AU649530B2 - Improvements in three-dimensional imagery - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 4 9 5 3 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

1 Oa Name of Applicant: Actual Inventors: Address for Service: Invention Title: TRUTAN PTY LIMITED DONALD LEWIS MAUNSELL MARTIN and BJORN RICKARD OLSSON H. R. HODGKINSON CO.

Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 26A Alfred Street Milsons Point NSW 2061 "Improvements in Three-Dimensional Imagery" C The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in the creation of three-dimensional imagery.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Prior to the present invention many attempts have been made to provide commercially successful and acceptable methods and apparatus for use in the creation of three-dimensional imagery. In many known methods and apparatus it is essential that some form of view differentiating intermediate opticals be used, such as for example filtered opticals, polarised opticals, shutter viewers, spectacles, lenses or lensing screens.

Image depth enhancement (which is often referred to as threedimensional imagery) can be produced in any number of known ways. In addition to the above, these include the use of dynamic lenses, dynamic mirrors, increasing comparative image size substantially; increasing image definition; using curved mirrors, lenses, fresnel screens and lenses, using frames S. that obscure the borders of the image; using signal changing 20 devices that fluctuate dimensions of the image and by placing layers of transparent material (such as glass or perspex) immediately over the surface on which the image appears.

Notwithstanding the fact that many attempts have been made to develop commercially acceptable methods and apparatus for use 25 in the creation of three-dimensional imagery, there is still not a commercially accepted method and apparatus in common use. Further, the depth enhancement or three-dimensional imagery, which is able to be achieved by the methods and apparatus known up until this time, is not of a standard that is acceptable for day-to-day use, such as for example in the recording and showing of slides, films, television programs, commercials and the like, whether such recordings are shown after the recording or substantially simultaneously with the recording (such as, for example, in the case of the filming of sporting events, news events and the like).

It is an object of this invention to provide a straightforward and efficient method and arrangement for use in recording images for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display wherein said recorded imagery, when viewed, has depth in imagery and appears in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a 15 method for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart angles of view, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view such that said 20 recorded imagery, when viewed on a screen surface, has depth of image and appears substantially in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method of recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view from at least two spaced apart angles of view, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that recorded imagery when shown and viewed on a screen surface, is such that the eyes of a viewer are unable to perceive any separate image as a coherent whole, the eyes perceiving the segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of view on said screen surface, as having depth of imagery and as being a coherent whole with depth such as to appear to the eyes to be in three dimensions.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method of recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view from at least two spaced apart angles of view, at least one being a right-hand angle of view and at least one being a left-hand angle of view, and including segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that said recorded imagery, when shown on a screen surface, is such that the eyes, when viewing said segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of view, are unable to perceive separate right-hand and left-hand images, such as to form a coherent whole; the eyes of a viewer perceiving the segmented partial and adjacent angles of view as having depth of imagery and as being a coherent whole with depth, such as to appear in titree dimensions.

0.o According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on a screen surface, :.:".including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles *25 of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart angles; means being provided to segment and separate said partial and adjacent angles of view for said display on said 0.screen surface; the arrangement being such that said segmented and separated, adjacent angles of view of said imagery, when appearing on said screen surface, have depth of imagery and appear to the eyes to be in three dimensions.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on a screen surface, including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery onto media, from at least two spaced apart angles; being at least one right angle and at least one left angle; means being provided to segment arid separate said partial and adjacent angles of view for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on said screen surface, the arrangement being such that when displayed on said screen surface, the right and left eyes of a viewer are unable to perceive the segmented, separated, partial and adjacent angles of view as a coherent whole right and/or left image; both eyes of a viewer rather perceiving the segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of view on said screen surface, as having imagery of depth and as being a coherent whole with depth, such as to appear to said eyes to be in three dimensions.

omeoo According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method of recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface so as to appear to the eyes of a viewer to be in substantially three dimensions, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view from at least two spaced apart angles of view, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view.

25 According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface, so that the imagery appears to the eyes of a viewer to be in three dimensions, including means to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery from at least two spaced apart angles and including means to segment and separate said partial and adjacent angles of view prior to display of said imagery on said screen surface.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery from at least two spaced apart angles of view, any two spaced apart angles of view being spaced apart by a distance of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view such that said recorded imagery, when viewed on a screen surface, has depth of image and appears substantially in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on a screen surface 15 including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart angles; any two spaced apart angles being spaced apart by a distance of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch; means being provided to segment and separate said partial and adjacent angles of view for said display on said screen surface; the arrangement being such that said segmented and separated adjacent angles of view of said So..imagery, when appearing on said screen surface, have depth of imagery and appear to the eyes to be in three dimensions.

25 According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on a screen surface, including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel angles; any two spaced apart and parallel angles being spaced apart by a distance of up to approximately 1/2 inch; means being provided to segment and separate said partial and adjacent angles of view for said display on said screen surface; the arrangement being such that said segmented and separated adjacent angles of view of said imagery, when appearing on said screen surface, have depth of imagery and appear to the eyes to be in three dimensions.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display on a screen surface, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery from at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel angles of view; any two spaced apart and substantially parallel angles of view being spaced apart by a distance of up to 1/2 inch, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view such that said recorded imagery when viewed on a screen surface has depth of image and appears substantially in three dimensions to the •*•eyes of a viewer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The present invention will be described with reference to various embodiments thereof and with reference (by way of example only) to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate a plurality of forms of the invention which are described by way of example only. The various forms of the present invention are described in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one form of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a camera capable of being used in one form of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a further diagrammatic view of a camera able to be used according L, one form of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a view of a camera according to one form of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a method and arrangement according to one form of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic partial side view of a further form of the method and arrangement according to one form of the present invention, Fig. 7 is a further diagrammatic view of the form of the method and arrangement as shown in Fig. 6 of S- the drawings and 15 Fig. 8 is a further diagrammatic view of one form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION AND BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As referred to hereinbefore, the present invention provides a :20 method and apparatus for recording imagery so that the imagery can subsequently or substantially simultaneously be displayed on an appropriate screen surface, the recorded •imagery when displayed being perceived by the eyes of a viewer as having depth in imagery and thus appearing in three dimensions.

Up until this time, three dimensional imagery has been created and viewed as what could be termed, "the two separate views" type. This can be done through spectacles, known means and apparatus and the like. Essentially however threedimensional imagery of the "two separate views" type involving separate right- and left-hand views and the sequential blocking off of these views, is not capable of producing visual realism as people arc used to experiencing it. In other words, as the eyes normally communicate the views to the brain. Such three-dimensional imagery tends to be identifiable as imagery and thus unnatural. Further, there are other drawbacks with such known forms of threedimensional imagery, including for example limitations on the angles from which imagery can be seen, incompatibility with conventional equipment, difficulties with transmission and broadcasting, substandard qualities, eye strain and lack of commercial viability and reality, as well as problems with many people who have abnormal vision.

As a background of the present invention, and for the S. *purposes of the description and definition herein, it is generally believed that it can be said that the eye should in many cases be conceived as something of a dynamic sensor. The 20 eyes of a human being generally see both horizontal and vertical planes substantially simultaneously, together with constantly varying fields of depths and focal points. This essential dynamic sensing, coupled with the memory, ilaintains S"impressions of infinitely variable views of everything seen by the eyes. It is generally believed that the mind is not given one clear left or one clear right view, but is continually given a range of different partial and adjacent images. These varying partial and adjacent images are combined by the mind or brain of a human being into a single coherent whole which has depth of image and which clearly appears in three dimensions.

It is also generally believ" A that the eyes of a human are rapidly and continuously scanning. As indicated, they do not, it is believed, continuously focus on one point, giving one right view and one left view. The eyes have a continuously changing field of view and both eyes are continuously shifting over varying points, one crossing over the other's field of view. Further, humans are often continuously moving their heads, and eye balls are often moving within their sockets. Thus, far from the mind or brain of a human having transmitted to it, two dissimilar changing views or photographs (one right and one left), what the mind or brain is receiving is continuous partial and adjacent, segmented and separated views of imagery.

Up until this time, it is believed that the opticals using the principle of producing two distinct views to simulate the perceptions of three dimensions are limited by inherent restrictions. Such restrictions confine such systems and means to representations of three dimensions in single horizontal planes with fixed field depth and fixed focal *"length. It will be appreciated from the above that these are not realistic, and are perceived as such. In practice, such known systems are precluded from reproducing realistic three- 20 dimens onal imagery.

A fundamental feature of the present invention is that it .1 produces a commercially viable method for producing threedimensional imagery, by removing the necessity for wearing view differentiating spectacles and using other intermediate opticals between the iiv;jery and the observer.

o The present invention, in its preferred forms, accomplishes the production of wide angle three-dimensional imagery, with o.eo•i comparatively little alteration and addition to existing technology, by containing about a common centre within each image, multiple, adjacent angles of view that are displayed partially and progressively across the screen, in apparent full alignment, as separated image segments, or as a combination of separated image segments, changing to cumulatively reveal the continuously varying spatial displacements between the segments of images on the screen and, at sufficient ~oeed, as constant visual displacements between the subjec elements of a steady, single, coherent and complete three-dimensional image.

The present invention also provides that the angles between the multiple views about a common centre of each image are such that the rapidly changing segments of images containing the angles produce an apparent constant visual displacement between the subject elements of the image, at the same time that the subject elements within the image appear to remain in alignment, so as to prevent or minimise the appearance of more than one image, or multiple imagery within any part of the image.

The size of the angles between the multiple views about a common centre of each centre may vary according to the distance of the subject matter from the point of acquisition; distances between subject elements within each image; lenses used; resolution capability; subject movement within the image; and the effect desired. However, it is believed that the angle sizes will be comparatively small, relative to the angle sizes utilised up until this time. In particular it is believed that the distance between any two angles of view (bearing in mind that the invention requires that the imagery be recorded from at least two spaced apart angles of view) 25 will be in the range of, for example, between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch, and that this will result in alignment of images which has not been previously 44oe.O satisfactorily achieved.

4q44 0 It should be appreciated that in certain forms of the invention involving a plurality of spaced apart partial angles of view, any two or more partial and spaced apart angles of view are able to be spaced apart by a distance of up to approximately 1/2 inch.

It should always be appreciated however that such spacings are preferred forms of the invention only and that such spacings and/or angles may be altered and/or varied depending upon the nature of the imagery concerned and/or depending upon the desires of the film maker, director, producer or the like.

The term "production" means acquisition, generation or construction for immediate display upon a screen, or immediate transmission for display, or immediate broadcasting for display. In addition, "production" can mean acquisition, generation, or construction for storage and later display, transmission, broadcasting or projection.

Equipment used for acquisition includes cameras, cine cameras, video cameras, holographic camera arrangements, or 0:i 15 any device capable of acquiring imaging containing multiple, adjacent angles of view about a common centre in a manner i: such that the acquired imagery can be presented, separated and segmented for display so as to appear three-dimensional .i on a screen.

Segmentat n of the multiple adjacent angles of view about a common centre can take place as the imagery is acquired, n e Cwithin a camera-like system, Lr anywhere before display such as during, or as part of, film processing; storage input or retrieval; or editing; for the production of slides; film prints or video tapes for release; in transmission or broadcasting; or on reception.

In addition, appropriate segmented imagery can be manufactured in the generation of imagery, such as computer imagery or symbology, or in the production of caricatures.

By "image" a single whole image is meant such as contained by a slide; one frame of a film; one image on a video tape; an x-ray; or any other clearly definable view capable of being recorded, stored, transmitted, broadcast, displayed, projected, presented or generated to duplicate actual objects, symbols; or represent objects or symbols such as computer generated imagery or caricatures. In addition, by image or imagery, series of single images presenting the same view or continuation of a view are included.

By display is meant projected, presented, illuminated or generated so as to be visible to the eye.

By screen is meant any surface upon which the imagery can be displayed, presented, projected or generated so that it becomes visible; or any volume in which imagery can be made to appear.

By alignment is meant that each imagery is registered 0e 15 apparently exactly upon any other in size, shape, vertical and horizontal position, so that multiple images appear as differing only in the appearance of depth or dimensionality ana never as more than one image, or more than one part of any image, necessarily the same shape, that is revealed progressively across the screen.

rel In practice the size of the segments will vary according to the medium used for acquisition or viewing.

The present invention provides a method and arrangement, whereby imagery is recorded in such a manner that realistic 25 and commercially viable three-dimensional imagery can be S S subsequently, or substantially simultaneously, be shown on a screen surface. The imagery can be recorded on any appropriate media, such as film, tape, slides, holograms and the like. In one form of the invention the imagery is recorded on media so that it can be subsequently shown such as in the cinema by way of slides or photographs, on a television, on a video set and the like. In further forms of the invention, means for recording the imagery, such as a camera or cameras, are in the form of a camera or cameras which are themselves, or in conjunction with appropriate transmission means, able to immediately transmit the recorded imagery to means such as television sets and the like which will receive and show the recorded imagery on a screen surface. For example, such as television cameras used in outside broadcast units for television news, sporting events and the like. These are by way of example only. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the recording of imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface. The present invention does not relate to a method and arrangement for enabling previously recorded imagery to be viewed on a screen so as to appear in three dimensions.

The method and arrangement of the present invention require the provision of a lens or lens system, that allows for the recording or acquisition of two or more substantially adjacent, similarly sized angles of view of imagery or objects that are to be recorded. Generally, it is better to acquire or record a plurality of smaller adjacent angle views rather than a smaller number of larger angle views. It should however be appreciated that in the present invention it is essential that two or more differing angles of view be recorded.

Up until this time there has been a general belief that for the purpose of recording and transmitting effective threedimensional imagery, angles of view should be taken or recorded from angles and distances corresponding substantially to the angles and distances between the left and right eyes. Generally speaking, this has meant that there has been little alignment in so far as the views are concerned, which results in double imaging or "fudging" of the image. It has however been found that it is unnecessary to have the angles of imagery spaced apart for such a distance as has previously been believed necessary. Thus, in the present invention where angles of imagery are recorded from at least two spaced apart angles of view, any two angles of view are spaced apart by a distance of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch, as it has been found that this provides excellent results and that the resultant recorded imagery has features of alignment, and does not have double imaging problems as has been the case with recorded three-dimensional imagery attempted up until this time. The distance of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch between any two angles of view (such as for example between two camera lens) is taken from substantially the centre of the camera lens. It should be appreciated, that in many cases multiple angles of view will be taken, (that is from more than two angles of view), and that depending on the nature of the imagery, and the desires of the film-maker, or director, the number of spaced and 0.:20 adjacent angles from which the imagery is recorded, may vary greatly. There will however always be at least two spaced apart angles of view, Further, no matter how many angles of S. view there are (for example: 2, 3, 5, 6, 17 etc.), the distance between any two adjacent, spaced angles of view will preferably be within the range of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch. Clearly however, an increase S. in the number of angles of view will increase the total distance and total angle(s), from which the imagery is recorded.

In a further form of the invention, any two spaced apart, partial angles of view can be substantially parallel one to the other and in such a case, the spacing between any two spaced apart angles of view can increase to up to approximately 1/2 inch.

It should however be appreciated that such spacings, as referred to above, are by way of example only in preferred forms of the invention. Such spacings and/or angles may be altered and/or varied depending on the nature of the imagery concerned and/or depending upon the desired of the film maker, director, producer or the like.

In addition, lenses or lens systems, in association with one or more cameras, should be provided and arranged, so as to acquire and record adjacent angles of view that are substantially the same in horizontal and vertical size and shape.

One or more cameras can be provided and lenses arranged in rows (such as for example shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings), in which the lenses can be arranged off-set above or below each other, or in any other alignment *that produces a plurality of different and adjacent angles of view. As indicated however, it is desirable that the views be substantially the same in size, shape, vertical, horizontal and diagonal dimensions.

If desired, a single camera can be utilised, having a plurality of lens or alternatively a plurality of cameras can be provided. It is however important to the performance of one form of the present invention that the lens be so 0"arranged that at least two differing angles of view are taken, at least one from a right-hand angle and at least one from a left-hand angle.

In one form of the invention, it is envisaged that a lens arrangement or camera can be provided, having a single lens or a plurality )f lens to which objects or images to be recorded are presented in multiple angles of view. For example, by rotating or oscillating mirrors or either by simultaneous or sequential or multiple recording or acquisition of views.

In a further form of the invention the required angles of view can be acquired by separate lens and cameras (the views being taken from differing angles), the two views then being combined or mixed for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing.

As discussed earlier, in one form of the invention a camera such as used for outside broadcast recording can be used or a plurality of cameras can be used which allow for the recorded imagery to be substantially simultaneously transmitted, received and viewed, such as on a television set. As will be appreciated from the description hereinafter, such a camera or cameras will have to be modified to include features of the present invention to enable the signal when received to be seen or perceived to be in three dimensions.

oe It is therefore an essential feature of the present invention that the imagery be recorded from two or more differing, spaced apart, angles of view.

0 In addition, it is an essential feature of the present invention that the imagery be recorded for subsequent or simultaneous viewing so that at all times only partial and adjacent sections of each angle of view are acquired or recorded. As will be appreciated, this means that when the 5 imagery is displayed, none of the multiple angles of view appear to the eyes completely at any one instant, but rather are revealed only as a sequence of segments, at a speed to the eye which merges the segments together at differing angles, so that when viewed, the recorded imagery is perceived by the eyes to have depth in imagery and to be in three dimensions; that is, in accordance with the normal working or operation of the eyes of a human.

In one preferred form of the present invention the partial and adjacent angles of view are recorded in a non-sequential manner, by using the apparatus and method of the present invention. The recording of such non-sequential adjacent and partial angles of view, in accordance with the present invention, allows for such non-sequential adjacent and partial angles of view to be subsequently shown by means of the present invention so as to be viewed with depth of imagery and in substantially three dimensions, by the eyes of a viewer.

The present invention provides that means be provided in association with the lens or camera, or in association with the recording of the multiple angle views, so that the imagery is recorded in a partial, adjacent and spaced apart manner. To that end, the invention requires the provision of a grid, grid system, separator, angle of view interrupter, light or signal blocking mechanism, switch or process means, *O as a component or feature, essential to the recording of the imagery, so that the imagery as recorded, is recorded partially and from two or more spaced apart, adjacent angles of view.

The present invention is described with reference to the imagery being recorded from two spaced angles of view one left angle and the other a right angle. This is however by oe• a .25 way of example only and it should be appreciated that the imagery can be recorded from two or more angles of view.

The means for use in recording partial and adjacent multiple angles of view can be separate from the recording means such as the camera or can be incorporated into the camera. Various forms of the invention will be described hereinafter by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be appreciated that these are by way of example only. For example, a camera can have included into it appropriate means for causing the imagery to be partial and adjacent, such a means being in the form of for example an interrupter, such as a grid system which can be built into the camera but arranged so as to avoid interference with the shutter or scanning function. Further, any such arrangement should be timed to obviate as far as possible the production of lines, strobing, moire or other optical noise, distortion or image degradation, As indicated, various forms will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is however envisaged that in one form a camera can be an electronic camera which can be programmed so that it can record partial and adjacent angles of view of the article or articles being recorded. Such a camera can have a plurality 15 of spaced lenses, or alternatively a plurality of such cameras can be utilised, the recorded imagery thereafter being mixed and processed.

In forms of the invention where an interrupter or grid arrangement might be provided within the camera, such an 20 arrangement can be provided before, within or behind the lens or in any position wherein it positively interrupts the acquisition or recording of imagery, through the lens, so that only partial and adjacent images are recorded on the media or recorded by the camera.

25 It is envisaged that when such an arrangement is incorporated into a camera, the grid or interrupter arrangement will be preferably placed behind a lens, adjacent and as close as possible to the film plane and will be synchronised with the camera shutter or might replace the shutter or be incorporated into the film gate.

In various forms of the invention, where a plurality of angles of view have been acquired and recorded by films or electronically, the recorded multiple angles of view can then be subsequently altered so as to include partial and adjacent angles of view, such as by known mechanical, electro-optical, electrical, or other means, such as for example segmentation mixes and the like.

It is further envisaged that media, such as film or tapes, with a programmed grid or pattern applied thereto, or gaps therein, could be used in a camera to simplify the recording componentry. In yet a further form of the invention it is envisaged that display units presenting image interrupting patterns could be used to mix multiple angle views. For example, a liquid crystal display could be used that :15 presented image segmenting lines or gaps traversing the display of the required speed, to form a dynamic optical grid.

The present invention also provides means, either within a camera or in association with the preparation of recorded imagery, to further segment and separate the partial and adjacent angles of view, as recorded by the lens, so that the imagery is recorded 'or transmitted in the case of substantially simultaneous transmission from a camera) as segmented, separated partial and adjacent images recorded :25 from two or more spaced apart angles of view. This imagery which could for example be described as "jumbled" imagery is then displayed on a screen surface such that the eyes, given .their normal operation as described and referred to above, will not identify any separate or distinct left or right view. Rather, the continuously scanning and moving eyes will identify various segments of partial and adjacent views, which the eye and mind will identify and essentially "put together" or "reconstruct" as a coherent whole having depth of imagery and being in three dimensions (that is, three dimensions in the manner normally seen by the eyes). Such three-dimensional imagery will therefore be realistic. Where a camera or cameras is/are utilised for substantially simultaneous transmission of imagery, such as to a television set, a segmenting and separating means, such as a further grid (such as for example that described hereinbefore) may be utilised to further segment and separate the partial and adjacent imagery recorded. In other forms of the invention examples of which will be described with reference to the drawings, means can be provided in association with equipment to enable such segmentation and separation to take place during recording onto appropriate media, or after the recording of the partial and adjacent imagery onto media.

It should be appreciated however that the imagery that is shown on a screen surface is partial and adjacent, having "been taken frnm two or more spaced apart angles the imagery further having been segmented so as to be able to be seen by the human eyes to have depth in image or volume, to be seen in realistic three dimensions, by the human eyes.

Various forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, as referrcd to above.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, this o. illustrates in diagrammatic form and by way of example only one form of the present invention. A projector 1 is shown, having a plurality of lens or alternatively a plurality of projectors 1 can be provided side by side, to project prerecorded imagery from two or more different angles. The imagery is projected towards a mirror surface A and is then reflected onto a mirror surface B and then onto a screen 2. A rotating interrupter grid 3 is mounted to rotate about the mirrors and screen, the grid 3 being shown in partial section or detail, in Fig. 1 of the drawings. Thus, the grid 3 will rotate (for example about a vertical axis so as to rotate about the mirrors and screen). Appropriate prime mover means are provided to impart a rotational moment to the grid 3, control means being provided to control the speed of the grid. The grid 3 is preferably provided with upper and lower support means or racks 5 and 6, a plurality of substantially vertically extending and spaced apart opaque slats 7 extending therebetween, the slats 7 having between them substantially transparent portions 8 of a transparent material or just being open spaces. On the grid 3 being rotated at a predetermined speed, the projector or projectors 1 project the imagery through the rotating grid 3 and onto the mirror surface A, this being then reflected onto mirror surface B onto the screen 2. The projector 1 with a plurality of lens or alternatively two or more projectors will project through the rotating grid 3 imagery from at least two S: differing angles. The imagery will be projected through the rotating grid such that the grid 3 (formed of the spaced slots 7) will interrupt and "cut up" the imagery so that the o 20 imagery reflected onto the mirror surfaces A and B and onto the screen 2 will be partial and adjacent angles of imagery.

Th- camera 10 then records this partial and adjacent imagery through the rotating grid 3 so that the already partial and adjacent imagery being recorded by camera 10 is segmenteC and separated by the rotating grid 3 as it is recorded.

ooo The media or film in the camera 10 can then be developed and .o shown or transmitted, such as to appear on a screen surface, so that the partial and adjacent views which have been 00.0 further segmented, will be perceived by the eyes of a viewer as having depth of imagery and being in three dimensions.

In forms of the invention where cameras 10 with a plurality of different lens are provided, to allow for one or adjacent cameras to record images from two or more spaced angles, camera arrangements such as those shown in Figs 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings can be utilised.

We now refer to Fig. 4 -f the accompanying drawings, In one form of the invention, a camera 15 can be provided which has a separator means as a grid/tape 16 passing through the camera lens 17, so that the imagery recorded through the camera 15 is partial. If desired, a plurality of lens can be provided with such a camera so that the imagery can be recorded from two or more spaced apart and adjacent angles.

Alternatively, two or more such cameras can record imagery from two or more angles, the resultant film then being processed and mixed and subject to segmentation anid separation (to be further described hereinafter).

In the present invention, where one or more cameras are to be 15 utilised for the recording of news or sports events, such as might be substantially simultaneously transmitted to be e. oreceived by and viewed on z television receiver, such cameras can also include appropriate means for segmenting the partial and adjacent imagery prior to transmission, reception and viewing.

The interrupter grid arrangement 3 described by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 and 4 of the drawings, can be in the form of a rotating grid or one or more horizontally and/or vertically oscillating differential or interrupter grid(s) Alternatively, as described hereinbefore, cameras can be programmed to random]' partially record the imagery, so that the resultant image is partial.

Referring now to F'ig. 5 of the accompanying drawings, this is a diagrammatic view of yet a further form of the present invention.

A solid screen 30 is provided having two surfaces 31, 32 and being surrounded by a rotating grid arrangement 33, such as described hereinbefore. Alternatively, as indicated in Fig. of the drawings, oscillating grid formations 34 can be provided in front of each side 31, 32 of the screen 30. On a left-hand side of the screen a projector is provided projecting imagery from one angle onto the screen, a lefthand camera also being provided which is actuated to record that left-hand imagery from the screen. On the right-hand side of the screen a right-hand projector is provided which projects imagery fzom a further angle and a right-hand camera is provided which records that imagery from the screen. The imagery from the projectors will pass through the rotating or oscillating interrupter grid to be shown on the screen as partial and adjacent angles of view. The cameras recording such partial and adjacent imagery will also record that *:through the rotating or oscillating interrupter grid, which will cause the imagery being recorded by the camera to be further segmented and separated. The recorded imagery from the cameras is then mixed or transmitted to an appropriate mixer and can then be transmitted or shown on a video, television set, movie screen or the like.

now refer to a further form of the invention which is described by way of example only with reference to Figures 6, 25 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.

*oee Fig. 6 of the drawings is a diagrammatic partial side view of part of the arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.

In the first instance, recorded images are projected from projectors 39 through the rotating interrupter grid 45 or oscillating interrupter grid 46. As shown in Fiy. 6 of the drawings (but not shown in Figs 7 and 8 of the drawings), the recorded imagery is reflected from a mirror 60 located within the rotating interrupter grid 45, or behind the oscillating interrupter grid 46 to be reflected to a further upper mirror 61 and then to a screen (such as a translucent screen) mounted above the interrupter grid means 45, 46. Cameras 56 then record the imagery which has been separated (by the action of the interrupter grid) into partial and adjacent angles of view.

It should be appreciated that the mirrors 60 and 61 are not shown in the diagrammatic views of Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.

Referring to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the projectors 39 are directed inwardly towards each other and recorded imagery is directed through the interrupter grid means 45, 46 by means of angled mirrors 50 and 51. Thereafter the partial and •i 15 adjacent imagery (resulting from the action of the interrupter grid 45, 46) is reflected onto the screen 40 in the manner described with reference to Fig. 6.

eo••• Cameras 55, 56 then record this partial and adjacent imagery and the imagery so recorded can be transferred or transmitted 20 to a mixer and a tape. That tape will then hold mixed left .o and right imagery.

Turning now to Fig. 8 of the drawings, following the recording of the combined left and right imagery described with reference to Fig. 7, the cameras 55 and 56 (or one such 25 camera) can be actuated to record (onto appropriate media) "".the action of a rotating or oscillating interrupter grid 46 only. That is, without any images being projected therethrough. The camera(s) will therefore record on appropriate media, only rotating or oscillating interrupter grids 45, 46. This recorded imagery is then fed to and mixed with the already recorded left-hand and right-hand partial and adjacent angles of views, so that when shown on a screen surface or transmitted to be shown on a screen surface, the previously recorded partial and adjacent views will have been further segmented and separated (by the action of the interrupter grid 45, 46) so as to appear to the eyes to be in three dimensions, having depth in volume or image.

Essentially, composite imagery is formed for subsequent or substantially simultaneous display and viewing.

It should be appreciated that the forms of the invention described with reference to recording two or more angles of views from spaced cameras are by way of example only. It should further be appreciated that in use it may be necessary to provide one or more mirror arrangements in association with said camera(s) to achieve the desired results of the present invention.

15 It should be appreciated that the above examples of the present invention, described with reference to the accompanying drawings, are by way of example only.

The present invention provides a much improved method and arrangement for recording imagery which can thereafter be 20 shown on a screen surface so as to be perceived by the human Se': 0eye to be in realistic three dimensions, with depth in imagery. The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with methods and arrangements which have attempted to produce three-dimensional imagery up until this time.

S 25 The invention has been described by way of example onl, and 'it should be appreciated that improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the eyes perceive the partial, adjacent segmented and separated angles of view on said screen surface, as having depth of imagery and as being a coherent whole with depth, such as to appear to the eyes of a viewer to be in •three dimensions. O.V,
2. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view from at least two spaced apart angles of view, at least one being a right-hand angle of view and at least one being a left-hand angle of view, and including segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that said recorded imagery, when shown on a screen surface, is such that the eyes, when viewing said segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of view, are unable to perceive right-hand and left-hand 0$ images, such as to form a coherent whole; the eyes of a viewer rather perceiving the segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of view as having depth of imagery and as being a coherent whole with depth, such as to appear in three dimensions.
3. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two angles of views spaced apart by a distance of approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that said recorded imagery when viewed on a screen surface has depth of image and appears substantially in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein any two partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery are substantially parallel one with the other.
4. 6. A method at laimed in claim 1, wherein any two spaced apart partial and adjacent angles of view are substantially parallel one with the other, and spaced apart by a distance of up to approximately 1/2 inch. 0•0 7. A method as claimed in claim i, wherein partial and ooo :adjacent angles of view of said imagery are recorded non-sequentially. b e: 0 8. An arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or .isubstantially simultaneous display on a screen surface, 7 including means adapted to record partial and adjacent oee• aj n angles of view of said imagery, from at least two 8 spaced apart angles; means being provided to segment ae a and separate said partial and spaced apart angles of view for said display on said screen surface; the arrangement being such that when said recorded imagery is displayed on a screen surface, none of said at least two spaced apart angles of view appear to the eyes of a viewer completely at any one instant, but rather are revealed only as a sequence of segments,-at a speed to the eyes of a viewer which merge said segments together at differing angles, such that said recorded imagery is perceived by the eyes of a viewer to have depth in imagery and to be in three dimensions.
5. 9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means adapted to record said partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, onto appropriate media. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means for recording partial and adjacent angles of view from at least two spaced apart angles of view, at least one being a right-hand angle of view and at least one being a left-hand angle of view, and including means for segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that said recorded imagery, when 09 shown on a screen surface, is such that the eyes, when viewing said segmented and separated partial and .9 S: adjacent angles of view, are unable to perceive right- hand and left-hand images, such as to form a coherent whole, the eyes of a viewer rather perceiving the segmented and separated partial and adjacent angles of 9999 view as having depth of imagery and as being a coherent whole with depth, such as to appear in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer. 29
6. 11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart angles; wherein any two spaced apart angles are spaced apart by a distance of between approximately 1/4 inch and approximately 3/8 inch; means being provided to segment and separate said partial and adjacent angles of view for display on said screen surface; the arrangement being such that said segmented and separated adjacent angles of view of imagery, when appearing on said screen surface, have image of depth and appear to the eyes of a viewer, to be in three dimensions.
7. 12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery for at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel angles.
8. 13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means adapted to record partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery, from at least two spaced apart and S. substantially parallel angles; any two spaced apart and substantially parallel angles being spaced apart by a distance of up to approximately 1/2 inch. S 14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including means for the non-sequential recording of said partial and adjacent angles of view of said imagery. C*
9. 15. A method for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface, "oo substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference t S" to the accompanying drawings. oo
10. 16. An arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen surface, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 23rd day of February 1993 TRUTAN PTY LIMITED BY: Patent Attorney for the Applicant *0 O e3 0 *000 31 g *0 ABSTRACT A method and arrangement for recording imagery for subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing, including recording partial and adjacent angles of view of imagery, from at least two spaced apart angles of view, and segmenting and separating said partial and adjacent angles of view, such that imagery so recorded, when viewed on a screen surface, has depth of imagery and appears substantially in three dimensions to the eyes of a viewer. *B fc