Three-dimensional recording and display system using near- and distal-focused images

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for providing simulated three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional display screen without the use of special filters or overlays on the display or special eyewear. Images having different focal points are displayed as pictures and switched between rapidly, such that the human eye automatically adjusts to focus on each picture in succession. As the pictures are presented sequentially, the viewer may perceive that the display shows images at different depth planes. The number of depth planes may vary between embodiments.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A computer-implemented method, comprising:
 receiving a plurality of frames of a scene in sequence as captured at a plurality of different aperture settings;   selecting a particular number of the plurality of frames for inclusion in an output stream; and   generating the output stream by combining the particular number of the plurality of frames in a pre-determined sequence.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream so that frame luminosity is varied within the output stream. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream so that luminosity of only a portion of pixels in a particular frame is varied. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream so that a number of frames captured at a first aperture setting are in immediate sequence with a number of frames captured at a second aperture setting. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream so that a number of frames captured at a first aperture setting are interleaved with a number of frames captured at a second aperture setting. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising compressing the output stream for network transmission. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream so that at least one P-frame is inserted between a first frame and a second frame, and the at least one P-frame is encoded based on a difference in depth of field between a first aperture setting and a second aperture setting. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising generating the output stream to include at least 60 image frames per second. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising:
 capturing by an imaging device the plurality of frames of the scene; and   adjusting a focal point setting of the imaging device so that an aperture setting is different at each of a plurality of different focal points.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising:
 capturing by an imaging device the plurality of frames of the scene; and   adjusting focus of the imaging device so that a focus setting is different in at least one of the plurality of different aperture settings.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising outputting for display image frames of the output stream at an interval of 1/25 th  of a second. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the particular number of the plurality of frames is equal to a number of the plurality of frames. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the particular number of the plurality of frames is unequal to a number of the plurality of frames. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the compressing of the output stream comprises comparing a first image representation received for a first aperture setting with at least one second image representation received for at least one second aperture setting, detecting differences between the first and second image representations, and communicating the differences in the output stream. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pre-determined sequence includes a sequence of frames different than the received sequence of frames.