JP4846020B2 - System, method and computer program product for controlling stereoscopic glasses shutter - Google Patents

Description

Field of Invention

  The present invention relates to a video display, and more particularly to viewing stereoscopic video images and graphics images using stereoscopic shutter glasses.

background

  Various display devices are equipped for both planar view and stereoscopic view. Different from planar view, in the case of stereoscopic view, it is necessary to display different contents for human right eye and left eye. Specifically, in such a stereoscopic view, it is necessary to display separate images for the human left eye and right eye. In a specific type of stereoscopic vision (specifically, time sequential stereoscopic), such a left image and a right image are alternately displayed. In order to ensure a proper stereoscopic experience, alternating shutter glasses that allow the left image to be seen by the left eye and the right image to be seen by the right eye at appropriate timing are also commonly used.

  In the past, time-sequential stereoscopic viewing has worked well on CRTs and similar displays (eg, high frame rate (DLP) projectors). However, time-sequential stereoscopic viewing has not been promising for liquid crystal displays (LCD) (whether it is a flat panel or projector type). There were various problems as the reason. For example, in an LCD environment, the pixel response time is slow, which causes a “ghost” of the left image in the right view (and the right image in the left view). Moreover, unfortunately, as a result of the nature of the LCD update process, the left and right images can only be fully displayed for a short time. This will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 1A illustrates a hypothetical weakness that may exist when attempting stereoscopic viewing using an LCD. As shown in this hypothetical example, the LCD displays pixels in raster scan order (ie, left to right, via cable 10 (such as a digital video interface (DVI) cable or a video graphics array (VGA) cable)). 1 line from top to bottom, etc.). First, a first left image L1 intended to be viewed with the left eye is transmitted via the cable 10. After this, there is a temporary suspension of transmission called the vertical blanking interval VBI. Next, the first right image R1 intended to be viewed with the right eye is transmitted, and so on.

  Unlike CRTs and other similar displays, LCD pixels individually have capacitive storage elements, which keep each pixel holding its color and brightness until updated by LCD driver related electronics. (This electronic circuit addresses each pixel in raster order). Therefore, when a part of the first right image R1 is transmitted at time T1, the actual image emitted from the LCD screen is “not yet overwritten” (for example, red) of the first left image L1. ) And a newly written (eg, green) portion of the first right image R1. Thereafter, at time T2, and in fact, in the entire vertical blanking interval VBI starting from time T2, the display includes only the first right image R1. At time T3, as shown in the drawing, the first right image R1 is partially overwritten by the second left image L2. For this reason, if the display content at times T1 and T3 is displayed to the left or right eye, the eye unfortunately has content (at least partly) that is not intended for that eye. To see).

  As described above, in stereoscopic viewing, stereoscopic glasses equipped with a right eye shutter and a left eye shutter are often used to ensure that each eye sees an appropriate image. As shown in the figure, in this hypothetical example, after the first left image L1 is displayed, the left eye shutter control 20 switches the left shutter to the open orientation (while the right shutter is in the closed position). (closed orientation) is maintained). Similarly, after the first right image R1 is displayed, the right eye shutter control 30 switches the right shutter to the open position (at this point, the left shutter is toggled to the closed position and the closed position is maintained). .

  Moreover, unfortunately, each eye sees (at least in part) content that is not intended to be seen by that eye for a significant portion of the duration that the associated shutter is in the open position. And the resulting stereoscopic vision becomes unacceptable. Therefore, there is a need to overcome these and / or other problems associated with the prior art.

Overview

  A system, method, and computer program product for controlling a stereoscopic glasses shutter are provided. When in use, the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is controlled to switch between the closed position and the open position. Further, the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is also controlled to switch between the closed position and the open position. In use, the right eye shutter and left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled to be simultaneously maintained in the closed position for a predetermined length of time.

Detailed description

  FIG. 1 illustrates an example computer system 100 that can implement various embodiments of various architectures and / or functionality. As shown, a computer system 100 is provided that includes at least one host processor 101 connected to a communication bus 102. Computer system 100 further includes a main memory 104. Control logic (software) and data are stored in the main memory 104, which may be in the form of a random access memory (RAM).

  The computer system 100 further includes a graphics processor 106, and the display 108 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) display, a reflective liquid crystal (LCOS) display, a plasma display, or the like. In the form of a similar display. In one embodiment, graphics processor 106 may include a plurality of shader modules, rasterization modules, and the like. It is also possible to place each of the modules described above on a single semiconductor platform to form a graphics processing unit (GPU).

  As used herein, a single semiconductor platform may refer to an integrated circuit or chip based on a single unitary semiconductor. The term single semiconductor platform, however, simulates on-chip operation and is a multi-layer with enhanced connectivity that is significantly improved over using traditional central processing unit (CPU) and bus implementations. It may also mean a chip module. Of course, the various modules can be arranged separately, and can also be arranged in various combinations of semiconductor platforms according to user requirements.

  Computer system 100 can also include secondary storage 110. Secondary storage 110 includes, for example, a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive (representing a floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, compact disk drive, etc.). The removable storage drive reads and / or writes to the removable storage unit in a well-known manner.

  The main memory 104 and / or the secondary storage 110 can store computer programs (or computer control logic algorithms). Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 100 to perform various functions. Memory 104, storage 110, and / or any other storage are possible examples of computer-readable media.

  Furthermore, stereoscopic glasses 111 that can be worn on the user's face are included. Although the stereoscopic glasses 111 are illustrated as including two elongated members for supporting the stereoscopic glasses 111 on the user's face, other structures (eg, a memberless design, a head strap, a helmet, etc.) Note that similar or any other type of support is possible. As further illustrated, the stereoscopic glasses 111 further include a right eye shutter 114 and a left eye shutter 113.

  Both the right eye shutter 114 and the left eye shutter 113 can be in both an open position and a closed position. In use, the open position allows more light to pass than the closed position. Of course, such positions can be achieved by any desired mechanical, electrical, optical, and / or any other mechanism capable of implementing the functionality described above.

  The stereoscopic glasses 111 can be connected to the stereoscopic control device 119 via a cable 118 for control (the cable 118 is unnecessary in a wireless environment). On the other hand, the stereo control device 119 is connected between the graphics processor 106 and the display 108 to implement the functionality described below. Although the stereo control device 119 is shown to exist between the graphics processor 106 and the display 108, the stereo control device 119 can be located anywhere associated with the computer system 100 and the stereo glasses 111, and / or Or another module (specifically (but not necessarily), an embodiment in which the graphics processor 106 is connected to another interface of the computer system 100 (eg, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.)) Note that it is possible that In one embodiment, the display 108 may be directly connected to the computer system 100 and the stereoscopic control device 119 may be directly connected to the computer system 100 via a USB interface. Furthermore, the three-dimensional control device 119 may include any hardware and / or software capable of providing desired functionality.

  Specifically, in some embodiments, the right eye shutter 114 and the left eye shutter 113 are controlled to switch between a closed position and an open position. For reasons that will become apparent below, the right eye shutter 114 and the left eye shutter 113 of the stereoscopic glasses 111 can be controlled to remain in the closed position simultaneously for a predetermined length of time. In particular, as will become readily apparent, such an approach allows the display of each eye by reducing the (at least partly) viewing time of content that is not intended for viewing by that eye. Enhance stereoscopic viewing of content on 108.

  In addition to and / or in lieu of the foregoing approaches, the stereo control device 119, display 108, and / or any other suitable hardware / software associated with the computer system 100 includes stereo glasses. Functionality to adapt the display 108 can be provided so that the viewing experience is enhanced when viewing display content using 111. Specifically, when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses 111, it is possible to lengthen the duration of the vertical blanking interval associated with the viewed display content so that the viewing experience is enhanced It is.

  In the context of this specification, a vertical blanking interval means any duration between the display of content intended to be viewed with the right eye and the display of content intended to be viewed with the left eye. Good. In one optional embodiment, such a vertical blanking interval may refer to the duration during which a blanking line (and / or other information) is transmitted to the display 108 via an interface. In yet another embodiment, a vertical blanking interval may refer to a time when content is retained on the display 108 and is not updated. According to one optional embodiment, the content may be displayed longer by extending the vertical blanking interval (eg, by sending more blanking lines via the aforementioned interface). This is possible, which allows the stereoscopic glasses 111 to remain open longer and increase the apparent brightness to the user.

  The following provides more descriptive information regarding the various optional architectures and features. The functionality described above may or may not be implemented with these architectures and features, depending on user requirements. It is strongly noted that the following information is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Any of the following features can be optionally incorporated and the exclusion of other features may or may not be described.

  For example, in one embodiment, the architecture and / or functionality of the various subsequent drawings is designed to operate to implement a host processor 101, a graphics processor 106, a chipset (ie, related functions, Group of integrated circuits sold as a unit), and / or any other integrated circuit context relevant to the subject matter. Furthermore, the architecture and / or functionality of various subsequent drawings may be implemented in the context of a general purpose computer system, circuit board system, entertainment dedicated game console system, application specific system, and / or any other desired system. Can be done.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary timing 200 for enhancing the viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses, according to one embodiment. As an option, this timing 200 may be implemented in the context of the computer system 100 of FIG. 1B. Of course, however, the timing 200 can be used in any desired environment. Furthermore, the above definitions apply in the following description.

  As shown, a display (eg, display 108 of FIG. 1) may be connected to the communication medium 201 (digital video interface (DVI) cable or video graphics array (VGA) cable, or other optional) in this regard. The display content can be received via a medium capable of transmitting the display content. In the context of this specification, such display content may include pixel related information, images, and / or any other content or component thereof at any stage of processing that can be displayed. FIG. 2 shows how a first left image L1 intended to be viewed only by the left eye is transmitted via the communication medium 201. Thereafter, there is a temporary suspension of transmission, that is, a vertical blanking interval VBI. Next, the first right image R1 intended to be viewed only with the right eye is transmitted, and so on.

  As further shown, the right eye shutter and left eye shutter of stereoscopic glasses (eg, stereoscopic glasses 111) are controlled separately. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished utilizing a right eye control signal 206 that controls the right eye shutter and a left eye control signal 208 that controls the left eye shutter.

  Specifically, the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled to be in the open position for at least the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set 210. This is after receiving display content intended to be viewed with the left eye. Similarly, the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled to be in the open position for at least the duration of the second vertical blanking interval set 213. This is after receiving display content intended to be viewed with the right eye. As shown, the first vertical blanking interval set 210 alternates with the second vertical blanking interval set 230, both of which receive right-eye content or left-eye content from a content source. Occurs between the time periods.

  In other embodiments (eg, particularly in the case of wireless stereo glasses), the right eye shutter and left eye shutter of the stereo glasses can be controlled using multiple signals (eg, codes, etc.). . In such an embodiment, one such signal can be assigned, in particular, to cause the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter to move simultaneously to the closed position and remain in the closed position. Of course, it is also possible to close only the right eye shutter or only the left eye shutter using separate signals.

  For this purpose, the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled so that they remain simultaneously in the closed position for a predetermined length of time 209. As shown in the figure, such a predetermined length of time 209 represents a time zone in which the first left image L1 is partially overwritten by the first right image R1. Therefore, by keeping both the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses in the closed position at the same time during such time, the right eye content is prevented from being seen by the left eye. The content is prevented from being viewed with the right eye.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the left eye shutter of the stereo glasses is open only for the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set 210 (ie, when only the left eye content is displayed, etc.). It is possible to be controlled as follows. Further, the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is controlled to be in the open position only for the duration of the second vertical blanking interval set 213 (ie, when only the right eye content is displayed, etc.). Is possible. Accordingly, such a predetermined length of time 209 represents the entire time frame in which the first left image L1 is partially overwritten by the first right image R1 (and so on).

  However, in other embodiments, the right eye shutter and left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are added by staying in the open position for a period of time during which each shutter is adjustable (a predetermined length of time 209 is reduced). It can be controlled to allow light to pass through each shutter. See, for example, time 210. For this purpose, it is possible to increase the perceived brightness of the image by exposing the user's eyes to more light.

  In other words, the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled to be in the open position for a time exceeding the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set 210. Similarly, the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses can be controlled to be in the open position for a time that exceeds the duration of the second vertical blanking interval set 213. Of course, one tradeoff associated with such an option involves increasing the duration that each eye sees (at least in part) content that is not intended to be viewed with that eye. Specifically, at least a part of the left eye content may be displayed when the right eye shutter is in the open position, and at least a part of the right eye content is displayed when the left eye shutter is in the open position. There is.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1B, the duration of the vertical blanking interval VBI associated with the displayed display content is increased to enhance the viewing experience when viewing the display content using stereoscopic glasses. Is possible. Increasing the duration of the vertical blanking interval VBI increases the amount of time each eye sees content that is completely intended to be viewed with that eye, enhancing the stereoscopic viewing of the content on the display. .

  Note that the vertical blanking interval VBI can be lengthened in any desired manner. For example, an appropriate display timing specification can be queried before the content source sends data to the display. This can be any desired interface using the communication medium 201 (for example, using an EDDC / EDID (Extended Display Data Channel / Extended Display Identification Data) interface, a VESA (Video Electronics Standard) interface, etc.). For this purpose, the content source can select any one of a number of pre-built / standard timings and / or timings to send the content, and such timings can The line segment VBI is expected to be lengthened. Such timing can also be provided / managed by the manufacturer of stereo glasses, a graphics processor that drives images using configuration files, and the like. Further information regarding various exemplary techniques that can be specifically used to increase the duration of the vertical blanking interval VBI in such a manner will be described with reference to subsequent figures.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for lengthening a vertical blanking interval to enhance the viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses, according to one embodiment. As an option, the present method 300 may be implemented in the context of the computer system 100 of FIG. 1B and / or the timing 200 of FIG. Of course, however, the method 300 may be implemented in any desired environment. The definitions made so far still apply in the following description.

  As shown, a display (eg, display 108 of FIG. 1) is driven at native resolution. See operation 303. Such native resolution may mean the resolution at which the display is designated to display content without conversion. Native resolution is typically based on the actual number of cells in the display.

  Next, the rate at which the pixels are transmitted to the display is increased using the pixel clock. Specifically, in one embodiment, pixels can be transmitted using the fastest possible pixel clock for display. See operation 304. In one exemplary embodiment, such fastest pixel clock is the pixel clock supported by the standard applied to the connecting cable (eg, 165 megapixel per second for single link DVI cable, for dual link DVI cable) Can include 330 megapixels per second). In another embodiment, the fastest possible pixel clock described above may include a pixel clock limit indicated by the display in the associated EDID information. Such a limit may be less than or equal to the clock limit of the DVI cable.

  Furthermore, as shown in operation 306, the horizontal blanking interval associated with the display is shortened. In the context of this specification, a horizontal blanking interval means an interval during which processing of successive lines returns from right to left. In one embodiment, the horizontal blanking interval can be selected to be as short as possible. In the above-described manner, it is possible to maximize the duration of the vertical blanking interval by maximizing the pixel clock and minimizing the horizontal blanking interval. The manner in which this is accomplished will become more readily apparent through the description of the examples below.

  Alternative techniques for lengthening the vertical blanking interval (other than speeding up the pixel clock) may require a reduction in the display refresh rate. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a display designed with a 100 Hz refresh rate with a short vertical blanking interval may be used at 85 Hz with a 19% vertical blanking interval.

  In various embodiments, the display can be clearly equipped with multiple additional timings to increase the duration of the vertical blanking interval. The display can be equipped with additional timing in any of a variety of ways, but in one embodiment this includes the additional timing in software stored in the display's memory. Is achievable. In use, such additional timing can each be adapted to shorten the horizontal blanking interval associated with the display and / or increase the rate at which pixels are transmitted to the display. It is.

Table 1 shows one exemplary timing that can be added in the manner described above. Of course, such timing is shown for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. In the VGA environment, such a table may be updated according to the display, but in the DVI environment, such an opportunity may not be necessary.

  It should be noted that the horizontal blanking interval described above is less important in the context of LCD, DLP type displays, etc., so it is possible to extend the vertical blanking interval at the expense of the horizontal blanking interval. Specifically, in CRT type displays, such horizontal retrace is typically (e.g., 15-25%, etc.) to allow retrace to the start of an individual scan line. Extended). For example, a CRT type display can provide a time for the display to return to the start of the scan line using a horizontal blanking interval after displaying a first line of X pixels. This makes it possible to display the next line of X pixels (and so on).

Equation # 1 shows the interrelationship between the horizontal blanking interval and the vertical blanking interval.
Formula # 1
f _pix = (pixels_X-direction + HBI) * (pixels_Y-direction + VBI) * f _v

Where f _pix = pixel rate HBI = number of pixels in the vertical blanking interval
pixels_X-direction = # of the number of pixels in the X direction in the case of a predetermined resolution
VBI = # of the corresponding number of pixels in the vertical blanking interval
pixels_Y-direction = # of the number of pixels in the Y direction in the case of a predetermined resolution
f _v = refresh rate

  As shown in the figure, it is possible to extend the vertical blanking interval at the expense of the horizontal blanking interval without affecting the pixel rate and refresh rate (especially LCD, DLP type displays, etc.). If).

  Thus, in one embodiment, the timing in Table 1 above can provide an alternative 1280 × 1024 75 Hz stereo compatible timing specification that can coexist with the existing VESA 1280 × 1024 75 Hz timing specification. In such an exemplary embodiment, the existing 1280 × 1024 75 Hz VESA timing uses 24.2% of the available time for horizontal retrace and 3.9% for vertical retrace, In solid compatible timing, nearly 27% of the available time is used for vertical blanking, and less than 4% is used for horizontal blanking.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for lengthening a vertical blanking interval to enhance the viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses, according to another embodiment. As an option, the present method 400 may be implemented in the context of the computer system 100 of FIG. 1B and / or the timing 200 of FIG. Of course, however, the method 400 may be implemented in any desired environment. Furthermore, the definitions made so far still apply in the following description.

  As shown, a display (eg, display 108 of FIG. 1) can be set to a low resolution when in use. See operation 402. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the display at a predetermined speed in order to extend the vertical blanking interval. See operation 404. An example of such a technique is described below.

Specifically, in an optional embodiment, a display that is designed at a resolution of 1600 × 1200, but used at a low resolution such as 1024 × 768 can be provided. If such a display supports a resolution of 1600 × 1200 at 60 Hz (in accordance with the VESA standard), it is likely to be able to support 162 megapixels (any resolution). Thus, by sending 1024 × 768 pixels to the display with a 162 MHz pixel clock, the complete image is 5.33 milliseconds (1144 × 768 × 6.173e ^−9, assuming the horizontal blanking interval is 100 pixels). ). Since the image is received every 16.66 milliseconds at 60 Hz, the vertical blanking interval can be extended to 11.33 (= 16.66−5.33) milliseconds. To this end, each shutter of stereo glasses (eg, stereo glasses 111 in FIG. 1) stays in the open position for 11.33 milliseconds every 33.33 milliseconds (theoretical). A duty cycle of 34% (of the maximum value of 50%) can be achieved.

  In one embodiment, the functionality of FIGS. 3-4 described above can optionally be provided by utilizing a control device (eg, the stereo control device 119 of FIG. 1) connected to the display. It is. In the context of this embodiment, such a control device taps a signal in a cable that transmits a signal to the display to retrieve trigger information for stereoscopic glasses (eg, stereoscopic glasses 111 of FIG. 1). Can be used. Such trigger information can be obtained from vertical synchronization in the cable along with left / right eye shutter identification information associated with content (eg, white line code, etc.) or control signals provided by software (eg, DDC signal, etc.). It can be extracted.

  In another embodiment, method 300 of FIG. 3 and method 400 of FIG. 4 can be provided by blocking two I2C® interface wires that typically carry EDID standard information. It is. In one embodiment where the controller takes the form of a microcontroller, such hardware can read the original display EDID information and present the modified EDID information to the associated computer system. In such embodiments, drivers that use EDID information to calculate timing settings need not necessarily be modified.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary timing 500 used when viewing display content utilizing stereo glasses and an LCD or similar display, according to yet another embodiment. As an option, the present timing 500 may be implemented in the context of the computer system 100 of FIG. 1B and / or the timing 200 of FIG. Of course, however, the timing 500 can be used in any desired environment.

  In this embodiment, display content sent to a display (eg, display 108 of FIG. 1) at operation 502 can be received and buffered in the manner indicated by operation 504. Optionally, such buffering can be implemented using buffer memory (eg, DRAM, etc.) located on the display or any other location for that matter.

  Display content targeted to individual eyes can be received and buffered in operation 504 and then sent from the buffer to the display, as further shown in operation 504. To this end, the display can paint individual display content that is currently being transmitted from the buffer. See operation 506. It should be noted that after display content for individual eyes has been transmitted and painted, the display content can be retained in the manner shown.

  With such a design, the left eye shutter and the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses (for example, the stereoscopic glasses 111 of FIG. 1) can be opened while the corresponding display content is held. See operations 508 and 510, respectively. In the manner described above, buffering the display content in operation 504 can accommodate whatever time is required for the display content to reach the buffer through the cable, thereby reducing the pixel clock. It can be suppressed. In addition, once the display content is buffered and ready for display, the display content can be transferred to the display at a high speed, thereby being retained and longer for each eye. It can be displayed over time. Therefore, by buffering the display content in the above-described manner, it is possible to lengthen the stabilization time of the display content, and at the same time, it is not necessary to lengthen the vertical blanking interval in a display interface cable or the like. Is possible.

  In summary, display content received from a content source can be buffered for that eye until a complete image of the display content is prepared for a given eye. While such buffering is taking place, the previous display content targeting the other eye can be displayed. Once such buffering is complete and the image is stable, a complete image of the display content for a given eye can be transferred from the buffer to the display for a duration greater than or equal to the vertical blanking interval. Furthermore, such a transfer can be made at the highest pixel rate that the display can internally process so that the vertical blanking interval can be maximized. If such an interval is too short, it is possible to use additional buffering that can temporarily receive and store the next incoming image. To this end, it is possible to extend the duration during which the left eye shutter and right eye shutter can be kept in the open position (and thus maximize the screen brightness, etc.).

  As an option only, it is possible to activate the backlight of the display only when at least one shutter is in the open position. This function is applicable in the context of flash backlight or scroll backlight. In the case of a flash backlight, the backlight can be flashed for 30% of the time (for example), but it is also possible to use a 3x brighter light to provide normal light output It is. For this purpose, it is possible to suppress the waste of light (and corresponding power) when the shutter is closed by using this function, and it is also possible to suppress overheating.

  While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that these have been presented by way of example only and not limitation. For example, any of the network elements can use any of the desired functionality described so far. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the preferred embodiments should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is a figure which shows a hypothetical weak point which will exist when a stereoscopic vision is tried using a liquid crystal display (LCD). FIG. 7 illustrates an example computer system that can implement various embodiments of various architectures and / or functionality. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating exemplary timing for enhancing the viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of lengthening a vertical blanking interval to enhance a viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for lengthening a vertical blanking interval to enhance a viewing experience when viewing display content using stereoscopic glasses according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary timing used when viewing display content utilizing stereo glasses and an LCD or similar display, according to yet another embodiment.

Claims (26)

Controlling the right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses to switch between a closed position and an open position;
Controlling a left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses to switch between the closed position and the open position,
The right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are controlled to be simultaneously maintained in a closed position for a predetermined length of time;
The right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is controlled to be in the open position for at least the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set, and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is at least a second vertical It is controlled to be in the open position for the duration of the return section set,
Only when either the right-eye shutter or the left-eye shutter is in the open position, the backlight of the overwrite-type display is activated.
A method of providing a stereoscopic image using stereoscopic glasses.   The method of claim 1, wherein the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are controlled separately.   The right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are separately controlled using a first control signal for controlling the right eye shutter and a second control signal for controlling the left eye shutter. The method according to claim 2.   The right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are controlled using a plurality of signals, and any one of the plurality of signals causes the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter to move simultaneously to the closed position. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is maintained in the closed position.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are controlled to enable stereoscopic viewing of content on the display.   The method of claim 5, wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display. The right eye shutter of the stereo glasses is controlled to be in the open position only for the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set, and the left eye shutter of the stereo glasses is the second vertical shutter. Controlled to be in the open position only for the duration of the return segment set,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the first vertical blanking interval set alternately occurs with the second vertical blanking interval set.   The first vertical blanking interval set and the second vertical blanking interval set occur between time periods when right-eye content or left-eye content is received from a content source. The method according to claim 1.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a duration of the first vertical blanking interval set and the second vertical blanking interval set is increased.   The right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is controlled to be in the open position when only right eye content is displayed, and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses displays only left eye content. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is controlled to be in the open position.   12. The right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are each controlled to be maintained in the open position for an adjustable time. Method.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable time is adjusted to allow additional light to pass through the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter.   14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control is performed utilizing a control device connected to the computer system via a universal serial bus interface. A program for causing a computer to execute a method of providing a stereoscopic image using stereoscopic glasses,
The method comprises
Control step of controlling the right eye shutter and left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses to switch between the closed position and the open position
Including
The control step comprises:
Controlling the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses to be simultaneously maintained in a closed position for a predetermined length of time;
The right eye shutter of the stereo glasses is controlled to be in the open position for at least the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set, and the left eye shutter of the stereo glasses is at least a second vertical shutter Controlling to be in the open position for the duration of the return section set;
The right eye when the shutter and one of the left-eye shutter is in the open position only, the steps to activate a backlight overwrite the display
including,
program. Overwrite type display,
A graphics processor;
A controller that communicates with the graphics processor and controls a right eye shutter and a left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses to switch between a closed position and an open position;
The right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses are controlled to be simultaneously maintained in a closed position for a predetermined length of time;
The right eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is controlled to be in the open position for at least the duration of the first vertical blanking interval set, and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses is at least a second vertical It is controlled to be in the open position for the duration of the return section set,
Only if any of the right-eye shutter and the left eye shutter is in the open position, the backlight of the display is activated,
system.   The system of claim 16, wherein the graphics processor communicates with a display and a central processing unit via a bus. The predetermined length of time is a time between the first vertical blanking interval and the second vertical blanking interval adjacent to the first vertical blanking interval;
15. A method according to any one of claims 1-14. The content is buffered using a buffer memory in the display;
The method of claim 5. The content is buffered using a buffer memory located elsewhere than a computer system comprising a central processing unit and memory connected via at least one bus;
The method of claim 5. Enabling stereoscopic viewing of content on the display by controlling the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereoscopic glasses;
The system of claim 16. The content is buffered using a buffer memory in the display;
The system of claim 21 . The system of claim 21 , wherein the content is buffered using a buffer memory that is separate from a computer system comprising a central processing unit and memory connected via at least one bus. The predetermined length of time is the time during which the left image is partially overwritten on the display by the right image for the right eye shutter, and the right image is the left image for the left eye shutter. Corresponding to at least one of the times during partial overwriting on the display,
15. A method according to any one of claims 1-14. The predetermined length of time is the time during which the left image is partially overwritten on the display by the right image for the right eye shutter, and the right image is displayed on the display by the left image for the left eye shutter. Corresponding to at least one of the times during the partial overwriting with
24. A system according to any one of claims 16, 17, and 21-23 . The predetermined length of time is the time during which the left image is partially overwritten on the display by the right image for the right eye shutter, and the right image is displayed on the display by the left image for the left eye shutter. Corresponding to at least one of the times during the partial overwriting with
The program according to claim 15.

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