US2214013A - Apparatus for producing images - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 10 1940,

J. z, DENINSON APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING IMAGES Filed Bay 26, 1938 4 Sfieeta-Sheet v %E NTOR. JMZ 07: 774cm ATTORNEYS.

p 10, 1940' r J. z. DENINSON 2,214,013

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p 10, 1940- J. z. DENINSON QPFARATUS FRODUCING' INAGES 4, Shaets-$heat 4 Filed Nay 2s, 2.938

f7g-l9 v ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 10, 1940 UNITED srnrrzs PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

My invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for producing the images (real or virtual) or visual matter of all kinds, such as letters, Words, numbers, pictures, and symbols, etc. from visual elements of said matter, which can be assembled optically by means 01" special optical scanning apparatus.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide means whereby visual elements can be provided upon a sheet of paper or other carrier, transparent or opaque or translucent, and said visual elements can be assembled by means of suitable optical scanning apparatus so as to produce a letter, a word, a picture or a symbol or visual matter of any kind.

Another object of the invention is to provide means whereby a series of sets of visual elements can be provided upon a sheet or tape or carrier of any kind, and relative movement is provided between said carrier and optical scanning apparatus so as to produce a succession of letters, numbers, pictures, or the like.

Another object is to provide a system of the general type previously described, for advertis ing, making announcements of all kinds, for preparing photo-mechanical printing plates, and for all other purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of carriers, such as transparent films or the like, upon which visual elements can be recorded so as to project a series of pictures or the like by suitable relative movements between the respective films or carriers, and optical scanning or projecting apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple means whereby visual matter, such as one or more letters, numbers, words, pictures or the like, can be separated into one or more sets of visual elements by optical scanning means and said visual elements can be photographed upon a suitable light-sensitive medium.

Another object of the invention is to provide an. improved motion picture film and an improved means of motion picture projection, whereby one or more films can be actuated, either intermittently or continuously. One of the important features oi the invention is to provide an improved motion picture film and a means of projecting the same, whereby the film can be moved continuously in a single predetermined di-- rection.

Other objects of the invention will be set forth in the following description and drawings which illustrate various preferred embodiments thereof, it being understood that the above statement of the objects of my invention is intended generally to explain the same without limiting it in any manner.

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view illustrating iour films or other carriers, located one behind the other, and optical scanning means consisting of a plurality of cylinders, which are located in suitable optical relation to said four carriers. Fig. 1 illustrates how visual elements which are provided on said carriers may be optically assembled soas to form visual matter of any kind, such as letters or the like. It also illustrates how the process can be reversed photographically, by separating visual matter such as letters or the like into their visual elements, by means of suitable optical scanning apparatus and by photographically recording said separated visual elements on suitable carriers.

Figs. 2-5 are respectively diagrammatic elevations of the four carriers or films shown in Fig. i.

Fig. 6 is an elevation showing the visual elements of the letter A.

Hg. '7 shows the letter A in the image size which is assembled from the elements oi Fig. 6, by cylindrical optical scanning means.

Fig. 8 shows a series of visual elements which are located on the same carrier, and which can be scanned successively to produce the images of the letters K, L, M, in succession.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation showing a modification of the invention, using only two films or cer= riers.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of a pair of films of the kind shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 also shows the optical means in side elevation.

,l igs. 11-l5 respectively show the longitudinal movements of the films illustrated in Fig. 9, in order to scan or project a series of pictures or the like.

Fig. 16 is an elevation of a single motion picture film made according to another embodiment of the invention, and which can be moved continuously in a single predetermined directi n, in order to project the pictures recorded on. said film.

Fig. 17 shows a modification which applies to Figs. 5, 8 and 16, whereby the longitudinal panels are subdivided horizontally into sub-panels in order to econcmize'space.

Fig. 18 shows the optical scanning means which is used to scan the embodiment of Fig. 17, and said Fig. 18 shows a plurality of cylinders having vertical axes, combined with a plurality of cylinders having horizontal axes.

Fig. 19 is an optical diagram showing how the cylinders cause the light rays to converge towardsa common point, which may be the optical centre of the projection lens system.

Fig. 20 is an optical diagram showing the action of the crossed cylinders which are shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is an optical diagram showing how the shift of the projected image .on the screen which is produced by the embodiments of Figs. 9, 16 and 17, aids in securing the illusion of stereoscopic vision.

Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic view illustrating another embodiment of the invention. This also explains the method of scanning of the embodiment shown in Figs. 16 and 1'7.

Referring .to Fig; ,6, this shows six visual elements l0, ll, l2, i211, l4 and I5, which are located respectively on five axial lines l6-29. The visual elements l2 and |2a are located on the same axial line Hi.

In order to scan the assembly of visual elements shown in Fig. 6, so as to produce the image of A in the size shown in Fig. '7, it is necessary to use five cylinders made of glass or of other suitable transparent and refracting material. The longitudinal axes of the respective cylinders should register with the lines |6-20 respectively. The diameter of each cylinder should be equal to the distance between any pair of the consecutive axial lines "5-20, said lines being equally spaced in this embodiment. These cylinders should contact along' respective lines thereof with the carrier shown in Fig. 6, or said cylinders can be located very near said carrier.

When the five cylinders are thus placed in proper registration with the visual elements shown in Fig. 6, and either contacting with said elements or very close thereto, and said elements are then scanned either by reflected light or by transmitted light, the upright real image of A inthe size shown in Fig. '7, will be seen, The cylinders are between 'the eye of the observer and the carrier. If the cylinders are located between a camera and the carrier, and the camera is properly focussed, a picture of A can be taken by the comera. The cylinders laterally magnify the visual elements, so that the base of A in Fig. '7 is wider than the distance betweenlines l6 and 20. The visual elements shown in Fig. 6

may be printed or otherwise provided on a transparentor opaque or translucent carrier. Transmitted light can be used as readily-as reflected letter or symbol could be thus separated into visual elements along any desired number of parallel lines. Ordinarily the minimum number of such lines is three, but I do not wish to be limited to the use of anyparticularnumber of scanning lines.

For the sake of clearness, it will be assumed that five cylinders are used as the scanning means. If these five cylinders are placed in proper relation upon the letter A in Fig. 7, said letter A is separated optically by the cylinders into the visual elementsshown in Fig. 6, either by transmitted or reflected light The visual elements shown in Fig. 6 can be printed photographically upon any suitable light-sensitive carrier. The visual elementscan be provided upon a suitable carrier by printing, painting or in any other manner.

Fig. 1 shows four carriers 2|, 22, 23 and 24, located one behind the other. These carriers may be transparent films or bands, made of flexible or rigid material, such as Celluloid, glass, etc.

In their locations shown in Fig. 1, the glass cylinders |6a, Ila, l8a, l9a, 20a will scan the sections or panels 25, 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of carrier 2|. Parallel light is passed through the planar carrier 2|, in a direction perpendicular to the plane thereof. Each cylinder may have a diameter of about 13 mm., or a little more than 0.50 inch. This figure is given merely as an example, and without limiting the dimensions of the cylinders. Each such cylinder corresponds optically to a thick lens which has a focal point external thereto. The respective external focal points are I61), I11), lab, I91) and 20b. Luminous 22, 23, and 2%, which are intersected by lines R,

are blank, so as to form window sections which will not obstruct the scanning of the panels 25-25d, These lines R definethe scanning zone of each cylinder. Objects which are external to the cone which is defined by lines R, will not be scanned. Panel 25 can have visual element l0, panel 25a can have visual element panel 251) can have visual elements I 2 and l2a, panel 250 can have visual element l9, and panel 2511 can have visual element 2|]. In Figs. 2-5, the window sections are marked X. The panels 26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, can have the visual elements of another letter thereon. The panels of member 2| are of the same size. Hence, if carrier 2| is shifted relative to the cylinders, until the median lines of panels 26-2611 respectively register with lines 5-20, the cylinders will assemble a real image of another letter, such as B.

In the embodiment shown, the carrier 2| has seven series of panels, and each series can have the respective visual elements of a letter or symbol or the like. I I

The panels of carrier 22 are wider and they are of the same height as the panels of carrier 2|. The greater width of the panels of carrier 22, is in accordance with the angle of each pair of rays R. For example, the panels 21-2'Id can have the visual elements of a letter or symbol. By producing relative shifts between carrier 22 and the cylinders, carrier 22 will consecutively produce the images of four letters, etc. The windows X of carrier 22 are of the same height as windows X of carrier 2|. The windows of carrier 22 are wider than the windows of carrier 2 I.

The windows and panels of carriers 23 and 24 are also of the same height as the windows and panels of carriers 2| and 22. These panels and windows are of the same width in each carrier, and said width increases from carrier to carrier, in accordance with the angle of lines R.

Thus carrier 23 has threeseries of panels, and

carrier 24 has'two series of panels.

Panels 28, 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d can have the visual elementsof a-letter, etc., and panels 29-29d have the visual elements of another letter. Each series of panels on each carrier can be scanned by moving the vertical median lines of said panels into registration with lines I S-ZB, while the vertito the cylinders l6a-2iia,

short distance through which 2,214,018 cal median lines of windows of the other carriers 1 register with said lines I 6-20.

Any number of carriers can be used and said carriers can be in the form of flexible films which are moved between a magazine roll and a take-up roll Hence, words and messages of any kind can be readily formed in series, or in consecutive order, for announcements, advertising, etc.

Since real images are formed by the cylinders, said images can be recorded photographically in any size upon a light-sensitive surface, such as the light-sensitive surfaces of plates which can be etched for photo-engraving. Single letters can thus be recorded in consecutive order on different portions of a light-sensitive surface, so as to photograph words, sentences, etc.

Pictures can be treated in the same manner as letters.

Only a very slight relative shift between the carriers and the cylinders is required to change from one symbol to another, so that the visual elements of the alphabet can be recorded on one carrier or on a small number of carriers. The carriers can be shifted by remote control, such as radio waves, etc.

The apparatus shown in Figs. 1-5 inclusive can be used in a projector without a gate, because the cylinders scan and project selected panels of the films or carriers. The device shown in Figs. 1-5 is not intended primarily for the projection of motion pictures, but it could be used for said apparatus if desired.

In order to give a definite example of the dimensions of the parts, the distance between the points G and G may be equal to "A; of an inch and the height of each of the films shown in Figs. 2-5 may be of an inch. This would correspond to the standard gate of a motion picture projector, said gate being ordinarily of rectangular shape, and having a height of of an inch and a width of V of an inch. Therefore, the width of each panel in each of the films shown in Figs. 2-5 is extremely small. Therefore, if the carriers 2i- 2=i are moved intermittently relative through very short distances, which may be a fiftieth of an inch or even less, one picture will move out of the scanning zones and another picture will move into the scanning zones. In Fig. 1 the films are located in vertical planes, with their longitudinal axes horizontal, and said films are moved in horizontal lines relative to the cylinders. Due to the very it is necessary to move the films relative to the cylinders, in order to substitute one picture for the other, it is not necessary to use a shutter. In this embodiment the movement of the films or carriers relative to the cylinders, is preferably intermittent.

This is a continuation in part of my application Ser. No. 138,767, filed on April 24th, 1937, to which reference is made for further details, such .as various shapes and assemblies of optical elements.

If the visual elements are photographed on films, the windows should be free or substantially free of emulsion.

The front carrier 24, may have no symbols thereon, and the three panels between each pair of windows X can be consecutively colored red, blue, green, and said carrier 24 can be reciprocated while another carrier is being scanned, so as to give color effects.

In Fig. 8, the visual elements of K elements 30, 3|,

are the 32, 33, 33a, 34, 34a. The visual elements of L are 35, 38, 31, 38. The visual elements of M are 40, ll, 42, 43, and H.

In my previously filed application Ser. No. 138,767, I have described how a picture can be divided into separated segments or elements by means of a series of cylinders, and how the image of a picture can be formed by scanning said segments or elements by means of a number of cylinders.

In this application, I have shown the use of a plurality of carriers, located one behind the other, and formed with suitable windows, so as to make it possible to display a large number of symbols. The various optical methods and apparatus, and the various types of visual elements described in said application Ser. No. 138,767, can therefore be used in this application.

In order to scan a series of visual elements of Fig. 8 so as to form the image of K, the line I8 is caused to register with the vertical median line of element 30; the line ll is caused to register with the vertical median line of element 3!; the line i8 is caused to register with the vertical median' line of element 82; line I 9 is caused to register with the vertical median lines of elements 33 and 33a, line 20 is caused to register with the vertical median lines of elements 3 and 34a. By producing a relative shift between the planar carrier illustrated in Fig. 8, and the assembly of cylinders shown in Fig. 1, the next series of visual elements can be scanned so as to produce the image of L, etc.

For the sake of clearness, the carriers 2l-24 are shown as being separated from each other. These carriers should be 'very close to each other or even touch each other, and they may be made very thin so that their total thickness can be disregarded for practical purposes.

Therefore, the group of cylinders will be extremely close to each of the'carriers during the scanning thereof, which is desirable in order to form clear images. In the specific example shown, the carriers are located between the cylinders and their external focal points. The external focal length of each cylinder may be small and the focal points of the cylinders can be located between a carrier and the cylinders. This will produce an inverted virtual image instead of an upright real image. 7

While I have shown cylinders of relatively large diameter so as to use optical scanning elements which are generally of the type of thick lenses, I can use cylinders of any diameter, and said diameter may be as small as is desired. Likewise I can use other optical scanning elements or members which will have the same functions as the cylinders.

The cylinders magnify the visual elements only in a single plane. However, I do not exclude from the invention other optical elements which may magnify in all directions.

Referring to Fig. 8, the respective series of visual elements which are mounted in consecutive order upon a carrier may spell a word when the aforesaid series are scanned consecutively.

In the specific embodiment shown, a relative shift is produced in the same direction between the various carriers and the cylinders and the shift of one carrier relative to the other carriers, is in the same direction, in order to change the image which is formed by the cylinders.

It would not bedeparting from the invention if the corresponding panels upon the various carriers were located so as to require relative shifts in opposite directions, either between a carrier and the cylinders or amongst the carriers themselves, in order to change the image which is formed by the cylinders. a

For simplicity I have shown a single group or battery of cylinders which can be used for forming the image of a single letter. Obviously a plurality of batteries of cylinders can be utilized together with a suitable carrier or carriers so as simultaneously to form the images of any desired number of letters, thus forming one or more words, or a message of any kind or of any length.

Likewise any suitable number of carriers can be located in the same plane instead of being located in different planes as in the specific em;- bodiment disclosed. By having any suitable number of carriers in the same plane and providing enough batteries of cylinders, the observer can see any desired number of images which may spell out a word or message of any desired length.

The carriers may be held stationary relative to the cylinders while an image is being formed and viewed.

Under such circumstances the panel which is illuminated will form part of the image, and light may be passed horizontally through each cylinder at any angle to the reference planes which are indicated by the lines I6-20 in Fig. l.

In using the system to produce images of pictures, monostereoscopic vision can be produced by having the successive visual elements'on the consecutive panels, respectively left and right. The'general theory of this is explained in U. S. Patent No. 1,992,608 issued to me on February 26,1935, for Monostereoscopic vision. For example, an object can be simultaneously photographed by two spaced cameras, so as to produce a left picture and a right picture. Each said picture can then be separated by using the cylinders into five segments.

Panel 25 could have the first segment of the left, picture. Panel 25a could have the second segment of the right picture. Panel 252) could have the third segment of the left picture.

Panel 250 could have the fourth segment of the right picture. Panel 2511 could have the fifth segment of the left picture. When an optical image is formed by the cylinders, monostereoscopic vision is secured.

Fig. 9 shows a pair of films F and F which may be identical in width and which are identical in all respects, save that they have difierent pictures or the like recorded thereon.

Fig. 9 shows that each film has longitudinal.

windows or clear spaces X, which extend throughout the'entire length of the film. These windows X are preferably free from emulsion so that they have maximum light permeability. In this embodiment I have shown three panels laterally arranged between each pair of windows. In this embodiment each picture or the like has been separated into four panels and I use four scanning cylinders, instead of the five scanning cylinders illustrated in Fig. 1.

The visual elements of one picture are located in'the panels 60, 40a, 40b, and 400. The visual elements of the next picture in the same lateral row are located in the panels 4|, Ma, ilb, and Me. The visual elements of the next picture of the same lateral row are located in the panels 42, 42:1,421), and 420. This lateral row is equal in area to the frame A of theordinary motion picture film.

For purposes of illustration and without limard 35 mm. film. That is, the width of the film from one longitudinal edge to the other, including the sprocket-holes, is 35 mm. 'The lateral distance between the edges of the end-windows X may be about of an inch. The next frame B has three additional pictures recorded thereon, the first of said three additional pictures having its visual elements in the panels 43, 43a, 43b, and 430. The second picture in frame 3 has its visual elements in panels 44-440, .the third picture in frame B has its visual elements in panels 45-450.

The frame C also has three pictures laterally recorded thereon, said pictures respectively comprising the panels 46-460 inclusive, 41-410 inclusive, and 48-480 inclusive. The frames of the rear film F are identical with the frames of the front film F, save that the pictures which are recorded in the rear film are different from the pictures recorded in the front film.

Referring to Figs. 9-15, it is assumed that the first pictures to be scanned are the three consecutive pictures which are located in the frame C of the film F. Said films F and F are located in vertical planes, and when either of said films is moved longitudinally, it is moved vertically downward. The axes of the scanning cylinders Cy are vertical and their axes are aligned with the lines ll-Zil When lateral relative movement is secured between either of accomplished by moving the film laterally, while the scanning cylinders remain stationary. Referring to Fig. 9, the three consecutive pictures in frame C are scanned by bodily moving the film F, or a portion thereof, laterally relative to the scanning cylinders, in order to consecutively scan the three pictures located in panels 46-460, 41-410, and 48-480. While the film F is moved laterally so as to scan the three pic-, tures in frame C, said film F is not moved longitudinally. In Fig. 11 the bottom of the frame C is shown as being at the same level as the bottom of the frame C. However, in starting the projection of the two films, it is preferable to have the bottom of the frame C at the same level as the bottom of the frame B. Therefore, while the film F is being moved laterally ,(but not vertically) in order to scan the frame C, the film F can be moved vertically through a distance equal to the height of a frame. During this vertical movement the film F is not moved laterally so that the windowsX of the film F remain in the same lateral positions. When the pictures of the frame C are scanned, the frames of said pictures are aligned with the windows X of the front film F. Therefore Fig. 11 shows the position of thefront film F after the pictures is held against longitudinal movement. During:

this lateral scanning movement of the film F, the film F is moved vertically downwardly, but without any lateral movement, througha distance equal to the height of a frame. Therefore, Fig. 12 shows the longitudinal positions of the films, after the pictures of the frame C have been scanned.

Referring to Fig. 9, while the frame C is being scanned, the film F is moved to the left of the broken-line position shown'in Fig. 9, until all the windows X of said rear film F are aligned .and the films F and F.

' this embodiment.

While the frame C is being scanned, the film F is moved laterally to the right of the full-line position indicated in Fig. 9, through four intermittent scanning movements, so that the lateral movement of F is identical with the lateral movement of F, save that said lateral movements are respectively in opposite directions. At the completion of the lateral scanning movement of the frame C, the four left-hand windows it; gt; film F are aligned with the optical axes While the frame C is being scanned, the film F is moved downwardly and without any lateral movement until the frame B is in the scanning position, as shown in Fig. 12. The film F is now moved laterally back to the broken-line position illustrated in Fig. 9, in the same series of four intermittent scanning movements, so as to scan the three pictures in frame B and finally to locate, the film F relative to the scanning cylinders, and in the same lateral relative position which is indicated in Fig. 9 in which the four right-hand windows X of film F are aligned with the optical axes "-20.

Each film is therefore moved laterally to-andfro and it is also given an intermittent longitudinal movement.

During each lateral movement of each film,

said film is given four intermittent movements, in order to make allowance for the fifth window X.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 does not require the use of a shutter because the panels are so narrow. Likewise it is not necessary to use a gate. Reference is made to application Serial No. 189,068 filed in the United States Patent Office on Februaryflth, 1938, as showing the different relative positions between the cylinders However, in this embodiment the scanning cylinders Cy are preferably maintained stationary and the films F and F are moved laterally relative to said cylinders, in order to successively expose the pictures which are recorded in each frame.

The embodiment of Figs. 9-15 cannot be used with continuous longitudinal movement of the films, although the use of agate anda shutter can be eliminated.

When the film F is in the broken-line position shown in Fig. 9, the panel 45 will be to the right of the second window X of the front film F. The panel 46a will be to the right of the third window X, the panel 461) will be to the right of the fourth window X, and the panel 450 will be to the right of the fifth or end window X. When the film F,

is given its first intermittent movement toward the left, the four panels 46-460 will be respectively aligned with the second, third, fourth and fifth windows X of the front film F. The next intermittent lateral movement of the film F will move the panels 45J6o respectively to the left of the second, third, fourth and fifth windows X'of the front film F, and the panels 47-47a will now be aligned with the second, third, fourth and fifth windows X of the front film F. The third intermittent lateral movement of the film F will align the panels 48-480 with the second, third, fourth and fifth windows of the front film F. During the fourth intermittent lateral movement of the film F to the left, the film F issimultaneously given its first intermittent movement towards the set of panels 58-500 inclusive.

right, so that at the completion of the fourth lateral movement of the film F, the five windows of the films F and F will be aligned. This explains the reason for having five windows X, although each frame has only. three pictures recorded therein. Therefore, while each film is being moved through its last lateral movement in a given direction, the other film is moved reversely through its first intermittent lateral movement.

Fig. 16 shows a single film, in which there are preferably no blank spaces or windows, although such blank spaces or windows can be used. In scanning this film the axes of the four scanning cylinders are held vertical. For convenience, it can be assumed that the distance between the optical centres of adjacent cylinders is equal to of an inch. In scanning or projecting said film, itis moved in a direction parallel to-the arrow which is shown in Fig. 16. A loose portion of the film can be guided through the scanning position in the inclined direction indicated by the arrow shown in Fig. 16. Since the film F shown in Fig. 16 is moved continuously, sprocket holes and the usual sprocket feed can be eliminated so that the film F is given a longitudinal movement of constant speed in the direction of said arrow. However, sprocket holes and the usual sprocket drive can be used'if desired, and in such case the sprockets are driven constantly at uniformspeed. The film has parallel longitudinal edges which are parallel to said arrow and it is of uniform width throughout. I

Fig. 16 shows four panels 50, 50a, 50b and 500, whose tops and bottoms are on the same respective horizontal lines. These four panels correspond to a single picture. The next consecutive picture has panels 5|, 51a, 51b and Me. The panels are of the same height and width through out and they are'also equally spaced from each other. The axes of the panels are vertical so that they are inclined to the longitudinal edges of the film, which are parallel to the arrow shown in Fig. 16. Each set of four panels is therefore located in a rectangle so that the end panels have vertical edges which are close to and which are The second set of panels 5la-5lc inclusive are equally and vertically offset relative to the first Assuming by way of example that the height of each panel is of an inch and that'the distance between the optical centres of adjacent cylinders is A; of an inch, the arrow of Fig. 16 is parallel to the hypothenuse of a triangle whose height is equal to the height of a panel and whose horizontal leg is equal to 1 5' of an inch.

The distance of of an inch is thus calculated because in the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 there are four sets of panels along a horizontal line, namely, the first set 50-50c, the second set 5la-5lc, the third set 52-520, and the fourth set 53-530. The heights of the cylinders may be greater than of an inch. While a gate is not necessary, such gate could be used and such gate could have a height of of an inch and a width of of an inch as in the example previously given. Under such conditions the distance between the left-hand edge of panel 50a. and the right-hand edge of panel 500 would be equal to of an inch, less approximately 1% of an inch. Therefore as the film is moved, each set of panels is moved both downwardly and also laterally relative to the cylinders so that when the scanning of one set of panels is completed, the scanning of the next set of panels begins. That is, when the .45 inclined to the longitudinal edges of the film.

panels 50-50:: have been moved laterally until their scanning has been completed, the scanning of the next set of panels l-5lc will begin. In the example given, each set of panels is longitudinally the vertical cylinder.

offset relative to their preceding panels, by of an inch, since there are four sets of panels. Instead of using sets of four panels across the film, I can use a much greater number, so as to diminish the movement of the projected picture on the screen to such an extent as to make said movement substantially imperceptible.

Comparing Fig. 17 with Figs. 6, 8 and 16, the longitudinal panels illustrated in said figures have been modified by reducing their height, but without changing their width. Therefore, in order to produce panels corresponding to the A which is shown in Fig. '7 of the drawings herein, I use two sets of cylinders, the cylinders of one set being crossed relative to the cylinders of the other set. As shown in Fig. 18, I can use five vertical cylinders having their axes on the lines iii-28, and I can use several horizontal cylinders having their optical axes 'on the lines ill-l6. Thenumber of cylinders in either set can be varied as desired. Therefore the panel I!) shown in Fig. 6

has been divided into sub-panels 101240?) inclusive, which are shown in Fig. 18. The panel H of Fig. 6 is likewise sub-divided into sub-panels Ila-I Ie inclusive. The panel i2 of Fig. 6 is subdivided into sub-panels iZb-iZd inclusive. Since element 12a of Fig. 6 is relatively short, it is not broken up into sub-panels, but it is merely reduced in height. The panel or element Id of Fig. 6 is divided into sub-panels Ida/4G6 and the panel or element l5 of Fig. 6 is divided into sub-panels ltd-ltd.

Likewise, the panels shown in Fig. 16 can be divided into sub-panels, each row of sub-panels being arranged along the same vertical lines.

Referring to Fig. 18, it is clear that the subpanels of additional pictures could be located between the vertically spaced sub-panels shown in Fig. 18. Therefore the sub-division of the panels into sub-panels makes it possible to record more pictures on a film of the type shown in Fig. 16.

In scanning a film having a sub-panels of the type shown in Fig. 18, I utilize the same arrangement of crossed cylinders, which was originally utilized for breaking up the original pictures into sub-panels, in order to print said sub-panels upon the film.

Fig. 20 illustrates the scanning of the subpanel lid of Fig. 18 by means of a vertical cylinder having its axis on the line H, and a horizontal cylinder having its axis on the line M. The horizontal cylinder islocated between the film and If desired, the vertical cylinder can belocated between the film and the horizontal cylinders. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 20, element lid is vertically enlarged to the area 14d by the horizontal cylinder, and said area 14d is enlarged and also turned, so as to produce an image whose area and position are indicated by Nd. As shown inFig. 18, the element lld has a general L-shape and in Fig. 18 the leg of the L is shown at the left of its vertical portion. Fig. 20 shows the leg of'the enlarged image at the right of its vertical portion, thus indicating the left-to-right reversal which is secured by the combination of thecylinders.

Fig. 19 shows how the crossed cylinders cause the light rays which illuminate the film, to

converge to the optical center PI of the projection lens system.

projected image on the screen, which is produced by a vertical movement of the film relative to the scanning cylinders, during the scanning of a. picture. While this applies particularly to Fig. 16, it also applies to other embodiments. During the scanning of each picture, the image thereof moves vertically through a distance equal to the vertical distance between the points I00 and HM.

Likewise, the lateral movements. of the films shown in Fig. 9 produce apparent vertical shifts of the image on the screen, the shift of one image being from the point I to the point I0 I the shift of the next image being from the point lllta. to the point Mia. The shift of each consecutive image on the screen can be made extremely slight by sub-dividing each picture into a sufilciently large number of panels or sub-panels, so

i that thereis no objectionable flickering effect.

In using crossed cylinders, it is not necessary that the angles between the axes of the respective series of crossed cylinders shouldbe constant or that said angle should be a right angle. This angle can be varied during the projection of a continuously moving film of the type illustrated in Fig. 16, as varied according to Fig. 1'7. By inclining the axes i848 to the axes IQ-l6,

the crossed axes define four-sided figures having acute and obtuse angles.

When a cylinder is used for scanning a film,

the width of the zone which is scanned is much less than the diameter of the cylinder as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore the spaces between the panels which are scanned simultaneously by a series of cylinders, are much wider than the panels themselves.

For-convenience in describing the invention, it will be assumed that the various films or carriers are located in a vertical plane or planes, although the invention is not to be limited to this feature. Considering Fig. 16 for example, this shows the film adapted to be exhibited by continuous movement along a predetermined line.. Each picture on said film consists of a series of panels. Each series of panels is offset from the panels of the preceding series both horizontally and vertically, so that each direction of offset is inclined to the direction of predetermined movement. l

The panels may be of any shape, depending upon the nature of the optical scanning or projecting means, and it is particularly noted that the invention is not limited to the use ofcylin- .riers F and F are light-permeable and each said carrier has a longitudinal series of frames. Each frame has a series of pictures of said succession recorded therein in the form of a lateral series of laterally spaced panels for each picture. For ex-' ample, the panels 33, @311, 33b and 30 comprise laterally spaced panels which are arranged in the frame B so as to form a lateral series of laterally spaced panels for the respective picture.

The corresponding, panels of each picture are arranged in' lateral proximity in each frame to form a sub-series. For example, the panels 48, ts and $5 in panel B are the corresponding panels of the three pictures which are recorded in'panel B and said panels 4345 are arranged to form a sub-series. These sub-series are laterally spaced from each other.

For example, the sub-series Mat-45a is spaced laterally from the sub-series 43-65 and from the sub-series filth-65b.

Each -frame of each carrier, excluding the first frame of the succession of pictures, has pictures 75 which are intermediate those pictures of the succession which are recorded in a pair of adjacent frames of the other carrier. For example, the frame C has three pictures which are intermediate the pictures of frame C and the frame B. Each said carrier F and F has longitudinal window spaces X which are intermediate the subseries 4345, 43a-45a, 43b-45b, 430-450, and there are also additional window spaces at the lefthand side of the edge sub-series 43-45 and at the right-hand side of the edge sub-series lac-45c.

The improved film's diclosed herein can be made by photographically printing .an ordinary negative motion picture For example, the firstframe of the conventional negative can be printed'on the positive shown in Fig. 16, in the form of panels 50-500, by using cylinders or other optical means, together with a suitable siitted mask, so as'optically to break up the first frame of the negative, 1nt0.said separated panels. The total area of panels Ell-50c is much smaller than the area of the frame of the negative. The positive film can then be shifted longitudinally, and the next frame of the negative will be tive in the form of panels Sl-Blc.

This is preferable, instead of using optical cans in conjunctionwith the motion picture camera, to produce directly a negative of the type shown in Fig. 16.

This explanation applies to the production of the other types of films or carriers disclosed herein. These may be printed from ordinary,

continuous pictures, or said films can be produced directly by means of a camera having the necessary optical elements.

These optical elements may be ordinary lenses. However, the use of at least one series of cylinders is preferred. 1

In photographically printing a negative of the type shown in Fig. 7, to produce a positive of the type shown in Fig. 6, the negative print and the positive film can be caused to contact with an intermediate series of cylinders, and light will then be passed throgh the negative and the cylinders, so as to print spaced panels on the positive, of the type shown in Fig. 6. This method can be used for photographically printing the positives shown in the other figures.

In illuminating the negative for photographically printing a positive, I prefer to use one or more ordinary lamps, whose distance from the negative greatly exceeds the size of any side of the frame.

As shown in Fig. 19, a series of optical elements may be formed by molding a single block of glass, so that the optical elements are not complete cylinders. Each of the end optical elements has a singleplanar face and the other-optical elements have two planar faces. Such blocks can be used whenever I have referred to the use of 'one or more sets of cylinders.

Fig. 19 also illustrates how a positive can be printed from a negative. The source of light, at the point Pl, produces diverging light rays, as shown in Fig. 19, The film F could be a positive film on which the negative is to be printed. The

negative could be located at the right-hand side be converged by the optical elements to form separated panels whose centers are on the lines which diverge from point Pl.

printed on the posi- It is clearthat a frame of standard size which occupies substantially the entire width of the ordinary film between the rows of sprocket-holes, can be reduced in width by using a cylinder, so as to print a frame on a panel or area of the second film, so that the panel or area of the second film will occupy I only a portion of the width of the second film. This can be done without separating the standard frame into separated panels. By using a suitable lens or combination of lenses while photographically printing a positive film from a negative film, each standard frame of the negative can be reduced in height as well as in width, in printing the corresponding panel or area on the second film.

Fig. 22 shows a film having parallel side edges and 8| and having a series of frames F which may be panels or areas of any desired shape, but which are greatly reduced in size in comparison with the standard frame. For example, if .the standard frame has a width of M; of an inch and a height of of an inch, the frame F"can have a width of of an inch and a height of of axis located at the'point 82, and the film is moved relative to said lensor the like in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 22, theframes F can be consecutively scanned and projected. These frames'can be so small as to make it possible to move the film continuously and without the use of a shutter. Fig. 22 therefore illustrates the principle of operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 and in Fig. 17. For example in Fig. 16 the line which is indicated by the arrow is parallel to a line which passes through the lower right-hand corners of the group of panels 50, 5i and 52.

-It is preferable to break up each frame into a plurality. of separated panels or areas, which may-be of any size or shape, instead of merely reducing the standard frame to a single smaller area. By dividing each standard frame into a plurality of panels or areas, much greater reduction in size can .be secured and in addition ob- Jectionable flickering or the like is eliminated much better by using the embodiment shown-in Figs. 16, 1'7 and 18, instead of using the embodiment of Fig. 22.

Likewise it is also highly preferable to use a cylinder or crossed cylinders in dividing the standard frame into separated panels or areas, and in scanning said panels or areas, if the width of such panel or area. is much less than the diameter of the cylinder, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1, a very slight shift of the panel or area relative to the cylinder moves the panel or area out of the effective scanning zone of the cylinder.

In Fig. 8 I have shown the respective panels or areas of a plurality of visual elements, the panels or areas of one area being wholly separated from the panels or areas of the other visual elements. However, this depends upon the characters or letters which are being used, and in some cases it is possible to have some of the areas abutting each other.

It it to be understood that in Fig, 16 the panels are shown in exaggerated size, in order to illustrate the principle of the invention diagrammatir the left and it is turned clockwise about a horically. In actual practice the total areas of the separated panels of the frame can be equal to from four per cent to five per cent of the area of the original standard frame, or evenless. That is, the panels 50, 50a, 50b and 500 can be greatly reduced in height by using the crossed cylinder shown in Fig. 18 and likewise the width of the panel can be subdivided into more than four panels.

In Figs. 6, 17, 21 and wherever desired, consecutive pictures may be alternately left and righ so as to produce monostereoscopic scanning and projection.

In taking pictures by means of a motion camera having a single lens, in order to make a monostereoscopic positive, the camera is shifted between successive exposures, in order to take left and right pictures alternately.

After the camera has been focussed, the camera can be shifted bodily towards the right, and the camera is also turned counterclockwise about a horizontal axis, in order to take the first picture. The camera is then moved bodily towards izontal axis, to take the second picture. This shifting of the camera is continued, so that successive left and right pictures are taken at different angles relative to the object.

By reducing the size of the standard frame, I can project from 48 .to '72 pictures per second and even more, without increasing the footage or the positive film. This very rapid projection is facilitated by the smooth continuous movement of the film and the elimination of a shutter.

I claim:

1. A motion picture film adapted to be projected by continuous motion along a single line of predetermined movement, said film having a series of consecutive pictures recorded thereon, each said picture being recorded on said film in the form of a series of panels, each panel of said series corresponding to a portion of a single picture, the centers of panels of each series being spaced from each other along a predetermined line which is inclined to said line of predetermined movement, said predetermined lines being parallel to each other the panels of each series being ofiset relative to the panels of the preceding picture in two directions, one of said directions being parallel to said predetermined lines and the other direction being perpendicular to said predetermined lines, said line of movement being parallel to a line which joins corresponding points of a panel of one series and the next adjacent panel of the next series.

2. A motion picture film adapted to be projected by continuous motion along a single line of predetermined movement, said film having a series of consecutive pictures recorded thereon, each said picture being recorded on said film in the form of a series of panels which are separated from each other, each panel of each series corresponding to a portion of a single picture each said series of panels being located within a rectangle whose sides are inclined to said line" of predetermined movement, the panels of each series being offset relative to the panels of the preceding picture along two ofiset lines which are inclined to said line of predetermined movement, each seriesof panels having their centres located on a predetermined line, said predetermined lines being parallel to each other, and being inclined to said line of predetermined movement, one of said ofiset lines being parallel to said predetermined lines, the other offset line being perpendicular to said predetermined lines.

3. In combination with a series of equal cylinders having parallel axes, a film adapted to be moved continuously relative to said cylinders in a single direction inclined to said axes, said film having a series of consecutive pictures recorded thereon, each said picture being recorded on said film in the form of a series of panels which are separated from each other along a predetermined line which is perpendicular to said axes, each panel of each said series corresponding to a portion of the respective picture of said series, said predetermined lines being parallel to each other and being inclined to 'said direction of movement, the panels of each picture beingoffset relative to the panels of the preceding picture along a line which is perpendicular to said axes and also in a direction parallel to said axes, the panels of consecutive series being located on the fil'm so that the cylinders scan the panels of a respective picture after the scanning of the panels of the preceding picture has been. completed.

4. In combination with a first series of cylinders having parallel axes and a second series of cylinders which also have parallel axes, the axes of the second series crossing the axes of the first series, a motion picture film adapted to be projected by continuous movement in a single predetermined direction which is inclined to both said series of axes, said film having a series of consecutive pictures recorded thereon, each said picture being recorded on said film in the form of a series of panels which are spaced from each other, each panel of each series'corresponding to a portion of the respective picture of said series, the centers of the panels of the respective series being spaced along respective parallel lines which are inclined to said direction of movement, the panels of each series being offset relative to the panels of the preceding picture, said panels being shaped and located on said film so that the two sets of cylinders consecutively scan consecutive pictures when the film is moved continuously in said predetermined direction.

5. A motion picture film adapted to be pro jected by continuous motion along a line of predetermined movement, said film having a series of consecutive pictures recorded thereon, each said picture being recorded on said film in the form of a series of panels, each panel of each series corresponding to a portion of the respective picture of the series, the panels of each series being spaced from each other along respective parallel lines which are inclined to said line of predetermined movement, the panels of each series being ofiset relative to the panels of the preceding picture in two directions, each of which is inclined to said line of predetermined movement,

the areas of the film intermediate the spaced' panels of a picture being greater than the areasto said cylinders along a single predetermined line of movement, said carrier having a plurality of visual elements recorded thereon, each said visual element being recorded on said carrier in the form of a series of spaced panels which are shaped and located so that said cylinders can simultaneously scan the panels of a single selected visual element, each panel of each series corresponding to a portion of the respective visual element of the series, the centres of the panels of each series being located along a predetermined line, said predetermined lines being inclined to the line of predetermined movement, the areas of the film intermediate the panels of a single visual element being greater than the areas of said panels of a single visual element.

7. A film having a longitudinal axis and having a succession of pictures recorded thereon, each picture being recorded in the form of a series of laterally separated panels, each panel corresponding to a portion 01 the respective picture of the series, the centers of the panels or each series being located along respective parallel lines which are inclined to said longitudinal axis.

.8. In combination with a series of cylinders having parallel axes, a carrier movable relative to said cylinders along a single predetermined line of movement, said carrier having a plurality of visual elements recorded thereon, each said 20 Visual element being recorded on said carrier in the formof a series of spaced panels which are shaped and located so that said cylinders can simultaneously scan the panels of a single selected visual element, each panel of each series corresponding to a portion ofthe respective visual element of said series, the areas of the film intermediate the panels of a single visual element being greater than the areas of said panels of a single visual element, said intermediate areas so having the panels of visual elements other than the visual element which is being scanned by said cylinders, so that the panels in said intermediateareas are unscanned while the cylinders direction of movement.

ment, the centres or the panels of the respective series being located on respective parallel lines which are inclined to said line of movement.

9. In combination with a series of optical scanning members, a carrier movable relative'to said scanning members in a single predetermined direction, said carrier having a plurality of visual elements recorded thereon, each said visual element being recorded on said carrier in the form of a series of spaced panels which are shaped and located so that said optical members can simultaneously scan the panels of a. single selected visual element each panel Of' 8-Ch series corresponding to a portion of the, respective visual element, said optical scanning members being shaped and located to magnify the panels of each into a substantially continuous image of the respeztive visual element, the areas of the filmintermediate the panels of a. single visual element being greater than the areas of the panels of a single visual element, said, intermediate .areas having the panels of visual elements other than the visual element which is scanned by said'optical members during a single scanning, so that the panels in said intermediate areas are unscannecl while the-cylinders scan the panels of a selected single visual element, the centres of the panelsof the respective series being located along re spective parallel lines which are inclined to the JACOB Z. DENWSON.

.scan the panels of a'selected single visual ele-

Images