first and second image content
can be combined in the mind of viewer 106 to form a
three-dimensional image of the subject matter.
[0040] One aspect of controlling the first image content and the
second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer involves
controlling how light generated by one or more light sources within
projector 102 is filtered to generate first light 132 and second
light 134. Various techniques for performing such filtering will be
described below in reference to particular implementations of
projector 102.
[0041] Another aspect of controlling the first image content and
the second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer involves
taking into account the arrangement of panel 122 and parallax
barrier 124. In system 100, it is assumed that panel 122 and
parallax barrier 124 are each mounted or placed in a manner such
that they are maintained at a fixed distance from each other. It is
further assumed that the dimensions of the blocking elements of
parallax barrier 124 and the spacing there between is also
fixed.
[0042] Given this fixed nature of projection screen 104, to ensure
that desired first image content reaches one eye of a viewer and
desired second image content reaches the other eye of the viewer,
the distance between each of first projection assembly 112 and
second projection assembly 114 and projection screen 104 must be
controlled, as well as the angles at which light is projected by
each of first projection assembly 112 and second projection
assembly 114 toward projection screen 104.
[0043] One manner of controlling the distance between first and
second projection assemblies 112 and 114 and projection screen 104,
as well as the angles at which such elements project light onto
projection screen 104, is to mount or place projector 102 in a
suitable location relative to projection screen 104. To this end,
projector 102 may be configured to execute an application that
assists an installer thereof in selecting a proper location for
mounting or placement thereof. For example, such application may
cause projector 102 to project test images or patterns via first
projection assembly 112 and/or second projection assembly 114 that
can be used by an installer to determine whether or not projector
102 has been mounted or placed in a suitable location relative to
projection screen 104. Still other methods may be used to select a
suitable location.
[0044] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the distance between
each of first projection assembly 112 and second projection
assembly 114 and projection screen 104 as well as the angles at
which each assembly directs light towards projection screen 104 can
be controlled by permitting a user to adjust certain aspects of one
or both projection assemblies. For example, FIG. 2 is a front view
of a projector 200 having two projection assemblies in accordance
with an embodiment, wherein one of the projection assemblies
comprises user-moveable components to allow for user adjustment
thereof Projector 200 may be one implementation of projector 102 of
FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, projector 200 includes a first
projection assembly 202 that is moveable along a horizontal axis
206 and a second projection assembly 204. Such a design enables a
user to adjust a horizontal position of first projection assembly
202 and a horizontal spacing between first projection assembly 202
and second projection assembly 204 to achieve a desired viewing
configuration. For example, the horizontal spacing may be adjusted
to account for the relative distance of projector 200 from a
projection screen in relation to a viewer and/or to account for a
viewer's change in location. Depending upon the implementation of
projector 200, such adjustment may be made, for example, by
manipulating a dial, joystick or other integrated control element
of projector 200 or by using a remote control interface or the
like.
[0045] As another example, FIG. 3 is a front view of a projector
300 having two projection assemblies in accordance with an
embodiment, wherein both of the projection assemblies comprise
user-moveable components to allow for user adjustment thereof
Projector 300 may also be an implementation of projector 102 of
FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, projector 300 includes a first
projection assembly 302 that is moveable along a first horizontal
axis 306 and a second projection assembly 304 that is moveable
along a second horizontal axis 308. Projector 300 is designed so
that a user can adjust the horizontal position of each of first
projection assembly 302 and second projection assembly 304 as well
as a horizontal spacing between such elements to achieve a desired
viewing configuration. Since both projection assemblies are
adjustable in this manner, projector 300 may more flexibly
accommodate, for example, arrangements where a viewer is located to
the left or right of the center of the projection screen. Depending
upon the implementation of projector 300, such adjustment may be
made, for example, by manipulating a dial, joystick or other
integrated control element of projector 300 or by using a remote
control interface or the like. In one embodiment, horizontal
movement of first projection assembly 302 and second projection
assembly 304 is synchronized such that each projection assembly is
offset by the same distance from a predefined point (e.g. a
predefined center point between the two projection assemblies).
[0046] As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant
art(s), in certain embodiments, other aspects associated with a
projection assembly may be modifiable by a user. For example,
depending upon the projector design, a user may be able to shift a
projection assembly in a horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal
direction, adjust an orientation of a projection assembly to change
the angles at which light projected therefrom strikes a projections
screen (e.g., pan or tilt type controls), and/or adjust a zoom
level of a lens assembly associated with a particular projection
assembly.
[0047] In FIG. 1, projector 102 is shown as being behind viewer
106. However, such an arrangement has been provided by way of
example only. For example, in accordance with other embodiments,
projector 102 may be located directly above the head of viewer 106
or in any other location at which projector 102 can project light
onto projection screen 104. To accommodate different positions of
projector 102, different methods of generating first light 132
and/or second light 134 may be utilized, different aspects of first
projection assembly 112 and/or second projection assembly 114 may
be modified, and/or different configurations of projection screen
104 may be used.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a projector 400 that includes
two projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
embodiment. Projector 400 may comprise one implementation of
projector 102 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, projector 400 includes
a first projection assembly 402, a second projection assembly 404
and projector control circuitry 406 connected to each.
[0049] Projector control circuitry 406 controls first projector
assembly 402 to produce first projected light 436 for projection
onto a projection screen. Projector control circuitry 406 further
controls second projector assembly 404 to produce second projected
light 446 for projection onto a projection screen. First projected
light 436 includes at least first image content that is intended
for one eye of a viewer and second projected light 446 includes at
least second image content that is intended for the other eye of
the viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content
and second image content, when such image content is perceived by
the viewer it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image or
a three-dimensional image.
[0050] As further shown in FIG. 4, first projection assembly 402
includes a first light source 412, a first image generator 414 and
a first lens assembly 416. First light source 412 operates to
produce first light 432. Depending upon the implementation, first
light source 412 may comprise, for example and without limitation,
one or more lamps (e.g., one or more fluorescent, incandescent or
gas discharge lamps), an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), an
array of laser diodes, or a hybrid light source based on both LED
and laser diodes. Still other types of light sources may be
used.
[0051] First image generator 414 receives first light 432 generated
by first light source 412 and filters such light to impose image
content thereon, thereby producing first filtered light 434. First
filtered light 434 may comprise a plurality of discrete regions of
varying color and intensity. Such regions may be referred to, for
example, as pixels. Various types of technology may be utilized to
implement first image generator 414 including but not limited to
liquid crystal display (LCD) projection technology (in which case
first image generator 414 may comprise dichroic mirrors and
corresponding red, green and blue LCD panels), digital light
processing (DLP) projection technology (in which case first image
generator 414 may comprise one or more digital micromirror
devices), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) projection technology
(in which case first image generator 414 may comprise one or more
LCoS display chips). Still other types of technology may be used to
implement first image generator 414.
[0052] First lens assembly 416 receives first filtered light 434
generated by first image generator 414 and operates to spread such
light outward, thereby generating first projected light 436. First
projected light 436 is intended to be "thrown" toward a suitable
projection screen, such as projection screen 104 of FIG. 1.
Depending upon the implementation, first lens assembly 416 may
comprise one or more lenses, and may be implemented as a fixed
lens, zoom lens, wide angle lens, or the like.
[0053] Second projection assembly 404 is configured similarly to
first projection assembly 402. For example, second projection
assembly 404 includes a second light source 422, a second image
generator 424 and a second lens assembly 426. Each of these
components may be implemented in a like fashion to similarly-named
components of first projection assembly 402 as previously
described. Second light source 422 operates to produce second light
442. Second image generator 424 receives second light 442 generated
by second light source 422 and filters such light to impose image
content thereon, thereby producing second filtered light 444.
Second lens assembly 426 receives second filtered light 444
generated by second image generator 424 and operates to spread such
light outward, thereby generating second projected light 446, which
is intended to be "thrown" toward a suitable projection screen,
such as projection screen 104 of FIG. 1.
[0054] Projector control circuitry 406 operates to control the
image content that is imposed on first light 432 by first image
generator 414 and to control the image content that is imposed on
second light 442 by second image generator 424. Such image content
may be received or derived from an image content source that is
connected to projector 400. By way of example, projector control
circuitry 406 may cause the same two-dimensional image to be
imposed on first light 432 and second light 442 at approximately
the same time. Consequently, first projected light 436 and second
projected light 446 will comprise a projection of the same
two-dimensional image and the viewer will perceive a
two-dimensional image formed from reflected portions of first
projected light 436 and second projected light 446. Alternatively,
projector control circuitry 406 may cause a first image that
provides a view of certain subject matter from one perspective to
be imposed on first light 432 and a second image that provides a
view of the same subject matter from a different perspective to be
imposed on second light 442 at approximately the same time. In this
case, first projected light 436 will comprise a projection of the
first image, second projected light 446 will comprise a projection
of the second image, and the viewer will perceive a
three-dimensional image formed from reflected portions of first
projected light 436 and second projected light 446.
[0055] Thus, by controlling the image content that is imposed on
first light 432 by first image generator 414 and the image content
that is imposed on second light 442 by second image generator 424,
projector control circuitry 406 can operate to cause a viewer to
perceive a particular two-dimensional or three-dimensional image.
It is to be understood that the image may comprise a persistent
still image or one of a series of images that together comprise a
video stream.
[0056] In a further example, projector control circuitry 406 may
impose image content comprising two or more views of the same
subject matter from different perspectives on each of first light
432 and second light 442 (e.g., two, four, or eight views of the
same subject matter from different perspectives) thereby enabling
the simultaneous display of multiple three-dimensional images,
wherein the position of a viewer dictates which of the multiple
three-dimensional images is currently perceived.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a projector 500 that includes
two projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
alternate embodiment. Like projector 400, projector 500 may
comprise one implementation of projector 102 of FIG. 1. As shown in
FIG. 5, projector 500 includes a first projection assembly 502, a
second projection assembly 504 and projector control circuitry 506
connected to each.
[0058] Projector control circuitry 506 controls first projector
assembly 502 to produce first projected light 538 for projection
onto a projection screen. Projector control circuitry 506 further
controls second projector assembly 504 to produce second projected
light 548 for projection onto a projection screen. First projected
light 538 includes at least first image content that is intended
for one eye of a viewer and second projected light 548 includes at
least second image content that is intended for the other eye of
the viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content
and second image content, when such image content is perceived by
the viewer it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image or
a three-dimensional image.
[0059] Projector 500 differs from projector 400 in that a single
light source 512 is used by both first projection assembly 502 and
second projection assembly 504. Like first light source 412 and
second light source 422 of projector 400, light source 512 may
comprise, for example and without limitation, one or more lamps, an
array of LEDs, an array of laser diodes, or a hybrid light source
based on both LED and laser diodes. Still other types of light
sources may be used. Light source 512 produces light 532 that is
received by a light distributor 514 that splits light 532 into
first light 534 and second light 544. Depending upon the
implementation, light distributor 514 may comprise, for example, a
prism, a mirror, or other device or element suitable for splitting
a single beam of light into multiple beams of light.
[0060] As further shown in FIG. 5, first projection assembly 502
also includes a first image generator 516 and a first lens assembly
518. Each of these components may be implemented in a like fashion
to first image generator 414 and first lens assembly 416 of
projector 400, as previously described. First image generator 516
receives first light 534 from light distributor 514 and filters
such light to impose image content thereon, thereby producing first
filtered light 536. First lens assembly 518 receives first filtered
light 536 generated by first image generator 516 and operates to
spread such light outward, thereby generating first projected light
538. First projected light 538 is intended to be "thrown" toward a
suitable projection screen, such as projection screen 104 of FIG.
1.
[0061] Second projection assembly 504 further includes a second
image generator 526 and a second lens assembly 528, each of which
may be implemented in a like fashion to similarly-named components
of first projection assembly 502 as previously described. Second
image generator 526 receives second light 544 from light
distributor 514 and filters such light to impose image content
thereon, thereby producing second filtered light 546. Second lens
assembly 528 receives second filtered light 546 generated by second
image generator 526 and operates to spread such light outward,
thereby generating second projected light 548, which is intended to
be "thrown" toward a suitable projection screen, such as projection
screen 104 of FIG. 1.
[0062] Projector control circuitry 506 operates to control the
image content that is imposed on first light 534 by first image
generator 516 and to control the image content that is imposed on
second light 544 by second image generator 526. Such image content
may be received or derived from an image content source that is
connected to projector 500. By so doing, projector control
circuitry 506 can operate to cause a viewer to perceive a
particular two-dimensional or three-dimensional image. The
three-dimensional image may be one of one or more
simultaneously-displayed three-dimensional images. At least one
manner by which projector control circuitry 506 may achieve this
was described in detail above in reference to projector 400 of FIG.
4 and thus will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a projector 600 that includes
two projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with yet
another alternate embodiment. Like projector 400, projector 600 may
comprise one implementation of projector 102 of FIG. 1. As shown in
FIG. 6, projector 600 includes a first projection assembly 602, a
second projection assembly 604 and projector control circuitry 606
connected to each.
[0064] Projector control circuitry 606 controls first projector
assembly 602 to produce first projected light 638 for projection
onto a projection screen. Projector control circuitry 606 further
controls second projector assembly 604 to produce second projected
light 648 for projection onto a projection screen. First projected
light 638 includes at least first image content that is intended
for one eye of a viewer and second projected light 648 includes at
least second image content that is intended for the other eye of
the viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content
and second image content, when such image content is perceived by
the viewer it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image or
a three-dimensional image.
[0065] Projector 600 differs from projector 400 in that a single
light source 612 and a single image generator 614 is used by both
first projection assembly 602 and second projection assembly 604.
Like first light source 412 and second light source 422 of
projector 400, light source 612 may comprise, for example and
without limitation, one or more lamps, an array of LEDs, an array
of laser diodes, or a hybrid light source based on both LED and
laser diodes. Still other types of light sources may be used.
[0066] Image generator 614 receives light 632 from light source 612
and filters such light to impose image content thereon, thereby
producing filtered light 634. Image generator 614 may be
implemented in a like fashion to first image generator 414 of
projector 400, as previously described. Filtered light 634 is
received by a light distributor 616 that splits filtered light 634
into first filtered light 636 and second filtered light 646, each
of which carries the same image content. Depending upon the
implementation, light distributor 616 may comprise, for example, a
prism, a mirror, or other device or element suitable for splitting
a single beam of light into multiple beams of light.
[0067] As further shown in FIG. 6, first projection assembly 602
also includes a first lens assembly 618. First lens assembly 618
may be implemented in a like fashion to first lens assembly 416 of
projector 400, as previously described. First lens assembly 618
receives first filtered light 636 from light distributor 616 and
operates to spread such light outward, thereby generating first
projected light 638. First projected light 638 is intended to be
"thrown" toward a suitable projection screen, such as projection
screen 104 of FIG. 1.
[0068] Second projection assembly 604 further includes a second
lens assembly 628, which may be implemented in a like fashion to
first lens assembly 618. Second lens assembly 628 receives second
filtered light 646 from light distributor 616 and operates to
spread such light outward, thereby generating second projected
light 648, which is intended to be "thrown" toward a suitable
projection screen, such as projection screen 104 of FIG. 1.
[0069] Projector control circuitry 606 operates to control the
image content that is imposed on light 632 by image generator 614.
Such image content may be received or derived from an image content
source that is connected to projector 600. By so doing, projector
control circuitry 606 can operate to cause a viewer to perceive a
particular two-dimensional or three-dimensional image. This is true
even though a single image generator (i.e., image generator 614) is
used, since in certain implementations the desired two-dimensional
or three-dimensional viewing effect can be achieved by projecting
light that includes the same image content from both projection
assemblies. In a two-dimensional viewing mode, the image content
comprises a single two-dimensional image which is then
simultaneously projected by both projection assemblies. In a
three-dimensional viewing mode, the image content comprises an
interleaving of at least a first image and a second image, wherein
each image provides a different perspective view of the same
subject matter. In accordance with this embodiment, the parallax
barrier at the projection screen operates to cause the portion of
the image content that represents the first image to be directed to
one eye of a viewer and the portion of the image content that
represents the second image to be directed to the other eye of the
viewer.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example projection system 700 that
utilizes a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector having multiple projection assemblies to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with an alternate embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7,
projection system 700 includes a projector 702 and a projection
screen 704. Like projection system 100 of FIG. 1, projection system
700 is intended to represent a front-projection system. In
accordance with a front-projection system, viewers are located on a
same side of projection screen 704 as projector 702.
[0071] Projector 702 includes a first projection assembly 712 and a
second projection assembly 714. First projection assembly 712 is
operable to project first light 732 toward projection screen 704
and second projection assembly 714 is operable to project second
light 734 toward projection screen 704. First projection assembly
712 may project first light 732 toward projection screen 704 in
accordance with a first orientation while second projection
assembly 714 may project second light 734 toward projection screen
704 in accordance with a second orientation that is different than
the first orientation. By utilizing different orientations, first
and second projection assemblies 712 and 714 can respectively
project first light 732 and second light 734 at projection screen
704 at different angles so as to achieve a desired viewing
effect.
[0072] In a two-dimensional viewing mode, first light 732 and
second light 734 may each represent at least a portion of the same
two-dimensional image. In a three-dimensional viewing mode, first
light 732 may represent at least a first image and second light 734
may represent at least a second image, the first and second images
corresponding to different perspective views of the same subject
matter that, when taken together, comprise a single
three-dimensional image. The manner in which projector 702 operates
to generate and project first light 732 and second light 734 will
be described in more detail below.
[0073] Projection screen 704 comprises a combination of a
reflective panel 722 and a light manipulator in the form of a
lenticular lens 724. Like panel 122 of FIG. 1, panel 722 may
comprise a sheet of white, silver or grey fabric, a painted wall,
or any other element or structure having a surface that is suitable
for diffusively reflecting light projected thereon. Lenticular lens
724 comprises an array of magnifying lenses configured so that when
viewed from slightly different angles, different images are
magnified. Lenticular lens 724 may be physically separate from
panel 722 but mounted or otherwise disposed closely thereto.
Alternatively, lenticular lens 724 may be physically connected to
panel 722 to provide an integrated projection screen.
[0074] First projection assembly 712 projects first light 732 in
such a manner that, after interaction with lenticular lens 724,
such light reaches only certain portions of panel 722, referred to
herein as first portions of panel 1022. Lenticular lens 724 is
configured such that light reflected from these first portions is
substantially directed to only one eye of a viewer 706. Second
projection assembly 712 projects second light 734 in such a manner
that, after interaction with lenticular lens 724, such light
reaches only certain portions of panel 722, referred to herein as
second portions of panel 722. Lenticular lens 724 is configured
such that light reflected from these second portions is
substantially directed to only the other eye of viewer 706.
[0075] For ease of explanation, the image content of first light
732 that is reflected from the first portions of panel 722 to one
eye of viewer 706 will be referred to as "first image content" and
the image content of second light 734 that is reflected from the
second portions of panel 722 to the other eye of viewer 1006 will
be referred to herein as "second image content." By controlling the
first and second image content, system 700 can selectively enable
the viewing of either two-dimensional images or three-dimensional
images by viewer 706. For example, if the first image content
comprises a first portion of a view of certain subject matter from
a given perspective and the second image content comprises a second
portion of the view of the same subject matter from the same
perspective, then the first and second image content can be
combined in the mind of viewer 706 to form a two-dimensional image
of the subject matter. As another example, if the first image
content comprises a view of certain subject matter from a first
perspective and the second image content comprises a view of the
same subject matter from a second perspective that is different
from the first, then the first and second image content can be
combined in the mind of viewer 706 to form a three-dimensional
image of the subject matter.
[0076] One aspect of controlling the first image content and the
second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer involves
controlling how light generated by one or more light sources within
projector 702 is filtered to generate first light 732 and second
light 734. Various techniques for performing such filtering will be
described below in reference to particular implementations of
projector 702.
[0077] Another aspect of controlling the first image content and
the second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer involves
taking into account the arrangement of panel 722 and lenticular
lens 724. In system 700, it is assumed that panel 722 and
lenticular lens 724 are each mounted or placed in a manner such
that they are maintained at a fixed distance from each other. It is
further assumed that the dimensions of the magnifying lenses of
lenticular lens 724 are also fixed.
[0078] Given this fixed nature of projection screen 704, to ensure
that desired first image content reaches one eye of a viewer and
desired second image content reaches the other eye of the viewer,
the distance between each of first projection assembly 712 and
second projection assembly 714 and projection screen 704 must be
controlled, as well as the angles at which light is projected by
each of first projection assembly 712 and second projection
assembly 714 toward projection screen 704. To achieve this, various
approaches and mechanisms described above in reference to
projection system 100 of FIG. 1 may be used. Such approaches and
mechanisms include but are not limited to mounting or placing
projector 702 in a suitable location relative to projection screen
704 and adjusting certain aspects of one or both projection
assemblies 712 and 714 (e.g., horizontal, vertical or diagonal
shifting of projection assemblies, pan and tilt modifications to
the orientation of projection assemblies, and modification of zoom
levels of a lens assembly associated with a particular projection
assembly) in embodiments that support such features.
[0079] In FIG. 7, projector 702 is shown as being behind viewer
706. However, such an arrangement has been provided by way of
example only. For example, in accordance with other embodiments,
projector 702 may be located directly above the head of viewer 706
or in any other location at which projector 702 can project light
onto projection screen 704. To accommodate different positions of
projector 702, different methods of generating first light 732
and/or second light 734 may be utilized, different aspects of first
projection assembly 712 and/or second projection assembly 714 may
be modified, and/or different configurations of projection screen
704 may be used.
[0080] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a projector 800 that includes
two projection assemblies for facilitating the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with a
further alternate embodiment. Projector 800 may comprise one
implementation of projector 702 of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8,
projector 800 includes a first projection assembly 802, a second
projection assembly 804 and projector control circuitry 806
connected to each.
[0081] Projector control circuitry 806 controls first projector
assembly 802 to produce first projected light 838 for projection
onto a projection screen. Projector control circuitry 806 further
controls second projector assembly 804 to produce second projected
light 848 for projection onto a projection screen. First projected
light 838 includes at least first image content that is intended
for one eye of a viewer and second projected light 848 includes at
least second image content that is intended for the other eye of
the viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content
and second image content, when such image content is perceived by
the viewer it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image or
a three-dimensional image.
[0082] As further shown in FIG. 8, first projection assembly 802
includes a first light source 812, a first image generator 814, a
first parallax barrier 816 and a first lens assembly 818. First
light source 812 operates to produce first light 832. Depending
upon the implementation, first light source 812 may comprise, for
example and without limitation, one or more lamps, an array of
LEDs, an array of laser diodes, or a hybrid light source based on
both LED and laser diodes. Still other types of light sources may
be used.
[0083] First image generator 814 receives first light 832 generated
by first light source 812 and filters such light to impose image
content thereon, thereby producing first filtered light 834. First
filtered light 834 may comprise a plurality of discrete regions of
varying color and intensity. Such regions may be referred to, for
example, as pixels. Various types of technology may be utilized to
implement first image generator 814 including but not limited to
LCD projection technology, DLP projection technology, or LCoS
projection technology. Still other types of technology may be used
to implement first image generator 814.
[0084] First parallax barrier 816 receives first filtered light 834
generated by first image generator 814 and manipulates such light
to produce first manipulated light 836. The manipulation performed
by first parallax barrier 816 causes only certain portions of first
filtered light 814 to be passed to first lens assembly 818 and
thus, first parallax barrier 816 may be thought of as performing a
light filtering function.
[0085] First lens assembly 818 receives first manipulated light 836
produced by first parallax barrier 816 and operates to spread such
light outward, thereby generating first projected light 838. First
projected light 838 is intended to be "thrown" toward a suitable
projection screen, such as projection screen 704 of FIG. 7.
Depending upon the implementation, first lens assembly 818 may
comprise one or more lenses, and may be implemented as a fixed
lens, zoom lens, wide angle lens, or the like.
[0086] Second projection assembly 804 is configured similarly to
first projection assembly 802. For example, second projection
assembly 804 includes a second light source 822, a second image
generator 824, a second parallax barrier 826 and a second lens
assembly 828. Each of these components may be implemented in a like
fashion to similarly-named components of first projection assembly
802 as previously described. Second light source 822 operates to
produce second light 842. Second image generator 824 receives
second light 842 generated by second light source 822 and filters
such light to impose image content thereon, thereby producing
second filtered light 844. Second parallax barrier 826 receives
second filtered light 844 generated by second image generator 824
and manipulates such light to produce second manipulated light 846.
Second lens assembly 828 receives second manipulated light 846
produced by second parallax barrier 826 and operates to spread such
light outward, thereby generating second projected light 848, which
is intended to be "thrown" toward a suitable projection screen,
such as projection screen 704 of FIG. 7.
[0087] Projector control circuitry 806 operates to control the
image content that is imposed on first light 832 by first image
generator 814 and to control the image content that is imposed on
second light 842 by second image generator 824. Such image content
may be received or derived from an image content source that is
connected to projector 800. By way of example, projector control
circuitry 806 may cause the same two-dimensional image to be
imposed on first light 832 and second light 842 at approximately
the same time. Consequently, first filtered light 836 and second
filtered light 846 will carry the same two-dimensional image. First
parallax barrier 816 operates to pass only a first portion of this
two-dimensional image while second parallax barrier 826 operates to
pass only a second portion of this two-dimensional image. Due to
the interaction of first projected light 838 with a lenticular lens
and reflective panel of a projection screen (e.g., projection
screen 704), the first portion of the two-dimensional image will be
directed to one eye of a viewer. Due to interaction of second
projected light 848 with the lenticular lens and reflective panel
of the projection screen, the second portion of the two-dimensional
image will be directed to the other eye of the viewer. These
portions will be combined in the mind of a viewer as a single
two-dimensional image.
[0088] Alternatively, projector control circuitry 806 may cause a
first image that provides a view of certain subject matter from one
perspective to be imposed on first light 832 and a second image
that provides a view of the same subject matter from a different
perspective to be imposed on second light 842 at approximately the
same time. In this case, first filtered light 836 will carry the
first image and second filtered light 846 will carry the second
image. First parallax barrier 816 operates to pass only a portion
of the first image while second parallax barrier 826 operates to
pass only a portion of the second image. Due to the interaction of
first projected light 838 with a lenticular lens and reflective
panel of a projection screen (e.g., projection screen 704), the
portion of the first image will be directed to one eye of a viewer.
Due to interaction of second projected light 848 with the
lenticular lens and reflective panel of the projection screen, the
portion of the second image will be directed to the other eye of
the viewer. These portions will be combined in the mind of a viewer
as a three-dimensional image.
[0089] Thus, by controlling the image content that is imposed on
first light 832 by first image generator 814 and the image content
that is imposed on second light 842 by second image generator 824,
projector control circuitry 806 can operate to cause a viewer to
perceive a particular two-dimensional or three-dimensional image.
It is to be understood that the image may comprise a persistent
still image or one of a series of images that together comprise a
video stream.
[0090] In a further example, projector control circuitry 806 may
impose image content comprising more than two views of the same
subject matter from different perspectives on each of first light
832 and second light 842 (e.g., two, four, or eight views of the
same subject matter from different perspectives) thereby enabling
the simultaneous display of multiple three-dimensional images,
wherein the position of a viewer dictates which of the multiple
three-dimensional images is currently perceived.
[0091] As described above, projector 800 includes two parallax
barriers for filtering image content to be projected by projection
assemblies 802 and 804, respectively. This may be deemed necessary
because lenticular lens 824 of screen 804 does not perform a
light-blocking function such as that performed by parallax barrier
124 of projection screen 104. Thus, the parallax barriers in
projector 800 may be used to ensure that first projected light 838
and second projected light 848 can be thrown onto the same screen
in a manner that minimizes or avoids image overlap. However, it is
important to note that projector 800 can also be used with a screen
that includes a parallax barrier rather than a lenticular lens
(such as screen 104), in order to provide projector-based control
over placement of the projected images on the screen. Thus,
projector 800 can also be used with screen 104 of projection system
100.
[0092] In certain embodiments of projector 800, first parallax
barrier 816 and first second parallax barrier 826 are disposed in a
fixed location within their respective projection assemblies and
the dimensions of the blocking elements of each parallax barrier
and the spacing there between is also fixed. In alternate
embodiments of projector 800, various aspects of first parallax
barrier 816 and/or second parallax barrier 826 may be modified
responsive to signals from projector control circuitry 806. Such
modifiable aspects may include but are not limited to a distance
between a parallax barrier and an image generator, a distance
between a parallax barrier and a lens assembly, an orientation of
the parallax barrier with respect to the image generator or lens
assembly, the dimensions of one or more blocking elements of a
parallax barrier, the spacing between blocking elements of a
parallax barrier, and whether the parallax barrier is "on" or "off"
(whether it performs a light blocking function at all). Various
example implementations of adaptable parallax barriers are further
described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/845,409, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Display
with Adaptable Parallax Barrier," the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0093] The use of adaptable parallax barriers may be deemed
desirable in order to "fine tune" the manner in which images are
projected by first projection assembly 802 and second projection
assembly 804 onto a corresponding projection screen (e.g.,
projection screen 104 of FIG. 1 or projection screen 704 of FIG.
7). Such fine tuning may be performed, for example, in order to
calibrate projector 802 for optimal performance with a given
projection screen installation. Such fine tuning may also be
performed to account for a changing location and/or head
orientation of one or more viewers. Projector control circuitry 806
may be made aware of the location and/or head orientation of one or
more viewers through input received from a system or device
suitably configured to track such information. Such systems and
devices may utilize, for example, different types of sensors (e.g.,
cameras, motion sensors, microphones or the like) or technology
that wirelessly tracks an object (e.g., headset, remote control, or
the like) currently being held or worn by a viewer.
[0094] In one embodiment, the projector includes two projection
assemblies each of which includes an adaptable parallax barrier and
the projection screen includes an adaptable light manipulator
(e.g., an adaptable parallax barrier or lenticular lens).
Communication between the projector and the projection screen
facilitates synchronization between the adaptable parallax barriers
in the projection assemblies and the adaptable light manipulator at
the screen to obtain an optimal or desired viewing
configuration.
[0095] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example projection system
900 in accordance with such an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9,
projection system 900 includes a projector 902 and a projection
screen 904.
[0096] Projector 902 includes a first projection assembly 912, a
second projection assembly 914 and projector control circuitry 916.
Projector control circuitry 916 controls first projector assembly
912 to produce first projected light for projection onto projection
screen 904. Projector control circuitry 916 further controls second
projector assembly 914 to produce second projected light for
projection onto projection screen 904. The first projected light
includes at least first image content that is intended for one eye
of a viewer and the second projected light includes at least second
image content that is intended for the other eye of the viewer.
Depending upon the nature of the first image content and second
image content, when such image content is perceived by the viewer
it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image or a
three-dimensional image.
[0097] First projection assembly 912 includes a first light source
922, a first image generator 924, a first adaptable parallax
barrier 926 and a first lens assembly 928. Each of these components
may be implemented in a like manner to first light source 812,
first image generator 814, first parallax barrier 816 and first
lens assembly 818, respectively, as previously described in
reference to FIG. 8. In accordance with this embodiment, a state of
first adaptable parallax barrier 926 can be modified based on
control signals from projector control circuitry 916. Such
modification of state may include, for example and without
limitation, modifying one or more of a distance between first
adaptable parallax barrier 926 and first image generator 924, a
distance between first adaptable parallax barrier 926 and first
lens assembly 928, an orientation of first adaptable parallax
barrier 926 with respect to first image generator 924 or first lens
assembly 928, the dimensions of one or more blocking elements of
first adaptable parallax barrier 926, and the spacing between
blocking elements of first adaptable parallax barrier 926. Such
modification of state may also include turning first adaptable
parallax barrier 926 on or off
[0098] Second projection assembly 914 includes a second light
source 932, a second image generator 934, a second adaptable
parallax barrier 936 and a second lens assembly 938. Each of these
components may be implemented in a like manner to first light
source 922, first image generator 924, first adaptable parallax
barrier 926 and first lens assembly 928, as previously described.
Accordingly, a state of second adaptable parallax barrier 936 can
be modified based on control signals from projector control
circuitry 916. Such modification of state may include, for example
and without limitation, modifying one or more of a distance between
first adaptable parallax barrier 936 and second image generator
934, a distance between second adaptable parallax barrier 936 and
second lens assembly 938, an orientation of second adaptable
parallax barrier 936 with respect to second image generator 934 or
second lens assembly 938, the dimensions of one or more blocking
elements of second adaptable parallax barrier 936, and the spacing
between blocking elements of second adaptable parallax barrier 936.
Such modification of state may also include turning second
adaptable parallax barrier 936 on or off
[0099] As further shown in FIG. 9, projector 902 includes a
communication interface 940 that is connected to projector control
circuitry 916. Communication interface 940 comprises a wired or
wireless interface that enables signals to be sent to and/or
received from a corresponding communication interface 950 within
projection screen 904.
[0100] In addition to communication interface 950, projection
screen 904 also includes a reflective panel 956, an adaptable light
manipulator 954, and adaptable light manipulator control circuitry
952. Reflective panel 956 may comprise a sheet of white, silver or
grey fabric, a painted wall, or any other element or structure
having a surface that is suitable for diffusively reflecting light
projected thereon. Adaptable light manipulator 954 may comprise,
for example, an adaptable parallax barrier or an adaptable
lenticular lens. Adaptable light manipulator control circuitry 952
is connected to adaptable light manipulator 954 and is operable to
modify a state thereof.
[0101] In an embodiment in which adaptable light manipulator 954
comprises an adaptable parallax barrier, modifying the state
thereof may comprise, for example and without limitation, modifying
one or more of a distance between the adaptable parallax barrier
and panel 956, an orientation of the adaptable parallax barrier
with respect to panel 956, the dimensions of one or more blocking
elements of the adaptable parallax barrier, and the spacing between
blocking elements of the adaptable parallax barrier. Such
modification of state may also include turning the adaptable
parallax barrier on or off. As noted above, various example
implementations of adaptable parallax barriers are further
described in aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/845,409, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled "Display
with Adaptable Parallax Barrier."
[0102] In an embodiment in which adaptable light manipulator 954
comprises an adaptable lenticular lens, modifying the state thereof
may comprise, for example and without limitation, modifying a
degree of stretching of the lenticular lens and/or inserting or
removing (e.g., rolling up) the lenticular lens from in front of
panel 956. Various example implementations of adaptable lenticular
lenses are further 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.
[0103] Projector control circuitry 916 is capable of communicating
with adaptable light manipulator control circuitry 952 via the
communication link formed by communication interfaces 940 and 950.
In an embodiment, such communication is used to synchronize the
states of first and second adaptable parallax barriers 926 and 936
in projector 902 with the state of adaptable light manipulator 954
of projection screen 904 to obtain a desired viewing configuration.
For example, in one embodiment, projector control circuitry 916
receives information from adaptable light manipulator control
circuitry 952 and modifies the state of first adaptable parallax
barrier 926 and second parallax barrier 936 based on such
information to achieve a desired viewing configuration. The
received information may include, for example, information
concerning the state of adaptable light manipulator 954 or
information concerning a desired viewing configuration. As another
example, in another embodiment, adaptable light manipulator control
circuitry 952 receives information from projector control circuitry
916 and modifies the state of adaptable light manipulator 954 based
on such information to achieve a desired viewing configuration. The
received information may include, for example, information
concerning the state of one or both of first and second adaptable
parallax barriers 926 and 936 or information concerning a desired
viewing configuration. A desired viewing configuration may be
determined by projector control circuitry 916 and/or adaptable
light manipulator control circuitry 952 based on a variety of
factors, including but not limited to input provided by a viewer,
information concerning a location and/or head orientation of one or
more viewers, information concerning the image content to be
displayed, or the like.
[0104] Example projectors 800 and 902 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9,
respectively, are shown as having two projection assemblies, each
of which includes its own light source. However, in accordance with
alternate implementations, the two projection assemblies may share
a single light source (in a like manner to that shown in FIG. 5).
Still other configurations may be used.
[0105] Furthermore, all of the embodiments described in this
section included two projection assemblies. However, in alternative
embodiments, more than two projection assemblies may be used to
project image content onto a projection screen (such as projection
screen 104 of FIG. 1 or projection screen 704 of FIG. 7) in order
to support the viewing of two-dimensional or three-dimensional
images. For example, four projection assemblies may be used to
project four different perspective views of the same subject matter
onto a projection screen, thereby facilitating the simultaneous
viewing of multiple three-dimensional images.
[0106] Additionally, each of the embodiments described in this
section show a single projector that includes two projection
assemblies. However, in alternate embodiments, multiple projectors
each having one or more projection assemblies may be used to
implement a projection system that facilitates two-dimensional and
three-dimensional viewing.
[0107] FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart 1000 of a method used by a
projection system to visually present a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional image to a viewer in accordance with certain
embodiments. The method of flowchart 1000 may be performed, for
example, by projection system 100 as described above in reference
to FIG. 1, by projection system 700 as described above in reference
to FIG. 7, or by projection system 900 as described above in
reference to FIG. 9. However, the method is not limited to those
embodiments and may be practiced by other systems or components
entirely.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 10, the method of flowchart 1000 begins at
step 1002 during which a first projection assembly at least assists
in projecting first light. This step may be performed, for example,
by first projection assembly 112 of FIG. 1 which projects first
light 132 in a manner previously described. This step may also be
performed, for example, by first projection assembly 712 of FIG. 7
which projects first light 732 in a manner previously described.
This step may further be performed by first projection assembly 912
of FIG. 9. Various techniques by which such a first projection
assembly may project first light were described above in reference
to at least the example projector embodiments of FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 8
and 9.
[0109] At step 1004, a second projection assembly at least assists
in projecting second light. This step may be performed, for
example, by second projection assembly 114 of FIG. 1 which projects
second light 134 in a manner previously described. This step may
also be performed, for example, by second projection assembly 714
of FIG. 7 which projects second light 734 in a manner previously
described. This step may further be performed by second projection
assembly 914 of FIG. 9. Various techniques by which such a second
projection assembly can project second light were described above
in reference to at least the example projector embodiments of FIGS.
4, 5, 6, 8 and 9.
[0110] In one embodiment, steps 1002 and 1004 are performed
concurrently, such that the first light and the second light are
projected at the same time. To visually present a two-dimensional
image, the first light and the second light respectively projected
during steps 1002 and 1004 may each represent the same
two-dimensional image, or at least a portion of the same
two-dimensional image. To visually present a three-dimensional
image, the first light projected during step 1002 may represent at
least a first image and the second light projected during step 1004
may represent at least a second image, wherein the first and second
images correspond to different perspective views of the same
subject matter that, when taken together, comprise a single
three-dimensional image.
[0111] At step 1006, a projection screen including a light
manipulator causes at least a portion of the first light to be
reflected to a right eye of a viewer. This step may be performed,
for example, by reflective panel 122 and parallax barrier 124 of
projection screen 104 which operate in a combined fashion to cause
at least a portion of first light 132 to be reflected to a right
eye of a viewer, such as viewer 106. This step may also be
performed, for example, by reflective panel 722 and lenticular lens
724 of projection screen 704 which operate in a combined fashion to
cause at least a portion of first light 732 to be reflected to a
right eye of a viewer, such as viewer 706. This step may further be
performed by reflective panel 956 and adaptable light manipulator
954 of projection screen 904. Various details concerning the manner
by which these elements operate to cause at least a portion of
first light to be reflected to one eye of a viewer were previously
described.
[0112] At step 1008, the projection screen including the light
manipulator causes at least a portion of the second light to be
reflected to a left eye of the viewer. This step may be performed,
for example, by reflective panel 122 and parallax barrier 124 of
projection screen 104 which operate in a combined fashion to cause
at least a portion of second light 134 to be reflected to a left
eye of a viewer, such as viewer 106. This step may also be
performed, for example, by reflective panel 722 and lenticular lens
724 of projection screen 704 which operate in a combined fashion to
cause at least a portion of second light 734 to be reflected to a
left eye of a viewer, such as viewer 706. This step may further be
performed by reflective panel 956 and adaptable light manipulator
954 of projection screen 904. Various details concerning the manner
by which these elements operate to cause at least a portion of
second light to be reflected to one eye of a viewer were previously
described.
[0113] The portion of the first light that is reflected to the
right eye of the viewer during step 1006 will be referred to as
"first image content" and the portion of the second light that is
reflected to the left eye of the viewer during step 1008 will be
referred to as "second image content." By controlling the first and
second image content, a projection system in accordance with an
embodiment (e.g., projection system 100 of FIG. 1, projection
system 700 of FIG. 7, or projection system 900 of FIG. 9) can
selectively enable the viewing of either two-dimensional images or
three-dimensional images by a viewer. For example, if the first
image content comprises a first portion of a view of certain
subject matter from a given perspective and the second image
content comprises a second portion of the view of the same subject
matter from the same perspective, then the first and second image
content can be combined in the mind of a viewer to form a
two-dimensional image of the subject matter. As another example, if
the first image content comprises a view of certain subject matter
from a first perspective and the second image content comprises a
view of the same subject matter from a second perspective that is
different from the first, then the first and second image content
can be combined in the mind of a viewer to form a three-dimensional
image of the subject matter.
[0114] B. Example 2D/3D Projection Systems that use a Combined
Projection Screen/Light Manipulator and Projector with One
Projection Assembly
[0115] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example projection system 1100
that utilizes a combined projection screen/light manipulator and a
projector having a single projection assembly to facilitate the
viewing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in
accordance with one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, projection
system 1100 includes a projector 1102, a projection screen 1104,
and glasses 1108 that are worn by a viewer, such as viewer 1106.
Projection system 1100 is intended to represent a front-projection
system. In accordance with a front-projection system, viewers are
located on a same side of projection screen 1104 as projector
1102.
[0116] Projector 1102 includes a single projection assembly 1112.
Projection assembly 1112 is operable to project first light 1132
toward projection screen 1104 during a first time interval and to
project second light 1134 toward projection screen 1104 during a
second time interval that immediately follows the first time
interval. As shown in FIG. 11, projection assembly 1112 is moveable
such that it may automatically be placed in at least a first
orientation for projecting first light 1132 onto projection screen
1104 and in at least a second orientation for projection second
light 1134 onto projection screen 1104, wherein the first and
second orientations are different. This aspect of projection
assembly 1112 can be used to project first light 1132 and second
light 1134 at projection screen 1104 at different angles so as to
achieve a desired viewing effect.
[0117] In a two-dimensional viewing mode, first light 1132 and
second light 1134 may each represent the same two-dimensional
image, or at least a portion of the same two-dimensional image. In
a three-dimensional viewing mode, first light 1132 may represent at
least a first image and second light 1134 may represent at least a
second image, the first and second images corresponding to
different perspective views of the same subject matter that, when
taken together, comprise a single three-dimensional image. The
manner in which projector 1102 operates to generate and project
first light 1132 and second light 1134 will be described in more
detail below.
[0118] Projection screen 1104 comprises a combination of a
reflective panel 1122 and a light manipulator 1124. Light
manipulator 1124 may comprise, for example, a parallax barrier or a
lenticular lens. Depending upon the implementation, light
manipulator 1124 may comprise a fixed light manipulator or an
adaptable light manipulator. By way of example only, projection
screen 1104 may comprise any of projection screen 104, projection
screen 704, or projection screen 904 as described above in
reference to FIGS. 1, 7 and 9 respectively.
[0119] Light manipulator 1124 and reflective panel 1122 operate in
a combined fashion so that first light 1132, or a particular
portion thereof, is substantially directed to a right eye of viewer
1106 during the first time interval. Light manipulator 1124 and
reflective panel 1122 also operate in a combined fashion so that
second light 1134, or a particular portion thereof, is
substantially directed to only a left eye of viewer 1106 during the
second time interval. The manner by which a light manipulator, such
as a parallax barrier or lenticular lens, can be operated in a
combined fashion with a reflective panel to selectively deliver
image content to a particular eye of a viewer was discussed in the
preceding section and thus will not be repeated here for the sake
of brevity.
[0120] Glasses 1108 worn by viewer 1106 comprise shutter glasses
having a right lens 1152 and a left lens 1154. Glasses 1108 are
synchronized with projector 1102 such that right lens 1152 passes
light during the first time interval and blocks light during the
second time interval and such that left lens 1154 blocks light
during the first time interval and passes light during the second
time interval. Consequently, during the first time interval, the
right eye of viewer 1106 will be capable of seeing the portion of
first light 1132 directed thereto by projection screen 1104 while
the left eye of viewer 1106 is blocked. Furthermore, during the
second time interval, the left eye of viewer 1106 will be capable
of seeing the portion of second light 1134 directed thereto by
projection screen 1104 while the right eye is blocked.
[0121] The first and second time intervals are short enough to
allow the mind of viewer 1106 to merge the image perceived by the
right eye during the first time interval with the image perceived
by the left eye during the second time interval into a single
perceived image. For ease of explanation, the image content of
first light 1132 that is directed to the right eye of viewer 1106
during the first time interval will be referred to as "first image
content" and the image content of second light 1134 that is
directed to the left eye of viewer 1106 during the second time
interval will be referred to as "second image content." By
controlling the first and second image content, system 1100 can
selectively enable the viewing of either two-dimensional images or
three-dimensional images by viewer 1106. For example, if the first
image content comprises a first portion of a view of certain
subject matter from a given perspective and the second image
content comprises a second portion of the view of the same subject
matter from the same perspective, then the first and second image
content can be combined in the mind of viewer 1106 to form a
two-dimensional image of the subject matter. As another example, if
the first image content comprises a view of certain subject matter
from a first perspective and the second image content comprises a
view of the same subject matter from a second perspective that is
different from the first, then the first and second image content
can be combined in the mind of viewer 1106 to form a
three-dimensional image of the subject matter.
[0122] One aspect of controlling the first image content and the
second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer during the
first and second time intervals involves controlling how light
generated by a light source within projector 1102 is filtered to
generate first light 1132 and second light 1134. Various techniques
for performing such filtering will be described below in reference
to particular implementations of projector 1102.
[0123] Another aspect of controlling the first image content and
the second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer during
the first and second time intervals involves taking into account
and/or modifying the arrangement of panel 1122 and light
manipulator 1124. In certain embodiments, the state of light
manipulator 1124 and its arrangement with respect to panel 1122 is
fixed. In alternate embodiments, the state of light manipulator
1124 and/or its arrangement with respect to panel 1122 can be
modified. Such modification may be achieved in a like manner to
example projection screen 904 as described above in reference to
FIG. 9.
[0124] A further aspect of controlling the first image content and
the second image content that reaches the eyes of a viewer during
the first and second time intervals involves controlling the
distance between projection assembly 1112 and projection screen
1104, as well as the angles at which light is projected by
projection assembly 1112 toward projection screen 1104. One manner
of implementing such control is to mount or place projector 1102 in
a suitable location relative to projection screen 1104. Another
manner of implementing such control involves permitting a user to
adjust certain aspects of projection assembly 1112 (e.g.,
horizontal, vertical or diagonal shifting of projection assembly
1112, pan and tilt modifications to the orientation of projection
assembly 1112, and modification of a zoom level of a lens assembly
associated with projection assembly 1112) in embodiments that
support such features.
[0125] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a projector 1200 that utilizes
a single projection assembly to facilitate the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
embodiment. Projector 1200 comprises one example implementation of
projector 1102 of FIG. 11. Projector 1200 may be used in an
embodiment in which light manipulator 1144 of projection screen
1104 comprises a parallax barrier. As shown in FIG. 12, projector
1200 includes a projection assembly 1202 and projector control
circuitry 1204 connected thereto.
[0126] Projector control circuitry 1204 controls projector assembly
1202 to produce first projected light 1132 for projection onto
projection screen 1104 during a first time interval. Projector
control circuitry 1204 further controls projector assembly 1202 to
produce second projected light 1134 for projection onto projection
screen 1104 during a second time interval that immediately follows
the first time interval. As discussed above, first projected light
1132 includes at least first image content that is intended for one
eye of a viewer and second projected light 1134 includes at least
second image content that is intended for the other eye of the
viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content and
second image content, when such image content is perceived by a
viewer wearing shuttering glasses, such as viewer 1106 wearing
glasses 1108, it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image
or a three-dimensional image.
[0127] As further shown in FIG. 12, projection assembly 1202
includes a light source 1212, an image generator 1214 and a lens
assembly 1216. Light source 1212 operates to produce light.
Depending upon the implementation, light source 1212 may comprise,
for example and without limitation, one or more lamps, an array of
LEDs, an array of laser diodes, or a hybrid light source based on
both LED and laser diodes. Still other types of light sources may
be used.
[0128] Image generator 1214 receives the light generated by light
source 1212 and filters such light to impose first image content
thereon during the first time interval and to impose second image
content thereon during the second time interval, thereby producing
filtered light. Various types of technology may be utilized to
implement image generator 1214 including but not limited to LCD
projection technology, DLP projection technology, or LCoS
projection technology. Still other types of technology may be used
to implement image generator 1214.
[0129] Lens assembly 1216 receives the filtered light generated by
image generator 1214 and operates to spread such light outward,
thereby generating first projected light 1132 during the first time
interval and second projected light 1134 during the second time
interval. Depending upon the implementation, lens assembly 1216 may
comprise one or more lenses, and may be implemented as a fixed
lens, zoom lens, wide angle lens, or the like.
[0130] Projector control circuitry 1204 operates to control the
first image content that is imposed on the light produced by light
source 1212 during the first time interval and the second image
content that is imposed on the light produced by light source 1212
during the second time interval. Such image content may be received
or derived from an image content source that is connected to
projector 1200.
[0131] By way of example, projector control circuitry 1204 may
cause the same two-dimensional image to be imposed on the light
produced by light source 1212 during the first time interval as is
imposed on the light produced by light source 1212 during the
second time interval. Consequently, first projected light 1132 and
second projected light 1134 will comprise a projection of the same
two-dimensional image and the viewer will perceive a
two-dimensional image formed from reflected portions of first
projected light 1132 and second projected light 1134.
Alternatively, projector control circuitry 1204 may cause a first
image that provides a view of certain subject matter from one
perspective to be imposed on the light produced by light source
1212 during the first time interval and a second image that
provides a view of the same subject matter from a different
perspective to be imposed on the light produced by light source
1212 during the second time interval. In this case, first projected
light 1132 will comprise a projection of the first image, second
projected light 1134 will comprise a projection of the second
image, and the viewer will perceive a three-dimensional image
formed from reflected portions of first projected light 1132 and
second projected light 1134.
[0132] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a projector 1300 that utilizes
a single projection assembly to facilitate the viewing of both
two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in accordance with an
alternate embodiment. Projector 1300 comprises another example
implementation of projector 1102 of FIG. 11. Projector 1300 may be
used in an embodiment in which light manipulator 1144 of projection
screen 1104 comprises either a lenticular lens or a parallax
barrier. As shown in FIG. 13, projector 1300 includes a projection
assembly 1302 and projector control circuitry 1304 connected
thereto.
[0133] Projector control circuitry 1304 controls projector assembly
1302 to produce first projected light 1132 for projection onto
projection screen 1104 during a first time interval. Projector
control circuitry 1304 further controls projector assembly 1302 to
produce second projected light 1134 for projection onto projection
screen 1104 during a second time interval that immediately follows
the first time interval. As discussed above, first projected light
1132 includes at least first image content that is intended for one
eye of a viewer and second projected light 1134 includes at least
second image content that is intended for the other eye of the
viewer. Depending upon the nature of the first image content and
second image content, when such image content is perceived by a
viewer wearing shuttering glasses, such as viewer 1106 wearing
glasses 1108, it may be perceived as either a two-dimensional image
or a three-dimensional image.
[0134] As further shown in FIG. 13, projection assembly 1302
includes a light source 1312, an image generator 1314, an adaptable
parallax barrier 1316, and a lens assembly 1318. Light source 1312
operates to produce light and may be implemented in a like manner
to light source 1212 as described above in reference to FIG.
12.
[0135] Image generator 1314 receives light 1332 generated by light
source 1312 and filters such light to impose first image content
thereon during the first time interval and to impose second image
content thereon during the second time interval, thereby producing
filtered light 1334. Image generator 1314 may be implemented in a
like manner to image generator 1214 as described above in reference
to FIG. 12.
[0136] Adaptable parallax barrier 1316 receives filtered light 1334
generated by image generator 1314 and manipulates such light to
produce manipulated light 1336. Adaptable parallax barrier 1316 is
placed in a first state by projector control circuitry 1304 during
the first time interval to pass only first portions of filtered
light 1334 to lens assembly 1318 and is placed in a second state by
projector control circuitry 1304 during the second time interval to
pass only second portions of filtered light 1334 to lens assembly
1318.
[0137] Lens assembly 1318 receives manipulated light 1336 produced
by adaptable parallax barrier 1316 and operates to spread such
light outward, thereby generating first projected light 1132 during
the first time interval and second projected light 1134 during the
second time interval. Lens assembly 1318 may be implemented in a
like manner to lens assembly 1216 as described above in reference
to FIG. 12.
[0138] Projector control circuitry 1304 operates to control the
first image content that is imposed on light 1332 produced by light
source 1312 during the first time interval and the second image
content that is imposed on light 1332 produced by light source 1312
during the second time interval. Such image content may be received
or derived from an image content source that is connected to
projector 1300. By way of example, projector control circuitry 1306
may cause the same two-dimensional image to be imposed on light
1332 produced by light source 1312 during the first time interval
as is imposed on light 1332 produced by light source 1312 during
the second time interval. Consequently, filtered light 1334 will
carry the same two-dimensional image during the first time interval
and the second time interval. Adaptable parallax barrier 1336
operates to pass only a first portion of this two-dimensional image
during the first time interval and to pass only a second portion of
this two-dimensional image during the second time interval. Due to
the interaction of first projected light 1132 with a light
manipulator and reflective panel of a projection screen (e.g.,
projection screen 1104), the first portion of the two-dimensional
image will be directed to one eye of a viewer during the first time
interval. Due to interaction of second projected light 1134 with
the light manipulator and reflective panel of the projection
screen, the second portion of the two-dimensional image will be
directed to the other eye of the viewer during the second time
interval. These portions will be combined in the mind of a viewer
as a two-dimensional image.
[0139] Alternatively, projector control circuitry 1304 may cause a
first image that provides a view of certain subject matter from one
perspective to be imposed on light 1332 produced by light source
1312 during the first time interval and a second image that
provides a view of the same subject matter from a different
perspective to be imposed on light 1332 produced by light source
1312 during the second time interval. In this case, filtered light
1334 will carry the first image during the first time interval and
the second image during the second time interval. Adaptable
parallax barrier 1316 operates to pass only a portion of the first
image during the first time interval and to pass only a portion of
the second image during the second time interval. Due to the
interaction of first projected light 1132 with a light manipulator
and reflective panel of a projection screen (e.g., projection
screen 1104), the portion of the first image will be directed to
one eye of a viewer. Due to interaction of second projected light
1134 with the light manipulator and reflective panel of the
projection screen, the portion of the second image will be directed
to the other eye of the viewer. These portions will be combined in
the mind of a viewer as a three-dimensional image.
[0140] FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart 1400 of an alternate method used
by a projection system to visually present a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional image to a viewer in accordance with certain
embodiments. The method of flowchart 1400 may be performed, for
example, by projection system 100 as described above in reference
to FIG. 1, by projection system 700 as described above in reference
to FIG. 7, by projection system 900 as described above in reference
to FIG. 9 or by projection system 1100 as described above in
reference to FIG. 11. However, the method is not limited to those
embodiments and may be practiced by other systems or components
entirely.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 14, the method of flowchart 1400 begins at
step 1402 during which first light is projected toward a first
projection screen in accordance with a first orientation. This step
may be performed, for example, by first projection assembly 112 of
FIG. 1 which may project first light 132 onto projection screen 104
in accordance with a first orientation. This step may also be
performed, for example, by first projection assembly 712 of FIG. 7
or first projection assembly 912 of FIG. 9. Additionally, this step
may be performed by projection assembly 1112 of FIG. 11 which may
project first light 1132 onto projection screen 1104 in accordance
with a first orientation.
[0142] At step 1404, second light is projected toward the
projection screen in accordance with a second orientation. This
step may be performed, for example, by first projection assembly
112 of FIG. 1 which may project second light 134 onto projection
screen 104 in accordance with a second orientation. This step may
also be performed, for example, by second projection assembly 714
of FIG. 7 or second projection assembly 914 of FIG. 9.
Additionally, this step may be performed by projection assembly
1112 of FIG. 11 which may project second light 1134 onto projection
screen 1104 in accordance with a second orientation.
[0143] In certain embodiments involving projectors having multiple
projection assemblies, steps 1402 and 1404 are performed
concurrently, such that the first light and the second light are
projected at the same time. In certain alternate embodiments
involving projectors having only a single projection assembly,
steps 1402 and 1404 are performed during different but consecutive
time intervals. To visually present a two-dimensional image, the
first light and the second light respectively projected during
steps 1402 and 1404 may each represent the same two-dimensional
image, or at least a portion of the same two-dimensional image. To
visually present a three-dimensional image, the first light
projected during step 1402 may represent at least a first image and
the second light projected during step 1404 may represent at least
a second image, wherein the first and second images correspond to
different perspective views of the same subject matter that, when
taken together, comprise a single three-dimensional image.
[0144] At step 1406, a projection screen including a light
manipulator causes at least a portion of the first light to be
reflected to a right eye of a viewer. This step may be performed,
for example, by reflective panel 122 and parallax barrier 124 of
projection screen 104 which operate in a combined fashion to cause
at least a portion of first light 132 to be reflected to a right
eye of a viewer, such as viewer 106. This step may also be
performed, for example, by reflective panel 722 and lenticular lens
724 of projection screen 704 and by reflective panel 956 and
adaptable light manipulator 954 of projection screen 904. This step
may further be performed, for example, by reflective panel 1122 and
parallax barrier 1124 of projection screen 1104 which operate in a
combined fashion to cause at least a portion of first light 1132 to
be reflected to a right eye of a viewer, such as viewer 1106.
Various details concerning the manner by which these elements
operate to cause at least a portion of first light to be reflected
to one eye of a viewer were previously described.
[0145] At step 1408, the projection screen including the light
manipulator causes at least a portion of the second light to be
reflected to a left eye of the viewer. This step may be performed,
for example, by reflective panel 122 and parallax barrier 124 of
projection screen 104 which operate in a combined fashion to cause
at least a portion of second light 134 to be reflected to a left
eye of a viewer, such as viewer 106. This step may also be
performed, for example, by reflective panel 722 and lenticular lens
724 of projection screen 704 and by reflective panel 956 and
adaptable light manipulator 954 of projection screen 904. This step
may further be performed, for example, by reflective panel 1122 and
parallax barrier 1124 of projection screen 1104 which operate in a
combined fashion to cause at least a portion of second light 1134
to be reflected to a left eye of a viewer, such as viewer 1106.
Various details concerning the manner by which these elements
operate to cause at least a portion of second light to be reflected
to one eye of a viewer were previously described.
[0146] The portion of the first light that is reflected to the
right eye of the viewer during step 1406 will be referred to as
"first image content" and the portion of the second light that is
reflected to the left eye of the viewer during step 1408 will be
referred to as "second image content." By controlling the first and
second image content, a projection system in accordance with an
embodiment (e.g., projection system 100 of FIG. 1, projection
system 700 of FIG. 7, projection system 900 of FIG. 9, or
projection system 1100 of FIG. 11) can selectively enable the
viewing of either two-dimensional images or three-dimensional
images by a viewer. For example, if the first image content
comprises a first portion of a view of certain subject matter from
a given perspective and the second image content comprises a second
portion of the view of the same subject matter from the same
perspective, then the first and second image content can be
combined in the mind of a viewer to form a two-dimensional image of
the subject matter. As another example, if the first image content
comprises a view of certain subject matter from a first perspective
and the second image content comprises a view of the same subject
matter from a second perspective that is different from the first,
then the first and second image content can be combined in the mind
of a viewer to form a three-dimensional image of the subject
matter.
[0147] C. Example 2D/3D Rear-Projection Systems
[0148] The projection systems described above are all
forward-projection systems. However, it is conceivable that the
same projection systems could be implemented as rear-projection
systems by placing the projector behind the projection screen and
substituting the reflective panel of the projection screen with a
panel that transmits and preferably diffuses light. Any of the
projectors described above could then be used to selectively
deliver first and second image content to the projection screen and
a light manipulator integrated therewith could deliver the first
image content to the right eye of a viewer and deliver the second
image content to the left eye of a viewer.
[0149] However, in a rear-projection system in which the light
manipulator is on the same side of the projection panel as the
viewer, the light projected on the panel will not interact with the
light manipulator before reaching the panel. This allows for a
simpler design. For example, FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example
rear-projection system 1500 that utilizes such a simplified design.
As shown in FIG. 15, rear-projection system 1500 includes a
projector 1502 having a single projection assembly 1512 and a
projection screen 1504 comprising a transmissive panel 1522 and a
parallax barrier 1524.
[0150] First projection assembly 1512 is operable to project light
1532 containing first image content and second image content toward
projection screen 1504. In a two-dimensional viewing mode, the
first image content and the second image content may each represent
the same two-dimensional image, or at least a portion of the same
two-dimensional image. In a three-dimensional viewing mode, the
first image content may represent at least a first image and second
image content may represent at least a second image, the first and
second images corresponding to different perspective views of the
same subject matter that, when taken together, comprise a single
three-dimensional image.
[0151] The first image content is projected onto first portions of
panel 1522. Panel 1522 is transmissive and thus passes (and
optionally diffuses) such content. Parallax barrier 1524 is
arranged so that light passed by these first portions is
substantially directed to only one eye of a viewer 1506. For
example, light passed by the first portions may be substantially
directed to a right eye of viewer 1506, but not to a left eye of
viewer 1506. The second image content is projected onto second
portions of panel 1522. Parallax barrier 1524 is arranged so that
light passed by these second portions is substantially directed to
only the other eye of viewer 1506. For example, light passed by the
second portions may be substantially directed to a left eye of
viewer 1506, but not to the right eye of viewer 1506.
[0152] By controlling the first and second image content, system
1500 can selectively enable the viewing of either two-dimensional
images or three-dimensional images by viewer 1506. For example, if
the first image content comprises a first portion of a view of
certain subject matter from a given perspective and the second
image content comprises a second portion of the view of the same
subject matter from the same perspective, then the first and second
image content can be combined in the mind of viewer 1506 to form a
two-dimensional image of the subject matter. As another example, if
the first image content comprises a view of certain subject matter
from a first perspective and the second image content comprises a
view of the same subject matter from a second perspective that is
different from the first, then the first and second image content
can be combined in the mind of viewer 1806 to form a
three-dimensional image of the subject matter.
[0153] Although projection screen 1504 of system 1500 includes
parallax barrier 1524 for performing light manipulation, persons
skilled in the relevant art(s) will readily appreciate that other
types of light manipulators, such as a lenticular lens, may be used
to perform the light manipulation function. Furthermore, the light
manipulator portion of screen 1504 may be fixed or adaptive
depending upon the implementation.
IV. CONCLUSION
[0154] 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.
* * * * *