Two recently published patents reveal that Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (The PlayStation division of Sony)  is considering using stereoscopic screen sharing.

With Sony’s new 3DTVs viewing images in stereoscopic 3D is the most obvious trick, but this patent, if implemented, would make it possible for two players to share separate images on the same screen.

Hit the jump for more details:

A real world example may be playing Twisted Metal or Killzone 3 with a friend. Rather than playing in split screen, you could choose to use the stereoscopic setting so that each of you only sees your own character’s point of view on the screen. Your friend will no longer be able to cheat and see where you are, or check out your plays on Madden. Also interesting is that the patent drawings show glasses with earbuds, like those old Oakleys. Imagine being able to get your own audio signal while you play.

Personally, if this happens, it’s a little more exciting to me than 3DTV. I hate splitscreen. Here is some similar tech we found interesting.

STEREOSCOPIC SCREEN SHARING METHOD AND APPARATUS
(Link)
Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods of providing respective video signals to at least two viewers using a common display are disclosed. An image from a first video signal corresponding to a left perspective of a scene and an image from a second video signal corresponding to a right perspective of the scene are alternately displayed with the display. A first shuttered filter is synchronized to the display such that the first filter is shuttered when the left perspective image is displayed and a second shuttered filter is synchronized to the display such that the second filter is shuttered when the right perspective image is displayed, thereby alternately providing left and right perspective images for perception as a 3D images. In addition, display of one or more images from an additional video signal on the display is synchronized with shuttering of one or more additional shuttered filters.

3D SHUTTER GLASSES WITH MODE SWITCHING BASED ON ORIENTATION TO DISPLAY DEVICE
(Link)
Abstract
A shuttered filter apparatus comprises a frame, one or more shuttered filters attached to the frame, and a tracker attached to the frame. Each shuttered filter is configured to selectively prevent a viewer from seeing through the filter in response to a signal from a controller. The tracker is configured to sense an orientation of the one or more shuttered filters relative to a video screen. The controller may use a signal from the tracker indicative of an orientation of the shutter filter(s) relative to enable shuttering when the shuttered filter apparatus is facing toward the video screen and disable shuttering when the shuttered filter apparatus is facing away from the video screen.