HDMI Splitter for Dual-View 3D Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of 3D TVs capable of dual-view mode restricts the development of games that support two-player full-screen experiences, as current videogame consoles like the PlayStation 3 can only drive one conventional 3D TV due to a single HDMI-out port, limiting access to dual-view features.
Innovation Solution
An HDMI splitter box is used to connect the videogame console to two conventional TVs, allowing it to drive separate displays for each player by converting dual-view 3D signals into monoscopic images and synchronizing active shutter glasses to display respective viewpoints, enabling a dual-view experience on conventional TVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 3D TV with single HDMI-out port is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to dual-view mode is limited
Solution Approach 1:
An HDMI splitter box is introduced as an intermediary device between the console and two TVs. The splitter box receives the single HDMI signal from the console and distributes it to two separate TVs, enabling dual-view capability without modifying the console's single HDMI-out port. This mediator device resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through signal distribution while maintaining simplicity in the original console configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-view signal is segmented into two separate monoscopic signals, each sent to a different TV. The HDMI splitter box divides the single input signal into two output signals, allowing each TV to display a separate player's viewpoint. This segmentation enables dual-view functionality while keeping the console's single HDMI connection unchanged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-view 3D signals are displayed on conventional TVs, then the adaptability is improved, but the image quality and viewing experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the signal parameters by converting dual-view 3D signals into monoscopic signals suitable for conventional TVs. The HDMI splitter box processes the signal format, extracting and separating the two player viewpoints into independent monoscopic streams. This parameter transformation enables compatibility with conventional displays while maintaining acceptable image quality through proper signal formatting and separation.
3Ease of operation
If active shutter glasses are synchronized for dual-view mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active shutter glasses operate in self-service mode where the synchronization control is automatically managed by the HDMI splitter box. The splitter box receives synchronization signals from the console and automatically coordinates the shutter timing for both players without requiring manual intervention. This automatic self-service approach improves ease of operation while containing the control complexity within the splitter box rather than requiring complex user-side control systems.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image transfer apparatus comprises an input operable to receive a signal comprising two non-stereoscopic images for different respective viewpoints of a virtual environment, a first output and a second output, and a signal splitter logic, and in which the signal splitter logic is operable to extract and separate the two non-stereoscopic images from the received signal, to format each of the two separated images for reception by a respective conventional 2D display, and to output to the first output and the second output a respective signal comprising one of the two separate images.