Compatibility issues and selection devices for stereoscopic television

摘要

A flickerless stereoscopic video system employing a time multiplexing technique using 120 fields per second has been developed and marketed by StereoGraphics Corporation. The product uses unmodified NTSC recording and transmission equipment operating at the nominally standard 60 fields per second and doubles the number of fields at playback. To improve image quality, an off-the-shelf scan converter is used to double the number of lines per field per eye. The Universal Camera Controller was developed to multiplex the signals from two unmodified cameras, fitting the composite within the existing NTSC bandwidth. The system, designed for industrial applications, comprises, from camera to monitor, an upwardly compatible approach. The design of a downwardly compatible system, on the other hand, would be appropriate for a consumer product. The question of compatibility with regard to all aspects of the broadcast service and video infrastructure, including existing consumer video tape recorders, needs to be considered. In addition, in order for an entertainment service to be viable, a low cost selection technique of high performance must be offered. The author believes that wireless active eyewear, using liquid crystal shutters, can be made available at prices attractive to the consumer.