Stereoscopic 3D rig calibration and viewing device
This invention uses image processing to process imagery from two cameras to display onto a single monitor in a multiple of modes. These image-processing functions are detailed here, as well as other processes to combine multiple functions in a single self-contained unit called the 3DRCV (3D Rig Calibrator and Viewer). The 3DRCV unit has been designed as a visual aid for the calibration 3D Camera platforms and rigs, and as a tool to verify acceptable settings during a 3D shoot.
1 . A process of generating and outputting a single image, derived from two cameras of a 3D stereoscopic camera rig, using image-processing.
2 . A process of applying claim 1 , for use as a device to calibrate the mechanical properties of a stereoscopic 3D camera rig.
3 . A process of applying claim 1 , for use as a device to calibrate the optical properties of a stereoscopic 3D camera rig.
4 . A process of applying claim 1 , for use as a visual aid in shooting 3D imagery.
5 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a HDTV signal to be viewed on an HDTV monitor.
6 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a NTSC signal to be viewed on an NTSC monitor.
7 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a PAL signal to be viewed on an PAL monitor.
8 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a SECAM signal to be viewed on an SECAM monitor.
9 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a VGA-type format signal to be viewed on an computer-type monitor.
10 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is a DVI-type format signal to be viewed on an computer-type monitor.
11 . A method of claim 1 , where the input images are gen-locked using an internal tri-level-sync generator.
12 . A method of claim 1 , where the input images are gen-locked using a bi-level-sync generator.
13 . A method of claim 1 , where the input images are time multiplexed between left-eye and right-eye imagery, to a single output, either on field or frame boundaries.
14 . A process of viewing the output generated in claim 13 , using hard wired 3D shutter glasses.
15 . A process of viewing the output generated in claim 13 , using wireless 3D shutter glasses.
16 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as the left-eye camera view.
17 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as the right-eye camera view.
18 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a screen multiplexed image comprising of a vertical spilt between left-eye and right-eye camera views.
19 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a screen multiplexed image comprising of a horizontal spilt between left-eye and right-eye camera views.
20 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a combined left-eye and right-eye camera view, using a subtractive process.
21 . A method of claim 19 , where the subtraction is left-eye from right-eye imagery.
22 . A method of claim 19 , where the subtraction is right-eye from left-eye imagery.
23 . A method of claim 19 , where the subtraction is an absolute subtraction between left-eye from right-eye imagery.
24 . A method of claim 19 , where the subtraction is normalized such that the result of the subtraction will provide a 50%, or middle-gray output.
25 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a combined left-eye and right-eye camera view, using a additive process.
26 . A method of claim 24 , where the addition weighted with half the intensity from the right-eye imagery, and half the intensity from the left-eye imagery, such that the maximum result will be at 100% and never saturate.
27 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a time multiplexed between left-eye and right-eye imagery, to a single output, either on field or frame boundaries.
28 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is selected as a time multiplexed between left-eye and right-eye imagery, to a single output, at slower than the frame rate.
29 . A method of claim 1 , where the selected output function described in claim 16 through claim 27 , is controlled by a push-button.
30 . A method of claim 1 , where the selected output function described in claim 16 through claim 27 , is displayed as a status indication.
31 . A method of claim 29 , where the status indication is LED technology.
32 . A method of claim 29 , where the status indication is LCD, or other screen technology.
33 . A method of claim 1 , where the output image is overlaid with a graticule, consisting of center-cross-hairs, safe areas, or aspect-ratios.
34 . A method of claim 1 , where the source imagery from either/both the left-eye and right-eye inputs can be horizontally and/or vertically flipped, to take into account image reversals when a camera in a typical beamsplitter 3D stereoscopic camera rig, uses a reflected surface