Apparatus and method for presenting three-dimensional media content

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor including a controller to obtain three-dimensional media content, obtain position information associated with at least one viewer of a display device that is operably coupled to the media processor, adjust convergence of the three-dimensional media content based on the position information, and provide the three-dimensional media content with the adjusted convergence to the display device for presentation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to media content communication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for presenting three-dimensional media content.

BACKGROUND

Media consumption has become a multibillion dollar industry that continues to grow rapidly. High resolution displays such as high definition televisions and high resolution computer monitors can now present two-dimensional movies and games with three-dimensional perspective with clarity never seen before. Collectively, improvements in viewing, audio, and communication technologies are causing rapid demand for consumption of all types of media content. However, viewers have differing preferences and perceptions as to media content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of methods and devices for calibrating the presentation of three-dimensional (3D) content. The calibration can be an adjustment of the convergence of the 3D images based on the viewers to whom the 3D content is going to be presented. In one embodiment, the adjustment of the convergence can be performed by a media processor (such as a set top box), a television and/or by another display device. In another embodiment, the adjustment to the convergence can be based on a number of factors, including the position or distance of one or more viewers from the device presenting the content. In another embodiment, the adjustment to the convergence can be based on an outlay of a room, without accounting for the individuals therein, such as based on identified seating arrangements. In yet another embodiment, the adjustment to the convergence can be based on individual or group preferences. In one embodiment, the calibration can be a non-continuous process, such as occurring at the beginning of presentation of 3D media content. Other embodiments are also contemplated.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a media processor that includes a controller to obtain three-dimensional media content and to obtain position information associated with at least one viewer of a display device that is operably coupled to the media processor. The controller can also be programmed to adjust convergence of the three-dimensional media content based on the position information and provide the three-dimensional media content with the adjusted convergence to the display device for presentation.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium which includes computer instructions to obtain a distance between at least one viewer and a display device using a calibrator. The computer instructions can also adjust convergence of three-dimensional media content based on the distance and to provide the three-dimensional media content with the adjusted convergence to the display device for presentation.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a method including obtaining three-dimensional media content at a media device and obtaining position information associated with at least one viewer of a display device that is operably coupled to the media processor. The method can also include adjusting the three-dimensional media content based on the position information and providing the adjusted three-dimensional media content to the display device for presentation.

FIG. 1depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system100for delivering media content, which can include 3D media content. The communication system100can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast media system although other media broadcast systems are contemplated by the present disclosures. The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)110with at least one super headend office server (SHS)111which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent audio content, moving image content such as videos, still image content, or combinations thereof. The SHS server111can forward packets associated with the media content to video head-end servers (VHS)114via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)112according to a common multicast communication protocol.

The VHS114can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an access network118to commercial and/or residential buildings102housing a gateway104(such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network118can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over optical links or copper twisted pairs119to buildings102. The gateway104can use common communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors106such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) or gaming consoles (e.g., PS3, Xbox or Wii) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices108such as computers, television sets, managed in some instances by a media controller107(such as an infrared or RF remote control, gaming controller, etc.).

The gateway104, the media processors106, and media devices108can utilize tethered interface technologies (such as coaxial, phone line, or powerline wiring) or can operate over a common wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi). With these interfaces, unicast communications can be invoked between the media processors106and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices130a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing portal services over an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network132to wireline media devices108or wireless communication devices116(e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, etc.) by way of a wireless access base station117operating according to common wireless access protocols such as WiFi, or cellular communication technologies (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

A satellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTV media system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite115carrying media content can be intercepted by a common satellite dish receiver131coupled to the building102. Modulated signals intercepted by the satellite dish receiver131can be transferred to the media processors106for decoding and distributing broadcast channels to the media devices108. The media processors106can be equipped with a broadband port to the IP network132to enable services such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system133can be used in place of the IPTV media system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system133can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

It is contemplated that the present disclosure can apply to any present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system. In one embodiment, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture can be utilized to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems in delivering the media content to one or more viewers.

System100can provide 3D content to the building102for presentation and/or can provide 2D content that can be rendered into 3D content by one or more client devices, such as the STB106of the TV108. The three-dimensional image content can be based upon various three-dimensional imaging techniques, including polarization, anaglyphics, active shuttering (such as alternate frame sequencing), autostereoscopy, and so forth.

In one embodiment, system100can include a calibrator175that adjusts the presentation of the 3D content. The adjustment can be of the convergence of the 3D images, such as the amount of overlap of the left and right eye image pairs, and can be based on a number of factors. For instance, the calibrator175can include components for determining information of one or more viewers with respect to the display device108. Based on that position information (such as a distance from the display device108), the calibrator175can adjust the convergence of the 3D images, such as by utilizing a look-up table for distance versus convergence factors or by using a convergence algorithm. In one embodiment, the controller107can include a calibration key, which when depressed, commences the gathering of position information and the adjustment of the 3D content. The adjustment can occur once, such as prior to commencing the media content and/or can occur at other times. In one embodiment, the calibration is a non-continuous process, although the present disclosure contemplates a continuous process being implemented for certain situations. In one embodiment, the calibrator175can be incorporated into one of the STB106or the display device108, and/or can include measuring devices such as a distance camera for determining the position information.

FIG. 2depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device202and media processor106for presenting media content in a communication system200, which can be incorporated into system100ofFIG. 1. One or both of the presentation device202and the media processor106can include the calibrator175that provides for adjustment of 3D media content based on position information associated with viewers. In the present illustration, the presentation device202is depicted as a television set. It will be appreciated that the presentation device202alternatively can represent a portable communication device such as a cellular phone, a PDA, a computer, or other computing device with the ability to display media content. The media processor106can be an STB such as illustrated inFIG. 1, or some other computing device such as a cellular phone, computer, gaming console, or other device that can process and direct the presentation device202to present images associated with media content. It is further noted that the media processor106and the presentation device202can be an integral unit. For example, a computer or cellular phone having computing and display resources collectively can represent the combination of a presentation device202and media processor106.

The media processor106can be adapted to communicate with accessories such as the viewing apparatus300ofFIG. 3by way of a wired or wireless interface, such as through RF and/or light waves206. The communication can be one-way and/or two-way communication, such as providing the viewing apparatus300with a transceiver302. A wired interface can represent a tethered connection from the viewing apparatus300to an interface of the media processor (e.g., USB or proprietary interface). A wireless interface can represent a radio frequency (RF) interface such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee or other wireless standard. The wireless interface can also represent an infrared communication interface. Any standard or proprietary wireless interface between the media processor106and the viewing apparatus300is contemplated by the presented disclosure.

The viewing apparatus300can represent an apparatus for viewing two-dimensional or 3D stereoscopic images which can be still or moving images. The viewing apparatus300can be an active shutter viewing apparatus. In this embodiment, each lens has a liquid crystal layer which can be darkened or made to be transparent by the application of one or more bias voltages. Each lens304,306can be independently controlled. Accordingly, the darkening of the lenses can alternate, or can be controlled to operate simultaneously.

Each viewing apparatus300can include various components associated with a communication device including a wireline and/or wireless transceiver302(herein transceiver302), a user interface (UI), a power supply, a location detector, and a controller307for managing operations thereof. The transceiver302can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as infrared, Bluetooth, WiFi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, and next generation cellular wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver302can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCPIP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, or navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device300. The keypad can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the apparatus300or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad can represent a numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a Qwerty keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI can further include a display such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the apparatus300. In an embodiment where the display is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad308can be presented by way of the display.

The UI can also include an audio system312that utilizes common audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard only in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio for hands free operation. The audio system312can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system312can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI can further include an image sensor such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the apparatus300to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. The location detector can utilize common location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for identifying a location of the communication device300based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, thereby facilitating common location services such as navigation.

The transceiver302can also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth access point by common power sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF). The controller306can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

In one embodiment, the viewing apparatus300can utilize a receiver portion of the transceiver302in the form of an infrared. Alternatively, the viewing apparatus300can function as a two-way communication device, in which case a full infrared transceiver could be utilize to exchange signals between the media processor106and the viewing apparatus300.

The viewing apparatus300can utilize a controller307to control operations thereof, and a portable power supply (not shown). The viewing apparatus300can have portions of a UI. For example, the viewing apparatus300can have a multi-purpose button312which can function as a power on/off button and as a channel selection button. A power on/off feature can be implemented by a long-duration depression of button312which can toggle from an on state to an off state and vice-versa. Fast depressions of button312can be used for channel navigation. Alternatively, two buttons can be added to the viewing apparatus300for up/down channel selection, which operate independent of the on/off power button312. In another embodiment, a thumbwheel can be used for scrolling between channels.

The viewing apparatus300can also include an audio system313with one or more speakers in the extensions of the housing assembly such as shown by references314,316to produce localized audio318,320near a user's ears. Different portions of the housing assembly can be used to produce mono, stereo, or surround sound effects. Ear cups (not shown) such as those used in headphones can be used by the viewing apparatus300(as an accessory or integral component) for a more direct and low-noise audio presentation technique. The volume of sound presented by the speakers314,316can be controlled by a thumbwheel310(or up/down buttons—not shown).

It would be evident from the above descriptions that many embodiments of the viewing apparatus300are possible, all of which are contemplated by the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the viewing apparatus300can be utilized as part of the calibration process. For instance, the button312can function as a calibration request that is forwarded to one or all of the calibrator175, the media receiver106and the TV108. In another embodiment, the transceiver302of the viewing apparatus300can provide signals to the calibrator175for generating or otherwise obtaining positioning information associated with the viewer wearing the viewing apparatus300. As described above, the position information can then be used for adjusting the convergence of the 3D image content. The signals transmitted can be of various forms. For instance, the viewing apparatus300can determine the position information and transmit the data directly to the device that will adjust the convergence, such as the calibrator175, the media receiver106or the TV108. In another embodiment, the viewing apparatus300can provide signals from which the position information can be determined by the calibrator175, the media receiver106or the TV108.

FIG. 4depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device402with a polarized display. A display can be polarized with well-known polarization filter technology so that alternative horizontal pixel rows can be made to have differing polarizations. For instance, odd horizontal pixels402can be polarized for viewing with one polarization filter, while even horizontal pixels404can be polarized for viewing with an alternative polarization filter. The viewing apparatus300previously described can be adapted to have one lens polarized for odd pixel rows, while the other lens is polarized for viewing even pixel rows. With polarized lenses, the viewing apparatus300can present a user a 3D stereoscopic image.

FIG. 5depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system500that can present calibrated 3D media content to one or more viewers525. System500can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices and systems ofFIGS. 1-4to receive media content which is presentable as 3D content. System500can include a depth camera550positioned in proximity to the TV202. System500can also include a calibration unit575for receiving position information (such as a distance measurement between the viewer(s) and the TV) from the distance camera550. In this embodiment, the calibration unit575is a separate unit that can communicate with the media processor106and/or TV202for implementing the convergence adjustment to the 3D media content. However, the calibration unit575can be integrated with one or more components of the system500. For instance, either or both of the media processor106and the TV202can include hardware and/or software of the calibration unit575to make the adjustment to the 3D media content based on the position information. In another embodiment, the distance camera550can be integrated with either or both of the media processor106and the TV202so that the position information gathering, calibration algorithm processing and media content adjustment are performed by a single unit, although distributing the tasks is also contemplated by the present disclosure. The calibration unit575can communicate via various means, including wireless, wired, power line communications, and so forth.

In this exemplary embodiment, one or more viewers525can sit down or otherwise position themselves for viewing of media content. One of the viewers525can depress a 3D Calibrate button, such as on the remote controller107. In other embodiments, voice activated commands can be received by the remote controller107, the media processor106and/or the TV202to initiate the calibration process. In another embodiment, the calibration process can be initiated by the media processor106and/or the TV202, such as after detecting 3D media content to be presented and/or presenting a prompt to the viewers to commence the calibration process. The calibration process can be initiated by, or proceed using, the viewing apparatus300as well.

The TV202and/or the media processor106can instruct the viewer to sit or otherwise position themselves where they will be watching the 3D media content. Using inverse kinematics or other locating techniques, the depth camera550can locate the person and can estimate the head/torso positions while indicating them on the screen. The depth camera550can measure the distance to the viewer, such as through use of time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, sheet of light triangulation, structured light, interferometry, coded aperture, and so forth. The 3D calibration unit575software uses this position information to adjust the convergence of stereoscopic images, which can minimize eye strain for a viewer. In one embodiment, the adjustment to the convergence can be based on a look-up table of distances versus convergence factors. In another embodiment, the convergence adjustment can be performed using an algorithm with the position information, which can also include one or more other factors. The 3D calibration unit575can then notify the viewer(s) that calibration is complete, such as by presenting a visual notice on the TV202and/or providing an audio message, and so forth.

In one embodiment, where more than one viewer is watching the media content, the calibration unit575can utilize all of the position information to adjust the convergence of the media content, such as by averaging the distances. In another embodiment, the position information for multiple viewers can be applied to adjust the convergence based on weighted averages and other factors, including angle of viewing. In yet another embodiment, position information for similarly positioned viewers can be utilized for the convergence adjustment and notification to the other viewers can be provided that there positioning has not been taken into account in the convergence adjustment. Other techniques for adjusting the convergence based on multiple viewers with multiple distances for the TV202are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

FIG. 6depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communication system600that can present calibrated 3D media content to one or more viewers525. System600can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices and systems ofFIGS. 1-5to receive media content which is presentable as 3D content. System600can include an image camera650positioned in proximity to the TV202. System600can also include a calibration unit575for receiving position information (such as a distance measurement between the viewer(s) and the TV202) from the image camera650. In this embodiment, the calibration unit575can be integrated with one or more components of the system600, such as the media processor106, although it could be in the TV202or a stand-alone device as well. In another embodiment, the image camera650can be integrated with either or both of the media processor106and the TV202so that the position information gathering, calibration algorithm processing and media content adjustment are performed by a single unit, although distributing the tasks is also contemplated by the present disclosure.

In this exemplary embodiment, one or more viewers525can sit down or otherwise position themselves for viewing of media content. One or more of the viewers can depress the 3D calibrate button, or the process can otherwise be actuated, including automatic actuation by the calibration unit575. The calibration unit575can instruct the user to sit where they will watch TV, such as through a message displayed on the TV202. The calibration unit575can instruct the user to raise both hands above their head to show the system where they are sitting, such as through another message displayed on the TV202. The calibration unit575can locate the person, estimate the head and hand positions, and indicate them on the screen. The calibration unit575can display on the TV202hand pads675, having a known distance spacing between them. The calibration unit575can instruct the viewer to move their hands to the point of the hand pads675, such as through another message displayed on the TV202. The viewer can then be instructed to relax, while the calibration unit575estimates or interpolates the distance to the viewer based on the captured image of the hand movement and the known distance of the hand pads675. The calibration unit575can then adjust the convergence of the stereoscopic images based on this position information, which can minimize eye strain for the viewer. The calibration unit575can then notify the viewer that the calibration process has been completed, such as through yet another message displayed on the TV202. The use of the estimation technique utilizing hand pads675or other image markers allows for calibration without the need to provision the user with a distance camera.

FIG. 7depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system700that can present calibrated 3D media content to one or more viewers. System700can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices and systems ofFIGS. 1-6to receive media content which is presentable as 3D content. System700can include a media processor106and a display device, such as TV202. System700can further include calibrator175that can utilize position information associated with one or more viewers to adjust 3D media content, such as adjusting a convergence of the media content based on a distance of the viewer(s) from the TV202. As described above, the calibrator175can be a stand-alone device and/or can be integrated into one or both of the media processor106and the TV202. The calibrator can include a camera, such as a distance camera550to measure distances and/or an image camera650for capturing images of the viewers which can be used for interpolating distances. System700allows for adjustment of the convergence, such as based on viewer position information, so that 3D images750,775, and780can be selectively presented, which each have a different convergence. In one embodiment, a sample of each of the different convergences can be presented to the viewer(s) so that the viewer(s) can make the final determination as to which version should be presented. In another embodiment, where a viewer selects a convergence that does not correspond to their position information, the viewer can be provided with a notice of this discrepancy. In another embodiment, the position information can be based on an outlay of a room or area, such as the location of seats. The calibrator175can utilize image recognition techniques to determine seating and then determine position information for the seating, as described above.

FIG. 8depicts an illustrative embodiment of a GUI800that can be presented on the TV202for performing fine calibration of the 3D media content for one or more viewers. GUI800can be used with the devices and systems ofFIGS. 1-7. GUI800can present samples of 3D images that have been adjusted, such as adjustments to the convergence based on position information associated with the viewers. In this example, the GUI800is divided into quarter sections which each include a different sample of the 3D image(s). Samples1-4can vary, including slightly, as to convergence and/or other aspects, so that the viewer can select which of the samples they feel provides them with the most desired presentation. The amount of variance of the convergences and/or the other aspects, can be based on a number of factors, including whether there are multiple viewers with multiple position information, and whether one or more of the viewers has a user profile or other preference indicating a desired convergence value. The user profile can include convergence information associated with previously adjusted convergences. In one embodiment, the viewer can be advised of the difference in convergence and/or other aspects of the samples1-4, such as through data displayed along with each of the samples. In one embodiment, the different samples1-4can differ only by convergence. In another embodiment, the different samples1-4can have the same convergence but differ as to other aspects.

In one embodiment, the viewer can depress the 3D Calibrate button and select “Fine Calibration.” The TV202can instruct the viewer to sit where they will watch TV. The viewer can be presented with four images (or another number) with different convergence. The viewer can select the best one based on perception and press the appropriate number key. In a particular embodiment, pressing rewind can return to a previous selection, while pressing fast forward can go to the next selection. Pressing the play button can present the current selection in full screen. Pressing stop can save the current selection for fine adjustment and can exit the 3D calibration mode of GUI800.

FIG. 9depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method900operating in portions of the devices and systems described herein and/or illustrated inFIGS. 1-8. Method900can begin with step902in which 3D media content is obtained by the STB106. The 3D media content can be received by the STB106from various sources, such as via a broadcast over an IPTV network and so forth.

The following method will be described with respect to an STB106that has a calibration unit575, and that is coupled with a display device, such as TV202. However, it should be understood that method900can be performed using various configurations of components, including stand-alone calibration units, TVs with integrated calibration units and so forth. In step904, the calibration unit575can determine whether a distance camera550is present so that position information can be measured for the viewer(s). If there is a distance camera550then in step906, the calibration unit575can obtain the position information, including the distance between the viewer and the TV202. The position information can also include other information, such as an angle at which the viewer is positioned with respect to the TV202.

If there is no distance camera, but there is an image camera650, then in step908the calibration unit575can estimate the position information, including the distance between the viewer(s) and the TV202using the images marker technique described above with respect to system600. In step910, samples of the 3D images can be presented for fine calibration by the viewers, such as described above with respect to GUI800.

If a selection of one of the samples is made then in step914the 3D media content can be adjusted accordingly. For example, if the selected samples designated a particular convergence then the 3D media content can be adjusted using that convergence and presented on the TV202in step916. The particular methodology employed to provide or render the 3D media content can vary and can include active shutter (alternate frame sequencing), polarization and other techniques. The adjustment to the 3D media content can be performed by a number of different devices, including the calibration unit575, the STB106and/or the TV202.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below. The embodiments described above can be adapted to operate with any device capable of performing in whole or in part the steps described for method900.

In one embodiment, the viewing apparatus300can be utilized as part of the calibration process. For instance, the viewing apparatus300can provide to the calibration unit575position information or data from which position information can be determined. In another embodiment, where there are multiple viewers525, the calibration unit575can adjust the convergence to minimize the effect for the viewer who is sitting in the least desirable position. In another embodiment, where there are multiple viewers525, the convergence can be adjusted using the multiple position information such that the adjustment to the convergence has the lease impact on all of the viewers525.

In another embodiment, the calibration unit575can dynamically determine convergence information based on changes to a room or other area. For example, the calibration unit575can store an image of a current outlay of a room and periodically check to see if there has been any changes to the outlay, such as moving of chairs (e.g., through use of image recognition techniques). If a change has occurred then the calibration unit575can perform the calibration process described above, such as without viewers being present, so that the convergence adjustment to any 3D media content can be quickly performed based on pre-determined position information.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

The computer system1000may include a processor1002(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory1004and a static memory1006, which communicate with each other via a bus1008. The computer system1000may further include a video display unit1010(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display). The computer system1000may include an input device1012(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device1014(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit1016, a signal generation device1018(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device1020. The devices of computer system1000can be found in the previously shown figures, such as calibrator175, calibration unit575, media processor106, TV202and so forth.

The disk drive unit1016may include a machine-readable medium1022on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software1024) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions1024may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1004, the static memory1006, and/or within the processor1002during execution thereof by the computer system1000. The main memory1004and the processor1002also may constitute machine-readable media. The instructions1024can include one or more of the steps described above, including calibration steps, such as determining or interpolating viewer distance, determining convergence from viewer distance, and so forth.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containing instructions1024, or that which receives and executes instructions1024from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network environment1026can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the network1026using the instructions1024. The instructions1024may further be transmitted or received over a network1026via the network interface device1020.