Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
  • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
  • G03B35/00—Stereoscopic photography
  • G03B35/18—Stereoscopic photography by simultaneous viewing
  • G03B35/24—Stereoscopic photography by simultaneous viewing using apertured or refractive resolving means on screens or between screen and eye
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B30/00—Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images
  • G02B30/20—Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer's left and right eyes
  • G02B30/26—Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer's left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type
  • G02B30/30—Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer's left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving parallax barriers
  • G02B30/32—Optical systems or apparatus for producing three-dimensional [3D] effects, e.g. stereoscopic images by providing first and second parallax images to an observer's left and right eyes of the autostereoscopic type involving parallax barriers characterised by the geometry of the parallax barriers, e.g. staggered barriers, slanted parallax arrays or parallax arrays of varying shape or size
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/302—Image reproducers for viewing without the aid of special glasses, i.e. using autostereoscopic displays
  • H04N13/31—Image reproducers for viewing without the aid of special glasses, i.e. using autostereoscopic displays using parallax barriers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/302—Image reproducers for viewing without the aid of special glasses, i.e. using autostereoscopic displays
  • H04N13/32—Image reproducers for viewing without the aid of special glasses, i.e. using autostereoscopic displays using arrays of controllable light sources; using moving apertures or moving light sources
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N13/00—Stereoscopic video systems; Multi-view video systems; Details thereof
  • H04N13/30—Image reproducers
  • H04N13/398—Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Definitions

• THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a method and an apparatus for producing imagery with three visual dimensions.
• Three-dimensional imagery is a term that has been in use for more than a century: during this time, it has developed a complex range of meanings.
• the term is used to describe depth in imagery acquired from a single viewpoint, without consideration of other viewpoints.
• imagery is described as three- dimensional, in which no visual depth appears, but where different viewpoints are displayed.
• imagery For the purpose of description and definition, the term "three-dimensional imagery" as used throughout this specification, is intended to define imagery that:
• These systems generally function by blocking views left of the object centre to the right eye, and views right of the object centre to the left eye.
• Three-dimensional grid contrivances work on a similar principle to viewers. To greater or lesser extents, grids isolate views acquired left of object centres to left eyes; and isolate views right of object centres to right eyes.
• Grids have been generally placed in front of imagery, while viewers are worn or placed in front of the eyes.
• a portrait incorporating a grid concept is reported to have been produced by the Danish painter, S.A. Bois-Clair, in 1692.
• the painting is described as presenting a row of narrow, vertical, alternating strips of two views of a person, each strip separated by a vertical lath.
• the common concept embodied here is that the wood dividers mask left side picture strips from right eyes, and right side picture strips from the left eyes. This segmentation and separation of two off-set paintings, if actually constructed well enough to work, would have expressed three-dimensional grid theory in action. Further, it would have demonstrated the inherent limitations of simple grid systems.
• the first drawback of the design above is the presence- of the grid itself. It must be prominent enough to block each eye to half the imagery and is, therefore, just as visible as the imagery. For this reason the quality of the effect is reduced to the extent that the grid must be in focus.
• a second disadvantage of simple three-dimensional grid systems is the lack of optical uniformity. For full three- dimensional imagery to be seen, every element of each view must be equally evident to the corresponding eyes. This restricts image sizes and viewing angles to being small, around the image centres.
• Lenticular arrays allow a substantial improvement that overcomes the first grid defect to some extent; although, again, generally, for small images.
• the improvement is realised by replacing solid grid segments with transparent, thin, vertical, lens strips.
• the lenses are angled, so that left views are in focus to left eyes when right views are in focus to right eyes.
• a grid arrangement for use in three-dimensional imagery including a grid formation formed of a plurality of spaced apart slats between a viewer and said imagery, and wherein said slats are laterally spaced apart one from the other, having dimensions of both width and length.
• a grid arrangement for use in three-dimensional imagery including a grid formation formed of a plurality of spaced apart slats between a viewer and said imagery, and wherein said slats are laterally spaced apart one from the other, having dimensions of both width and depth; said grid arrangement being formed so that the spacings between said slats are tapered.
• the grid arrangement of the present invention can be separate from or incorporated into an appropriate screen arrangement, or alternatively can be programmed into an appropriate computer software package or programme to provide the grid for achieving the objects of the present invention.
• any appropriate known or available mechanical, electrical or liquid crystal means may be used to form the inventive grid arrangement of the present invention.
• Figure 1 is a view which demonstrates a simple, static, optical grid arrangement.
• Figure 2(1) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 1 on a different scale.
• Figure 2(11) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 2(1) but distinguished by a larger viewing distance.
• Figure 2(111) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 2(1) but distinguished by a far greater viewing angle.
• Figure 2(IV) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 2(1) also distinguished by a greater screen width.
• Figure 3 demonstrates an arrangement where there is a divergence of conditions in Figures 1 and 2,
• Figure 4 demonstrates a further arrangement with a greater width of image segments.
• Figure 5 demonstrates an arrangement with small image segments separated equally.
• Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement representing two images of adjacent angles of view.
• Figure 7 illustrates an arrangement showing a short fall in a simple static grid arrangement.
• Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement demonstrating two sections of grid elements containing vertical elements.
• Figure 9 demonstrates an arrangement of grid sections with vertical depth.
• Figure 10 demonstrates another arrangement of the present invention.
• Figure 11 demonstrates a further arrangement of the present invention.
• Figure 12 illustrates a further arrangement of the present invention and in particular a situation common to optical grid systems
• Figure 13 illustrates an arrangement according to a further form of the present invention.
• This invention provides a number of improvements to three- dimensional imagery that can be produced by transposing optical grids before imagery containing discernibly displaced adjacent angles of view.
• the adjacent angles of views are displayed in separated segments, alternatively, and transpose fast enough for the transposition to be unnoticeable for the human eye.
• the transposition of the separated, alternate, image segments is substantially synchronous with transposing grid elements.
• the grid segments are preferably shaped, profiled and positioned, to reveal from any viewing position substantially every element and aspect of the imagery.
• Adjacent angles of views left of object centres are revealed only to the left eye of an observer, while substantially simultaneously, all imagery acquired right of object centres is revealed only to the right eye of an observer.
• the invention permits three-dimensional imagery to be seen without visors, from a wide angle, without limiting the image area viewed.
• the invention further permits three-dimensional imagery to be seen without visors, from any distance without limiting the image area viewed.
• the present invention allows for any desired viewing position, every element and aspect of imagery, acquired left of object centres, to be continuously and completely revealed to the left eyes of observers, while simultaneously, continuously and completely, obscuring every element and aspect of- that left of object centre imagery from their right eyes. Substantially simultaneously, every element and aspect of imagery acquired right of object centres is revealed to the right eyes of observers. Again, simultaneously, as well as -again continuously and completely, every element and aspect of this right of object centre imagery is obscured from their left eyes.
• the present invention further preferably provides that the minimum angle required to produce visibly different images can be varied. This variation is without limitation, to the maximum displacement possible at the object acquisition distance, for optimum three-dimensional effect. Additionally, the variation is provided without restricting the areas of imagery available to either eye.
• the present invention further provides for the display of vertical three-dimensional effects, simultaneously with horizontal three-dimensional effects, without restriction.
• the present invention further provides focal planes within the imagery to be in focus simultaneously. If required otherwise, focal planes can be in combinations of focal conditions, without limitation.
• the present invention further provides an improvement which permits the apparently seamless joining of individual images, whether three-dimensional, or two-dimensional.
• This improvement permits imagery of non-standard format (such as on wide, large, curved, or special purpose screens) , to further enhance realism, or produce other special effects.
• Improvements that have been incorporated in three-dimensional imagery grid systems include lens array adaptations, usually in lenticular forms, and dynamic grid arrangements.
• This provides three-dimensional imagery that can be viewed from a wide arc and at large distances in relation to image size.
• the propensity of the eyes to focus on imagery tends to enhance its perceived quality, whatever the defects caused by grids in front of it.
• the ability of the mind to retain partial visual impressions, additively for cumulative recognition, helps perception of grid systems imagery, if it is partial, or sequential.
• Figure 1 demonstrates a simple, static, optical grid arrangement.
• a left eye position, L is spaced from a right eye position, R, at typical pupil separation of two and a half inches.
• Grid segments at c, c ⁇ , C2, C3, c 4 and c 5 separate the viewing arcs from positions L and R to image segments a ⁇ , b* ⁇ , a 2 , b 2 , 83 , b- j , a 4 , b 4 , a ⁇ , b 5 , ag and bg.
• the view from left eye position, R, is confined completely to image segments a ⁇ , a 2 , a ⁇ , a 4 , a ⁇ and a .
• the view from right eye position, L, is confined completely to image segments b 2 , b , b 4 , be and bg.
• the width and position of the grid segments permit unrestricted viewing from position L, of image segments a ⁇ , a 2 ' a 3 ' a 4 ' a 5 an( ⁇ a 6*
• the width and position of the grid segments permit unrestricted viewing from position R, of image segments b ⁇ , b 2 , bg , b , bg and b .
• This arrangement demonstrates imagery segmented and separated in alternate, vertical, strips for complete and separate viewing from two positions, without restriction on the total area of any image segment.
• Grid sections of less width than those at c, c - , c 2 , c 3 , c 4 and c 5 can be positioned at greater distances from imagery on the screen AB , with identical effects to those grids segments at positions c to C5.
• An image of the width above - 15" - with a viewing distance of 30" could be typical of a video monitor for data or word processing, however, the screen width can be any width, and the viewing distance, any distance at which imagery can be discerned.
• a screen of any width can be positioned at a distance where, grid segments of correct width, can be located to completely and exclusively separate left and right eye views of alternate segments of imagery of equal width and area.
• a screen can be positioned, at any distance, or angle from where imagery can be discerned, and grid segments, of correct width, located to completely and exclusively separate left and right eye views of alternate segments of imagery of equal width and area.
• Figure 2 demonstrates that these conditions apply for any simple, static, grid arrangement of this type.
• Figure 2 I illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 1 on a different scale.
• eye positions L and R face image segments a ⁇ , b ⁇ , a 2 , b 2 , on screen AB; twenty-five inches wide; at a viewing distance e, of five feet. This situation could be typical of household television viewing.
• Figure 2 II illustrates a similar arrangement to figure 2 I, but distinguished by a far larger viewing distance.
• eye positions L and R face image segments a 3 , b 3 , a 4 , and b 4 on screen CD; twenty-five inches wide; at a viewing distance, e ⁇ , of ten feet.
• Figure 2 III illustrates a similar arrangement to Figure 2 I again, but distinguished by a far greater viewing angle.
• eye positions L and R face image segments a $ , b 5 , ag, bg, on screen EF, twenty-five inches wide, at an angle of 45°.
• Figures 2 IV illustrates in similar arrangement to Figure 2 I, also; distinguished by a greater screen width.
• Such an arrangement could apply to a high definition television screen.
• grid sections can be placed at a position where alternate image segments are completely and equally separated to the corresponding" eyes, and each eye sees its corresponding image segments completely and equally.
• Figure 3 demonstrates a divergence from the conditions in Figures 1 and 2, where grid sections positioned at c and c- ⁇ , only partially separate views from eye positions a and R of image segments a, b, a- ⁇ , and b- ⁇ . In contrast, grid segments positioned at c , and c 3 , completely separate the views from eye position L and R exclusively.
• Figure 4 demonstrates that the greater the width of the image segments to be separated to the left and right eyes, the further from the screen the position for the grid segments for complete, equal, separated, and exclusive viewing by the corresponding eyes.
• Figure 5 demonstrates that very small image segments can be separated equally, and completely; as well as viewed completely, separately, and exclusively, by corresponding eyes; when grid sections are close, or very close to image segments.
• eye positions L and R view image segments a ⁇ , b ⁇ , and a 2 , 0.6 inches wide; at a viewing distance, e ⁇ , of 9 feet.
• the grid sections c, c-i , and c 2 can be positioned close, very close, or almost coincident with image segments a , b ⁇ , and a on screen AB.
• Figure 6 represents two images, of adjacent angles of view about a common centre, of equal height and width, displayed on a screen.
• IL is imagery acquired left of the object centre;
• IR is imagery acquired right of the object centre.
• the geometric vertical image centre lines C, Ci , C 2 , and C 3 can be aligned coincidentally.
• e is an image element of image IL, an image acquired left of the object centre.
• the distance, d, between image element, e, and image vertical centre C, C will be greater than the distance, d* ⁇ , between image element, e- ⁇ , and the image vertical centre C 2 , C 3 .
• the distance d 3 will be greater than d 2 .
• both the distances, d 2 , and d will together be greater than the distances d, and d ⁇ .
• Figure 7 shows another failing of the simple, static, grid when applied to imagery containing discernibly different adjacent angles of view.
• grid segments are of equal width, positioning in front of imagery containing adjacent angles of view, acquired at wide divergences from the common centre, can result in each eye seeing both left and right views simultaneously.
• grid segment c placed between image segments a ⁇ and b 2 , completely and exclusively separates the left and right eye positions L and R to the corresponding image segments a ⁇ and a 2 , for L and b ⁇ for R.
• Image element e and e 2 appear in image segment a- ⁇ , because of the greater distance from the image centre line in proportion to the distance of e 2 from the centre of line C. This is a typical example of so-called "double imaging" in partial three-dimensional imagery arrangements. The following improvements overcome these limitations.
• the first of these is to apply vertical dimension to dynamic grid segments.
• Transposing grid sections in front of alternate segments of imagery, containing visibly distinct adjacent angles of view averages the blocking effect of each grid segment along its path. If the speed of transposition is sufficient to be unseen by the eye, the grid segments disappear and produce a view of the imagery which is a total of the average blocking effect of each grid segment along its path of travel.
• Positioning the grid close, or very close, to the image segments limits the extent to which the eyes can see around the grids, producing the effect of vertical depth, or dimension, in the grids, and to that extent a "tunnel view". This improves the effectiveness with which the grid elements accurately separate the left and right image segments to the corresponding eyes.
• the efficiency of the grid can be enhanced by increasing the physical depth of the grids.
• Figure 8 of the drawings demonstrates two sections of grid elements G- ⁇ and G 2 , both containing vertical elements extending from the viewer forward the screen, and where G ⁇ is closer to the screen than G .
• vertically extended grid sections G 2 separate both left and right views from L and R completely and exclusively, while vertically extended G- ⁇ do not.
• the depth and width of the grid sections can be sized, according to the width of the image segments, and the required position of the grid from the screen.
• grid sections are of equal depth and width, and the same width and height as the image sections, then grid sections containing vertical depth can be placed any distance from the image segments to completely segment and separate the image segments to corresponding eyes, providing the grid segments have both appropriate depth and width.
• Grid sections of appropriate depth and width for image segments, containing discernibly different adjacent angles of view, can be placed to separate images completely to the respective eyes to produce three-dimensional imagery.
• Transposing the grid elements in synchronisation with transposing image segments, will produce a three-dimensional image, in which the grid segments cannot be see, providing the speed of transposition is sufficiently fast.
• Figure 9 demonstrates an arrangement of grid sections with vertical depth, having a tapered form to permit wide angle viewing.
• Such tapered shapes can be either equilateral or isosceles, and of size depending on the angle of view required, the size of the image and image segments, and the viewing distances involved.
• the grid sections with vertical depth may taper in the other direction, for instance if the screen is curved.
• the grid segments can be oval, instead of wedge shaped, or diamond shaped, according to viewing requirements.
• Figure 10 demonstrates that for any one position of the grid, parts of the image segments may not be seen; resulting in a partial view of the imagery. This applies particularly when grid segments contain vertical depth.
• a complete view of each image segments can be obtained by either of two methods. Firstly, by transposing the grid segments along a continuous path of length equivalent to at least the horizontal width of each grid segment, all grid segments being of equal width.
• the transposition may be continuous, in one direction, or oscillating.
• Figure 12 depicts a situation, common to optical grid systems, where a fixed viewpoint, encompassing the positions L and R, can, because it is fixed, result in only partial, or sequential views of imagery being seen at that point.
• the transposition of grid segments passes a fixed point during the transposition cycle, such as the position of an eye, or a position between eyes, then the view from that position will be constant. This can result in a left, or, right view only being seen from that position, or left and right view sequentially, or no view of an area of imagery.
• a solution to this problem is provided by a grid arrangement, where grid segments angled at 45° to the horizontal, transpose before alternate segments of imagery, sized shaped, and angled identically to the grid segments, and transposing also, in synchronisation with the grid segments, at a speed where the transposition is invisible to the eyes, to produce simultaneous vertical and horizontal scanning or oscillation of the imagery.
• This arrangement including vertical scanning of imagery, also permits the production of three dimensional imagery containing both horizontal and vertical separation.
• Figure 13 illustrates this arrangement, demonstrating that any two eye views, from any position, will simultaneously contain both left views for the left eye, and right views for the right eye, and in no circumstances can either eye be restricted to partial, or sequential views.
• these provisions can be provided by a grid system placed in front of imagery containing discernibly different adjacent angles of view, where the grid transposes at a speed sufficient to be invisible to the eyes.
• the grid system can be incorporated within a layered screen, where the image segment perform the function of grids and imagery, alternately, or simultaneously.
• the grid segments should be positioned close or very close to the image segments, or have vertical depth, sufficient to separate the two adjacent angles of view exclusively and completely to corresponding eyes; and where -
• the grid segments are tapered to provide maximum angle of view in any direction; and where -
• grid and image segments change in shape, or position during transposition, so that no grid or image segment repeats any position in any complete cycle; and where -
• the grid segments are angled at forty-five degrees to give simultaneously, both vertical and horizontal scanning or alternation of the imagery, also appearing in forty-five degree alternate segments, and where -
• Real objects have no focal points; normal vision involves human eyes focusing at will through continuously changing positions.
• the focal points may vary continuously with frame changes, or have a set variation, or change in any desired manner.
• focal planes can be set, or can change continuously according to the result desired.
• this effect can be produced by automatically varying the foci of the camera lenses with frame changes so that the lenses scan back and forth through the field of view continuously during recording.
• any form of mechanical and/or electrical and/or electronic means can be used or applied to bring into effect the present invention.
• the grid arrangement of the present invention can be brought about by any mechanical, electrical, electronic or other means.
• mechanical means, electrical means, liquid crystal screen means, or computer generated means such as a computer programme generated to provide the grid system within the screen of a viewing arrangement (such as for example a screen or television screen) , but still so as to provide the good arrangement between the imagery as viewed and the viewer.

Landscapes

• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Geometry (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Testing, Inspecting, Measuring Of Stereoscopic Televisions And Televisions (AREA)
• Stereoscopic And Panoramic Photography (AREA)
• Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
• Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)
• Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

Priority Applications (11)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=3776995

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (17)

Cited By (1)

Citations (9)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 1994
  • 1994-06-06 KR KR1019950705897A patent/KR960703244A/ko not_active Withdrawn
  • 1994-06-06 PL PL94312322A patent/PL312322A1/xx unknown
  • 1994-06-06 BR BR9406848A patent/BR9406848A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-06-06 HU HU9503671A patent/HUT76411A/hu unknown
  • 1994-06-06 JP JP7502235A patent/JPH09501508A/ja active Pending
  • 1994-06-06 CN CN94192567A patent/CN1125987A/zh active Pending
  • 1994-06-06 FI FI956090A patent/FI956090L/fi not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-06-06 CA CA2165434A patent/CA2165434A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1994-06-06 CZ CZ953348A patent/CZ334895A3/cs unknown
  • 1994-06-06 WO PCT/AU1994/000298 patent/WO1995000880A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-06-06 EP EP94917511A patent/EP0706677A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1994-06-06 SK SK1628-95A patent/SK162895A3/sk unknown
  • 1994-06-06 SG SG1996005401A patent/SG52514A1/en unknown
  • 1994-06-22 ZA ZA944454A patent/ZA944454B/xx unknown
• 1995
  • 1995-12-19 NO NO955152A patent/NO955152L/no unknown
  • 1995-12-21 BG BG100250A patent/BG100250A/xx unknown
  • 1995-12-22 LV LVP-95-382A patent/LV11503B/en unknown

Patent Citations (9)

Non-Patent Citations (2)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events