Digital Video Projector Frame Multiplication for Stereoscopic Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital stereoscopic projection systems using a single projector face challenges in achieving effective stereoscopic performance due to flicker, motion artifacts, and stereoscopic crosstalk, particularly when transitioning between left and right images during dark times.
Innovation Solution
A digital video projector system and method that receives and projects left-eye and right-eye data with input and output reference signals to synchronize with other components, allowing for frame rate multiplication and adjustable dark times to reduce flicker and crosstalk, and enabling operation as either a master or slave in the projection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If left and right images are projected sequentially during a normal frame using a single projector, then the system complexity is reduced compared to two-projector systems, but flicker and motion artifacts occur due to the sequential projection and dark time transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing frame rate multiplication where the projector displays multiple frames (e.g., 5 frames) of left-eye data followed by multiple frames of right-eye data within a single projected frame period. This periodic repetition of eye-specific frames at high frequency reduces the perceived flicker while maintaining the single-projector configuration, thereby improving stereoscopic performance without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of projection by multiplying the frame rate and adjusting the duration of dark time periods. By controlling the ratio of display time to dark time and optimizing the frame multiplication factor, the system reduces flicker and motion artifacts while maintaining sequential projection, thus improving reliability without adding system complexity
2Reliability
If the projector transitions between left and right images during dark time, then stereoscopic separation is achieved, but stereoscopic crosstalk occurs due to imperfect switching timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the dark time period to occur before and after the transition between left and right eye images. This preliminary and follow-up dark time ensures that the switching mechanism (polarizing filter or shutter glasses) has sufficient time to complete its transition, preventing crosstalk where the wrong eye receives the wrong image. The dark time acts as a buffer that prepares the system for the upcoming image switch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using reference signals (input reference signal and display reference signal) that synchronize the projector's frame multiplication and dark time insertion with the switching mechanism's operation. This feedback loop ensures that the timing of image transitions aligns precisely with the switching mechanism's state, minimizing crosstalk while maintaining proper stereoscopic separation
3Reliability
If frame rate multiplication is used to reduce flicker, then stereoscopic performance improves, but the timing synchronization with switching mechanisms becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference signals as intermediaries that mediate between the frame multiplication process and the switching mechanism. The input reference signal triggers the start of frame multiplication and dark time insertion, while the display reference signal synchronizes the actual image display with the switching mechanism's state. These intermediary signals simplify the synchronization complexity by providing clear timing cues that coordinate all system components
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for displaying stereoscopic digital motion picture images are provided. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving at a digital video projector one or more frames of left-eye data and one or more frames of right-eye data, receiving at the digital video projector an input reference signal indicating whether each frame of data comprises left-eye data or right-eye data, receiving at the digital video projector a display reference signal indicating whether left-eye data or right-eye data should be projected at a particular time, and projecting the left-eye data and right eye data, as indicated by the display reference signal, separated by periods of dark time. In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving at a digital video projector one or more frames of left-eye data and one or more frames of corresponding right-eye data, receiving at the digital video projector an input reference signal indicating whether each frame of data comprises left-eye data or right-eye data, projecting the corresponding frames of left-eye data and right eye data separated by periods of dark time, and transmitting from the digital video projector an output reference signal indicating initiation of the periods of dark time.