US3679303A - Multi-projector image composing head - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a structure wherein a plurality of projectors are provided to project on a common focal plane images arranged in desired relative size and position to provide a composite image on a focal plane. From the composite image photographic plates may be derived. The various projectors are mounted to permit independent operation of the various projectors along parallel laterally offset lines and makes possible arrangements of separate material for use in preparing a composite picture in desired form.

Description

United States Patent La Vant [451 July 25, 1972 [54] MULTI-PROJECTOR IMAGE 2,200,594 5 1940 Diggins ..355/46 COMPOSING HEAD [72] X t L L L v t 44 O k Rid Pn'mary Examiner-John M. Horan nven or: aurence a an a ge v A" b nLKah Drive, Glencoe, 111. 60022 omey e n [22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 115,452 The invention discloses a structure wherein a plurality of projectors are provided to project on a common focal plane images arranged in desired relative size and position to pro- [22] }LS.CCII ..355/40, 3538ggilgg vide a composite image on a focal plane From the composite i 353130 image photographic plates may be derived. The various pro- 1 e o jectors are mounted to permit independent operation of the [56] References Cited various pro ectors along parallel laterally offset lines and makes possible arrangements of separate material for use in UNITED STATES PATENTS preparing a composite picture in desired form.

2,600,261 6/1952 Pennington ..353/30 X 1 Claim, 7 Drawing Figures 3a 3 A j e e PATENTEDJULZS'QIZ BEST AVAILABLE COPY 3.679.303

sum 2 or 2 F1614 FIG. 5

MULTI-PROJECTOR IMAGE COMPCEING HEAD This invention relates to a multi-projector image composing head and aims to provide a means for consolidating a plurality of separately projected images on one ground plane from which the composed image may be copied or otherwise used.

In preparing advertising layouts for making printing plates, it has been the practice to make individual photographic plates of individual components such as printed matter, art work, pictorial matter and thereafter assemble the various plates or films arranged in desired relative positions and sizes so that one photographic picture of the composed matter is prepared as the basic element in connection with further preparation of printing plates. In the case of color plates, it is, of course, necessary to do all the above work for each of the colors involved.

The above composing procedure is expensive because each photographic plate or film involves highly technical labor. Each plate or film must have the image thereon of proper relative size compared to those of other plates or films to be combined therewith. It is evident that any films or plates required prior to a final film or plate containing all required material in properly arranged form involves expensive and time consuming preliminary procedures. It is, of course, essential that if a finally composed film or plate includes a picture as an element thereof, such picture be available in suitable form for projection. However, assuming that all elements of a finally composed image are available for respective projection, the invention makes it possible to provide on one screen projected images in desired relative dimensions and positions from which a final plate or film may be directly produced.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention generally contemplates a cage-like elongated frame of straight, laterally offset, parallel tubular members within which clear, unencumbered working space can exist. The parallel laterally offset tubular members are maintained in predetermined prescribed relation to each other by suitable retaining means such as end frames or the like.

All, or substantially all, of the laterally offset members are adapted to accommodate an individually adjustable telescoping rod for the rear end of each member. The arrangement is such that each telescoping rod may be longitudinally moved to any desired position along its tubular member and temporarily locked in such position.

Each longitudinally adjustable rod carries a projector whose projection axis extends within the working region in laterally offset but parallel relation to its supporting tubular member. The direction and extent of lateral ofi'set of a projector with respect to its supporting tubular member is individually adjustable.

The general arrangement is such that a projector may be adjustably secured along any line within the cage working region parallel to and laterally offset from the tubular members. All projectors are directed toward the front end of the cage, which end may be designated as the composition image end and may have a ground glass on which are projected images from the projectors lying to the rear of or within the enclosed cage region. The respective sizes and location of the images from various projectors may be combined on a ground glass to provide a composite image consisting of component images which have been geometrically arranged in desired relative position and size. Thus, a desired composite image on a ground glass can be created. Assuming that the component images have been arranged or re-arranged as desired to provide a satisfactory composite image on a suitable ground glass or screen, such composite image may be used in preparing a final photographic plate or plates (depending upon how many colors are involved).

It is possible to limit the composing function between a projected component image and a final composed image on a ground glass or screen while omitting completely any intervening photographic procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be disclosed in connection with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, with certain parts in section, illustrating an exemplary construction embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse section on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation from the composite image end of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively pictorial illustrations of exemplary component image areas.

FIG. 6 is a detail illustrating a portion of the camera and plate holder upon which the composite image from the entire composing head may be focused.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the new composing head with a supporting rod removed from such head for illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STRUCTURE The composing head forming the subject matter of the present invention may consist of a framework of individual pipe lengths 10a up to 10f or any desired number of such pipes. Each pipe is preferably of metal such as steel, brass, or aluminum, and is strong enough to cooperate with end frame rings to provide a rigid cage. The pipes may have any desired length and for most purposes may each have a length of the order of about 4 or 5 feet, although it will be understood that the length of a cage will depend upon the physical dimensions of images to be handled. The individual pipe lengths should be parallel and in laterally offset relation, and are maintained in predetermined relation to provide a cage by front frame ring 15 and rear frame ring 16 disposed in spaced parallel planes. The frame rings are preferably of rigid materials such as steel or other suitable metal and the two frame rings cooperate with the pipe lengths to form a cage. Within the cage consisting of the pipe lengths and frame rings is clear working space 20. The two frame rings are cut out so that working region 20 within the cage may extend beyond the frame rings longitudinally of the entire cage construction. Forward frame ring 15 has ring support portion 15a and rear frame ring 16 has ring support portion suitably carried by or attached to base plate 17 upon which the entire composing head may be supported.

While pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. may have any desired shape, a simple cylindrical pipe is preferred. As an example, each pipe length 10a, 10b and the like may have an inside diameter of the order of about one inch and a suitable wall thickness to provide a sturdy construction. In selecting the size of pipe lengths 10a and the like, it is desirable to select such a size as to have available a smaller diameter pipe which can snugly and smoothly telescope within pipe lengths 10a and the like to be described later.

Pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. are rigidly attached near their forward ends to front frame ring 15 so that the plane of ring 15 is normal to the lengths of the pipes. The shape of the outer edge of frame ring 15 is not important within limits and the location, relative spacing and the like of pipe lengths 10a, etc. in

ring 15 may be arranged to suit individual requirements. The

pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. pass through and are anchored to the front frame ring 15 to provide a rigid cage and frame construction. The anchoring may be accomplished in any suitable fashion such as tightly pressing the pipe ends into ring apertures, or, if metal is involved, by welding or by nuts engaging external threads on the pipes and disposed on opposite sides of the wall of frame ring 15, or any other suitable arrangement.

Rear frame ring 16 should correspond to front frame ring 15 insofar as accommodating the rear end portions of pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. Rear frame ring 16 is adapted to have the rear end portions of pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. firmly secured thereto. In addition to providing a frame cage support for the rear ends of the pipe lengths, it is also desired to have solid or tubular support members 25a, 25b, etc. telescope into the respective pipe lengths. For example, support tube 25a is adapted to telescope into the interior of cage pipe length a.

Similarly, support tube 25b is adapted to telescope into pipe length cage member 10b, etc.

Preferably means are provided for locking in desired longitudinal position a support rod or tube within the cage pipe length member. As an example, support tube 25a may be rotatively and/or longitudinally adjusted within cage pipe length 10a to any desired position and locked during use ofthe composing head. Any suitable locking means may be provided and, as an example, the means illustrated in FIG. 1 may be used. Thus, pipe length 10a has rigidly attached to the outside thereof near the rear end portion sleeve 27 disposed within an aperture in frame ring 16. Sleeve 27 has shouldered portion 28 tight against the inner or cage face of rear frame ring 16. Sleeve 27 has rear end portion 29 longitudinally split and externally threaded, the external threading at the solid part of the pipe having nut 30 which may be turned tight against the outer face of rear frame ring 16. Clamping nut 31 is provided so that nut 31 when turned away from frame ring 16 will close slotted end 29 of the sleeve to contract and clamp support tube 250 in desired position. The length of each of the support rods or tubes 25a, 25b, etc. can be as desired depending upon the amount of longitudinal movement required for adjustment or focusing purposes, and will be apparent later.

Referring now to support tube or rod 25a (a pipe or tube rather than solid rod is preferred) the rear end thereof carries a feed-through clamp 32 adapted to accommodate in any desired longitudinal position bar 33 preferably of rectangular section. Bar 33 may be clamped by wing screw 34 carried by the feed-through clamp 32. The generally rectangular section of bar 33 is preferred so that the alignment of the various parts to be described will be maintained. Bar 33 has its length perpendicular to the length of support tube 25a and normally the length of bar 33 would extend into the projection of working region 20 within the cage. The inner end of bar 33 carries feed-through clamp 36 generally similar to clamp 32 and is adapted to carry projector support rod 37a in parallel and laterally offset relation to the length of support tube 250. Projector support rod 37a is carried so that it is laterally offset from and parallel to the axis of support tube 25a. By controlling the direction and amount of lateral offset of projector support rod 37a with respect to support tube 25a the axis of projector support rod 37a may be disposed along any desired line extending within the cage and parallel to the cage length. Projector support rod 37a supports projector 40a of any desired type. Thus projector 40a will have a conventional light and lens system and will have a film frame carrier or support through which a light beam may pass along a path within working region 20 in the cage longitudinally thereof. The projector may be of any suitable type for handling any desired size of film frame and have focusing means to adjust the image size and since such projectors are will known and readily available, no detailed description thereof is necessary.

It will be understood that the mounting for projector 40a will permit the adjustment of the projector position within and/or along the cage interior so that a desired projected image may be focused upon a suitable image plane at or near forward frame ring 15. The particular frame or matter projected by projector 40a will be a component of the entire composite image which it is desired to create.

It is evident that separate projectors may be positioned so that the axes of the various projectors will be parallel, laterally offset within working region 20 of the cage and in such relative geometrical position as to create a desired composite image which may be viewed on ground glass or screen 41 at or near front frame ring 15. The flexibility of the array of projectors with regard to individual positions in space minimizes the possibility of one projector interfering with another projector. For viewing the composite image at the forward end of the cage, suitable ground glass or screen 41 is carried by frame ring to lie in a plane which is perpendicular to the length of the cage. It is clear that the entire region to the rear of or within the cage should be available for positioning projectors and permit the free projection of the portion of the composite image plane at or near front frame ring 15. Assuming that a number of projectors creates a desired composite image at the ground glass or screen, the various projectors having been properly positioned, focused and adjusted for light intensity to create a desired image, the same may be viewed from the front of the composing head and after a satisfactory arrangement has been obtained, camera 42 can be prepared to photograph the desired composite image. In the case of muIti-color work, two or more color plates have to be made.

The number and positions of individual projectors may be varied to suit requirements. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 inclusive, geometrical patterns may be projected first to insure desired relative placement of component image areas. Then various frames carrying desired material such as pictures, reading matter, etc. may be arranged to be viewed and as many different arrangements of image positions may be tried as desired. Insofar as photographing of the composite image on the display for viewing ground glass or screen is concerned, conventional technique with regard to shielding against extraneous light will be utilized. Obviously, the entire cage may be covered with a light-tight hood so that only the composite image at the forward end of the cage will be viewed. Due to the fact that the line of sight of a viewer and camera 42 will be against the light beams from the various projectors, excellent shielding against undesired light, particularly from the projectors, will have to be provided. It is possible to provide lighttight material about the entire composing cage and also provide additional shielding against stray light at both ends of the cage and frame rings. In addition, the usual precautions against light reflecting shiny surfaces of the cage parts and various supports should be provided. Rather than attempt to cut-off all extraneous light, it may be sufiicient to provide a hood about the forward end of the cage and insure against stray light at the ground glass or screen end of the frame beyond the boundaries or perimeter of the composite image. In addition, a hood about the region between the composite image screen or glass and camera 42 may be provided so that the film in camera 42 will be exposed only to light from the composite image.

The projectors for use in projecting component images at the focal plane of the composing head (located at or near the front end of the cage) will normally use transparencies, each such transparency containing a desired component portion of the material to be projected by all the projectors. Depending upon how the composite image from all the projectors is utilized, it may be necessary to reverse transparencies in the projectors to eliminate the efiects of image reversal. Thus, when a ground glass or translucent screen is used for showing the composite image from all projectors, such glass or screen being located at the focal plane at or near the front of the composing head, the composite image on the ground glass or screen may be visually observed by light reflected from the incident face of such screen (the face receiving the projected beams) or observed by light transmitted through the ground glass or screen.

Insofar as viewing the composite image from the front or outer face of the ground glass or screen is concerned, the ground glass or screen in such case would be used as a back lighted screen and would have the matter displayed on such screen reversed insofar as right and left are concerned. In such case, the transparencies in the projectors could be disposed in the projectors in reverse fashion so that the composite image appearing at the back lighted screen would appear correctly as far as right and left are concerned. Such a composite image on a back lighted screen may be used as the object or field to be photographed. Accordingly, camera 42 may be trained or focused upon the back lighted screen for photographing the composite image. Care must be exercised in locating the focal plane at the correct face of the ground glass or screen.

The advantage of photographing the composite image by transmitted light is that the axes of projected beams impinge upon the ground glass or screen perpendicular to the plane thereof and the optical axis of the camera will fall on the outer face of the ground glass or screen perpendicular to the plane thereof and eliminate distortion because of any offside location of camera.

It is also possible to use the old camera portrait procedure of focusing on a ground glass and replacing a ground glass or screen with a sensitized photographic film or plate. 'In such case, the composite image will fall upon the sensitized photographic surface located at the focal plane of the projector system. This, of course, will require shielding the photographic film or plate from extraneous light and controlling the exposure time of the images projected at the focal plane. Such a procedure may involve controlling the on time of the projectors or by keeping the projectors on and using a suitable shutter to control the exposure.

The general cage construction heretofore described is simple and has the merit of not requiring expensive tooling. However, it is understood that a generally elongated barrel-shaped structure having both ends open may be used in place of a cage and means corresponding in function to the cage pipe lengths may be provided so that extension tubes or rods may be supported for adjustment rearwardly of the barrel end. Such extension tubes or rods together with the laterally offset tube or rod supports for projectors are essential. Individual projectors must be longitudinally adjusted and may also be so positioned that the line of projection for individual projectors may be laterally offset as in the cage version. With respect to the front end of the barrel construction, a construction similar to the rear portion of a camera for accommodating flat film or plate may be provided. In such a construction, an individual light-tight holder for a ground glass or screen can be provided, such construction permitting a ground glass or screen to be viewed as in conventional cameras and to be replaced by a photographic plate, the sensitized surface of which will be located at the focal plane. For process work where a sensitized photographic plate or film is used, the cover for a plate holder is generally provided, which cover must be removed for film exposure. A shutter separate from the plate holder is preferably used. Inasmuch as camera accessories for handling flat film or plate in connection with applying or removing flat film from the back of a camera are well-known, no detailed description is necessary. In all cases, ready access for viewing a composite image on a back-lighted ground glass or screen must be present. In addition, means must be provided for replacing such ground glass or screen by photographic film or plate at the focal plane of the composite image created by the various projectors. It may be desirable to use light-proof cloth for replacing the ground glass with film. It will be understood in all cases that the various projectors will be focused on the focal plane of the system.

As previously indicated, it is possible to use a separate camera to focus upon the ground glass or screen upon which the composite image appears, the camera being trained to photograph the composite image from the front of the ground glass or screen, this being suggested in the drawings. Such a procedure has the advantage of permitting the use of relatively small cameras having precision lens systems and using relatively small size film such as, for example, 35 millimeter film. However, in many instances, it may be desirable to use a camera operating in conjunction with relatively large size film or plate of the required size for further handling. Thus, as an example, a camera using an 8 X 10 inch or larger plate or film may be used to avoid enlarging requirements.

What is claimed is:

l. A head for combining a plurality of separately projected images to a common composite image visible on an image plane, said head comprising a plurality of laterally offset parallel pipe lengths disposed to provide a cage enclosing a free working region within the space enclosed by such pipe lengths, front and rear frame means at the two ends of said pipe lengths for maintaining said cage, an elongated member for each of at least certain of said pipe lengths, said elongated member being movable into or out of its supporting pipe length from a rear end thereof, means for locking an elongated member in its supporting pipe length at a predetermined relative position, a bar for each elongated member, means for supporting a bar on its elongated member so that the bar length is perpendicular to the elongated member length, a projector support rod supported on said bar so that the rod length is parallel to but laterally offset from the elongated member length, said bar and its support means and rod support means being adjustable to dispose a rod in a desired position parallel to but laterally offset from its elongated member length, means for supporting a projector from the rod so that a projecting light beam for projection can go along the length of such cage within the working region along a path which is laterally offset and parallel to such pipe length, means in proximity to the front end of such cage for providing a focal plane surface upon which projected light beams can fall to provide a composite image, the various projectors being adjustable not only along the length of the cage but laterally with respect to other projectors so that a satisfactory composite image can be created, said composite image focal plane including means for rendering such composite image available to be photographed by a camera whereby component images from various projectors may be combined in any desired fashion to provide a satisfactory composite image and may be photographed to provide afilm or plate containing such composite image for use in connection with graphic art technique.

Claims (1)

1. A head for combining a plurality of separately projected images to a common composite image visible on an image plane, said head comprising a plurality of laterally offset parallel pipe lengths disposed to provide a cage enclosing a free working region within the space enclosed by such pipe lengths, front and rear frame means at the two ends of said pipe lengths for maintaining said cage, an elongated member for each of at least certain of said pipe lengths, said elongated member being movable into or out of its supporting pipe length from a rear end thereof, means for locking an elongated member in its supporting pipe length at a predetermined relative position, a bar for each elongated member, means for supporting a bar on its elongated member so that the bar length is perpendicular to the elongated member length, a projector support rod supported on said bar so that the rod length is parallel to but laterally offset from the elongated member length, said bar and its support means and rod support means being adjustable to dispose a rod in a desired position parallel to but laterally offset from its elongated member length, means for supporting a projector from the rod so that a projecting light beam for projection can go along the length of such cage within the working region along a path which is laterally offset and parallel to such pipe length, means in proximity to the front end of such cage for providing a focal plane surface upon which projected light beams can fall to provide a composite image, the various projectors being adjustable not only along the length of the cage but laterally with respect to other projectors so that a satisfactory composite image can be created, said composite image focal plane including means for rendering such composite image available to be photographed by a camera whereby component images from various projectors may be combined in any desired fashion to provide a satisfactory composite image and may be photographed to provide a film or plate containing such composite image for use in connection with graphic art technique.

Images