GB2296991A - Image enhancer - Google Patents

Abstract

An image enhancer is provided for enhancing the image of an image source 1, which might be a television screen, for example. The image enhancer is formed from an arrangement of one or more mirrors 2a, 2b. A plurality of enhancers may be placed upon a single screen (Figure 10). The mirrors may be triangular, pyramidoidal or curved.

Description

IMAGE ENHANCER The present invention relates to an image enhancer. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an image enhancer suitable for use in conjunction with a standard television screen.

It has been found that the use of television in public places, for example, has seldom lived up to expectations. One of the reasons for this is that the public at large perceive a television set as an item of domestic furniture, which has no right to their attention outside the home. In more general terms, it is well recognised that, after an initial period of interest, the human mind can quickly become bored with a visual display. To counter this a presentation has to stimulate and entertain in order to justify its right to the viewers attention.

Whilst new and exciting means of entertainment and display are continuously being developed, these typically require sophisticated technology, leading to all the associated expense and complications, that this requires.

The present invention, therefore, sets out to provide means for visually enhancing an image, which can be provided by a known means such as, for example, a television set.

This is not, of course, to say that the invention is intended to be limited to use with conventional image sources.

According to the invention, there is provided an image enhancer for arrangement in conjunction with an image source, said image enhancer comprising at least one mirrored surface arranged to represent an image provided by the image source in such a manner as to create a total image, for viewing either alone or in conjunction with the unenhanced image source, which is different from that provided solely by the image source.

One or more of the mirrored surfaces may be triangular or trapezoidal.

In a preferred embodiment, the image enhancer comprises by two trapezial mirrors and one triangular mirror; the trapezial mirrors being arranged on respectively opposite sides of the triangular mirror, the triangular mirror being in the form of an isosceles triangle with each of its sides of equal length being set against a side of a respective one ofthe trapezial mirrors, with the mirrored surfaces ofthe trapezial mirrors turned towards the mirrored surface ofthe triangular mirror, the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer. Each trapezial mirror may be in the form of an isosceles trapezium Preferably, the base of the triangular mirror and the base of each of the trapezial mirrors are arranged generally in a common plane.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each trapezial mirror has its crown edge inclined to each of its side edges by an angle in the region of 105 , and its base edge inclined to each of its side edges by an angle in the region of 750; the triangular mirror having each of its side edges inclined by approximately 82" with respect to its base edge; wherein the base of each trapezial mirror is inclined at an angle of approximately 1200 with respect to the base ofthe triangular mirror and the inner side edges ofthe trapezial mirrors meet at the tip of the triangular mirror, where they are inclined at an angle in the region of 65" with respect to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the image enhancer comprises a pair of triangular mirrors, arranged with their bases in a common plane and mutually abutting along an inner side edge from the base to tip; the arrangement being such that the mirrored surfaces are turned in towards each other, and the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer. Preferably each mirror has a tip angle in the region of 400, an inner base angle in the region of65", and an outer base angle in the region of 750 Preferably, the bases of the mirrors are arranged at an angle of approximately 72" with respect to each other.

In a still further embodiment, the image enhancer comprises four mirrors, two of which are trapezial, one defining a back mirror and being arranged with its longer parallel edge in a base plane and the second being arranged with its shorter parallel edge adjacent the shorter parallel edge of the first mirror, so as to form a roof; the unit further comprising a pair of side mirrors arranged symmetrically on either side of the first and second mirrors, each side mirror defining a trapezoid and having a first edge in the base plane, a second edge adjacent a side edge ofthe back mirror and an upper edge adjacent a side edge ofthe roof mirror; each mirror having its mirrored surface directed inwardly, the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer.

Preferably, each side mirror has each of its side edges inclined at an angle of 750 to its base edge, its top edge inclined at an angle of 1250 with respect to the side edge which contacts the back mirror, and its top edge inclined with an angle of 850 with respect to its unconnected edge; the back mirror has side edges inclined at angle of 80 with respect to its base edge and inclined at an angle of 100 with respect to its shorter parallel edge; the roof mirror has its side edges inclined at an angle of 110 with respect to its shorter parallel edge and at 70 with respect to its longer parallel edge; and the base edges ofthe side mirrors are each inclined at an angle of 120 with respect to the base edge ofthe back mirror.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the image enhancer comprises a concave mirror having an arcuate cross-section.

In an alternative embodiment, the image enhancer comprises a concave mirror in the form of a part-sphere or part-ellipsoid. Preferably, the mirror is in the form of a quarter-sphere or quarter-ellipsoid.

In a further alternative embodiment, the image enhancer comprises a cone with an inner mirrored surface, a portion of the cone being removed to define a part-parabolic viewing aperture.

By employing an image enhancing unit in accordance with the invention, a novel visual display can be provided from a conventional image source, the appearance of which is altered, when viewed via the mirrored surface or surfaces.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is also provided an image enhancer unit comprising an image source and an image enhancer as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, the unit comprises additional support means for supporting the positional relationship of the image enhancer and image source. Preferably, the image source is a television screen. The image source may, however, be an article which, in itself: is to be the basis of the image, such as a product, person, animal or plant, for example. The image source may, of course, comprise a combination of these things as primary and secondary image sources. Other examples of image sources which the enhancer may employ are projected film and mechanical devices.

When seen within the confines of an image enhancer the primary and secondary image sources, for example a TV screen and a product, combine to create through their interrelationship a unique, high impact display.

Other examples of Image Source which the enhancer may employ are projected film and mechanical devices.

It is also possible to front project from above film, video or effects on to the floor of the enhancer chamber, so that the Image Source acts in the manner of a cine-screen.

In a further aspect of the invention provides an image enhancer assembly formed from one or more image enhancers, an image source and the means for supporting an arrangement of the various elements.

Preferred embodiment ofthis aspect ofthe invention take the form of a free-standing or wall mounted units. An image source such as a television screen, and an image enhancer, can also be located within a recess or aperture in a wall or other surface.

Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims, to which reference is hereby directed.

Embodiments ofthe invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an image source in conjunction with an image enhancer in accordance with a first embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the image source and image enhancer of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of an image source in conjunction with an image enhancer in accordance with a second embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the image source and image enhancer of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a plan view of an image source and image enhancer in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the image source and image enhancer of Figure 5;; Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the image source and image enhancer of Figures 1 and 2 in conjunction with an additional image source; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an image source and image enhancer in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an image source and image enhancer in accordance with a still further embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 10 shows an arrangement of image enhancers ofthe type shown in Figures 1,2 and 7 in position upon a single image source; and Figure 11 shows an image enhancer ofthe type shown in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 10 located upon a further image source, defined by a fish tank.

In plan drawings, dotted lines indicate where mirror segments abut. In perspective drawings1 original images are shown in outline fonn, whilst reflected images are shown shaded with hatched lines.

In general terms, each embodiment of an image enhancer is defined by an arrangement of a reflecting surface or reflecting surfaces. These are generally referred to as "mirrors" throughout the specification. This is not to say, however, that the term is intended only to describe reflectors of the type formed from glass with a coated rear surface. Any reflecting surface, including polished metals, plastics, glasses and the like are considered to fall within the meaning of a "mirror". Preferred mirror arrangements will be described in detail below.

The image source 1 is a television or LCD screen. This enables various video systems, interactive computer games and input from cable, satellite landline and fibre optic links to be employed. The image source may, however, be replaced by anything else which creates a desirable image, such as a mechanical or electronic device such as a rotating disc or moving belt. Stereoscopic or holographic displays and polarising filters can also be included.

Figures 1, 2 and 7 show a first embodiment of an image enhancer located upon a TV screen 1, which in this case, provides the image source. The image enhancer is defined by a pair of mirrors 2a and 2b, which are mirror images of each other. Each mirror 2a,2b is triangular, with a tip angle a of400, an inner base angle b of 650 and an outer base angle c of 750 The mirrors are arranged with their respective longest edges 2c in mutual contact and with their shortest edges 2e in a common base plane upon the surface of the screen 1. The joined edges 2c incline upwardly and forwardly towards a tip 2d which is in the same vertical plane as the outer base corners of the mirrors.

The mirrored surfaces of the mirrors face in towards each other. Referring particularly to Figure 2, it can be seen that the mirrors and screen together define a chamber, and it is the walls ofthis chamber together with the screen which present the image to be viewed. Whatever image is projected onto the screen 1, is reformatted when reflected by the mirror surfaces of mirrors 2a and 2b, to create in combination a new image.

This is viewed through the open vertically aligned triangular face defined by the side edges of the mirrors and the screen.

In the present case, the television screen is arranged horizontally and the viewing aperture is arranged vertically. However, providing that the relative positions of the mirror and screen surface are kept the same, the whole unit can be orientated in any desired direction, so that the viewing aperture can be viewed from the desired position.

In particular, if the unit is to be located above eye-level, then it has been found that a display can be more easily watched if the screen and mirrors are aligned so that the viewing aperture is tilted forwardly and downwardly.

Several of the above-described image enhancers may be positioned upon a single screen 1. Such an arrangement, an example of an image enhancer assembly, is shown in Figure 10, where four image enhancers are provided on a single rectangular television screen 1, which is supported on a stand 8. It can be seen that one image enhancer is aligned with each edge of the screen. This provides a multi-fice display which can be viewed from one or more sides, up to and including a 360 all round viewing facility. However, it is to be understood that the image enhancer can be used in conjunction with images which are not specifically tailored for use with the image source. This is because the reformatted images provided by the image enhancer would still provide novel and interesting variations of the original image.

Figure 7 shows the same embodiment of an image enhancer in use with a combined image source formed from primary and secondary image sources. The primary image source is defined by the television screen 1 and the secondary image source by an object 5. The object 5 is simply located upon the surface of the television screen 1, between the mirrors 2a and 2b.

Figure 11 shows the same embodiment of an image enhancer in situ upon a fish tank, which provides an interesting image source.

A variant of this enhancer, not illustrated, incorporates a third mirror in the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle with its tip facing downwards to form a roof. The base of this third mirror spans between the front outer edges ofthe side mirrors, whilst the tip rests at some point along the line where the side mirrors abut. Depending on the angle at which the roof mirror is set, the side mirrors provide reflecting surfaces which are either triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of an image enhancer, which is formed from three mirrors. This image enhancer is formed from two identical mirrors 3a and 3b, which each have the shape of an isosceles trapezium. These are arranged with their reflecting surfaces directed generally towards each other, with an intermediate mirror 3c, which has the shape of an isosceles triangle.

Triangular mirror 3c is located at the rear ofthe image enhancer, with its base located upon the surface of a TV screen 1, which provides the image source. Each of the trapezial mirrors 3a, 3b also has its base, defined by its largest parallel side in this case, on the surface of the TV screen 1. A side surface of each trapezium mirror 3a,3b contacts a side surface of the triangular mirror 3c. The triangular mirror is inclined forwardly and upwardly. The length ofthe sides ofthe triangular mirror is the same as the length of the sides of the trapezial mirrors, so that the upper, crown edges of the trapezial mirrors come into contact at upper tip 3d.Each ofthe trapezial mirrors has crown angles e and of lOS0 and base angles g and h of 75" The triangular mirror has base angles of 82" and a tip angle k of 16". The base edges of the trapezial mirrors are set against the base of the triangular mirror at an angle m of 1200, and abut the tip of the triangular mirror at a mutual angle n of 650. The mirrors all have their reflecting surfaces directed inwardly, in a similar fashion to the first embodiment, so as to define an image generating chamber, wherein the combined image is viewed on the TV screen and the mirrors, simultaneously.The image is generated by a combination of the image viewed directly from the image source 1 and the reflections and repeated reflections occurring at the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.

A variation of this embodiment, which is not illustrated, can comprise three triangular mirrors, assembled to define three surfaces of a pyramid, with the fourth surface being replaced by a triangular viewing aperture.

Figures 5 and 6 show a still further embodiment of an image enhancer in accordance with the invention. In this case, the enhancer comprises four mirrors. Back mirror 4c is in the shape of an isosceles trapezium. Roof mirror 4d is also in the shape of an isosceles trapezium. The back mirror 4c is arranged with its base edge on the surface of a television screen 1 and inclines forwardly and upwardly. Its mirrored surface is directed forwardly. Roof mirror 4d is also an isosceles trapezium and is arranged with its shorter parallel edge against the shorter (crown) parallel edge ofthe back mirror 4c.

Its mirrored surface is directed downwardly. Roof mirror 4d is also arranged to incline forwardly and upwardly from the crown edge ofthe back mirror 4c. The sides ofthe image enhancer are each defined by a side mirror 4a,4b, each of which is in the shape of a trapezoid. These mirrors are mirror images of each other. They are arranged with their mirrored surfaces directed inwardly. Each side mirror 4a,4b has one (base) edge resting on the surface of a TV screen 1, one side edge abutting a side edge of the back mirror 4c and one (crown) edge abutting a side edge of the roof mirror 4d. The remaining edge of each ofthe side mirrors 4a,4b defines an edge of a front viewing aperture of the image enhancer, along with a base edge of the top mirror 4d and an edge of the TV screen.The viewing aperture is inclined upwardly and rearwardly.

Due to the fact that all ofthe mirrors have their mirrored surfaces directed inwardly, the mirrors and the TV screen 1 together produce a combined image which is formed by direct observation of the image on the TV screen and reflection and multiple reflection on the mirrored surfaces.

Each of the side mirrors 4a,4b has base angles p and q of 75 , an inner crown angle s of 1250 and an outer crown angler of 850. The rear mirror has base angles r of 80" and crown angles u of 100 . The roof mirror 4d has rear (crown) angles v of 1 10 and front (base) angles w of 70". The base of each of the side mirrors 4a,4b is set against the base of the back mirror 4c at an angle x of 1200.

Figure 8 shows a still further embodiment of the invention in which the image enhancer is made from a single concavely curved mirror, which is in the form of a quarter sphere 6. Like the previous embodiments, this image enhancer is situated upon a TV screen 1. As an alternative, the concave mirror 6 may be configured to resemble part of an ellipsoid or some other shape having a concave curvature.

In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the image enhancer is in the form of a cone with an internal mirrored surface and a cut-away portion on one side, so as to provide a viewing aperture. The viewing aperture would normally be cut in the vertical plane, so as to produce a parabolic-shaped aperture.

Figure 9 shows a still further embodiment ofthe invention in which the image enhancer is in the form of a mirrored surface 7, which is arcuate in cross-section. Like the previous embodiments, this is located upon a TV screen 1. The curvature may be part circular, or be part of a hyperbola, ellipse or parabola, for example.

It is to be emphasised that the above described embodiments are preferred embodiments and that the stated angles, the shape ofthe mirrors used to construct the image enhancers and the way in which the mirrors are set against each other are open to variation according to the size and height of the image enhancer required in the intended application.

If desired, actuation means may be fixed to one or more of the mirrors of an embodiment of the invention, so as to cause it or them to move in relation to the image source. Furthermore, although the mirrors in the above-described embodiments are rigid, these may be replaced by one or more flexible mirrors which may be caused to deflect by a mechanical or electronic actuator, so as to distort the reflected image.

If desired, the mirrors may be coloured or overprinted in whole or in part with logos, words, symbols or other graphic information. Furthermore, other decorations may be affixed to the mirror surfaces, such as light emitting diodes or holographic imaging material. In addition, the image source can also be decorated and embellished with, for example, overprinting of graphic infonnation. Furthermore, an interference screen could be placed between the image source and the reflecting surfaces.

As explained above, the preferred image source is a television or an LCD screen. This enables various video systems, including input from cable, satellite, landline and fibre optic links to be brought into play. If desired, a video camera can be mounted in close proximity to an image enhancer in accordance with the invention, so as to allow a person viewing the enhancer to see themselves reflected in the enhancer.

If desired, the image enhancer and screen can be supplemented by means which enable the viewer to select images to be viewed.

The enhancer can also be used in conjunction with a display screen for a video game.

The game could be of any appropriate type, including conventional free of charge and coin or token operated devices.

If a product is located within the mirrors of the image enhancer, as shown in Figure 7, then the object appears to be completely embraced by the visual effects derived from the combination of the image source and the reflections and multiple reflections in the mirrors. If desired, the object can be caused to turn or move in some other way, so as to enhance the overall visual effect. If desired, it can be lit by external or internal lights.

In Figure 10 a number of image enhancers are assembled together upon a single screen in an image enhancer assembly. This can be made to rotate on a centrally located axis in which case each image enhancer carries with it its own dedicated programme sequence as it rotates, although this, like the rotation, is not a necessary feature of the assembly.

The use of four enhancers such as shown in Figure 10 provides a 3600 viewing range, although the number used can of course, be more or less than four. Furthermore, any combination of the above described embodiments of image enhancers can be employed.

In the foregoing embodiments where an image enhancer is located on a TV screen, the base edges of the enhancer may be shaped to match and fit the curvature ofthe screen so that the image originating from the screen can be contained within the chamber created by the screen and the enhancer. It is also possible to use an intermediate surface such a flat sheet of glass or other material interposed between the enhancer and the screen for reasons of support, control, and the provision of additional elects.

The image enhancer can be located for viewing in many ways. Provided that the image enhancer is located in such a position as to enable it to generate images on the basis of an image source, then the possibilities are numerous. For example, the image enhancer can be set against or into a wall, or be free standing. Furthermore, the size ofthe image enhancer can be scaled up, for use in outdoor advertising, exhibitions, music concerts, shopping precincts, airports and in locations such as discotheques and entertainment centres. A scaled-up image enhancer can even use a human being as an image source, in which case, the surface of the TV screen 1 would be replaced or protected by some suitable platform or floor, (which may be transparent or translucent as necessary), on which the person can stand and perform or dance, for example.In large installations, a video wall, projected film or assembly of lighting or other effects may provide the image source.

At the other end of the scale, the size of the image enhancer can be comparatively small, for use in conjunction with flat screen television, compact video discs and smart cards holding programs. In this case, the image enhancer might be used as a small counter display, or incorporated into a drinks dispenser or kiosk, for example.

If a standard television screen is mounted so that the screen can be swivelled to be aligned in a horizontal position, then an image enhancer can be added to the standard TV screen to enable the enjoyment of standard or specially configured displays on the television screen.

Where appropriate a transparent sheet of glass or other material may be placed over the viewing aperture of an enhancer to prevent tampering or interference, and for weather protection when in exposed locations.

The protective sheet may carrying advertising copy, or a decorative motif, logo or symbol.

A product displayed within the chamber of an enhancer can also be purchased through the insertion of a coin or token, or via some other means of access such as a game presented on the enhancer.

To facilitate this a protective transparent sheet, which masks the face of the enhancer, slides back when access is obtained. When the product has been removed, (suitably flagged by on-screen visuals), the transparent sheet returns.

The "empty" enhancer then turns out of sight on a rotating support or platform, to be replaced by another enhancer set adjacent to it and pre-loaded with the product.

The "empty" enhancer is mechanically replenished when out of sight to be ready to move into the "selling" position as and when required.

Such a rotating platform carying two or more enhancers can also be automatically activated at timed intervals. This allows a range of products with their own dedicated visuals to be presented in sequence for customer selection, and for the continuous ongoing replacement of items such as cola drinks that need to be refrigerated when purchased.

Whilst the above described embodiments employ only a few mirrored segments, the number of segments which can be employed is limitless. For example, hundreds of mirror segments can be assembled on a flat or curved surface to create a multiplicity of fractured images.

Many further modifications will suggest themselves to those versed in the art upon making reference to the foregoing illustrative description, which is given by way of example only and which is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is determined purely by the scope ofthe appended claims.

Claims (40)

1 A visual display enhancer for arrangement in conjunction with an image source, said image enhancer comprising at least one mirror arranged to represent an image provided by the image source in such a manner as to create a total image, either alone or in conjunction with the image source, which is different from that provided solely by the image source.

2. A visual display enhancer in accordance with Claim 1, wherein one or more of the mirrors is triangular.

3. A visual display enhancer in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the image.

enhancer comprises a pair of triangular mirrors, arranged with their bases in a common plane and mutually abutting along an inner side edge from the base to tip; the arrangement being such that the mirrored surfaces are turned in towards each other, and the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer.

4. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 3, wherein each mirror has a tip angle in the region of 40 , an inner base angle in the region of 650, and an outer base angle in the region of 75" the bases of the mirrors being arranged at an angle of approximately 720 with respect to each other.

5. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the mirrors is trapezoidal.

6. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 5, wherein the image enhancer comprises four mirrors, two of which are trapezial, one defining a back mirror and being arranged with its longer parallel edge in a base plane and the second being arranged with its shorter parallel edge adjacent the shorter parallel edge of the first mirror, so as to form a roof, the unit further comprising a pair of side mirrors arranged symmetrically on either side of the first and second mirrors, each side mirror defining a trapezoid and having a first edge in the base plane, a second edge adjacent a side edge of the back mirror and an upper edge adjacent a side edge of the roof mirror; each mirror having its mirrored surface directed inwardly; the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer.

7. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 6, wherein each side mirror has each of its side edges inclined at an angle of 750 to its base edge, its top edge inclined at an angle of 125 with respect to the side edge which contacts the back mirror, and its top edge inclined with an angle of 85" with respect to its unconnected edge; the back mirror has side edges inclined at angle of 800 with respect to its base edge and inclined at an angle of 100" with respect to its shorter parallel edge; the roof mirror has its side edges inclined at an angle of 1100 with respect to its shorter parallel edge and at 70" with respect to its longer parallel edge; and the base edges ofthe side mirrors are each inclined at an angle of 1200 with respect to the base edge of the back mirror.

8. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 5, wherein the image enhancer comprises two trapezoidal mirrors and one triangular mirror, the trapezoidal mirrors being arranged on respectively opposite sides of the triangular mirror, the triangular mirror being in the form of an isosceles triangle with each of its sides of equal length being set against a side of a respective one of the trapezial mirrors, and the mirrored surfaces of the trapezoidal mirrors are turned towards the mirrored surface of the triangular mirror, the arrangement being adapted for enhancing an image located at the base of the enhancer.

9. A visual display enhancer according to Claim 8, wherein the base of the triangular mirror and the base of each of the trapezoidal mirrors are arranged generally in a comrnon plane.

10. An image enhancer according to Claim 9, wherein each trapezoidal mirror is trapezial.

11. An image enhancer according to Claim 10, wherein each trapezial mirror is in the form of an isosceles trapezium.

12. An image enhancer according to Claim 11, wherein each trapezial mirror has its crown edge inclined to each of its side edges by an angle in the region of 105 , and its base edge inclined to each of its side edges by an angle in the region of 750; the triangular mirror having each of its side edges inclined by approximately 82" with respect to its base edge; wherein the base of each trapezial mirror is inclined at an angle of approximately 1200 with respect to the base of the triangular mirror and the inner side edges of the trapezial mirrors meet at the tip of the triangular mirror, where they are inclined at an angle in the region of 65" with respect to each other.

13. An image enhancer according to Claim 1, wherein the image enhancer comprises a concave mirror in the form of a part-sphere or part-ellipsoid.

14. An image enhancer according to Claim 13, wherein the image enhancer comprises a concave mirror in the form of a quarter-sphere or quarter-ellipsoid.

15. An image enhancer according to Claim 1, wherein the image enhancer comprises a cone with an inner mirrored surface, a portion of the cone being removed to define a part-parabolic viewing aperture.

16. An image enhancer according to Claim 1, wherein the image enhancer comprises a concave mirror having an arcuate cross-section.

17. An image enhancer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 7, 10 and 11; Figures 3 and 4; Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8; or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

18. An image enhancer unit comprising an image source and an image enhancer according to any ofthe preceding claims.

19. An image enhancer unit according to Claim 18, wherein the unit comprises additional means for supporting the positional relationship between the image source and image enhancer.

20. An image enhancer unit according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein the image source comprises a cathode ray screen or LCD screen.

21. An image enhancer unit according to Claim 20, wherein the screen is a television screen.

22. An image enhancer unit according to any one of Claims 18 to 21, wherein the image source comprises an actual physical realisation of an article to form the subject of the final image.

23. An image enhancer according to Claims 21 and 22, wherein the screen represents the base plane of the enhancer.

24. An image enhancer according to Claim 23 when dependent on Claim 22, wherein the article is located upon or immediately proximal to the screen, so as to be at least partially embraced by the image enhancer.

25. An image enhancer according to Claim 24, wherein the screen is aligned generally horizontally and the article rests upon the screen, or an intermediate covering for the screen.

26. An image enhancer unit according to one of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the image source comprises an animal or human being.

27. An image enhancer unit according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, further comprising a camera for obtaining an image for use in the image source.

28. An image enhancer according to any one of Claims 18 to 27, wherein means are provided for causing movement of one or more of the mirrors, in relation to the image source.

29. An image enhancer unit according to Claim 28, wherein one or more of the mirrors is flexible and means are provided for causing flexion of the or some of the flexible mirrors.

30. An image enhancer unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 7, 10 and 11; Figures 3 and 4; Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

31. An image enhancer assembly comprising an image enhancer unit according to any of Claims 18 to 30 and mounting means for mounting the unit.

32. An image enhancer assembly according to Claim 31, wherein the assembly comprises more than one image enhancer.

33. An image enhancer assembly according to Claim 32, wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of image enhancers arranged to be viewed from respectively different directions.

34. An image enhancer assembly according to Claim 32 wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of image enhancers arranged to be viewed from substantially the same direction.

35. An image enhancer assembly according to Claim 33 or 34, wherein one image enhancer is nested within another.

36. An image enhancer assembly according to any one of Claims 31 to 35, wherein means are provided for causing movement of one or more of the viewing apertures in relation to a viewpoint.

37. An image assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 10 ofthe accompanying drawings.

38. A method of displaying an image comprising producing an image of an image source by use of an image enhancer in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 17.

39. A method of producing an image by use of an image enhancer unit in accordance with any one of Claims 18 to 30.

40. A method of producing an image by use of an image enhancer assembly according to any one of Claims 31 to 37.