GB2326732A

GB2326732A - Three dimensional imaging

Info

Publication number: GB2326732A
Application number: GB9713619A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Bailey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-06-28
Filing date: 1997-06-28
Publication date: 1998-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-28
Also published as: GB2326732B; GB9713619D0

Description

Three Dimensional Imaging.

The present invention relates to the modification of existing or production of new photographic and electronic recording and projection equipment, whereby the images or pictures when displayed or projected will appear truly 3 Dimensional without the need for any special spectacles or other apparatus to be worn or used by the viewer.

It can be used with most types of photographs, slides, Cine, Video and other images.

Normal true 3 Dimensional images when projected or displayed, have to be viewed through special spectacles (i.e. Red-green or Polaroid) or through a stereoscope to see the 3 D effect. This is in order to separate the two images so that only one is seen by each eye. With the former the drawback is that the audience has to be provided with and wear these special spectacles which is generally not very acceptable, and in the case of the stereoscope, it is very limited and can only be used by one or maybe two people at a time.

According to this invention, there is provided a method of creating an image for viewing, in which images from two viewpoints are both provided to the or each eye of the viewer in a sequence and at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image. Image display apparatus comprising display means operable to provide an image to the or each eye of the viewer, and control means operable to cause the display means to provide images from two viewpoints in a sequence and at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image.

Image capture apparatus comprising capture means operable to capture images from two viewpoints, and means operable to create a sequence of captured images from both viewpoints, the sequence being so chosen as to be able to be provided to a viewer's eyes at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image.

The viewer does not need to wear any special spectacles nor use any other similar device to see the 3 D pictures.

The principle is based on the method used in the creation of movie films, wherein the individual frames are projected in such a way that the eyes cannot separate them but sees them as continuous, and the brain perceives an impression of realistic movement.

Here we are using the Right and Left images recorded using normal 3 D principles, and displaying them alternately at such a rate and in such a fashion that the eyes will not see them as separate images but as a single steady image, which will appear to be 3 Dimensional. This is because the brain whilst unable to separate the two images is nevertheless subconsciously aware that they are there and will fuse them into one single impression which it will perceive as three dimensional.

It is applicable to all forms of image production :- Cinematic, Video, T.V, Still Slides, Photographs, Computer Generated Images, (direct or projected).

In fact anywhere where a three dimensional image is desired.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Diagram 1 shows one possible modification necessary to a cine camera to enable it to capture the necessary 3 D images.

Diagram 2 shows one possible modification to a still slide projector to enable it to project 3 D images.

Diagram 3 shows an alternative modification to a still slide projector to enable it toproject3 Images.

Referrin to Drrwime 1 Coif~.

To produce 3 D movie films the cine camera is constructed with two lenses A and B separated horizontally by three inches, in the normal manner used with still photography to take 3 D photographs. The shutter mechanism G is modified to run at a higher than normal speed, at a rate set such that the movie element of the film would not be upset when the film is projected. The mirror C rotates such that the light from lens A via prism D strikes the film F, and then on the next frame the mirror rotates for the light from lens B via prism Eto strike the film.

The mirror continues to rotate in time with the shutter and film advance mechanism such that the light from lenses A and B strike alternate frames of the film.

This results in a cine film composed of alternate left and right images, in sequence with the action being filmed.

When this film is projected onto a standard screen, using a cine projector set to run the film at a faster rate than usual, it will in effect give a right and left view of the subject matter filmed, projected in alternating fiames rapidly one after the other. Not only will the viewer see the film as a normal movie but also, due to his or her eyes and brain not being able to separate the right and left images, it will be seen in 3 dimensional depth.

It is possible to modify cine cameras to achieve the desired results in other ways but it is essential that the left and right images alternate on successive frames. Still e Photogray.

The modified 3 D Slide Projector is equipped with a mechanism which displays two slides rapidly one after the other, Right then Left continuously, with a shutter synchronised to blank out the screen briefly between the projection of the two images. (This is the same principle as used for the shutter in a cine projector which removes the flicker). The rate of change over of the slides and the blanking of the screen by the shutter is set such that to the viewer this will give an impression of one sharp steady image seen in 3 D for as long as the slides are projected.

The slides used can be taken in the usual manner with any normal 2 lensed 3 camera.

The projector can be used with any normal screen.

Referrnu to Drains 2.

This shows one method of displaying the images using a sliding mechanism C holding two 3 D slides (One Left & One Right.) and moving rapidly from side to side just behind the projection lens s The synchrenised shutter blade B is positioned between the slide holder and the projection lens. The lamp D lies behind the slide holder.

The left slide is positioned briefly behind the projection lens and projected on the screen, then the shutter intervenes blanking off the screen briefly before the right slide moves across and is projected, for the same brief period as the left one, and then the shutter intervenes again before the left slide moves across and is again projected and so on and so on.

Referring to Drawing 3.

This shows one of the many alternative methods possible to achieve the same result. This uses a rotating mirror in the slide projector instead of the sliding mechanism. The two 3 D photographic slides H (left) and G (right) are positioned in front ofthe lamps D and C. In front ofthe slides are two mirrors F and E angled at 450 such that the light from the two lamps is directed to the rotating prism P. This prism rotating rapidly behind the shutter B will throw alternating right and left images on to the screen, with a brief interval created by the intervention of the shutter.

In both cases the image formed on the screen by the rapid alternating from one slide to the other with the slight break created by the shutter, will seen as a single steady clear 3 D picture.

ordinary StilE Pbotoaiihs.

When using ordinary 3 D photographs, taken in the usual way with a standard two lensed 3 D camera, a viewing apparatus, displaying the two photographs rapidly one after the other, in conjunction with a synchronised shutter, is used.

The photographs themselves can either move one after the other rapidly, side to side or vertically, or an arrangement using mirrors can be used. Either way the shutter mechanism must lie in front of the photographs.

So long as the photographs are visible one after the other for the right amount of time, with the shutter intervening for a set period, then the two photographs will be seen as one clear steady picture in 3 D. The 3 D image will be visible from a distance and the observers will not have to look closely into the viewer itself.

Video and Televion.

The modifications to the video camera are based on the same set-up as for the cine camera, (i.e. having two separated lenses), and using an electronically controlled optical system to record alternatively left and right images successively. It also would record at a faster rate than usual.

This time there will be a video tape composed of these alternating left and right images. When these pictures are viewed on special Television sets designed to scan at a higher rate they would appear 3 Dimensional.

In the case of domestic Television the two alternating pictures which would be recorded using the special 3 D camera equipment would be transmitted in the normal way. When displayed on the Television sets modified to display the two images alternating at speed, then the normal T.V. movie picture would be seen but in this case would appear be in three dimension.

Computers Specially developed Software will produce and control the two 3 D images necessary and display them consecutively on the computer screen. The two images can easily be originated within the computer itself. A system of creating a sort of 3 dimensional imaging already exists, and this software could be used to create the two separate right and left images needed.

With the two images, one of a right-hand view and one of a left-hand view, alternating at the right speed then as before an impression of real 3 D with true depth will result. The computer VDU will be modified to scan sister than the usual rate.

Using a normal computer scanner it would also be possible to scan into the computer the two separate, Right and Left, 3 D pictures or photographs etc.

These would be controlled again by the software to give 3 D images as above, either on the modified VDU or projected on to a separate screen. Where the computer image is projected on to a separate, cine type, screen then the same principle will apply as for cine, in that it will need the two rapidly alternating images projected on the screen with a brief blank interval between each image.

Again a clear image in 3 Dimensional depth would result.

Claims

1. A method of creating an image, for viewing, in which images from two or more viewpoints are provided to the or each eye of the viewer and in a sequence and at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image.

2. Image display apparatus comprising display means operable to provide an image to the or each eye of a viewer, and control means operable to cause the display means to provide images from two or more viewpoints in a sequence and at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image.

3. Image display apparatus as claimed in 2 whereby Photographic Images taken from two or more viewpoints are projected on a screen in a sequence and manner and at such a rate, that they are perceived to give an illusion of three dimensional images.

4. Image display apparatus as claimed in 3 where the images are displayed on an internal screen or by back projection to give an impression of three dimensional images.

5. Image display apparatus as claimed in 2 whereby images taken from two or more viewpoints using specially developed 'movie' or cinematic cameras are projected in a sequence and manner and at a rate such as to give what are perceived to be three dimensional moving images on a standard cine screen.

6. Image display apparatus as claimed in 5 where the images are displayed on an internal screen or by back projection to give an impression of three dimensional images.

7. Image display apparatus as claimed in 2 whereby images from two or more viewpoints recorded by specially developed video or television cameras, are displayed in a sequence and manner and at a rate such as to give what are perceived to be three dimensional images on a Television screen.

8. Image display apparatus as claimed in 7 where the images are projected, either directly or by back projection on to a screen such as to give what are perceived to be three dimensional Television images.

9. Image display apparatus as claimed in 2 whereby computer images derived either from photographic or similar material, or from special video, digital or other electronic cameras are displayed in a sequence and manner and at such a rate as to show or project what are perceived to be still or moving three dimensional images.

10. Image display apparatus as claimed in 2 whereby still photographs or slides, taken from two or more viewpoints displayed in a sequence and manner and at such a rate as to give what are perceived to be three dimensional images when viewed directly.

11. Image display apparatus substantially as claimed in any of the claims 2 to 9 above, which is provided with a means operable of displaying in a sequence, and a manner and at such a rate the special multiple images however recorded, such as to create an illusion of three dimensional images to the viewer or viewers.

12. Image capture apparatus comprising capture means operable to capture images from two or more viewpoints, and means operable to create a sequence of captured images from these viewpoints, the sequence being chosen as to be able to be provided to a viewer's eyes in a manner and at a rate which creates a perception of a three dimensional image.

13. Image capture apparatus as claimed in 12 whereby images are recorded using special cinematography cameras, which record images from two or more viewpoints, in a sequence and manner and at a rate, such as to produce what are perceived to be three dimensional movie images when projected using specially developed projectors.

14. Image capture apparatus as claimed in 12 whereby images are recorded using special video or television cameras, which record images from two or more viewpoints, in a sequence and manner and at such a rate as to produce what are perceived to be three dimensional images when displayed using specially developed display apparatus.

15. Image capture apparatus as claimed in 12 whereby images are recorded using specially developed digital electronic cameras, which record images from two or more viewpoints in such a sequence and manner and at such a rate as to produce what are perceived to be three dimensional images when displayed on specially developed display apparatus.

16. Image capture apparatus as claimed in 12 whereby slides or photographs are taken with specially developed still cameras, which record images from two or more viewpoints, in such a manner and sequence as to produce what are perceived as three dimensional images when displayed using specially developed display apparatus.

17. Image capture apparatus as claimed in 12 whereby still images recorded by digital, other electronic, or video cameras which record images from two or more viewpoints, in such a manner and sequence as to produce what are perceived as three dimensional images when displayed using specially developed display apparatus.

18. Image capture apparatus substantially as claimed in any of the claims 12 to 17 above, which is provided with a means operable of recording two or more images in such a way and in a sequence and manner and at such a rate as to produce images which give an illusion of three dimensions when displayed using the appropriate special display apparatus as claimed in 2 to 11 above.