EP1341677A1

EP1341677A1 - Drawing aid device

Info

Publication number: EP1341677A1
Application number: EP01270428A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mathias D'estais
Original assignee: Heller SA
Current assignee: Heller SA
Priority date: 2000-12-12
Filing date: 2001-12-12
Publication date: 2003-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-12
Also published as: CA2431239A1; WO2002047920A1; US6810591B2; FR2817798B1; FR2817798A1; US20040031161A1; DE60128390D1; ATE361845T1; EP1341677B1; AU2002217257A1

Abstract

A device enabling a user to reproduce an observed scene on a drawing board support including a first mirror; at least one second mirror, the mirrors being arranged to transmit an image from the support onto an eyepiece in front of which the user can position a first eye; and a secondary support capable of being intercalated between the scene and a second eye to be able to handle a close scene.

Description

DRAWING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

The present invention relates to the field of drawing aid devices. The present invention relates more particularly to a device allowing a user to reproduce a scene observed on a support, of the drawing board type, said device comprising a first mirror and at least a second mirror, said mirrors being arranged so as to return the image of the support on an eyecup in front of which the user can have a first eye.

The prior art already knows devices for drawing assistance and in particular French patent application number FR 2 757 667 which relates to a portable device for the execution of a drawing, of the type comprising an objective and a mirror which reflects the image captured by the lens to a screen positioned flat. This device, if it actually makes it possible to reproduce a scene, is not of great interest in learning the art of drawing, because it does not give leisure to interpret the scene; the technique used is a bit like copying a work with tracing paper placed on it.

The prior art also knows the French patent application number FR 2 164 555 which relates to a device comprising two mirrors allowing a user to reproduce an observed scene, on a support, of the drawing board type.

This device has the major drawback of not making it possible to reproduce a plane image from a book or any reproduction whatsoever.

Moreover, the invention presented in this document is positioned essentially in relation to problems with the brightness of the object to be reproduced. This kind of problem only arises with natural scenes and does not arise with images.

The present invention intends to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device for assisting in the production of drawings or paintings based on the ability of human vision to accept the superposition of images which seem to be in the same plane thanks to mirrors. This device thus allows the designer or the painter to learn to evaluate the perspectives and to reproduce in a simple and effective way either scenes in perspective, or plane representations. To do this, the present invention is, in its broadest sense, of the type claimed in claim 1.

The reproduction device according to the invention comprises a secondary support for the reproduction of plane images, capable of being inserted between the scene and said second eye, in order to provide a nearby scene.

In a variant, said secondary support consists of a transparent element and of one or more movable holding rod (s), pressed against the rear face of the transparent element thanks to one or more springs (s), in order to allow the reproduction of models presented, for example in thick books.

In another variant, the device according to the invention comprises adjustment means allowing the translation of said secondary support on said device.

In a variant of the invention, the device consists of a hollowed-out central part, the support and the secondary support being articulated at the base of this central part, to allow it to be closed and thus form a case.

Said central part preferably includes a means for adjusting the height of the eyecup.

The device also preferably includes a handle to facilitate gripping.

In a version of the invention, the handle and said first mirror form a single piece which is movable in rotation along the central part.

The first mirror and the second mirror are perpendicular to the same longitudinal plane and are offset by an angle of 20 degrees.

The second mirror, the one closest to the eye, can be a semi-transparent mirror, so that the first eye can also see the scene.

The device may include at least a second eyepiece, fitted with a filter which can be positioned in front of a second eye, in order to reduce the brightness of the scene perceived by the second eye.

The device can also include at least a second eyepiece, associated with at least two scene mirrors, making it possible to return an image of the scene to a second eye. This second eyecup can be movable relative to said first eyecup, in order to leave the user free to choose which eye, left or right, he positions in front of the first eyepiece and which eye he positions in front of the second eyecup. The first mirror and / or the second mirror preferably have a trapezoidal shape in order to free up the maximum space for the movement of the hands and arms. The first eyecup and / or the second eyepiece may or may further include means for enlarging or reducing the perceived image.

The support is inclined at an angle of 60 ° relative to said first mirror and by an angle of 47 ° relative to a reference plane of said device.

Said first mirror and / or said second mirror may or may have means for adjusting their flatness, in order to allow the scale of the perceived image to be changed.

. The device preferably comprises means making it possible to vary the distance or distances between said first mirror and / or said second mirror and / or said support according to the same longitudinal plane.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to produce drawings or paintings thanks to the fact that the images of the scene to be reproduced and of the reproduction medium are superimposed before the eyes. This device thus creates a tool for learning to draw or paint for children and adults.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention is portable and can be adapted to the brightness of the scene observed and makes it possible to vary the size of the scene observed and / or of the support.

The invention will be better understood using the description, given below for purely explanatory purposes, of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures: FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the diagram in principle of the basic device according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the block diagram of the basic device 1 according to the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the block diagram of the device according to the invention provided with a filter; FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a variant of the device according to the invention which can be closed in order to form a case; Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the variant of Figure 7; Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the variant of Figures 7 and 8 in the closed position; - Figure 10 illustrates a front half-foot for the variant of Figures 7 and 8; Figure 11 illustrates a rear half-foot for the variant of Figures 7 and 8; FIG. 12 illustrates a rack for the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8; FIG. 13 illustrates a drive part for the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8; and Figures 14 to 18 illustrate the movement of the drive piece relative to the rack during the rotation of the adjusting means.

The device (1) according to the invention, illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1, is a device allowing a user (2) to reproduce a scene (3) observed, on a support (4), of the drawing board type, thanks to the principle of differentiation of the images perceived by each of the eyes, of the type comprising a mirror (5).

The device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least a second mirror (6), said mirrors (5, 6) being arranged so as to reflect the image of the support (4) on an eyepiece (7) before which the user (2) can have a first eye (8). The user's first eye (8) (2) therefore perceives the support (4), the image of which is returned to the place by the first mirror (5) and the second mirror (6) and the second eye ( 8 ') of the user (2) perceives the scene (3) directly. When the first eye (8) is placed in front of the eyecup (7) and the second eye (8 ') observes the scene (3), human binocular vision means that the images of the support (4) and of the scene ( 3) overlap, thus allowing the reproduction of the scene (3) on the support (4).

Said first mirror (5) and said second mirror (6) are preferably perpendicular to the same longitudinal plane P and are offset by an angle Al by 20 degrees, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In a variant of the invention, said second mirror (6), the one closest to the eye (8), is preferably a semi-transparent or one-way mirror, so that the eye (8) looking through the eyecup (7) can also see the scene (3). In this variant, it is therefore not necessary for the second eye (8 ') to observe the scene (3) since the first eye (8) perceives both the scene (3) and the support (4). In this variant, the focusing of the eyes (8, 8 ′) is simplified and the viewing comfort increased.

In a variant of the invention, said device (1) comprises at least a second eyepiece (7 '), provided with a filter (9) which can be positioned in front of said second eye (8'), in order to reduce the brightness of the scene (3). This device is particularly useful when reproducing scenes lit by natural daylight.

It is possible to offer a range of filters with different degrees of filtration.

In the variant of FIG. 5, the device (1) is provided with two eyecups (7 ′), arranged with pWrt and the other with the eyecup (7), in order to allow the user to leave the leisure to choose with which eye, right or left, it looks through the first eyecup (7).

In a variant of the invention, said device (1) comprises at least one second eyepiece (7 ') associated with at least two scene mirrors, making it possible to return an image of the scene (3) to a second eye (8' ).

In a variant, said second eye (7 ') is unique and is movable relative to said first eye (7), that is to say it can be positioned to the right or to the left of the eye (7), by example by rotation around the edge of the eyecup (7)

Said first mirror (5) and said second mirror (6) preferably have a trapezoid shape, so as not to obstruct the field of vision of the eye (8 ') and to free up space for the passage of the hands and the user's arms. The second mirror (6) is smaller than the first mirror (5), in order to limit the size of the device (1). The second mirror (6) returns exactly the image of the first mirror (5) to the eyecup (7). The larger base of the two mirrors (5, 6) is positioned downwards.

^ Said first eyecup (7) and / or said second eyecup (7 ') may or may further comprise means for enlarging or reducing the perceived image or images perceived by the eye or the eyes.

Thus, the reproduction made may not be completely faithful to the scene observed, if the user so desires. These means for enlarging or reducing the perceived image can be constituted by lenses positioned at the level of one or more eyecups (7, 7 '). These lenses are preferably removable and form a range of magnification and reduction.

Said first mirror (5) and / or said second mirror (6) may or may have means for adjusting their flatness which also constitute means for varying the size of the image or images perceived by the eye or the eyes. These means may consist, for example, of one or more screws each associated with a thread and whose movements relative to the threads cause the deformation of the reflecting or semi-reflecting surface of the first mirror (5) and / or of the second mirror (6).

The device (1) may also include means making it possible to vary the distance (s) between said first mirror (5) and / or said second mirror (6) and / or said support (4) along the same longitudinal plane P which constitute also means to vary the size of the image or images perceived by the eye (s).

All of these means described for modifying the proportions of the images perceived and therefore the proportions of the work executed on the support (4) can also be used to distort the images and thus generate special graphic effects.

The support (4) is inclined by an angle A2 of 60 ° relative to said first mirror (5) and by an angle A3 of

47 ° with respect to a reference plane R of said device (1). Thus, the first mirror (5) is inclined relative to the vertical by an angle A4 of 17 °.

. The angles A1, A2, A3, A4 are given with an accuracy of the order of 3 degrees.

In the version illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a first arm (11) makes it possible to hold the first mirror (5) relative to said support (4) and a second arm (12) makes it possible to hold the second mirror (6) relative to said support first mirror (5).

It is important to note that the reference plane R is illustrated horizontal, but that it may not be so as the device (1) is portable.

In the version illustrated in FIG. 6, the first arm (11) makes it possible both to maintain the first mirror (5) relative to said support (4) and all of the eyecups (7, 7 ').

The device (1) can also include a standard positioning nut enabling it to be fixed on a tripod.

The device (1) further comprises a secondary support (10) for the reproduction of plane images, capable of being inserted between the scene (3) and said second eye (8 '), in order to provide a close scene (3').

The secondary support (10) is held to the rest of the device (1) thanks to a third arm (13) and possibly a retractable reinforcement (14).

In a preferred version, the secondary support (10) consists of a transparent element (15) and one or more movable retaining rod (s) (16), pressed against the rear face of the transparent element (15) thanks to one or more spring (s) (17).

This version allows you to position a book or magazine against the transparent element (15) and thus have a flat scene (3 '), which would not be the case, especially in the case of large books, if the model was only placed on the front face of the secondary support (10).

The device (1) also preferably comprises adjustment means allowing the translation of said secondary support (10) on said device (1). These adjustment means may constitute, for example in one or more endless screws, free to rotate, each cooperating with a nut positioned at the base of the secondary support (10).

The device (1) can also have a plurality of facets in order to allow it to be positioned at different angles relative to the horizontal. This facilitates the reproduction of a scene or an object located near the device (1). The facets can be arranged, for example, on the underside of the support (4) or of the third arm (13).

The device (1) according to the invention is preferably made using foldable and / or removable elements. In a variant of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the device (1) has a storage state in the form of a case (20). The device (1) consists of a central part (21) hollowed out, producing an arch, the support (4) and the secondary support (10) being articulated at the base of this central part (21), in order to allow close it to form the case. The support (4) and the secondary support (10) therefore form the side walls of the case and the central part (21) forms the periphery.

The central part (21) consists of a front half-foot (26), illustrated in FIG. 10, of a rear half-foot (27), illustrated in FIG. 11, assembled using a transverse piece not illustrated. in detail.

The central part (21) has means for adjusting (22) the height of the eyecup (7) without changing the orientation of the mirrors (5, 6) relative to each other and to the support (4). This adjustment means (22) consists of a button which can be driven in rotation. The button is intended to cooperate with a rack (28), illustrated in FIG. 12, and cause the rotation of a drive part (29), illustrated in FIG. 13, as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 18.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rest position, FIGS. 15 to 17, the rotation of the drive piece (29) and the rise of the rack (28) and FIG. 18, a new rest position in which a half foot (25, 26) has been offset by a pitch P of about 10 millimeters with respect to the other half-foot (26, 25).

The rack (28) and the drive part (29) are housed inside the half-feet. The rack (28) cooperates with at least one lug formed inside one of the half-feet. The device (1) further comprises a handle (24) to facilitate its gripping.

In a version of the invention, the handle (24) and said first mirror (5) form a single piece which is movable in rotation along the central part (21).

Thus, when the handle is retracted against the central part (21), the mirror (5) is exactly positioned for the reflection of the scenes, and when the mirror (5) is stored under the transverse piece of the ache, the handle ( 24) is raised.

The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variants of the invention without going beyond the scope of the patent.

Claims

1. Device (1) allowing a user (2) to reproduce a scene (3) observed, on usn support (4), of the drawing board type, of the type comprising a first mirror (5) and at least a second mirror (6), said mirrors (5, 6) being arranged so as to return the image of the support (4) on an eyepiece (7) in front of which the user (2) can have a first eye (8), characterized in what it includes a secondary support (10), capable of being inserted between the stage (3) and a second eye (8 '), in order to provide a close scene (3').

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said secondary support (10) consists of a transparent element (15) and one or more retaining rod (s) (16) movable (s) , pressed (s) against the rear face of the transparent element (15) thanks to one or more spring (s) (17).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises adjustment means allowing the translation of said secondary support (10) on said device (1).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it consists of a central part (21) recessed, the support (4) and the secondary support (10) being articulated at the base of this central part (21), in order to allow it to be closed.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said central part (21) comprises means for adjusting (22) the height of the eyelet (7).

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a handle (24).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said handle (24) and said first mirror (5) form a single piece which is movable in rotation along the central part (21).

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first mirror (5) and said second mirror (6) are perpendicular to the same longitudinal plane P and are offset by an angle Al 20 degrees.

9. Device (1) according to any one of

Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said second mirror (6) is a transparent mirror.

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least a second eye (7 '), provided with a filter (9) which can be positioned in front of a second eye (8 ').

11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least a second eyepiece (7 ') associated with at least two scene mirrors, making it possible to return an image of the scene (3) towards a second eye (8 ').

12. Device (1) according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that said second eye (7 ') is movable relative to said first eye (7).

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said first mirror (5) and / or said second mirror (6) has (s) a trapezoid shape.

14. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said first eye (7) and / or said second eye (7 ') comprises (s) means for enlarging or reducing of the perceived image.

15. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the support (4) is inclined at an angle A2 of 60 ° relative to said first mirror (5).

16. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the support (4) is inclined at an angle A3 of 47 ° relative to a reference plane R of said device (1).

17. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said first mirror (5) and / or said second mirror (6) has (s) means for adjusting their flatness.

18. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to vary the distance (s) between said first mirror (5) and / or said second mirror (6) andVou said support (4) along the same longitudinal plane P.