EA013779B1 - Enhancement of visual perception - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, device within a system, and a method for enhancing visual perception in a two-dimensional image is disclosed, providing the induction of retinal disparity in the viewer by a device with which the two-dimensional image is viewed. With fusion of the retinally disparate images of the two-dimensional image, the viewer experiences the enhancement of his or her visual perception in the two dimensional image, which includes enhancement of depth perception and enhancement in clarity perception.

Description

In general, the United States classification of the present invention relates to class 359 "Optical equipment: systems and elements." The names of subclasses 462 “Stereoscopic equipment” and 478 “Equipment for creating illusions due to the relief surface of the image” have literal similarities with the name of the field of the present invention. However, descriptions of these subclasses are not applicable to the theory of functioning of the present invention. Presumably the present invention can also be attributed to classes 359 "Optical equipment: systems and elements" and 351 "Optical equipment: eye examination, eye examination and correction." In other words, there are no sections in the patent classification system to which the phenomena underlying the present invention could be attributed.

State of the art

The field to which the invention relates relates to systems, devices and methods for enhancing an observer's visual perception of a two-dimensional image, including enhancing an observer's perception of the depth and clarity of a two-dimensional image. The scope of the present invention is different from the scope of the invention described in US Pat. No. 5,510,832 (Garcia), "Obtaining Stereoscopic Images from Two-Dimensional Images" (8up111C51 / Sat 51teo5sor1s and 1 1-άίιηοη5ίοηα1 tadek). Garcia adequately describes the effectiveness and characteristics of modeling a three-dimensional image based on two-dimensional video sources. The scope of the present invention also differs from the scope of the invention described in US Pat. No. 5,541,642 (Ashby) "Obtaining stereoscopic images from interlaced video images through a biconvex decoding screen" (§1teo8cor1c and general \ νίΐ1ι sh1eg1aseb \ zbeo Shtoidy and 1epIsi1ag besobeg ksteep). Ashby also describes how to obtain stereoscopic effects from a “monoscopic” source by simultaneously displaying successive frames of a movie image when they are transversely moved through its system.

In the prior art, the terms “two-dimensional”, “monoscopic” and “monocular” are used to distinguish the observation of single images from stereoscopic observation. Stereoscopic observation is a perceptual property with which an observer with normal eyes and binocular vision can see the observed place in physical (three-dimensional) space when objects are located at different distances from the observer. However, these terms require some clarification. The term “two-dimensional” when used as a definition of the term “image” does not mean that the image does not represent the observed place in three-dimensional form, that is, with visual signs for perceiving depth with respect to objects and surfaces at different distances in the perspective of the observed place. The term “three-dimensional” when used as a characteristic of an image does not necessarily mean that the image is stereoscopic, but can also mean an image that is displayed on a flat or curved two-dimensional surface, and / or an image that can be manipulated so that the objects represented on it, visible at different angles, by rotating the object or changing the viewing angle with a visible change in the position of the observer. The term "monocular", which literally means "with one eye" as opposed to the term "binocular", meaning "with two eyes", and which is sometimes used as a synonym for the concept of "two-dimensional", is used to describe an image that is displayed on a two-dimensional surface, for example, when the physical location of objects at different distances from the observer is observed with one eye, and in terms of the prior art, “monocular features” and “monocular features of depth” are used to describe some a pects two-dimensional map of the observed three-dimensional space that represent different distances and angles between objects within a species, that they represent. In the prior art, the term "monoscopic" is used as a synonym for the term "monocular", in particular, in Ashby's patent, but usually this term is not used in that sense.

US Patent No. 5,488,510 (Le May) describes “depth perception of images on a television screen,” but does not describe depth perception on other types of two-dimensional images, such as posters, paintings, signs, photographs, cinematographic, etc. In his device, which must be worn by an observer, Le May uses a net similar to a window mosquito net. Through the specified device, a two-dimensional television image is observed, which, according to the inventor, creates an “illusion”. Unlike Le May’s invention, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessary to use eye devices or any worn devices. The present invention provides the effect of natural stereoscopic perception when observing two-dimensional images of any types, including photographs, posters, drawings and paintings, signs, television and movies, as well as projected images in general. Also, unlike Le May’s invention, the present invention does not create an “illusion”, but enhances the observer’s perception of the depth of monocular signs of depth, as well as the perception of clarity of a two-dimensional image.

The present invention should be distinguished from stereographic devices and methods for providing

- 1 013779 stereoscopic perception, which require simultaneous or alternating display of two images, moving or still, each image being obtained from one of two monocular views, real or imitated, of a binocular view of the observed place, which is observed using special glasses or imaging optics. At the same time, in the present invention display only one image, moving or still, of one monocular view of the observed place. It should be noted that in the prior art, stereoscopic perception is created artificially, as Garcia describes. Stereographic devices have been known for many years, and the principle underlying the present invention has been applied for this purpose for the first time, despite the fact that it has not been fully studied.

Also, the present invention must be distinguished from the well-known effect that is observed during monocular observation of a two-dimensional image having monocular signs of depth, behind which there is a devoid of characteristic features or a flat background that does not have such signs. The same effect can be detected by monocular observation of a two-dimensional image located at the end of a confined space. With this observation, monocular signs of depth in a two-dimensional image are pronounced even when observed with one eye. However, such a monocular observation not only causes the inconvenience associated with observation with one eye, but, more importantly, deprives the observer of the accommodation reflex that exists with binocular perception and allows the observer to accurately focus his vision on a two-dimensional image. As a result, although in monocular observation, monocular signs of the depth of a two-dimensional image have a greater effect than in binocular observation, monocular observation does not allow to obtain such a degree of focusing as binocular. The present invention differs significantly from the described one: the observer’s perception of the depth and clarity of a two-dimensional image is enhanced by causing retinal disparity, which leads to a fusional effect. In the present invention, a two-dimensional image can be seen binocularly with precise focusing through an accommodation reflex. Such precise focusing, in turn, enhances the fusional effect, and thus enhances the perception of depth and clarity provided by the present invention.

As indicated above, the present invention provides enhanced observer perception of the clarity of a two-dimensional image. This effect was discovered during the study of the effect of enhancing depth perception, when many participants in the study claimed that when observing using the invention, two-dimensional images looked clearer than when observing without it. Apparently, this effect is based on the idea of the dominance of one of the eyes and binocular rivalry.

The enhancement of clarity of the present invention should be distinguished from the use of eye-worn devices, optical systems and surgical procedures to achieve improved retinal image focusing, which are well known. The present invention also needs to be distinguished from exercise systems for the eyes, which are detailed in US Pat. No. 6742892 to Lieberman, together with an informative description of the anatomy of the eye, its function and optical design, and which are primarily intended to improve eye guidance, convergence and accommodation.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention provides enhanced visual perception by an observer when observing a single two-dimensional image, including enhancing depth perception on various types of two-dimensional images containing monocular depth features. Due to such an increase in the perception of these monocular signs of depth during observation, the effect of stereoscopic perception is provided. The amplifications in accordance with the present invention are achieved by inducing insignificant but sufficient retinal disparity when observing a two-dimensional image. Retinal disparity occurs in an observer who has a normal ability for binocular vision, that is, for the fusion of disparate retinal images containing a two-dimensional image, which provides a “gain effect” according to the present invention. In other words, the present invention enhances the observer's perception of monocular features of the depth of a single two-dimensional image in such a way as to cause the observer to fuse as in stereoscopic perception. In addition, part of the amplification effect according to the present invention is to enhance the “clarity” with which the observer perceives a two-dimensional image, that is, an increase in the resolution of the two-dimensional image when perceived by the observer.

According to the present invention, an observable spot is created for the observer, which will be referred to as “reinforced observable spot”, which contains a two-dimensional image. In accordance with the invention, there are several ways to create a reinforced observable location, for example:

1) installation in front of a two-dimensional image of a visually distinguishable object;

2) horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image on the surface on which it is displayed;

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3) display and horizontal movement of a visually distinguishable object or its image on the surface or at the surface on which the two-dimensional image is located.

All these methods can be implemented by mechanical, electronic, optical means, computer programming tools, or by a combination of these tools. Currently, the first of these methods is the preferred way to create an enhanced observable spot. Such a reinforced observable spot in the present description will also be called a “combined observable spot”, since it contains a two-dimensional image and an addition in the form of a visually distinguishable object located in front of the two-dimensional image. Creating a reinforced observable location that includes a two-dimensional image for observation results in retinal disparity in the observer. In the case of using the preferred method, retinal disparity arises due to the spatial factor due to binocular observation of the amplified observed place and is insignificant, but sufficient for the observer to experience the amplification effect. When using other methods of obtaining an enhanced observed place, retinal disparity arises due to the time factor, that is, due to a change in the amplified observed place in time. Currently, as a visually distinguishable object, it is preferable to use a frame that completely or partially surrounds the observed region of the two-dimensional image. Such a frame may have other features, such as backlighting, shape and color, which can contribute to the amplification effect by combining them and / or controlling them depending on the properties of the two-dimensional image and the perception of the observer.

The system may contain means for hiding the edges of the two-dimensional image in the case where the edge of the two-dimensional image is well defined, and this leads to a decrease in the amplification effect. The system may also contain a background mask of the amplified observable spot to prevent the reduction of the amplification effect through the visual environment in which the system operates.

The present invention provides a system, an apparatus in a system, and a method for enhancing an observer’s visual perception of a two-dimensional image that enhances the observer’s perception of depth on various types of two-dimensional images containing monocular signs of depth and also increases the “clarity” with which the observer perceives a two-dimensional image.

The term "clarity" here means the resolution with which the observer perceives a two-dimensional image, and does not refer exclusively to a two-dimensional image. These effects will be called the “gain effect". However, since the amplification effect has a dual nature, its varieties, if necessary, will be called the “depth perception enhancement effect” and the “clarity enhancement effect”. In all other cases, the term “amplification effect” should be understood in either of the two indicated meanings or in both meanings, depending on the context.

The present invention is described here as a “device in the system”, and not just a “device”, because the device used implements its characteristics and functions in interaction with other elements of the system and / or with the visual system of the observer. The term "visual system" means the human visual system, which contains the eyes and all their internal structures, optic nerves, all nerve structures associated with all other functions of eye movement, their protection or control; and all the nerve structures by which the information obtained by the eyes is processed, recorded and interpreted, including the human brain and especially the visual zone of the cerebral cortex.

The following generally accepted definitions and principles relating to the human visual system and visual perception can be considered the basis for understanding the invention and the nature of the amplification effect:

1. Binocular field of view - the area of overlap of the field of view of two eyes.

2. Fixation point - the point or object that the eyes are directed to and on which the gaze is fixed.

3. The central retinal fossa is the point of the retina on which the rays coming from the object that the direct gaze is directed at, that is, from the fixation point, are focused.

4. Monocular signs of depth - visual signs that provide information about the relative position of objects when observed with one eye, including the obscuration of distant objects by close objects, aerial perspective, linear perspective (convergence at one point of parallel lines), relative height, surface texture gradients, combination of light and shadow, relative sizes, relative motion (monocular motor parallax), size of a familiar object.

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5. Retinal disparity - differences in the position of two or more images projected onto the retina of the eye relative to the central fossa of the retina.

6. Fusion is a nervous process, which is usually called stereoscopic perception and which is believed to occur in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex, combining two images projected onto the retina to produce a single image, which is called a single composite image.

7. The fusion region of Panuma (fusion space of Panuma) is the region of visual space, upon observation of which a person has a single binocular perception, obtained through the fusion of binocular retinal images. Outside the fusional area of Panuma, physiological diplopia occurs.

8. The fusion zone of Panuma is the zone of the retina of one eye, with the simultaneous stimulation of any point of which and a certain single, slightly disparate point on the retina of the other eye, merging into a single image occurs.

9. Disparities of the retina - points of the retina that can cause different main visual directions and which, when located in the fusion zone of Panuma (the zone of a single binocular perception), can merge, providing a single perception.

10. Discontinuous retinal images - retinal images that contain disparate retinal points.

11. Retinal disparity - the difference in retinal images due to disparate points of the retina, detected by the visual zone of the cerebral cortex. If these retinal images are located in the fusion zone of Panuma (the zone of a single binocular perception), then they may merge to ensure a single perception.

12. Binocular vision - the ability to perceive depth due to retinal disparity in the fusion zone of Panum and requiring the proper functioning of binocular cells, which are believed to exist in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex. Binocular vision is also the ability to distinguish the relative distance between objects due to the transverse movement of the eyes, which provides two slightly different types of the same object (disparate images).

13. Binocular rivalry - alternate suppression of the eyes, resulting in alternate perception of two retinal images.

If we talk about enhancing depth perception, the present invention provides an observer capable of binocular vision with the effect of stereoscopic perception when observing a single two-dimensional image by enhancing the depth perception of monocular signs of depth of a two-dimensional image. In other words, the effect of enhancing depth perception in accordance with the present invention enhances the perception of monocular depth features in a single two-dimensional image by the observer in such a way as to cause the observer to fuse as in stereoscopic perception of the content of the specified two-dimensional image. With regard to enhancing clarity, the present invention provides an observer capable of binocular vision, enhancing the perception of clarity when observing a two-dimensional image even in the absence of monocular signs of depth. Both components of the amplification effect in accordance with the present invention are provided by means of stimulation in the fusion zone of Panum of insignificant but sufficient retinal disparity. Retinal disparity occurs in an observer having a normal ability for binocular vision, such as a fusion of binocular species of a two-dimensional image when observed using the present invention. The theoretical basis for the effect of enhancing the perception of clarity is also the phenomenon of dominance of one of the eyes, that is, the phenomenon in which the dominant eye contributes to binocular perception more than the second, and it is said that the dominant eye looks directly at the object. In addition, the phenomenon of binocular rivalry, that is, the alternate perception of two retinal images, serves as the theoretical basis for the effect of enhancing the perception of clarity, which means that at any time in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex there is a neural registration of images from the retina of only one eye. If the effect of stereoscopic perception occurs during the fusion of slightly disparate retinal images in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex, then a decrease in the intensity of one of these images in the visual zone of the cortex should weaken this effect. Therefore, if one eye is dominant, then for the full perception of binocular features from the observer may require more attention to binocular perception, and, therefore, a greater contribution of the non-dominant eye. In the ordinary observation of a two-dimensional image without using the present invention, the observer’s attention is likely to be relaxed, since in the case of direct observation of the two-dimensional image, that is, when the line of sight is essentially perpendicular to the two-dimensional image, there is no significant retinal mismatch. Such a relaxation of attention, apparently, reduces the contribution of the retina image of the non-dominant eye to the creation of a single composite image, which is the result of a fusion of two retina images in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex. Apparently the use of the present invention during the observation of two

- 4 013779 dimensional images increase attention, and, as a result, increase the contribution of the non-dominant eye to creating a composite image. The indicated increased contribution of the retinal image of the non-dominant eye is provided by the irritation of the rods and cones of the non-dominant eye and entails such irritation, thus doubling the number of irritated points involved in creating a composite image by fusion of disparate retinal images in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex. With such an increase in the number of irritated points merged in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex, the resolution of the composite image in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex is increased, and, therefore, the “clarity” of the two-dimensional image perceived by the observer is increased, that is, the effect of clarity enhancement occurs.

The system is shown here in several embodiments of the invention: mechanical (static and dynamic), electromechanical, electrical, electronic, optical, and based on computer programming. All implementation options are designed to create an amplification effect for the observer of a two-dimensional image by means of the fusion effect that arises when observing a “reinforced observable spot”, the so-called hereinafter, which contains a two-dimensional image and device in the system and upon observation of which the observer develops retinal disparity .

In various embodiments of the invention, said retinal disparity may occur due to a spatial or temporal factor:

the retinal disparity arising due to the spatial factor is due to the difference in the position of the eyes when creating retinal images, as in the case when the amplified observed place contains mechanical elements that are located in a space with a two-dimensional image and which are binocularly observed, and during observation, each eye independently perceives from another;

the retinal mismatch arising due to the time factor is due to the fact that the creation of retinal images occurs at different points in time, as in the case when the amplified observed place changes in time when moving its elements and / or when moving the eyes of the observer.

The essence of the present invention and the principle underlying it can be understood when studying the drawings of a fundamental embodiment, which is also called implementation option No. 1. The indicated embodiment is static mechanical and is depicted in FIG. 1-3. The fundamental implementation option is named so because the enhancement effect in it was achieved due to working parts that are at rest (not in motion), and the option can work with all types of two-dimensional images. In FIG. 1-3 and FIG. 13-19 depict various examples of a fundamental embodiment, namely:

in FIG. 1 shows an example with a simple frame, FIG. 2 shows an example with a frame with a visor; FIG. 3 shows an example with a simple frame in which an image is obtained by projecting it;

in FIG. 13-19 illustrate examples of various incomplete frames for various forms of display, the incomplete frames being pairs of vertically oriented panels that limit a two-dimensional image only on the sides.

It should be noted that the elements that perform the same functions in all the drawings have the same numerical designation.

The two-dimensional image 1 is so named because it can essentially be represented only in a two-coordinate system, regardless of the shape of the image surface 3. For example, a surface may be embossed with a distinguishable texture. A two-dimensional image can be of any type, including photographs, posters, drawings, paintings, signs, television and computer images; as well as all forms of projections on a reflective and light-transmitting screen, including images stored on film or on electronic media, still or moving images; as well as images observed directly or by other means, obtained or displayed by mechanical, optical or electronic means.

The term "two-dimensional image" in the description of the present application may also mean a three-dimensional observable place if it has one or more monocular depth signs relating to objects and / or surfaces located at different visible distances from the observer. In order for the effect of enhancing the perception of clarity to occur when observing a two-dimensional image, it is not necessary that the image has monocular signs of depth. However, in order to obtain the effect of enhancing the depth perception when observing a two-dimensional image, which does not represent a three-dimensional observed place, the image must have at least several monocular signs of depth, even if they are needed only for this purpose. The term "monocular", which literally means "having only one eye," or "with one eye", is not used in the present description as a synonym for the concept of "two-dimensional" when it is combined with the concept of "two-dimensional image", and it is specifically excluded from this concepts. However, generally accepted knowledge

The term “monocular” in the present description is used to characterize an image of a physical observable containing some objects when observing said image with one eye and, therefore, when it can be displayed on a two-dimensional surface. Also, the term is used in the present description in the expressions "monocular features" or "monocular features of depth."

The surface on which the two-dimensional image is presented is called the “surface 3 intended for displaying the image”. The surface 3 may be flat, multifaceted, horizontally and / or vertically curved, spherical, may have the other shape or shape described above, and may also be a surface that is not connected to a solid physical object, such as a surface flow, sprayed liquid or cloud a pair, or may be a surface defined by a two-dimensional image in physical space and not at all connected with physical objects.

In the present description, the term “horizontal” and all its derivative forms (such as “horizontally” used above) mean a direction substantially parallel to the orientation of the observer’s eyes, that is, in the direction of the line connecting the centers of the observer’s eyes, even if this line is not horizontal relative to the earth's surface. Also, this term may mean the direction of the component of the distance vector between two points in space, which is essentially parallel to the orientation of the observer’s eyes, in the case of a vector position determination, in which the distance vector for a particular position is laid out on two components of the distance vector located relative to each other under a straight line angle, while the magnitude of the decomposed vector is equal to the hypotenuse of the right triangle formed by the decomposed distance vector and two its components. Therefore, the term “vertical” and all its derivatives (for example, “vertically”) mean a direction essentially lying in a plane perpendicular to the specified horizontal direction, and essentially perpendicular to the direction of the observer's gaze.

Object 6, on which surface 3 can be displayed or otherwise located, will be referred to in the present description as “object 6 intended for displaying an image”. Object 6 may be solid, liquid, or gaseous.

Consider examples of the fundamental embodiment depicted in FIG. 1-3. The system for enhancing visual perception contains a two-dimensional image 1 displayed on the surface 3, and a device in the system, which we will call the “amplifier”. In the fundamental embodiment depicted in FIG. 1-3, the amplifier is a visually distinguishable object 2, which is a physical object located in front of the two-dimensional image 1, and, therefore, in front of the surface 3. The observer perceives the visually distinguishable object as a separate object, essentially separate from the two-dimensional image 1 and not hidden due to confusion with the content of the two-dimensional image 1 located behind it. The expression “in front” of a two-dimensional image 1 means the side of the surface 3 from which the observer 9 observes the two-dimensional image, in front of or within the form of 8 obtained by the observer 9 of the enhanced observation point 13, regardless of the orientation of the surface 3, and not necessarily between image 1 and observer 9 Thus, the statement that a visually distinguishable object is located “in front of” a two-dimensional image does not mean that a visually distinguishable object obscures any part of the two-dimensional image from the gaze of the observer.

It is preferable that the visually distinguishable object 2 located in front of the image 1 is located essentially within the depth of field of the observer, that is, essentially in the focus of the eyes 10 of the observer 9, when they are focused on the image 1, so that the whole amplified observed place 13, too, essentially located at the focal point of observer 9. It is also preferred that the visually distinguishable object 2 is located in the fusion region of Panuma for image 1. The preferred arrangement of the visually distinguishable object 2 in the fusional region Panuma ti - a border area of said space, i.e. the space in which the distance to the two-dimensional image is significantly longer than the distance to the boundary Panuma fusional area before a two-dimensional image. Visually distinguishable object 2 may be opaque, translucent, transparent or transparent, giving distortion.

Preferably, the visually distinguishable object 2 has a clearly defined boundary 7, on which, during observation, you can easily focus your eyes. A visually distinguishable object 2 can obscure a portion 11 of image 1 from an observer, surround a region containing image 1, or surround an entire image 1 or a portion thereof. In addition, the location of object 2 should be such that the clearly defined boundary 7 of object 2, closest to observer 9, is located at a distance sufficient from image 1 to obtain two slightly disparate images of location 13 within the binocular view obtained by the observer, one image on the retina of each eye 10 of the observer 9 in the fusion zone of Panuma. Thus, the object 2 together with the image 1 in the reinforced observable place 13 should preferably be located within the depth of field of the view of the image 1, and / or in the boundary space of the fusi

- 6 013779 of the Panum region for image 1. Thus, the corresponding points of the spot 13 project onto the focal zone of Panama the eye 10 of the observer 9 and create a fused composite image of the spot 13. Such a fused composite image of the spot 13 creates a stereoscopic perception in the observer 9 that is not due simply by distinguishing the distance between image 1 and object 2, but also in image 1 itself, which is ensured by enhancing the observer’s perception of depth in the monocular signs of depth located in image 1. The described amplification effect indicates that the human brain is capable of restoring and distinguishing stereoscopic perception of a two-dimensional image by stimulating fusion of retinal disparity in the visual zone of the cerebral cortex, which arises due to binocular signs of the depth of the amplified observed place, which are located essentially in the Panum fusion region.

The invention is intended to effectively enhance the perception of depth and / or clarity of a two-dimensional image by an observer who has two eyes and relatively normal visual and neural stereoscopic abilities. However, the extent of the gain effect will vary depending on these abilities. In this regard, the invention can also serve as a device for conducting experiments in studying the phenomena of visual perception of both binocular and monocular.

The stereoscopic perception created by the present invention surpasses the prior art in that the composite image perceived using the present invention does not have the defects described in the section regarding the prior art, but is natural to the observer as normal stereoscopic perception. Perception is natural, as it is due to the individual separate perception of each observer's eye and the ability to stereoscopic vision.

The visually distinguishable object can have any shape, and can also be made with the possibility of regulation to give it a flat or horizontal and / or vertically curved shape. The location of the visually distinguishable object can be performed by any means, such as hanging to the desired position or attaching to the object 6, while the visually distinguishable object can be mounted motionless or with the possibility of changing the distance from the surface 3 and the angle relative to the surface 3.

In a reinforced observable place, a visually distinguishable object is functionally connected to the image surface in order to obtain an amplification effect by spatial location relative to it and proximity to it. This state of a visually distinguishable object means that it is not physically connected with the observer either by attaching or by the observer wearing it.

Depending on the field in which the invention is applied, various types of visually distinguishable objects can be effectively used. For example, a visually distinguishable object may be a vertically oriented rod or tube mounted in front of a surface intended for displaying images with a lateral displacement, and may be a group of disks strung over a surface intended for displaying images with a forward displacement. The visually distinguishable object can be a grid located between the observer and the two-dimensional image, and the gaps between the visible elements of the grid are wide enough to minimize interference when observing a two-dimensional image. However, since the visually distinguishable object should be clearly presented to the observer as an integral part of the reinforced observable place, using the grid as the indicated object may interfere with the observer's perception of the content of the two-dimensional image as a whole. In cases where the observer’s attention area 5 in image 1 is the smallest of image 1, a visually distinguishable object 2 can be designed that is effective for the specified area 5, for example, in the form of a frame around area 5, and this frame can partially obscure the rest of the image area . Further in the present description, a visually distinguishable object of this type will be called “visually distinguishable object / frame” 2, examples of which are shown in FIG. 1-3. The term "attention region 5" here means an image 1 or a part thereof on which the gaze of the observer 9 is focused and which contains the fixation point of the observer 9. A visually distinguishable object / frame 2 may be limited by a size sufficient to substantially limit region 5 and be located at such a distance from image 1 that none of the well-defined edges 4 of image 1 lies within view 8 obtained by observer 9, as shown in the example depicted in FIG. one.

If for practical or aesthetic purposes it becomes necessary to perceive the entire image, then the hole 12 of the preferred embodiment of the visually distinguishable object / frame 2 completely or partially covers the entire image 1 and does not substantially limit its view for the observer 9. The hole 12 of such a visually distinguishable object / frame 2 can be adjustable to adjust it depending on the position of the observer 9 relative to the image 1, the viewing angle, the shape of the image surface 3, size and image 1 and the distance between observer 9 and image 1.

The adjustable hole 12 in order to increase the amplification effect can also be made with the possibility of moving in the horizontal direction within the structure visually distinguishable

- 7 013779 objects / frames 2. Examples of visually distinguishable objects / frames that cover a two-dimensional image only partially, for example, visually distinguishable objects with incomplete frames, are shown in FIG. 13-19. All of these frames are essentially a pair of vertically oriented panels 14 to which are attached separate visually distinguishable objects 2 or which generate images that perform the function of separate visually distinguishable objects 2. Attachment of these visually distinguishable objects / frames with incomplete frames to the object or surface intended to display the image, can be performed in various ways:

using horizontal clamps 24 (Fig. 13) and vertical clamps 31 (Fig. 14), to which the panels 14 are attached by means of rods 23;

by direct attachment or attachment using rods 23 to surface 3 (FIGS. 15 and 19);

by direct attachment or attachment using rods 23 to the object 6 (Fig. 16 and 18). A visually distinguishable object / frame may also be part of a display housing that is attached to or constitutes an integral object (Fig. 17).

As was shown for a visually distinguishable object / frame that limits the observer's field of view to a particular area of attention, the visibility of the well-defined edges of a two-dimensional image causes the observer to perceive the image in space in front of him unlike other binocular features in the visual environment, and therefore , the gain effect is reduced. This tendency will be called the “edge effect”. The edge effect can be reduced by reducing the visibility of the edge of the two-dimensional image, which will be called “hiding the edge". The device used to hide the edge will be called the "device to hide the edge."

The visually distinguishable object / frame 2 may be a simple frame (Figs. 1 and 3) or a visor frame (Fig. 2) with edge concealment panels 14 that provide reflection 15 of the part of the rays directed toward the observer 9 from image 1. The visually distinguishable object / frame 2 having the shape of the visor may also include matting the reflective edge on the inner surface of the visor and include a retractable section 2a, which can be used to adjust the distance between the image 1 and the visually distinguishable border 7 of the visually guishable object / frame 2. Visually distinguishable object / frame 2 with simple frame can be used with the individual panels 14 hide edges as shown in FIG. 3, in which an image 1 is obtained on the surface 3 by a projector 16, the image area being limited by the panels 14. A visually distinguishable object / frame 2 can also be integrated with the edge concealment panels, as shown in FIG. 13-19, which show visually distinguishable objects / frames with an incomplete frame.

As indicated above, the visually distinguishable object 2 can also itself act as a device for hiding the edge by hiding the edges 4 of image 1 from the direct view 8 obtained by the observer 9, as in the case of the visually distinguishable object / frame 2 shown in FIG. 1, where the edges 4 of image 1 are bounded by a hole 12 of a visually distinguishable object / frame 2. However, as also indicated above, the visually distinguishable object / frame 2 can also be in the form of a visor surrounding image 1, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the panels 14 are reflective and form part of a visually distinguishable object / frame 2 with a visor. Of course, hiding the edges of a two-dimensional image can be performed by various means, and these means can be integrated with or visually distinguishable object. All of these tools are included in the invention. As will be described below, an edge concealment device in the same way as a visually distinguishable object can act as a gain device. In the fundamental embodiment of the invention, various means can be used to hide the edge of image 1 using the light coming from image 1. In the example projection system shown in FIG. 3, image 1 may be limited from one or more edges 4 by panels 14, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, so that the light emanating from the region of the image 1, which lies near the edge 4, is fully or partially reflected or transmitted towards the observer 9. The panel 14 may also have other optical properties that allow the light reflected from the image 1 to be scattered or distorted, in order to more smoothly hide the edge of the image 1. Image 1 can also be limited by translucent or transparent panels 14, the internal transmission properties of which allow the light emanating from image 1. to be scattered and distorted in the same way. 4 of image 1 can also be hidden by restricting the image at one or more of its edge 4 to a light source distributed along edge 4. Other edge concealment means shown in FIG. 9 are a mask or image 18B, 18 \ ν for hiding the edge, with the letters B and V mean, respectively, areas painted black and areas painted white (Fig. 9). The specified mask or image scatters or hides the view of the edges 4 of image 1 and can be attached to the surface 3 or displayed on it along the edges 4 of image 1. The preferred mask 18B, 18ν is a transparent mask with a pattern obtained by the printing method, and this pattern can be opaque, transparent, translucent or consist of a combination of opaque, transparent and

- 8 013779 translucent areas. Perhaps the most effective is the pattern that has the greatest transparency at the edge 4 of image 1 with a gradual decrease in transparency as it moves away from the edge 4 of image 1 toward its inner part, as shown in FIG. 9. The indicated figure contains a number of dots whose color is close to the color of the surface 3 framing the image 1. At the edges of the mask or image 18B, 18 \ ν the density of the dots is the highest, so that the mask in this area is almost opaque. As you move away from the edge of the mask or image toward its inner border, the size of the dots and their density drop to zero. When using a drawing of a different shape, hiding the edges of image 1 occurs not only due to a change in transparency between the outer and inner borders, but also due to a change in color other than black and white. Color change occurs when the image shines through or onto it. There are many possible versions of such drawings, and their applicability may depend on the visual abilities and tastes of the observer, therefore, the present invention is not limited to any particular type.

In the case of projecting two-dimensional images stored on a film or electronic medium onto a reflective or light-transmitting screen, images 18B, 18ν (Fig. 9) can be aligned with image 1, so that the screen will contain an image that hides the edge. This can be done by overlaying the edge-hiding image obtained by electronic means on a two-dimensional image with transparency modeling using the drawing described above, by overlaying the edge-hiding image on a film copy in case of projecting a film or combining the edge-hiding image obtained on electronic means and a two-dimensional screen image.

The indicated edge concealment images obtained by electronic means can be static, having a different design, or dynamic with time-varying in order to increase the effect of amplification by the design, size, color, frequency and other parameters, as required by the nature of the two-dimensional image.

An edge concealment image having the shape shown in FIG. 9, can be used regardless of the implementation option No. 3, and can also be used in the fundamental implementation option and in the implementation option No. 2.

To hide the edge 4 of image 1, a mask of a different shape, not shown in FIG. 9. The specified mask is attached at the edge 4 to the part of the surface 3 that surrounds the image 1. Such a mask can have a pattern for hiding the edge printed on it similar to a number of dots for masks 18B, 18ν, but with a background similar in color to image 1 moreover, the indicated section has the highest density of the points in the mask area farthest from the edge 4 of the two-dimensional image, and as you approach the edge 4 of the image 1, the size and density of the points fall to zero.

As indicated above, the edge concealment device can also act as a gain device similar to a visually distinguishable object. In other words, the edge concealment device can effectively perform the functions of a visually distinguishable object if it has the properties of a visually distinguishable object described above. Thus, an edge concealment panel having optical and / or electrical properties, due to which the panel reflects light emanating from a two-dimensional image, and / or transmits it in such a way that creates a visually distinguishable border of the panel in the Panum fusion zone, will provide some amplification effect as a visually distinguishable object, depending on the shape and other characteristics of the panel, as shown in FIG. 13-19. As for the examples depicted in FIG. 13-16, the vertically oriented panel 14 will perform the indicated functions with respect to the vertical edge of the two-dimensional image if the side of the panel 14 facing the two-dimensional image has a mirror surface. In another example, a panel similar to the panel 14 of FIG. 18, will perform these functions in the event that part of the panel is mirrored and part is light-transmitting, and the mirror part of the panel is curved and facing a two-dimensional image at its edge, and the light transmitting part is similar to the strip of visually distinguishable object 2 in FIG. 18 is facing the observer. Another example of a panel that is capable of simultaneously performing the functions of an edge concealer and a visually distinguishable object is an “active panel” that is capable of displaying an image, such as a liquid crystal panel or a plasma display, as shown in FIG. 18, or serve as a screen for projecting images, for example in front, as in FIG. 19, or from the rear of the housing shown in FIG. 17. The active panel can be of any shape: flat (Fig. 19) or curved (Fig. 18), with the surface intended for displaying the image facing the observer. We will call this surface “active surface”, and the image displayed on it will be called “surface image 27”. The active panel, or a significant part of it, is preferably positioned at a sufficient angle (more than 90 °) to the surface 3, so that when observing image 1 directly, the observer will receive an angular view of a significant part of the surface of the panel 14. The surface image may have an edge concealment component and / or a component that performs functions visually distinguishable object. Edge hiding component combined with two-dimensional iso

- 9 013779 by a battle with a distortion of the latter in order to hide the border with a two-dimensional image. The component that performs the function of a visually distinguishable object provides graphics that, unlike the component of hiding the edge, are clearly distinguishable. The function of the visually distinguishable object of the active panel may be limited by the function of a component that performs the function of the visually distinguishable object, the surface image displayed on the active panel, or the shape of the panel may increase the clarity of the visually distinguishable object, as in FIG. 17-19.

The components that perform the functions of a visually distinguishable object, the components of hiding the edge, or both, can be displayed on the panel motionless or in motion, and their corresponding properties can be changed in the same way as described here as a whole for visually distinguishable objects and devices to hide the edge .

As in the case of the edge effect, the weakening of the amplification effect can also occur due to the “background effect”, which is the spatial visual contrast between the two-dimensional image with enhanced depth perception and the observed place with objects located behind the image or in front of it in the physical space in the focus of the observer. The specified spatial visual contrast also occurs when a relatively limited area of space behind a two-dimensional image is located slightly out of focus and contains clearly visible and distinguishable objects distributed in it. Large spaces behind a two-dimensional image with objects distributed in them, on which it is not easy to focus vision when observing a two-dimensional image, do not give a spatial visual contrast that provides a background effect. Also, spatial visual contrast does not occur when a two-dimensional image is displayed on a relatively flat wall or at a small distance from it, or against a background having a random texture, a repeated pattern or visually indistinguishable objects, or at a small distance from this background. In fact, tools have been proposed to eliminate the background effect, which we will call “background masking means” and which represent the mechanical or optical background of the amplified observable spot, which prevents the decrease of the amplification effect due to the visual environment in which the system operates, which creates conditions for avoiding spatial visual contrast between the visual environment and the enhanced observable spot.

The amplification effect can be enhanced and / or preserved if the visually distinguishable object is illuminated from the front, back, inside, or if the visually distinguishable object itself is fully or partially a luminous device. Illumination of a visually distinguishable object can also be accomplished with the help of light emitted or reflected by a two-dimensional image, in the case of using a video display or projection screen using a light transmitting or reflective panel. The illumination of a visually distinguishable object can have different colors, different intensities and / or can be polarized, while the color, intensity and / or polarization of the backlight can change over time. Such changes in the properties of the backlight can be adjusted programmatically based on the characteristics of a two-dimensional image, such as brightness, color, resolution, shape, program data, monocular signs of depth, etc., and / or on the basis of the characteristics of the observer's vision.

An increase in the amplification effect can be obtained with the help of a graphic drawing 19, visually distinguishable to the observer 9 and deposited on the surface of a visually distinguishable object 2, which is facing the observer 9, as shown in FIG. 1. The specified pattern is especially effective when it is located on the sides of a rectangular visually distinguishable object / frame 2, the position of which is closest to horizontal. The drawing can be highlighted and, while the graphic is applied directly to the visually distinguishable object 2, illuminated or not, the illumination of the pattern can be combined with the illumination of the visually distinguishable object or prevent the illumination of the visually distinguishable object 2 by blocking certain parts of it. A picture can be a group of visually distinguishable objects arranged in such a way as to fulfill a given function, or a group of visually distinguishable objects can be arranged in such a way as to form a specified pattern. The indicated pattern may also fulfill the function of distributing the amplification effect over the observer's attention area 5.

In cases where a two-dimensional image is not obtained on illuminating devices such as television monitors, light boxes or projection screens, the effect of amplification of the system and device can be increased by illuminating the two-dimensional image. Such illumination can be performed by sources attached to or independent of a visually distinguishable object, and the illumination can be controlled in the same way as the illumination of a visually distinguishable object.

All the properties of a two-dimensional image and a visually distinguishable object can be combined and adjusted to coordinate them with the position of the observer and the characteristics of his vision, as well as to increase and / or maintain the amplification effect depending on various characteristics of the two-dimensional image. The entire range of combinations and controls is included in the present invention. The specified regulation of the system can also be programmed to have two

- 10 013779 dimensional image, certain types of effects, and / or consistent with the source of generating a two-dimensional image, such as a television signal or a signal coming from a storage medium such as magnetic tape for video recording, compact disc, digital video disc, digital video recorder or film.

Programming can even be performed with the ability to reproduce the entire range of two-dimensional images with which the system can work, both pre-existing and created simultaneously with programming.

The method of enhancing visual perception of the present invention, for the implementation of which a system and device have been developed, may include creating an enhanced observable place for the observer. Therefore, this method may include the selection of elements of the reinforced observable location:

a two-dimensional image, which is the object of the amplified observed place, the surface on which the two-dimensional image will be displayed, and the amplifier.

To enhance the perception of depth, it is necessary that the two-dimensional image has monocular signs of depth, and to enhance clarity, the presence of these signs is optional. To enhance the perception of the depth of a two-dimensional image as an object of an enhanced observable place, the following monocular signs of depth are taken into account when choosing:

blocking by distant objects by close objects, spatial perspective, linear perspective, relative height, surface texture gradients, combination of light and shadow, relative sizes, relative motion and size of a familiar object.

In addition to monocular signs of depth, other characteristics of a two-dimensional image can be taken into account in the analysis, such as intrinsic clarity, the level of illumination directed at the image, the number of objects in a two-dimensional image, the similarity of objects, a random or ordered arrangement of objects, and the native resolution of a two-dimensional image.

In the case of moving two-dimensional images, the stability of the two-dimensional image, the speed of movement of objects within the two-dimensional image, the duration of mounting frames (continuous periods) and the length of the time period during which monocular depth features are continuously present in the two-dimensional image are also taken into account.

The method can also take into account the size of the two-dimensional image, the distance between the observer and the two-dimensional image, and the viewing angle of the two-dimensional image.

Then, a two-dimensional image is displayed on a surface for displaying an image. After that, to obtain the necessary amplification effect, you can select one or more amplifiers (its type, size, etc.) and its operation mode (color, backlight, movement, programming, etc.). If the amplifier is a visually distinguishable object, it is preferable that it is functionally connected to the image surface on which the two-dimensional image is displayed. A visually distinguishable object in combination with a two-dimensional image forms an enhanced observable spot, which the observer's visual system perceives as an image on the retina of each eye with spatial retinal disparity. Other possible options for amplifiers include standard electronic, optical and / or mechanical components that move a two-dimensional image on the image surface in a horizontal direction relative to the observer's fixation point and / or generate a horizontally moving two-dimensional image of a visually distinguishable object at the surface intended for image display, or her, and the observer sees this surface along with a two-dimensional image.

If at least one amplifier is a visually distinguishable object, then due to the structure of the amplified observable place in the observer's visual system, an insignificant but sufficient retinal disparity of the two-dimensional image arises due to the spatial

- 11 013779 important factor. If an amplifier of a different type is used, then the observer has an insignificant but sufficient retinal disparity of the two-dimensional image due to the time factor. Thus, the observer perceives a single fused composite image, and a single perception is due to the fusion of disparate retinal images. In this case, the depth perception with any monocular signs of depth, which may include a two-dimensional image, can be enhanced to such an extent that the observer perceives this as a form of stereoscopic perception, and the perception of clarity can be enhanced so that the observer perceives this as an increase in image resolution.

Criteria for the analysis of a two-dimensional image, which is carried out in connection with the method described above, can be included in the two-dimensional image evaluation system, designed to inform the observer and persons present during the reproduction of the two-dimensional image, the degree of suitability of the two-dimensional image for obtaining using of the present invention the expected gain effect. Such an assessment system may quantify the criteria used to evaluate a two-dimensional image and report the results in numerical, speech, graphic and / or summary form. The estimates obtained can also be used by persons interested in the content of a two-dimensional image for the purpose of its sale or in order to determine the suitability of the present invention for use.

Above was a description of implementation option No. 1, a fundamental implementation option. Next will be described other basic options for implementation, also containing essential elements.

Variant of implementation No. 2: electronic generation of a three-dimensional visually soluble object for a fixed two-dimensional image.

Variant of implementation No. 3: the implementation of electronic or mechanical means of horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image relative to the surface intended for image display.

Variant of implementation No. 4: the implementation by electronic or mechanical means of horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image of a visually distinguishable object relative to the surface intended to display the image for a fixed two-dimensional image.

Implementation option No. 5: horizontal movement of a mechanically visually distinguishable object at a surface intended for displaying an image for a fixed two-dimensional image.

Variant of implementation No. 6: a computer program operating on a computer and providing horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image relative to a surface intended for displaying an image, and / or horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image of a visually distinguishable object relative to a surface intended for displaying an image, for a fixed two-dimensional image.

Through various combinations of the listed implementation options, including the fundamental implementation option, among themselves, as well as with devices to hide the edge and / or mask the background, other implementation options can be obtained.

The second through fifth embodiments can be used with amplifiers that are various designs containing standard components: devices that are well known in the art for which they are designed and manufactured. Such devices include standard signal processing circuits. These circuits generate, combine, modify, and extract signals for two-dimensional and auxiliary images that are part of the second through fifth embodiments. Structures containing standard components combine standard components in such a way that they interact and / or are connected to each other so that each system performs its function when the system is operating. However, the operations performed by such structures containing standard components, and presented in the present description, are not known from the prior art. Implementation option No. 6, however, is used with a computer program that independently generates and / or displays a two-dimensional image, enhanced by the functioning of the specified program when generating and / or displaying a two-dimensional image, and the gain is obtained due to the horizontal movement of the two-dimensional image and / or horizontal moving one or more two-dimensional images of visually distinguishable objects in the same way as in embodiments No. 3 and 4.

Embodiment 2 is illustrated in FIG. 4, 5, 8 and is a system that functions essentially the same as the fundamental embodiment, differing only in that instead of a mechanical visually distinguishable object, the computer generates a virtual three-dimensional image 17 of a visually distinguishable object (Fig. 8), which displays ( pos. 100) by electronic means simultaneously with image 1. Image 17 is generated using standard equipment 30 for generating video images and is intended for observation through standard glasses for three-dimensional Luden, giving a two-color image to be used is usually two-dimensional images for chornobelyh polarized image or having a modulator 130. The modulator is controlled by a standard device 110 that supplies a control sig

- 12 013779 cash 120, synchronized with the left and right frames of the image 17 alternating each other. The left and right components of the image 17 are generated (pos. 30) so that when observing through the glasses 130 for three-dimensional observation, the image 17 was located outside the surface 3 and in front of her. Thus, the observer through the glasses 130 sees the amplified observed place containing images 17 and 1, as image 1 on the image surface with a visually distinguishable object 2 hanging in front of this surface, as in the case of the fundamental embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Image 17 may contain a device for hiding the edges of the image 1 or may itself perform this function. As shown in FIG. 4, a three-dimensional image signal 40 of a visually distinguishable object, containing a synchronizing control signal 60 for controlling a three-dimensional visually distinguishable object, is supplied to a standard video signal combining device 50 to combine it with a two-dimensional image signal 35 input from a standard video source 25. The device 50 passes a signal 60 for transmission to a standard device 110 for controlling glasses for observation along with the signal 120.

Then, the combined image signal 70 is converted if necessary (key 80) into a video display signal 90 for the video display 100 used. As shown in FIG. 5, the signal 60 can be extracted from the signal 70 by processing in the device 80 for converting the combined signal in order to supply it to the display. The signal 60 can also be applied directly to the device 110 from the device 30 to generate an image of a three-dimensional visually distinguishable object. The use of other types of glasses for three-dimensional observation in order to observe a three-dimensional visually distinguishable object will require the generation of an image of a three-dimensional visually distinguishable object that has an appropriate color and polarization, and will eliminate the need for a control device for controlling glasses for three-dimensional observation and its control signal. Since the implementation option No. 2 has the disadvantage that it is necessary to use eye devices, it is not preferable for normal observation, but can be used in the field of diagnosis and treatment.

Embodiment No. 3 shown in FIG. 6 and 9, is a system in which the gain effect is achieved due to horizontal movement of 20b, 20K (b and K mean, respectively, moving left and right) of image 1 on surface 3 relative to the observer's fixation point. Such a movement is almost invisible to the observer, and a sufficient component of this movement is essentially parallel to the direction of the orientation of the eyes of the observer in both directions of the specified orientation. The speed and frequency of this movement are sufficient to cause the observer insignificant but sufficient retinal disparity due to the time factor. The term "displacement component" in the present description means displacement represented by one of the components of the velocity vector in the vector representation of the uniform rectilinear motion obtained by decomposing it into two components, the angle between which is 90 °, while the magnitude of the decomposed vector is equal to the hypotenuse value of a right triangle formed by the decomposed vector and its components. As in other described embodiments, such retinal disparity, as a rule, leads to fusion of retinal images from observer 9 and, therefore, to the amplification effect. The displacements 20b, 20K can be adjusted in time for a particular observer so that they provide alternate perception of disparate retinal images. The devices of the system can provide any movement speed 20b, 20K, compatible with the characteristics of the display 100, for example, such a characteristic as the frequency of regeneration. You can also adjust the amplitude, direction and frequency of movements 20b, 20K, so as to ensure the movement of the image 1 on the surface 3 in the horizontal direction 20b, 20K in one direction or the other. Regulation can be performed automatically, under the direct supervision of the observer or according to the program created by the observer. In other words, the frequency, speed and mode of movement, for example, slowly to the right and quickly back to the left;

quickly to the right with a sharp return to the left to its original or other position;

sharply right with a slow return to the left, etc., can be chosen in such a way as to satisfy the requirements of a particular observer. The control may also be consistent with the content of the image 1 transmitted with the signal 35 and as part of it, and / or with the preferences of the observer.

An implementation option No. 3 of a system for performing horizontal movement 20b, 20K of image 1 can be mechanical, as is the case with a film projector that projects moving or still images onto a reflective or light-transmitting screen. The indicated movements of the image 1 can be performed by mechanical movement of specific components of a film projector, for example, a frame window, frame frame, or elements of the optical scheme of the projector, or electromechanically, by mechanical movement provided by an electric drive and electronically controlled, with regulation that can be performed in the same way as in

- 13 013779 of the above electronic system.

In the embodiment No. 3, it is possible, if necessary, to use glasses of the same type as in the embodiment No. 2. However, in this embodiment, during the movement 20b, 20K of the image 1, the glasses alternately cover each eye. The system according to implementation option No. 3 is intended to provide a sufficient amplification effect without the need for glasses, but the use of glasses is possible.

As can be seen from FIG. 6 and 9, embodiment No. 3 can perform edge concealment by combining the image signal 150 to conceal the edge and the horizontal displacement signal 180 of a two-dimensional image. The signal 150 is generated by a standard device 140 for generating a two-dimensional image to hide the edge. Standard device 160 combines signal 150 with a two-dimensional image signal. The combined image signal 70 is such that the displayed images 18B, 18 \ ν (Fig. 9) are relatively stationary relative to the surface 3, and the image 1 performs horizontal movement 20b, 20K. As shown in FIG. 9, the color of the borders 3B, 3ν of the surface intended for displaying the image, where the letters B and ν mean, respectively, the borders painted in black and white, should correspond to the color and / or pattern of images 18B, 18ν. Although the boundaries 3B, 3ν in FIG. 9, for the purpose of explaining possible options, are shown in two colors (white and black), the boundary of the surface 3, as a rule, has a color and / or pattern corresponding to the color and / or pattern of images 18B, 18ν. As indicated above, images 18B, 18ν can also be dynamic in nature and can be designed to increase the gain effect for a particular displayed image 1. Also, as mentioned above, the edge concealment device shown in FIG. 9, can be used separately from implementation option No. 3, as well as with a fundamental implementation option and with implementation option No. 2.

Embodiment 4 is shown in FIG. 7, 10, 11, 12 and is a system that causes a slight, but sufficient retinal disparity, necessary to obtain the amplification effect, by horizontal movement 22b, 22K, where the letters b and K mean, respectively, moving left and right at least one image 21 of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object. The preferred form of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object is a frame, and the corresponding image will hereinafter be called the “image 21 of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object / frame”. Image 21 is displayed together with the observed image 1. As in the case of the fundamental embodiment, image 21 may have a shape other than the simple frame shown in FIG. 10. Image 21 may be in the form of an incomplete frame 21, as shown in FIG. 11 and 12, which is a pair of vertical stripes or patterns superimposed on the entire image 1 or part thereof. The image 21 is moved in the horizontal direction relative to the observer's fixation point over the surface intended for displaying the image. A sufficient component of this movement is parallel to the orientation of the observer's eyes in both directions of orientation. This movement is almost invisible to the observer. The movement is performed at a speed and frequency (when moving left and right), sufficient to cause the observer a retinal disparity due to the time factor. Image 21 may be superimposed on or surround image 1. As in the case of other variants of implementation, such retinal disparity normally leads to fusion of retinal images and, consequently, to the amplification effect. The horizontal movement 22b, 22K can be adjusted in time for a particular observer to provide alternate perception of disparate retinal images. The devices of the system can provide any speed 22b, 22K, consistent with the characteristics of the display 100, for example, a characteristic such as the refresh rate of the display. You can also adjust the amplitude, direction and frequency of movements 22b, 22K, so as to ensure the movement of the image 21 on the surface 3 in the horizontal direction 22b, 22K in one direction or the other. Motion control can be performed automatically, under the direct supervision of the observer or according to the program created by the observer. In other words, the frequency, speed and mode of movement, for example, slowly to the right and quickly back to the left;

quickly to the right with a sharp return to the left to its original or other position;

sharply right with a slow return to the left, etc., can be chosen in such a way as to satisfy the requirements of a particular observer. Such control may also be consistent with the content of the image 1 transmitted along with the signal 35 and as part of it and / or with the preferences of the observer. If the image 21 completely or partially surrounds the image 1, the latter can be reduced in size so that it is essentially completely displayed inside the frame, that is, so that the frame does not crop it.

In the embodiment No. 4, mechanical, electromechanical or mechanical, provided by the electric drive and electronically controlled, horizontal movement of the image 21 is also performed. Such movement can be regulated in essentially the same way as in the embodiment No. 3. The system for performing horizontal movement 22b, 22K of image 1 can be mechanical, as is the case with a movie projector that projects moving or

- 14 013779 still images on a reflective or light-transmitting screen. Such movements can be performed by mechanical movement of specific components of the film projector, for example, a frame window, frame frame or elements of the optical scheme of the projector, or electromechanically, by mechanical movement provided by an electric drive and electronically controlled, with regulation that can be carried out in the same manner as described above electronic system.

In the embodiment No. 4, it is possible to use glasses of the same type as in the embodiment No. 2. However, in this embodiment, during the horizontal movement 20b, 20K of the image 21, the glasses alternately cover each eye. The system of implementation option No. 4 is intended to provide a sufficient amplification effect without the need to use glasses for observation, but the possibility of using glasses is not excluded.

In embodiment No. 4, images 18B, 18 \ ν can also be used to hide the edge (Fig. 9), which, as in embodiment No. 3, are obtained by combining signal 150 (Fig. 6) with the signal horizontally moved 22K, 22b Image 21. The signal 150 (FIG. 6) generated by the standard image generator 140 (FIG. 6) can also be combined with the image signal 220 of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object / frame. The combined image signal 70 after conversion for the display 90 is such that the displayed images 18B, 18ν (Fig. 9) are relatively stationary relative to the image 1 and the surface 3, as in the embodiment No. 2, and the image 21 performs a horizontal movement 22K, 22b . In addition, the image 21 can be dynamic in nature in a similar way to the dynamic images 18B, 18ν, and can be designed to increase the amplification effect of a particular image 1.

Implementation option No. 5, described only according to the drawings of other embodiments, contains a mechanically visually distinguishable object and can be used in a similar way with implementation option No. 4, but without the flexibility provided by the electronic generation of image 21 (Fig. 10). The horizontal movement of a mechanically visually distinguishable object over surface 3, which is not shown in the drawings, but which is essentially illustrated in FIG. 10, provided that 21 indicates the indicated visually distinguishable object, can be performed using standard mechanical drives, driven electrically or mechanically, electronically or mechanically. In other cases, to obtain the amplification effect, essentially the same configurations and types of movements of visually distinguishable objects can be used, as in embodiment No. 4. As in the case with all variants of implementation, in option No. 5, the entire range of methods for hiding the edge can be used to reduce the edge effect.

Implementation option No. 6 is performed using a computer program and within the framework of this program. The specified program operates on a computer that generates and / or displays two-dimensional images, such as animation, illustrations, simulation models, graphic images, as well as images obtained by processing and / or reproducing analog and digital images in general. The term "computer program" in the present description means a complete workable computer program or its component, for example, an overlay segment of a program, an algorithm written in the form of a program, a subprogram. The computer program contains instructions for the computer and related to the actions performed by the structures containing standard elements of the implementation options No. 3 and 4. Implementation option No. 6 performs the same movements of a two-dimensional image and / or movement of images of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object as the implementation options No. 3 and 4, and the specified movement can be set as an integral property of the image and / or can be assigned property and / or can be a random property of two dimensional images generated or processed by a computer program in the performance of its core functions, such as playing the game, engineering, creation of dynamic images, artistic expression, word processing and image processing.

A computer program that generates or processes stationary two-dimensional images, such as photographs, graphics and text, may contain information about the generated video frames for at least one image of a two-dimensional visually distinguishable object and its horizontal movement and / or information about the horizontal movement of a two-dimensional image.

The information about the generated frames of the two-dimensional image may also contain information about the image hiding the edges. A computer program that generates or processes moving two-dimensional images, that is, images whose movement is ensured by successive video frames, for example, animated, cinematic, television images, may contain information about the generated image video frames, similar to information for still images in accordance with characteristics of a moving two-dimensional image. In the implementation option No. 6, the horizontal movement control can be performed in the same way as in the implementation options No. 3 and 4, but using the program with the corresponding input

- 15 013779 data.

The described embodiments No. 2-4 and 6 can be used in electronic and electromechanical forms with any currently known signal transmission method, such as transmission in the form of electromagnetic waves, over cable lines and computer networks, in the form of video recording, or with any known Today, the method of intermediate electronic signal processing using devices installed between the receiver or generator of two-dimensional images and a display that displays a two-dimensional image.

The entire range of combinations of signal transmission and processing methods, as well as the entire range of control methods for these operations can be used in these embodiments and is included in the present invention. Similarly, the aforementioned practical use methods with respect to any method of controlling the system and / or to any applicable image display method can also be used in the fundamental embodiment of the invention (embodiment No. 1).

In the process of presenting the present description, when considering a number of issues, it was indicated that the amplification effect of the present invention can be used to study vision, in particular in the field of diagnosis and treatment. It was also indicated that the principle underlying the present invention was proposed for the first time. In fact, there are additional aspects of the amplification effect that reveal the currently unknown functions of the visual zone of the cerebral cortex and the principles of binocular rivalry.

Although the invention has been described with reference to examples of specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these examples. The present description is intended to cover the general purpose of the described method and systems, as well as various alternative and equivalent designs that are included in the essence and scope of the attached claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with simple, visually distinguishable objects in the form of a frame.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visually distinguishable object with a frame with a visor and an integrated edge concealment device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system for projecting an image onto a reflective screen with a visually distinguishable object in the form of a simple frame and a separate edge concealment device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first example system using an electronically generated virtual three-dimensional visually distinguishable object.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second example of a system using an electronically generated virtual three-dimensional visually distinguishable object.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example system with horizontal image movement and edge hiding.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example system with horizontal movement of a frame image.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a system with a generated virtual three-dimensional visually distinguishable object.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the horizontal movement of the image with the edge hidden.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the horizontal movement of a simple frame image.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the horizontal movement of an image of an incomplete frame consisting of vertical stripes.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the horizontal movement of an image of an incomplete frame consisting of a vertical pattern.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame attached to the image object using a horizontal clamp.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame attached to the image object using a vertical clamp.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system for projecting an image onto a reflective screen with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame attached to the image surface.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame attached to an image object.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame that is part of a display case.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system with a visual difference

- 16 013779 object in the form of an incomplete frame, which is a display panel.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mechanical embodiment of a system for projecting an image onto a reflective screen with a visually distinguishable object in the form of an incomplete frame, highlighted when projecting an image.

The best options for carrying out the invention

The choice of the best embodiment of the invention depends on the field of application and on the tendency of the observer to a specific option from those described above. When using the invention in the field of entertainment or the field of culture and the availability of sufficient space, various forms of a fundamental embodiment will be most suitable. For use in computers and games, the best options would be the various forms of implementation option No. 6. For television and cable companies, various forms of implementation option No. 4 may be most preferred. For reproducing images for medical purposes, the most preferred option may be implementation No. 2.

Industrial applicability

The invention can be used with any method for reproducing two-dimensional images, if, due to the increased perception of the observer, depth increases the clarity of the image, such as images in medicine, computer graphics, images in the field of entertainment (movies, television), images in the field of culture (drawings, paintings , photographs, etc.), commercial images (posters, billboards, etc.). The invention can also be used for scientific purposes to study the human visual system, in particular, to study the visual zone of the cerebral cortex and the interaction of the brain and eyes, as well as to study vision in general. The main objectives of the present invention are to enhance the observer's visual perception of a single two-dimensional image, which includes enhancing the observer's perception of depth when observing various types of two-dimensional images containing monocular signs of depth;

Claims (9)

1. A system for enhancing visual perception by an observer of a two-dimensional image, comprising: (a) a two-dimensional image displayed on or adjacent to a surface intended for displaying an image; and (b) at least one amplifier causing retinal disparity when observing said two-dimensional image and containing at least one visually distinguishable object located in front of the surface for displaying the image and forming together with the two-dimensional image a combined observable position perceived by the observer’s visual system as an image on the retina of each eye with retinal disparity due to the spatial factor, and visually distinguishable about the object is located in the border space of the Panuma fusion region for the specified two-dimensional image at a sufficient distance from the specified two-dimensional image in order to reproduce the binocular retinal images of the combined observable location due to the spatial factor in the Panuma fusion zone, and at least one visually distinguishable object is physical object, visually perceived by the observer as a separate object, essentially separate about t specified two-dimensional image and not hidden due to mixing with its content; and / or at least one visually distinguishable object located in front of the surface intended for image display and forming, together with a two-dimensional image, a combined observable spot perceived by the observer’s visual system as an image on the retina of each eye with retinal disparity due to spatial factor, and visually distinguishable the object is located within the depth of field of focus of the observer of the two-dimensional image at a sufficient distance from the specified two a moderate image in order to reproduce in the observer's eyes disparate binocular retinal images due to the spatial factor of the combined observable place, wherein said at least one visually distinguishable object is a physical object that is visually perceived by the observer as a separate object, essentially separate from the specified two-dimensional image and not hidden due to confusion with its contents; and / or a structure containing electronic and / or optical and / or mechanical components that performs horizontal movement of the specified two-dimensional image on the surface intended for displaying images relative to the observer's fixation point in such a way that the displacement component is parallel to the orientation direction of the observer's eyes in both directions of orientation, speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause the observer retinal disparity due to temporary actor and / or generates a near surface for displaying an image thereon or by - 17 013779 at least one two-dimensional image of at least one visually distinguishable object visible by the observer together with the specified two-dimensional image, and moves the image of the visually distinguishable object on the indicated surface horizontally relative to the fixation point of the observer in such a way that the movement component is parallel to the direction of orientation of the observer’s eyes in both directions of orientation, the speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause retinal disparity in the observer st due to the time factor, with the observer to visually perceive the at least one visually perceptible image of the object as an object separate from said two-dimensional image and not hidden because of the mixing of its contents; and / or a computer with a computer program operating on a computer and generating a two-dimensional image that moves the specified two-dimensional image horizontally on the surface intended to display the image relative to the observer's fixation point in such a way that the movement component is parallel to the orientation of the observer’s eyes in both directions of orientation , the speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause the observer a retinal disparity due to time a variable factor, and / or generates on the surface intended for displaying the image at least one two-dimensional image of at least one visually distinguishable object visible to the observer together with the specified two-dimensional image, and moves the image of the visually distinguishable object horizontally on the indicated surface relative to the fixation point observer in such a way that the component of movement parallel to the direction of orientation of the eyes of the observer in both directions of the specified orientation, The speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause the observer retinal disparity due to a time factor, and the observer visually perceives the specified at least one image of a visually distinguishable object as an object separate from the specified two-dimensional image and not hidden due to mixing with its content ; and / or a computer with a computer program operating on a computer and displaying a two-dimensional image that moves the specified two-dimensional image horizontally on the surface intended to display the image relative to the fixation point of the observer in such a way that the movement component is parallel to the direction of orientation of the observer’s eyes in both directions of the indicated orientation, speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause retinal disparity in the observer, due to time factor, and / or generates on the surface intended to display the image, at least one two-dimensional image of at least one visually distinguishable object visible to the observer together with the specified two-dimensional image, and moves the image of the visually distinguishable object on the specified surface horizontally relative to the point fixing the observer in such a way that the displacement component is parallel to the direction of orientation of the observer's eyes in both directions of the indicated The settings, speed and frequency of movement are sufficient to cause the observer a retinal disparity caused by a time factor, and the observer visually perceives the specified at least one image of a visually distinguishable object as an object separate from the specified two-dimensional image and not hidden due to mixing with its content; moreover, this system provides an increase in the perception of depth and / or clarity of the specified two-dimensional image by the observer’s visual system through the fusion of disparate retinal images of the specified two-dimensional image. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one visually distinguishable object is illuminated from the side facing the observer. 3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the illumination of the specified at least one visually distinguishable object is made variable in intensity, color and / or polarization, and these changes are controlled based on the brightness, color and / or monocular depth signs of the specified two-dimensional image or according to a program in order to increase the effect of amplification and / or adaptation to the observer. 4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the two-dimensional image includes at least one monocular depth feature. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface for displaying images is curved horizontally, vertically or horizontally and vertically. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one visually distinguishable object is an incomplete frame having two vertical sides. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified two-dimensional image is highlighted. 8. A method of enhancing visual perception by an observer of a two-dimensional image, including: a) selecting a two-dimensional image with at least one monocular depth feature; b) inducing the observer of retinal disparity of binocular retinal images - 18 013779 the combined observed place created by introducing into the observed place containing a two-dimensional image of at least one visually distinguishable object, located essentially within the depth of field of focus of the eye of the observer, when the specified two-dimensional image is located in the focus of the observer. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one visually distinguishable object is positioned essentially in the fusion region of Panama for said two-dimensional image.