COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING SIMULTANEOUS VIDEO PATHWAYS FOR MULTI-VIEWER SUPPORT
A communication system is described that allows co-located viewers to simultaneously consume different media content, such as different video content, via the same display screen, wherein video content delivered to at least one co-located viewer is not visible to the other co-located viewer(s). The communication system comprises an infrastructure that includes multiple pathways for delivering media content from one or more media sources to the eyes of each of the co-located viewers, wherein each pathway passes through the pixels of a pixel array included in the shared display screen. The pathways also include distributed or non-distributed processing circuitry that manages certain resources that are shared among the multiple pathways, wherein such shared resources may include shared display resources (e.g., pixels of the pixel array and light generated thereby) and shared data communication resources (e.g., bandwidth on data communication links and processing resources of nodes located on such links).
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,088, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/291,818, filed on Dec. 31, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/303,119, filed on Feb. 10, 2010. The entirety of each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein.
This application is also related to the following U.S. patent applications, each of which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/291,818 and 61/303,119 and each of which is incorporated by reference herein:
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,225, filed on May 5, 2010 and entitled “Controlling a Pixel Array to Support an Adaptable Light Manipulator”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,307, filed on May 5, 2010 and entitled “Display with Elastic Light Manipulator”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,409, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled “Display with Adaptable Parallax Barrier”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled “Adaptable Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and Stereoscopic 3D Display Regions”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,461, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled “Display Supporting Multiple Simultaneous 3D Views”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,020, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax Barrier”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,031, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Coordinated Driving of Adaptable Light Manipulator, Backlighting and Pixel Array in Support of Adaptable 2D and 3D Displays”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,062, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Set-top Box Circuitry that Supports Selective Delivery of 2D and 3D Content to Support a Viewing Environment”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,069, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Three-Dimensional Display System With Adaptation Based on Viewing Reference of Viewer(s)”; and
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,078, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Multiple Remote Controllers that Each Simultaneously Controls a Different Visual Presentation of a 2D/3D Display.”
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to communication systems and associated infrastructures that facilitate the delivery of media content, such as video content, to co-located viewers.
2. Background Art
There are rising desires and expectations for personal and interactive media delivery that is causing dissatisfaction among co-located viewers. For example, co-located viewers of a television must share a single display screen and, typically, a single remote control associated therewith. In such an environment, the selection of particular media content (e.g., particular video content) by one viewer often leads to disputes and viewer dissatisfaction. Where the selected media content is interactive, those who are not in control of the remote control and the interactivity decisions implemented therewith may become further dissatisfied. Additionally, when one viewer invokes pause, rewind, and replay type functions during video playback, this can prove annoying to other co-located viewers. Likewise, when one viewer utilizes the shared display screen to check other media or data (e.g., e-mail, etc.) during video playback, this can annoy other co-located viewers. Additionally, the communication of widgets and such to accompany a video selection are often not tailored to all viewers. Similar problems exist for other devices having a single display screen such as computers, smart phones, and the like.
Certain televisions implement so-called “picture-in-picture” (PIP) technology to allow two video streams to be viewed simultaneously via the same display screen. However, this technology is less than optimal in that the PIP view is typically fixed in size, smaller than desired, and is presented at the expense of a portion of the larger view. Furthermore the PIP view is typically presented without accompanying audio.
Certain video games have been designed that partition a shared display “space” into different sections in order to accommodate views associated with multiple co-located players. This approach is less than optimal in that each player must accept a fixed view of reduced size and also in that each player can see the views of the other players, which can be confusing and lead to unfair game practices. This approach is also less than optimal in that although each player has their own view, they do not have their own accompanying audio.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA communication system is described herein that allows co-located viewers to simultaneously consume different media content, such as different video content, via the same display screen, wherein video content delivered to at least one co-located viewer is not visible to the other co-located viewer(s). The communication system comprises an infrastructure that includes multiple pathways for delivering media content from one or more media sources to the eyes of each of the co-located viewers, wherein each pathway passes through the pixels of a pixel array included in the shared display screen. The pathways also include distributed or non-distributed processing circuitry that manages certain resources that are shared among the multiple pathways, wherein such shared resources may include shared display resources (e.g., pixels of the pixel array and light generated thereby) and shared data communication resources (e.g., bandwidth on data communication links and processing resources of nodes located on such links).
In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry manages the shared resources by managing the utilization thereof to simultaneously support the multiple pathways. In further embodiments, the processing circuitry manages the shared resources by setting up or modifying an allocation of a shared resource among the multiple pathways based on an ascertained characteristic associated with at least one of the pathways. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive feedback and/or to gather pathway characteristics to facilitate resource allocation decisions. By simultaneously and adaptively managing each of the pathways, the processing circuitry can provide a stable, simultaneous, multiple-viewer viewing environment that can adapt over time as underlying pathway characteristics change. A communication system and infrastructure in accordance with the above are substantially as shown in and/or described herein in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. IntroductionThe present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.
A communication system is described herein that allows co-located viewers to simultaneously consume different media content, such as different video content, via the same display screen, wherein video content delivered to at least one co-located viewer is not visible to the other co-located viewer(s). The communication system comprises an infrastructure that includes multiple pathways for delivering media content from one or more media sources to the eyes of each of the co-located viewers, wherein each pathway passes through the pixels of a pixel array included in the shared display screen. The pathways also include distributed or non-distributed processing circuitry that manages certain resources that are shared among the multiple pathways, wherein such shared resources may include shared display resources (e.g., pixels of the pixel array and light generated thereby) and shared data communication resources (e.g., bandwidth on data communication links and processing resources of nodes located on such links).
In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry manages the shared resources by managing the utilization thereof to simultaneously support the multiple pathways. In further embodiments, the processing circuitry manages the shared resources by setting up or modifying an allocation of a shared resource among the multiple pathways based on an ascertained characteristic associated with at least one of the pathways. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive feedback and/or to gather pathway characteristics to facilitate resource allocation decisions. By simultaneously and adaptively managing each of the pathways, the processing circuitry can provide a stable, simultaneous, multiple-viewer viewing environment that can adapt over time as underlying pathway characteristics change.
II. Exemplary Display Systems that Support Simultaneous Visual Presentations Observable by Different ViewersBefore describing example communication systems that allow co-located viewers to simultaneously consume different media content via the same display screen, various exemplary screen assemblies that support such simultaneous viewing will first be described. The various screen assemblies described in this section rely on spatial filtering by one or more light manipulators (e.g. parallax barriers or lenticular lenses) to support the simultaneous viewing of different media content by different viewers. However, as will be noted in a subsequent section, communication systems in accordance with embodiments may include screen assemblies that utilize other mechanisms for facilitating such simultaneous viewing (e.g., such as those designed for use in conjunction with shutter glasses).
A. Example Screen Assemblies Including Adaptable Parallax Barriers
Pixel array 122 comprises a two-dimensional array of pixels (e.g., arranged as a grid or other distribution) that operates to emit light 132. Pixel array 122 may comprise a self-illuminating or light-generating pixel array such that the pixels of pixel array 122 each emit light included in light 132. Alternatively, each pixel in pixel array 122 may operate to selectively pass light emitted by a backlighting source (not shown in
Adaptable parallax barrier 124 is positioned proximate to a surface of pixel array 122. Barrier element array 142 is a layer of adaptable parallax barrier 124 that includes a plurality of barrier elements or blocking regions arranged in an array. Each barrier element of the array is configured to be selectively opaque or transparent. Combinations of barrier elements may be configured to be selectively opaque or transparent to enable various effects. For example, the states of the barrier elements of barrier element array 142 may be configured such that light 132 emanating from pixel array 122 is filtered to produce filtered light 134, wherein filtered light 134 includes one or more two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional images that may be viewed by viewers 136 in a viewing space 106.
Depending upon the implementation, each barrier element may have a round, square, or rectangular shape, and barrier element array 142 may have any number of rows of barrier elements that extend a vertical length of barrier element array 142. In another embodiment, each barrier element may have a “band” shape that extends a vertical length of barrier element array 142, such that barrier element array 142 includes a single horizontal row of barrier elements. Each barrier element may include one or more of such bands, and different regions of barrier element array 142 may include barrier elements that include different numbers of such bands.
It is noted that in some embodiments, barrier elements may be capable of being completely transparent or opaque, and in other embodiments, barrier elements may not be capable of being fully transparent or opaque. For instance, such barrier elements may be capable of being 95% transparent when considered to be “transparent” and may be capable of being 5% transparent when considered to be “opaque.” “Transparent” and “opaque” as used herein are intended to encompass barrier elements being substantially transparent (e.g., greater than 75% transparent, including completely transparent) and substantially opaque (e.g., less than 25% transparent, including completely opaque), respectively.
Driver circuitry 102 receives control signals 108 from control circuitry (not shown in
For example,
Each of adaptable parallax barriers 200 and 300, configured in the manner shown in
In the adaptable parallax barrier configurations shown in
For instance,
In still further embodiments, different regions of an adaptable parallax barrier that have parallel non-blocking strips may have the parallel non-blocking strips oriented at different angles to deliver three-dimensional images to viewers that are oriented differently. Thus, a viewing configuration that mixes three-dimensional viewing regions having different viewing orientations may be supported.
For example,
Furthermore, as shown in
As such, in
Additional adaptable parallax barrier implementations and arrangements thereof that support mixed two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional viewing regions are described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,440, filed on Jul. 28, 2010 and entitled “Adaptable Parallax Barrier Supporting Mixed 2D and Stereoscopic 3D Display Regions,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Display system 100 may be further configured to simultaneously generate multiple two-dimensional images or views for viewing by different viewers in a viewing space. For example,
Light emanating from pixel array 602 is filtered by barrier element array 604 to form a plurality of images in a viewing space 626, including a first image 632a at a first location 636a and a second image 632b at a second location 636b. A portion of the light emanating from pixel array 602 is blocked by blocking barrier elements 610, while another portion of the light emanating from pixel array 602 passes through non-blocking barrier elements 612, according to the filtering by barrier element array 604. For instance, light 624a from pixel 614a is blocked by blocking barrier element 610a, and light 624b and light 624c from pixel 614b are blocked by blocking barrier elements 610b and 610c, respectively. In contrast, light 618a from pixel 614a is passed by non-blocking barrier element 612a and light 618b from pixel 614b is passed by non-blocking barrier element 612b.
System 600 shown in
As shown in
In accordance with the foregoing, display system 600 has a single viewing plane or surface (e.g., a plane or surface of pixel array 602, barrier element array 604, and/or display screen of display system 600) that supports multiple viewers with media content in the form of images or views. In the embodiment of
Still further, the configuration of display system 600 in
As such, display system 600 has a single viewing plane or surface (e.g., a plane or surface of pixel array 602 or barrier element array 604) that supports multiple viewers with media content in the form of three-dimensional images or views. The single viewing plane of display system 600 may provide a first three-dimensional view based on first three-dimensional media content to first viewer 634a, and may provide a second three-dimensional view based on second three-dimensional media content to second viewer 634b. Barrier element array 604 causes the first three-dimensional media content to be presented to first viewer 634a via a first area of the single viewing plane, but not to second viewer 634b, while simultaneously causing the second three-dimensional media content to be presented to second viewer 634b via a second area of the single viewing plane, but not to first viewer 634a. Furthermore, the first area and second area of the single viewing plane that provide the first and second media content overlap each other at least in part, as barrier element array 604 enables both three-dimensional views to be provided from first set of pixels 614a-614d and second set of pixels 616a-616d, which are interleaved with each other. In accordance with certain configurations of display system 600, the first and second areas may be the same area and the area may encompass the entirety of the display screen or surface of display system 600 or only a region of the display screen or surface of display system 600.
As such, display system 600 can be configured to deliver a single two-dimensional or three-dimensional view to a viewer, to deliver a pair of two-dimensional views to a pair of viewers, or to deliver a pair of three-dimensional views to a pair of viewers. Display system 600 can be configured to switch between delivering views to one and two viewers by turning off or turning on, respectively, the display of media content by pixel array 602 associated with one of the viewers (e.g., by turning off or on pixels 616 associated with second image 632b). Display system 600 can be configured to switch between delivering two-dimensional and three-dimensional views by providing the corresponding media content type at pixel array 602.
Display systems in accordance with further embodiments may include multiple layers of parallax barriers. Such display systems may enable multiple three-dimensional images to be displayed in a viewing space. The multiple parallax barrier layers may enable spatial separation of the images. For instance, in accordance with one embodiment, a display device that includes multiple parallax barrier layers may be configured to display a first three-dimensional image in a first region of a viewing space (e.g., a left-side area), a second three-dimensional image in a second region of the viewing space (e.g., a central area), a third three-dimensional image in a third region of the viewing space (e.g., a right-side area), etc. In fact, a display device that includes multiple parallax barrier layers may be configured to display any number of spatially separated three-dimensional images as desired for a particular application (e.g., according to a number and spacing of viewers in the viewing space, etc.).
Light 732 is received at first parallax barrier 724 from pixel array 722. Pixel array 722 may comprise a self-illuminating or light-generating pixel array such that the pixels of pixel array 722 each emit light included in light 732. Alternatively, each pixel in pixel array 722 may operate to selectively pass light emitted by a backlighting source (not shown in
First parallax barrier 724 may be configured to filter light 732 received from pixel array 722. As shown in
Filtered light 734 is received by second parallax barrier 726 to generate filtered light 736 that includes a plurality of three-dimensional images 7621-762n formed in a viewing space 706. As shown in
As such, display system 700 has a single viewing plane or surface (e.g., a plane or surface of pixel array 722, first parallax barrier 724, second parallax barrier 726, or a display screen of display system 700) that supports multiple viewers with media content in the form of three-dimensional images or views. The single viewing plane of display system 700 may provide a first three-dimensional view based on first three-dimensional media content to a first viewer, a second three-dimensional view based on second three-dimensional media content to a second viewer, and optionally further three-dimensional views based on further three-dimensional media content to further viewers. First and second parallax barrier 724 and 726 cause each three-dimensional media content to be presented to a corresponding viewer via a corresponding area of the single viewing plane, with each viewer being enabled to view corresponding media content without viewing media content directed to other viewers. Furthermore, the areas of the single viewing plane that provide the various three-dimensional views of media content overlap each other at least in part. In the embodiment of
Display system 700 may be configured in various ways to generate multiple three-dimensional images in embodiments. Furthermore, as described below, embodiments of display system 700 may be configured to generate two-dimensional views, as well as any combination of one or more two-dimensional views simultaneously with one or more three-dimensional views. Examples of such embodiments are provided in the following.
As shown in the example of
Each of pixels 814a-814c, 816a-816c, 818a-818c and 820a-820c is configured to emit light, which emanates from the surface of pixel array 802 towards first barrier element array 804. Each set of pixels is configured to generate a corresponding image. For example,
For instance, in the example of
In the embodiment of
First-fourth images 906a-906d may be formed in viewing space 902 at a distance from pixel array 802 and at a lateral location of viewing space 902 as determined by a configuration of display system 800, including by a width and spacing of non-blocking slits in first barrier element array 804, by a width and positioning of non-blocking slits in second barrier element array 806, by a spacing between pixel array 802 and first barrier element array 804, and a spacing between first and second barrier element arrays 804 and 806.
Furthermore, although shown in
Still further, if it is desired for display system 800 to deliver a single two-dimensional or three-dimensional view (e.g., one of viewers 904a and 904b is no longer participating), one or both of first barrier element array 804 and second barrier element array 806 may be “turned off” For instance, to deliver a two-dimensional view to a viewer 904, first barrier element array 804 and second barrier element array 806 may each transition all of their corresponding barrier elements to the non-blocking state (be “turned off”), and pixel array 802 may be configured to emit a single two-dimensional image. To deliver a three-dimensional view to a viewer 904, one of first barrier element array 804 and second barrier element array 806 may transition all of its barrier elements to the non-blocking state, while the other of first barrier element array 804 and second barrier element array 806 may be configured to deliver a three-dimensional view.
Additional details concerning display systems that utilize adaptable light manipulators, such as adaptable parallax barriers, to support the simultaneous presentation of different two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional views to different viewers are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,461, filed on Jul. 28, 2010, and entitled “Display Supporting Multiple Simultaneous 3D Views,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
As noted above, a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124 of display system 100 or a configuration of either of first and second parallax barrier 724 and 726 of display system 700 can be dynamically modified to support a particular viewing configuration. To further support the viewing configuration, the pixel array of each system must also be controlled to support the same viewing configuration. This concept will now be further described with continued reference to display system 100 of
When a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124 of display system 100 is modified to support a particular viewing configuration, pixel array 122 must also be controlled to support the same viewing configuration. In particular, the rendering of pixels of an image (also referred to herein as “image pixels”) among the pixels of pixel array 122 (also referred to herein as “display pixels”) must be handled in a manner that is consistent with a current configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124. This may entail, for example, changing a number of display pixels that represents each image pixel (i.e., changing the resolution of a displayed image) and/or changing which display pixels or groups thereof correspond to the respective image pixels (i.e., changing the locations at which the image pixels are displayed), in response to modification of a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124. Such changes may be implemented by a controller (not shown in
For example, in one embodiment, when a configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124 supports a first viewing configuration responsive to control signals 108, pixel array driver circuitry 112 sends drive signals 152 in conformance with control signals 108 such that the rendering of images to pixel array 122 occurs in a manner that also supports the first viewing configuration. Furthermore, when the configuration of adaptable parallax barrier 124 is modified to support a second viewing configuration responsive to control signals 108, pixel array driver circuitry 112 sends drive signals 152 in conformance with the control signals 108 such that the rendering of images to pixel array 122 occurs in a manner that also supports the second viewing configuration.
Numerous other methods may be used to control the rendering of image pixels to display pixels in support of a desired two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional viewing configuration implemented by one or more adaptable parallax barriers or other adaptable light manipulator(s). Additional details concerning such control of a pixel array may be found in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,225, filed on May 5, 2010 and entitled “Controlling a Pixel Array to Support an Adaptable Light Manipulator, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.”
Light generator 1522 emits light 1532. Adaptable parallax barrier 1524 is positioned proximate to light generator 1522. Barrier element array 1544 is a layer of adaptable parallax barrier 1524 that includes a plurality of barrier elements or blocking regions arranged in an array. Each barrier element of the array is configured to be selectively opaque or transparent. Barrier element array 1544 filters light 1532 received from light generator 1522 to generate filtered light 1534. Filtered light 1534 is configured to enable a two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image, or a pair of two-dimensional or three-dimensional images to be formed based on images subsequently imposed on filtered light 1534 by pixel array 1526.
Pixel array 1526 includes a two-dimensional array of pixels (e.g., arranged in a grid or other distribution) like pixel array 122 of
Driver circuitry 1502 receives control signals 1508 from control circuitry (not shown in
As discussed in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,020, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax Barrier,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, conventional LCD displays typically include a backlight and a display panel that includes an array of LCD pixels. The backlight is designed to produce a sheet of light of uniform luminosity for illuminating the LCD pixels. When simultaneously displaying two-dimensional, three-dimensional and multi-view three-dimensional regions using an adaptable parallax barrier such as that described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/845,440, the use of a conventional backlight will result in a disparity in perceived brightness between the different simultaneously-displayed regions. This is because the number of visible pixels per unit area associated with a two-dimensional region will generally exceed the number of visible pixels per unit area associated with a particular three-dimensional or multi-view three-dimensional region (in which the pixels must be partitioned among different eyes/views).
To address this issue, light generator 1522 includes a backlight array 1542 which is a two-dimensional array of light sources. Such light sources may be arranged, for example, in a rectangular grid. Each light source in backlight array 1542 is individually addressable and controllable to select an amount of light emitted thereby. A single light source may comprise one or more light-emitting elements depending upon the implementation. In one embodiment, each light source in backlight array 1542 comprises a single light-emitting diode (LED) although this example is not intended to be limiting.
The amount of light emitted by the individual light sources that make up backlight array 1542 can selectively controlled by drive signals 1552 generated by light generator driver circuitry 1512 so that the brightness associated with each of a plurality of display regions of screen 1504 can also be controlled. This enables display system 1500 to provide a desired brightness level for each display region automatically and/or in response to user input. For example, backlight array 1542 can be controlled such that a uniform level of brightness is achieved across different simultaneously-displayed display regions, even though the number of perceptible pixels per unit area varies from display region to display region. As another example, backlight array 1542 can be controlled such that the level of brightness associated with a particular display region is increased or reduced without impacting (or without substantially impacting) the brightness of other simultaneously-displayed display regions.
To help illustrate this,
In accordance with the example configuration shown in
Of course, the arrangement shown in
In the arrangement shown in
Also, in the examples described above, light sources in backlight array 1612 are described as being individually controllable. However, in alternate embodiments, light sources in backlight array 1612 may only be controllable in groups. This may facilitate a reduction in the complexity of the control infrastructure associated with backlight array 1612. In still further embodiments, light sources in backlight array 1612 may be controllable both individually and in groups.
It is also noted that although
Other example display system implementations that utilize a backlight array of independently-controllable light sources are described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,020, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Backlighting Array Supporting Adaptable Parallax Barrier.” That application also describes other approaches for controlling the brightness of different simultaneously-displayed display regions of a display system. Some of these approaches will be described below.
For example, to achieve independent region-by-region brightness control in a display system that includes a conventional backlight panel designed to produce a sheet of light of uniform luminosity, the amount of light passed by the individual pixels that make up a pixel array can be selectively controlled so that the brightness associated with each of a plurality of display regions can also be controlled. To help illustrate this,
As further shown in
Adaptable parallax barrier 1804 includes barrier element array 1822 that includes a first portion 1824 and a second portion 1826. Barrier element array 1822 is aligned with pixel array 1814 such that first portion 1824 of blocking region array 1822 overlays first portion 1814 of pixel array 1812 and second portion 1826 of blocking region array 1822 overlays second portion 1816 of pixel array 1812. Adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry causes all the barrier elements within first portion 1824 of barrier element array 1822 to be transparent. Thus, the two-dimensional image generated by the pixels of first portion 1814 of pixel array 1812 will simply be passed through to a viewer in a viewing space in front of display system 1400. Furthermore, the adaptable parallax barrier driver circuitry manipulates the barrier elements within second portion 1826 of blocking region array 1822 to form a plurality of parallel transparent strips alternated with parallel opaque strips, thereby creating a parallax effect that enables the two two-dimensional images generated by the pixels of second portion 1816 of pixel array 1812 to be perceived as a three-dimensional image by a viewer in the viewing space in front of display system 1800.
Assume that a viewer is positioned such that he/she can perceive both the two-dimensional image passed by first portion 1824 of barrier element array 1822 and the three-dimensional image formed through parallax by second portion 1826 of barrier element 1822. As discussed above, the pixels per unit area perceived by this viewer with respect to the two-dimensional image will be greater than the pixels per unit area perceived by this viewer with respect to the three-dimensional image. Thus, the two-dimensional image will appear brighter to the viewer than the three dimensional image when backlighting of constant luminosity is provided behind pixel array 1812.
To address this issue, drive signals may be transmitted to display panel 1802 that selectively cause the pixels included in first portion 1814 of pixel array 1812 to pass less light from the backlight panel (i.e., become less intense), thereby reducing the brightness of the two-dimensional image produced from the pixels in first portion 1814 of pixel array 1812. Alternatively or additionally, drive signals may be transmitted to display panel 1802 that selectively cause the pixels included in second portion 1816 of pixel array 1812 to pass more light from the backlight panel (i.e., become more intense), thereby increasing the brightness of the three-dimensional image produced from the pixels in second portion 1816 of pixel array 1812. By controlling the intensity of the pixels in portions 1814 and 1816 of pixel array 1812 in this manner, the brightness of the two-dimensional image produced from the pixels in first portion 1814 of pixel array 1812 and the brightness of the three-dimensional image produced from the pixels in second portion 1816 of pixel array 1812 can be kept consistent. Additionally, by providing independent control over the intensity of the pixels in portions 1814 and 1816 of pixel array 1812, independent control over the brightness of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional images generated therefrom can also be achieved.
Of course, the arrangement shown in
In one embodiment, a regional brightness control scheme combines the use of a backlight array of independently-controllable light sources as previously described with regional pixel intensity control. The advantages of such a control scheme will now be described with reference to
However, the difference in the amount of light emitted by each light source in the first and second portions of the backlight array to illuminate corresponding first and second portions 1904 and 1906 of pixel array 1902 may also give rise to undesired visual artifacts. In particular, the difference may cause pixels in boundary areas immediately outside of second portion 1906 of pixel array 1902 to appear brighter than desired in relation to other pixels in first portion 1904 of pixel array 1902. For example, as shown in
To address this issue, an embodiment may selectively control the amount of light passed by the pixels located in boundary region 1912 and/or boundary region 1914 to compensate for the undesired visual effects. For example, driver circuitry associated with pixel array 1902 may selectively cause the pixels included in boundary area 1912 of pixel array 1902 to pass less light from the backlight panel (i.e., become less intense), thereby reducing the brightness of the pixels in boundary area 1912, thus compensating for an undesired increase in brightness due to “spill over” from light sources in the second portion of the backlight array. Alternatively or additionally, driver circuitry associated with pixel array 1902 may selectively cause the pixels included in boundary area 1914 of pixel array 1902 to pass more light from the backlight panel (i.e., become more intense), thereby increasing the brightness of the pixels in boundary area 1914, thus compensating for an undesired reduction in brightness due to “spill over” from light sources in the first portion of the backlight array. By controlling the intensity of the pixels in boundary areas 1912 and/or 1914 in this manner, the undesired visual effects described above that can arise from the use of a backlight array to provide regional brightness control can be mitigated or avoided entirely.
The illustration provided in
In additional embodiments, a regional brightness control scheme is implemented in a display system that does not include a backlight panel at all, but instead utilizes a display panel comprising an array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) which function as display pixels and also provide their own illumination. Display system 100 described above in reference to
Where OLED/PLED pixel regions such as those described above are adjacent to each other, it is possible that the brightness characteristics of one pixel region can impact the perceived brightness of an adjacent pixel region having different brightness characteristics, creating an undesired visual effect. For example, a first OLED/PLED pixel region having a relatively high level of brightness to support the viewing of multi-view three-dimensional content may be adjacent to a second OLED/PLED pixel region having a relatively low level of brightness to support the viewing of two-dimensional content. In this scenario, light from pixels in a perimeter area of the first OLED/PLED pixel region that are close to the boundary between the two pixel regions may “spill over” into a perimeter area of the second OLED/PLED pixel region. This may cause pixels in the perimeter area of the second OLED/PLED pixel region to appear brighter than desired in relation to other pixels in the second OLED/PLED pixel region. Conversely, pixels in the perimeter area of the first OLED/PLED pixel array may appear dimmer than desired in relation to other pixels in the first OLED/PLED pixel region because of the adjacency to the second OLED/PLED pixel region. To address this issue, it is possible to selectively increase or reduce the brightness of one or more OLED/PLED pixels in either perimeter area to reduce the “spill over” effect arising from the different brightness characteristics between the regions.
In still further embodiments, a regional brightness control scheme is implemented in a display system that includes an adaptable parallax barrier that also supports brightness regulation via an “overlay” approach. Such an approach involves the use of a brightness regulation overlay that is either independent of or integrated with an adaptable parallax barrier. The brightness regulation overlay is used to help achieve the aforementioned goals of maintaining standard brightness across various regional screen configurations and compensating for or minimizing backlighting dispersion.
The brightness regulation overlay comprises an element that allows regional dimming through various tones of “grey” pixels. In one example embodiment, an adaptable parallax barrier and the brightness regulation overlay are implemented as a non-color (i.e., black, white and grayscale) LCD sandwich, although other implementations may be used. The combined adaptable parallax barrier and brightness regulation overlay provide full transparent or opaque states for each pixel, as well as a grayscale alternative that can be used to “balance out” brightness variations caused by the parallax barrier itself.
Control over the individual barrier elements of the parallax barrier and the individual grayscale pixels of the brightness regulation overlay may be provided by using coordinated driver circuitry signaling. Such coordinate signaling may cause the pixels of the adaptable parallax barrier and the brightness regulation overlay (collectively referred to below as the manipulator pixels) to create opaque and transparent barrier elements associated with a particular parallax barrier configuration and a grayscale support there between to allow creation of overlays.
A first exemplary configuration of adaptable light manipulator 2000 is shown above the section line denoted with reference numeral 2002. In accordance with the first exemplary configuration, a three-dimensional region 2004 is created with fully transparent or fully opaque manipulator pixels that provide parallax barrier functionality and a two-dimensional region 2006 is created having continuous medium gray manipulator pixels. The medium gray manipulator pixels operate to reduce the perceived brightness of two-dimensional region 2006 to better match that of three-dimensional region 2004. It is noted that in other example configurations, two-dimensional region 2006 could instead comprise a three-dimensional region having a number of views that is different than three-dimensional region 2004, thus also requiring brightness regulation.
In the first exemplary configuration, no boundary region compensation is performed. In the second exemplary configuration, which is shown below section line 2002, boundary region compensation is performed. For example, a boundary region 2010 within two-dimensional region 2006 may be “lightened” to a light gray to compensate for any diminution of light that might occur near the boundary with three-dimensional region 2004. In contrast, the grayscale level of an inner portion 2008 of two-dimensional region 2006 is maintained at the same medium gray level as in the portion of two-dimensional region 2006 above section line 2002. As a further example, a first boundary region 2012 and a second boundary region 2014 within three-dimensional region 2004 comprise darker and lighter gray transitional areas, respectively, to account for light dispersion from two-dimensional region 2006. In contrast, an inner portion 2016 of three-dimensional region 2004 includes only fully transparent or fully opaque manipulator pixels consistent with a parallax barrier configuration and no brightness regulation.
In one embodiment, the configuration of adaptable light manipulator 2000 is achieved by first creating a white through various grayscale areas that correspond to the regions and boundary areas to be formed. Once established, the manipulator pixels in these areas that comprise the opaque portions of the parallax barrier are overwritten to turn them black. Of course this two-stage approach is conceptual only and no “overwriting” need be performed.
In certain embodiments, adaptable light manipulator 2000 comprises the only component used in a display system for performing brightness regulation and/or boundary region compensation. In alternate embodiments, the display system further utilizes any one or more of the following aforementioned techniques for performing brightness regulation and/or boundary region compensation: a backlight array with independently-controllable light sources, and/or a pixel array and associated control logic for selectively increasing or decreasing the intensity of display pixels (e.g., either LCD pixels or OLED/PLED pixels). Note that in certain embodiments (such as the one described above in reference to
It is noted that any of the non-uniform light generation schemes described above may also be used in conjunction with a display system that includes multiple parallax barriers, such as display system 700 of
B. Example Screen Assemblies Including Adaptable Lenticular Lenses
In display systems in accordance with further embodiments, rather than using an adaptable parallax barrier to perform light manipulation in support of multiple viewing configurations (including configurations that support the simultaneous display of different visual presentations to different corresponding viewers), an adaptable lenticular lens may be used. For example, with respect to example display system 100 of
Further description regarding the use of an adaptable lenticular lens to deliver three-dimensional views is provided in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,307, titled “Display with Elastic Light Manipulator,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
C. Example Display System with Adaptable Screen Assembly
As shown in
Control circuitry 2302 may also include one or more secondary storage devices (not shown in
Control circuitry 2302 further includes a remote control interface 2318 that is connected to communication infrastructure 2312. Remote control interface 2318 is configured to receive remote control signals from one or more of a plurality of remote control devices. Processing unit 2314 or other processing circuitry within control circuitry 2302 may be configured to interpret such remote control signals and to perform certain operations based on the interpreted remote control signals. Such actions may include, for example, modifying a particular visual presentation being displayed by adaptable screen assembly 2306 or obtaining media content for presentation via a particular view supported by adaptable screen assembly 2306. In one embodiment, remote control signals received by remote control interface 2318 from each of a plurality of remote control devices are interpreted in accordance with a common remote control application programming interface (API). Control circuitry 2302 may include other interfaces other than remote control interface 2318 for receiving input from user.
Control circuitry 2302 also includes a viewer tracking unit 2316. Viewer tracking unit 2316 is intended to generally represent any type of functionality for determining or estimating a location of one or more viewers of display system 2300 relative to adaptable screen assembly 2306, a head orientation of one or more viewers of display system 2300 and/or a point of gaze of one or more viewers of display system 2300. Viewer tracking unit 2316 may perform such functions using different types of sensors (e.g., cameras, motion sensors, microphones or the like) or by using tracking systems such as those that wirelessly track an object (e.g., headset, remote control, or the like) currently being held or worn by a viewer.
Media interface 2320 is intended to represent any type of interface that is capable of receiving media content such as video content or image content. In certain implementations, media interface 2320 may comprise an interface for receiving media content from a remote source such as a broadcast media server, an on-demand media server, or the like. In such implementations, media interface 2320 may comprise, for example and without limitation, a wired or wireless internet or intranet connection, a satellite interface, a fiber interface, a coaxial cable interface, or a fiber-coaxial cable interface. Media interface 2320 may also comprise an interface for receiving media content from a local source such as a DVD or Blu-Ray disc player, a personal computer, a personal media player, smart phone, or the like. Media interface 2320 may be capable of retrieving video content from multiple sources.
Control circuitry 2302 further includes a communication interface 2322. Communication interface 2322 enables control circuitry 2302 to send control signals via a communication medium 2352 to another communication interface 2330 within driver circuitry 2304, thereby enabling control circuitry 2302 to control the operation of driver circuitry 2304. Communication medium 2352 may comprise any kind of wired or wireless communication medium suitable for transmitting such control signals.
As shown in
In one example mode of operation, processing unit 2314 operates pursuant to control logic to receive media content via media interface 2320 and to generate control signals necessary to cause driver circuitry 2304 to render such media content to screen 2306 in accordance with a selected viewing configuration. For example, processing unit 2314 may operate pursuant to control logic to receive first and second media content via media interface 2320 and present the first and second media content via first and second simultaneously-displayed views of adaptable screen assembly 2306 to corresponding first and second viewers, wherein at least the first view is observable by the first viewer but not the second viewer. Processing unit 2314 may cause such views to be delivered to certain locations based on information obtained from viewer tracking unit 2316. The control logic that is executed by processing unit 2314 may be retrieved, for example, from a primary memory or a secondary storage device connected to processing unit 2314 via communication infrastructure 2312 as discussed above. The control logic may also be retrieved from some other local or remote source. Where the control logic is stored on a computer readable medium, that computer readable medium may be referred to herein as a computer program product.
Among other features, driver circuitry 2304 may be controlled to send coordinated drive signals necessary for simultaneously displaying two-dimensional images, three-dimensional images and multi-view three-dimensional content via adaptable screen assembly 2306. A manner by which pixel array 2642, adaptable light manipulator 2644 (e.g., an adaptable parallax barrier), and light generator 2646 may be manipulated in a coordinated fashion to perform this function is described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,031, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Coordinated Driving of Adaptable Light Manipulator, Backlighting and Pixel Array in Support of Adaptable 2D and 3D Displays,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Note that in accordance with certain implementations (e.g., implementations in which pixel array comprises a OLED/PLED pixel array), adaptable screen assembly 2306 need not include light generator 2346.
In one embodiment, at least part of the function of generating control signals necessary to cause pixel array 2342, adaptable light manipulator 2344 and light generator 2346 to render media content to screen 2306 in accordance with a selected viewing configuration is performed by drive signal processing circuitry 2338 which is integrated within driver circuitry 2304. Such circuitry may operate, for example, in conjunction with and/or under the control of processing unit 2314 to generate the necessary control signals.
In certain implementations, control circuitry 2302, driver circuitry 2304 and adaptable screen assembly 2306 are all included within a single housing. For example and without limitation, all these elements may exist within a television, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a telephone. In accordance with such an implementation, the link 2350 formed between communication interfaces 2322 and 2330 may be replaced by a direction connection between driver circuitry 2304 and communication infrastructure 2312. In an alternate implementation, control circuitry 2302 is disposed within a first housing, such as set top box or personal computer, and driver circuitry 2304 and adaptable screen assembly 2306 are disposed within a second housing, such as a television or computer monitor. The set top box may be any type of set top box including but not limited to fiber, Internet, cable, satellite, or terrestrial digital.
III. Example Communication Infrastructure Including Simultaneous Pathways for Multi-Viewer SupportIn particular, communication system 2400 supports at least two overlapping pathways 2402 from at least two pieces of media content 24121-2412n (which may either be independent media content pieces or related media content pieces) originating from one or more source media nodes 2402 to the eyes of one or more viewers, such as viewer 2408. For example, one overlapping pathway may service a left eye of viewer 2408 and another overlapping pathway may service a right eye of viewer 2408. As another example, one overlapping pathway may service one or both eyes of viewer 2408 and another overlapping pathway may service one or both eyes of another viewer (not shown in
Each pathway includes communication links and nodes with constraints, such as but not limited to bandwidth constraints, processing commitments, processing power, link throughput and delays, or the like. For example, one or more shared or dedicated communication links 2414 may be used to provide a downstream media pathway for delivering first media content piece 24121 to a first intermediate media node 24041 and one or more shared or dedicated communication links 2416 may be used to provide a downstream media pathway for delivering second media content piece 24122 to first intermediate media node 24041. Furthermore one or more shared or dedicated communication links 2420 may be used to provide a downstream media pathway for delivering nth media content piece 2412n to second intermediate media node 24042 and one or more shared communication links 2418 may be used to deliver first media content piece 24121 and second media content piece 24122 from first intermediate media node 24041 to second intermediate media node 24042. Any number of additional links and intermediate nodes 2422 may be used to deliver the media content received by second intermediate media node 24042 to nth intermediate media node 2404n and one or more shared or dedicated communication links 2424 may be used to deliver the media content received by nth intermediate node 2404n to a media system 2406. Each one of communication links 2414, 2416, 2418, 2420, 2422 and 2424 has at least one constraint as noted above. Each one of intermediate nodes 24041-2404n also has at least one constraint as noted above.
Media system 2406 comprises a system that supports the simultaneous display of both a common visual presentation and multiple private, personalized visual presentations to multiple viewers via a single screen display 2430. This functionality may be achieved using one or more light manipulator(s) 2434 as described in the preceding section, and/or using eyewear systems 2432 such as shutter glass systems. Media system 2406 has one or more constraints, such as for example, processing power constraints, display interface constraints, display area (e.g., pixel) constraints, or the like.
A bi-directional pathway 2426 extends between all nodes 24041-2404n in communication system 2400. Such bi-directional pathway 2426 supports (i) feedback and/or upstream or downstream communication about known pathway constraints; (ii) the communication of status information regarding current performance; (iii) the performance of operations to accommodate one or more constraints; and (iv) the communication of commands or requests to help meet a constraint (e.g., by requesting an alternate media content version or a subset of requested media content, modifying at least one characteristic of flowing media content, or the like).
In communication system 2400, all source media node(s) 2402 and intermediate media nodes 24041-2404n can each participate directly or indirectly in the process of tailoring at least one if not all of the media pathway flows. Direct participation may include, for example and without limitation, changing resolution of media content, discarding media content associated with particular camera views, reducing a frame rate associated with media content (e.g., by discarding every other frame, or via some other mechanism or technique). Indirect participation may include, for example and without limitation, identifying a need and/or commanding/requesting other nodes to engage/assist via direct participation.
Generally speaking, the various nodes of communication system 2400 participate alone or in concert to try to meet requirements of the one or more viewers of media system 2406 and underlying media content element pieces involved. It is noted the various nodes operate not only to satisfy constraints associated with single screen display 2430, but also the needed amount thereof (regions, 3D/2D, etc.). For example, such nodes may logically reduce requested full screen, full high-definition (HD), and full 3Dx media content pieces (i.e., 3D media content pieces formed from x different perspective views) to meet the overall flow constraints.
For example, a viewer of media system 2406 may request three media content pieces, all of which are stored at some media sources in full 3D4-HD with three associated media pathways that overlap in at least parts thereof. If the link constraints and processing constraints in the various nodes along the way and in media system 2406 so permit, all three media content pieces could be delivered in full. But if the link constraints and processing constraints in the various node along the way and in media system 2406 do not so permit, then the media content pieces can be modified by any of the nodes. For example, the media content pieces could be modified such that one media content piece is presented for 2D viewing in a small region/window of display 2430, a second media content piece is presented in 3D2 in a small picture-in-picture like window/region of display 2430, and the third media content is presented in full screen 3D4 but with substantial overlap from the other two media content pieces in display 2430. Such viewing environment characteristics (e.g., display window/region size, display window/region overlap, resolution, number of three-dimensional views, and the like) comprise constraints of media system 2406 as discussed in more detail below.
Thus, in accordance with the foregoing, one or more nodes within communication system 2400 may determine that a piece of media content must be modified prior to or during delivery to display 2430 to satisfy one or more system constraints. Various approaches may be used to achieve such modification. For example, in one embodiment: (1) first, the overall pathway constraints are determined; (2) second, a decision is made concerning what action it to be taken and by which node(s); and (3) commands/requests are received and processed by such node(s). In a more localized embodiment: (a) a single node evaluates only its locally-known limitations; (b) based thereon, the node decides to take action to meet such constraints; and (c) the node carries out such actions.
In particular, as shown in
Shared display screen 2502 comprises a display screen that is capable of simultaneously presenting different media content to different viewers, wherein at least some media content presented to one viewer is not presented to the other viewer(s). As shown in
In one embodiment, shared display screen 2502 comprises an adaptable screen assembly such as any of those described above in reference to
In an alternative embodiment, shared display screen 2502 comprises a screen assembly that is configured to support the simultaneous presentation of different media content to different viewers by rendering frames of different media content to pixel array 2526 in an alternating manner that is synchronized with the opening and closing of shutter glasses, such as liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses, worn by first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516. For example, driver circuitry 2522 may be controlled to cause frames of first media content and second media content to be rendered to pixel array 2526 in an alternating fashion. First viewer 2514 may wear shutter glasses that are synchronized with shared display screen 2502 such that first viewer 2514 only perceives the rendered frames of the first media content while second viewer 2516 may wear shutter glasses that are synchronized with shared display screen 2502 such that second viewer 2516 only perceives the rendered frames of the second media content. Still other types of screen assemblies that are configured to support the simultaneous presentation of different media content to different viewers may be used, including ones that combine the use of adaptable light manipulators and shutter glasses to support the simultaneous presentation of different media content to different viewers.
As shown in
Controller circuitry 2504 comprises circuitry that receives media content for delivery to each of first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 and that controls driver circuitry 2522 of shared display screen 2502 to deliver the media content in accordance with a particular viewing configuration. As noted above, controller circuitry 2504 may receive first media content and second media content and send signals to driver circuitry 2522 that causes driver circuitry 2522 to simultaneously deliver first visual experience 2552 based on the first media content to the eyes of first viewer 2514 and second visual experience 2554 based on the second media content to the eyes of second viewer 2516.
Depending upon the implementation, shared display screen 2502 may comprise a part of a television, a computer (such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer or the like), a telephone (e.g., a cellular phone, smart phone), a personal media player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal video game player, or any other device or system that includes a displays screen. Furthermore, depending upon the implementation, controller circuitry 2504 may be disposed in the same housing as shared display screen 2502 or may be disposed in a separate housing that is communicatively connected thereto.
Media content that is received by controller circuitry 2504 may originate from any of plurality of remote media sources 2510 and/or any of plurality of local media sources 2512. As shown in
In contrast to remote media sources 2510 discussed above, local media sources 2512 are typically located on the same premises as shared display screen 2502. As shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, media processing node 2506 comprises set-top box circuitry such as that described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,062, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, filed on even date herewith and entitled “Set-top Box Circuitry that Supports Selective Delivery of 2D and 3D Content to Support a Viewing Environment,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. In accordance with such an embodiment, media processing node 2506 may be configured to receive signals from a remote control device or other input device operated by first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516, wherein such signals may specify media content to be obtained and/or a source from which to obtain media content. Based on such signals, media processing node 2506 may tune to a selected broadcast channel associated with a particular remote media source, send a request for media content to a particular remote “on demand” media source, initiate the streaming of content from a local media source, or the like. Such media content is then received by media processing node 2506 via an appropriate interface (not shown in
In certain embodiments, media processing node 2506 may be configured to service a request for media content by obtaining different media content from one or more remote and/or local media sources and combining the media content to generate a single media content stream. For example, as described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,062, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Set-top Box Circuitry that Supports Selective Delivery of 2D and 3D Content to Support a Viewing Environment,” media processing node 2506 may service requests for three-dimensional video content by combining different video streams representing different perspectives to create a new video stream (e.g., by combining a first two-dimensional video stream based on a first perspective with a second two-dimensional video stream based on a second perspective to create a three-dimensional video stream based on the first and second perspectives, or by combining a first three-dimensional video stream based on first and second perspectives with a second three-dimensional video stream based on third and fourth perspectives to create a multi-view three-dimensional video stream based on the first, second, third and fourth perspectives). A hierarchical video encoding and decoding scheme that may be used to efficiently deliver such combinable video streams is described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,053, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, now abandoned, and entitled “Hierarchical Video Compression Supporting Selective Delivery of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Video Content,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
As also described in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,062, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Set-top Box Circuitry that Supports Selective Delivery of 2D and 3D Content to Support a Viewing Environment,” media processing node 2506 may operate to obtain supplemental media content (e.g., advertisements, offers, bonus content or information) that is related to or unrelated to media content that is requested by a viewer and may combine the supplemental media content with the requested media content prior to delivery to controller circuitry 2504.
As further shown in
Communication system 2500 as described above simultaneously delivers first visual experience 2552 based on first media content to first viewer 2514 and second visual experience 2554 based on second media content to second viewer 2516. To achieve this, the infrastructure of communication system 2500 simultaneously utilizes a first pathway from the media source(s) from which the first media content is obtained through processing circuitry 2530 of controller circuitry 2504 and shared display screen 2502 to the eyes of first viewer 2514 and a second pathway from the media source(s) from which the second media content is obtained through processing circuitry 2530 of controller circuitry 2504 and shared display screen 2502 to the eyes of second viewer 2516.
As one example, assume that first viewer 2514 has tuned to a channel broadcast by remote media source 2536 to obtain broadcast video content while second viewer 2516 has activated playback of a DVD by local media source 2540. In accordance with this example, communication system 2500 will utilize a first pathway that passes the broadcast video content from remote media source 2536 to processing circuitry 2530 via media processing node/gateway 2508 and media processing node 2506. The first pathway further comprises the transformation of the broadcast video content by processing circuitry 2530 to control signals necessary to cause driver circuitry 2522 to present the broadcast video content to the eyes of first viewer 2514 via shared display screen 2502 and the corresponding light transmitted from shared display screen 2502 to the eyes of first viewer 2514. In further accordance with this example, communication system 2500 will utilize a second pathway that passes the DVD video content from local media source 2540 to processing circuitry 2530. The second pathway further comprises the transformation of the DVD video content by processing circuitry 2530 to control signals necessary to cause driver circuitry 2522 to present the DVD video content to the eyes of second viewer 2516 via shared display screen 2502 and the corresponding light transmitted from shared display screen 2502 to the eyes of second viewer 2516.
In every case in which communication system 2500 is operated to cause first and second media content to be simultaneously delivered via corresponding first and second pathways to first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516, respectively, certain display resources will need to be shared among the two different pathways. These display resources may include, for example, pixels of pixel array 2526, and light generated thereby. Furthermore, depending upon how the first and second media content is delivered from the remote and local media source(s) to processing circuitry 2530, certain data communication resources may also need to be shared among the two different pathways. For example, processing power of a media source and/or one or more nodes that connect the media source to processing circuitry 2530 may need to be shared. As another example, one or more communication links that serve to connect a media source to processing circuitry 2530 (either directly or via a node) may also need to be shared.
As will be discussed in more detail below, processing circuitry within communication system 2500 is configured to manage resources that may be shared between multiple pathways of communication system 2500 to simultaneously deliver different media content from one or more media sources to first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 via shared display screen 2502.
In particular, such processing circuitry may manage the utilization of one or more shared display resources or data communication resources to simultaneously support two or more pathways. Furthermore, such processing circuitry may operate to allocate one or more shared display resources or data communication resources among the two pathways. The allocation may be performed in a manner that achieves a desired shared viewing configuration and/or that is based on underlying characteristics or constraints associated with one or more of the pathways. Still further, the aforementioned processing circuitry may modify an existing allocation of shared resources among the two pathways responsive to change in an existing shared viewing configuration or a changed characteristic or constraint associated with the one or more pathways. For example, the processing circuitry may set up or modify the allocation of a shared resource among the multiple pathways based on an ascertained characteristic associated with at least one of the pathways. As will also be discussed in detail below, the processing circuitry may be configured to receive feedback and/or to gather pathway characteristics to facilitate pathway support functions and resource allocation decisions. By simultaneously and adaptively managing each of the pathways, the processing circuitry can provide a stable, simultaneous, multiple-viewer viewing environment that can adapt over time as underlying pathway characteristics change.
A. Example Pathway Management Comprising Allocation of Shared Display Resources
In accordance with an embodiment, processing circuitry 2530 within controller circuitry 2504 is configured to manage shared display resources to support two pathways utilized by communication system 2500 to simultaneously deliver first visual experience 2552 based on first media content to the eyes of first viewer 2514 and to deliver second visual experience 2554 based on second media content to the eyes of second viewer 2516. Examples of such display resources include, but are not limited to, the pixels of pixel array 2526, the light emitted therefrom, and processing power of processing circuitry 2530.
In an embodiment in which shared display screen 2502 includes adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528, processing circuitry 2530 may allocate the light emitted by pixel array 2526 between the first pathway and the second pathway by causing driver circuitry 2522 to configure adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 in a particular manner. In particular, as described above, a configuration of adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 may be selected that delivers light from certain pixels of pixel array 2526 to first viewer 2514 but not to second viewer 2516 and that delivers light from certain other pixels of pixel array 2526 to second viewer 2516 but not to first viewer 2514. Processing circuitry 2530 may also cause driver circuitry 2522 to configure adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 in a manner that allocates more display-generated light to one pathway or the other, or allocate certain display-generated light to both pathways.
In an alternate embodiment, processing circuitry 2530 may allocate the light emitted by pixel array 2526 to both pathways by causing frames of first media content and second media content to be rendered to pixel array 2526 in an alternating manner that is synchronized with the opening and closing of shutter lenses of glasses worn by first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516. The light from pixel array 2526 is thus partitioned between the pathways on a time-domain basis. In accordance with such an embodiment, processing circuitry 2530 may control driver circuitry 2522 to modify a frequency at which frames of the first and second media content are rendered to pixel array 2526 and/or the duration of display of such frames. The shutter glasses worn by first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 are synchronized therewith. In this manner, processing circuitry 2530 and the shutter glasses may operate together to modify the amount of time first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 are able to view corresponding media content presented via shared display screen 2502. For example, processing circuitry 2530 may increase the frequency and/or duration of display of first media content to be delivered to the eyes of first viewer 2514 while reducing the frequency and/or duration of display of second media content to be delivered to the eyes of second viewer 2516.
Processing circuitry 2530 may also simultaneously allocate pixels of pixel array 2526 both to a first pathway used to deliver first visual experience 2552 based on first media content to the eyes of first viewer 2514 and to a second pathway to deliver second visual experience 2554 based on second media content to the eyes of second viewer 2516. For example, in an embodiment in which shared display screen 2502 includes adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 in the form of one or more adaptable parallax barriers, processing circuitry 2530 may control driver circuitry 2522 to selectively render the first media content to a first portion of the pixels of pixel array 2528 made visible to only first viewer 2514 by the parallax barrier(s) while selectively rendering the second media content to a second portion of the pixels of pixel array 2528 made visible to only second viewer 2516 by the parallax barrier(s), wherein the size of the portions may vary depending upon the pathway allocations. Still further, processing circuitry 2530 may control driver circuitry 2522 to selectively render the first or second media content to a portion of the pixels of pixel array 2528 visible to both first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516. In this manner, processing circuitry 2530 may selectively allocate more pixels of pixel array 2526 to the first pathway or the second pathway, or allocate pixels to both pathways.
Processing circuitry 2530 may also manage how pixels of pixel array 2526 that are allocated to each pathway are used to render media content to be delivered via that pathway. For example, processing circuitry 2530 may receive media content for display to first viewer 2514 via a first allocated pixel region of pixel array 2526. Processing circuitry 2530 may selectively map the media content to the pixels of the first allocated pixel region in different ways by, for example, selecting or changing a resolution at which the media content is displayed or selecting or changing a number of perspective views associated with the media content that are rendered to the allocated pixel region. Thus, for example, processing circuitry 2530 may receive high-definition media content representing eight perspective views (i.e., 4 different three-dimensional views) and selectively render it to a particular pixel region at the same resolution or with the same number of views, or selectively render it to the particular pixel region at standard definition and in a manner that only presents four perspective views.
Processing circuitry 2530 may selectively allocate shared display resources to the first pathway and the second pathway based on a wide variety of factors depending upon the implementation. These factors may include, for example and without limitation, whether or not first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 want to view different media content, a desired joint viewing configuration determined based on input received from first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516, a current location/head orientation/point of gaze of first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516, manually or automatically obtained feedback relating to how media content is being perceived by first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516, current or fixed display constraints associated with shared display screen 2502 or interfaces thereto, characteristics of first media content to be displayed to first viewer 2514 and/or second media content to be displayed to second viewer 2516, constraints associated with communication links over which such media content is delivered (e.g., bandwidth constraints, channel quality limitations, delay), constraints associated with a media source or node that provides or processes such media content (e.g., processing power constraints), payment terms associated with media content or media content delivery services purchased or ordered by first viewer 2514 or second viewer 2516, and a quality of service associated with or assigned to first viewer 2514 or second viewer 2516 or media content delivered thereto.
Various examples of how processing circuitry 2530 may operate to manage and utilize display resources associated with shared display screen 2502 to simultaneously support two pathways used to simultaneously deliver two different visual experiences to two different viewers will now be described in reference to
As shown in
Processing circuitry 2530 may also manage how pixels of pixel array 2526 that are allocated to each pathway are used to render media content to be delivered via that pathway. For example, processing circuitry 2530 may allocate a first region of pixel array 2526 to render first media content associated with first visual experience 2552 for display to first viewer 2514. Processing circuitry 2530 may selectively map the first media content to the pixels of the first allocated pixel region in different ways by, for example, selecting or changing a resolution at which the media content is displayed or selecting or changing a number of perspective views associated with the media content that are rendered to the allocated pixel region.
Processing circuitry 2530 may allocate and utilize such display resources in support of the two pathways responsive to at least input received from first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516. Such input may specify, for example, the media content that each viewer desires to view and a desired viewing configuration associated therewith. First viewer 2514 may provide such input, for example, via a first remote control device 2604 and second viewer 2516 may provide such input, for example, via a second remote control device 2606. Such remote control input may be transmitted in the form of wireless remote control signals 2610 and 2612 to a remote control interface 2608 within screen interface circuitry 2602. Examples of such remote control devices and display systems that incorporate the same are described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,078, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Multiple Remote Controllers that Each Simultaneously Controls a Different Visual Presentation of a 2D/3D Display,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Additional user interfaces and devices may also be used to provide input from first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 to screen interface circuitry 2602.
In addition to input from first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 regarding desired media content and viewing configurations, processing circuitry 2530 may take a wide variety of other factors into account in determining how to utilize the shared display resources of communication system 2500 both when initially setting up the pathways associated with first visual presentation 2552 and second visual presentation 2554 and during ongoing utilization thereof.
For example, processing circuitry 2530 may adapt a configuration of pixel array 2526 and adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 of shared display screen 2502 to deliver images associated with first visual experience 2552 to a first location and/or having a first orientation based on a determined location, head orientation and/or point of gaze of first viewer 2514. Likewise, processing circuitry 2530 may configure pixel array 2526 and adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 of shared display screen 2502 to deliver images associated with second visual experience 2554 to a second location and/or having a second orientation based on a determined location, head orientation and/or point of gaze of second viewer 2516. Example techniques for determining a location, head orientation and/or point of gaze of a viewer of display screen such as shared display screen 2502 and adapting the display screen based on such information are described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,069, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, and entitled “Three-Dimensional Display System with Adaptation Based on Viewing Reference of Viewer(s),” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Such techniques may involve, for example, communication between screen interface circuitry 2602 and location tracking circuitry disposed in either or both of remote control devices 2604 and 2606 or in either or both of a headset 2614 worn by first viewer 2514 and a headset 2616 worn by second viewer 2516.
Furthermore, processing circuitry 2530 may modify the allocation or usage of display resources based on feedback received from one or both of first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516. Such feedback may be provided by each viewer via an interface (e.g., remote control devices 2604 and 2606) or obtained automatically (e.g., by cameras attached to remote control devices 2604 and 2606 or headsets 2614 and 2616). Mechanisms for providing such feedback are generally represented in
Processing circuitry 2530 may manage the utilization of the display resources to take into account certain current or fixed display constraints associated with shared display screen 2502. For example, processing circuitry 2530 may deliver requested media content to first viewer 2514 or second viewer 2516 having a number of perspective views or having a resolution than is less than what is desired by the viewer if shared display screen 2502 does not support display of the desired number of perspective views or desired resolution.
Furthermore, certain constraints associated with data communication links and nodes over which media content is delivered from remote or local media sources to processing circuitry 2530 may impact the manner in which processing circuitry 2530 delivers such media content to first viewer 2514 and/or second viewer 2516. For example, overloading of a media source or intermediate node (e.g., media processing node 2506, media processing node/gateway 2508) responsible for delivering media content to processing circuitry 2530 may require processing circuitry 2530 to present media content in a manner that is different than that desired by a viewer. As another example, bandwidth constraints or impairments on one or more links connecting a media source to processing circuitry 2530 may also require processing circuitry 2530 to present media content in a manner that is different than that desired by a viewer. Presenting media content in a manner that is different than that desired by a viewer may include presenting media content having a number of perspective views or having a resolution than is less than what is desired by a viewer, or presenting media content in a smaller region of shared display screen 2502 than desired by a viewer.
Processing circuitry 2530 is further configured to allocate display resources in a manner that takes into account the competing demands of presenting first visual experience 2552 to first viewer 2518 and presenting second visual experience 2552 to second viewer 2518 in light of existing display and data communication constraints. To this end, processing circuitry 2530 may operate to allocate a certain display resource evenly among the pathway associated with first visual experience 2552 and the pathway associated with second visual experience 2554, or may allocate more of a certain display resource to one pathway than another.
For example, in an embodiment in which processing circuitry 2530 alternately renders first and second media content to pixel array 2526 in a manner that is synchronized with the opening and closing of shutter lenses of glasses worn by first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516, processing circuitry 2530 may increase the frequency and/or duration of display of the first media content to be delivered to the eyes of first viewer 2514 while reducing the frequency and/or duration of display of second media content to be delivered to the eyes of second viewer 2516.
As another example, in an embodiment in which processing circuitry 2530 selectively renders first media content to a first portion of the pixels of pixel array 2528 made visible to only first viewer 2514 by adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528 while selectively rendering second media content to a second portion of the pixels of pixel array 2528 made visible to only second viewer 2516 by adaptable light manipulator(s) 2528, processing circuitry 2530 may increase the size of the first portion at the expense of the size of the second portion.
The processing power of processing circuitry 2530 consumed in causing media content to be displayed via shared display screen 2502 may itself be a constrained resource that must be allocated between the two pathways. For example, more processing power of processing circuitry 2530 may be allocated to a first pathway associated with first visual experience 2552 than a second pathway associated with second visual experience 2554. This may enable the first pathway to deliver media content that consumes more processing power of processing circuitry 2530 than that being delivered by the second pathway. For example, this may enable the first pathway to deliver media content that occupies a larger pixel array region, has a higher resolution and/or more perspective views than media content being delivered over the second pathway.
Processing circuitry 2530 may allocate more of a finite display resource to one pathway than another based on a variety of factors. For example, payment terms associated with media content being delivered to either first viewer 2514 or second viewer 2516 may dictate a certain allocation of display resources. Furthermore, one or more of the pathways may have a quality of service associated therewith that may dictate a certain allocation of display resources.
Processing circuitry 2530 may also be configured to determine if a constraint associated with a particular portion of either pathway has been imposed or removed, thereby enabling or requiring processing circuitry 2530 to adaptively modify allocation of shared display resources between pathways based on the change. For example, if the delivery of first media content upon which first visual presentation 2552 is based is delayed due to an issue with a data communication link or node, processing circuitry 2530 may be required to present the first media content at a reduced resolution or using a lesser number of perspective views. This may “free up” other pixels of pixel array 2526 that can then be allocated by processing circuitry 2530 to support second visual presentation 2552.
As further shown in
First visual element 2710 comprises a presentation of media content that is different than the media content used to support shared view 2702. For example, first visual element 2710 may comprise a “picture-in-picture” display of such other media content. For example, in accordance with one configuration, shared view 2702 comprises a visual presentation of first video content while first visual element 2710 comprises a picture-in-picture visual presentation of second video content. However, this is only an example, and first visual element 2710 may comprise a visual presentation of other types of media content as well.
As also shown in
Each of second visual element 2704, third visual element 2706 and fourth visual element 2708 comprises a presentation of media content that is different than the media content used to support shared view 2702. For example, in one embodiment, each of second visual element 2704, third visual element 2706 and fourth visual element 2708 may comprise a visual presentation of a different interactive graphical element or “widget” that appears overlaid upon shared view 2702. However, this is only an example, and each of these views may comprise visual presentations of other types of media content as well.
In accordance with the foregoing description, communication system 2500 may utilize a first pathway to deliver media content associated with first visual element 2710 to first viewer 2514 and a second pathway to deliver media content associated with any of second visual element 2704, third visual element 2706 or fourth visual element 2708 to second viewer 2516. As discussed above, processing circuitry 2530 may manage, utilize and selectively allocate display resources associated with shared display screen 2502 among these multiple pathways to achieve a particular viewing configuration based on a variety of factors including various characteristics and constraints associated with each of the various pathways.
B. Example Pathway Management Comprising Allocation of Shared Data Communication Resources
Communication system 2500 includes processing circuitry that is configured to manage certain data communication resources that may be shared between multiple pathways to simultaneously deliver different media content from one or more media sources to first viewer 2514 and second viewer 2516 via shared display screen 2502. Such data communication resources may include for example and without limitation, processing resources of any of remote media sources 2510 and any of local media sources 2512, processing resources of media processing node/gateway 2508 and media processing node 2506, and communication links between any media source and node, any node and controller circuitry 2504, and any media source and controller circuitry 2504.
For example, first visual presentation 2552 may be supported by first media content obtained from remote media source 2536 and second visual presentation 2554 may be supported by second media content also obtained from remote media source 2536. In this case, the pathway associated with first visual presentation 2552 and second visual presentation 2554 is essentially the same. This means that processing power associated with each of remote media source 2536, media processing node/gateway 2508 and media processing node 2506 may need to be shared between the pathways. This also means that bandwidth along the communication link connecting remote media source 2536 to media processing node/gateway 2508, bandwidth along the communication link connecting media processing node/gateway 2508 to media processing node 2506, and bandwidth along the communication link between media processing node 2506 and controller circuitry 2504 may need to be shared between both pathways.
As another example, first visual presentation 2552 may be supported by first media content obtained from remote media source 2536 and second visual presentation 2554 may be supported by second media content obtained from local media source 2540. In this case, the pathways associated with first visual presentation 2552 and second visual presentation 2554 merge at media processing node 2506. This means that processing power associated with media processing node 2506 may need to be shared between the pathways. This also means that bandwidth along the communication link connecting media processing node 2506 to controller circuitry 2504 may need to be shared between both pathways.
To manage the sharing of media source processing power between two pathways leading to shared display screen 2502, each remote and local media source shown in
The processing circuitry of each media source may also operate to allocate bandwidth of a communication link between the media source and a downstream node (e.g., media processing node/gateway 2508 or media processing node 2506) between the two pathways. The processing circuitry of each media source may also adaptively modify such allocation based on changing conditions. For example, in certain embodiments, the processing circuitry of each media source may be configured to gather performance characteristics associated with the downstream communication link or downstream node and adaptively modify the bandwidth allocation of one or both pathways based on the performance characteristics.
As also shown in
Processing circuitry 2534 may also operate to allocate bandwidth of a communication link between media processing node/gateway 2508 and a downstream node (e.g., media processing node 2506) between the two pathways. Processing circuitry 2534 may further operate to allocate bandwidth of a communication link between media processing node/gateway 2508 and an upstream node (e.g., any of remote media sources 2510) between the two pathways. Processing circuitry 2534 may also adaptively modify such allocations based on changing conditions. For example, in certain embodiments, processing circuitry 2534 may be configured to gather performance characteristics associated with an upstream communication link, an upstream node, a downstream communication link or downstream node and adaptively modify the bandwidth allocation of one or both pathways based on the performance characteristics.
As further shown in
Processing circuitry 2532 may also operate to allocate bandwidth of a communication link between media processing node 2506 and a downstream node (e.g., controller circuitry 2530) between the two pathways. Processing circuitry 2532 may further operate to allocate bandwidth of a communication link between media processing node 2506 and an upstream node (e.g., any of remote media sources 2510, local media source 2512 or media processing node/gateway 2508) between the two pathways. Processing circuitry 2532 may also adaptively modify such allocations based on changing conditions. For example, in certain embodiments, processing circuitry 2532 may be configured to gather performance characteristics associated with an upstream communication link, an upstream node, a downstream communication link or downstream node and adaptively modify the bandwidth allocation of one or both pathways based on the performance characteristics.
C. Example Method for Operating Communication System that Includes Simultaneous Pathways for Multi-Viewer Support
As shown in
At step 2804, a second pathway from the media source(s) and through both the processing circuitry and the shared display screen to a second viewer is utilized to deliver a second visual experience to the second viewer simultaneously with the delivery of the first visual experience to the first viewer, the second visual experience being based on at least a second part of media content obtained from the media source(s). In accordance with an embodiment, at least a portion of the second visual experience is observable by the second viewer but not by the first viewer. For example, as discussed above in reference to communication system 2500 of
At step 2806, at least one pathway resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway is managed, or assistance for performing such management is provided. For example, as discussed above in reference to communication system 2500 of
In one embodiment, step 2806 includes at least assisting in the managing of the at least one pathway resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway prior to beginning the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience. For example, with continued reference to communication system 2500 of
In a further embodiment, step 2806 includes changing an allocation of the at least one pathway resource during the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience. For example, as discussed above in reference to communication system 2500 of
In another embodiment, step 2806 includes at least assisting in gathering a pathway characteristic. For example, with continued reference to communication system 2500 of
In yet another embodiment, the first pathway and the second pathway are both adaptive pathways and step 2806 includes adapting the first pathway and the second pathway based on at least one pathway performance characteristic. For example, as discussed above in reference to communication system 2500, both the first pathway used to deliver first visual experience 2552 to first viewer 2514 and the second pathway used to simultaneously deliver visual experience 2554 to second viewer 2516 may be adaptive in that aspects of each pathway (e.g., configuration or utilization of elements of shared display screen 2502, utilization of processing power of various nodes and communication links between same, etc.) may be dynamically modified by processing circuitry in response to changing conditions. Furthermore, such processing circuitry may adapt both pathways responsive to a changed condition associated with only one pathway. For example, in response to a changed condition on the pathway that is used to deliver first visual experience 2552 to first viewer 2514, processing circuitry may reduce the allocation of a particular shared resource to that pathway and increase the allocation of the shared resource to the pathway used to deliver second visual experience 2554 to second viewer 2516, or vice versa. As a particular example, a node associated with the delivery of media content in support of second visual experience 2554 may experience a performance issue. In response, processing circuitry 2502 may reduce the allocation of display resources to second visual experience 2554 (e.g., present a smaller view, thereby reducing pixels consumed by second visual experience 2554, or a view with less resolution or perspective views, thereby reducing process requirements associated with the display of second visual experience 2554). Processing circuitry 2502 may then allocate any excess display resources no longer required to support second visual experience 2554 to support first visual experience 2552.
IV. ConclusionWhile various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A communication infrastructure used to support visual presentations based on media content observable by a first viewer and a second viewer, the communication infrastructure comprising:
- a shared display screen having a pixel array;
- one or more media sources that store the media content, the media source(s) being external to the shared display screen;
- processing circuitry;
- a first pathway from the one or more media sources and through both the processing circuitry and the shared display screen, the first pathway supporting delivery of a first visual experience, the first visual experience being based on at least a first part of the media content, and at least a portion of the first visual experience being observable by the first viewer but not by the second viewer;
- a second pathway from the one or more media sources and through both the processing circuitry and the shared display screen, the second pathway supporting delivery of a second visual experience, the second visual experience being based on at least a second part of the media content, and at least a portion of the second visual experience being observable by the second viewer, the first pathway and the second pathway operating to simultaneously deliver via the shared display screen both the first visual experience and the second visual experience; and
- the processing circuitry at least assists in managing at least one shared display resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway.
2. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry at least assists in the managing the at least one shared display resource prior to beginning the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience.
3. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry changes the allocation of the at least one shared display resource during the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience.
4. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry at least assists in managing the at least one shared display resource by at least assisting in gathering a pathway characteristic.
5. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the first pathway and the second pathway are both adaptive pathways and wherein the processing circuitry adapts the first pathway and the second pathway based on at least one pathway performance characteristic.
6. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry at least assists in managing the at least one shared display resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway by modifying a number of pixels of the pixel array that are allocated to at least one of supporting delivery of the first visual experience and supporting delivery of the second visual experience.
7. The communication infrastructure of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry at least assists in managing the at least one shared display resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway by modifying a frequency at which at least one of frames of the at least first part of the media content and frames of the at least second part of the media content are displayed via the pixels of the pixel array.
8. A method for operating a communication system, comprising:
- utilizing a first pathway from one or more media sources and through both processing circuitry and a shared display screen to deliver a first visual experience, the media source(s) being external to the shared display screen, the first visual experience being based on at least a first part of media content obtained from the media source(s) and at least a portion of the first visual experience being observable by a first viewer but not a second viewer;
- utilizing a second pathway from the media source(s) and through both the processing circuitry and the shared display screen to deliver a second visual experience simultaneously with the delivery of the first visual experience, the second visual experience being observable by the second viewer and being based on at least a second part of the media content obtained from the media source(s); and
- at least assisting in managing at least one shared display resource that is shared between the first pathway and the second pathway.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least assisting in the managing of the at least one shared display resource comprises:
- at least assisting in managing the at least one shared display resource prior to beginning the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least assisting in the managing of the at least one shared display resource comprises:
- changing an allocation of the at least one shared display resource during the simultaneous delivery of the first visual experience and the second visual experience.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least assisting in the managing of the at least one shared display resource comprises:
- at least assisting in gathering a pathway characteristic.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the first pathway and the second pathway are both adaptive pathways and wherein at least assisting in the managing of the at least one shared display resource comprises:
- adapting the first pathway and the second pathway based on at least one pathway performance characteristic.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein at least assisting in gathering the pathway characteristic includes at least one of:
- receiving feedback from a device carried or worn by the first viewer or the second viewer, and
- receiving user input from the first viewer or the second viewer.
14. A communication infrastructure, comprising:
- a first pathway that delivers via a screen assembly first video content from one or more media sources external to the screen assembly, the first video content being observable by a first viewer but not a second viewer, and the screen assembly comprising a pixel array;
- a second pathway that simultaneously delivers via the screen assembly second video content from the media source(s), the second video content being observable by the second viewer but not the first viewer, and the first pathway and the second pathway sharing one or more shared display resources including at least one of pixels of the pixel array and light transmitted therefrom; and
- processing circuitry connected to the screen assembly that at least assists in allocating at least one of the one or more shared display resources between the first pathway and the second pathway responsive to ascertaining at least one characteristic of the first pathway or the second pathway.
15. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the screen assembly further comprises an adaptable light manipulator and wherein the processing circuitry allocates the at least one of the one or more shared display resources between the first pathway and the second pathway by modifying the configuration of the adaptable light manipulator to spatially filter the light transmitted from the pixels of the pixel array such that a first portion of the spatially-filtered light is observable by the first viewer and a second portion of the spatially-filtered light is observable by the second viewer.
16. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry allocates the at least one of the one or more shared display resources between the first pathway and the second pathway by modifying a frequency at which at least one of frames of the first video content and frames of the second video content are displayed via the pixels of the pixel array.
17. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry allocates the at least one of the one or more shared display resources between the first pathway and the second pathway by modifying a number of pixels of the pixel array that are allocated to at least one of delivering the first video content and delivering the second video content.
18. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the at least one ascertained characteristic of the first pathway or the second pathway comprises one or more of:
- a location of the first viewer or the second viewer with respect to the screen assembly;
- a head orientation of the first viewer or the second viewer; and
- a point of gaze of the first viewer or the second viewer.
19. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the at least one ascertained characteristic of the first pathway or the second pathway is determined based on feedback received from a device carried or worn by the first viewer or the second viewer.
20. The communication infrastructure of claim 14, wherein the at least one ascertained characteristic of the first pathway or the second pathway is determined based on user input received from the first viewer or the second viewer.
Type: Application
Filed: May 28, 2015
Publication Date: Sep 17, 2015
Inventors: Nambirajan Seshadri (Irvine, CA), Jeyhan Karaoguz (Irvine, CA), James D. Bennett (Hroznetin)
Application Number: 14/723,922
