Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging platform includes a stereoscopic camera configured to record left and right images of a target site. A robotic arm is operatively connected to the stereoscopic camera, the robotic arm being adapted to selectively move the stereoscopic camera relative to the target. The stereoscopic camera includes a lens assembly having at least one lens and defining a working distance. The lens assembly has at least one focus motor adapted to move the at least one lens to selectively vary the working distance. A controller is adapted to selectively execute one or more automatic focusing modes for the stereoscopic camera. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The automatic focusing modes include a disparity mode and/or a sharpness control mode which are adapted to at least partially rely on disparity feedback to change the working distance in order to achieve focus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3D picture processing device comprising an input unit for receiving a video signal, an output unit for providing a video signal for a 2D display device, preferably a TV set, and a 3D shutter glasses driver unit for generating a driving signal to control 3D shutter glasses. A delay compensation unit is coupled to the driver unit and adapted to compensate for the processing delay present in the display device, preferably the TV set.

Abstract: A projection-type display system includes: a projection-type display apparatus that alternately switches images for the left eye and images for the right eye and projects the images onto an object; and an opening and closing control device that receives a control signal based on the display states of the images projected onto the object by the projection-type display apparatus and controls switching apertures of stereoscopic image viewing glasses corresponding to left and right eyes, wherein the projection-type display apparatus is connected to one end of a LAN cable and the opening and closing control device is connected to the other end of the LAN cable.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing device which can improve sharpness by producing a binocular rivalry intentionally are provided. An image processing device 100 includes a right eye image acquiring unit 101 which generates a right eye image by performing a correction processing on an input image, a left eye image acquiring unit 102 which generates a left eye image which produces a binocular rivalry with the right eye image by performing a correction processing which is different from the correction processing, and a multi-eye display unit which displays the right eye image and the left eye images to different viewpoints.

Abstract: An image conversion apparatus includes an image signal input unit repeatedly inputting an odd-numbered frame of a first parallax, an odd-numbered frame of a second parallax, an even-numbered frame of the first parallax, and an even-numbered frame of the second parallax, in this order; a frame memory storing the first and second parallax data having been input; a memory control unit alternately reading as field data (m+1) pieces (m is an integer of one or larger than one) of identical odd-numbered frames of the first parallax and m pieces of identical odd-numbered frames of the second parallax, and subsequently alternately reading as field data m pieces of identical even-numbered frames of the first parallax and (m+1) pieces of identical even-numbered frames of the second parallax; and an image output unit outputting the field data having been read.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting synchronization information at the output of a projection apparatus, without modifying its rotating color segmented filter wheel or drive electronics. Three photodiodes, each with a different principle color filter, is placed at the projector output to detect output of the different colors in the filter wheel. An exclusive OR circuit is used to detect white light passing through the filter wheel.

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a stereoscopic pair of images, for example as they are captured by a camera or from an existing collection of captured images. A first image is selected and a cursor overlaid on the first image is aligned with an image feature. The cursor is then shifted by a predetermined amount and a second image is selected such that the cursor is overlaid on the second image and is substantially aligned with the feature.

Abstract: An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Abstract: A system and method for projecting stereoscopic images using a multiple projector arrangement is provided. The design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left and right images and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left and right images. The first projector left image is transmitted by the first projector at substantially a same time as the second projector right image is transmitted by the second projector. Alternately, the design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left images alternating with first projector right images, and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left images alternating with second projector right images. A quasi-interlacing technique is also provided.

Abstract: A system for a 3-D Phenomenoscope to view 3-dimensional special effects in motion pictures, and a method by which ordinary 2-dimensional motion pictures can be viewed as a 3-dimensionsal experience are disclosed. It provides (a) a 3-D Phenomenoscope with right and left lenses, where the degree of darkness of the right and left lenses can be individually controlled; (b) a digital photo sensors that can capture the viewed motion picture as successive images and convert the captured frames to digital images for processing; (c) a computer processor and a computer program to process the successive images and identify lateral motion synchronization events, and (d) a control unit to provide individual control for the light-reduction or darkening of the right or left lens based on the identified synchronization events. These system and method allow any motion picture to be viewed with the visual effect of 3-dimensions.

Abstract: This invention directs to a video/motion picture displaying apparatus for viewing via 3D spectacles with an internal 3D synchronizing unit including an image capturing means, a synchronizing means to identify synchronization events according to a set of synchronization rules, and a transmitting unit. It further directs to a 2D video/motion picture embedded with synchronizing signals produced with the same synchronization rules. The invention also discloses a 3D synchronizing signal composing/embedding device for embedding synchronizing signals to a 2D video/motion picture including a data capturing means, a converting means, a synchronizing means and a composing means or an embedding means. It also teaches a related 3D control device configured to acquire and utilize the embedded synchronizing signals to control the transmission of light of the 3D spectacles.

Abstract: A motion-picture distributor (12) uses a computer system (22) to convert video signals from a master film (14) into serial video data (41) complying with DVD-Video standards. Further, the computer system (22) modifies the sequence of scene-data sets (42-1, 42-2, . . . ) constituting the data (41) and encrypts the data for each scene-data set, thus producing encrypted non-serial video data (45). The data (45) are separated into DVD-ROMs (15-1, 15-2, . . . ), for distribution purposes. A theater (13) then uses a serialization apparatus (51) to read the data (45) from the DVD-ROMs (15-1, 15-2, . . . ), and sorts the scene-data sets in a correct sequence, thus producing encrypted serial video data (80). A motion picture projector (52) decrypts the data (80), thereby preparing the data (41). The data (41) are played back to view a movie. On the other hand, a movie distributor (12) may distribute the DVD-ROMs in a separated manner.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing system permits separate imaging of left and right images of a particular object. Each image may be sequentially captured on the exact same imaging sensor and then transferred either to storage or for separate stereoscopic display. As a result, a single image sensor may be utilized to reduce costs of the system without significantly decreasing the time for display.

Abstract: A parallax image input apparatus for acquiring a plurality of images seen from different viewpoints, comprises an image forming device for forming images of the external world, and a parallax image pickup device for selectively imaging pieces of image information, which have passed through different positions in the image forming device, and converting the pieces of image information into image signals. The apparatus also comprises an image recording device for recording the image signals, which have been obtained from the parallax image pickup device. The apparatus has a simple constitution and easily obtains parallax images seen from many viewpoints.

Abstract: An arrangement which can produce a stereoscopic image simply and cheaply. An optical unit views an object and a stereoscopic image is provided onto a recording device or a display device by differentially polarizing the beams.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display, which produces a three dimensional illusion when viewed on a conventional display with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined by a through-hole in an opaque card, a plurality of interleaved leaf elements, or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display, which produces a three dimensional illusion when viewed on a conventional display with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined by a through-hole in an opaque card, a plurality of interleaved leaf elements, or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to searching for a desired data item within a group of data. Representative samples among a group of data to be searched are displayed, and two representative samples in display are selected to specify a new area of data to be searched. Thus, the portion of the data is bracketed and narrowed down, and the desired data item is found quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A stereoscopic film projection system including one or more electro-optical light modulators used as part of, or in conjunction with, stereoscopic projection optics for the above-and-below film format employed for 35 mm theatrical cinema. The optical state of each modulator is voltage dependent, and the driving voltage therefor is generated in response to signals from a sensor positioned in the projector aperture. The sensor detects the presence or absence of index marks on the film. This arrangement insures that each subframe is maintained in a proper relationship with the optics' polarizers for preventing the projection of pseudostereoscopic motion pictures.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display in three dimensional illusion when viewed with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined as a through-hole in an opaque card or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: An animated holographic stereogram display and method of creating the same is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a user views a hologram from a fixed relative position, the hologram containing a plurality of stereographic image pairs. A plurality of light sources are appropriately spatially dispersed so that each light source will illuminate the hologram so as to make the one stereographic image pair associated with that light source and viewing position viewable by the user. By using stereographic image pairs which are related to each other and appropriate time sequencing of the light sources, animation of the image pairs may be achieved. Uses of the system include facial animation whereby facial image pairs associated with various phonemes may be sequenced in accordance with a speech signal so that a limited set of image pairs may animate the face for a substantially unlimited vocabulary.

Abstract: Projected image misalignment in a 3-D motion picture projector is corrected by shifting one of the projection lenses in accordance with a predetermined program during presentation of the motion picture. In one embodiment, manually initiated control signals for adjusting the lens shift are recorded in a memory and can be subsequently retrieved for automatically controlling lens shift. In another embodiment, lens shift is controlled by reading predetermined witness marks on the film.

Abstract: A camera for producing 3-D motion pictures has "left eye" and "right eye" camera lenses and two corresponding film transport mechanisms. Images to be recorded on films transported by the mechanisms are reflected by semitransparent mirrors and the mechanisms and the mechanisms are arranged so that the mirrors turn the images transversely of the films. Contact prints made from the films can then simply be turned face-for-face to correct for the image reversals due to the presence of the mirrors. The contact prints are then correctly oriented for projection.

Abstract: In an alternate eye 3-D motion picture projection apparatus of the rolling loop type, light projection is accomplished by the combination of focal plane shutters that are coupled to the rotor of the projector and a supplementary shutter arrranged to trim the projected light so that discrete "left eye" and "right eye" images are projected. Various embodiments are disclosed in which a rotary blade shutter is located at the stop of the projection lens. Where there are two projection lenses, a single blade or two counter-rotating blades trim the light projected through both lenses.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining images for use in displaying a three-dimensional illusion which includes the step of obtaining first and second images of a subject volume having foreground and background portions with the points of origin of those images located in a first plane which includes left and right points of origin of an observer of the subject volume and which is normal to the optical axis of that observer. The first and second points of origin are also respectively located equidistant above and below a first line interconnecting the left and right points of origin and are located along a second line which is normal to and bisects the first line. The first and second optical axes are aligned to converge in a second plane parallel to the first plane which includes the foreground portion of the subject volume within the field of view of the observer which is closest to the first plane.

Abstract: A method of recording an image of a scene onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive partial images through a single lens system onto each single frame of the film, the successive partial images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through appropriate filters, gives a stereo scopic effect. To get an optimum effect, the sequence in which the images are recorded should be appropriate to the predominant direction of horizontal movement in the scene. Accordingly in one form of the invention, each image is divided into a number of areas, each area in successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, and each image having different areas recorded in light of different characteristics.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining images for use in displaying a three-dimensional illusion which includes the step of obtaining first and second images of a subject volume having foreground and background portions with the points of origin of those images located in a first plane which includes left and right points of origin of an observer of the subject volume and which is normal to the optical axis of that observer. The first and second points of origin are also respectively located equidistant above and below a first line interconnecting the left and right points of origin and are located along a second line which is normal to and bisects the first line. The first and second optical axes are aligned to converge in a second plane parallel to the first plane which includes the foreground portion of the subject volume within the field of view of the observer which is closest to the first plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional photography provides left and right eye images alternately along the lens axis of a camera for recording alternately on a film strip. The left and right eye images are received along spaced first and second axes separated by a distance substantially consistent with the interocular distance of natural eyes, and are resolved alternately along the lens axis of the camera. Lens assemblies are provided for each eye image to provide a horizontal spread of between 40.degree. and 60.degree. which substantially matches the natural horizontal field of vision. The convergence of the first and second axes is adjustable. The camera may be provided with a viewfinder in which the left and right eye images are separated out again.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projecting apparatus has a polyhedral prism and two types of polarizing filters which are arranged at the incident (or emerging) planes of the prism and which have orthogonal deflecting directions. Left and right-eye pictures are alternately formed on the consecutive frames of a cinefilm. The cinefilm is driven in such a way as to cross the projection region of light emitted from a lamp. An optical image transmitted from the cinefilm is projected onto a screen by the polyhedral prism, through a relay lens, a projection lens or the like. The left and right-eye images are deflected in directions 90.degree. apart from each other, by the polarizing filters at the respective incident or emerging planes of the prism. A viewer can stereoscopically observe the image superimposed on the screen, using polarized viewing glasses having polarized lenses deflected in the deflecting directions of the images.

Abstract: Flying spot scanner technology is combined with stereo photography in motion to produce two channels of video imagery which can be optically combined to produce the perception of dynamic stereoscopic detail. The scanner generates alternate lines with lateral offset corresponding to the physical separation between stereo photographic pairs to provide two rasters.

Abstract: A stereoscopic lens system for simultaneously recording left and right images on longitudinally displaced half-frames of a motion picture film. Left and right images are formed by a pair of adjustable receiving lenses horizontally spaced by the average human interocular distance and vertically spaced by an amount corresponding to the half-frame displacement. Images formed by the receiving lenses are focused onto respective field lenses. These images are in turn directed by front-silvered flat mirrors to the optical elements of a relay lens mounted to the optics body containing the above-described elements. Provision is made for the mounting of accessory receiving lenses and convergence altering optical elements located in front of the receiving lenses.

Abstract: Paired movie cameras, each having synchronized movements and in phase shutters, are provided with focus and zoom optics of identical, but conventional and commercial manufacture. The paired lenses are first rotated relative to one another to obtain a coincidence between the centration vector for each lens for either zoom or focus. Once the centration vectors are aligned identically on a polar basis, mounting to the camera with provision for synchronous zoom between the respective cameras thereafter occurs. Typically, and before each stereo shooting, the zoom optics are set to a maximum magnification and registered to the appropriate distance with the lens finders and reticules. Upon change of the focus and/or zoom setting, a variable prism affixed to one camera is moved relative to the remaining camera to maintain identical centration between the respective lens cameras.

Abstract: A process for recording and projecting a three-dimensional visual scene onto a receiving surface from which the scene may be viewed in stereopsis by the unaided human eye. The scene is recorded from right and left view positions laterally separated by a distance of no more than about one inch, and groups of recorded right and recorded left views are alternately projected onto a receiving surface in sequence such that the visual duration of each group varies from a minimum to a maximum time which is generally proportional to the distance of the nearest non-moving object of special regard in the scene from the recording positions and is approximately equal to the visio-psychological suppression rate of the human eyes.

Abstract: A photographic camera for three dimension photography. A housing has an opening to the interior for light rays. Photosensitive material is located in communication with the interior of the housing at a location during exposure time. Optics in the housing project light rays, which are received through the opening from a scene to be photographed, along an optical path to the location for the photosensitive material. The path has a first position therealong. The optics comprise a lenticular screen extending across the path at a a second position farther along the path from the first position and have, on one side, a plurality of elongated lenticular elements which face in the direction from which the light rays are being projected and have an opposite side facing in position for contact with the surface of the located photosensitive material.