We present a fast-switching, contrast-enhanced liquid crystal polarization modulator suitable for use as a polarization
switch in time-multiplexed stereoscopic 3D applications. By utilizing a double-cell structure together with a dedicated
driving scheme and an external quarter-wave retarder we can achieve fast, powered switching between two orthogonally
polarized output states with completely symmetric operation between left and right eye images, including high extinction
at all wavelengths for the dark states. The polarization modulator is especially attractive for the use in combination with
high-end DLP®-based, single-lens stereoscopic 3D projectors operating at high frame rates, and enables high-brightness,
low-ghosting viewing using lightweight and comfortable circular polarized passive 3D glasses. The practical advantages
of a fast 50μs polarization modulator are discussed.
KEYWORDS: Visualization, Cameras, 3D acquisition, 3D modeling, Analog electronics, 3D displays, Mathematics, Sensors, Visual process modeling, 3D metrology
Digital tools are transforming stereoscopic 3D content creation and delivery, creating an opportunity for the broad acceptance and success of stereoscopic 3D films. Beginning in late 2005, a series of mostly CGI features has successfully initiated the public to this new generation of highly-comfortable, artifact-free digital 3D. While the response has been decidedly favorable, a lack of high-quality live-action films could hinder long-term success. Liveaction stereoscopic films have historically been more time-consuming, costly, and creatively-limiting than 2D films - thus a need arises for a live-action 3D filmmaking process which minimizes such limitations. A unique 'systematized' what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) pipeline is described which allows the efficient, intuitive and accurate capture and integration of 3D and 2D elements from multiple shoots and sources - both live-action and CGI. Throughout this pipeline, digital tools utilize a consistent algorithm to provide meaningful and accurate visual depth references with respect to the viewing audience in the target theater environment. This intuitive, visual approach introduces efficiency and creativity to the 3D filmmaking process by eliminating both the need for a 'mathematician mentality' of spreadsheets and calculators, as well as any trial and error guesswork, while enabling the most comfortable, 'pixel-perfect', artifact-free 3D product possible.
Autostereoscopic monitors generally require complicated image pattern creation based on reprocessing of multiple scene views. The computational power necessary for such reprocessing is very high when real-time output of images is required at refresh rates higher than 24 fps and at high output resolutions from 1600x1200, to as much as 3840 x 2400. The optimal method is to do such reprocessing by the help of graphic card HW and not by CPU. We solved output creation for 3 types of autostereosopic monitors: generic autostereoscopic monitors requiring column-interlaced pattern, the Sharp RD3D autostereoscopic notebook, and monitors based on StereoGraphics SynthaGram principles. OpenGL stencil buffer operations were used for implementation of the output for monitors requiring column-interlaced patterns as well as output for Sharp RD3D notebook. We have tested 3 different implementations of SynthaGram like pattern creation - pure fixed pipeline OpenGL 1.2 method, nVidia Cg based GPU programming method, and a method using a mixture of both approaches. Benchmarking of all methods on different nVidia graphic card models were made.
We were primary focused on application for multi-view stereoscopic video processing in DepthQ Stereoscopic Media Server software during the development, but identical methods as used for video could be employed for real time CG scene reprocessing.
We have developed software for flexible and cost effective high-resolution stereoscopic video playback from an off-the-shelf Windows compatible computer. The software utilizes the highly flexible input format created through compatibility with the Microsoft DirectShow standard. Video processing speeds are based on selected compression method usage in combination with hardware acccelerated OpeGL data post processing. The key features of the software are: support for multiple input and output formats, on the fly format conversion, up to HDTV (currently 1280 x 720) per eye resolution, ability to preview data from stereoscopic cameras, and adjustable stereoscopic data corrections.
Conference Committee Involvement (6)
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXVI
9 February 2015 | San Francisco, California, United States
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXIV
4 February 2013 | Burlingame, California, United States
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXIII
23 January 2012 | Burlingame, California, United States
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXII
24 January 2011 | San Francisco Airport, California, United States
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XXI
18 January 2010 | San Jose, California, United States
Stereoscopic Displays and Applications XX
19 January 2009 | San Jose, California, United States
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