WO2011053244A2

WO2011053244A2 - Apparatus and method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed

Info

Publication number: WO2011053244A2
Application number: PCT/SG2009/000400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kian Tiong Yeo; Chin Seng Tee; Choon Meng Chan; Geok Peng Tan
Original assignee: Tcl Thomson Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2009-11-02
Filing date: 2009-11-02
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: WO2011053244A3

Abstract

Embodiments provide an apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed, wherein the apparatus may include a video frame identification signal generator configured to generate the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed, and a transmitter configured to transmit the video frame identification signal. The video frame identification signal generator may be configured to, when a sequence of frames comprising a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A VIDEO FRAME IDENTIFICATION SIGNAL FOR A FRAME TO BE DISPLAYED

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate generally to an apparatus and a method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed.

Background

[0002] Three-dimensional (3D) vision may be created by presenting two slightly different sets of image frames to a viewer, wherein one set includes left eye frames corresponding to a left eye viewpoint and the other set includes right eye frames corresponding to a right eye viewpoint. When the sequence of image frames are presented such that only the left eye of a viewer can see the left eye frames and only the right eye of the viewer can see the right eye frames, the viewer obtains a vision with depth perception and is able to perceive a 3D image or video.

[0003] One approach in 3D display technologies is to display left eye frames and right eye frames in alternating order on a display, and switch a shutter glass worn by a viewer in synchronization with the alternately displayed image frames.

[0004] For example, the display may output image frames of a 3D movie in the sequence of the first left eye frame, the corresponding first right eye frame, the second left eye frame, the corresponding second right eye frame, and so on. The shutter glass, also referred as liquid crystal (LCD) shutter glass, contains liquid crystal that blocks or passes light through at its left eye portion and right eye portion. The shutter glass is controlled to be open or closed alternately in synchronization with the alternately displayed image frames on the display, such that the left eye portion is open only when the left eye frame is displayed and the right eye portion is open only when the right eye frame is displayed, thereby providing a 3D vision for a viewer.

[0005] The control of the shutter glass in synchronization with alternately displayed left eye frames and right eye frames that are presented in the display is usually effected by a video frame synchronization signal, e.g. a three-dimensional (3D) video frame synchronization signal, which indicates the image frame change. The 3D video frame synchronization signals are used to effect the control of the shutter glass in such a way that the left eye portion is open only when the left eye frame is presented on the display, and the right eye portion is open only when the right eye frame is displayed on the display. In this way, the viewer may perceive and view a 3D image or video on the display.

[0006] In the current 3D display, the 3D video synchronization signal is usually a vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signal which indicates the frame change in synchronization with vertical blanking interval for controlling the display of image frames on the display.

[0007] However, the video frame synchronization signal, e.g. VSYNC signal, does not provide identification for the left eye frames and right eye frames that are being sequentially displayed on the display. That is, the video frame synchronization signal does not include information whether the frame is a right eye frame or a left eye frame. Thus, when the video frame synchronization signal is used to effect the control of the shutter glass, there is a possibility that the shutter glass is switched incorrectly. For example, a viewer using a shutter glass to view a 3D image or video on the display may perceive a negative depth on the 3D image or video if the VSYNC signal for the left eye frame effects the control of the shutter glass such that the right eye portion of the shutter glass is open, or if the VSYNC signal for the right eye frame effects the control of the shutter glass such that the left eye portion of the shutter glass is open.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] Various embodiments provide an apparatus which may generate a video frame identification signal that allows the shutter glass to switch correctly.

[0009] Embodiments provide an apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed on a display, wherein when a sequence of frames including a sequence of first eye frames and a sequence of second eye frames alternately generated are presented, the video frame identification signal may include identification information indicating whether the frame is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. The video frame identification signal may effect the control of a shutter glass such that the shutter glass may be switched correctly based on determination of whether the frame is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. In this context, the first eye frame may be a left eye frame, and the second eye frame may be a right eye frame. Alternatively, the first eye frame may be a right eye frame, and the second eye frame may be a left eye frame.

[0010] Embodiments provide an apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed. The apparatus includes a video frame identification signal generator configured to generate the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed, and a transmitter configured to transmit the video frame identification signal. In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal generator may be configured to, when a sequence of frames including a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

[0011] According to other embodiments, a method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed described above and a system which includes a video frame identification signal generating apparatus as described above and a shutter glass apparatus are provided.

[0012] It should also be noted that the embodiments described in the dependent claims of the independent apparatus claim are also analogously valid for the

corresponding method and the corresponding system where applicable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional television; FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a display apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows an example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows another example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows another example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows another example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows another example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment; FIG. 10 shows another example of the video frame identification signal generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal generated for the right eye frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed in one embodiment; and

FIG. 12 shows a system which includes a video frame identification signal generating apparatus and a shutter glass apparatus.

Description

[0014] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The following detailed description therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0015] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. [0016] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a television (TV) in accordance with one embodiment.

[0017] The television 100 may be a hold-type television, such as a LCD TV. The television 100 may include a front end circuit 102 configured to receive RF signals, demodulate and decode the tuned RF signals, and condition the demodulated and decoded signals for further processing. The front end circuit 102 may include a tuner (not shown) configured to receive RF signals of a selected channel via an antenna 104, a cable or a satellite dish. The tuner is configured to frequency-shift the received RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The front end circuit 102 may further include an IF processor (not shown) configured to demodulate and decode the IF signals to produce video and audio signals for further processing.

[0018] The television 100 may further include a TV System-on-a-Chip (SoC) 106 as a central processing circuit, which is configured to provide decoding/encoding functions of input/output sources and to provide quality enhancement of the video/audio signals. The TV SoC 106 may include various interfaces for input/output, signal processors for processing the video and audio signals, and controllers for central processing control of the TV system.

[0019] The TV SoC 106 may include various input ports 108 configured to receive input signals from external sources. Examples of the input ports 108 may include but are not limited to line-in, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), LAN (Local Area Network), Component YPbPr and VGA (Video Graphics Array). In an illustrative example, input signals 122 may be three-dimensional video signals including a sequence of left eye frames and right eye frames at a frame rate of 50/60 frames per second, and may be received via the

DVI/HDMI port from an audio/video source, such as set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, personal computers and audio-video receivers. The input signals 122 may also be three- dimensional image/video signals received via Internet in a Internet TV system.

[0020] The TV SoC 106 may also include various output ports (not shown), examples of which include but are not limited to line-out, S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital

Interconnect Format).

[0021] The TV SoC 106 may be configured to further process the video and audio signals of the input signals received from the front end circuit 102 or the input ports 108.

[0022] The television 100 may include one or more audio amplifiers 110 configured to amplify the audio signals received from the TV SoC 106, so as to drive audio output devices, such as loudspeakers and headphone (not shown).

[0023] The TV SoC 106 may be configured to process the video signals, e.g. to decode and quality enhance the video signals to obtain the sequence of left eye frames and right eye frames 124. In one example, the processed video signal may be in a full high definition format, such as 1080p 50/60 Hz (i.e. 1080 lines of vertical resolution, progressive scan, 50/60Hz in frame rate). The processed video signals including the sequence of left eye frames and right eye frames 124 may be output to a frame rate converter 112, e.g. using LVDS (low-voltage differential signaling).

[0024] The frame rate converter 112 may be configured to convert the frame rate of the video signal received from the TV SoC 106 so as to provide the television 100 with a higher refresh rate, in order to eliminate motion blurring effects as seen on a television with a lower refresh rate. In an embodiment, the frame rate converter 112 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the video signal for it to be displayed on a display having a high refresh rate. For example, the frame rate converter 1 12 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the received video signal from 50/60Hz to 100/120Hz, such that the television 100 has a refresh rate of 100/120Hz. In another example, the frame rate converter 112 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the received video signal from 50/60Hz to 200/240Hz, such that the television 100 has a refresh rate of 200/240Hz. In this manner, the motion blurring as seen on a television with lower refresh rate, e.g. 50/60Hz, may be avoided in a television with higher refresh rate.

[0025] The frame rate converter 112 may include a MEMC (motion estimation and motion compensation) circuit (not shown) to perform the frame rate conversion. The MEMC circuit may be configured to generate interpolated frames from a first frame and a second frame in order to increase the frame rate of the video signal and to improve motion judder and motion blur in normal video mode. For example, the MEMC circuit may convert and interpolate the frames 124 of 108 Op 50/60 frames per second to generate frames 126 of 1080p 100/120 frames per second. The MEMC circuit may also convert the frames 124 of 1080p 50/60 frames per second to generate frames of 1080p 200/240 frames per second in another example.

[0026] The frames 126 output from the frame rate converter 112 may be transmitted to a display 114, e.g. a hold type display panel, to present the images to users.

[0027] In an embodiment, the frame rate converter 112 also output a VSYNC signal 120 which indicates the frame change in synchronization with vertical blanking interval for controlling the display of the image frames on the display panel 114. [0028] The frame rate converter 112 may be implemented as a separate PCB board driving the display panel 114 (e.g. a LCD panel), or may be implemented on a T-con (timing controller) board which reformats the image data to fit the requirements of the row and column drivers used to drive the LCD panel.

[0029] The television 100 may further include a power supply unit 116 configured to receive AC voltage and to convert the received AC voltage to different levels of DC voltages to drive various circuits in the television system 100.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] Similar to the television 100 of FIG.1 , the display apparatus 200 includes a front end circuit 202 coupled to receive RF signals via an antenna 204, various input ports such as a DVI/HDMI input port 208 configured to receive input signals 222 from audio/video sources, a TV System-on-a-Chip (SoC) 206 configured to process signals received from the front end circuit 202 or the DVI/HDMI input port 208 to generate processed video signals 224, a display panel 214 for displaying the image frames of the video signal, and a power supply unit 216 configured to convert received AC voltage to different levels of DC voltages to drive various circuits in the display apparatus 200.

[0032] The display apparatus 200 may further include a display controller 212 configured to receive the processed video signals 224 from the TV SoC 206 via LVDS or other types of signaling. In an example, the input signals 222 may be three-dimensional video signals, and the TV SoC 206 may be configured to process (e.g. decode and quality enhance) the received input signals 222 to obtain the processed video signals including a sequence of left eye frames and right eye frames 224. The video signal 224 may be in a full high definition format, e.g.,1080p 50/60 Hz. The display controller 212 may be configured to process the video signal 224 by performing a frame rate conversion.

[0033] The display controller 212 may be a frame rate converter similar to the frame rate converter 112 of FIG. 1. The display controller 212 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the video signal for it to be displayed on a display having a high refresh rate. The display controller 212 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the received video signal 224 from 50/60Hz to 100/120Hz for the video signal 224 to be output to a display having a refresh rate of 100/120Hz. In another implementation, the display controller 212 may be configured to increase the frame rate of the received video signal from 50/60Hz to 200/240Hz for the video signal 224 to be output to a display having a refresh rate of 200/240Hz.

[0034] The display apparatus 200 may include an MEMC circuit to perform the frame rate conversion. The MEMC circuit may be configured to generate interpolated frames from a first frame and a second frame in order to increase the frame rate of the video signal similar to the MEMC circuit of the television 100. The MEMC circuit may be incorporated in the display controller 212, for example. The switching on/off of the MEMC circuit may be provided as an option of the display apparatus 200 to the user who may choose to select/deselect the MEMC mode.

[0035] Alternatively, the display controller 212 may be configured to convert the frame rate of the received video signal 224 by performing one or more frame repeat of each image frames. This embodiment of frame conversion may be referred to as a graphic mode of the display apparatus 200. When the display controller 212 is configured to repeat the image frames to convert the frame rate of the received video signal 224, the MEMC circuit may be disabled or switched off, such that interpolation of the image frames is not carried out. When three-dimensional video signals are to be displayed on the display panel 214, the display controller 212 may be configured to be work under the graphic mode with the MEMC mode being disabled.

[0036] The display controller 212 may output the image frames 226 being frame repeated to the display 214, e.g. a hold type display panel, to present the images to users.

[0037] The display controller 212 may also output a VSYNC signal 220 which indicates the frame change in synchronization with vertical blanking interval for controlling the display of the image frames on the display panel 214.

[0038] The VSYNC signal 220 may be transmitted to an external device, such as a shutter glass or a shutter glass controller, to synchronize the operation of the shutter glass with the image frames displayed on the display panel 214. In one example, the VSYNC signal 220 may be transmitted to the external device wirelessly via an emitter 232, such as an infrared (IR) emitter. In another embodiment, the VSYNC signal 220 may be transmitted via wired means 234.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the display apparatus 200 may be configured to process the received input signals for display on a display panel, and to output a VSYNC signal to a shutter glass or a shutter glass controller to provide video frame identification information.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a display apparatus in accordance with another embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a display apparatus 300 similar to the display apparatus 200 of FIG.2, including the front end circuit 202, the antenna 204, the DVI/HDMI input port 208, the TV System-on-a-Chip (SoC) 206, the display controller 212, the display panel 214, and the power supply unit 216.

[0042] Compared to the display apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, the display apparatus 300 further includes a shutter glass controller 236. The shutter glass controller 236 may include an input configured to receive the VSYNC signal 220 from the display controller 212, and a shutter glass driver configured to generate at least one shutter glass driving signal to drive a shutter glass. The shutter glass driving signal may be transmitted to the shutter glass via wireless or wired transmission.

[0043] In FIG. 3, the shutter glass controller 236 is integrated in the display apparatus 300, such that the generating of the shutter glass driving signal in accordance with the VSYNC signal 220 is carried out at the display apparatus 300. This may help to increase the processing speed and to reduce the size of the shutter glass.

[0044] The display panel 214 in the display apparatus 200, 300 may be a hold-type display, examples of which include but are not limited to LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diode), LED (light emitting diode) and nanotube-based displays.

[0045] In an example, the display panel 214 in the display apparatus 200, 300 may be configured as a display having a refresh rate of at least 100Hz. In another example, the display panel 214 may be configured as a display having a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. In a further example, the display panel 214 may be configured as a display having a refresh rate of at least 200Hz. In another embodiment, the display panel 214 may be configured as a display having a refresh rate of at least 240Hz. [0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus 400 for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed in one embodiment.

[0047] In one embodiment, the apparatus 400 may include a video frame

identification signal generator 402 configured to generate the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed. In one embodiment, the apparatus 400 may further include a transmitter 404 configured to transmit the video frame identification signal. For example, the video frame identification signal may be transmitted to the controller of a shutter glass. In one embodiment, when a sequence of frames including a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, the video frame identification signal generator is configured to generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic. For example, a display may output a 3D movie in a sequence of frames which includes a sequence of first eye frames and a sequence of second eye frames in an alternate sequence. The video frame identification signal generator 402 included in the apparatus 400 may generate a video frame identification signal for each frame to be displayed on the display. Further, the video identification signal for a first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for a second eye frame. Thus, the video frame identification signal may be used to effect the control of a shutter glass. For example, the controller of the shutter glass may determine, based on the signal characteristic of the received video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame, and the controller of the shutter glass may control the switch of the shutter glass based on such determination. That is, the controller of the shutter glass may differentiate the frame to be displayed to be a first eye frame or a second eye frame based on the signal characteristic of the video frame identification signal.

[0048] In one embodiment, in other words, an apparatus is provided which may generate a video frame identification signal for each frame to be displayed in a display. When a sequence of frames including a sequence of first kind of frames and a sequence bf second kind of frames alternately generated are presented, the video frame

identification signal for the first kind frame is different from the video frame

identification signal for the second kind frame. For example, the first kind of frames may be first eye frames corresponding to a first eye viewpoint and the second kind of frames may be second eye frames corresponding to a second eye view point. The video frame identification signal for the first eye frame and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may be different in at least one signal characteristic. The signal characteristic may be but is not limited to, the number of pulse(s) in the signal, the voltage level of the signal, the pulse width of the signal, the arrangement of pulses in the signal, and the time period between pulses in the signal, etc. In general, a signal characteristic may be any feature of a signal that allows distinguishing two signals wherein the two signals only differ with respect to this feature. For example, the first eye frame may be a left eye frame and the second eye frame may be a right eye frame. The video frame identification signal may effect the control of a shutter glass to switch correctly. The controller of the shutter glass may receive the video frame identification signal and determine whether the frame to be displayed is a left eye frame or a right frame. Based on such determination, the shutter glass may be switched in such a way that the left eye portion of the shutter glass is open only when the left eye frame is displayed, and the right eye portion is open only when the right eye frame is displayed.

[0049] For example, the apparatus 400 may be incorporated as a part of the frame rate converter 112 in FIG. 1 or the display controller 212 in FIGs. 2 and 3. For another example, the apparatus 400 may be coupled to the frame rate converter 112 in FIG. 1 or the display controller 212 in FIGs. 2 and 3.

[0050] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal is a three- dimensional video frame synchronization signal.

[0051] In one embodiment, the video frame synchronization signal is a VSYNC signal.

[0052] In one embodiment, the at least one signal characteristic is the number of pulse(s) of the video frame identification signal. In other words, the video frame identification signal for a first eye frame may include a number of pulse(s) that is different from the number of pulse(s) contained in the video frame identification signal for a second eye frame.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

[0054] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame includes one pulse, and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame includes two pulses. [0055] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame includes two pulses, and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame includes one pulse.

[0056] However, it should be noted that the number of pulses in the video frame identification signal may be of any number as long as the number of pulse(s) in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the number of pulse(s) in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame according to one embodiment. For example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include one pulse and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include three pulses. For another example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include four pulses and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include two pulses.

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 502 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 504 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0058] In this example, a sequence of left eye frames and a sequence of right eye frames are alternately displayed. For example, the display may output image frames of a 3D movie in the sequence of the first left eye frame, the corresponding first right eye frame, the second left eye frame, the corresponding second right eye frame, and so on. For each frame, a video frame identification signal is generated. In this example, the video frame identification signal 502 for the left eye frame includes two pulses, and the video frame identification signal 504 for the right eye frame includes one pulse. The pulse width of the two pulses in the video frame identification signal 502 for the left eye frame may be the same. The pulse width of the video frame identification signal 504 for the right eye frame may be the same as the pulse width of one of the pulses in the video frame identification signal 502 for the left eye frame.

[0059] In this example, the controller of a shutter glass may receive the video frame identification signal, and determine the frame to be displayed to be a left eye frame if the video frame identification signal includes two pulses, or determine the frame to be displayed to be a right eye frame if the video frame identification signal includes one pulse. The controller of the shutter glass may then control the switch of the shutter glass based on such determination.

[0060] In one embodiment, the at least one signal characteristic is the width of pulse of the video frame identification signal. In other words, the width of pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be different from the width of the pulse of the video frame identification signal of the second eye frame. For example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include at least one pulse, and the pulse width of each pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye may be of a first value. The video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include at least one pulse and the pulse width of each pulse of the video frame identification signal for the second eye may be of a second value. The first value may be different from the second value.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames. [0062] In one embodiment, the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is two times the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

[0063] In one embodiment, the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is two times the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame.

[0064] However, it should be noted that the difference in the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is not so limited. For example, the width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be three times the width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame. For another example, the width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may be 2.5 times the width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame.

[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 602 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 604 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0066] Assume that a sequence of left eye frames and a sequence of right eye frames are alternately displayed on a display. For example, the display may output image frames of a 3D movie in the sequence of the first left eye frame, the corresponding first right eye frame, the second left eye frame, the corresponding second right eye frame, and so on. For each frame, a video frame identification signal is generated. In this example, both the video frame identification signal 602 for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 604 for the right eye frame include one pulse. The pulse width of the video frame identification signal 602 for the left eye frame is 2X micro second, which is two times the pulse width (X micro second) of the video frame identification signal 604 for the right eye frame. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. For example, if the pulse width of the video frame identification signal is 2X micro seconds, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a left eye frame, and if the pulse width of the video frame identification signal is X micro seconds, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a right eye frame.

[0067] In one embodiment, the at least one signal characteristic is the voltage level of pulse in the video frame identification signal. In other words, the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

[0069] In one embodiment, the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is two times the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

[0070] In one embodiment, the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is two times the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame. [0071] However, it should be noted that the difference between the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame and the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is not so limited. For example, the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be three times the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in an alternative embodiment. For another example, the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may be 2.5 times the voltage level of the pulse in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 702 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 704 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0073] Assume that a sequence of left eye frames and a sequence of right eye frames are alternately displayed on a display. For example, the display may output image frames of a 3D movie in the sequence of the first left eye frame, the corresponding first right eye frame, the second left eye frame, the corresponding second right eye frame, and so on. For each frame, a video frame identification signal is generated. In this example, the video frame identification signal 702 for the left eye frame includes one pulse, and the video frame identification signal 704 for the right eye frame includes one pulse. The pulse width of the video frame identification signal 702 for the left eye frame is the same with the pulse width (X micro-second) of the video frame identification signal 704 for the right eye frame. The voltage level (V volts) of the pulse in the video frame identification signal 702 for the left eye frame is two time the voltage level (V/2 volts) of the pulse in the video frame identification signal 704 for the right eye frame. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the received video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. For example, if the voltage level of video frame identification signal is V volts, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a left eye frame. If the voltage level of the video frame identification signal is V/2 volts, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a right eye frame. The controller may control the switch of the shutter glass based on such determination.

[0074] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signals for the first eye frame and the second eye frame both include a plurality of pulses, and the at least one signal characteristic is the arrangement of pulses in the signal. In other words, a pulse (pulse A) of the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may have a same signal characteristic with a pulse (pulse B) of the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame. The position of pulse A in the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be different from the position of pulse B in the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the arrangement of the pulses in the video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame, and control the switch of the shutter glass accordingly based on such determination.

[0075] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include a same number of pulses as the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame dose. Different pulses in the video frame identification signal may have different signal characteristics. In one embodiment, at least one pulse (pulse C) in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may have same signal characteristics (characteristic E) as a pulse (pulse D) in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame. The position of pulse C may be different from the position of pulse D in the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal. For example, pulse C may be the first pulse in the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame, and pulse D may be the last pulse in the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the position of the pulse with the characteristic E in the video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. For example, if the pulse with characteristic E is the first pulse among the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame. If the pulse with characteristic E is the last pulse among the plurality of pulses in the video frame identification signal, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a second eye frame. Base on such determination, the controller may control the switch of the shutter glass accordingly.

[0076] For another example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include a plurality of pulses, among which there are a pulse A with characteristic E and a pulse B with characteristic F. The video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include a plurality of pulses, among which there are a pulse C with characteristic E and a pulse D with characteristic F. In the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame, the pulse A with characteristic E may be in a position ahead of the pulse B with characteristic F. In the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame, the pulse C with characteristic E may be in a position after the pulse D with characteristic R The controller of a shutter glass may determine whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame based on the video frame identification signal. For example, if the video frame identification signal includes a pulse with characteristic E ahead of a pulse with characteristic F, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame. If the video frame identification signal includes a pulse with characteristic E after a pulse with characteristic F, it may be determined that the frame to the displayed is a second eye frame. The controller may then control the switch of the shutter glass based on such determination.

[0077] It can be seen that using the arrangement of pulses with different

characteristics may achieve differentiation of more than two kinds of frames (i.e. first eye frame and second eye frame) if needed. For example, using the arrangement of three pulses with different characteristics may achieve differentiation of at least six kinds of frames.

[0078] In one embodiment, the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

[0079] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame includes a pulse with a first signal characteristic followed by a pulse with a second signal characteristic, and the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame includes a pulse with the second signal characteristic followed by a pulse with the first signal characteristic, wherein the first signal characteristic is different from the second signal characteristic.

[0080] In one embodiment, a pulse with the first signal characteristic is a pulse with a first pulse width, and a pulse with the second signal characteristic is a pulse with a second pulse width. That is, the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include a pulse with a first pulse width followed by a pulse with a second pulse width, and the video identification signal for the first eye frame may include a pulse with a second pulse width followed by a pulse with a first pulse width. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. For example, if the video frame identification signal includes a pulse with a first pulse width followed by a pulse with a second pulse width, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a second eye frame. If the video frame identification signal includes a pulse with a second pulse width followed by a pulse with a first pulse width, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame. In one embodiment, the time interval between the two pulses of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame or the second eye frame may be the same with the first pulse width or the second pulse width.

[0081] In one embodiment, a pulse with the first characteristic is a pulse at a first voltage level, and a pulse with the second characteristic is a pulse at a second voltage level. That is, the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include a pulse at a first voltage level followed by a pulse at a second voltage level, and the video identification signal for the first eye frame may include a pulse at a second voltage level followed by a pulse at a first voltage level. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame. For example, if the video frame identification signal includes a pulse at a first voltage level followed by a pulse at a second voltage level, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a second eye frame. If the video frame identification signal includes a pulse at a second voltage level followed by a pulse at a first voltage level, it may be determined that the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame.

[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 802 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 804 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0083] Assume that a sequence of left eye frames and a sequence of right eye frames are alternately displayed on a display. For example, the display may output image frames of a 3D movie in the sequence of the first left eye frame, the corresponding first right eye frame, the second left eye frame, the corresponding second right eye frame, and so on. For each frame, a video frame identification signal is generated. In this example, the video frame identification signal 802 for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 804 for the right eye frame both include two pulses. The video frame identification signal 802 for the left eye frame includes a first pulse 810 with a first characteristic, i.e. pulse width is X micro second, followed by a second pulse 812 with a second signal characteristic, i.e. pulse width of Y micro second, wherein X is not equal to Y. The video frame identification signal 804 for the right eye frame includes a first pulse 814 with the second signal characteristic, i.e. pulse width of Y micro second, followed by a second pulse 816 with the first signal characteristic, i.e. pulse width of X micro second. In one embodiment, the time interval 820 (Z micro seconds) between the first pulse 810 and the second pulse 812 of the video frame identification signal 802 for the left eye frame may be the same as the time interval 822 between the first pulse 814 and the second pulse 816 of the video frame identification signal 804 for the right eye frame. In one embodiment, the length of the time interval 820 may be same as the pulse width of pulse 810 or 812. In an alternate embodiment, the time interval 820 may be different from the time interval 822. For example, the length of the time interval 820 may be the same as the pulse width of pulse 810 (or pulse 816), and the length of the time interval 822 may be the same as the pulse width of pulse 814 (or pulse 814). In the example as shown in FIG. 8, the time interval 820 is the same as the time interval 822, i.e. Z micro seconds. Also in this example, the voltage level of the pulses in the video frame identification signal 802 for the left eye frame is the same as the voltage level of the pulses in the video frame identification signal 804 for the right eye frame.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 902 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 904 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0085] In this example, the video frame identification signal 902 for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 904 for the right eye frame both include two pulses. The video frame identification signal 902 for the left eye frame includes a first pulse 910 with a first characteristic, i.e. at a first voltage level, followed by a second pulse 912 with a second signal characteristic, i.e. at a second voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is different from the second voltage level. The video frame

identification signal 904 for the right eye frame includes a first pulse 914 with the second signal characteristic, i.e. at a second voltage level, followed by a second pulse 916 with the first signal characteristic, i.e. at a first voltage level. For example, the first voltage level may be two times the second voltage level. In this example, the duration of the time interval 920 between the two pulses 910 and 912 in the video frame identification signal 902 for the left eye frame may be the same as the time interval 922 between the two pulses 914 and 916 in the video frame identification signal 904 for the right eye frame. Also in this example, the pulse width (X micro seconds) of the pulse 910 in the video frame identification signal 902 may be the same as the pulse width of the pulse 916 in the video frame identification signal 904. The pulse width (Y micro seconds) of the pulse 912 in the video frame identification signal 902 may be the same as the pulse width of the pulse 914 in the video frame identification signal 904. X may be equal to Y or different from Y.

[0086] In one embodiment, each of the video frame identification signals for the first eye frames and the second eye frames includes a plurality of pulses, and the at least one signal characteristic is the time period between of the pulses in the video frame identification signal. In other words, the time interval between the two pulses which are in immediate succession in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be different from the time interval between the two pulses which are immediate succession in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

[0087] For example, both the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame and the second eye frame may each include four pulses. The time interval between any two pulses that are in immediate succession in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be of a first time period, and the time interval between any two pulses that are in immediate succession in the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may be of a second time period. The time interval between the two pulses that are in immediate in the succession in a video frame identification signal may be recognized by a controller of a shutter glass. The controller of a shutter glass may determine whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame based on the time interval between the two pulses that are in immediate succession in the video frame identification signal, and control the switch of the shutter glass based on such determination.

[0088] For another example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include two pulses and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include three pulses. The time interval between the pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be of a first time period, and the time interval between any two pulses that are in immediate succession in the video frame identification signal for the second eye may be of a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period. For example, the length of the first time period may be two times the length of the second time period.

[0089] For a further example, the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may include two pulses and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame may include three pulses. The time interval between the pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame may be of a first time period, and the time interval between the first two pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye may be of a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period. The controller of a shutter glass may determine, based on the time interval between the first two pulses in a video frame identification signal, whether the frame to be displayed is a first eye frame or a second eye frame, and may switch the shutter glass accordingly based on such determination.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

[0091] In one embodiment, each of the video frame identification signal includes two pulses, and the time period between the two pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is of a first time period, and the time width between the two pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye is of a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period.

[0092] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the video frame identification signal 1002 generated for the left eye frame and the video frame identification signal 1004 generated for the right eye frame by the apparatus 400 (as shown in FIG. 4) according to one embodiment.

[0093] In this example, the identification signal 1002 for the left eye frame includes two pulses 1010 and 1012, and the identification signal 1004 for the right eye frame includes two pulses 1014 and 1016. The time interval between the two pulses 1010 and 1012 in the video frame identification signal 1002 for the left eye frame is Y micro seconds, and the time interval between the two pulses 1014 and 1016 for the right eye frame is Z micro seconds, wherein Y is different from Z. In this example, the pulse width of the pulses 1010 and 1012 in the signal 1002 and the pulse width of the pulses 1014 and 1016 in the signal 1004 are the same, i.e. X micro seconds, wherein X may be same as Y or Z or different from both Y and Z.

[0094] FIG. 1 1 illustrates a method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method may include a step 1102 of generating the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed. In one embodiment, the method may further include a step 1104 of transmitting the video frame identification signal. In one embodiment, when a sequence of frames including a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames is generated such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

[0096] In one embodiment, the apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed as described herein may be coupled to the GPIO (general purpose input/output ports) of TV or video processing ICs (integrated circuits), and the GPIO may be configured to output the video frame identification signal in synchronization with the left eye frames and right eye frames that are being outputted to a display. It is easy for a 3D shutter glass to acquire the video frame identification signal and switch both the left portion and the right portion of the shutter glass accordingly to be in synchronization with the left eye and right eye frames that are being displayed on any display apparatus. [0097] In one embodiment, the apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed as described herein may be coupled to the Digital to Analog port of the TV/video processing ICs, and the Digital to Analog port may output the video frame identification signal in synchronization with the left eye frames and right eye frames that are being outputted to a display.

[0098] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal for the frame to be displayed as described herein may be coded and transmitted via an IR (infrared) transmission or RF (radio frequency) transmission or wired means to the 3D view device, e.g. LCD shutter glasses, for synchronization purposes, i.e. control of the shutter glass based on the video frame identification signal so that the shutter glass is switched in synchronization of change of frames wherein a sequence of left eye frames and a sequency of right eye frames are alternately presented and so that the left eye portion of the shutter glass is only open when the left eye frame is displayed and the right eye portion of the shutter glass is only open when the right eye frame is displayed.

[0099] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal, e.g. VSY C signal, may have a frequency of 100Hz, 120Hz, 200Hz, 240Hz, 400Hz, or 480 Hz. The frequency of the video frame identificaiton signal may be set to be the same as the frame change frequency. In one embodiment, the up-limit of the voltage level of the video frame identificaiton signal, e.g. VSYNC signal, may be 3.3 volts or 5 volts.

[00100] FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 which includes a video frame identification signal generating apparatus 1202 and a shutter glass apparatus 1204 according to one embodiment. [00101] In one embodiment, the video frame identification signal generating apparatus 1202 may include a video frame identification signal generator 1206 and a transmitter 1208. The video frame identification signal generator 1206 may be configured to generate a video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed. The transmitter 1208 may be configured to transmit the video frame identification signal. In one embodiment, when a sequence of frames comprising a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, the video frame identification signal generator 1206 is configured to generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

[00102] In one embodiment, the shutter glass apparatus 1204 includes a shutter glass controller 1210 and a shutter glass 1212. The shutter glass 1212 may include a first eye portion 1214 provided for the first eye of the viewer and a second eye portion 1216 provided for the second eye of the viewer. The shutter glass controller 1210 may include an input 1218 configured to receive a video frame identification signal, and a shutter glass driver 1220 configured to generate at least one shutter glass driving signal to drive the shutter glass 1212. In one embodiment, the shutter glass driver 1220 is configured such that the shutter glass driving signal effects a control of the shutter glass 1212 in accordance with the video frame identification signal such that, the first eye portion 1214 of the shutter glass 1212 is open only during the presentation of a first eye frame, and the second eye portion 1216 of the shutter glass 1212 is open only during the presentation of a second eye frame.

[00103] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed, comprising:

a video frame identification signal generator configured to generate the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed;

a transmitter configured to transmit the video frame identification signal;

wherein when a sequence of frames comprising a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, the video frame identification signal generator is configured to generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video frame identification signal is a three-dimensional video frame synchronization signal.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the video frame synchronization signal is a VSYNC signal.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal characteristic is the number of pulse(s) of the video frame identification signal.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame comprises one pulse, and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame comprises two pulses.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame comprises two pulses, and the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame comprises one pulse.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal characteristic is the width of pulse of the video frame identification signal.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is two times the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is two times the pulse width of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal characteristic is the voltage level of pulse in the video frame identification signal.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is two times the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame is two times the voltage level of the pulse of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video frame identification signals for the second eye frame and the first eye frame both comprise a plurality of pulses, and the at least one signal characteristic is the arrangement of pulses in the signal.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame comprises a pulse with a first signal characteristic followed by a pulse with a second signal characteristic, and the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame comprises a pulse with the second signal characteristic followed by a pulse with the first signal characteristic, wherein the first signal characteristic is different from the second signal characteristic.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein a pulse with the first signal characteristic is a pulse with a first pulse width, and a pulse with the second signal characteristic is a pulse with a second pulse width.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein a pulse with the first characteristic is a pulse at a first voltage level, and a pulse with the second characteristic is a pulse at a second voltage level.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the time period between the two pulses of the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame or the second eye frame is the same with the first pulse width or the second pulse width. 8

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the video frame identification signals for the second eye frame and the first eye frame comprises a plurality of pulses, and the at least one signal characteristic is the time period between of the pulses in the signal.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first eye frames are left eye frames and the second eye frames are right eye frames.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein each of the video frame identification signal comprises two pulses, and the time period between the two pulses in the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is of a first time period, and the time width between the two pulses in the video frame identification signal for the second eye is of a second time period, wherein the first time period is different from the second time period.

25. A method for generating a video frame identification signal for a frame to be displayed, comprising:

generating the video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed;

transmitting the video frame identification signal;

wherein when a sequence of frames comprising a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames is generated such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic.

A system, comprising:

a video frame identification signal generating apparatus, and

a shutter glass apparatus,

wherein the video frame identification signal generating apparatus comprises a video frame identification signal generator configured to generate a video frame identification signal for the frame that is to be displayed; and

a transmitter configured to transmit the video frame identification signal; wherein when a sequence of frames comprising a sequence of first eye frames for a first eye of a viewer and a sequence of second eye frames for a second eye of the viewer alternately generated are presented, the video frame identification signal generator is configured to generate a video frame identification signal for each of the sequence of frames such that the video frame identification signal for the first eye frame is different from the video frame identification signal for the second eye frame in at least one signal characteristic; and

wherein the shutter glass apparatus comprises

a shutter glass controller; and a shutter glass comprising a first eye portion provided for the first eye of the viewer and a second eye portion provided for the second eye of the viewer; wherein the shutter glass controller comprises:

an input configured to receive a video frame identification signal;

a shutter glass driver configured to generate at least one shutter glass driving signal to drive the shutter glass;

wherein the shutter glass driver is configured such that the shutter glass driving signal effects a control of the shutter glass in accordance with the video frame identification signal such that, the first eye portion of the shutter glass is open only during the presentation of a first eye frame, and the second eye portion of the shutter glass is open only during the presentation of a second eye frame.