GB2469996A - Contact lenses for viewing 3D films - Google Patents

Abstract

A pair of contact lenses which enable three-dimensional (3D) effects in films and images to be viewed without wearing 3D glasses. This is achieved by using polarizing materials within the construction of the lenses such that the polarization axis of one eye is normal to that of the other eye. This enables the 3D viewing of images and films adapted for the purpose, in the same way that 3D glasses achieve this effect.

Description

Contact Lenses For Viewing 3D Films

Description

Binocular vision creates 3 dimensional (3D) vision by having the brain process the two separate, and slightly different images received from each eye. 3D films simulate this effect by projecting 2 slightly different images onto the viewing screen; one intended for the right eye, and one intended for the left eye. 3D glasses or similar are used to prevent the left eye from seeing the image intended for the right eye and vice versa. In this way, the left eye receives an image which is from a slightly different point in space from the right eye. The brain processes these images as if it was in a 3D environment and the illusion of 3D is created.

A key element of the 3D process is to ensure that each eye only sees the image that is intended for it. This is typically achieved by using polarising filters and projecting polarised images. The image intended for the left eye, is projected in a manner which ensures that it can only pass through a polarising filter orientated in one direction, and the image for the right eye is projected in a manner which ensures that it can only pass through a polarising filter orientated in a different direction to the filter used for the left eye.

The different polarising filters (one for each eye) are typically mounted in frames as 3D glasses'. This invention replaces the 3D glasses, with contact lenses, which are enhanced with polarizing filters.

Polarized sunglasses have been patented before, but not this invention makes use of different polarizing orientations in each lens, such that the left eye cannot see 3D images projected for the right eye, and vice versa. This will create the same effect as 3D glasses, but without the need for frames.

In addition to cinema projection, the 3D contact lenses, would also be suitable for use when viewing static or moving images on a computer screen, television or other viewing device. Also, if the use of inks which reflect / absorb light in a polarised manner can be developed, the 3D contact lenses could also be used to view static 3D images in printed form.

The orientation of the lenses when in use is important to achieve the correct polarising effect. This can be achieved by making use of the principle that the human eye is rounded, but not spherical. The asymmetrical nature of the eye can be combined with a shaped contact lens which fixes the orientation of the lens, but still allows the lens to move slightly to help prevent damage to the eye. Alternatively, circular polarised lenses could be used which do not require the lenses to maintain a specific physical orientation.

Contact Lenses For Viewing 3D Films Additional Notes This patent application makes use of existing patented technology for polarized contact lenses and also contact lenses which maintain a specific orientation on the eye. However, existing patents do not appear to have combined these effects in a novel manner which applies them to this specific application.