FR2678552A1 - Method and device for acquiring and reproducing an image in real time on any support, in particular for decorative purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

At least one image is acquired by optoelectronic transducer means, such as an electronic camera (1), the optical characteristics of each discrete zone of the image being analysed and converted into digital signals which are transmitted to a transcoder decoder (5) which can process these signals and convert them into pulses forming instructions addressed to a printing machine (6) which is fed with a sheet of transfer paper of a type known per se. The image previously acquired is then printed on to this transfer sheet (11) and the said transfer sheet (11) is applied on to the support (12) which is to receive the image by transferring this image on to this support, the image being deposited with the resin film detached from the transfer sheet and being fixed to the surface of the said support by the application of energy, in particular pressure and temperature.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for implementing the method for the reproduction in real time and on any medium of any kind, in particular for decorative purposes, of a virtual image in particular of a resulting composite image. mixing several decorative elements to achieve a unique synthetic image.

Processes are known which make it possible, from different photographic views and by optical arrangements and overlays, to arrive at a complex image integrating, according to the ranges concerned, representations belonging to several original images. However, these methods are long and delicate to implement and have remained limited to the mounting of advertising images.

The invention aims to achieve a completely new method and device making it possible on the one hand to obtain, by mixing electronic signals, a synthetic image integrating elements from various sources and at the same time allowing the reproduction of this image thus prepared and processed. tailor-made on a functional support allowing the image produced according to the choices and tastes of the user to play a personalized decorative role.

More specifically, the invention allows an extremely personalized decoration to be produced inexpensively since it can be composed from a portrait of the subject or of the persons concerned and reported with a decoration and mentions forming a message suitably selected on a medium, notably a medium. functional that fits among everyday accessories such as clothing, a bag, table or household linen, pieces of tableware or the like.

According to the invention, a set of means and methods is implemented to arrive at a totally new global concept making it possible to create from a virtual image (a character or living subject, or an object in three dimensions) and from of a decoration either pre-stored in an image bank or entered on the site, a global image processed, suitably composed and laid out and thus likely, once frozen, to be concretized and transferred to an intermediate support, namely a paper transfer from which, having been carried out upside down, it can then be reproduced by piezo-thermal means on a final support.

To this end, the invention relates first of all to a process for the reproduction in real time on any support in particular for decorative purposes of a virtual or real image and the process is characterized by the succession of the following operations a) we enter by optoelectro transducer means
such as an electronic camera, a camera
electronic photography, a scanner, at least one
virtual image such as a living subject or an object in
three dimensions or a real picture such as
two-dimensional representation, features
optics of each discrete area of the image being
analyzed and converted into digital signals.

bl) transmitting said signals to a transcoder decoder
able to process these signals to translate them into
pulses constituting instructions addressed to a
particularly color printing machine.

cl) said color printing machine is supplied with
a sheet of transfer paper and we proceed to
the impression on this sheet of the image previously
input from coded pulses from the
transcoder so as to obtain on paper support
a colorful picture.

dl) applying said transfer sheet to the support
receiver of the image and we transfer this image to its
support, the image being deposited with the resin film
detached from the transfer sheet and encrusted with
surface of said support by application of means
combining pressure and temperature.

Preferably the image is printed on the paper
transfer in the form of an inverted image so as to
allow the transfer of the right image on the support
final.

According to developments of the invention, the following steps are brought into play a2), in particular in memory on magnetic support,
at least one and preferably a plurality of pre images
recorded and stored, each of these images being
able to constitute a decoration.

b2) the said transcoder decoder is transmitted, in parallel
and concomitantly the digital signals coming from
on the one hand, the first snapshot captured by
optoelectronic means and on the other hand a
second image previously stored and memorized on
said magnetic media, we proceed from a
program stored on said transcoder decoder at a
mixing the two images to generate an image
unique, the digital signals defining the image
unique synthetic from certain ranges of
the first image and for the other ranges of the
second image, and this set of signals defining
said overall synthetic image is translated into
instruction pulses to the machine
printing thus controlled and programmed to carry over
on paper transfer the complex image previously
composed.

According to another development of the invention, the following steps are added to the above process a3) by means of a second opto transducer means
electronic a second image whose characteristics
are analyzed and converted into signals
digital signals transmitted to the decoder or transcoder.

b3) we transmit in parallel and either concomitantly or
successively in time, the digital signals
firstly corresponding to the first image
instant and secondly to the second image
instantaneous, the two images being able to function
of a program determined to be mixed in said
transcoder decoder to generate an image
unique global digital signals defining
this synthetic image coming for certain ranges
of the first image and for the other ranges of the
second image, and this set of signals is
transformed into coded pulses ensuring control
of the printing machine thus able to transfer to the
sheet transfer the colors corresponding to
the overall picture.

According to another development of the invention, the capture of at least one instant image is carried out by positioning the subject or the object in front of a monochrome background, in particular white, and the transcoder is programmed to eliminate the signals belonging to the analysis. of said monochrome background, the image received by the transcoder being thus virtually cut out so as to reveal only the central subject or object.

According to another development of the invention, the following operation is implemented b4) the mixing transcoder decoder is connected to a screen
video forming a monitor and allowing
bring out the overall picture resulting from the
synthesis and mixing of at least two images from
either instant entry or memory
magnetic.

According to a new development completing the implementation of the invention, the following operation is added to the preceding operations b5) the signals are stored in a random access memory
defining the image resulting from the mixing of at least one
first and second image and we adjust, by acting
on the transcoder decoder, the reciprocal parameters
of the two images such as their mutual positioning,
their dimensions, their chromitance, their luminosity
etc ..., the digital signals resulting from this mixing
being permanently stored in RAM and
the adjustment of the parameters is done by control to
from the monitor, we validate all the parameters
retained by fixing all of the
corresponding signals and which are transformed into
instruction pulses for controlling the
printing machine.

According to another development of the invention, a character generator is connected to said transcoder thus able to receive and integrate into the digital signals defining the synthetic image resulting from the mixing of the basic images of the signals representative of letters overlapping or s' integrating with said images to constitute a message or inscriptions.

The invention relates to a device for implementing the above method and the device intended for the real-time reproduction on any medium, in particular for decorative purposes, of a simple or composite virtual image is characterized in what it comprises in combination a) optoelectronic means for capturing an image
virtual such as a subject or an object or an image
real such as a two-dimensional representation,
said means such as an electronic camera, a
electronic camera or scanner being able to
analyze the optical characteristics of each area
discrete image converted to digital signals.

b) decoding and transcoding means suitable for
receive said signals and process them for
translate into pulses constituting instructions of
control addressed to a printing machine in
color.

c) A color printing machine capable of being
fed with sheet of transfer paper and to ensure
printing by possible multilayer deposition of
pigmented material for making on said paper
transfer an image corresponding to the image
previously entered.

According to a development of the invention, the entire device also includes means for applying pressure and heat, conforming to the configuration of the support object and allowing the image printed on the sheet to be transferred to this support object. transfer paper.

According to a development of the device according to the invention, said device also comprises an image source in the form of digital signals recorded on a preferably magnetic support such as a card or cassette capable of being connected to said decoding and transcoding means and to send to these means digital signals characteristic of a stored and prerecorded image capable of combining with the instantaneous image captured by the optoelectronic means to constitute as a function of a determined program a single overall composite image resulting from the mixing of the two images , and preferably the stored and prerecorded image constituting the background on which the instantaneous image previously captured is superimposed.

According to a development of the invention, the device also comprises a character generator able to be connected to said decoding and transcoding means, the character generator being able to send to said means digital signals representative of a succession of letters constituting a registration capable of overlapping and integrating the overall image resulting from the mixing of the two preceding images within said decoding and transcoding means.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, all of the means making and constituting the device are connected to a video screen constituting a control monitor making it possible to adjust the operations of mixing the two images and / or the positioning of the letters constituting a message or registration.

And advantageously, said decoding and transcoding means comprise control members making it possible, according to a determined program, to adjust the reciprocal parameters of the two images, in particular their positioning, their brightness, their chromitance, etc.

Finally, the device may advantageously include a member for transferring and transferring the image recorded on the transfer paper and transferred to the final support, the transfer means being provided with configurations making it possible to match the final receiving support object of the image and to apply to the surface of this object a pressure and heat effect ensuring the encrustation of the resin film and of the pigments which it comprises on the final support.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge further from the description which follows and which is given in relation to a particular embodiment presented by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which the single figure represents a diagram of an exemplary implementation of the invention according to a more particular form which is here illustrated, described and commented on without limitation.

According to all of the figures, it can be seen that there is an electronic camera 1 of known type and capable of capturing in real time the instant image of any object positioned facing the camera, in particular a subject such as a person. 2.

This person will advantageously be presented on a monochrome background, for example a white background 3.

The camera in a known manner can therefore embrace a wide field and by a zoom effect approach or move away virtually from the subject so as to give a more or less large dimension to the image.

The digital signals resulting from the analysis of each discrete area of the image are sent by a cable 4 to a transcoder decoder 5.

This transcoder decoder fulfills a plurality of functions.

According to a first function, this transcoder decoder receives the digital signals coming from the camera 1 and it transforms them as a function of a determined program into coded pulses making it possible to control the printing machine 6 described below.

At the same time or in parallel, the transcoder decoder 5 receives the digital signals coming from a magnetic medium, in particular a card 7; this memory card can store a certain number of images, the image 7 ′ of which is illustrated in the drawing.

The transcoder decoder 5 consequently receives by the cable 4 the image instantly captured by the electronic camera 1 and at the same time the digital signals corresponding to the prerecorded image which has been selected on the card 7.

These signals are mixed by the transcoder decoder 5 as a function of a determined program and such that the image of the subject 2 is superimposed on the image 7 ′ as appears on the screen 8 constituting monitor or display console.

The superposition of the two images can advantageously be obtained by positioning the subject 2 on a monochrome background 3.

Under these conditions, the monochromatic images corresponding to the background 3 and transmitted with the digital signals 4 characteristic of the first instantaneous image captured by the camera 1 can be selected at the level of the transcoder decoder 5 to be eliminated, so that the image corresponding to the 'all of the signals transmitted by the cable 4, that is to say the first instantaneous image resulting from the continuous capture of the subject 2, comprises only the subject himself thus ideally and electronically cropped.

Under these conditions, the image of the subject 2 can be superimposed easily without any zone of cloudiness or interference with the image 7 '.

Program and control means at the level of the decoder and transcoder 5 are provided to enable the mutual positioning of the two images to be adjusted, that is to say their replacement relative to each other, as well as their respective size or their color, chromitance, brightness.

We can thus change the image of the subject 2 superimposed on the right or on the left of the image constituting the background 7 '.

In addition, a character generator 9 is also connected to the transcoder decoder 5 and the latter thus receives digital signals corresponding to successions of letters forming inscriptions.

These appear on the monitor 8 and it is also possible from the command of the transcoder decoder (5) or from the keyboard of the character generator 9 to control the positioning of the letters so as to carry out an inscription matching the location agreed and according to a font appropriate to the composite image resulting from the positioning of the image captured continuously by the camera 1 and the background 7 '.

We thus obtain for example the inscriptions 10 and 10 ′ aiming to evoke a place, a proper name, a date or any event to commemorate, real or imaginary.

When the focus and layout have been properly adjusted and it is satisfactory as it appears on the monitor 8, the set of signals corresponding to this image and which is permanently received in a RAM of the transcoder decoder 5 is frozen, all of the instantaneous signals then being memorized in this random access memory and thus crystallizing the overall image which has been definitively chosen after composition and adjustment.

All of these digital signals are then transformed as previously mentioned into coded pulses corresponding to the printer control instructions 6; the latter could also be permanently connected with the transcoder decoder 5 until the moment when the choice of image has been decided, all of the printing instructions are then definitively crystallized.

The color printer, for example in tri-color 6 of known type can be supplied with transfer paper of known type and consisting of a back sheet of paper on which is carried one or a plurality of layers of resin capable of receiving the colored materials under form of ink, pigments or wax from the three-color printing machine and which are thus deposited on the resin film.

The piloting of the printer 6 from the transcoder decoder 5 causes the printing of the inverted image with respect to the image appearing on the screen 8, so as to allow the correct positioning of the image after transfer.

There is thus obtained at the output of the printer a transfer sheet 11 comprising the previous image and appeared on the screen 8 and as selected and stopped, this image being inverted (seen in a mirror).

This transfer sheet can then be used in a conventional manner to allow the transfer onto a generally arbitrary support by encrusting therein the resin film trapping on its rear face the pigmented materials which combined give the colored image as previously arrested.

According to a development of the invention, this image and this transfer sheet can thus be transferred to a T-shirt 12 by means of the transfer machine 13 comprising a base 13a and to which a flexible piece can be applied, for example a piece of fabric including a
T-shirt 12, the sheet there being positioned against for example the chest of the garment and the whole being subjected to a pressure and heating maneuver at the desired temperature (of the order of 1800).

At this temperature, the resin subjected to melting or partial softening is detached from the sheet of paper and under pressure is encrusted in the fibers of the fabric by transferring onto the latter the pigmented charges which reveal the overall image such that you can see it on the chest of T-shirt 12.

The invention thus makes it possible to carry out transfers on a multitude of supports, in particular supports such as clothing, household linen, furniture, curtains, bags, these decorations reported in indelible colors represent images created by superposition of several simultaneous sources.

These synthetic images resulting from the combination of a plurality of sources can thus adapt to the most diverse wishes of the clientele, in particular to constitute personalized gifts and souvenirs, objects related to the commemoration of sporting or cultural events or congresses. , competition, or any event related to private life or the life of a community.

The method and the device for the transfer as described above allows a level of creativity which leaves far behind everything that has been done so far in this area.

The use of an electronic camera makes it possible in particular to continuously capture a vivid image (live) and therefore to see the different aspects of the subject evolve on the monitor, either that the latter lends itself to a plurality of positions, or that it evolves naturally and spontaneously within the framework of everyday life.

This makes it possible in particular to extract from a shot recorded on an electronic camera a particular scene which can thus be extracted and frozen to be transferred to a commemorative medium.

It should be noted that the invention has been described in relation to its application to the fusion of two images; a development incorporating into this merger the integration of characters in order to superimpose an inscription.

However, the number of images is not limiting and there is nothing to prevent a third image source from being integrated into the transcoder decoder, for example constituting a frame; this will be the case if we want, for fun, to represent a person whose image was captured on the site, on a background corresponding to an exotic frame and derived from a pre-recorded image and output from a tape images in particular in the form of a memory card, the whole being framed in a presentation evoking a successful magazine with possibly a humorous title, the person thus presenting himself on the T-shirt appearing to have made "the front page" of the magazine thus represented .

We could also merge the two images without overlapping, the face or the subject, or even the object captured by the electronic camera being represented in fade with the decoration.

We have not shown in the drawings a possibility in which the camera 1 would be provided for capturing, for example on a postcard, a photo or an illustrated drawing, a global image representing the background or the decoration, stored in the memory. transcoder decoder 5, after which the subject would be captured in turn for example relative to the neutral or monochromic background 3 to send digital signals representative of the subject's image intended to merge with the decoration previously captured by the same camera.

One could also imagine two cameras assigned one for capturing a decor in the form of a postcard, photographic view, drawing, etc., and another camera being intended for capturing the subject.

According to a variant of the invention, instructions could also be sent to the printer corresponding to the printing of a single image derived for example from a database, the image having been selected and chosen by the user. , although the advantage of the whole process and the device lies precisely in the possibility of mixing by superimposing or merging the living image with the stored and prerecorded image.

As we have seen, the possibilities of variants and developments in the exploitation of the device and the process are practically endless since we can thus synthesize people represented in unreal, distant, fictitious situations, in the company of characters. illustrious, all accompanied by inscriptions desired or chosen by the user either for messaging purposes, to display feelings or an opinion, or even for commemorative purposes (an event, a congress, a family celebration).

The whole can be achieved by combining the different phases in a time that does not exceed three minutes.

We can thus, on the occasion of a public event, for example a meeting, a meeting, a sports competition, offer and put on the market a commemorative T-shirt which represents a scene (a shooting on goal in a match of football, the pathetic face of the political speaker) associated with the commemorative inscription of the event.

Finally, other applications outside of personal life can be envisaged, in particular in a professional context for the marking of supports such as furnishing fabrics, household linen, samples or prototypes.

It will in particular thus be possible very quickly for creators and designers, in search of a model presenting a seller aspect, to successively carry out the various decors studied as projects by seeking each time the modalities of the best combination of colors, better positioning, sub-sets etc ...

We know that it is a difficult problem, in the context of creating the decor of concrete objects, to make models in situation.

It is possible here, from the control and command means of the transcoder decoder 5, to control the printer so, from an image source, to transform the colors of one of these sources for example to predict the inscriptions overlapping the composite image in one color or another.

It can be seen that the present invention allows a combination of specific means, but nevertheless adapted to their object and not requiring the use and use of a computer for controlling the color printing machine; the operation of the process and of the whole apparatus is very clearly reduced by direct connection of the devices for capturing or storing 1 image on the printing machine through the decoding robot and control of the printing machine.

In addition, the devices for capturing the image and transforming it into electronic signals belong to the realm of everyday life since, for example, it is a simple electronic camera that is widely used today.

So that the conduct of operations does not put off service personnel or the user customer already familiar with this type of device, the implementation of the invention both at the process level and at the level of the assembly resulting from the combination of the means used therefore does not present any particular technical difficulties and in addition will attract the barge or the interested customer by promoting the commercial development of the operation.

Claims (15)

1 - Process for the reproduction in real time on any support in particular for decorative purposes of a virtual or real image and the process is characterized by the succession of the following operations a1) capture by optoelectro transducer means  such as an electronic camera (1), a device  of electronic photography, a scanner, at least one  virtual image such as a living subject (2) or an object  in three dimensions or a real image such as  two-dimensional representation, features  optics of each discrete area of the image being  analyzed and converted into digital signals.  printing machine (6) especially in color.  pulses constituting instructions addressed to a  (5) able to process these signals to translate them into bl) transmitting said signals to a transcoder decoder  a colorful picture.  transcoder so as to obtain on paper support  input from coded pulses from the  this transfer sheet (11) from the image previously  transferred to a support and we print on  comprising a peelable resin film and capable of being  a sheet of transfer paper of known type and cl) said color printing machine is supplied with  energy including pressure and temperature.  becoming encrusted on the surface of said support by application  resin film detached from the transfer sheet and  image on its support, the image being deposited with the  support receiver (12) of the image and we postpone this dl) applying said transfer sheet (11) to the 2 - Method according to claim 1, and characterized in that the image is printed on the transfer paper (11) in the form of an inverted image so as to allow the transfer of the straight image on the final support. 3 - Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, and characterized in that one involves the following steps a2) is stored in particular on magnetic support (7)  at least one and preferably a plurality of images  pre-recorded and stored (7 '), each of these images  being able to constitute a decoration.  the complex image previously composed.  programmed to transfer to transfer paper  addressed to the printing machine thus controlled and  synthetic is translated into instruction pulses  set of signals defining said global image  for the other ranges of the second image, and this  coming for some ranges from the first image and  digital images defining the unique synthetic image  in order to generate a single image, the signals  transcoder decoder (5) to mix the two images of  proceeds from a program stored on said  stored on said magnetic media (7),  share a second image (7 ') previously stored and  input by optoelectronic means (1) and other  from a share of the first snapshot  parallel and concomitantly digital signals b2) the said transcoder decoder (5) is transmitted, 4 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the following steps are added to the process a3) is captured by a second opto transducer means  electronic a second image whose characteristics  are analyzed and converted into signals  digital signals transmitted to the decoder or transcoder.  to the overall picture.  on the transfer sheet the corresponding colors  of the printing machine (6) thus able to transfer  transformed into coded pulses ensuring control  second image, and this set of signals is  of the first image and for the other ranges of the  this synthetic image coming for certain ranges  unique global digital signals defining  transcoder decoder (5) so as to generate an image  of a program determined to be mixed in said  instantaneous, the two images being able to function  instant and secondly to the second image  firstly corresponding to the first image  successively in time, the digital signals b3) we transmit in parallel and either concomitantly or 5 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the capture of at least one instant image (2) is carried out by positioning the subject or the object in front of a monochrome background (3), in particular white, and the transcoder (5) is programmed to eliminate the signals belonging to the analysis of said monochrome background, the image received by the transcoder being thus virtually cut out so as to only show the central subject or object (2). 6 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one implements the following operation b4) is connected the transcoder decoder (5) mixing to a  video screen (8) forming a control monitor and  allowing the global image to appear  resulting from the synthesis and mixing of at least two  images from either instant capture (1),  either a magnetic memory (7). 7 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, and characterized in that one adds to the previous operations the following operation b5) the signals are stored in a random access memory  defining the image resulting from the mixing of at least one  first and second image and we adjust, by acting  on the transcoder decoder (5), the parameters  reciprocals of the two images such as their position  mutual benefit, their dimensions, their chromitance, their  brightness etc ..., the digital signals resulting from  this mix being permanently recorded in the  RAM memory and adjustment of parameters  by control from the monitor, we validate the set  parameters retained by setting in the RAM  the set of corresponding signals and which are  transformed into instruction pulses for the  control of the printing machine. 8 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, and characterized in that one connects a character generator (9) to said transcoder (5) thus able to receive and integrate into the digital signals defining the synthetic image resulting from the mixing of the basic images of the signals representing letters superimposed or integrated into said images to constitute a message or inscriptions. 9 - Device for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 8 above and the device being intended for reproduction in real time on any medium (12), in particular for decorative purposes, d '' a simple or composite virtual image is characterized in that it comprises in combination a) optoelectronic means for capturing an image  virtual such as a subject (2) or an object or an image  real such as a two-dimensional representation,  said means such as an electronic camera (1), a  electronic camera or scanner being able to  analyze the optical characteristics of each area  discrete image converted to digital signals.  color.  control addressed to a printing machine (6) in  translate into pulses constituting instructions of  receiving said signals (4) and processing them for them b) decoding and transcoding means (5) suitable for  previously entered.  transfer an image corresponding to the image  pigmented material for making on said paper  printing by possible multilayer deposition of  fed with sheet of transfer paper and to ensure c) A color printing machine (6) capable of being 10 - Device according to claim 9, and characterized in that it also comprises means for applying pressure and heat (13), matching the configuration of the support object (12) and allowing the transfer onto this support object of the image printed on the sheet of transfer paper. 11 - Device according to claim 9 or claim 10, and characterized in that it also comprises an image source in the form of digital signals recorded on a preferably magnetic support (7) such as a card or cassette capable of be connected to said decoding and transcoding means (5) and to send to these means digital signals characteristic of a stored and prerecorded image capable of combining with the instantaneous image captured by the optoelectronic means (1) to constitute as a function from a determined program, a single overall composite image resulting from the mixing of the two images, and preferably the stored and prerecorded image constituting the background on which the previously captured instant image is superimposed. 12 - Device according to one of claims 9, 10 or 11, and characterized in that it further comprises a character generator (9) adapted to be connected to said decoding and transcoding means (5), the character generator (9) being capable of sending to said means digital signals representative of a succession of letters constituting an inscription capable of coming to be superimposed and of integrating the overall image resulting from the mixing of the two preceding images within said decoding and transcoding means. 13 - Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, and characterized in that it comprises a video screen (8) constituting a control monitor for adjusting the operations of mixing the two images and / or the positioning of the letters constituting a message or registration. 14 - Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, and characterized in that said decoding and transcoding means (5) comprise control members making it possible, according to a determined program, to adjust the reciprocal parameters of two images including their positioning, their brightness, their chromitance etc ... 15 - Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, and characterized in that it comprises a member for transferring and transferring the image recorded on the transfer paper and transferred to the final support, the transfer means being provided with configurations allowing to marry the final image receiving support object and to apply to the surface of this object a pressure and heat effect ensuring the encrustation of the resin film and of the pigments which it contains the final support.