Background of the Invention.

The field of the invention pertains to three dimensional viewing of two dimensional

scenes containing perspective imagery, -and in particular, to the creation of realistic three

dimensional views from manipulation of the two dimensional scenes. Broadly speaking, the field of the invention pertains to stereoscopy.

Stereoscopic viewing or depth perception is a learned response from practice during

the initial weeks and months after birth. The human mind learns to fuse the two

dimensional images from each eye into a three dimensional image. Thus, depth perception arises from the learned response to a variety of visual cues.

Some of the more important visual cues are as follows: a) Left and right edge references. b) Left and right image offsets.

c) Image geometrical variations from left to right.

d) Vertical size variations complementing horizontal variations.

e) Cosmetic factors.

'Dual camera dual picture stereoscopic systems are well known for a variety of

purposes. However, these systems all require two differing two dimensional images or two

differing broadcast signals. Because of the requirement of two differing images, such

systems are not compatible with conventional television broadcasting or conventional

motion picture films. In the same manner conventional stereoscopic pictures and

photographs require a dual lens camera. For enhanced effect a four lens camera has been on the market (Nimslo) with greater depth perception.

To create a realistic three dimensional viewing system compatible with a wide variety of conventional two dimensional viewing systems, the applicant has invented the following three dimensional system.

Summary Of The Invention.

The invention relies upon the learned experience of human vision wherein the clues identified above enable the two unique images, one from each eye, to be fused mentally forming the perceived three dimensional image. Two or more images are used, at least one of which is altered in a defined manner to create an arbitrary second view point forming a second altered image relative to at least one other image. The altered image is altered from a two dimensional image and the invention is based upon the fact that a two dimensional perspective image contains sufficient information to create a clear accurate three dimensional visualization of the image. Thus, the principle behind the invention is that one

two dimensional view is sufficient to produce three dimensional vision. This principle distinguishes the invention from other stereoscopic systems wherein two separaje_and different two dimensional views are used to create a' three dimensional vision.

Conventional television is particularly adaptable to conversion to three dimensional viewing because of the odd-even raster scan wherein sequential raster scans (fields) fill in horizontal lines between the lines of the previous field. By altering every other field in the same manner and directing alternating fields to alternating eyes, each eye perceives an

image different from the other eye permitting the brain to fuse the images into a three dimensional image. The alteration of image field may be accomplished with a module external to a conventional television receiver. j _/ __, In the case of still film and photographs, two identical photos can be viewed in a * special viewer that alters the view of one of the photos into the altered perspective. The special stereoscopic viewer directs each view to a separate eye and the brain fuses the two views into a three dimensional image.

With various modifications the invention permits any two dimensional image containing perspective information to be altered into two slightly differing views with visual clues that cause the brain to fuse the images into a three dimensional vision. As a result the invention is applicable to any electronic or computer generated imagery and creates in real time the altered perspective from such imagery.

The benefits from the invention are manifold as a result of the independence from signal source, more particularly, the independence from any need of stereoscopic dual image input to the system. Thus, the invention is independent of the video tape, television antenna, video camera, computer or other input and compatible with any conventional mono image input. Moreover, the "too near/too far" eyestrain problem associated with conventional two channel (two image) three dimensional systems is eliminated. As an example applied to television, the following advantages apply: a) the invention is compatible with current Federal Communications Commission regulated television broadcast signals;

b) the invention is compatible with future analog or digital high definition television systems; c) merely by actuating a simple switch the invention can be disabled for conventional two dimensional viewing; d) the invention is compatible with monochrome or color broadcast; e) ^' the invention is adaptable for existing video displays with the viewing angle only limited by the face plate characteristics of the cathode ray tube; 0 three -dimensional imagery depth can be "into the video monitor" beyond the screen or "out of the video monitor" toward the viewer relative to the screen; g) applied to the alternate field alternate frame (three differing alterations of four sequential raster fields) operation of a television raster, the invention can provide the visual sensation of looking around an object.

The invention may be practiced by permanent hardware alterations to a television receiver to always alter one of the two raster fields the same amount. Or, the invention may

be practiced by adding a microcomputer and programming to permit selective adjustment of the altered roster field. The introduction of a microcomputer and programming necessarily requires some hardware modification or addition to the television receiver. The modification or addition may take the form of internal modifications to the television receiver or a separate external module connected to the antenna input. _.

Common television is but one example of a real time two dimensional image that

can be converted to three dimensional real time imagery. The invention is applicable to

electronically generated images such as ultrasound, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, nuclear magnetic resonance imagery and thermography.

Description Of The Drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates horizontal image size adjustments;

FIG. 2 illustrates shrinking of an object along the horizontal axis to alter perspective;

FIG. 3 illustrates rotation of an object to alter perspective; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a composite video image digitization.

Description Of The Preferred Embodiments.

The first embodiment of the invention disclosed below pertains to real time video monochrome or color receivers which include television receivers, computer monitors and other video monitors. Collectively they may be referred to as a CRT.

The CRT can remain unmodified or the CRT circuitry can be modified internally to

function of the module is to perform certain processing of the video signal and to control

The control module uses a microprocessor to control various CRT signal operations.

For example:

a) The microprocessor senses whether the field is "even" or "odd" (alternating raster scans) to maintain synchronization from operation to operation; b) When the fields are properly identified the liquid crystal glasses are switched in coordination with the fields, the "even" fields to one eye and the "odd" fields to theOther eye; c) Horizontal center ("delay") is adjusted to offset "even" frames from "odd" frames along the horizontal axis of the CRT; d) Horizontal size (sweep or scan) is increased or decreased to alter the "linear perspective" of the "even" frame from the "odd" frame; e) Vertical size (sweep or scan) is increased or decreased to alter the "linear, perspective" to "agree" with horizontal changes; g) . The video signal (brightness or luminance) is modified to enhance the "linear perspective". The control module also includes a switch to allow the video signal to pass through

unimpeded and restore the normal two dimensional viewing of the CRT.

The field detection ("even" or "odd") whether by microprocessor control or hardware circuitry serves as the dock for all operations. Once the field detector is locked onto the input video signal (approximately 3 x 1/60ths seconds or 3 x l/50ths seconds depending on

standard or 0.05 seconds maximum) the liquid crystal glasses are driven by a simple driver circuit clocked by the output of the field detector. Thus, the lenses of the liquid crystal

glasses alternatingly switch from clear to opaque in exact coordination with the "even" and "odd" frames of the CRT.

The horizontal centers of the fields are adjusted. so that the even field horizontal

center is. offset relative to the odd field horizontal center. This horizontal shift or displacement can be accomplished in one of several ways: F- l-δ π a) Adjust the horizontal center within the circuitry of the CRT. b) Offset the horizontal sync pulse to "slide" the video down the scan line (microprocessor method). c) Add (or subtract) a pedestal to the horizontal sawtooth waveform to displace accordingly.

The horizontal displacement mimics in part the difference in views of the same scene by the right and left eyes and is fundamental to the proper operation of this invention. The edges of the CRT are clearly and deliberately defined by the bezel into which the CRT is l, U ' 1 { mounted. This is the inescapable image edge even though the experienced viewer pays little or no conscious attention to the bezel. If the image were to remain unshifted the

viewer's mind suffers confusion as to where, in image space, the objects in view belong. However, with the two images (original and altered) asymmetrically located within the CRT bezel the viewer's mind shifts the fused image forward or backward from the bezel in image space. Thus, the bezel becomes the plane of reference for the mind in fusing or synthesizing the three dimensional image. The horizontal shift is accommodated within the horizontal drivό circuits of the CRT.

Horizontal size is adjusted in one field or both fields to approximate the perspectiv required of the corresponding eye. Horizontal size can be adjusted by one of several choices. ^~ ^{L l} & a) Adjust the horizontal choke coil from even field to odd field. b) Adjust the horizontal deflection ramp to increase or decrease as desired (microprocessor). c) Adjust the inductance capacitance time constant in the horizontal driv circuit as desired.

The purpose of horizontal modification in image size is to stretch or shrink element of the image along the horizontal axis. The horizontal size change enhances the effec linear perspective has within the human vision system. For example in FIG. 1 the top imag pair are shifted along the horizontal axis and the right image is somewhat smaller than th

To? y left image. The bβttόβi image pair are shifted only. When the image pairs of FIG. 1 ar viewed through a stereo viewer it is clear that the top image pair exhibits superior thre

in the viewer's mind.

The following image alterations contribute more modestly to but enhance thre dimensional perspective interpretation by the human brain. a) The vertical size adjustment normally takes place within the circuitr of the CRT. Digitization of the Image followed by computer manipulation ca accomplish the same end result.

Some vertical size adjustment is applied to complement the stretched or shrunk horizontal field. The stretched horizontal field can be considered to be slightly nearer (or farther away) than the unmodified field. If considered to be nearer, i.e., rotated toward the corresponding eye, the image, by the. inverse square law, is larger in both the vertical and horizontal axes. Adjusting vertical size slightly enhances the scene and reduces eye discomfort b) Intensity or luminance adjustment can take place within the circuitry of the CRT or within the external microprocessor. All CRT's are equipped with controls which vary video level or brightness (luminance in color television receivers) and which allow circuitry to be easily adapted to field alteration.

Varying the brightness contributes a degree of highlighting to one field relative to the other. This is analogous to aerial perspectives where depth is rendered by changes in tone or color.

in summary, the invention as applied to television and similar real time viewing systems is based upon the alteration of one or both linear perspectives (video fields) relative to the other and the subsequent serial but almost simultaneous presentation to the eyes of the viewer. Each of the two linear perspectives are formed from successive video fields with the even video field being presented to one eye and the odd video field being presented to the other eye through switchable liquid crystal glasses. Any other method to direct separate

views to the eyes of the observer is equally acceptable. Anaglyph methods are also quite workable with color video systems.

Newer CRT devices using color liquid crystal screens, which function in a manner similar to lenticular screens can also be applied by proper positioning of the image relative to the CRT lenses. Movie films can also be used to produce the same three dimensional effect if suitably altered and viewed through an appropriate viewing system. Such a syαtcm

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Returning to the CRT example analog altered perspective methods or digital altered perspective methods or a combination of both methods can be employed to alter one or more two dimensional images. An example of more than the alteration of alternate fields is where enhanced "see around" is desired. Rather than repeating the alteration of one or both fields within a frame, the repeating unit comprises two sequential frames. Within the two frame unit three or all four fields are altered in differing amounts. For example, the horizontal image shift may be increased field by field sequentially within the repeating two

frame unit.

The analog CRT altered perspective for a single frame repeating unit requires an odd/even field detector (flip f op). This detector serves as the operational clock. As an example, when an odd field is detected and underway the CRT circuits remain unmodified and the first lens of the switching liquid crystal glasses is activated with a voltage which renders lens 1 opaque while rendering lens 2 transparent. Upon vertical flyback ^' (toggle

■flip/flop) the circuit is reversed such that lens 1 is now at ground and lens 2 is activated by

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the voltage. At the same time (for example) the horizontal center is adjusted to displace the image horizontally to the right while the reactance in the horizontal drive circuit is modified to increase the horizontal size by a specified percentage and the video level is increased by a specified percentage to affect the shading factor. This condition continues throughout the entire vertical field (alternate raster scan) where, upon vertical flyback, the flip/flop restores the circuits to their original states and the cycle is repeated for the next frame.

The digital altered perspective can employ at least two forms.

In the first example digitization of the image in real time with high speed real time image altered perspective operations is as follows: a) Odd/even field detection; b) Digitize image and store; c) Display unmodified field; d) Shift image along horizontal axis; e) Modify pixel ratio along horizontal and vertical axis; 0 Modify "depth" axis; g) Display modified field; h) Repeat sequence above.

In the second example digitization of the composite video image with microprocessor control is as follows: a) Digitize image and detect odd/even field; b)' Store previous step in buffer; c) Produce level change with each odd/even field detection;

d)- Separate sync signal from composite signal; e) Reconstruct original unmodified composite video signal for odd field; f) Delay sync relative to video to shift along horizontal axis; g) Produce level change with modified field; h) Send command to vertical size control in CRT circuits; i) Modify "depth" axis in reconstructed composite video signal; j) Repeat sequence above.

It is readily apparent in the above digital examples that the liquid crystal glasses can be activated by the odd/even field detection. Moreover, it is readily apparent that the digital examples can be readily applied to motion picture film by digitizing the images in real time sequentially and repeating the sequence for each two sequential frames of film (each four where "see around is to be enhanced).

FIG. 2 illustrates an object in the normal view in a two dimensional image on the left and-as modified by horizontal axis shrinking on the right for the altered view.

FIG. 3 illustrates the same object in normal two dimensional view on the left and in

altered view rotated 10° on the right. Both alterations mimic the change in perspective from one eye of the view to the other eye and are simple examples of the alterations in image

accomplished by the invention to create a three dimensional image in the mind of the

viewer from a single or two identical two dimensional perspective images.

FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram the digital composite video module which can be a separate physical device inserted between the cable, antenna or other source of two

dimensional imagery and the antenna input to a standard television receiver. The liquid crystal glasses can be merely plugged into the odd/even detector as noted above.

Still pictures and photographs may be digitized and an altered image created in the manner described above. However, a simple viewer for pictures can be created by modifying a stereoscope in one of several possible ways and using two identical photographs.

In the first example, the holders for the photographs are modified in a specific manner. The centers of the photographs are shifted such that the left eye and right eye views are displaced in the direction of the eyes, i.e., the left view is displaced to the left and the right view is displaced to the right. Each photograph is masked such that the left eye sees less of the right edge of the left photograph and the right eye sees less of the left edge of the right photograph. The masks and holders for the photographs are made a part of the stereoscope and two identical photographs merely dropped into place. The masks are fundamental to stereopsis because they mimic the geometry of the scene seen by the naked eye.

In the second example, one photograph is mounted perpendicular to one eye and the other photograph is mounted at an approximate horizontal angle of 20° off of the perpendicular to the other eye and centered in the plane of the first photograph. The tipped photograph is seen by the other eye to be at the approximate geometry produced by the displacement and angle between the two eyes. The tipped photograph is fore-shortened almost entirely along the horizontal axis relative to the non-tipped photograph.

The third example comprises placing one photograph at a greater distance from one eye than the other photograph is from the other eye. The increase in distance projects a smaller image on the corresponding eye than the image on the other eye and thereby creates an altered perspective fused in the mind with the other perspective.

The fourth example comprises using slightly different lenses in the modified stereoscope. With the differing magnification of the viewing lenses one eye receives a smaller image than the other eye with the identical photographs at the same distance from the eyes. Here again, the mind perceives the differing image sizes as a three dimensional image. Unfortunately, the third and fourth examples change vertical distances as well as horizontal distances. Eye discomfort may result because the human eye is overly sensitive to change along the vertical axis.