WO2001018588A1

WO2001018588A1 - Stereo image display system

Info

Publication number: WO2001018588A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Denison Parks; Christopher Peter Parks
Original assignee: Peter Denison Parks; Christopher Peter Parks
Priority date: 1999-09-07
Filing date: 2000-08-24
Publication date: 2001-03-15
Also published as: AU6714000A

Abstract

A 3D information image display system (1) comprising a reflective surface (11) arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface (11) and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface (11) directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface (11), can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein a hopper (13) is provided behind the reflective surface (11) for storing pairs of stereo images. Further, the reflective surface is preferably mounted on a support structure 5,7 such that, when the system (1) is opened from a stored state, the reflective surface (11) is automatically positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane for the stereo images. Additionally, a sheet light source (not shown) preferably provides back lighting for the stereo images. As a result of the present invention, an improved image display system is provided.

Description

STEREO IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM

This invention relates to display systems, and in particular to an improved system for displaying 3-dimensional information in a surprisingly simple and efficient manner.

A known stereo image display system is described and claimed in U.K. patent 2312966. The present invention has been made to improve upon that prior art system, thereby providing a system which is more convenient to use, neater in design and improved in image quality.

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention provides a 3D image display system comprising a reflective surface arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface, can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein a hopper is provided behind the reflective surface for storing pairs of stereo images.

By providing a hopper, packs of new stereo images can be purchased and readily stored in the hopper during use of the system. Alternatively, the hopper may be removable and new packs of stereo images can simply be purchased in a hopper which can be inserted into the display system.

Preferably the hopper accommodates at least 10 pairs of stereo images. More preferably, a hopper will accommodate up to 20 or so pairs of stereo images.

Preferably the hopper has a ramped (or inclined) bottom, such that the stereo images are offered up individually to a user. Preferably a guide channel is provided for receiving the hopper, thereby facilitating the entry or removal of a hopper from the display system.

If the hopper is formed from stiff card or plastics material, hoppers can be stored in a storage rack separate from the display system, such as compact discs or the like are stored independently from a music centre, for example.

Each pair of stereo images may be printed on a single sheet which can be folded in half along a pre-fold or pre-score line for storage in the hopper. If this is the case, during use, a pair of stereo images may simply be unfolded and slipped under the reflective surface so that one image is positioned either side of the vertical plane of the reflective surface.

If new sets of stereo images are to be sold, they may be packaged for sale in either a folded or unfolded state.

The present invention also provides a 3D information image display system, wherein the reflective surface is mounted on a support structure such that, when the system is opened from a stored state, the reflective surface is automatically positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane for the stereo images. This is a marked improvement over the system described in U.K. patent 2312966, because the reflective surface does not need to be manually inserted into a support boot or block, but is immediately in position upon opening of the display system.

In another embodiment, the reflective surface may be positioned accurately by means of a pair of stereo images which are placed in position in the display system. In this embodiment, the sheet carrying the pair of stereo images or a protective cover for the stereo images engages the support structure and/or the reflective surface to position positively the reflective surface relative to the stereo images.

More preferably, the plane for the stereo images is provided by two half shells forming a storage case of the system. The half shells may be manufactured from plastics material, thereby giving significant protection to the reflective surface and other components of the display system when the system is closed for storage.

The half shells preferably include guides for positioning the stereo images.

Further, the half shells may include recesses for accommodating back lighting screens. By including back lighting screens, improved image quality can be obtained, if translucent images are used.

The support structure may include a boot block to which the half shells are hingedly connected. Further, locking tabs may be provided between the half shells and the support structure, thereby ensuring that the display system is held rigid during use.

The half shells, support structure or both may include guide pins for engaging a sheet of stereo images to facilitate accurate positioning of the images in the system. Alternatively, guides may be formed in the half shells to assist in positioning the stereo images. The guides may comprise rails for supporting stereo images.

In one embodiment, the stereo images may be stored in a cover, which is preferably hard/rigid, which is received in at least one groove or slot adjacent the reflective surface, during use. In such an arrangement, a groove may be provided on each side of the reflective surface for receiving the cover, thereby ensuring that the stereo images are correctly positioned.

If the stereo images are stored in a cover, both the cover and each page of stereo images may have a page slit to accommodate the reflective surface, during use.

In another embodiment, a slot may be formed between the support rails and the reflective surface for receiving a hard cover which stores stereo images. If a hard cover is used to protect the stereo images, it preferably includes an integral support or foot for supporting the supply of stereo images during use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a pack of stereo images comprising a cover for the stereo images, a plurality of pairs of stereo images attached to the cover and a support stand formed integrally with the cover. In a particular embodiment, the pairs of stereo images are joined in concertina fashion within the cover.

The present invention also provides a 3D information image display system, wherein a sheet light source provides back lighting for the stereo images. As mentioned previously, back lighting can assist in improving significantly the quality of the image viewed by a user, especially if transparencies are used.

If back lighting is provided, two separate light sources may be included which are controlled by a centrally located lighting module. Each light source may be received in a recess in a shell of the display system. If this is the case, each light source preferably has a thickness of less than 10mm, more preferably less than 5mm, thereby allowing the complete display system, when stored, to be extremely compact.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of image display system according to the present invention in its open position; and

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of image display system according to the present invention in which a pack of stereo images is being inserted into position.

With reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a 3D information image display system 1 according to the present invention comprises two plastics half shells 3, a support structure 5 and a boot block 7. The half shells 3 are hingedly connected to the boot block 7, which receives the support structure 5 in a rigid manner. To close the system, the half shells 3 are simply hinged about the boot block 7 to close over the support structure 5 prior to a latch 9 being activated. The system can then be transported or stored without damage.

The support structure 5 carries a reflective surface, i.e. a mirror 11 , and a hopper 13. The hopper 13 is received within a channel 15 formed in the support structure 5 and may be removed by a user. As a result, hoppers storing different sets of stereo images may be inserted into the support structure for viewing during use of the display system.

The or each hopper has a ramped or inclined bottom 13a. By including the ramp, sheets of stereo images are offered up to a user individually, thereby facilitating access to the sheets.

By allowing the hopper to be removable, separate packs of stereo images

("software") may be sold for use with a display system ("hardware"). Thus, a market can exist in packs of stereo images, without any need to purchase a complete display system when a fresh set of stereo images is required.

Each half shell 3 includes a recess 17 which can receive a thin sheet light source (not shown) for back lighting stereo images. The light sources are controlled by a lighting module 19 positioned below the mirror 11 on the boot block 7. Each half shell 3 also includes guide walls 21 to enable the stereo images to be positioned perfectly within the system 1. With this in mind, each pair of stereo images is printed on a single sheet which can be folded for storage in the hopper 13. Further, one half shell 3 includes an inclined entry ramp 23 whilst the other half shell 3 includes an end wall 25 to act as a stop during positioning of the stereo images. Each half shell 3 also includes a locking tab 27 for engagement with the support structure 5 to add rigidity to the complete display system.

During use of a display system according to the present invention, a closed system will be positioned vertically with the boot block 7 on a support surface (not shown). The latch 9 will be released and the two half shells 3 will be hinged about the boot block 7 into contact with the support surface. By doing this, the mirror 11 remains vertical and substantially perpendicular to the half shells 3. The system 1 is thereby automatically ready for use.

A pair of stereo images (not shown) is then taken from the hopper 13 and slid along the ramp 23 over the sheet light sources (not shown) between the guide walls 21 into contact with the end wall 25. The stereo images are then in position for viewing by a user. The user directs his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the mirror 11 such that one eye views the stereo image behind the mirror 11 directly whilst the other eye views the other stereo image which is reflected by the mirror 11. A quality stereoscopic image can thereby be appreciated by the user.

When a pair of stereo images has been viewed, the sheet carrying the images can simply be removed from the half shells 3 and replaced in the hopper 13. Another pair of stereo images can then be removed from the hopper 13 and viewed using the system 1.

When a user has finished using the system 1 , it is a simple matter to release the locking tabs 27 prior to hinging the half shells 3 about the boot block 7 until the mirror 11 and hopper 13 are enclosed within the half shells 3. The half shells 3 are then locked using the latch 9.

Turning now to the second embodiment shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, the display system 1 comprises two half shells 3, a support structure 5 and a reflective surface, such as a mirror 11. Once again, in this embodiment, the two half shells 3 are hingedly connected and, when closed, protect the mirror 11.

In the second embodiment of Figure 2, however, a pack 31 of stereo images 33 within a hard cover 35 is received on support rails 37 below the mirror 11. The hard cover 35 actually runs down the support rails 37 and engages side grooves 39 formed in the front and rear surfaces of the support structure 5. To enable this to occur, the hard cover 35 has a page slit 41 formed therein. The pages of stereo images 33 also each have a corresponding page slit to enable them to be turned without clashing with the support structure 5.

By physically engaging the grooves 39, the hard cover 35 of the pack 31 ensures that the mirror 11 is held substantially perpendicular to the stereo images 33. Thus, upon assembly of the system, accurate alignment of the components is achieved automatically.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the pages of stereo images 33 in the pack 31 are joined in a concertina style, thereby ensuring that the stereo images lie flat during use and provide excellent quality images. Retaining strips or tabs 42 are also provided on the hard cover 35 to hold the stereo images in a flat position relative to the hard cover 35, which may or may not be disengageable from the pages of stereo images 33. Further, a support panel (or foot) 43 is formed integrally with the hard cover 35 to support the hard cover 35 during use. This also helps to ensure that the stereo images 33 are positioned correctly during viewing.

In another embodiment (not shown) the hard cover 35 does not include the page slit 41 but simply slides along a slot formed between the support rails 37 and the support structure 5. By making the slot of a size which receives the hard cover 35 in a firm manner, the support structure 5, and hence the mirror 11 , can be firmly held substantially perpendicular to the stereo images 33. Once again, this arrangement enables accurate positioning of the various components of the system to be achieved automatically.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A 3D information image display system comprising a reflective surface arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface, can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein a hopper is provided behind the reflective surface for storing pairs of stereo images.

2. A display system according to claim 1 , wherein the hopper can accommodate at least 10 pairs of stereo images.

3. A display system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hopper is removable.

4. A display system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hopper has a ramped bottom such that stereo images are offered up individually to a user.

5. A display system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a guide channel is provided for receiving the hopper.

6. A display system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hopper is formed from stiff card or plastics material.

7. A display system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each pair of stereo images is printed on a single sheet which is folded in half for storage in the hopper.

8. A display system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the stereo images has a pre-fold or pre-score line marked thereon to facilitate folding.

9. A 3D information image display system comprising a reflective surface arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface, can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein the reflective surface is mounted on a support structure such that, when the system is opened from a stored state, the reflective surface is automatically positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane for the stereo images.

10. A 3D information image display system comprising a reflective surface arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface, can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein the reflective surface is mounted on a support structure such that, when the system is opened from a stored state and a pair of stereo images are placed in position, the reflective surface is automatically positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stereo images.

11. A display system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the plane for the stereo images is provided by two half shells forming a storage case of the system.

12. A display system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the half shells include recesses for accommodating back lighting screens.

13. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the reflective surface is mounted in a boot block to which the half shells are hingedly connected.

14. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein locking tabs are provided between the half shells and the support structure.

15. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein guides are provided for positioning the stereo images.

16. A display system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the guides are formed in half shells.

17. A display system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the guides comprise rails for supporting the stereo images.

18. A display system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the stereo images are stored in a cover which is received in at least one groove or slot adjacent the reflective surface, during use.

19. A display system as claimed in claim 18, wherein a groove is provided on each side of the reflective surface for receiving the cover.

20. A display system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the cover and each page of stereo images has a page slit to accommodate the reflective surface, during use.

21. A display system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a slot is formed between the rails and the reflective surface for receiving a cover which stores the stereo images.

22. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the cover includes an integral support.

23. A pack of stereo images comprising a cover for the stereo images, a plurality of pairs of stereo images attached to the cover and a support stand formed integrally with the cover.

24. A pack as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pairs of stereo images are joined in concertina fashion within the cover.

25. A pack as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the two stereo images of each pair are separated by a page slit which accommodates a reflective surface during use.

26. A pack as claimed in claims 23, 24 and 25, wherein the cover carries one or more tab or strip for holding the stereo images flat against the cover.

27. A pack of stereo images substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 2 the accompanying drawings.

28. A 3D information image display system comprising a reflective surface arranged substantially perpendicular to and between a pair of stereo images, one of which is reversed left to right, wherein a viewer, directing his line of sight towards the stereo image behind the reflective surface and positioned such that one eye views the stereo image behind the reflective surface directly and the other eye views the other stereo image reflected by the reflective surface, can readily appreciate the 3D information provided by the stereo images; and wherein a sheet light source provides back lighting for the stereo images.

29. A display system as claimed in claim 28, wherein two separate light sources are provided controlled by a centrally located lighting module.

30. A display system as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the or each light source has a thickness of less than 10mm, more preferably less than 5mm.

31. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the or each light source is received in a recess in a shell of the display system.

32. A 3D information image display system as claimed in any two or more of the preceding claims.

33. A 3D information image display system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.