APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MULTIVIEW IMAGE AND SUPER MULTIVIEW IMAGE

An image display apparatus and method for displaying a multiview image and a super multiview image is provided. The image display apparatus may include a light beam outputting unit to output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image, a diffusion image generating unit to generate a diffusion image by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam in a predetermined direction, and a multiview image generating unit to display, on a screen, multiview images generated when light beams included in the diffusion image are distributed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one or more example embodiments, an image display method may be performed by an image display apparatus.

In addition, the image display apparatus and method may include a multiview display apparatus and method, and a light field display apparatus and method.

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration of a light field display apparatus100according to a conventional art.

Referring toFIG. 1, the light field display apparatus100may include a plurality of optical modules101, and a screen102.

The plurality of optical modules101may include a plurality of lenses103, a plurality of micro displays104, and a plurality of collimators105in order to display a plurality of view images in a horizontal direction on the screen102.

As an example, the plurality of optical modules101may be disposed in two rows. In this instance, optical modules disposed in each row may be disposed to be half-shifted. For example, first optical modules106disposed in a first row, and second optical modules107disposed in a second row may be disposed to be half-shifted so that the first optical modules106and the second optical modules107may half-overlap.

In this instance, a light beam108output by a primary optical module among the first optical modules106, and a light beam110output by a primary optical module among the second optical modules107may be displayed at an upper end of the screen102. A light beam109output by the primary optical module among the first optical modules106, and a light beam111output by the primary optical module among the second optical modules106may be displayed at a lower end of the screen102.

When a plurality of optical modules is disposed to be half-shifted, a difference between positions of optical modules disposed in each row may cause a difference in angles between light beams output by the optical modules. In this instance, the difference in angles between the light beams may be corrected, using a screen having a relatively great diffusing angle in a vertical direction.

The light field display apparatus100may display a 3D image, by synthesizing directional light beams output by the plurality of optical modules101. In this instance, the light field display apparatus100may increase a number of light beams, thereby increasing a depth resolution of the 3D image. In particular, the light field display apparatus100may increase a number of the optical modules101, thereby increasing a depth resolution of the 3D image.

FIG. 2illustrates a configuration of an image display apparatus200according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2, the image display apparatus200may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit201, a diffusion image generating unit202, and a multiview image generating unit203.

The light beam outputting unit201may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit201may correspond to a projector or an optical module corresponding to a micro display including a spatial light modulator (SLM).

For example, the light beam outputting unit201may perform a switching control of the SLM at high speed, and may generate a plurality of overlapping view images by receiving image information to be used to generate view images. In particular, the light beam outputting unit201may output light beams corresponding to a plurality of overlapping view images to the diffusion image generating unit202.

The diffusion image generating unit202may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit201in a predetermined direction.

For example, the diffusion image generating unit202may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction, using either a one-dimensionally rotating body or a two-dimensionally rotating body. An operation of generating a diffusion image using the one-dimensionally rotating body will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4and using the two-dimensionally rotating body will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6.

The multiview image generating unit203may display, on a screen, multiview images generated when light beams included in the diffusion image are distributed. Here, a multiview image may correspond to a distributed image.

As an example, the multiview image generating unit203may gather the light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction corresponding to each of the multiview images, using a reflection mirror.

In addition, the multiview image generating unit203may generate multiview images including the light beams gathered in the predetermined direction. In this instance, the reflection mirror may gather the light beams in the predetermined direction, thereby adjusting a spatial position pitch between the multiview images. The multiview images in which the spatial position pitch has been adjusted may be displayed to be spaced at a variety of predetermined view pitches on the screen.

When the light beams are gathered in the predetermined direction, the light beams included in the diffusion image may be distributed into light beams included in each of the multiview images, and may be displayed on the screen.

As another example, the multiview image generating unit203may generate multiview images, by distributing light beams included in the diffusion image using a diffusing screen directly, without use of the reflection mirror. Here, an operation of generating multiview images using the reflection mirror or the diffusing screen directly will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 6.

FIG. 3illustrates an image display apparatus300generating a diffusion image using a one-dimensionally rotating body according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 3, the image display apparatus300may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit301, a diffusion image generating unit302, a multiview image generating unit303, a screen304, and a reflection mirror305.

The light beam outputting unit301may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit301may correspond to a projector or an optical module.

For example, in an embodiment, the light beam outputting unit301may output at least one light beam using a single physical projector.

The diffusion image generating unit302may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit301in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the diffusion image generating unit302may generate a diffusion image using a one-dimensionally rotating unit capable of rotating in one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction. Here, the one-dimensionally rotating unit may include a unidirectional rotating body having a reflective surface, for example, a polygonal mirror, a torsional device, a tilting device, a rotating device, and the like, a unidirectional rotating body having a diffusion function corresponding to a reflection, for example, a refraction, a diffraction, and the like, and a unidirectional rotating body having a transmission function.

For example, when a one-dimensionally rotating body rotating in a horizontal direction is used, the diffusion image generating unit302may diffuse, in the horizontal direction, at least one light beam entering from the light beam outputting unit301while rotating at a predetermined speed.

The multiview image generating unit303may generate multiview images by gathering light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction. In this instance, the multiview image generating unit303may generate multiview images by distributing light beams included in the diffusion image, using the reflection mirror305or the diffusing screen directly.

As an example, when three multiview images are to be generated using the reflection mirror305, the multiview image generating unit303may gather the light beams included in the diffusion image in a direction corresponding to each of the three multiview images, using the reflection mirror305, thereby distributing the light beams included in the diffusion image into light beams included in each of the three multiview images. Here, the reflection mirror305may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

As another example, when three multiview images are to be generated, the multiview image generating unit303may include three virtual projectors. Each of the three virtual projectors may distribute light beams included in the diffusion image so that light beams corresponding to light beams included in a first multiview image, a second multiview image, and a third multiview image generated using the reflection mirror305by three physical projectors, respectively, may be included in a first multiview image, a second view image, and a third view image generated by the three virtual projectors, respectively.

Here, positions of the plurality of virtual projectors may correspond to positions of the plurality of physical projectors generating multiview images in a conventional image display apparatus. In addition, the physical projectors may refer to projectors included in the conventional image display apparatus to generate three multiview images.

In particular, the multiview image generating unit303may gather, using the reflection mirror305, light beams corresponding to light beams included in a first multiview image generated by a first physical projector, among the light beams included in the diffusion image, and may generate a first multiview image306including the gathered light beams. The multiview image generating unit303may gather, using the reflection mirror305, light beams corresponding to light beams included in a second multiview image generated by a second physical projector, among the light beams included in the diffusion image, and may generate a second multiview image307including the gathered light beams. In a similar manner, the multiview image generating unit303may gather, using the reflection mirror305, light beams corresponding to light beams included in a third multiview image generated by a third physical projector, among the light beams included in the diffusion image, and may generate a third multiview image308including the gathered light beams.

The multiview image generating unit303may display the first multiview image306, the second multiview image307, and the third multiview image308on the screen304. Here, the screen304may include a transmissive diffusing screen, or a reflective diffusing screen.

InFIG. 3, the multiview image generating unit303may adjust a view pitch between multiview images, by adjusting at least one of a curvature of the reflection mirror305, a position of the reflection mirror305, a scanning angle of the one-dimensionally rotating body, and a position of the one-dimensionally rotating body.

Here, the view pitch may correspond to a projector pitch. In particular, the multiview image generating unit303may adjust at least one of the curvature of the reflection mirror305, the position of the reflection mirror305, the scanning angle of the one-dimensionally rotating body, and the position of the one-dimensionally rotating body, thereby adjusting the positions of the plurality of virtual projectors to correspond to the positions of the plurality of physical projectors.

The image display apparatus300may generate a plurality of multiview images using a single physical projector, by adjusting at least one of the curvature of the reflection mirror305, the position of the reflection mirror305, the scanning angle of the one-dimensionally rotating body, and the position of the one-dimensionally rotating body. For example, the image display apparatus300may generate N multiview images using a single physical projector. Accordingly, a number of physical projectors to be used to generate the N multiview images may decrease, whereby a size and a cost of manufacturing the image display apparatus300may decrease.

FIG. 4illustrates an operation of generating multiview images using a diffusing screen curved in various shapes, without use of a reflection mirror in the image display apparatus300ofFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 4, an image display apparatus400may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit401, a diffusion image generating unit402, a multiview image generating unit403, and a screen404, such as a diffusing screen.

The image display apparatus400has a structure in which the reflection mirror is excluded from the image display apparatus300ofFIG. 3and thus, a repeated description of duplicated elements will be omitted here for conciseness.

Operation of the multiview image generating unit303adjusting a view pitch between multiview images, using the reflection mirror305is described in the foregoing with reference toFIG. 3.

In this instance, referring toFIG. 4, a multiview image generating unit403may adjust a view pitch between multiview images, without use of a reflection mirror.

For example, the multiview image generating unit403may adjust the view pitch between the multiview images, by adjusting at least one of a diffusing angle of a diffusing screen, a curvature of the diffusing screen, a scanning angle of a one-dimensionally rotating body, and a position of the one-dimensionally rotating body.

FIG. 5illustrates an image display apparatus500generating a diffusion image using a two-dimensionally rotating body according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 5, the image display apparatus500may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit501, a diffusion image generating unit502, a multiview image generating unit503, and a screen504.

The image display apparatus500may differ from the image display apparatus300ofFIG. 3in terms of a configuration using a two-dimensionally rotating body to generate a diffusion image. In practice operations of a light beam outputting unit501, a multiview image generating unit503, and a screen504may be identical to the operations of the light beam outputting unit301, the multiview image generating unit303, and the screen304. Accordingly, a duplicated description will be omitted here for conciseness.

The light beam outputting unit501may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit501may correspond to a projector or an optical module.

The diffusion image generating unit502may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit501in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the diffusion image generating unit502may generate the diffusion image using a two-dimensionally rotating body capable of rotating in at least two of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction. Here, the two-dimensionally direction may include a bidirectional rotating body having a reflective surface, for example, a torsional device, a tilting device, a rotating device, and the like, a bidirectional rotating body having a diffusion function corresponding to a reflection, for example, a refraction, a diffraction, and the like, and a bidirectional rotating body having a transmission function.

For example, when a two-dimensionally rotating body rotates in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the diffusion image generating unit502may diffuse, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, at least one light beam entering from the light beam outputting unit501while rotating in the horizontal direction at a predetermined first speed, and rotating in the vertical direction at a predetermined second speed. Here, the predetermined first speed may be different from or identical to the predetermined second speed.

As another example, the diffusion image generating unit502may diffuse the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit501, in at least two of the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the diagonal direction, using two one-dimensionally rotating bodies capable of rotating in a single direction. In this instance, the two one-dimensionally rotating bodies may be disposed transversely to each other.

The multiview image generating unit503may generate multiview images by gathering light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction.

In this instance, the multiview image generating unit503may generate multiview images, by distributing the light beams included in the diffusion image using a reflection mirror or a diffusing screen directly. Here, the reflection mirror may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

The multiview image generating unit503may display the multiview images on the screen504. Here, the screen504may include a transmissive diffusing screen or a reflective diffusing screen maintaining a diffusing angle of the light beams included in the diffusion image to be constant.

As described with reference toFIG. 5, the image display apparatus500may diffuse at least one light beam simultaneously in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, using a two-dimensionally rotating body. Accordingly, the image display apparatus500may display multiview images representing a horizontal disparity and a vertical disparity on the screen504, using a single physical projector.

FIG. 6illustrates an operation of generating multiview images using a diffusing screen curved in various shapes, without use of a reflection mirror in the image display apparatus500ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 6, an image display apparatus600may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit601, a diffusion image generating unit602, a multiview image generating unit603, and a screen604.

The image display apparatus600has a structure in which a reflection mirror is excluded in the image display apparatus500and thus, a repeated description of duplicated elements will be omitted here for conciseness.

Operation of the multiview image generating unit503adjusting a view pitch between multiview images, using the reflection mirror505is described in the foregoing with reference toFIG. 5.

In this instance, referring toFIG. 6, the multiview image generating unit603may generate multiview images using the screen604directly, without use of a reflection mirror. For example, the screen604may include a diffusing screen. Here, the diffusing screen may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, a spherical shape, a hemispherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, or a domical shape.

As described with reference toFIGS. 3 through 6, the diffusion image generating unit may generate a diffusion image, by all possible methods of implementing the identical diffusion, using other physical means, for example, an electrical means, a magnetic means, an optical means, and the like. In addition, the diffusion image generating unit may generate a diffusion image, using a mechanical device including a reflective surface, a silicon mirror manufactured using a semiconductor process, a corresponding implementation device, or the like.

In addition, inFIGS. 3 through 6, the reflective diffusing screen or the transmissive diffusing screen may include a rotary diffusing screen provided in a shape of a curved surface, a free curved surface, a planar surface, or a polygon, and a fixed diffusing screen provided in a shape of a cylinder, a dome, a sphere, a hemisphere, or an ellipse. In this instance, when the diffusing screen provided in the shape of the plane surface is used, the image display apparatus may generate multiview images, by correcting an image distortion occurring in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the screen. Also, the image display apparatus may display the multiview images on the screen, by adjusting a horizontal view patch and a vertical view patch between the multiview images so that the view patches may be identical on the screen.

The screen may include a lens to adjust a view pitch between multiview images to be denser. As the view pitch becomes denser, resolutions of multiview images displayed on the screen may increase. In particular, a viewer may view clearer multiview images.

FIG. 7illustrates an operation of the image display apparatus200ofFIG. 2adjusting a horizontal view pitch between multiview images.

In particular,FIG. 7is provided to describe an operation of adjusting a number of views of multiview images by adjusting a horizontal view pitch so that the number of the views of the multiview images may be identical to a number of target horizontal views.

Referring toFIG. 7, the image display apparatus200may generate a diffusion image701by diffusing, in a horizontal direction, at least one light beam emitted toward a one-dimensionally rotating body.

As an example, a polygonal mirror having six faces may be used as the one-dimensionally rotating body. In this instance, when the polygonal mirror rotates once, the image display apparatus200may generate six diffusion images702.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may output, to the one-dimensionally rotating body, light beams corresponding to a plurality of view images that is time-divided by adjusting a switching speed of an SLM.

For example, when light beams corresponding to four view images are used, the light beam outputting unit201may output, to the one-dimensionally rotating body, light beams corresponding to a first view image at a first time, and light beams corresponding to a second view image at a second time, at a distance of time by adjusting a switching speed of an SLM. Similarly, the light beam outputting unit201may output, to the one-dimensionally rotating body, light beams corresponding to a third view image at a third time, and light beams corresponding to a fourth view image at a fourth time.

When the one-dimensionally rotating body rotates once, the one-dimensionally rotating body may generate six diffusion images in which light beams corresponding to the four view images are diffused. In this instance, the multiview image generating unit203may generate a total of twenty-four multiview images, by distributing light beams included in each of the six diffusion images in a predetermined direction. In particular, the multiview image generating unit203may generate twenty-four multiview images using a single physical projector, identically to a case of generating twenty-four multiview images using twenty-four physical projectors.

In this instance, the one-dimensionally rotating body may diffuse light beams at a relatively great angle so that the multiview images may represent views separated in the screen. For example, the one-dimensionally rotating body may diffuse light beams while moving the light beams in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or a diagonal direction at a speed greater than a speed corresponding to a product of a number of target horizontal views of the multiview images and a number of frames.

The multiview image generating unit203may generate the multiview images to overlap each other at a distance of time.

For example, when multiview images are to be generated using six diffusion images, the multiview image generating unit203may generate multiview images702to overlap each other at a difference of time based on a horizontal view pitch. In particular, the multiview image generating unit203may generate the multiview images so that a first horizontal view pitch703, a second horizontal view pitch704, a third horizontal view pitch705, a fourth horizontal view pitch706, and a fifth horizontal view pitch707may be identical to one another on the screen. Here, a horizontal view pitch may be defined as a difference in a horizontal position between multiview images of which positions physically overlap each other at a difference of time.

InFIG. 7, the image display apparatus200may adjust a time division interval in a horizontal direction of multiview images, by adjusting a switching speed of the SLM. As an example, when the switching speed is adjusted to be fast, the time division interval in the horizontal direction may be adjusted to be narrow. For example, when four multiview images are generated at a first switching speed, six multiview images may be generated at a second switching speed faster than the first switching speed. The image display apparatus200may increase a number of views of multiview images by adjusting a time division interval between the multiview images, thereby generating a super multiview image.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may increase the number of the views of the multiview images, by adjusting a speed of at least one light beam to be diffuse-projected. In particular, the image display apparatus200may adjust a speed of the one-dimensionally rotating body or the two-dimensionally rotating body, thereby increasing the number of the views of the multiview images so that the number of the views of the multiview images may be identical to a number of target horizontal views.

For example, when a diffusion image is to be generated using the polygon mirror, the image display apparatus200may increase a number of views of multiview images, by increasing at least one of a number of rotating surfaces, and a number of rotations of the polygon mirror.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may increase the number of the views of the multiview images, by adjusting both the time division interval in the horizontal direction of the multiview images, and the speed of the at least one light beam to be diffuse-projected.

FIG. 8illustrates an operation of the image display apparatus200ofFIG. 2adjusting a vertical view pitch between multiview images.

In particular,FIG. 8is provided to describe an operation of adjusting a number of views of multiview images by adjusting a vertical view pitch so that the number of the views of the multiview images may be identical to a number of target vertical views. Here, the number of the target vertical views may include a number of views of multiview images in a vertical direction to be provided to a viewer by displaying the multiview images on a screen.

Referring toFIG. 8, the image display apparatus200may generate a diffusion image801by diffusing, in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, at least one light beam emitted toward a two-dimensionally rotating body.

As an example, the image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing four vertical views802in the vertical direction, by distributing light beams included in the diffusion image801. For example, the image display apparatus200may generate the multiview image to overlap or to be successive in the vertical direction based on a vertical view pitch. In particular, the image display apparatus200may generate the multiview images so that a first vertical view pitch803, a second vertical view pitch804, a third vertical view pitch805, and a fourth vertical view pitch806may be identical on the screen. Here, a vertical view pitch may be defined as a difference in a vertical position between multiview images of which positions physically overlap or are successive.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may adjust a vertical view pitch between multiview images to be narrow or to be great, by adjusting at least one of a time division interval of the multiview images and a speed of at least one light beam to be diffuse-projected. The image display apparatus200may increase or decrease a number of views of the multiview images, by adjusting the vertical view pitch. In this instance, the image display apparatus200may generate a super multiview image, by increasing the number of the views of the multiview images.

As an example, the image display apparatus200may adjust the time division interval in the vertical direction between the multiview images to be narrow, by adjusting a switching speed of an SLM to be fast. In this instance, the image display apparatus200may adjust the time division interval in the vertical direction so that the number of the views of the multiview images may be identical to a number of target vertical views.

As another example, the image display apparatus200may adjust a number of views of multiview images, by adjusting a speed of the two-dimensionally rotating body. In this instance, the image display apparatus200may adjust the number of the views of the multiview images, by adjusting a vertical speed or a horizontal speed, and the vertical speed of the two-dimensionally rotating body.

For example, when a tilting mirror is used as the two-dimensionally rotating body, the image display apparatus200may adjust a vertical speed of the tilting mirror to be fast, thereby increasing a number of views of multiview images so that the number of the views of the multiview images may be identical to a number of target vertical views.

As still another example, the image display apparatus200may adjust a number of views of multiview images, by adjusting both the time division interval in the vertical direction between the multiview images, and the vertical speed of the two-dimensionally rotating body. In this example, the image display apparatus200may adjust the time division interval in the vertical direction to be narrow, and adjust the vertical speed of the two-dimensionally rotating body to be fast, thereby increasing the number of the views of the multiview images.

Further to this example, the image display apparatus200may adjust both the time division interval in the vertical direction between the multiview images, and the vertical speed of the two-dimensionally rotating body, thereby increasing a number of views of multiview images representing the four vertical views802so that five vertical views807may be represented.

FIG. 9illustrates an operation of the image display apparatus200ofFIG. 2displaying multiview images representing a horizontal view and a vertical view.

Referring toFIG. 9, the image display apparatus200may generate a diffusion image, by diffusing, in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, at least one light beam emitted toward a two-dimensionally rotating body.

The image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing both a horizontal view and a vertical view, by distributing light beams included in the diffusion image using a reflection mirror or a diffusing screen directly. For example, the image display apparatus200may generate the multiview images, by distributing the light beams so that the multiview images may overlap or may be successive in a horizontal direction based on a horizontal view pitch902, and the multiview images may overlap or may be successive in a vertical direction based on a vertical view pitch901.

As an example, the image display apparatus200may generate a diffusion image, by diffusing, in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, at least one light beam output by a single projector903, using a two-dimensionally rotating body904. The image display apparatus200may distribute light beams include in the diffusion image, by adjusting at least one of a diffusing angle of a screen905, and a curvature of the screen905. The image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing a horizontal view and a vertical view. For example, the image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing five vertical views and twenty-five horizontal views.

As another example, the image display apparatus200may display multiview images on the screen905, using a plurality of projectors906disposed in parallel. In this instance, the plurality of projectors906may be disposed in parallel, based on a switching speed of an SLM, and a number of views of multiview images to be displayed on a screen.

In particular, the image display apparatus200may diffuse, in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, at least one light beam output by each of the plurality of projectors906, using a one-dimensionally rotating body907.

For example, when five physical projectors are disposed in parallel, the image display apparatus200may generate a first diffusion image by diffuse-projecting at least one light beam output by a first projector in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and may generate a second diffusion image by diffuse-projecting at least one light beam output by a second projector in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. Similarly, the image display apparatus may generate a third diffusion image, a fourth diffusion image, and a fifth diffusion image.

The image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing a horizontal view and a vertical view, by distributing light beams included in the five diffusion images for each diffusion image. For example, the image display apparatus200may generate multiview images representing five vertical views and twenty-five horizontal views. The screen905may be divided into five areas in a vertical direction, and twenty-five areas in a horizontal direction. The multiview images representing the five vertical views and the twenty-five horizontal views may be displayed on the screen905.

The image display apparatus200may display multiview images representing both a horizontal view and a vertical direction, using a single physical projector or a plurality of physical projectors. When an eye of the viewer is moved in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction, different multiview images corresponding to the vertical or horizontal movement of the eye may be displayed naturally on the screen by the image display apparatus200.

FIG. 10illustrates an image display apparatus1000displaying multiview images using a rotary screen according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 10, the image display apparatus1000may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit1001, a diffusion image generating unit1002, a multiview image generating unit1003, and a screen1004. InFIG. 10, operations of the light beam outputting unit1001, the diffusion image generating unit1002, and the multiview image generating unit1003are substantially identical to the operations of the light beam outputting unit201, the diffusion image generating unit202, and the multiview image generating unit203ofFIG. 2and thus, a detailed description will be omitted here for conciseness.

The light beam outputting unit1001may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit1001may correspond to a projector or an optical module.

The diffusion image generating unit1002may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit1001in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the diffusion image generating unit1002may diffuse at least one light beam, using a one-dimensionally rotating body or a two-dimensionally rotating body. For example, the diffusion image generating unit1002may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least one or two of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction.

In this instance, the diffusion image generating unit1002may generate a diffusion image on the screen1004. Here, the screen1004may include a reflective diffusing screen or a transmissive diffusing screen. The reflective diffusing screen or the transmissive diffusing screen may include a rotary diffusing screen provided in a shape of a curved surface, a free curved surface, a planar surface, or a polygon, and a fixed diffusing screen provided in a shape of a cylinder, a dome, a sphere, a hemisphere, or an ellipse.

The multiview image generating unit1003may generate multiview images by gathering light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction. For example, the multiview image generating unit1003may generate the multiview images, by distributing the light beams included in the diffusion image using a diffusing screen. The multiview image generating unit1003may display, on the screen1004, multiview images having an identical view pitch. In particular, the multiview image generating unit1003may display the multiview images on the screen, by adjusting a horizontal view pitch between the multiview images and a vertical view pitch between the multiview images to be uniform.

In this instance, when the rotary screen is used, the screen1004may include a motor (not shown). Here, the motor may enable the screen1004to rotate 360 degrees, whereby a viewer may be provided with a 360-degree view of multiview images to be displayed on the rotary screen.

Although the operation of displaying the multiview images on the rotary screen using the motor has been described with reference toFIG. 10, the screen may provide a 360-degree viewing area, without use of the motor. Here, an operation of providing the 360-degree viewing area, without use of the motor will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 11illustrates an image display apparatus1100displaying multiview images using a fixed diffusing screen according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 11, the image display apparatus1100may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit1101, a diffusion image generating unit1102, a multiview image generating unit1103, and a screen1104.

InFIG. 11, operations of the light beam outputting unit1101, the diffusion image generating unit1102, and the multiview image generating unit1103are substantially identical to the operations of the light beam outputting unit201, the diffusion image generating unit202, and the multiview image generating unit203ofFIG. 2and thus, a detailed description will be omitted here for conciseness.

The light beam outputting unit1101may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit1101may correspond to a projector or an optical module.

The diffusion image generating unit1102may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit1101in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the diffusion image generating unit1102may diffuse at least one light beam, using a one-dimensionally rotating body or a two-dimensionally rotating body. For example, the diffusion image generating unit1102may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least one or two of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction.

In this instance, the diffusion image generating unit1102may generate a diffusion image on the screen1104. Here, the screen1104may include a reflective diffusing screen or a transmissive diffusing screen. The reflective diffusing screen or the transmissive diffusing screen may include a rotary diffusing screen provided in a shape of a curved surface, a free curved surface, a planar surface, or a polygon, and a fixed diffusing screen provided in a shape of a cylinder, a dome, a sphere, a hemisphere, or an ellipse. In this instance, the screen provided in the shape of the free curved surface may refer to a screen having an uneven or curved surface.

The multiview image generating unit1103may generate multiview images by gathering light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction. For example, the multiview image generating unit1103may generate the multiview images, by distributing the light beams included in the diffusion image using a diffusing screen.

In this instance, when the screen1104includes the fixed diffusing screen provided in the cylindrical shape, multiview images having an identical view pitch may be displayed on the screen1104by the multiview image generating unit1103may display, whereby a viewer may enjoy a 360-degree view of multiview images to be displayed on the screen1104.

Although an example of using the fixed diffusing screen provided in the cylindrical shape to provide the 360-degree view of the multiview images has been described with reference toFIG. 11, the image display apparatus1100may also provide the viewer with the 360-degree view of the multiview images, using a fixed diffusing screen provided in a shape of a cone, or a funnel.

FIG. 12illustrates a structure of the image display apparatus1100ofFIG. 11including an optical unit disposed outside a screen.

Referring toFIG. 12, an image display apparatus1200may include, for example, a light beam outputting unit1201, a diffusion image generating unit1202, an optical unit1203, a multiview image generating unit1204, and a screen1205.

InFIG. 12, the image display apparatus1200has a structure in which the optical unit1203is added to the image display apparatus1100ofFIG. 11and thus, a duplicated description will be omitted here for conciseness.

The light beam outputting unit1201may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image. Here, the light beam outputting unit1201may correspond to a projector or an optical module.

The diffusion image generating unit1202may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit1201in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the diffusion image generating unit1202may diffuse at least one light beam, using a one-dimensionally rotating body or a two-dimensionally rotating body. For example, the diffusion image generating unit1202may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least one or two of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction.

In this instance, the optical unit1203may reflect light beams included in the diffusion image generated by the diffusion image generating unit1202to the screen1205, thereby gathering the light beams in a predetermined direction. For example, the optical unit1203may include a reflection mirror. The reflection mirror may be disposed outside the screen1205. The reflection mirror may rotate 360 degrees along an outer edge of the screen1205. Here, the reflection mirror may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

The multiview image generating unit1204may display, on the screen1205, multiview images including the light beams gathered in the predetermined direction, through interworking of the diffusion image generating unit1202and the optical unit1203.

In this instance, the multiview image generating unit1204may display the multiview images to have a uniform view pitch on the screen1205. As an example, the multiview image generating unit1204may adjust a view pitch between the multiview images to be uniform on the screen1205, by adjusting at least one of a diffusing angle of the screen1205, a curvature of the screen1205, a curvature of the reflection mirror, and a position of the reflection mirror.

For example, when the screen1205includes a fixed diffusing screen provided in a cylindrical shape, the multiview image generating unit1204may display multiview images at uniform pitches on the entire 360-degree curved surface of the fixed diffusing screen.

In this instance, the multiview image generating unit1204may display the multiview images at uniform pitches in a horizontal direction, based on a horizontal view pitch, and may display the multiview images at uniform pitches in a vertical direction, based on a vertical view pitch. Here, the horizontal view pitch may be identical to or different from the vertical view pitch.

InFIG. 12, the multiview image generating unit1204may adjust a time division interval of the multiview images by adjusting a switching speed of an SLM, and may adjust a speed of the at least one light beam output by the light beam outputting unit1201, thereby increasing a number of views of the multiview images. The multiview image generating unit1204may generate a super multiview image by increasing the number of the views of the multiview images.

FIG. 13illustrates a structure of the image display apparatus1100ofFIG. 11including an optical unit disposed inside a screen.

InFIG. 13, an image display apparatus1300has a structure in which the optical unit1203ofFIG. 12is disposed inside the screen and thus, a duplicated description will be omitted here for conciseness.

An optical unit1301may reflect light beams included in a diffusion image to a screen1302, thereby gathering the light beams in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the optical unit1301may include a reflection mirror. The reflection mirror may be disposed inside the screen1302. Here, the screen may include a fixed diffusing screen provided in a cylindrical shape. For example, the optical unit1301may rotate 360 degrees along an outer edge of the fixed diffusing screen provided in the cylindrical shape.

When the reflection mirror is disposed inside the screen1302, the reflection mirror may rotate in a circular path having a radius smaller than the screen1302. For example, the reflection mirror may be disposed in an area in which a rotation is possible, within an outermost edge1303of the screen1302, among internal areas of the screen1302. In this instance, the reflection mirror may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

Although the operation of displaying the multiview images on the fixed screen provided in the cylindrical shape, using the reflection mirror, has been described with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13, the diffusing screen provided in the cylindrical shape may be rotatable.

FIG. 14illustrates an image display apparatus1400including an optical unit and a rotary diffusing screen provided in a cylindrical shape according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 14, the image display apparatus1400may gather light beams included in a diffusion image in a predetermined direction, using an optical unit1402disposed to rotate 360 degrees. The image display apparatus1400may display, on a rotary screen1401, multiview images generated when the light beams gathered in the predetermined direction are distributed. Here, the screen1401may include a reflective diffusing screen or a transmissive diffusing screen. In addition, the screen1401may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, a polygonal shape, and the like.

FIG. 15illustrates a structure of an image display apparatus1500including an optical unit and a diffusing screen including a motor according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 15, the image display apparatus1500may rotate a screen1502, 360 degrees, using a motor1501. In this instance, a light beam outputting unit1503, a diffusion image generating unit1504, and an optical unit1505may be coupled into one using a tool1506. The motor may be disposed at a bottom end of the tool1506.

Here, the screen1502may include a reflective diffusing screen or a transmissive diffusing screen. In addition, the screen1502may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, a polygonal shape, and the like.

In this instance, the diffusion image generating unit1504and the optical unit1505may rotate 360 degrees. For example, the optical unit1505may rotate 360 degrees about the diffusion image generating unit1504, along an outer edge of the diffusion image generating unit1504. Here, a reflection mirror may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

FIG. 16illustrates a structure of an image display apparatus1600including a fixed diffusing screen1602provided in a domical shape according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 16, the image display apparatus1600may generate a diffusion image, using a two-dimensionally rotating body1601.

The image display apparatus1600may gather light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction, by adjusting a diffusing angle of the fixed diffusing screen1602. The image display apparatus1600may display, on the fixed diffusion screen1602, multiview images including the light beams gathered in the predetermined direction.

In this instance, the fixed diffusing screen1602may display multiview images representing a vertical view and a horizontal view, simultaneously. Here, the fixed diffusing screen1602may have a convex shape in an upper direction, in a lower direction, or in an upper and lower direction.

FIG. 17illustrates a structure of an image display apparatus1700including a fixed diffusing screen1701provided in a spherical shape according to example embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 17, the image display apparatus1700may display multiview images in an upper area1702and a lower area1703of the screen1701.

For example, a first light beam outputting unit1704may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image to a first diffusion image generating unit1705. The first diffusion image generating unit1705may generate a diffusion image by diffusing the at least one light beam.

In this instance, the screen1701may gather light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction, by adjusting a diffusing angle. For example, the screen1701may gather and distribute the light beams so that multiview images may be displayed at identical view pitches in the upper area1702of the screen1701. Accordingly, the screen1701may display the multiview images including the light beams gathered in the predetermined direction in the upper area1702of the screen1701.

Similarly, the image display apparatus1700may display multiview images in the lower area1703of the screen1701. For example, the image display apparatus1700may display the multiview images in the lower area1703of the screen1701, using a second light beam outputting unit1705and a second diffusion image generating unit1706.

As described above, the image display apparatus1700may provide a viewer with multiview images floating like holograms, using the fixed screen1701provided in the spherical shape.

FIG. 18illustrates a method of displaying multiview images such as a method of displaying the multiview images in the image display apparatus200ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 18, in operation1801, the image display apparatus200may output at least one light beam corresponding to a view image.

For example, the image display apparatus200may output the at least one light beam, using a projector or an optical module.

In operation1802, the image display apparatus200may generate a diffusion image, by diffuse-projecting the at least one light beam corresponding to the view image in a predetermined direction.

As an example, the image display apparatus200may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a diagonal direction, using a one-dimensionally rotating body.

As another example, the image display apparatus200may diffuse the at least one light beam in at least two of the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the diagonal direction, using a two-dimensionally rotating body.

Here, the one-dimensionally rotating body or the two-dimensionally rotating body may include a rotating body having a reflective surface, for example, a polygonal mirror, a torsional device, a tilting device, a rotating device, and the like, a rotating body having a diffusion function corresponding to a reflection, for example, a refraction, a diffraction, and the like, and a rotating body having a transmission function.

In operation1803, the image display apparatus200may display, on a screen, multiview images generated when light beams included in the diffusion image area are distributed.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may gather the light beams included in the diffusion image in a predetermined direction, and distribute the light beams, using a reflection mirror or a diffusing screen.

For example, when the reflection mirror is used, the image display apparatus200may gather the light beams included in the diffusion image in a direction corresponding to each of the multiview images to be displayed on the screen, using the reflection mirror. The image display apparatus200may generate the multiview images including the gathered light beams, and may display the multiview images on the screen.

In this instance, the image display apparatus200may adjust a view pitch between the multiview images, by adjusting at least one of a diffusing angle of the screen, a curvature of the screen, a curvature of the reflection mirror, and a position of the reflection mirror.

As an example, the image display apparatus200may adjust a horizontal view pitch between the multiview images so that the multiview images may be displayed at identical pitches in a horizontal direction on the screen. Similarly, the image display apparatus200may adjust a vertical view pitch between the multiview images so that the multiview images may be displayed at identical pitches in a vertical direction on the screen. The image display apparatus200may display the multiview images representing the horizontal view and the vertical view on the screen, by adjusting the horizontal view pitch and the vertical view pitch.

The screen may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, a polygonal shape, and the like. In addition, the reflection mirror may be provided in various shapes, for example, a shape of a curved surface, a polygonal shape, a shape of a free curved surface, a shape of a planar surface, and the like.

Any one or more of the software modules described herein may be executed by a controller such as a dedicated processor unique to that unit or by a processor common to one or more of the modules. The described methods may be executed on a general purpose computer or processor or may be executed on a particular machine such as the image display apparatuses described herein.

Although embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents. For example, suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order and/or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.