Auto-Stereoscopic Display Calibration via Single Image Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calibration methods for dynamic auto-stereoscopic 3D display screens are complex and resource-intensive, requiring multiple camera acquisitions and intricate test environments to adjust the parallax barrier for optimal 3D viewing experiences.

Innovation Solution

A single-image capture calibration process using a camera and a reflecting surface to compute the horizontal phase of the parallax barrier, allowing for precise adjustment of the masking means to minimize crosstalk and ensure optimal 3D viewing, without the need for complex test environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing calibration methods use multiple camera acquisitions and complex test environments to adjust the parallax barrier, then measurement precision of the barrier phase is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier phase measurement precisionVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single image capture to obtain a reflected image of the test pattern displayed on the screen. This reflected image serves as a copy that contains all the necessary information for calibration, eliminating the need for multiple camera acquisitions and complex test environments while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential calibration information from a single reflected image capture. By analyzing the reflected image of the test pattern, the system extracts the barrier phase information needed for calibration without requiring the complex multi-step processes of existing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If existing calibration methods require multiple camera acquisitions and optimization loops, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a specific test pattern on the screen before capturing the reflected image. This preliminary action of displaying the known test pattern enables direct calculation of the barrier phase from the single reflected image, eliminating the need for time-consuming optimization loops and multiple acquisitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the iterative optimization loop process with a direct calculation method. Instead of using multiple camera acquisitions and software-based optimization iterations, the system calculates the barrier phase directly from geometric relationships in the single reflected image, significantly reducing calibration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If a fixed parallax barrier is used with tight assembly tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly toleranceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic parallax barrier that can be shifted horizontally relative to the pixel matrix. This dynamic capability allows the barrier to be adjusted after assembly, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and eliminating the need for tight assembly tolerances, thereby reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the horizontal position parameter of the parallax barrier through electronic control. By allowing the barrier to shift horizontally, the system can compensate for assembly variations and achieve accurate alignment without requiring precision manufacturing, thus reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables efficient and accurate calibration of dynamic auto-stereoscopic 3D screens, providing a balanced mix of left and right images for the user, reducing crosstalk and enhancing the 3D experience with fewer resources and simpler setup.

Implementation Method 1

a camera (1, 3) adapted to capture an image (3, 32) of the display screen (2, 15) through a reflecting surface (4, 0)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3070943B1Method and apparatus for calibrating an autostereoscopic display device
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3070943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3070943B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention provides a calibration process for a dynamic auto-stereoscopic 3D device using a user tracking camera for adjusting the position of a parallax barrier. The calibration is performed by using an image capture by the camera of the device of the auto-stereoscopic screen through a reflecting surface. The process may then compute the horizontal phase of the parallax barrier.