Abstract:
Stereoscopic eyewear ( 10 ) enables a viewer to see a three dimensional image from a two dimensional image which is projected or displayed on a screen. The eyewear may be coordinated with the two dimensional image either with a signal transmitted through a cable ( 40 ) or with an infrared (IR) transmitter ( 200, 201 ) and receiver. The IR transmitter may include two sources of IR light to increase the likelihood of reception by the transmitter. The IR transmitter may have a curved bottom ( 202 ) covered with Velcro™ material ( 203 ) for attachment to another piece of Velcro™. The curved bottom in combination with the Velcro™ enables control of the orientation of the IR transmitter. When the eyewear is connected via a cable, guide bars ( 61, 62 ) or a cable loop ( 42, 43, 44 ) can be included to provide strain relieve. The shutter or lens of the eyewear may be made from a liquid crystal cell ( 11 L,  11 R). For example, a five sided twisted nematic cell having five sides oriented at 10° cooperating a swept back frame to provide a modern streamline look fore the eyewear.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to modular 3-D shutter glasses and to methods of making and using them and associated parts thereof.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    An individual uses both eyes to see objects or images. Each eye views the world from a slightly different vantage point due to the separation of the eyes. The human brain combines the two views to allow a person to perceive depth or three dimensions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as stereo or 3-D).  
           [0003]    Computer displays, televisions, electronic game displays, movie screens and the like are two dimensional (hereinafter sometimes referred as 2-D or planar) and lack depth. When an individual views a computer or game display, television, a movie screen or the like, both of the individual&#39;s eyes see substantially the same 2-D image. Thus, there is no perceived depth and the individual does not perceive three dimensions in the image being viewed.  
           [0004]    The art of presenting different images to the left and right eyes of a viewer so a 3-D image (sometimes referred to as stereoscopic or stereo image) is perceived is well developed. Different images can be presented to each eye of a viewer using special eye glasses which select or distinguish between respective left and right eye images or views. One early system utilized polarized glasses where the respective lenses pass vertically polarized light to one eye and horizontally polarized light to the other eye. When a viewer is wearing such glasses and correctly polarized images are displayed on a display or projected onto a screen, etc., the viewer perceives (e.g., sees) a 3-D image. Other types of eye glasses that provide a 3-D image to the viewer have selected between right and left images by using color filter techniques, right and left circular polarizers to distinguish between right and left circularly polarized light or other means to effect desired selection.  
           [0005]    Other known selection systems utilize eye glasses or goggles which have lenses that can be electronically opened and closed, for example, as light shutters. As the respective left and right lenses (light shutters) are alternatively opened and closed and appropriate left eye and right eye images are alternatively projected onto a screen or shown in a display in time sequence synchronized with the opening and closing of the lenses, 3-D images can be seen (perceived) by the viewer. For convenience, devices to distinguish or to select between left and right eye images for viewing may be referred to below collectively and/or equivalently as eye glasses, shutters, shutter glasses, eyewear and the like.  
           [0006]    There are several types of display systems and modes of display operation that utilize such shutter glasses to provide left and right eye images for 3-D viewing. Examples are, as follows:  
           [0007]    a. A first system uses an above and below format in which all of the left eye display image or information is found in either the top or bottom half of each frame or field of an image file (in some display techniques a frame of an image is composed of two sequentially displayed fields), and the right eye image or information is found in the other half of the image file. The left and right eye images derived from image data in the image file are displayed sequentially. Each image usually is expanded so it appears as a full screen image by any one of various known image expanding techniques. A similar system has the left and right eye image information displayed, respectively, on the left and right halves of the display and appropriate image expanding techniques may be used to fill the respective images on the screen for viewing by a respective right or left eye as each image is sequentially shown.  
           [0008]    b. A second system displays images using what is generally referred to as an “interleaved system”. Interleaved systems image files contain data for one eye image in the odd numbered lines of each field of a two field frame, and data for the other eye image in the even numbered lines of that field. (If the frame only has one field, for example, then the odd and even numbered lines of the frames would be used, etc.) A first image is displayed using the data from the odd numbered lines of each field of the image and then a second image is displayed using the data from the even numbered lines. As the images are shown on the display, one shutter, e.g., the left eye shutter of the eye glasses, is opened for one image and closed for the second image while the other shutter, e.g., the right eye shutter of the eye glasses, is opened for the second image and closed for the first image.  
           [0009]    c. A third system displays images in what is sometimes called “page flip” mode. In a page flip system, the image file is organized so that one field of a frame contains left eye image data and the other field contains right eye image data. Left and right eye images are alternatively shown on the display as respective fields of frames of data are provided from the image file.  
           [0010]    Various techniques are used to store image information as data in files, such as digital files, sometimes referred to as graphic files or image files. Several standard techniques and graphic file formats resulting therefrom lead to graphic files known as JPEG (sometimes referred to as JPG), GIF, BMP, TIF, and others; such files usually have a “dot suffix” in their name identification, such as, .JPG, GIF, .BMP, .TIF, etc. Other standard techniques and formats include Apple Quicktime movies and RealNetworks RealPlayer movies. These standard techniques and formats are exemplary. There are others now in existence with more likely to be developed in the future.  
           [0011]    A graphics file for displaying 3-D images contains image information for both the left eye and right eye images or views or, in the computational system mentioned above, the image information for one eye view and information concerning the computational algorithm to prepare the other eye view.  
           [0012]    Images can be displayed on a computer monitor, television, or other display or can be projected. Usually specialized hardware and software are needed to display or project 3-D images and to coordinate and synchronize the eye glasses with the respective right and left images being displayed. Prior systems required substantial circuitry, control systems, control boxes, power supplies and the like to provide power to the shutter eye glasses and to provide the coordination and synchronization. Accordingly, there is a need in the art to reduce the size, to improve the efficiency and to reduce costs of such systems.  
           [0013]    Prior 3-D viewing systems usually were specially designed to work in a single environment, e.g., a computer and monitor/display environment, a television display environment or with a special display system, such as a video game or other 3-D viewing system. Upon changing to a different display system, whether an upgrade or that of a different vendor, typically it was necessary in the past also to acquire a new shutter glasses system and controller for power, coordination and synchronization therefor. Also, some prior shutter glasses systems and controllers were designed for specific use with a computer monitor or for specific use with a television. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved versatility for such shutter eye eyewear system and controllers therefor.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    Briefly, according to an aspect of the invention, a stereoscopic eyewear system including eyewear for generating a three dimension image from a viewed two dimensional image using a reference signal, and at least two transmission sources for generating the reference signal, wherein the reference signal coordinates the eyewear to the two dimensional image, and wherein each of the at least two transmission sources transmits to an area not covered by another of the at least two transmission sources.  
           [0015]    Briefly, according to an aspect of the invention, a stereoscopic eyewear system including eyewear for generating a three dimension image from a viewed two dimensional image using a reference signal, the eyewear including two shutters each having electrical connections, a transmission line for conducting the reference signal to two shutters of the eyewear, and at least one strain relief feature for relieving strain applied via the transmission line.  
           [0016]    According to an aspect of the invention a head mountable frame for light shutters for viewing of images includes a retainer mechanism to retain a light shutter mechanism, a cavity in the frame for a circuit to provide for operation of a light shutter, and a closure for the cavity to retain a circuit.  
           [0017]    According to another aspect, a viewing apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images includes a mounting frame for wearing on the head of a person, a pair of light shutters in the mounting frame, circuitry to provide signals to the light shutters for operating the shutters, a cavity in the mounting frame for at least part of the circuitry, and a closure for the cavity to retain the circuitry.  
           [0018]    According to another aspect, a viewing apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images includes a mounting frame for wearing on the head of a person, a pair of light shutters in the mounting frame, circuitry to provide signals to the light shutters for operating the shutters, and wherein the mounting frame has a non-planar, wrap-around shape.  
           [0019]    According to another aspect, a viewing apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images includes a mounting frame for wearing on the head of a person, a pair of light shutters in the mounting frame, circuitry to provide signals to the light shutters for operating the shutters, and further comprising a strain relief to retain with respect to the frame wiring to provide for operation of light shutters, the strain relief including at least two openings for threading of wiring therethrough to provide for relatively sharp bends in the wiring to resist pulling of the wiring through the openings while transmitting pull force directly to the frame.  
           [0020]    According to another aspect, a viewing apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images includes a mounting frame for wearing on the head of a person, a pair of light shutters in the mounting frame, circuitry to provide signals to the light shutters for operating the shutters, and further comprising a strain relief to retain with respect to the frame wiring to provide for operation of light shutters, wherein the strain relief comprises a number of bar-like protrusions on the frame for passing wiring therebetween.  
           [0021]    According to another aspect, a viewing apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images includes a mounting frame for wearing on the head of a person, a pair of light shutters in the mounting frame, circuitry to provide signals to the light shutters for operating the shutters, and wherein the mounting frame includes temple pieces, the circuitry comprising wiring connection to an external electrical source, and a clip slidable on a temple piece for clipping wiring with respect to the temple piece to hold the wiring in generally parallel relation with at least a portion of the temple piece and to determine the location along the temple piece where the wiring is released from substantially parallel relation.  
           [0022]    According to another aspect, a transmitter housing for a device for transmitting electromagnetic energy to a receiver includes a transmitter having a housing for an electromagnetic energy transmitter, the housing having a curved wall for supporting the housing, a variable retainer at the curved wall for cooperation with a support surface to position the housing at various directional angles relative to such support surface.  
           [0023]    According to another aspect, a stereoscopic eyewear system includes eyewear for generating a three dimension image from a viewed two dimensional image using a reference signal; and at least two transmission sources for generating the reference signal, wherein the reference signal coordinates the eyewear to the two dimensional image, and wherein each of the at least two transmission sources transmits to an area not covered by another of the at least two transmission sources.  
           [0024]    According to another aspect, a stereoscopic eyewear system includes eyewear for generating a three dimension image from a viewed two dimensional image using a reference signal, the eyewear including two shutters each having electrical connections; a transmission line for conducting the reference signal to two shutters of the eyewear; and at least one strain relief feature for relieving strain applied via the transmission line.  
           [0025]    A number of features are described herein with respect to embodiments of the invention; it will be appreciated that features described with respect to a given embodiment also may be employed in connection with other embodiments.  
           [0026]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the present invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and/or particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.  
           [0027]    Although the present invention is shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 is a top view of liquid shutter glasses in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 is a back inside view of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary isometric view of a mounting tab for attaching a lens holder and frame of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 is a side view of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 is a front view of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a strain relief of FIG. 1;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the lens holder of the shutter glasses of FIG. 1;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 9 is a back inside view of the assembled lens holder of FIG. 8;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of a connection between a cable and the shutter terminals;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 11 is a back inside view of the lens holder for the shutter glasses of FIG. 1 showing the tape wire retainer in position;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting opening for the lens holder;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 13 is back view of a wire retainer used in the lens holder;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 14 is back and front views of a wire retainer used in the lens holder;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 15, 16,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23  and  24  are, respectively, front isometric, back isometric, top, front, back inside, bottom, left, right, left inside, and right inside views of another embodiment of lens holder;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 25, 26,  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  and  34  are, respectively, front isometric, back isometric, top, front, left, right, back inside, bottom, left and right views, respectively, of another embodiment of lens holder;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 35, 36,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41  and  42  are, respectively, front isometric, back isometric, top, front, right side, left side, bottom, back inside, bottom, views of another embodiment of lens holder;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 43, 44,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  49  and  50  are, respectively, exploded isometric back inside, back inside with wire retainer tape, top, front, front isometric in frame, back inside in frame, left side, views of the lens holder of FIGS.  35 - 42  sometimes including a frame;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 51 is a front view of a liquid crystal shutter assembly for the embodiment of lens holder of FIGS.  32 - 50 ;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 51 a  is an expanded view of a sealed injection point of FIG. 51;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 52 is a side view of a liquid crystal shutter assembly for the embodiment of lens holder of FIGS.  32 - 50 ;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 53 is an expanded view of the liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal shutter assembly for the embodiment of lens holder of FIGS.  32 - 50 ;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 54 is an expanded view of the liquid crystal cell in combination with the polarizers of a liquid crystal shutter assembly for the embodiment of lens holder of FIGS.  32 - 50 ;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIGS. 55, 56,  57 ,  58 ,  59  and  60  are, respectively, front isometric, top, front, bottom, left and right views of a transmitter;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIGS. 61 and 62 are top and side views of another transmitter similar to that mentioned above;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIGS. 63 and 63 a  are another cable assembly;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIGS. 64, 65,  66 ,  67  and  67   a  are views of another transmitter similar to that mentioned above. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0055]    Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts in the several figures, and initially to FIGS. 1, 2 and  3 , a pair of modular shutter glasses  10  is illustrated. The modular shutter glasses  10  may be used, for example, to view left eye and right eye images that are projected or shown on a display to allow the user to see or to perceive 3-D stereo images. The modular shutter glasses  10  include two shutters  11 L and  11 R that are selectively operated to transmit light or to block light transmission from reaching respective left and right eyes of a user. Synchronizing operation of the shutters  11 L,  11 R with the left and right eye images shown on a display allows the respective images to be seen or to be blocked from respective eyes of the user so that the user sequentially sees left and right eye images and perceives a 3-D stereo view. The shutters  11 L,  11 R may be various types of shutters including twisted nematic liquid crystal cells combined with respective light polarizers to work as shutters blocking or transmitting light in response to application of suitable electric field or other energization, for example. The shutters  11 L,  11 R may be other types of devices which can function in a controlled manner selectively to transmit light or to block light transmission. The shutters  11 L,  11 R sometimes are referred to below as shutters, liquid crystal shutters, light shutters, lenses, and the like. The term lenses sometimes being used because the shutters  11 L,  11 R are analogous to lenses used in a conventional eye glass frame in that they affect light intended for viewing (or being blocked from view) by the eye(s) of a user. Other types of shutters may be used in the present invention.  
         [0056]    The modular shutter glasses  10  include a lens holder  12  and a frame  13 . The lens holder  12  includes openings  14 L,  14 R in the area in which the respective shutters  11 R,  11 L may be positioned to control transmission of light through the openings  14 L,  14 R to the respective eyes of a user.  
         [0057]    An attaching mechanism  15  provides an attachment for the lens holder  12  and frame  13 . The attaching mechanism  15  includes a mounting opening  16  in the lens holder  12  and mounting tabs  17  in the frame  13 . Respective mounting tabs  17  fit in respective mounting openings  16  to attach the lens holder  12  and frame  13 .  
         [0058]    The frame  13  has a pair of temple pieces  20 ,  21  attached to a front cross support or cross bar  22 . The temple pieces  20 ,  21  are similar to the temple pieces used in conventional eye glass frames. The front cross support  22  provides fixed relative positioning of the temple pieces  20 ,  21  with respect to each other and with respect to the front cross support  22 . Extensions  20   a ,  21   a  of the front cross support  22  are attached to the respective temple pieces  20 ,  21 . The temple pieces  20 ,  21  may be a single piece which does not allow for relative movement or, if desired, there may be a hinged connection between the two, for example, at the area  20   b ,  21   b  to allow for the temple pieces  20 ,  21  to fold together in the manner similar to the way temple pieces  20 ,  21  typically fold on conventional eye glass frames for storage purposes, for example.  
         [0059]    The lens holder  12  may be installed on the frame  13  by orienting the mounting openings  16  in alignment with the mounting tabs  17 . As is illustrated schematically on a relatively larger scale in FIG. 4, the mounting tabs  17  have a relatively narrow cross sectional area shaft  24  that is molded directly as part of the extension  20   a  of the frame  13 , and also have a relatively larger cross sectional area, somewhat bulbous portion  25  at the end of that shaft  24 . The mounting opening  16  in the lens holder  12  includes an elongate or slot-like area able to fit over the bulbous portion  25  of the mounting tab  17 . The mounting opening  16  not only is slot-like but also the elongate axis of the slot is at an angle as illustrated in FIG. 5. The angle is measured from an axis which is generally parallel to the elongate extent of the temple piece  20 , for example. The elongate extent of the bulbous portion  25  of the mounting tab  17  generally is parallel to such elongate axis of the temple portion. The lens holder  12  ordinarily is positioned in the frame  13  so that the somewhat planar front face  26  thereof is generally perpendicular to the elongate extend of the temple pieces  20 ,  21 . An opening  27  (FIGS. 1 and 3) at the top of the front face  26  of the lens holder  12  is provided to cooperate with a tab or stud  28  of the frame  13 .  
         [0060]    To assemble the lens holder  12  and frame  13 , the mounting openings  16  are aligned relative to the mounting tabs  17  at an appropriate angle so that the bulbous portions  25  of the mounting tabs  17  will fit in the slot-like extent of the respective mounting openings  16 . The lens holder  12  has sides  30  in which the mounting openings  16  are located. Those sides extend generally perpendicularly relative to the front face  26  of the lens holder  12  and may resiliently press against the extensions  20   a ,  21   a  of the frame  13  when installed in an orientation shown similar to that of FIGS.  1 - 3 . The lens holder  12  is positioned relative to the frame  13  to place the sides  30  adjacent the mounting tabs  17  with the elongate direction of the mounting openings  16  being generally parallel to the linear extent of the bulbous portion  25 . The bulbous portion  25  is inserted through the mounting openings  16 . The lens holder  12  then is rotated about the shafts  24  of the mounting tabs  17  to orient the lens holder  12  in the relation to frame  13  as is illustrated, for example, in FIGS.  1 - 3  and  5 . In such orientation the bulbous portion  25  cannot pass through the mounting opening  16  and, therefore, retains the lens holder  12  to the frame  13 . Additionally, the tab  28  on the frame  13  fits in the opening  27  in the front face of the lens holder  12  and prevents further rotation of the lens holder  12  relative to the frame  13 .  
         [0061]    The frame  13  is manufactured and sold under the trademark UVE™ and is available for use with various sunglasses.  
         [0062]    Using a somewhat standard frame  13 , various lens holders  12  having different stylish and/or functional configurations may be mounted in the frame, thus providing a modular structure. In the past shutter glasses for 3-D viewing were relatively heavy, complex, difficult to make, and non-stylish. Using features of the present invention, the frame is relatively light weight, the attaching means is relatively uncomplex and secure and the lens holder  12  is relatively light weight, stylish, and easily changed to provide for changes in style. For example, a retailer may stock several different lens holder  12  styles and a single style of frame. A purchaser may select any of the lens holder  12  styles and attach them to a frame for use.  
         [0063]    Referring to FIG. 2, an electrical cable  40  is connected to the liquid crystal shutters  11 L,  11 R and associated circuitry (not shown in FIG. 2) for driving the liquid crystal shutters  11 L,  11 R to respective operational modes, e.g., light blocking and light transmitting modes. A strain relief  41  shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 is provided for the cable  40 . It is noted here that the strain relief can be used in other embodiments hereof and that various features shown in a given embodiment also may be used in other embodiments. The strain relief  41  prevents a pull force applied to the cable  40  from breaking connections of cable conductors  57  and the circuit and/or shutters  11 L,  11 R (or terminals thereof) in the lens holder  12 . The strain relief  41  includes a pair of openings  42 ,  43  (or more openings, if desired) in the lens holder  12 . The cable  40  may be threaded through and looped through those openings and pulled relatively taught to form a loop  44  of the cable  40 , as is seen in both FIGS. 1 and 7. If desired, a dab of glue  19  may be applied to the cable loop  44  and openings  42 ,  43  for further securement of the strain relief. The relatively sharp bend of the cable loop  44  and frictional relation of the cable  40  relative to the lens holder  12  at the openings  42 ,  43  provides the strain relief function. Therefore, a tug on the cable  40  at the extent  45  thereof beyond the strain relief  41  will not be transmitted through the strain relief to the connections of the cable  40  to the circuit and/or shutters  11 L,  11 R.  
         [0064]    Turning to FIGS. 3, 6,  8 ,  9  and  11 , the shutter retainer  50  for retaining the shutters  11 L,  11 R in the lens holder  12 , and the cable way (or wire way)  51  in the lens holder  12  via which the cable  40  passes for connection to the respective shutters  11 L,  11 R are illustrated. The openings  14 L,  14 R in the lens holder  12  are formed to have a stepped ledge  52  at the respective sides and top thereof. The lenses may be inserted into the openings  14 L,  14 R and be stopped from passing through the openings  14 L,  14 R by engagement with the walls  53  at the respective ledges. At the bottom of each opening  14 L,  14 R are one or more retainer tabs  54 . Each retainer tab  54  includes a generally horizontal wall surface and an upstanding flange, as can be seen in FIG. 9 and in other figures. The tabs  54  are resilient and cooperate with the ledges  52  to retain the shutters  11 L,  11 R in the openings. For example, the shutters  11 L,  11 R are aligned with and inserted in the openings and positioned against the ledge walls  53  and side walls of the ledges. The tabs  54  may be resiliently deformed to allow the bottom edge of a given shutter to pass over the tab flange and into the recessed area of the tab  54 . The tab  54  then springs back to retain the shutter in the respective opening. At the top of each liquid crystal shutter  11 L,  11 R are two or more shutter contacts  56  (also know as terminals, electrodes, contacts, and the like) to which connection can be made to respective conductors of the cable  40 . The cable  40  may be placed in the cable way  51  so that respective conductors thereof are exposed at the recesses or chambers  55  communicating between the cable way  51  and the shutter contacts  56  so the respective cable conductors  57  can be soldered or otherwise attached to the respective shutter contacts  56 . The front and back of the liquid crystal shutters  11 L,  11 R may optionally include a protective release  58 .  
         [0065]    An enlarged view of a chamber  55  in which the shutter contacts  56  are seen connected to respective cable conductors  57  is illustrated in FIG. 10. The connection of the shutter contacts  56  and conductors may be by wrapping the conductors about the shutter contacts  56 . Additionally solder may be applied to the shutter contacts  56  to assure secure connection.  
         [0066]    A tape  60  may be applied over at least part of the cable way  51  and a top part of the shutters  11 L,  11 R. The tape has adhesive on a surface thereof to retain the tape to a surface of the lens holder  12  and possibly also to a surface of respective shutters  11 L,  11 R. The tape  60  helps to retain the shutters  11 L,  11 R in the lens holder  12  and also covers the cable way  51  and the chambers  55  to protect the connections between the contacts  56  and conductors  57 . The openings  42 ,  43  of the strain relief  41  are seen in FIG. 9.  
         [0067]    An additional strain relief  61  also may be provided. Such additional strain relief includes several guide bars  62  between which the cable  40  may be positioned as the cable  40  exits the cable way  51 . A small amount of glue  19  or adhesive, for example, ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive may be placed in the area  61  to secure the cable  40  and lens holder  12  together to prevent force applied to the cable  40  at a connector end  40   c  thereof from pulling the cable  40  from the cable way  51  and/or breaking the connections with the contacts  56 .  
         [0068]    The completed lens assembly  12   a  may be mounted in a frame  13  for use to control transmission of light to the eyes of the user. The transmission control is effected in response to the electrical input provided to the shutters  11 L,  11 R via the cable  40 . The connector end  40   c  of the cable  40  may be connected to a computer or to some other source of electrical signals to operate the shutters  11 L,  11 R accordingly.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIGS. 13 and 14 show a wire retainer  70 . The wire retainer  70  may be used to cover the cable way  51  in the lens holder  12  in place of the tape  60 . The wire retainer  70  includes an elongate rib support  71  with end caps  72 ,  73 . The elongate rib support  71  is of a length and shape to cover the entire cable way  51  where that cable way  51  extends between a pair of surfaces or lands  74 ,  75  (FIG. 8). The wire retainer  70  may be molded plastic having suitable flexibility to fit and hold in place as described. The end caps  72 ,  73  substantially fully enclose the lands  74 , 75  while the elongate rib support  71  extends over and possibly partway into the cable way  51 , thus protecting the cable  40  in the cable way  51  and also covering the chambers  55 .  
         [0070]    Openings  76  in the end caps  72 ,  73  may be provided to facilitate positioning and retention of the wire retainer  70  on posts (not shown) on the lands  74 ,  75 ; even if such posts are not used, glue may be inserted into the openings  76  to secure the wire retainer to the lands.  
         [0071]    Briefly referring back to FIG. 2, a clip  80  is positioned on the temple piece  21 . The clip  80  may be slidable along the temple piece or it may be positioned thereon and securely retained in position by snap fit, for example, staying in a single location tending not to slide along the temple piece. The clip  80  has a small passage  81  through which the cable  40  may pass with out distorting the cable  40 , on the one hand, and while retaining the cable  40  relative to the temple piece and clip  80 . The clip  80  may be located at various places along the length of the temple piece  21  to determine the place on the temple piece where the cable  40  leaves the modular shutter glasses for connection to a computer, television or other circuitry. By positioning the clip  80  at a location along the length of the temple piece  21 , the place where the cable  40  comes off the temple piece may be adjusted for the comfort of the user and to avoid interfering with earrings, a hat, and the like.  
         [0072]    A method of making the modular shutter glasses  10  includes molding or otherwise forming the lens holder  12  of a suitable material. An exemplary material may be polycarbonate which has suitable flexibility and strength. Place the liquid shutters  11 L,  11 R in the respective openings  14 L,  14 R. Secure connections between the cable conductors  57  and the liquid crystal shutter terminals  56 ; and provide a wrapped connection or soldered connection thereof. Thread the cable  40  through the openings  42 ,  43  to provide the strain relief  41 ; such forming of the strain relief can be before connecting the cable  40  to the shutters  11 L,  11 R. Apply glue, if desired to the strain relief  41 . Feed the cable  41  through the ribs  62  of the strain relief  61  and apply glue there. Cure the glue at one or both places if needed. Apply the tape  60  or wire retainer  70  to the lens holder  12  to cover the cable way  51  to protect the cable  40  and connections and to help retain the shutters  11 L,  11 R in the lens holder  12 . Align the mounting openings  16 , with respective mounting tabs  17 ; bend the resilient sides  30  of the lens holder  12  toward each other to allow the mounting tabs  17  to pass into the mounting openings  16 . Rotate the lens holder  12  approximately about the axes of the shafts  24  of the mounting tabs  17  and relative to the frame  13 . Position the tab  28  in the opening  27  to hold the lens holder  12  in proper position relative to the frame  13  so the shutters  11 L,  11 R are properly positioned with respect to a user&#39;s eyes when the assembly  10  is used, for example, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. Apply the clip  80  to retain the cable  40  to the temple piece  21 , and locate the clip  80  at a desired place for comfort or the like.  
         [0073]    Various lens holders may be substituted for the lens holder  12  in the shutter glasses  10  in the FIGS.  1 - 13  described above. Examples of several embodiments of other lens holders  12  having different styles and shape are illustrated in FIGS.  15 - 24 ; in FIGS.  25 - 34 ;  
         [0074]    and in FIGS.  35 - 45 . The embodiment of lens holder  12  shown in FIGS.  35 - 45  also is illustrated in full assembly views in FIGS.  46 - 50 .  
         [0075]    From the foregoing, then, it will be appreciated that the various lens holders  12  may be attached to a frame  13  to provide rather different stylish looks which were not previously attainable in previous 3-D shutter glasses.  
         [0076]    Although the cable way  51  described above is relatively long and narrow to accommodate the cable  40 , it will be appreciated that the cable way  51  may be enlarged to receive a small circuit board and, if used, a battery as a power supply for the circuit board shutters  11 L,  11 R. An example, of an area to receive such a small circuit board is illustrated at  51   a  in the embodiment of lens holder  12  shown in FIG. 36.  
         [0077]    Referring to the embodiment of lens holder  12  illustrated in FIGS.  35 - 50 , it is noted that the liquid crystal shutters  11 L,  11 R are five sided to give a very stylish look to the shutter glasses  10  used therewith. The liquid crystal shutter  90 , which includes a liquid crystal cell, has two right angle corners  93 ,  94  which facilitate mounting of the shutters  11 L,  11 R (and manufacturing them) in the lens holders  12  of the shutter glasses  10 . The liquid crystal shutter  90  is cut at angles other than right angles at the corners  96 ,  97 ,  98 . The rub directions of the liquid crystal cells are not parallel to either of the edges  101 ,  102  of the liquid crystal cells; rather the rub directions are oriented perpendicular to each other, but other than parallel to the edges so that good contrast is obtained, e.g., substantially maximum dark condition with minimal light leakage occurs in the light blocking mode, while allowing the shutters  11 L,  11 R to be angularly oriented and somewhat swept back, whereby, for example, the top edge  101  is not substantially horizontal or parallel to the frame  13  front cross support  22 ; and the shutters  11 L,  11 R are not coplanar, the edge  102  is further forward than the edge  103 , thus providing the somewhat swept back appearance provided by the swept back shape of the lens holder  12 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 51 shows a planar view of an embodiment of a five sided liquid crystal shutter  90 . The liquid crystal shutter  90  has two right angle corners  93 ,  94  and three non-right angle vertices  96 ,  97 ,  98 . The interior angles at the three vertices  96 ,  97 ,  98  can be set so as to result in stylish eyewear. The interior angles of FIG. 51 are set at 135° at vertex  96 , 92.5° at vertex  97 , and 112.5° at vertex  98 . The liquid crystal shutter has a maximum contrast axis  99  that slopes downward from the left hand side to the right hand side at a 10° angle relative to the top edge  101 . The left side edge  103  includes a sealed injection port for the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal shutter  90 . FIG. 51 a  shows an expanded view of the sealed injection port  105 . The liquid crystal material is injected or otherwise made to flow in through the port opening  105   a  and is then sealed within the liquid crystal shutter  90  by a seal  105   b.    
         [0079]    An exemplary arrangement of one of the liquid crystal shutters  11 L,  11 R is shown as a liquid crystal cell  114  with respective adjacent upper and lower polarizers  116 ,  118 . FIG. 53. shows an expanded view of an upper substrate  120  and a lower substrate  122  between which a liquid crystal material may be included. The liquid crystal material will aligned according to the upper alignment or rubbing direction  124  and the lower alignment or rubbing direction  126 . In FIG. 54, the liquid crystal cell  114  is shown between the polarizers  116 ,  118 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper alignment or rubbing direction  124  is parallel to the polarization axis of the upper polarizer  116  and the lower alignment or rubbing direction  126  is parallel to the polarization axis of the lower polarizer  118 .  
         [0080]    The actual rub directions of the liquid crystal cells may be adjusted depending on the swept back angle and tilt angle of the shutters relative to the user&#39;s face to obtain maximum contrast. These values can be determined experimentally, if desired. Also, the liquid crystal shutter  90  may be cut to obtain the desired angles such as those shown, using various known manufacturing techniques used to cut liquid crystal cells.  
         [0081]    The transmitter  200  shown in FIGS.  55 - 62 ,  64 - 67  and  67   a  includes circuitry to operate an infra-red (IR) emitting device  201  for use to cause operation of shutter glasses. IR emitting devices are known and are described, for example, in copending US patent application entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIEWING STEREOSCOPIC THREEDIMENSIONAL IMAGES. The entire disclosure of such patent application is incorporated by this reference. The bottom surface  202  of the transmitter  200  is curved with Velcro™ tape  203  (a hook and loop fabric material or another suitable material) applied to the transmitter bottom. Matching Velcro™ tape is applied to a surface on which the transmitter is to be mounted. The direction of emission of the IR can be adjusted laterally and vertically due to the curvature of the transmitter bottom and the use of the Velcro™ tape. The transmitter  200  is connected to a display via a cable  204  and connector  205 .  
         [0082]    [0082]FIGS. 63 and 63 a  show another transmitter or circuit device  300  sometimes referred to as a dongle. The device  300  includes a clam shell  301 ,  302  that can be coupled directly in a cable  204  and house a circuit  303 . The cable  204  can be coupled to a computer or other signal source to cooperate with the shutter glasses  10  to operate the same.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIGS. 64, 65 and  66  show respectively show a top, front and side view of a dongle having two IR emitting devices  201 . The two IR emitting devices  201  improve the field of view of the shuttered glasses  10 .