EP0098767B1 - Method and device for producing composite images on a photosensitive carrier from an assembly of symbols - Google Patents

Description

There are already methods and means for performing automatic and rapid photo-composition of texts intended for printing, with the help of a computer or calculator.

In such devices or processes, the data which is supplied to the computer consists of a pre-established text which is automatically recomposed by a sequence of projections of letters on photo-sensitive support according to the principle of horizontal scanning. and vertical scrolling, and in the sequence order provided by the text to be reproduced.

Thus, for example, the American patent of ZORN (US-A-4,227,786) relates to a photocomposition machine for printing intended for projecting on a photo-sensitive support a series of symbols which are juxtaposed.

The operator must control the selection of symbols, their size, their positioning, etc., and to do this, the device described must allow a visualization of the projected image at all stages of the process. This machine does not allow photocompositions by superposition and there is no predefined relation besides the format of the sprites and that of the photo-sensitive support. It also does not allow, due to the entirely manual process, to produce a composite image in a fully automatic manner where all the positioning and overprinting operations are linked automatically according to a pre-established program.

Depending on the devices and with a view to obtaining ever higher speeds, the means used are electromechanical (movement of drums, discs, sensitive surfaces) or more or less electronic, using the cathode ray tube or laser, the movements always remaining a horizontal scan by light ray and a vertical scrolling of sensitive surfaces.

The ITEK patent (FR-A-1 474 342) for example comprises members for selecting a set of object-images allowing the support of the object-image support in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis. However, this patent does not concern a photo-composition device: it is not intended to reproduce images on a photo-sensitive support by composition. It is rather a device for searching for image objects among a large number of predefined image objects, like a photographic database.

Such devices, and in particular the devices described by ZORN and ITEK do not allow the production of a composite image from figurative elements which must be arranged according to very diverse spatial arrangements, from data, for example the realization an image of the sky map by arrangement of images of planet constellations, of figurative symbols, from data of location (longitude and latitude) and time (date and time), in particular the selection of a figure -object of the same format as the photo-sensitive support (with the near enlargement ratio) and the displacement relative to this figure relative to the photo-sensitive support to obtain a relative offset necessary for obtaining a composite image with multiple overlays. Finally, they do not include automatic means making it possible to obtain a final composite image by a pre-established automatic sequence initialized by an operator at one time. The object of the invention is to provide the means for such an embodiment.

• - une source lumineuse à éclairs,
• - une optique photographique,
• - un support contenant un ensemble pré-défini de figures-objets,
• - des moyens électromécaniques de sélection et de positionnement d'une figure-objet sur l'axe optique en position 'objet',
• - des moyens électromécaniques de déplacement de cette figure selon deux directions perpendiculaires à l'axe optique,
• - un support photo-sensible placé sur l'axe optique en position image,
• - des moyens de commandes des éclairs de la source lumineuse, lesdits moyens ci-dessus étant placés sous la commande d'un calcula-teur muni d'un clavier de commande à touches numériques, alphanuméri-ques et de fonction provoquant l'impression du support photo-sensible par éclairs successifs à partir des figures-objets préalablement position-nées une à une par rapport à l'axe optique, en séquence, et selon un programme pré-établi.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises, enclosed in a light-tight case:

• - a light source with flashes,
• - a photographic lens,
• - a support containing a pre-defined set of object-figures,
• - electromechanical means for selecting and positioning an object-figure on the optical axis in the 'object' position,
• electromechanical means for moving this figure in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis,
• - a photo-sensitive support placed on the optical axis in image position,
• - Means for controlling the lightning flashes, said above means being placed under the control of a calculator provided with a control keyboard with numeric, alphanumeric and function keys causing the printing of the photo-sensitive support by successive flashes from the object-figures previously positioned one by one with respect to the optical axis, in sequence, and according to a pre-established program.

By 'figure-object' is meant a translucent support according to a drawing or any figurative element, such as for example a photographic photograph.

By 'pre-defined set of figure-objects' is meant a collection of figures-objects in finite number, chosen and placed on or in a support in correlation with the computer program corresponding to a specific application, as opposed to a store. in which the object-figures are interchangeable, movable or which can be reloaded by the user in the arrangement, the order and the number of his choice.

The fact that after selection, each object-figure of the assembly thus formed is movable along two axes perpendicular to the optical axis makes it possible to locate at will the image of all or paitiede each object-figure on the sensitive support, beforehand each time you take a picture, regardless of the order in which the object-figures are used.

• 1°) Le support photo-sensible est rotatif selon l'axe optique par rapport à l'ensemble de figures-objets et le procédé comprend une phase d'orientation angulaire du support photo-sensible par rapport à la figure-objet sélectionnée avant chaque prise de vue.
• 2°) L'optique photographique est à focale variable et le procédé comprend une phase de réglage de la focale avant chaque prise de vue, ce qui permet de varier à volonté l'agrandissement relatif des figures-objets.

The method according to the invention thus consists in using a defined set of object-figures of which each object-figure, once selected, can be moved on the optical axis in two directions perpendicular to this axis, each shooting taking place after positioning of said object-figure in these two directions under the control of electromechanical means, the selection, the positioning of each object-figure, as well as the sequence of shots being determined by a computer from a pre-established program. The invention also relates to the following arrangements which allow more complex embodiments:

• 1 °) The photo-sensitive support is rotatable along the optical axis with respect to the set of object-figures and the method comprises a phase of angular orientation of the photo-sensitive support with respect to the figure-object selected before each shooting.
• 2 °) The photographic optic is with variable focal length and the process comprises a phase of adjustment of the focal length before each shooting, which makes it possible to vary at will the relative enlargement of the figures-objects.

The applications of the invention are very diverse and the examples below are given without limitation.

Constitution of the sky map as it is seen from any geographic point at a given time.

In this case, the object-figures will be the photographs of the constellations and the planets possibly associated with symbolic figurations and the computer will be programmed to successively position all or part of each figure-object and fix them by successive flashes on the support. photo-sensitive as a function of the location (latitude and longitude) and date (year, day, exact time) data supplied to it by operator action on the keyboard.

This application can be used for educational purposes or for historical or scientific research.

Representation of a preferred signposted route from a given starting point.

A device placed at any point of a city can establish the route to follow to go to another point of this city in the form of a representation of the map of the city carrying arrows indicating the psrcours to follow. The data will be the street name and the number where the user wants to go. The set of object-figures will consist of a background image representing the city map, the useful part of which will be reproduced on the resulting image, with indication of the starting point (location of the device) of the signs ( points, arrows etc.) materializing the route, the names of the streets to take etc.

Another application consists in the production on photo-sensitive support of symbolic images of astrological themes, the whole of the figure-objects being constituted by the symbolic figurations of the signs of the zodiac, of the luminaries, planets, astral houses and other elements. of the birth chart, the data being date and place data, and the image obtained being the figure of the particular birth chart corresponding to this data.

Another application can be the production of images of a decorative or aesthetic nature composed from figurative elements making up all of the object-figures, these elements being arranged relatively to each other from data and / or according to a program. which may include a part of randomness or arbitrariness.

In the context of the invention, the photo-sensitive support obtained may be a step in the manufacture of objects by reproduction of the composite image on a support object.

• a) Les différentes figures-objets sont inscrites dans un cadre de même format et le format du support photo- sensible est au plus égal à l'image de ce format à travers l'optique choisie.
• Ainsi, la totalité du champ du support photo-sensible peut être couvert à partir d'une seule figure-objet.
• b) Chaque figure-objet est revêtue d'un cache dans lequel est découpée une ouverture correspondant à la psrtie de la figure-objet qui doit servir à impressionner le support photo-sensible.

From the point of view of the practical implementation of the invention, various possibilities are available to those skilled in the art with regard to the production of a support for a set of figure-objects, the selection of 'an object-figure, of its displacement in two directions of the realization of the optics, that of a rotating photo-sensitive support or the control of a light source with flashes. To prefer this:

• a) The different figure-objects are inscribed in a frame of the same format and the format of the photo-sensitive support is at most equal to the image of this format through the optics chosen.
• Thus, the entire field of the photo-sensitive support can be covered from a single object-figure.
• b) Each figure-object is coated with a cover in which is cut an opening corresponding to the psrtie of the figure-object which must serve to impress the photo-sensitive support.

The combination of this arrangement with the previous one makes it possible to locate the figurative element carried by an object-figure at any point on the photo-sensitive support while preventing the successive flashes of the light source from ultimately impressing the entire support, even if the background of each object-figure is black.

c) The support for the set of figure-objects is produced in the form of juxtaposition of the figure-objects on the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis in a frame movable in two directions of this plane, perpendicular to each other.

The control of these two displacements thus makes it possible, by the same means, on the one hand to select and initial positioning of an object-figure on the optical axis, and on the other hand to determine its exact final positioning with respect to this axis.

• d) The support frame is slidably mounted with control by endless screws in a frame itself sliding perpendicularly by endless screw in the frame of the light-tight housing.
• e) The photo-sensitive support is mounted in a circular frame rolling by means of rollers in a support linked to the housing, the rotation control being carried out by a roller or motor pinion.
• f) The photo-sensitive support is mounted in a black room which is itself removably mounted on the rotating support.
• g) This dark room includes a device for ejecting a photograph or advancing sight.
• h) for at least one of the commands for moving the object-figure or for varying the focal length, a position detector is provided which returns the corresponding position information to the computer.

• La figure 1 représente sous forme de schéma u n exemple de réalisation d'un appareil selon l'invention;
• La figure 2 est une vue perspective partielle d'un exemple de support d'ensamble de figures-objets ;
• La figure 3 représente en vue perspective schématique un exemple de réalisation d'un moyen de sélection et de positionnement de figure-objet;
• La figure 4 représente schématiquement en perspective et avec arrachement partiel un exemple de réalisation de support sensible rotatif.

This arrangement avoids having to carry out these commands with great precision at the manufacturing stage of the device, by allowing the automatic correction of erroneous or imprecise positions. The invention is more fully described below with reference to the attached drawing in which:

• Figure 1 shows in diagram form an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an example of a support for a set of figure-objects;
• FIG. 3 represents in schematic perspective view an embodiment of a means of selection and positioning of figure-object;
• FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically in perspective and with partial cutaway an embodiment of a rotary sensitive support.

Referring to FIG. -1, it can be seen that the device comprises an optical part A associated with a data input and calculation part 8.

• - une source lumineuse à éclairs 2 du type flash électronique, commandé électriquement par la liaison 3
• - une optique photographique 4, qui, dans cet exemple est une optique à focale variable, la variation de focale étant commandée par un moteur 5 sous contrôle de la commande électrique 6;
• - un support contenant un ensemble de figures-objets 7 constitué par exemple par un cadre rectangulaire (figures 2et 3) supportant les images juxtaposées selon un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe optique 8. Le cadre support 7 est déplaçable selon deux directions perpendiculaires à l'axe optique 8 par les moteurs 9 et 10 commandés par les liaisons électriques 11 et 12;
• - un support photo-sensible 13 monté dans une chambre noire 13A, placée sur l'axe optique 8, et montée sur un support circulaire 14 tournant sur des galets 15 coaxialement à l'axe 8, sous l'action d'un moteur 16 commandé par la liaison électrique 17;
• - la chambre noire 13A comprend un dispositif d'avancement de vue ou d'éjection de photo commandé électriquement en 18.

The optical part comprises a light-tight housing 1, in which are located:

• - a flash light source 2 of the electronic flash type, electrically controlled by the link 3
• - A photographic lens 4, which, in this example is a variable focal length lens, the focal length variation being controlled by a motor 5 under control of the electrical control 6;
• a support containing a set of figure-objects 7 constituted for example by a rectangular frame (FIGS. 2 and 3) supporting the images juxtaposed in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 8. The support frame 7 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis 8 by motors 9 and 10 controlled by electrical connections 11 and 12;
• - a photo-sensitive support 13 mounted in a dark room 13A, placed on the optical axis 8, and mounted on a circular support 14 rotating on rollers 15 coaxially with the axis 8, under the action of a motor 16 controlled by the electrical link 17;
• the dark room 13A comprises a device for advancing sight or ejecting a photo electrically controlled at 18.

The data entry and calculation part 8 comprises a keyboard 19 comprising keys of the type numeric keys 20, alphanumeric keys 21 and function keys 22 or any other suitable system.

The keyboard 19 is connected at 24 to a computer 23 which preferably controls a display dial 25 by the link 26, a dial intended for controlling data in a known manner.

For a given application, the computer 23 may include a permanent internal memory. for a device capable of various applications, there is a rechargeable memory 27 allowing the program to be changed by the link 28.

• L'opérateur précise sur le clavier 19 le type de travail désiré. S'agissant, par exemple, de l'établissement d'un thème astral de naissance d'une personne, il introduit sur le clavier 19 les données codées correspondant à cette opération, après avoir, éventuellement, chargé l'appareil de la mémoire 27 correspondant à ce travail.

The computer 23 sends its orders via the link 29 to the electronic and electrical device 30 which translates them into control pulses of the various motors of the optical system according to the sequence supplied by the computer. The operation of the device is as follows:

• The operator specifies on the keyboard 19 the type of work desired. As regards, for example, the establishment of a birth chart of a person, he enters on the keyboard 19 the coded data corresponding to this operation, after having possibly loaded the device with the memory 27 corresponding to this work.

The operator then introduces the necessary data under control of the display 25. The data are controlled by the computer 23 and stored if there is no error.

If the computer does not have all the necessary data, it sends a signal requesting the additional data, otherwise it determines the figure-objects to be selected and the positioning parameters of these images and activates the electrical and electromechanical assembly 30 which controls the various optical system motors A.

• - détermination et exécution des mouvements nécessaires pour sélectionner puis positionner une figure- image de l'ensemble 7 par rapport à l'axe optique et pour orienter le support sensible 13 de la chambre 13A,
• - éclair de la lampe 2,
• - détermination et exécution des mouvements de sélection et positionnement de la figure-objet suivante et d'orientation du support sensible pour la prise de vue correspondante, - nouvel éclair de la lampe 2, et ce jusqu'à la fin du programme établi par le calculateur 23.

The sequence of operations thus ordered is as follows:

• determination and execution of the movements necessary to select and then position an image-image of the assembly 7 with respect to the optical axis and to orient the sensitive support 13 of the chamber 13A,
• - flash of the lamp 2,
• - determination and execution of the movements of selection and positioning of the following object-figure and orientation of the sensitive support for the corresponding shooting, - new flash of the lamp 2, and this until the end of the program established by the calculator 23.

The whole assembly A can be produced in a known manner using at least one microprocessor or microcomputer, and it is not necessary to describe these means which are of current manufacture for many other applications.

According to the invention, this apparatus will include position detectors for each of the movements controlled by the device 30. The information from these detectors, transmitted by the links 31, 32 for the position of the support of the assembly 7, by the link 33 for the focal length of the optics 4, by the link 34 for the position of the sensitive support 13, allow the automatic correction of these positions by the calculation and control unit B.

The manufacturing and mounting precision of assembly A can thus be reduced to achievable values at a lower price.

As shown in FIG. 2, the object-figures are preferably inscribed in a frame of the same format, represented by the dotted lines 35, and the assembly 7 is formed by the juxtaposition on a same plane of these different object-figures of the same format. In the example of FIG. 2, the various object-figures are carried by a photographic support 36 enclosed between a rigid translucent support 37 and a cover 38 of blackened metal, comprising openings 39.40 corresponding to the part u, island of figure-objects. Depending on the case, an opening such as 40 may occupy the entire surface of a figurt. _This object and during the passage of this figure-object, the photo-sensitive support may be impressed over its entire surface. In the case of openings 39, only part of the support 13 is impressed and this part can, according to the invention be located at any point of said support.

The format 35 of the object-figures is such that the image of this format through the optics 4 is of dimensions at least equal to those of the photo-sensitive support 13. Thus, not only the entire surface of the support 13 can be impressed from a figure-object but it is also possible to impress the total surface of said support from a portion of figure-object.

FIG. 3 represents an example of reslisation of the means for positioning such a planar support. The latter is placed in the frame 41 which slides on the rods 42 carried by the chassis 43, itself sliding on the rods 44 perpendicular to the rods 42 and carried by the frame 45, itself linked to the housing 1 in which the optical assembly. Worms or the equivalent 46,47 controlled by electric motors 48,49 move the frame 41.

• Le support 13 est placé dans un boîtier 50 monté sur une partie cylindrique 51 rotative entre des galets de guidage 52 et portant une couronne dentée 14 entraînée par le pignon 54 monté sur l'arbre de sortie d'un moteur. Les galets 52 sont montés sur un paroi 55 solidaire du boîtier 1 (figure 1); le disque couronne 14, la paroi 55 et des colliers tels que 56 sont disposés pour assurer l'étanchéité à la lumière de l'ensemble.

The photo-sensitive support 13 can be rotated as shown in FIG. 4:

• The support 13 is placed in a housing 50 mounted on a cylindrical part 51 rotatable between guide rollers 52 and carrying a ring gear 14 driven by the pinion 54 mounted on the output shaft of an engine. The rollers 52 are mounted on a wall 55 secured to the housing 1 (Figure 1); the crown disk 14, the wall 55 and collars such as 56 are arranged to ensure the light-tightness of the assembly.

In the embodiment thus described, the selection and the positioning of an object-figure is done by displacement of a planar support.

As a variant, it is possible to adopt a support of the cassette type, the object-figures being arranged in succession on a film unwinding between two reels, the selection is made by rotation of the reels and the positioning by displacement of the cassette relative to the optical axis; it is also possible to adopt a support in the form of a drum or a disc.

Alternatively also, the support 7 can be rotatably mounted, the support 13 being fixed.

Likewise, it is possible to use a constant focal length optic and to provide for a relative displacement, along the optical axis, of the object-figure with respect to the optic and to the sensitive support.

Such variants constitute equivalents of the arrangements described, which are preferred for their simplicity.

The composite image obtained can in itself constitute the product of the process and of the apparatus according to the invention, in particular if it is a sensitive support with instantaneous development. And, in accordance with the invention, the device can be associated with a coin-operated device which allows its use by the public.

According to another arrangement of the invention, use will be made of photo-sensitive supports suitable for the manufacture of photoengraving matrices for the manufacture of engraved objects. The engraved objects obtained by this process may have an artistic or utilitarian character, be drawn in a single copy or in several copies, and the invention relates to the objects thus produced by application of the process according to the invention.

Claims (8)

1. Device for making composite images on photo-sensitive medium beginning with a group of figure-objects, consisting of, installed in a lightproof housing (1):

- one flash type light source (2) with its controls;

- one photographic lens (4);

- one support containing a group of figure-objects (7);

- one photo-sensitive medium (13) placed on the optical axis in image position;

The figure-objects (7) being inscribed within a frame of the same format and the photo-sensitive medium (13) having a format at least equal to the image of that format through the lens (4), the device also having:

- electromechanical means of selection and location of a figure-object on the optical axis in object position, associated with electromechanical means for the relative shifting of the figure-object selected in this way with relation to the photo-sensitive medium, along two direc-tions, perpendicular to the optical axis (8), the above- mentioned means being placed under the control of a computer (23), equipped with a control keyboard (19) with numeric, alphanumeric and function keys, actuating the printing of the photo-sensitive medium (13) by successive flashes, and overprinting beginning with the figure-objects, selected and positioned, one by one, in relation to the optical axis (8), in an automatic sequence, determined by the computer, governed by a program, prewritten, based on data which the operator supplies initially at a single time.

2. Device according to claim 1, having.its photo-sensitive medium (13) rotary according to the optical axis (8) in relation to the sup-port (7), driven by the electromechanical drive means, controlled by the computer (23).

3. Device according to any of the above claims, its photographical lens (4) being of variable focal length, this being controlled by electromechanical means governed by the computer (23).

4. Device according to any of the above claims, each of its figure-objects being covered by a guard in which there is an opening, corresponding to the part of this figure-object which is to be used to print the photo-sensitive medium.

5. Device according to any one of the above claims, all of its figure-objects made up of juxtaposed figure-objects in a single plane, perpendicular to the optical axis, in a frame (41), moveable in two directions on this plane, perpendicular to each other, by electromechanical means, controlled by the computer (23).

6. Process for making composite images on the photo-sensitive medium (13), beginning with a group of figure-objects, arranged on a support, the image of which is formed on a photo-sensitive subs-trate (13) by a lens (4), with each figure-object of this group (7) being inscribed within a frame of the same format, and once selected, being positioned on the optical axis (8) by shifting with relation to the photo-sensitive medium whose format is equal to or less than the format image of the figure-object through the lens (4) in two directions perpendicular to thisaxis, each exposure being made in sequence and by overprinting on that same medium (13) after successive positioning of each figure-object in these two directions under the control of electromechanical means, the selection and positioning of the figure-objects, as well as the automatic sequencing of the exposures being controlled by a computer (23), according to a program, pre-prepared based on data which the operator supplies initially and in single time.

7. Process according to claim 6, and having an angular orientation phase of the photo-sensitive medium (13) with relation to each figure-object before each exposure, this orientation being electro-mechanically controlled by the computer (23).

8. Process according to either claim 6 or claim 7, having an adjust-ment phase of the focal length of the lens (8) before each exposure, this adjustment being made electromechanically under the control of the computer (23).

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