Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
  • H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
  • H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
  • H04N9/3179—Video signal processing therefor
  • H04N9/3185—Geometric adjustment, e.g. keystone or convergence
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/349—Multi-view displays for displaying three or more geometrical viewpoints without viewer tracking
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/366—Image reproducers using viewer tracking
  • H04N13/373—Image reproducers using viewer tracking for tracking forward-backward translational head movements, i.e. longitudinal movements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/366—Image reproducers using viewer tracking
  • H04N13/376—Image reproducers using viewer tracking for tracking left-right translational head movements, i.e. lateral movements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N2013/40—Privacy aspects, i.e. devices showing different images to different viewers, the images not being viewpoints of the same scene
  • H04N2013/403—Privacy aspects, i.e. devices showing different images to different viewers, the images not being viewpoints of the same scene the images being monoscopic

Definitions

• This disclosure pertains to multi-view displays and the use thereof.
• Signs and displays are often unintelligible or irrelevant to viewers outside a limited range of distance, angles, and contexts. Depending on the location of the viewer relative to the display, the displayed content may be too small, distorted, partially blocked, or not useful, meaningful, or even of interest. In some situations, there might be a need to include more content on a display than its size permits. Or there might be a desire to enable multiple viewers to simultaneously access particular content each wishes to see. In some cases, it might be desirable to show, on the same display, a variety of media that would be incompatible, distracting, or overcrowded if viewed at the same time. In yet further situations, it might be necessary to ensure that information is displayed in a particular sequence or only at certain times.
• Another factor is the amount of content relative to the size of the display.
• a third factor is that there might be competing interests, on the part of multiple viewers or multiple sponsors, in terms of the content displayed.
• Yet another factor pertains to the nature of the content itself. For example, there might be instances in which displays do not have relevant content for those viewing from a distance (as opposed to nearby) or from a differing context. Furthermore, there might be scenarios in which it is desirable to conceal content to all but a few viewers. In some cases, information intended for viewing in a particular order is viewed out of sequence. Or a display might present a variety of content that, if viewed at the same time, is incompatible. These and other situations diminish the effectiveness of signs and displays.
• Another solution that addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems is to cycle, over time, different content on the same display. This enables optimizing content for viewers at specific distances, angles, contexts, sight lines, and messaging sequences. When there is too much content, or in situations in which it should be viewed separately, the content is delayed and presented over time.
• the drawbacks to this solution are the tedium, confusion, a nd frustration experienced by viewers waiting for or trying to recognize content intended for their location and interest. Potential viewers might pass by the display location at the wrong time, missing the messaging intended for them, not realizing that content targeted to their needs will be shown eventually. Furthermore, each location-optimized, viewer-specific message will have reduced time on the display since it will be sharing time with other messages.
• the present invention provides a way to present, simultaneously on a single display, separate/different visual media to viewers in different zones of a viewing region of the display.
• Applicant has disclosed, in co-pending applications, implementations of multi-view display systems. All such systems are capable of controllably shining light of different brightness and color in different angular directions to display different content to different viewers. Applicant recognized that the multi-view display provides a basis for addressing the fact that most signs, signals, and displays present the same content for all viewers. However, for reasons that will become clearer below, the implementations of multi-view display systems previously disclosed by applicant do not address all the shortcomings discussed in the Background section. It is believed that a discussion of applicant's multi-view display technology, as previously disclosed, will be helpful in understanding the improvements wrought by embodiments of the present invention
• an image is formed as a collection of multi-view pixels.
• a multi-view pixel can control not just the brightness, but also the spatial distribution of emitted light.
• a multi-view pixel can be commanded, for example and without limitation, to emit light in certain directions but not others. Or it can be
• the multi-view pixels of a multi-view display emit "beamlets" (this word does not appear in standard dictionaries).
• a beamlet is an element of emitted light that can be individually controlled.
• a beamlet is the light emitted/projected by a multi-view pixel; multiple beamlets can be emitted/projected (those terms are used interchangeably hereinafter) from each multi-view pixel in a range of directions.
• Each beamlet can be controlled independently of each other beamlet emitted from the same multi-view pixel and angular resolution can be very high between beamlets.
• calibration takes into account the positions and orientations of the multi-view pixels relative to one another and relative to the body of the multi-view display and the orientation of the multi-view display with respect to viewing environment.
• calibration is a process that yields a table of relationships between locations in the viewing region of the multi-view display and beamlets. When an operator of the multi-view display desires to show a particular image to viewers located at a particular location, the table indicates which beamlets should be used. Calibration procedures are discussed in U.S. Pat. Appl. SN 15/002,014, entitled "Method for Calibrating a Multi-view Display," filed January 20, 2016 and which is incorporated by reference herein.
• a conventional pixel is simply a light source that emits a particular type of light in all directions of emission.
• a pixel is typically implemented with a material that glows when electrically excited. The glow is typically in one of the three primary colors. The glowing material emits colored light uniformly in all directions.
• a multi- view pixel is able to emit different light in different directions. In each direction, light of a particular type is emitted as a narrow beam— the aforementioned beamlet.
• a display system in accordance with the illustrative embodiment includes a multi- view display (MVD), a computer, and a sensing system.
• MMD multi- view display
• computer a computer
• sensing system a sensing system
• different content is displayed to different viewing locations that are within spatially distinct zones located at different "depths" from the MVD.
• the viewing region of the MVD is segregated into plural, spatially distinct zones that differ based on their distance from the MVD.
• Different content is displayed within each zone, typically (but not necessarily) based on some contextual relevance of the content to the zone. Contextual relevance between content and zone/viewing location can arise in the following non-limiting situations, among others:
• the content is selectively modified to overcome visual compromises associated with the zone/viewing location.
• the content is designed to provide a sequence of content for a viewer moving relative to the display along a designated path of zones/viewing locations.
• an MVD is fundamentally limited, in terms of its ability to display different content, by viewing angle. That is, only one image, etc., can be displayed for viewing at a given angle with respect to the MVD.
• the potential for occlusions arises. I n particular, due to the shared viewing angles in the different zones, the sightline to a particular pixel in the MVD of a first viewer in a first zone might be occluded by the presence of another viewer in a second zone. The conflict of what content to show along the shared sightline cannot be resolved without knowledge of obstructions.
• a sensing system obtains real-time information concerning the presence and location of "obstructions" in the spatially distinct zones of the viewing region.
• the obstruction to propagation of a bea mlet
• the information is in the form of a depth map, such as can be obtained via depth-aware cameras (e.g., stereocameras, time-of-flight cameras, etc.).
• Such assessments of the viewing region which can more generally be considered a 3D geometry of the viewing region, indicate the presence and location of object(s)/obstruction(s) in the viewing region.
• the system can estimate landing points for the beamlets. With the landing points estimated, content portions can be assigned to each landing point as a function of its presence in a particular spatially distinct zone of the viewing region.
• a system for simultaneously displaying differentiated content comprises: a multi-view display, wherein the multi-view display includes a plurality of multi-view pixels; a sensing system, wherein the sensing system obtains a characterization of a three-dimensional geometry of a viewing region of the multi-view display; and
• a method for simultaneously displaying, via a multi-view display, differentiated content comprises:
• the differentiated content comprises a plurality of content portions that differ from one another, and further wherein at least some of the content portions associated with respective ones of the spatially distinct zones differ from one another;
• FIG. 1 depicts a multi-view display (MVD) system for simultaneously displaying differentiated content to spatially distinct zones in accordance with the illustrative
• FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a system controller for use with the MVD system of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a content server for use with the MVD system of FIG. 1.
• FIGs. 4A through 4F depict the viewing region of a multi-view display segregated into spatially distinct zones and illustrate several occlusion scenarios.
• FIG. 5 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and an associated viewing region segregated into a first arrangement of spatially distinct zones for viewing differentiated content.
• FIGs. 6A through 6C depict, for various embodiments, three different content portions displayed to the three viewers, based on their location in one of the various spatially distinct zones of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and an associated viewing region segregated into a second arrangement of spatially distinct zones for viewing differentiated content.
• FIG. 8 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and an associated viewing region segregated into a third arrangement of spatially distinct zones for viewing differentiated content.
• FIG. 9 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and an associated viewing region segregated into a fourth arrangement of spatially distinct zones for viewing differentiated content.
• FIG. 10 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and an associated viewing region segregated into a fifth arrangement of spatially distinct zones for viewing differentiated content, wherein the content is sequenced as a function of a viewer's presence in a particular spatially distinct zone.
• FIG. 11 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and a manner of presenting differentiated content to partially occluded viewing locations.
• FIG. 12 depicts the system of FIG. 1 and a manner of presenting differentiated content that compensates for the distortion that arises due to an extreme viewing angle.
• FIG. 13 depicts a method for simultaneously displaying, via a multi-view display, differentiated content in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
• content means whatever is delivered to a viewer via the MVD, including, without limitation, light, color, and complex media. In some contexts, the absence of light, color, or media can be considered content, as examples.
• content portion is the content that is displayed to a given spatially distinct zone.
• a multi-view pixel resembles a conventional image projector.
• a conventional image projector projects a plurality of narrow light beams toward a projection screen. Each light beam resembles the beam of light emitted by a searchlight or by a lighthouse. With a conventional projector, there is one such beam for each projected pixel.
• a multi-view pixel is similar to an image projector in that it emits a number of beamlets, but the beamlets are not intended for forming an image on a screen. Rather, they are intended to fall upon the eyes of a viewer.
• the intended viewer is human, but optical devices such as cameras can also be used with a multi-view display, and it is possible to envision applications of multi-view displays wherein intended viewers might be non-human viewers such as animals, cameras or other image-capturing entities.
• each beamlet's light can be controlled independently of the light of other beamlets.
• the light intensity and/or color of an individual beamlet might be controllable independently of the intensity and/or color of the light of other beamlets.
• Other parameters of beamlet light might also be controlled, such other parameters comprise, for example, spectral composition, polarization, beamlet shape, beamlet profile, overlap with other beamlets, focus, spatial coherence, temporal coherence, etc., to name just a few.
• a viewer that looks at a multi-view pixel sees the light of one or more beamlets; in particular, the viewer sees the light of those beamlets that are emitted by the multi-view pixel and fall upon a viewer's pupil. The viewer perceives the multi-view pixel as glowing with the combined light of those beamlets.
• a multi-view pixel can have a variety of shapes, as perceived by the viewer that looks at the multi-view pixel.
• a beamlet is distinct from a ray in that, like a flashlight beam, they extend over a range of angles. However, in most implementations, they are quite narrow. For convenience of description, the beamlet can be approximated as a ray with a well defined direction and single point of intersection with an illuminated surface.
• multi-view display is a display able to show different images to different viewers. Based on the position of the viewer relative to the multi-view display, individual viewers may see different images from one another while simultaneously looking at the same multi-view display. This is in contrast to conventional displays, which show the same image to all viewers regardless of where the viewers are positioned relative to the display.
• an image is formed as a collection of pixels that comprises multi-view pixels.
• multi-view pixel is the smallest image-forming unit of a multi-view display.
• a multi-view pixel is a more flexible version of the type of pixel used in conventional (non-multi-view displays).
• pixels emit light in response to electrical excitation, and the brightness of a pixel depends on the extent of excitation.
• Each conventional pixel emits light in all directions, such that all viewers perceive the pixels the same way, regardless of viewer position.
• a multi-view pixel instead, can control not just the brightness, but also the spatial distribution of emitted light.
• a multi-view pixel can be commanded, for example, to emit light in certain directions but not others; or it can be commanded to independently adjust the brightness of light emitted in different directions. Other parameters of emitted light can also be adjusted independently for different directions of emission.
• viewing region of a multi-view display means the range of possible positions from which viewers of the multi-view display can experience the multi-view display functionality.
• the multi-view pixels of the multi-view display can emit beamlets in a range of possible directions. A viewer must be within that range in order to see at least one beamlet; otherwise, the multi-view pixel will not be usable for image forming. For a viewer to see an image that covers the entire display surface of the multi-view display, the viewer must be within the beamlet range of all multi-view pixels.
• the viewing space is any place in which at least one beamlet of a multi-view pixel of the multi-view display is observable.
• Display designers are typically given a target range of possible positions for viewers to view a display.
• this is likely to result in different orientations of multi-view pixels in different portions of the display surface, and it will be difficult to know, a priori, the relative orientation of all multi-view pixels.
• Calibration such as discussed in co-pending US application SN 15/002,014, can provide the necessary orientation information and thus allow display designers the freedom to orient multi-view pixels as needed.
• "Spatially distinct zone" are one or more defined sections within the viewing region.
• the MVD provides a common experience, such as by displaying the same content to viewers anywhere within that zone.
• the content assigned to a particular spatially distinct zone is, in some cases, assigned based on the existence of a contextual relationship between the content and the zone.
• a non-limiting example of such a contextual relationship is that if a first spatially distinct zone is closer to an MVD than a second spatially distinct zone, the content presented to the first spatially distinct zone might include more text, smaller text, or a more detailed image, etc., than the content presented to the second spatially distinct zone.
• the content displayed to the first and second spatially distinct zones, as in the example are referred to individually as "content portions," as per the definition above.
• each spatially distinct zone can be considered a three-dimensional space (i.e., an area and height) or simply an area.
• Viewing location is a specific location from which a single viewer may observe the display. There will typically, but not necessarily, be plural viewing locations in a spatially distinct zone or in the viewing region.
• FIG. 1 depicts system 100 for displaying location dependent content.
• System 100 includes multi-view display (MVD) 102, system controller 104, sensing system 106, and content server 108.
• VMD multi-view display
• MVD 102 is capable of displaying different images to different viewers based on a difference in viewing location.
• the principle of operation of an MVD is known to those skilled in the art and so will be discussed only briefly.
• the salient difference between a traditional display, such as LCD, LED, plasma, or projection display on the one hand, and a multi-view display on the other, is that the former displays the same image to all viewers while the latter is able to display different images to different viewers simultaneously.
• MVD 102 includes one or more projection elements or "multi-view pixels" 103, which emit light of different color and brightness at different angles.
• each projection element includes a light source, an imager, and a lens.
• suitable imagers include, without limitation, digital micro-mirror devices, liquid crystals, light emitting diodes, and/or liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS).
• Each projection element ca n be considered to be a single pixel of the display; hence the moniker "multi-view pixel.”
• a full graphic multi-view display is formed from an array of such projection elements.
• each m u lti-view pixe l is co nt rol led by its own p rocesso r.
• a processor controls plural multi-view pixels, but less than all of those composing the MVD.
• all of such processors in the MVD connected via a network (e.g., Ethernet, Infiniband, l 2 C, SPI, Wi-Fi, etc. ), or, more generally, a communication channel (e.g., HDMI, etc.).
• the light source illuminates the imager and the imager filters or directs the light through the lens.
• the lens is capable of directing light, received from different locations of the imager, in different directions.
• a multi-view pixel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 is capable of controllably directing light (each controllable beam referred to herein as a "beamlet") in over two million directions.
• the color and brightness i n d iffe re nt d i rectio ns, co rrespo n d i ng to d iffe re nt bea m lets, ca n be different.
• Each element from a viewer's perspective, appears to be a light source of the color and brightness of the light ( bea m let) that is projected onto the viewer, even if the projection is too dim for any image to be visible on nearby surfaces.
• the appearance of each m u lti- view pixe l from the perspective of a viewer is dependent upon the angle at which the viewer views it .
• system controller 104 The operation of MVD 102 is managed via a system controller, such as system controller 104, which is depicted in further detail in FIG. 2.
• the system controller directs the operation of the multi-view display. For example, in some embodiments, system controller 104 will fetch content from content server 108 and then direct the operation of MVD 102, causing the MVD to display specific content to a specific location in the viewing region.
• system controller 104 includes processor 210, processor- accessible storage 212, and transceiver 214.
• Processor 210 is a general-purpose processor that is capable of, among other tasks, executing an operating system, executing device drivers, and executing specialized application software used in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention. Processor 210 is also capable of populating, updating, using, and managing data in processor-accessible data storage 212. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, processor 210 is a special-purpose processor. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use processor 210.
• Processor-accessible data storage 212 is non-volatile, non-transitory memory technology (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard drive(s), flash drive(s) or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) that store, among any other information, data, device drivers (e.g., for controlling MVD 102, etc.), and specialized application software, which, when executed, enable processor 210 to direct MVD 102 to present differentiated content for viewing by viewers in various spatially distinct zone of the viewing region of MVD 102. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use processor-accessible data storage 212.
• Transceiver 214 enables communications with content server 108 and other devices and systems via any appropriate medium, including wireline and/or wireless, and via any appropriate protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, optical, ultrasound, etc.).
• the term "transceiver” includes any communications means and, as appropriate, various supporting equipment, such as communications ports, antennas, etc. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this specification, how to make and use transceiver 214.
• controller 104 Although the illustrative embodiment depicts a single controller 104, in some embodiments, the functionality of controller 104 is distributed among several devices that might or might not properly be characterized as controllers.
• Content server 108 which is depicted in further detail in FIG. 3, includes processor 310, processor-accessible storage 312, and transceiver 314. Content server 108 includes stored content, as appropriate for the particular use application.
• Processor 310 is a general-purpose processor that is capable of, among other tasks, executing an operating system and executing specialized application software used in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention. Processor 310 is also capable of populating, updating, using, and managing data in processor-accessible data storage 312. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, processor 310 is a special-purpose processor. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use processor 310.
• Processor-accessible data storage 312 is non-volatile, non-transitory memory technology (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard drive(s), flash drive(s) or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) that store, among any other information, data (such as content) and specialized application software, which, when executed, enable processor 310 to generate/select content for display via MVD 102. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use processor-accessible data storage 312.
• Transceiver 314 enables communications with, for example and without limitation, system controller 104, and the I nternet, such as to access web sites, as appropriate, via any appropriate medium, including wireline and/or wireless, and via any appropriate protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, optical, ultrasound, etc.).
• the term "transceiver” is meant to include any communications means and, as appropriate, various supporting equipment, such as communications ports, antennas, etc. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this specification, how to make and use transceiver 314.
• the system includes multiple content servers. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the functionality of content server 108 is distributed among other elements of system 100, such as system controller 104.
• Sensing system 106 is discussed in conjunction with FIGs. 4A through 4F. As previously indicated, sensing system is required in any situation where multiple potential viewing locations share the same viewing angle of one or more multi-view pixels. As discussed in more detail later in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the viewing region of MVD 102 is segregated into a plurality of "depth-related" spatially distinct zones. I n this context, the phrase "depth-related" means that the zones differ spatially based on their distance to MVD 102 (measured orthogonally to the MVD viewing surface).
• FIG. 4A depicts viewing region 420 (of MVD 102) having two depth-related spatially distinct zones: A and B. Spatially distinct zone B is directly "behind” and further from MVD 102 than spatially distinct zone A. As depicted in FIG. 4A, in the absence of any object impeding its path, beamlet 422, which is projected at a 0 degree angle from central multi-view pixel 103 of MVD 102, passes through both viewing zones.
• differentiated content plural content portions, wherein the content of each such portion differs— is displayed to viewers in different spatially distinct zones. Consequently, a viewer standing in the forward- most zone (i.e., spatially distinct zone A) should see different content than if she were standing in rear-most zone (i.e., spatially distinct zone B). However, because the two viewing zones share the same angle, the content cannot be differentiated without augmenting the multi-view display technology.
• sensing system 106 obtains a realtime assessment of the viewing region.
• This assessment provides information concerning the presence of objects in the viewing region and their location; that is, a 3D-geometry of the viewing region.
• sensing system 106 is implemented as, without limitation, depth sensors, structured light sensors, arrays of 2D cameras, or depth-aware cameras (e.g., stereocameras, time-of-flight cameras, etc.).
• depth-aware cameras e.g., stereocameras, time-of-flight cameras, etc.
• a depth map of the viewing region is obtained.
• the depth map or other geometrical rendering of the viewing region is processed to determine, ultimately, what color/brightness to show for each beamlet projected from the multi-view pixels of MVD 102.
• the system can predict what the geometry of the viewing region will be when the next frame is shown.
• any estimate of the geometry of the viewing region can use current sensor data as well as historical sensor data.
• the sensing system simply estimates the 3D-geometry of everything present in the viewing region (e.g., a depth map).
• a depth map As known to those skilled in the art, there are a variety of ways to represent the data obtained by a depth map, etc.
• the depth map can be translated into a point cloud, or points in a point cloud can be connected to form a mesh, such as a triangle mesh, for the purpose of filling in gaps between the points.
• the location information is used, in conjunction with calibration information (the path of each beamlet projected from each multi-view pixel) to estimate the location of "landing spots" for beamlets in the viewing region. Based on the location of a landing spot in a particular spatially distinct zone, content is assigned to the land spot. For each such land spot, the multi-view pixels are controlled (by system controller 104) to project beamlets of appropriate color and brightness to the landing spot to present the associated content to the viewer via MVD 102. This process is described in further detail later in this specification.
• viewer 1 is located in spatially distinct zone A. Based on the content that is intended (e.g., by the operator of the MVD system, content sponsors, etc.) for viewing in zone A, assume that viewer 1 is supposed to see "green" (color) from the center multi-view pixel 103 of MVD 102.
• Sensing system 106 implemented, for example, as depth- aware camera 406, obtains the 3D-geometry of viewing region 420, sensing the presence of viewer 1 in spatially distinct zone A.
• the system controller causes center multi-view pixel 103 to send green beamlet 422G towards viewer 1 in spatially distinct zone A.
• viewer 2 is located in spatially distinct zone B. Based on the content that is intended for viewing in zone B, assume that viewer 2 is supposed to see "red” from center multi-view pixel 103 of MVD 102. Sensing system 106, implemented, for example, as depth-aware camera 406, obtains the 3D geometry of viewing region 420, this time sensing viewer 2 in spatially distinct zone B. After appropriate processing, the system controller (not depicted), causes center multi-view pixel 103 to send red beamlet 422R
• viewer 1 is located in spatially distinct zone A and viewer 2 is located in spatially distinct zone B.
• a viewer in zone A is intended to see green from center pixel 103 and a viewer in zone B is intended to see red from the center pixel.
• depth- aware camera 406 only detects viewer 1. Consequently, center multi-view pixel 103 is controlled to send green beamlet 422G in the direction of viewer 1. Ideally, this is correct, since viewer 2 would not be able to see center multi-view pixel 103 because of the presence of viewer 1.
• FIG. 4D The discussion of FIG. 4D presumes that depth-aware camera 406 is co-located with the center multi-view pixel. Generally, the sensing system will not have the same viewpoint as any particular multi-view pixel, so it is likely that it will sense the presence of viewer 2. However, based on the previously discussed methodology for predicting landing spots, controller 104 will recognize the occlusion and act accordingly (such as by not sending a red beamlet from the center multi-view pixel).
• this processing is performed for all points of a given depth assessment simultaneously, so that the appropriate content is sent in all directions for all multi- view pixels of MVD 102. Therefore, no viewer/object recognition or other complex algorithms are required.
• FIG. 13 depicts method 1300 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.
• a plurality of spatially distinct zones is defined within a viewing region of the multi-view display.
• a mathematical description of the spatially distinct zones in the viewing region is developed, such as by controller 104 or otherwise provided based on application specifics.
• the zone is described in three dimensions.
• Content such as is stored in content server 106, is assigned to the various spatially distinct zones based on some contextual relationship or relevance between the zone and the content. Examples of such relationships are described later in this specification.
• Per task 1302 differentiated content is assigned to the plurality of spatially distinct zones. The assignment is based on a pplication specifics and is performed by the system controller.
• a location is estimated for at least some of plural landing spots of beamlets projected by multi-view pixels of the multi-view display. This is performed using the 3D-geometry of the viewing region obtained by the sensing system as well as specifications of the MVD itself. I n particular, a specification accompanying each MVD will provide, for each beamlet of each multi-view pixel, a set of parameters that specify the path of the beamlet through space. Such information is not particularly useful by itself; it must be referenced to an actual viewing environment. As such, when MVD 102 is installed for use, the specification for the beamlets must be mapped to the actual viewing environment. This mapping is performed as part of a calibration procedure that is described in SN
• the system can determine, for any "point" in the spatially distinct zones, which beamlets intersect that point.
• the only beamlets that might be required to carry information are those that have a "landing spot" in one of the spatially distinct zones of the viewing region. That is, a beamlet will propagate through space until it intersects an
• the system can estimate any points of intersection—landing spots— between beamlets and obstructions in the viewing region. Since viewers may be moving in a nd out of the viewing region on a substantially regular basis, the geometrical "snap shot" of the viewing region must be regularly obtained or otherwise estimated (e.g., based on historical data, etc.).
• the controller determines in which spatially distinct zone at least some the landing spots reside. This is readily determined from the location estimate of the landing spots and the mathematical description of the zones.
• the beamlets associated with said some landing spots are driven by the controller to cause an appropriate content portion to be viewable at said some landing spots, as a function of location in a particular spatially distinct zone. This involves setting the color and intensity of the beamlets associated with each landing point.
• the foregoing is a non-optimal, straightforward way to provide differentiated content to viewers in the appropriate spatially distinct zones.
• the foregoing approach is non- optimal because it is slow, even with highly parallelized computations.
• graphical processing units are designed to efficiently render triangles/polygons, not individual points.
• a depth map for example, consists of a collection of discrete points rather than a continuous surface, then there will be holes between points that would be missed.
• One exemplary technique is to quantize the viewing environment into a three- dimensional grid of rectangular segments.
• the segments are represented as a series of 2D planar grids, wherein each grid is at a different depth.
• each point of the depth map is quantized to the nearest segment. Once all points have been quantized, the segments that were quantized are the polygons towards which the MVD will drive content.
• FIG.4E depicts such a scenario, where depth-aware camera 406 is offset from multi-view pixel 103 of MVD 102.
• Three viewers—viewer 1, viewer 2, and viewer 3— are each standing in separate viewing locations in spatially distinct zones A, B, and C, respectively, wherein the MVD is controlled such that each zone will be presented with different content via MVD 102.
• Viewer 1 and viewer 3 are within view of depth-aware camera 406, whereas viewer 2 is occluded by viewer 3 and is presumed, therefore, not to exist. However, viewer 2 is at the same viewing angle of multi-view pixel 103 as viewer 3, who, as previously noted, is visible to depth-aware camera 406. Consequently, multi-view pixel 103 will incorrectly direct the content intended for viewer 3 to viewer 2.
• multiple depth sensors are used to reduce the amount of occlusion in the viewing environment.
• FIG.4F depicts a scenario wherein a viewer is occluded from at least a portion of MVD 102 yet remains visible to the depth sensor.
• viewer 1 occludes viewer 2 from multi-view pixel 103, but both viewers are visible to depth-aware camera 406.
• both viewers correspond to the same viewing angle of the pixel 103, requiring an arbitration mechanism to determine which content to display at that viewing angle.
• the distance to the display is used as an arbitration criterion. That is, the viewer closer to MVD 102 (viewer 1 in FIG.4F) is showed the appropriate content assuming that the viewer further from MVD 102 is occluded and might not be able to see MVD 102.
• FIG.5 depicts system 100, previously referenced, wherein the sensing system is embodied as depth-aware camera 406.
• system controller 104 "segregates" viewing region 520 into a plurality of spatially distinct zones AA, BB, CC. It is to be understood that this process does not result in a physical segregation of viewing region 520. Rather, coordinates, distances, etc., that provide a definition of the viewing region 520 are generated by system controller 104 and stored, for example, in processor-accessible storage 212. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some embodiments (some of which are described later herein), an operator of the system could choose to visually demarcate the regions for the convenience of viewers, as appropriate.
• the segregation into zones is depth based. That is, each zone exists within a certain range of distance from MVD 102. In this embodiment, distance is measured in the orthogonal direction from MVD 102. The range of distances that define any particular zone are dependent, primarily, on the particular application (which will dictate the size of MVD 102). For example, if MVD 102 is located out-of-doors and is intended to welcome guests to a resort and provide other information, it is likely to be billboard-size. And the associated spatially distinct zones are likely to be relatively large and extend relatively far from the MVD.
• MVD 102 is situated indoors in a hallway, it is likely to be a "TV-size" monitor (c.a., 36-55 inches) and the associated spatially distinct zones will be relatively narrow and will not extend far from the MVD.
• depth sensor 406 must routinely assess region 520 to provide a 3D-geometry thereof.
• viewer 1 is located in spatially distinct zone AA
• viewer 2 is located in spatially distinct zone BB
• viewer 3 is located in spatially distinct zone CC.
• contro l le r 104 eithe r by itse lf or i n co nj u nction with othe r processors with i n syste m 100
• viewer 1 receives content portion 1
• viewer 2 receives content portion 2
• viewer 3 receives content portion 3.
• these content portions will differ from one another, thus collectively defining differentiated content.
• FIGs. 6A - 6C depicts scenarios, applications, and uses for system 100 and the manner in which the spatially distinct zones are organized.
• FIG. 6A depicts a situation wherein three content portions are created for MVD 102 in a situation where viewers standing far away have difficulty reading content that is easily seen by people who are close.
• content portion 1 is displayed to viewers in zone AA, who are standing within 10 feet of MVD 102.
• Content portion 2 is displayed to viewers in zone BB, who a re sta nding more than 10 feet a nd less tha n 20 feet from MVD 102.
• content portion 3 is displayed to viewers in zone CC who are more than 20 feet from MVD 102.
• Content portion 1 provides an abundance of content, the font and pictures are small, an intricate font style may be used, subtle low-contrast colors may be used, i mages ca n be highly detailed, design styling and theming can be more nuanced, and the composition can be complex.
• Content portions 2 and 3 which are shown to viewers that are successively further from MVD 102, exhibit less content, use larger font and images, the font style will tend to be relatively cleaner and bolder, bright high-contrast colors are ty p i c a I l y selected, styl i ng a n d composition a re simple, etc. In this example, all three versions are simultaneously shown on MVD 102, but viewers are only able to see the version designed and optimized for their distance from the MVD 102.
• FIG. 6B viewer 3, furthest from MVD 102, sees a welcome message, perhaps welcoming the viewer to a resort.
• Viewer 2 who is in zone BB and is relatively closer to MVD 102 than viewer 3, sees a logo of the resort.
• Viewer 3 who is in zone AA and is closest to MVD 102, sees smaller content, such as directions to various features or amenities within the resort, which would be legible to only those closest to the display.
• MVD 102 displays an image that simultaneously appears to be the same size for viewers at any distances.
• Viewer 1 in zone AA sees an image that takes up a small percentage of the display area
• viewer 2 in zone BB sees the image take up a larger percentage of the display area.
• viewer 1 is relatively closer to MVD 102 and viewer 2 is relatively farther therefrom, they both perceive the image as the same size.
• Viewer 3, standing even further away in zone CC sees an image that takes up the entirety of the display. All three viewers simultaneously perceive the image as being the same size, though standing at different distances from the display.
• prescribed spatially distinct zones are used.
• zones are not designated; rather, the sensing system estimates the distance of viewing locations and generates graphics of the appropriate size for each such viewing location.
• a retail marquee based on a multi-view display contains a logo, business name, and operating hours. There are three versions of content on the display, all shown at the same time, but with each version assigned to one of the zones and only visible to viewers in the appropriate zone. Viewers in close proximity see everything—the logo, name, and information— while viewers at medium distances only see the logo and business name, which have been enlarged for better visibility. Viewers at even greater distances see only the logo, which can cover the entire display area for maximum scaling and optimal visibility.
• a roadside display presents a huge graphic logo to drivers a half-mile away. As drivers approach to within a quarter mile, they are shown a medium-size logo as well as the business name. Finally, as drivers pass in close proximity to the MVD, they are shown a small size logo, the business name, and the company slogan. Three versions of content are simultaneously shown, but each of the three versions is visible only to drivers at a specified range of distances. The scale and contents of the display can therefore be optimized specifically for drivers at each of these three ranges of distance. Of course, the number of distance ranges can vary, as can the types of content and other particulars.
• FIG. 1 Another example, not depicted, is a multi-view display embodied as a movie theater marquee.
• a movie theater marquee When viewed from the street, only the theater name is shown, filling the entire display. Moving closer, such as into the theater's parking lot, the name of the theater is shown at a smaller scale, accompanied by the title of each movie playing at the theater. Getting even closer, such as in-line to purchase tickets, the theater name, movie titles, show times, and prices, are all shown.
• there are three differing content portions i.e., differentiated content
• each simultaneously visible from a separate zone and each scaled for ease of viewing depending on the distance of the zone from the display/marquee.
• non-overlapping viewing zones may be established within the sightlines of MVD 102. Content is created that compensates for the distance of these zones from MVD 102 to enable best legibility and discernibility. This means viewers in any or all of these zones may simultaneously see on the MVD differentiated content that has been customized for their distance from the display.
• FIG.7 depicts a way to provide directions to viewers for accessing subject matter provided by a MVD system.
• an indicium indicative of the subject matter is placed on the floor. Viewers then stand on or near the indicium (e.g., pictures, words, etc.), to view the indicated content.
• the indicium e.g., pictures, words, etc.
• passenger l at bus station 728, stands on the letters "NJ” to access the schedule for buses to New Jersey on MVD 102.
• Passenger 2 stands on the letters “NY” to access the schedule for buses to New York, and
• Passenger 3 stands on the letters "PA” to access the schedule for buses to
• Variations on this example include having passengers at an airport standing on the logo of their chosen airline to see information specific to that carrier, or standing on the face of a clock to see, on an MVD, departures for a specific time.
• the instructions can be provided overhead, such as on the ceiling or on banners.
• the instructions are projected on the ceiling, floor, or nearby objects or features.
• instructions or cues are embedded in the floor that are touch or proximity-activated.
• the instructions, whether graphical, representative, literal, color-coded, etc., are interactive so they can be controlled by viewers themselves, in some cases in conjunction with motion detectors or other devices.
• Multi-view displays can be used in conjunction with content design and viewing area layout design to increase the quantity of content available on a display, to separate the content that is to be shown on the same display, or to provide control to viewers in accessing different content on a display.
• a series of viewing locations are established with each location corresponding to a different version of content.
• a viewer shifts locations to access different content.
• the series of locations may be in the form or arrangement of an invisible grid whereby a viewer could shift backward, forward, side-to-side, up-or-down, or diagonally to view the various content portions available on the MVD.
• Different viewers can simultaneously see different content portions when standing in different zones, or may see the same content portion when standing in the same zone.
• MVD 102 simultaneously shows three different content portions: content portion 1, content portion 2, and content portion 3 in respective spatially distinct zones DD, EE, and FF.
• a person may move (left or right) from one spatially distinct zone to another.
• common cinematic transition techniques that may be applied include, but are not limited to, crossfading, fading to black, and/or fading to white. Such transitions can be applied spatially, so that a viewer e xperiences the transition when moving from one viewing location to another. To implement this, one or more transition viewing locations can be established between adjacent viewing locations where the transition sequence content i s directed.
• MVD 102 By subdividing content, MVD 102 can show a great amount and variety of verbiage, information, images, and media, only requiring viewers to shift position to cycle through all available versions of content.
• arrangements other than a grid may be used for the layout of viewing locations, and these arrangements may be periodically or continually changed.
• the change can be occasioned, for example and without limitation, as a function of a change i n t h e number or spacing of viewers, the behavior of viewers, the number of versions of content, the type of content, o r the viewing environment.
• the arrangement of viewing locations is linked to monitoring technologies, automated systems, timers, or controls operated e i t h e r beforehand or i n real-time. These are all by way of example to express the range and versatility with which viewing zones may be associated with a corresponding version of content to increase the amount and accessibility of content available on an MVD.
• the menu for each restaurant is composed to fill the entire MVD.
• Each menu is then assigned to a different spatially distinct zone (or viewing location or locations, as appropriate) within the sightlines of the MVD.
• visitors can view all the different menus, one menu at a time. All the menus can be simultaneously viewed, but only by different visitors occupying different zones (or viewing locations, as appropriate). For instance, a husband and wife standing side-by-side may simultaneously read different menus.
• the menus may also be continuously rotated for any one zone, so a visitor can stand at one spot and eventually see all the menus, or change location to view menus cycling at a different speed, or order, or place in the order.
• One such example is that of opposing political candidates requesting to have their campaign message posted on the same display, or companies with competing products or services, etc.
• the content can be separated so that each is simultaneously shown to a separate zone or zones, and will not be seen together.
• the spatially distinct zones are designed so all persons moving by the display will have the opportunity to see all versions of content, but not in simultaneous juxtaposition with each other for any one viewer. This approach is often preferable to time-cycling content, because the viewer may choose to idle on a piece of content that they are interested in by simply standing in place. Such a system provides an implicit control mechanism for the viewer.
• a billboard-size MVD is in view from a highway as well as a nearby elementary school. On the highway, automobiles see an ad for an item that is inappropriate for school children. Simultaneously, near the schoolchildren see nothing on the MVD or, alternatively, a message that is appropriate for them.
• the correlation between viewing locations and various content portions may be static, dynamic, or a combination of both.
• the ability to access different content portions can be based on small movements (c.a., intraocular distance as a practical minimum for lateral movements) or, of course, any combination of larger increments or distances. Movements to access different content portions can be vertical, horizontal, or any direction or combination of directions.
• Access to content on an MVD ca n be driven by the viewer's height.
• an MVD that provides directions to the restroom may differentiate between viewers in a wheelchair and other standing viewers based on height. A person standing so that their eyes are in an upper spatially distinct zone will see the directions to a non- wheelchair accessible restroom, while a person in a wheelchair such that their eyelevel is within a lower spatially distinct zone w i l l see the directions to the wheelchair accessible restroom.
• an MVD that serves as a menu board for a fast-food restaurant may be viewable from the entire restaurant, but the menu options shown may only be relevant to individuals placing an order.
• the MVD shows different content portions that: (1) welcomes individuals into the restaurant, (2) announces an order is ready for pick-up, (3) entices diners to buy desert, (4) provides entertainment for diners and people waiting for an order, (5) identifies available seating, and (6) promotes specials.
• All content portions - including the menu - are simultaneously shown on the display, but only a single content portion can be viewed by any individual at any one moment, and that one content portion is selected based on the location of the individual. This e n a b l e s content to be targeted and relevant for multiple locations.
• FIG.9 depicts a billboard-size MVD 102 that is positioned over a
• MVD 102 displays differentiated content, depicted as content portion 1, content portion 2, content portion 3, and content portion 4.
• Content portion 1 viewable in spatially distinct zone GG, which is about a half- mile from the building, is the logo of a company in the building.
• Content portion 2 viewable in spatially distinct zone HH, which is about a quarter mile away from the building, is the name and logo of the company.
• Content portion 3 which is viewable in spatially distinct zone II, which is quite near to the building, provides directions to a driver wishing to visit the company.
• Content portion 4 viewable in spatially distinct zone JJ, which is the parking lot of the company, indicates special promotions and hours of operation to people.
• the display is simultaneously performing a range of functions tailored to the needs and interests of audiences based on their distance from the display.
• Thousands of drivers passing from a distance are given a branding message, while viewers who have sought out the venue as their destination are provided with the information they may need for navigating an off-ramp, finding parking, reaching the main or delivery entrances, knowing when the doors open, and benefiting from sales and specials.
• an MVD in a retail setting entices viewers into and through a store, and then offers product information, sales, and specials specific to each department within view of the display. As a viewer approaches the MVD through various departments, the display promotes sale items specific to each department. Additionally, shoppers view content portions specifically tailored to their individual location in the store, such as, for example, near to product displays. Each location-specific content portion is simultaneously shown on the same MVD and each individual would only see content targeted to his or her location.
• an MVD which is situated in a shopping mall, is viewable from the proximity of a number of shops and restaurants within the mall. As individuals pass near to various shops/restaurants, information specific to that pa rticula r business is displayed. Mo re pa rticu la rly, multiple individuals simultaneously see, on the same M V D , differentiated content that relates only to their specific surroundings.
• F o r e xa m p i e , v iewers may be moving past the display as a pedestrian, or by conveyances such as a bike, car, truck, bus, train, tram, subway, walkway, boat, ride vehicle, etc.
• conveyances such as a bike, car, truck, bus, train, tram, subway, walkway, boat, ride vehicle, etc.
• the MVD itself may be moving relative to viewers by any of these or other conveyances, or even perhaps on a parade float or stadium vehicle.
• a parade float features a multi-view display that does not repeat its message to any one zone or group as it travels the parade route. Instead, distinctly different media ( c o n t e n t p o r t i o n s ) is simultaneously viewable to audiences depending on their distance from the float as it approaches, arrives, and departs. If the float has a special message or surprise when it arrives alongside each segment of the route, the message will not be shown to audiences at a greater distance than is desired so as not to spoil the surprise.
• a vehicle driving around a sports field past each section of audience can achieve a similar effect. For example, consider a vehicle having an MVD mounted to its roof, which drives past an audience. The display shows three different content portions. Audience members in front of the vehicle see a message suggesting that they prepare to "cheer,” while audience members currently beside the vehicle see a cue to "cheer now.” Audience members behind the vehicle who have already cheered are "thanked" for cheering. As the vehicle drives by the stand, each member of the audience sees the three content portions in sequence, but the vehicle can cue a spontaneous reaction from audiences who will not be able to see the cueing message until it is alongside them.
• FIG. 1 Another example is a n MVD version of the historic "Burma-Shave" signs, in which a single display offers a continuity of messages and images as individuals travel relative to the display.
• An illustration of this i s a rhyming marketing message in which each stanza becomes visible as a viewer approaches the display. All the stanzas are simultaneously available on the display, but each individual stanza can only be seen from a designated zone that anticipates or tracks the movement of the individual so as to appear - and be read - in proper order.
• Content does not need to be sequenced strictly based on distance between the viewer and the multi-view display. As long as the approximate path of the viewer relative to the display can be anticipated, the content can be sequenced by viewing zone.
• FIG. 10 An example of the foregoing scenario is depicted in Fig. 10, which involves a theme park attraction queue. Guests waiting in a maze-like line all see the same MVD 102, but the sequential narrative viewable on the display progresses in its correct order for each individual guest 1032, 1034, and 1036 as they near the attraction. For example, guest 1032 in spatially distinct zone KK sees the first chapter of the narrative (content portion 1), while guest 1034 in spatially distinct zone MM sees the second chapter of the narrative (content portion 2).
• guest 1036 in s p at i a l ly d i sti n ct zo n e OO sees the third and final chapter of the narrative (content portion 3).
• the line may fold back and forth on itself, and guests may not consistently lessen their distance from the display.
• the messaging is designed to be visible in sequence by zone, and not by distance from the display, so it will still be seen in its proper order.
• the content may be designed to change in carefully calculated increments so it appears to be animated or in motion as a viewer moves relative to the MVD.
• multiple static images are simultaneously available for viewing, with each image viewable only from a designated zone or zones relative to the display. By changing location with respect to the display, at a consistent rate, viewers see the images as they would frames in a film, thereby creating the appearance of animated movement.
• a first vehicle, for exa m ple, in a first spatially distinct zone sees the first frame of the animation, while a se co n d vehicle i n a se co n d s p a ti a l l y d i st i n ct zo n e sees the second frame of the animation.
• a third and fourth vehicle in respective third and fourth zones simultaneously see the third and fourth frames of the animation.
• Each vehicle sees the full animation as it drives across all the viewing zones. The rate and path of each viewer's movement may be anticipated, and the images and viewing zones may be matched to achieve the correct sequence and appropriately timed, incremental movement of the image.
• Signage and displays may be viewable from some locations that have partial blockage or blind spots, such as caused by architecture, structural elements, furnishings, landscaping, or other sightline issues.
• content may be designed that compensates for blockage, with the blockage-adjusted content only shown to people viewing the multi-view display from affected areas.
• content can be recomposed and/or resized to only occupy portions of the MVD that are visible.
• Another technique is to animate the content elements, so over a period of time all content is eventually visible in non-blocked portions of the display.
• Ye t a nother approach is to reduce the amount of content, so prioritized elements can be viewed in the reduced display space and there is no content in blocked areas.
• 1138, 1140, a nd 1142 are simultaneously viewi ng MVD 102.
• the view of person 1138 is partially obscured by tall vertical pillar 1144, the view of person 1140 is unobstructed, and the view of person 1142 is partially obscured by horizontal obstacle 1146.
• content portion 1 for person 1138 is, in this embodiment, placed vertically in the portion of MVD 102 that is unobstructed by the pillar.
• Content portion 3 for person 1142 is placed horizontally in the portion of MVD 102 that is unobstructed by the obstacle.
• Content portion 2 for person 1140 can be expanded to fill the entire display since it is unobstructed. Standard image retargeting techniques, well known to those skilled in the art, can be employed.
• Multi-view displays offer the following:
• FIG.12 de picts three viewers 1250, 1252, and 1254, each simultaneously peering at MVD 102. Although they are looking at the display from different angles, each viewer simultaneously sees the graphic on the display, identified as content portionl, content portion 2, and content portion 3, to appear undistorted as if viewed straight on.

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• 2016
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