U.S. patent application number 14/251570 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for 3d image contents viewing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NL GIKEN INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is Masahide Tanaka. Invention is credited to Masahide Tanaka.
Application Number | 20140218491 14/251570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44150496 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140218491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka; Masahide |
August 7, 2014 |
3D image contents viewing system
Abstract
3D television set or its external speaker box has container for
a plurality of 3D spectacles. Container can locate individual 3D
spectacles therein. Each of 3D spectacles has unique modulation
reflector of infrared synchronizing signal. 3D television set
displays 3D image on 3D program upon use of 3D spectacles detected
directly by the modulation reflection or indirectly by 3D
spectacles not remaining in container. 3D television set displays
2D image on 3D program if nonuse of 3D spectacles is detected
directly by the no modulation reflection or indirectly by 3D
spectacles remaining in container. Upon detection of nonuse,
recommendation display is made to ware 3D spectacles. During 2D
commercial message, synchronizing signal is halted. Recommendation
to put unnecessary 3D spectacles in container is made upon end of
every program, or end of 3D program followed by 2D program, or
right before power off of 3D television set.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Masahide; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tanaka; Masahide |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NL GIKEN INCORPORATED
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
44150496 |
Appl. No.: |
14/251570 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12975280 |
Dec 21, 2010 |
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14251570 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 13/398 20180501;
H04N 13/332 20180501; H04N 2213/008 20130101; H04N 13/341
20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/51 |
International
Class: |
H04N 13/04 20060101
H04N013/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2009 |
JP |
2009-291605 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. Image contents viewing system comprising: a plurality of
spectacles for viewing the image contents, each of the plurality of
spectacles including a signal receiver for viewing the image
contents and an identification of the spectacles, respectively; a
registration controller arranged to newly receive the
identification from each of the plurality of spectacles to register
the received identification, respectively; and a checker arranged
to receive an identification form a spectacles to determine whether
or not the received identification has been registered for
excluding the spectacles if the checker fails to successfully
determine that the received identification has been registered.
3. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2 further
comprising an indicator arranged to indicate that the spectacles is
unregistered if the checker fails to successfully determine that
the received identification has been registered
4. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2, wherein
the checker is arranged to select a spectacles for an operation if
the checker successfully determines that the received
identification has been registered and to remove a spectacles from
the operation if the checker fails to successfully determine that
the received identification has been registered.
5. The image contents viewing system according to claim 4 further
comprising a counter arranged to count number of spectacles
selected for the operation.
6. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2 further
comprising a counter arranged to count number of spectacles with
the identification registered.
7. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2, wherein
the registration controller includes a selector arranged to select
one of a plurality of spectacles one by one to receive the
identification one by one, respectively, for registration of the
identification, the selector continuing the selection one by one
until the identifications of all available spectacles have been
registered.
8. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2, wherein
the checker includes a selector arranged to select one of a
plurality of spectacles one by one to receive the identification
one by one, respectively, for checking whether or not the received
identification has been registered, the selector continuing the
selection one by one until all available spectacles have been
checked to remove spectacles with the determination of registration
of the identification failed if any.
9. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2, wherein
the registration controller includes a trigger arranged to ask each
of the plurality of spectacles for the identification.
10. The image contents viewing system according to claim 2, wherein
the checker includes a trigger arranged to ask each of the
plurality of spectacles for the identification.
11. Image contents viewing system comprising: a plurality of
spectacles for viewing the image contents, each of the plurality of
spectacles including a signal receiver for viewing the image
contents and an identification of the spectacles, respectively; a
checker arranged to receive an identification form a spectacles to
determine whether or not the received identification has been
registered; and an indicator arranged to indicate that the
spectacles is unregistered if the checker fails to successfully
determine that the received identification has been registered
12. The image contents viewing system according to claim 11,
wherein the checker is arranged to select a spectacles for an
operation if the checker successfully determines that the received
identification has been registered and to remove a spectacles from
the operation if the checker fails to successfully determine that
the received identification has been registered.
13. The image contents viewing system according to claim 11 further
comprising a counter arranged to count number of spectacles
selected for the operation.
14. The image contents viewing system according to claim 11,
wherein the checker includes a selector arranged to select one of a
plurality of spectacles one by one to receive the identification
one by one, respectively, for checking whether or not the received
identification has been registered, the selector continuing the
selection one by one until all available spectacles have been
checked to remove spectacles with the determination of registration
of the identification failed if any.
15. The image contents viewing system according to claim 11,
wherein the checker includes a trigger arranged to ask each of the
plurality of spectacles for the identification.
16. Image contents viewing system comprising: a plurality of
spectacles for viewing the image contents, each of the plurality of
spectacles including a signal receiver for viewing the image
contents and an identification of the spectacles, respectively; a
checker arranged to receive an identification form a spectacles to
determine whether or not the received identification has been
registered; and a selector arranged to select a spectacles for an
operation if the checker successfully determines that the received
identification has been registered and to remove a spectacles from
the operation if the checker fails to successfully determine that
the received identification has been registered.
17. The image contents viewing system according to claim 16 further
comprising a counter arranged to count number of spectacles
selected for the operation.
18. The image contents viewing system according to claim 16,
wherein the checker is arranged to select one of a plurality of
spectacles one by one to receive the identification one by one,
respectively, for checking whether or not the received
identification has been registered, the selector continuing the
selection one by one until all available spectacles have been
checked to remove spectacles with the determination of registration
of the identification failed if any.
19. The image contents viewing system according to claim 16,
wherein the checker includes a trigger arranged to ask each of the
plurality of spectacles for the identification.
20. The image contents viewing system according to claim 16,
wherein the selector is arranged to select the spectacles for an
operation in a predetermined space if the checker successfully
determines that the received identification has been
registered.
21. The image contents viewing system according to claim 20,
wherein the selector is arranged to select the spectacles for
further registration in the predetermined space if the checker
successfully determines that the received identification has been
registered.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/975,280 filed Dec. 21, 2010, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to 3D (three-dimensional) image
contents viewing system such as 3D television set.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In this field of the art, various attempts have been done
with respect to 3D image viewing.
[0006] For example, Japanese Publication No. 2009-296118 proposes a
broadcast receiving terminal device capable of receiving television
broadcast data, in which 3D image is displayed if current position
of the user is within an adequate area to view the 3D image. The
terminal device starts to record the 3D image if current position
of the user goes outside the adequate area afterward. Further, the
terminal device converts the 3D image into 2D image for display if
current position of the user goes outside the adequate area.
[0007] However, there still exist in this field of art many demands
for improvements of 3D image contents viewing systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image
contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles, in which
coordination among the 3D image contents viewing system and the
with 3D spectacles is improved.
[0009] Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image
contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles, in which
a risk of loss of 3D spectacles is reduced.
[0010] Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image
contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles
comprising an image contents providing unit capable of providing 3D
image contents and 2D image contents, a display arranged to display
image, an image output unit arranged to transmit 3D image to the
display on the basis of the 3D image contents and to transmit 2D
image to the display on the basis of the 3D image contents, a
detector arranged to detect use or nonuse of the 3D spectacles, and
a controller responsive to the detector arranged to have the image
output unit transmit 3D image to the display on the basis of the 3D
image contents if the detector detect use of the 3D spectacles, and
to have the image output unit transmit 2D image to the display on
the basis of the 3D image contents if the detector detect nonuse of
the 3D spectacles.
[0011] According to the above feature, such an inconvenience is
avoided that a user can no more enjoy 3D program on air if 3D
spectacles is unfortunately lost, for example, in the 3D image
contents viewing system in which 3D spectacles is integral to the
system.
[0012] In a detailed design according to the above preferred
embodiment, the detector includes a wireless receiver arranged to
receive from the 3D spectacles information indicative of use or
nonuse of 3D spectacles. Thus, the function of the controller to
have the image output unit transmit 2D image on the basis of the 3D
image contents is directly achieved.
[0013] According to a more detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises
a transmitter arranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3D
spectacles for 3D image viewing, wherein the receiver includes
reflection receiver responsive to reflection of the synchronizing
signal on 3D spectacles. Thus the wireless communication is
advantageously achieved with the synchronizing signal for 3D
spectacles utilized.
[0014] According to a further detailed design of the above
preferred embodiment, the receiver is arranged to identify each of
the 3D spectacles on the basis of the reflection of the
synchronizing signal on individual 3D spectacles. By means of this
feature, it is possible to prepare a plurality of 3D spectacles of
different sizes or lens powers for personal use in a home or the
like where 3D television set is shared.
[0015] According to another detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises
a container of the 3D spectacles, wherein the detector is arranged
to detect use or non use of 3D spectacles on the basis of existence
or nonexistence of the 3D spectacles within the container. Thus,
the function of the controller to have the image output unit
transmit 2D image on the basis of the 3D image contents is
indirectly achieved.
[0016] In another detailed design according to the above preferred
embodiment, the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises
informing unit arranged to make recommendation to ware 3D
spectacles in response to the detector. Thus, the recommendation is
suitably made depending on necessity. In other word, it is possible
to omit the bothersome recommendation if 3D spectacles has already
been in use. The recommendation may be advantageously and typically
made on the display.
[0017] Preferred embodiment of this invention provides another 3D
image contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles
comprising an image contents providing unit capable of providing 3D
image contents and 2D image contents, the 2D image contents
breaking in on 3D image contents. The 3D image contents viewing
system further comprises a display arranged to display image, an
image output unit arranged to transmit 3D image to the display on
the basis of the 3D image contents and to transmit 2D image to the
display on the basis of the 2D image contents, a transmitter
arranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3D spectacles for 3D
image viewing, and a controller arranged to have the transmitter
basically transmit the synchronizing signal throughout 3D image
contents on which 2D image brakes in, and to have the transmitter
halt the synchronizing signal transmission during 2D image is
transmitted to the display. A typical example of the 3D image
contents on which 2D image brakes in is a 3D program including 3D
image contents constituting main body thereof and 2D commercial
message breaking in on the 3D main body.
[0018] Due to the halt of synchronizing signal generation, 3D
spectacles halts the synchronizing operation to keep a still state
during CM or the like, which is advantageous for eyes to be
refreshed.
[0019] According to a detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the image output unit is arranged to superimpose
information on the display indicative of the halt of the
synchronizing signal transmission. Due to the superimposed
information of in-2D display, the user may take 3D spectacles off
according to its own will during CM or the like for positively
refreshing its eyes.
[0020] Preferred embodiment of this invention provides still
another 3D image contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D
spectacles comprising an image contents providing unit capable of
providing 3D image contents, a display arranged to display image,
an image output unit arranged to transmit 3D image to the display
on the basis of the 3D image contents, and a container arranged to
keep nonuse 3D spectacles. According to this feature, coordination
among the 3D image contents viewing system and 3D spectacles is
improved in that a risk of loss of 3D spectacles is reduced by
means a regularly used container.
[0021] According to a detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the container is arranged to check existence or
nonexistence of the 3D spectacles within the container. Thus, the
risk of loss of 3D spectacles is advantageously reduced.
[0022] According to more detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the container is arranged to identify each of the 3D
spectacles within the container. By means of this feature, it is
possible to prepare a plurality of 3D spectacles of different sizes
or lens powers for personal use in a home or the like where 3D
television set is shared.
[0023] According to another detailed design of the above preferred
embodiment, the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises
informing unit arranged to make recommendation to put unnecessary
3D spectacles in the container. Thus, the risk of loss of 3D
spectacles is advantageously reduced.
[0024] For example, the informing unit is arranged to make
recommendation every time when an image contents ends. Or, the
informing unit is arranged to make recommendation in response to
the end of the 3D image contents. In this case, the informing unit
may be arranged to skip the recommendation if the next image
contents is of 3D. According to still another example of detailed
design, the informing unit is arranged to make recommendation prior
to power off of the 3D image contents viewing system. The
recommendation may be advantageously and typically made on the
display.
[0025] Other features, elements, arrangements, steps,
characteristics and advantages according to this invention will be
readily understood from the detailed description of the preferred
embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0026] The above description should not be deemed to limit the
scope of this invention, which should be properly determined on the
basis of the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a 3D digital moving image
contents viewing system including digital 3D television set and 3D
spectacles.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a basic flowchart showing the function carried out
by TV set controller of the embodiment in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
spectacles registration process in step S8 in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
3D preparation process in step S12 in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
3D display process in step S20 in FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
program closing process in step S26 in FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
power OFF process in step S34 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a three-dimensional
(hereinafter referred to as "3D) digital moving image contents
viewing system including digital 3D television (hereinafter
referred to as "TV") set 2 and 3D spectacles 4. 3D digital moving
image contents include images for the right eye and the left eye
which are alternately displayed on screen 6 according to a
time-sharing system. The images for the right eye and the left eye
of 3D digital moving image contents displayed on screen 6 are
separately viewed by right and left eyes through 3D spectacles 4
with right eye shutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 synchronously and
alternately made transmissible.
[0035] Tuner 12 of 3D TV set 2 receives digital broadcast program,
which is a typical example of digital moving image contents,
through an antenna or c cable to output from audio-visual
(hereinafter referred to as "AV") output 14 the audio signal and
visual signal of the program to speaker 16 and screen 6,
respectively. AV output 14 further outputs audio signal to external
speaker 18 for enhancing the acoustic field. Digital recorder 20 is
designed to record the digital broadcast program received by tuner
12, and to reproduce the recorded program, which is in turn
outputted from AV output 14 to speaker 16 and screen 6. AV output
14 is capable of converting 3D digital moving image contents from
tuner 12 or digital recorder 20 into 2D (two-dimensional) digital
moving image contents for display on screen 6 by means of
restricting one of the image for the right eye and that for the
left eye. If the images are restricted for right eye, for example,
digital moving image contents are produced with the display timing
for left eye interpolated by the image for right eye.
[0036] The above mentioned functions of tuner 12, AV output 14 and
digital recorder 20 are controlled by TV set controller 22
including a microcomputer. Memory 24 stores program necessary for
TV set controller 22 to carry out the functions as well as various
temporal data necessary for the functions. Synchronizing signal
generator 26 generates and transmits synchronizing infrared signal
30 for controlling right eye shutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 to
alternately change between transmitting sate and shielding state in
synchronism with the alternating of images for the right eye and
the left eye on screen 6. Receiver 32 receives synchronizing
infrared signal 30 to have spectacles controller 34 control the
change in right eye shutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 between
transmitting sate and shielding state. Right eye shutter 8 and left
eye shutter 10 are both kept in the transmitting sate if receiver
32 does not receive synchronizing infrared signal 30.
[0037] 3D TV set 2 is provided with spectacles container 36 for
receiving 3D spectacles 4 is not in use. Spectacles container 36 is
capable of containing a plurality of registered spectacled, in
which each 3D spectacles 4 is identified to discriminate whether or
not it is contained within spectacles container 36 by means of a
mechanical contact between 3D spectacles 4 and a holder inside
spectacles container 36, respectively, the information of presence
or absence of each of spectacles 4 within spectacle container 36
being reported to TV set controller 22. External speaker 18 is also
provided with similar spectacles container 38 in communication with
TV set controller. Thus, TV set controller is always informed of
presence or absence of each of spectacles 4 with the location, i.e.
in spectacle container 36 in 3D television set or in spectacle
container 38 in external speaker 18, identified. Further, TV set
controller 22 can check whether or not each 3D spectacles 4 is
gotten back into spectacle container 36 or spectacle container 38
after the end of a 3D digital moving image contents, which is
advantageous to prevent loss of 3D spectacles 4.
[0038] Each of a plurality of 3D spectacles has modulation
reflector 40 of unique optical characteristic which differs from
the others. For example, modulation reflector 40 has a mark of
unique pattern to reflect synchronizing infrared signal 42
generated by synchronizing signal generator 26. Modulation receiver
46 receives synchronizing infrared signal 44 reflected and
modulated by modulation reflector 40 to extract the pattern
information induded in synchronizing infrared signal 44 for
identifying each of 3D spectacles 4, respectively. In other words,
it can be detected whether or not any and what 3D spectacles 4 is
actually in use facing 3D TV set 2. Thus, 3D images are displayed
on screen 6 on the basis of 3D digital moving image contents if it
is detected that at least one 3D spectacles 4, which has been
gotten out of spectacles container 36 or 38, is actually facing to
3D TV set. On the other hand, if modulation receiver 46 does not
receive any modulated synchronizing infrared signal 44, even a 3D
digital moving image contents is converted into 2D digital moving
image contents for display on screen 6.
[0039] Each of a plurality of 3D spectacles also has mechanical
identification 48 to discriminate whether or not the 3D spectacles
is contained within spectacles container 36 or 38 by means of a
mechanical contact between mechanical identification 48 and the
holder inside spectacles container 36, respectively, the 3D
spectacles being also identified if the presence thereof is
discriminated. The same identification number or the like is
commonly given to modulation reflector 40 and mechanical
identification 48 as to the same 3D spectacles. By means of the
above described identification of each 3D spectacles, it is
possible to prepare a plurality of 3D spectacles of different sizes
or lens powers for personal use in a home or the like where 3D
television set 2 is shared.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a basic flowchart showing the function carried out
by TV set controller 22 of the embodiment in FIG. 1. If the flow
starts in response to the power ON operation of 3DTV set 2, step S2
comes first to carry out the initial start-up process of 3D TV set
2. In the initial start-up process in step S2, various functions in
various portions of 3D TV set 2 are checked and the condition of 3D
TV set including channel selection and sound volume setting upon
the previous power OFF are restaged. Next in step S4, a program at
the previously selected channel is started with the previous
volume, the flow then going to step S6.
[0041] In step S6, it is checked whether or not an operation for
registering a new 3D spectacles 4 is made. If a new 3D spectacles 4
registering operation is detected in step S6, the flow goes to step
S8 for carrying out spectacles registration process to go to step
S10. On the other hand, if no new 3D spectacles 4 registering
operation is detected in step S6, the flow directly goes to step
S10. The spectacles registration process in step S8 is for newly
registering specific 3D spectacles 4 for identification thereof in
administration of storage of 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles
container 36 or 38 and detection of actual usage of 3D spectacles 4
by means of modulation receiver 46. The details of the spectacles
registration process will be described later.
[0042] In step S10, it is checked whether or not 3D program is on
air at the selected channel. In the case of 3D program, the flow
goes to step S12 to carry out 3D preparation process, in which
preparation of 3D spectacles 4 necessary for enjoying 3D program is
confirmed, the process including initiation of synchronizing signal
generation. The details of the 3D preparation process will be
described later. Next in step S14, it is checked whether or not any
of registered 3D spectacles 4 is put in container 36 or 38. If any,
the flow goes to step S16 to display the number of the registered
3D spectacles contained within spectacles container 36 and 38,
respectively, the flow then going to step S18. The display made in
step S16 facilitates uses taking out 3D spectacles from spectacles
container 36 or 38 when necessary including an increase of the
number of members to enjoy 3D program. On the other hand, if it is
not detected in step S14 that any registered 3D spectacles 4 is put
in container 36 or 38, the flow directly goes to step S18.
[0043] In step S18, it is checked whether or not any modulated
reflection form modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles
is received by modulation receiver 46 in response to the generation
of synchronizing signal initiated in step S12. If it is determined
in step S18 that modulated reflection form registered 3D spectacles
is received, the flow goes to step S20 to carry out 3D display
process, the flow then going to step S22. On the other hand, if it
is not determined in step S18 that any modulated reflection form
registered 3D spectacles is received, the flow goes to step S24 to
set 2D display in spite of 3D program on air, the flow then going
to step S22. By the way, if it is determined in step S10 that 3D
program is not on air at the selected channel, the flow also goes
to step S24 to set 2D display, the flow then going to step S22. The
3D display process in step S20 relates to realization of 3D display
including 3D display setting, the details of which will be
described later.
[0044] In step S22, it is checked whether or not the program ended.
If the end of program is detected in step S22, the flow goes to
step S26 to carry our program closing process, the flow then going
to step S28. On the other hand, if the end of program is not
detected in step S22, the flow directly goes to step S28. The
program closing process in step S26 includes recommendation to put
3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38 for avoiding loss
thereof, the details of which will be described later.
[0045] In step S28, it is checked whether or not channel selection
is changed. If not, the flow goes to step S30 to check whether or
not any operation is done for reproducing recorded program. On the
other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that channel selection
is changed, the flow goes back to step S10 to repeat the loop of
steps S10 to S28 in response to every channel change detected in
step S28 for coping with the transition between the 3D and 2D
programs on air and the change between use and nonuse of 3D
spectacles. In step S30, it is checked whether or not any operation
is made for reproducing a recorded program. In the case of the
recorded program reproducing operation detected in step S30, the
flow goes back to step S10 to also repeat the loop of steps S10 to
S28 in response to every reproducing operation detected in step S30
for coping with the transition between the reproduced 3D and 2D
programs and the change between use and nonuse of 3D
spectacles.
[0046] On the other hand, if no operation for reproducing recorded
program is detected in step S30, the flow goes to step S32 to check
whether or not power OFF operation of 3DTV set 2 is made. If not,
the flow goes back to step S6 to repeat the loop of steps S6 to S32
unless power OFF operation is detected. During the repetition of
the loop of steps S6 to S32, the display of programs continues to
cope with registration of new 3D spectacles 4, the channel change
for selecting programs on air and the recorded program reproducing
operation as well as the taking-out of 3D spectacles 4 from
spectacles container 36 or 38 and the start of use thereof.
Further, it should be noted that the transition between 3D display
and 2D display on 3D program is automatically carried out in
response to use or nonuse of 3D spectacles which is detected
through the receipt of modulated reflection from registered 3D
spectacles 4 checked every time when the flow comes to step S18
during the repetition of the loop of steps S6 to S32. According to
the function above, the user can remove 3D spectacles 4 any time
when he or she feels tired. And, he or she can returns to the
condition of enjoying 3D display any time by means of simply
putting 3D spectacles 4 on. However, it should also be noted that
the flow goes from step S18 to step S20 if any one of the members
who are commonly watching 3D TV set 2 wares 3D spectacles.
Therefore, universal agreement by all members watching 3D TV set 2
to take 3D spectacles off is necessary for the flow to go from step
S18 to step S24.
[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that
power OFF operation of 3DTV set 2 is made, the flow goes to step
S34 to carry out power OFF process. The power OFF process in step
S34 includes recommendation to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles
container 36 or 38 for avoiding loss thereof, the details of which
will be described later.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
spectacles registration process in step S8 in FIG. 2. If the flow
starts, the generation of synchronizing signal from synchronizing
signal generator 26 in FIG. 1 is initiated in step S42 for the
purpose of registering 3D spectacles 4. Next in step S44, it is
checked whether or not modulated reflection on modulation reflector
40 of 3D spectacles 4 is received by modulation receiver 46. In
this case, all of new 3D spectacles 4 are to be prepared in front
of 3D TV set 2 prior to spectacles registration operation. And,
modulated reflection from each of 3D spectacles 4 can be
received.
[0049] If modulated reflection is detected in step S44, the flow
goes to step S46 to select one modulated reflection which is unique
to each 3D spectacles 4. The selected modulated reflection is
individually registered in the next step S48, the flow then going
to step S50. In step S50, it is checked whether or not any
modulation reflection left unregistered. If any, the flow goes back
to step S46 to select next modulated reflection. Thus, the loop of
steps S46 to S50 is repeated till no modulated reflection is left
unregistered to thereby register all the modulated reflections each
unique to each of new 3D spectacles 4 prepared in front of 3D TV
set 2.
[0050] If it is determined in step S50 that no modulation
reflection left unregistered, the flow goes to step S52 to
terminate the generation of synchronizing signal for registration.
By the way, if it is not determined in step S44 that modulated
reflection is received by modulation receiver 46, the flow directly
goes to step S52. This case normally occurs when spectacles
registering operation is made for the purpose of container
registration explained in the following description.
[0051] In step S54, it is checked whether or not the spectacles
registering operation causing the flow of FIG. 3 is an operation
made for the purpose of container registration. If it is determined
in step S54 that the operation is for container registration, the
flow goes to step S56 to check whether or not any 3D spectacles is
contained in spectacles container 36 or 38. If any, the flow
advances to step S58 to select one of 3D spectacles 4 contained,
the flow then going to step S60. In step S60, it is checked whether
or not the modulated reflection form selected 3D spectacles 4 has
been registered. As has been mentioned above, the same
identification number is commonly given to modulation reflector 40
and mechanical identification 48 of the same 3D spectacles, which
makes it possible to check whether or not the modulated reflection
of 3D spectacles 4 has been registered by means of detecting the
common identification number through detection of mechanical
identification 48 within spectacles container 36 or 38.
[0052] If it is determined in step S60 that the modulated
reflection form selected 3D spectacles 4 has been registered, the
flow goes to step S62 to individually register the location of 3D
spectacles within spectacles container 36 or 38, the flow then
going to step S64. In step S64, it is checked whether or not any 3D
spectacles 4 is left with its location within spectacles container
36 or 38 unregistered. If any, the flow goes back to step S58 to
select next one of 3D spectacles 4. On the other hand, if it is not
determined in step S60 that the modulated reflection of selected 3D
spectacles 4 has been registered, the flow goes to step S66 to
indicate that the modulated reflection of selected 3D spectacles 4
has not been registered, and remove the selected 3D spectacles 4
from further selection, the flow then going back to step S58. Thus,
3D spectacles with its modulation reflection unregistered is
neither registered as to its location within spectacles container
36 or 38.
[0053] According to the manner above, the loop of steps S58 to S68
is repeated till no 3D spectacles 4 is left with its location
within spectacles container 36 or 38 unregistered. Thus, all 3D
spectacles in spectacles container 36 and 38 with its modulation
reflection registered are each registered as to its location in
spectacles container 36 or 38. By means of such registration, the
location of each 3D spectacles within spectacles container 36 or 38
is clear, which facilitates users easily taking out their own
personal 3D spectacles 4 from spectacles container 36 or 38,
respectively. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64
that all 3D spectacles 4 with their modulation reflections
registered are also registered as to their location within
spectacles container 36 or 38, the flow goes to step S70. By the
way, if it is not determined in step S54 that spectacles
registering operation causing the flow of FIG. 3 is an operation
made for the purpose of container registration, the flow directly
goes to step S70. Further, if it is not determined in step S56 that
any 3D spectacles is contained in spectacles container 36 or 38,
the flow also goes to step S70 directly.
[0054] In step S70, the number of 3D spectacles with their
modulated reflections registered is counted, the new ones
registered in step S48 being included in the count. Further in step
S72, the number of 3D spectacles with their location within
spectacles container 36 or 38 registered is counted, the new ones
registered in step S62 being included in the count. The flow then
goes to the end. It should be noted that the number counted in step
S72 cannot be greater than the number counted in step S70 since 3D
spectacles with its modulation reflection unregistered is neither
registered as to its location within spectacles container 36 or 38
by means of the function of steps S60, S66 and S68.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
3D preparation process in step S12 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts,
the generation of synchronizing signal from synchronizing signal
generator 26 in FIG. 1 is initiated in step S82 for the purpose of
enjoying 3D program. Next in step S84, it is checked whether or not
modulated reflection on modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D
spectacles 4 is received by modulation receiver 46. If not, the
flow goes to step S86 to step S24 to set 2D display in spite of 3D
program on air, the flow then going to step S88. In step S88, it is
checked whether or not information skip mode, which is to be
specially and optionally set, is set. If it is determined in step
S88 that no skip mode is set to thereby keep normal mode in which
recommendation is to be made, the flow goes to step S90 to make
recommendation display on screen 6 to ware 3D spectacles 4.
Further, recommendation announce from speaker 16 to ware 3D
spectacles 4 is made in step S92, the flow then going to step S94.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S88 that information
skip mode is set, the flow directly goes to step S94.
[0056] Further, if it is determined in step S84 that modulated
reflection on modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4
is received by modulation receiver 46, the flow directly goes to
step S94. This case corresponds to a condition that the flow has
come into the repetition of steps 6 to 32 in FIG. 2 to continue
enjoying 3D program in 3D display. In step S90 in FIG. 4, 3D
spectacles 4 actually exist within spectacles container 36 inside
3D TV set 2 are determined. Similarly, in succeeding step S96, 3D
spectacles 4 actually exist within spectacles container 38 in
external speaker 18, which is outside 3D TV set 2, are determined.
The flow of FIG. 4 goes to the end.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
3D display process in step S20 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, it is
checked whether or not information skip mode is set. If not, the
flow goes to step 5104 to inform on screen 6 that 3D display is now
being carried out. Further, in succeeding step S106, it is informed
on screen 6 that all 3D spectacles 4 now in use are registered and
adequate for the currently enjoyed 3D digital moving image contents
viewing system, the flow then going to step 108. On the other hand,
if it is determined in step S102 that information skip mode is set,
the flow directly goes to step S108 to start 3D display of the 3D
program.
[0058] Next in step S110 it is checked whether or not display of a
commercial message (hereinafter referred to as "CM") is started. If
the CM start is detected, the flow goes to step S112 to check
whether or not the CM is produced in 3D system. If not, the flow
goes to step S114 to halt the generation of synchronizing signal
and further to step S116 to inform on screen 6 that 2D display is
now being carried out, the flow then going to step S118. In step
S118, it is checked whether or not the CM ends. If not, the flow
goes back to step S114 to repeat the loop of steps S114 to keep the
halt of synchronizing signal generation and the information display
there of as long as CM continues. Due to the halt of synchronizing
signal generation, right eye shutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 halt
the alternate change between transmitting and shielding states to
both keep the transmitting sate during CM, which is advantageous
for eyes to be refreshed. Further, due to the information of in-2D
display, the user can take 3D spectacles 4 off according to its own
will during CM for positively refreshing its eyes.
[0059] On the other hand, if the end of CM is determined in step
S118, the flow goes to step S120 to start again synchronizing
signal generation. And, it is checked in the succeeding step S122
whether or not modulated reflection on modulation reflector 40 of
registered 3D spectacles 4 is received. If the modulated reflection
is detected, the flow goes from step S122 to step S124 to check
whether or not information skip mode is set. If not, the flow goes
to step S126 to inform on screen 6 that 3D display is now being
carried out with 3D display comes back in step S128, the flow then
going to the end. On the other hand, if it is determined in step
S124 that information skip mode is set, the flow directly goes to
step S128.
[0060] On the other hand if the receipt of modulated reflection on
modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4 is not
detected in step S122, the flow goes to step S130 to continue 2D
display in spite of the 3D program comes back. Such a case may be
caused when the user forgets to ware again 3D spectacles 4 which
has been taken off during CM. Or, the case may be caused when the
user continues to take 3D spectacles 4 off according to its own
will after the end of CM. Even in the case of 2D display continued
through step S130, step S108 will come to start 3D display in
accordance with the repetition of the flow in FIG. 2 if 3D
spectacles 4 will be put on any time to cause the detection of
modulated reflection in step S18. On the other hand, if it the
start of CM is not detected in step S110, the flow directly goes to
the end. Further if it is determined in step S112 that the CM is
produced in 3D system, the flow also goes to the end directly. In
those cases, the 3D display is continued trough the 3D program or
3D CM.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
program closing process in step S26 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts,
it is checked in step S132 whether or not the next broadcast
program in the same channel is of 3D. If not, the flow goes to step
S134 to check whether or not the ended former program detected step
S22 in FIG. 2 is of 3D. In the case 3D program ended, the flow goes
from step S134 to step S136 to make recommendation display on
screen 6 to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38.
Further, recommendation announce from speaker 16 to put 3D
spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38 is made in step S138,
the flow then going to step S140. The flow from step S132 to step
S136 by way of step S134 corresponds to a case that 3D program
necessitating 3D spectacles 4 is followed by 2D program in which
unnecessary 3D spectacles 4 is apt to be left lying about. Steps
S136 and S138 are for avoiding loss of 3D spectacles 4 left as it
is after using it. On the other hand, if it is determined in step
S132 that the next broadcast program in the same channel is of 3D,
the flow directly goes to step S140 since 3D spectacles 4 is still
necessary. Further, if it is not determined in step S134 that the
ended former program is of 3D, the flow directly goes to step S140
since it is not the case of 3D spectacles 4 formerly in use.
[0062] In step S140, it is checked whether or not any 3D spectacles
4 is left lying about in accordance with the information from
spectacles container 36 or 38. If any, the flow goes to step S142
to make warning display of 3D spectacles 4 left outside spectacles
container 36 or 38, the flow then going to the end. On the other
hand, if no 3D spectacles 4 is detected to be left lying about in
step S140, the flow directly goes to the end. The function of steps
S140 and S142 is to be carried out regardless of whether the ended
former program is of 3D or 2D. In other words, 3D spectacles 4
which is left lying about, if any, is warned in step S142 every
time when one broadcast program is over to reduce the risk of loss
of 3D spectacles 4.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the
power OFF process in step S34 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, it is
checked in step S152 whether or not any 3D spectacles 4 is left
lying about in accordance with the information from spectacles
container 36 or 38. If any, the flow goes to step S154 to make
recommendation announce from speaker 16 to put 3D spectacles 4 in
spectacles container 36 or 38. Further, recommendation display on
screen 6 is made in step S156 to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles
container 36 or 38, the flow then going to step S158.
[0064] In step S158, it is checked whether or not a predetermined
time has passed counted from the detection of power OFF operation
in step S32. If not, the flow goes back to step S152 to repeat the
loop of steps S152 to S158 to continue the recommending announce
and display to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38
until it is detected in step S158 that the predetermined time has
passed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed,
the flow goes from step S158 to step S160 to terminate the
recommending announce to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles
container 36 or 38. Further in the succeeding step S162 to
terminate the recommending display to put 3D spectacles 4 in
spectacles container 36 or 38, the flow then going to step S164. On
the other hand, if it is determined in step S152 that no 3D
spectacles 4 is left lying about, the flow directly goes to step
S164. In step S164, the power OFF is carried out, the flow then
going to the end.
[0065] 3D spectacles 4 is so integral to the 3D digital moving
image contents viewing system that the user can no more enjoy the
3D program on air if 3D spectacles 4 is unfortunately lost. The
various features of the embodiment explained above are advantageous
for reducing the risk of the loss of 3D spectacles 4 from various
stand points, which provide useful 3D digital moving image contents
viewing system with 3D TV set 2 and 3D spectacles 4 firmly
unified.
[0066] The various features and advantages according to this
invention are not limited to the disclosed embodiment above, but
they are widely applicable to various other embodiments which are
possible to enjoy one or more of the advantages of this invention.
For example, such a modification is possible that modulation
reflector 40 is omitted to simplify the structure of 3D spectacles
4, in which 3D TV set by itself is incapable of getting information
of 3D spectacles in use by wireless means. In such a modification,
nonuse of 3D spectacles 4 is indirectly concluded by the existence
thereof within spectacles container 36 or 38, which can be easily
detected by a simple mechanical engagement between 3D spectacles 4
and an inside structure of spectacles container 36 or 38. In this
case, step S18 in FIG. 2, step S84 in FIG. 4 and step S122 in FIG.
6 each relating to the check, "Registered modulated Reflection
received?" are each replaced by a check, "All registered 3D
spectacles exist within container?" According to the substitution
in the above steps, 2D display is to be forced in spite of 3D
program on air or reproduced since anyone never wares 3D spectacles
if all registered 3D spectacles 4 exist within spectacles container
36 or 38.
* * * * *