"METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING A UNIVERSAL INTERLACING MAPPING"

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of control methodologies for generating images on screens (displays) of various nature.

Specifically, the present invention is advantageously employed in generating an interlacing mapping implementable in an auto- stereoscopic screen, i.e., a screen arranged for displaying three- dimensional images.

More specifically, the present invention is advantageously employed in generating a "universal" interlacing mapping, i.e., directed to any type of screen, for example OLED-based screens.

BACKGROUND

As is known, the neurophysiological ability of "stereoscopic" or three-dimensional vision in human beings results from specific physiological characteristics of the optical system and of how the nervous system reads and processes visual signals perceived by each of the two eyes human beings normally have: on the other hand, it is known that image "artificial" generation and display devices which have been historically created in human history (technological but also artistic) were mainly limited to creating depictions, in a static or "dynamic" form (i.e., in the form of a flow of sequential images thereby reproducing scenes dynamically evolving over time) because of the difficulty of replicating the generation and perceiving of a sufficiently accurate and realistic three- dimensional image by a human being.

However, it is also known that there are different technologies suitable for artificially recreating an image being perceptible as "three-dimensional" by human beings: for example, the so-called stereoscopic glasses, to be used in combination with particular (static or "dynamic") images actually consisting of two overlapping images taken with angle suitably different from each other and suitably colour-sorted (anaglyph images) or polarization-sorted (polarized images): the structure of such stereoscopic glasses, being functionally coupled with the pair of partial images suitably interfaced with human being eyes, makes it possible for each eye to see only the image related to a camera angle, then the two different images separately reach the brain, which neurologically processes them in a three-dimensional object (NB: in other words, stereoscopic glasses make the three-dimensional vision possible by a suitable use of lenses different in colour or in polarization worn by a user/observer looking at an image being specifically decomposed according to the "anaglyph" mode or according to the polarization mode mentioned above).

Stereoscopic glasses have remarkable operation and application limits, often resulting in inconvenience for users and that can generate an image quality which can be affected by chromatic aberrations and/or shape distortions or other vision/perceiving faults (blurring, etc.), obviously apart from the fact of necessarily needing to be "optically pointed" towards anaglyph images.

In order to overcome at least partially the drawbacks of this three- dimensional display technology, the so-called auto-stereoscopic screens, which are functionally capable of generating an image which is perceived by the human eye as three-dimensional without the need to use further devices, have been developed.

Operatively, the image is decomposed in a plurality of distinct views cooperatively defining a resulting stereoscopic image.

In other words, each view represents a different angle of the same image and when the various views are projected towards the human neuro-visual apparatus at the same moment and angularly separated, the latter interprets the received information by reconstructing a stereoscopic image.

In this context, each pixel composing the screen, in particular each sub-pixel, is controlled so as to display a respective view, which is then suitably addressed by a so-called "parallax barrier" towards the user.

The parallax barrier carries out an optical decomposition of the image by projecting in different angular directions the various views generated by the sub-pixels, by using the optical principle of parallax.

Such decomposition is generated by a series of parallel slots placed side by side (parallax barrier) or by a suitable lenticular structure (lenticular lens or lenticular barrier) without needing to use secondary optical devices, because this system allows to address to each eye the image intended for it, according to modes such that it is allowed to reconstruct the desired resulting stereoscopic image. Thus, in modern displaying technologies based on pixel (such as, for example, in LCDs - liquid crystal displays - or in LED (light emitting diode) displays) matrixes, parallax barriers are associated such that the image generated by selective lighting of pixels forming such pixel matrixes is decomposed and suitably perceived by the user/observer . The association between the pixels and the barrier can be considered as a layering or overlapping of substantially planar members ordered along an ideal axis (definable as an ideal "vision axis") originating from a first layer consisting of the pixel matrix to pass through the optical barrier towards the point where the eyes of the user/observer are: along this axis, the pixel matrix and the optical barrier are usually in a relation of mutual adjacency (or otherwise of close vicinity/proximity), while the position of the user/observer can be at a remarkably larger distance, as a function of the various fields of use of the screen comprising such matrix and such optical barrier mutually associated.

In this context, it is apparent that, in order to produce an image being well defined in a certain direction of the space because of the principle of parallax, it is critically important to determine the correct interlacing mapping between the views to be projected and the single sub-pixels. In other words, it is crucial to define, in an accurate, quick, and efficient manner, which view is to be univocally associated and to which sub-pixel.

Indeed, in case of incorrect mapping between views and sub-pixels, the screen would project image "portions" incorrectly correlated to each other and the single eye of the observer would not perceive a coherent image anymore, consequently losing the stereoscopic effect or, in the most serious cases, making the information content of the image totally incomprehensible.

Such aspect is even more relevant in case of employing auto- stereoscopic screens in fields with high efficiency and quality requirements, such as for example real-time imaging required during "augmented reality" surgery or otherwise if a team of skilled operators requires a display of the operating area, usually subcutaneous and/or involving complex and crucial organs or apparatuses, in order to guide robotic surgical instruments or otherwise to direct instruments inside a human body without having a direct vision thereof: in such fields, incorrect perceiving of a three-dimensional structure of an object (which can be an organ of the patient !) could generate even very serious surgery errors or lengthen intervention time in an extremely inconvenient manner, as well as generate an additional neuromuscular fatigue load for operators performing surgery on the patient.

Thus, the need to develop innovative modes for controlling the screens by which to generate an accurate interlacing mapping with which to control at any time the operation of the single sub-pixels in order to generate the correct view, and then to allow thereby the projection of a high-quality resulting stereoscopic image, is strongly felt.

The holder has already made an auto-stereoscopic screen provided with such horizontal and/or vertical mapping optical barrier, i.e., rectangularly chequered (as described in the still secret patent application PCT/IB2022/054437 of the same applicant, whose priority is claimed).

On the other hand, an object of the present invention is to generate a "universal" interlacing mapping for a screen which will mean, during the description, a pixel mapping different from the conventional rectangularly-chequered mapping, and being directed to any type of screen such as, for example, OLED-based screens; more specifically, the "universal" interlacing mapping refers to different OLED devices arranging pixels comprising a predetermined plurality of sub-pixels arranged according to non-standard distributions in the generation matrix defined according to layout and resolution of the matrix itself, as shown for example in figures 2A and 2B.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to propose a method/device for generating a "universal" interlacing mapping which overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method/device for generating a "universal" interlacing mapping simply and efficiently performable on any screen to determine a clear and reliable association between the various views which will compose the stereoscopic image to be displayed and the sub-pixels forming the screen which has to project such image.

The specified objects are substantially achieved by a computer implemented method for generating an interlacing mapping, comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the attached claims.

Such a method is advantageously employed for generating the interlacing mapping in an auto-stereoscopic screen.

Preferably, the auto-stereoscopic screen is of the type comprising a plurality of sub-pixels defining a generation matrix and suitable for generating respective distinct views cooperatively defining a resulting stereoscopic image.

Preferably, the auto-stereoscopic screen comprises an optical barrier associated with the generation matrix and suitable for angularly separating such views.

The method is performed in accordance with claim 1.

Advantageously, the method described herein allows to generate in a simple manner the interlacing mapping by evaluating in an innovative manner a distribution of the plurality of sub-pixels in the generation matrix for generating a "universal" interlacing mapping performable on any screen.

The specified objects are substantially achieved also by a device for generating an interlacing mapping, comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the attached claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the indicative, and therefore not limitative, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a method for generating an interlacing mapping, as illustrated in the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an auto-stereoscopic screen, wherein an interlacing mapping according to the invention, partially exploded and aligned according to a vision axis with a user/observer, is performed; figure 2A shows an example of "standard" spatial distribution of sub-pixels which could be in the generation matrix depicted in figure 1, but not forming part of the present invention; figures 2B-2C summarily show two examples of non-standard spatial distributions of the sub-pixels which could be in the generation matrix depicted in figure 1, according to the invention; figure 2D shows a reference system applicable to the spatial distributions of figures 2B and 2C, according to the invention; figure 3 shows a block diagram of a processing unit configured to perform the method of the invention; figure 4 shows a block diagram of a system for generating a universal interlacing mapping, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The method/device object of the present invention allows to generate and determine in a particularly simple and accurate manner a "universal" interlacing mapping for an auto-stereoscopic screen, i.e., an interlacing mapping also calculable with a non-standard pixel mapping because it differs from the conventional rectangularly-chequered mapping; the "universal" interlacing is intended as related to any type of screen, in particular suitable for OLED-based screens.

The method is advantageously performable by a computer such as to optimize the performing time.

With reference to figure 1, an auto-stereoscopic screen is generally denoted by number 1 and basically comprises a generation matrix 2 suitable for defining at least one image by a plurality of pixels formed in turn by respective sub-pixels SPi which are disposable according to a wide variety of geometries and spatial distributions. In figure 2A a spatial distribution of the sub-pixels SPi which is the conventional chequered distribution, not claimed in the present invention, is reported.

Instead, figures 2B and 2C present in detail a first spatial distribution DI and a second spatial distribution D2 of the subpixels SPi, respectively, wherein the spatial distributions are different from the conventional chequered distribution; in other words, the spatial distributions DI and D2 are non-standard.

In the example proposed by way of illustration in figure 2B, the sub-pixels are mutually juxtaposed in the generation matrix 2 according to a first non-standard distribution DI represented by "diamond-type" fundamental cells Ci associated to determine the generation matrix 2, as will be described in detail below.

In the example proposed by way of illustration in figure 2C, the sub-pixels are mutually juxtaposed in the generation matrix 2 according to a second non-standard distribution D2 represented by "diagonal-type" fundamental cells Ci (identifiable with a skewed rectangle or parallelogram) associated to determine the generation matrix 2, as will be described in detail below.

The sub-pixels SPi are adapted and configured to generate respective distinct views N _View (x, y) cooperatively defining a resulting stereoscopic image.

In other words, the resulting stereoscopic image to be presented to the observer 0 results from the overlapping of more distinct views N _View (x, y) and, by simultaneously displaying such views on the various sub-pixels SPi defining the generation matrix 2, an interlaced image is generated which may be perceived as three- dimensional by the human visual system (that is the resulting stereoscopic image), when viewed through a suitable optical barrier 4.

Thus, the auto-stereoscopic screen 1 further comprises the optical barrier 4, which is associated with the generation matrix 2 and is suitable for receiving and decomposing the interlaced image by addressing and orienting the single views in order to allow the three-dimensional effect to be perceived by the observer 0. Therefore, the optical barrier 4 is associated with the generation matrix 2 and angularly separates the interlaced image in the various views N _View (x, y) composing it and being generated by the sub-pixels SPi so as to correctly orient them to allow the resulting stereoscopic image to be effectively perceived by the observer 0. Conveniently, the generation matrix 2 and the optical barrier 4 are aligned along a vision axis denoted by A in the attached figures: in order to use the screen 1, a user/observer 0 which may be at a predetermined distance from the screen may be positioned along said axis A.

In order to establish which specific views N _View (x, y) are to be displayed through the distinct sub-pixels SPi in order to correctly display the resulting stereoscopic image, an interlacing mapping M(N _View , SPi) is applied which operatively defines the association rules between views and sub-pixels. In other words, the interlacing mapping M(N _View , SPi) defines the map as a function of which the activation mode of each sub-pixel SPi such as to allow the correct view N _View (x, y) to be displayed in order to generate the desired resulting stereoscopic image is established. Thus, the method/device described in the present invention allows to generate in a particularly simple and efficient manner the above- mentioned "universal" interlacing mapping in an auto-stereoscopic screen 1.

With reference to figures, in particular to figure 1, the auto- stereoscopic screen according to the invention is generally denoted by number 1 and firstly comprises a generation matrix 2 comprising a plurality of pixels.

The pixels comprise in turn sub-pixels SPi arranged according to non-standard distributions DI, D2, which are exemplarily (but not for this limitedly) depicted in particular examples in figures 2B and 2C.

The screen 1 further comprises an optical barrier 4 optically associated with the generation matrix 2 and adapted to receive, as well as to decompose, an image generated by the generation matrix 2: from a structural and geometric point of view, such optical barrier 4, which makes functionally possible the auto-stereoscopic effect that the user/observer 0 of the screen 1 will be able to perceive a three-dimensional image, comprises a plurality of planoconvex lenticular bodies 6a disposed (or, in other words, developing) along parallel directrixes 6b.

For the purpose of the present invention, it should be noted that the above-mentioned directrixes 6b are geometrically associated with first and second ideal reference axes X, Y (shown in figure 1) of the generation matrix 2 according to a predetermined slant angle a, i.e., they are disposed such that their geometric projection on the lying plane of the generation matrix 2 is not parallel to the first and second ideal reference axes, but is inclined with respect to the latter according to a predetermined angle, which is in fact the so- called slant angle well known in the technical field to which the invention pertains.

Specifically, the first and second ideal reference axes X, Y of the generation matrix 2 define a Cartesian plane coincident to/overlapping the generation matrix 2.

In order to determine the auto-stereoscopic effect, which is based in turn on the perception from different angles (by the user/observer 0) of different views or "parts of overall image", which are then assembled at a neuro-perceptive level by the user/observer 0 in an "overall" or whatever "resulting" three-dimensional image, the generation matrix 2 is adapted to generate a predetermined number "N" of views which may be for example an uneven number of views and/or which may be between 2 and 18, depending on different parameters of possible positioning of the user/observer 0 with respect to the screen 1, and/or depending on the complexity or resolution characteristics to be given to the overall/resulting image: such number "N" of views defines, in a cooperative manner, a three-dimensional image perceivable by a user/observer 0 positioned along a vision axis A with respect to the screen 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, each of said "N" views is associable with a view index "N _View (x, y) ", which is then a fundamental parameter for the "selective driving" of the sub-pixels SPi.

Each sub-pixel SPi in the generation matrix 2 has a spatial arrangement defined according to a first position physical coordinate x and a second position physical coordinate y in the generation matrix 2.

Preferably, as shown in figure 1, the first coordinate x is indicative of a position of a centre of the sub-pixel SPi along a first ideal reference axis parallel to the first ideal reference axis X of the generation matrix 2, and the second coordinate y is indicative of a position of a centre of the sub-pixel SPi along a second ideal reference axis parallel to the second ideal reference axis Y of the generation matrix 2. The view index "N _View (x, y) " actually correlates, in the generation matrix 2, a determined sub-pixel SPi, as described above, to a particular/specific view "N _View " among all those to be generated to create the auto-stereoscopic effect: such correlation is synergically established considering also the optical/geometric characteristics of the screen 1, so that in accordance with the present invention it is calculated/determined in such a mode that the interlacing relation described above and claimed below is always ensured between that determined sub-pixel SPi and the optical barrier 4.

According to the invention, each pixel of the generation matrix 2 comprises a predetermined plurality of sub-pixels SPi which subpixels are arranged according to non-standard distributions DI, D2 in the generation matrix.

In an embodiment, this distribution is totally random, i.e., the predetermined plurality of sub-pixels SPi is arranged according to:

- a resolution of the generation matrix 2 intended as the average number of sub-pixels/mm;

- a layout defined by a list of coordinates x _c , y _c of each subpixel SPi of the generation matrix 2 respectively calculated with respect to the first ideal reference axis X and to the second ideal reference axis Y.

In preferred embodiments, the distribution is describable/identified by a group of sub-pixels SPi disposed within a "fundamental cell" C which is repeated on a classic chequered lattice.

In other words, the generation matrix 2 comprises a plurality of repeated fundamental cells Ci (i = l...n) wherein each fundamental cell C comprises a predetermined plurality of sub-pixels SPi, which sub-pixels are arranged according to a non-standard distribution DI, D2.

Each generation matrix is definable with reference to a fundamental cell C containing the minimum number of sub-pixels SPi which repeats in the generation matrix. Thus, the fundamental cell C comprises a group of sub-pixels SPi which repeats without overlapping in the generation matrix, such that each fundamental cell is adjacent to and not able to overlap other equal fundamental cells which compose the generation matrix. Thus, the generation matrix 2 may be fully described through:

- the resolution of a chessboard of fundamental cells;

- the vertical and horizontal pitch between fundamental cells on the chessboard;

- a description, for example in the form of a list, of the coordinates of each sub-pixel SPi inside the fundamental cell. Such coordinates are coordinates internal to the cell, referred to its own reference system.

The fundamental cell is then identifiable through a pair of indexes or general coordinates x _c , y _c in the reference system of the matrix (X, Y), while each sub-pixel SPi is identifiable through a pair of internal coordinates u, v, such that, for each sub-pixel, x = x _c + u e y = y _c + v.

In other words, with particular reference to figure 2B, the nonstandard distribution DI is identified by

- a resolution of the generation matrix 2 comprising the repeated fundamental cell C, and a repetition pitch along the axis X, and along the axis Y of such fundamental cell C in the generation matrix 2;

- a layout defined by a list of coordinates u, v of each subpixel SPi of the fundamental cell C.

In other words, the layout is defined by a list of coordinates (u, v) internal to the fundamental cell repeated according to the repetition pitches along the axis X and along the axis Y.

Generally, with reference to figure 2D, the coordinates of each subpixel SPi are identified by: a pair of coordinates x _c , y _c respectively calculated with respect to the first ideal reference axis X and to the second ideal reference axis Y, according to which a repetition pitch along the axis X and a repetition pitch along the axis Y of the fundamental cell C, whose generation matrix develops according to the classic "standard" chessboard, are respectively identified; and a pair of coordinates u, v internal to the fundamental cell C. With particular reference to figure 2A, instead, it is shown a typical exemplary case of a standard distribution DO such as that of a traditional LCD display (as described in the still secret patent application PCT/IB2022/054437 of the same applicant, whose priority is claimed) not claimed in the present patent application.

Sub-pixels SPi of a traditional LCD display arranged according to this distribution, for example based on:

- a resolution of the generation matrix 2 equal to 2560 x 1440;

- a pitch along the axes X and Y equal to 0.18 mm;

- a layout of the fundamental cell C defined for example by the following coordinates u, v of each RGB sub-pixel, wherein R, G, B denote red, green, and blue colour sub-pixels, respectively .

Returning to the invention, in a first exemplary embodiment, with particular reference to figure 2B, the predetermined plurality of sub-pixels SPi is arranged according to a first non-standard distribution DI represented by a "diamond-type" fundamental cell C identified by:

- a resolution of the generation matrix 2 equal to 1600 x 720, a pitch along the axis X and along the axis Y equal to 0.22 mm;

- a layout of the fundamental cell defined by the coordinates u, v of each RGB sub-pixel, as shown also in the group of figures 2B, wherein Ri (i = 0.1), Gi (i = 0...3), Bi (i = 0.1) denote blue, red, and green colour sub-pixels, respectively.

This distribution is used for example in displays of certain smartphones .

In figure 2B, the sub-pixels are depicted in the form of a square; such depiction is completely general and considered not limiting and, on the other hand, identifying each possible form the sub-pixel may have.

The RGB colours of the sub-pixels, instead, are denoted by letters R = red, G = green and B = blue, followed by a subscript identifying a position of the sub-pixel in the fundamental cell C.

In the group of figures 2B, in particular in figure 2B1, the spatial dislocation of the sub-pixels in the fundamental cell C, quantified by the measures reported in figure 2B, is shown.

In figure 2B2, instead, an overview of the generation matrix 2 comprising the fundamental cell C shown in figure 2B1 is reported. Figure 1, wherein a generation matrix with a general distribution of sub-pixels is shown, could comprise in an embodiment the distribution of the sub-pixels SPi according to the non-standard distribution DI represented by the "diamond-type" fundamental cell C.

In a second exemplary embodiment, with particular reference to figure 2C, the predetermined plurality of sub-pixels SPi is arranged according to a second non-standard distribution D2 represented by a "diagonal-type" fundamental cell C (identifiable with a skewed rectangle or parallelogram) identified by

- a resolution of the generation matrix (2) equal to 1280 x 800, a pitch along the axis X equal to 0.3 mm and a pitch along the axis Y equal to 0.22 mm;

- a layout of the fundamental cell C defined by the coordinates u,

In figure 2C, the sub-pixels are depicted in the form of a square; such depiction is completely general and considered not limiting and, on the other hand, identifying each possible form the sub-pixel may have.

The RGB colours of the sub-pixels, instead, are denoted by letters R = red, G = green and B = blue, followed by a subscript identifying a position of the sub-pixel in the fundamental cell.

In the group of figures 2C, in particular in figure 2C1, the spatial dislocation of the sub-pixels in the fundamental cell C, quantified by the measures reported in figure 2C, is shown.

In figure 2C2, instead, an overview of the generation matrix 2 comprising the fundamental cell C shown in figure 2C1 is reported. Figure 1, wherein a generation matrix with a general distribution of sub-pixels is shown, could comprise in an embodiment the distribution of the sub-pixels SPi according to the second nonstandard distribution D2 represented by the "diagonal-type" fundamental cell C.

The method for generating universal interlacing mapping, described according to a first aspect of the invention, comprises a step of acquiring a set of identification data S (x, y) of a spatial arrangement of the plurality of sub-pixels SPi in the generation matrix 2, wherein the spatial arrangement is defined according to the first position physical coordinate x = xc + u and to the second position physical coordinate y = yc + v of each sub-pixel SPi in the generation matrix 2, as identified above.

The invention further provides, in accordance with a second aspect, a device 10 for generating a universal interlacing mapping for an auto-stereoscopic screen, as schematically shown in figure 3, which allows the steps of the method to be implemented.

Specifically, the method is computer implementable.

With reference to figure 3, the device 10 comprises a processing unit 100.

Generally, it should be noted that in the present context and in the following claims, the processing unit 100 is presented as divided in distinct functional modules (memory modules or operation modules) only for the purpose of describing the functionalities thereof in a clear and complete manner.

Actually, such processing unit 100 may, in a case, consist of a single electronic device, suitably programmed for performing the described functionalities, and the different modules may correspond to hardware entities and/or software routines forming part of the programmed device.

Alternatively, or additionally, such functionalities may be performed by a plurality of electronic devices on which the above- mentioned functional modules may be distributed.

The processing unit 100 may further use one or more processors for executing the instructions contained in the memory modules.

Further, the above-mentioned functional modules may be distributed on different computers locally or remotely according to the architecture of the network in which they are.

According to the invention, the processing unit 100 comprises an acquisition module 101 configured to acquire a set of identification data S (x, y) as provided by the above-described first step of the method.

In an embodiment of the invention, the step of acquiring comprises the sub-steps of:

- arranging, in particular installing, a microscope on a micrometric Cartesian guide which is able to overlap the ideal reference axes (X, Y) of the generation matrix 2;

- lighting a single pixel SPi of the generation matrix 2,

- centring the microscope on each single sub-pixel SPi and measuring the coordinates x, y thereof with the Cartesian guide with respect to the ideal reference axes (X, Y) of the generation matrix 2;

- repeating the measurement on one or more pixels at a certain distance from the first pixel;

In preferred embodiments, since displays with non-standard/non- regular distribution of the pixels, in particular OLED displays as shown for example in the group of figures 2B and 2C, are characterized by a pixel fundamental cell which repeats on a classic chessboard (rows and columns), but wherein the sub-pixels are not distributed in a simple row, but they have each a particular position in the cell, it is sufficient to characterize a single "fundamental cell" C and the pitch of the fundamental cells Ci with the microscope to obtain the map of the entire generation matrix 2.

The characterization of a fundamental cell is made by measuring the position of the sub-pixels SPi therein.

In other words, in these preferred embodiments, the measurement of the coordinates x, y of each sub-pixel SPi with the Cartesian guide with respect to the ideal reference axes (X, Y) of the generation matrix 2 is carried out in a single "fundamental cell" and the pitch of the fundamental cells to obtain the map of the entire generation matrix 2 is calculated.

The method according to the invention further comprises the step, made for each sub-pixel SPi of the generation matrix 2 whose set of identification data S (x, y)) has been acquired, of calculating the view index (N _View (x, y)), as a function of the first position physical coordinate x and the second position physical coordinate y of each sub-pixel SPi in the generation matrix 2.

With reference to figure 3, a first calculation module 102 of the processing unit 100 is configured for this purpose.

Advantageously, in accordance with the invention, the view index (N _View (x, y)) is determined according to the formula wherein G is determined according to the formula where:

- L is a distance between two directrixes 6b of corresponding planoconvex lenticular bodies 6a adjacent in the optical barrier 4;

- α is the slant angle;

- D is a viewing distance, measured along a vision axis A, between a user/observer 0 of the screen 1 and the optical barrier 4;

- f is a focal length of a plano-convex lenticular body 6 belonging to the optical barrier 4, wherein the focal distance preferably coincides with a distance, measured along the vision axis A, between the optical barrier 4 and the generation matrix 2;

- "N" is the number of views generated by the generation matrix 2;

- "mod" is a mathematical operator resulting in a remainder of a Euclidean division; and

- "int" is a mathematical operator resulting in a lower integer value.

The interlacing relation and/or the peculiar definition mode (by mathematical formula) of the view index illustrated above are applicable, in accordance with the present invention, to generation matrixes wherein the sub-pixels are distributed according to any distribution in the generation matrix, at most also matrixes wherein the sub-pixels have random coordinates.

Thus, the method according to the invention comprises the step of generating an interlacing mapping M(N _View , SPi) between each of the sub-pixels SPi and the views to be generated, which mapping associates with each sub-pixel SPi of the generation matrix 2, whose set of identification data S (x, y) has been acquired, the view assigned to the calculated view index N _View (x, y).

With reference to figure 3, an interlacing module 103 of the processing unit 100 is configured for this purpose.

In a third aspect, the invention describes an auto-stereoscopic screen 1 as described above wherein each sub-pixel SPi of the generation matrix 2 is associated with a view associated with the view index N _View (x, y) as previously calculated.

In a fourth aspect, with reference to figure 4, the invention describes a system 20 for generating a universal interlacing mapping for an auto-stereoscopic screen 1 wherein the system comprises the above-described auto-stereoscopic screen and the device 10 for generating a universal interlacing mapping for the auto-stereoscopic screen 1, described above.

The method/device object of the present invention allows to generate and determine in a particularly simple and accurate manner a "universal" interlacing mapping for an auto-stereoscopic screen, i.e., an interlacing mapping also calculable with a non-standard pixel mapping because it differs from the conventional rectangular chequered mapping.

The "universal" interlacing is intended as related to any type of screen, in particular suitable for OLED-based screens.

The method is advantageously performable by a computer such as to optimize the performing time.