LV11503B - Improvements in three dimensional imagery - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement is provided for use in three-dimensional imagery, which includes a grid formation formed of a plurality of spaced apart slats located between a viewer and imagery. The slats are laterally spaced apart one from the other and have dimensions of width, length and depth. Means are provided to transpose the slats and spaces or slots therebetween, vertically and laterally.

Description

1 LV 11503 IMPROVEMENTS IN THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGERĪ THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a method and an apparatus for producing imagery with three visual dimensions.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

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.

These connotations vary from a general implication of depth in imagery to particular types of imagery, some of which entail opposing ideas.

For example, the term isused to describe depth in imagery acquired from a single viewpoint, without consideration of other vievpoints.

In contradistinction, other imagery is described as three-dimensional, in which no visual depth appears, but where different vievpoints are displayed.

For the purpose of description and definition, the term "three-dimensional imagery" as used throughout this specification, is intended to define imagery that: "simultaneously contains at least two adjacent angles of view, acquired from points spaced sufficiently about a common centre, or continuura of common centres, to display three apparent dimensions within a coherent visual volume; vithout any appearance of more than one image."

Most three-dimensional imagery of this type is accomplished with viewers, visors and spectacles. They include simple wood 2 and glass devices of last century, like the "Holmes viewer", to helmets mounting electronic shutters, synchronised to filra, or video, frame changes.

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.

The disadvantages of these arrangements include having to use, or wear, them; to limitations on angles of view; to incompatibilities with individual visual idiosyncrasies.

Such problems have long been impediroents to the general proliferation of three-dimensional imagery.

After viewers, probably, the next most ubiguitous approach is the lenticular array, an optical grid, dating to the earliest history of three-dimensional imagery.

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.

The main difference betveen grid, compared to viewer systems, is the position of the view differentiating opticals. Grids have been generally placed in front of imagery, while vievers 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. 3 LV 11503

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 vork, would have expressed three-dimensional grid theory in action. Further, it would have dēmonstrated the inherent limitations of simple grid systems.

The first dravback 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.

In practice, large, high quality, three-dimensional images, that numbers of observers can view from vide angles, are not possible for simple stātie grid arrangements.

Lenticular arrays allov a substantial improvement that overeomes 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, lēns strips. The lenses are angled, so that left vievs are in focus to left eyes vhen right vievs are in focus to right eyes.

While most of the glass grid is unseen, because it is transparent, the edges vhere the lēns strips join are not. 4

These edges and joins partially obscure the image, as veli, they can introduce other undesirable effects, including spectral aberrations.

Moreover, ali the other limitations of simple three-dimensional grid systems stili apply. A further partial improvement is available from a dynamic grid system called "The Cyclostereoscope".

Here, the presence of a grid can be removed from view completely, by revolving it around a screen at sufficient speed to make it invisible to the eyes. Such an improvement was proposed in French patent specification No 607,961 of Francoise Savoye, dated October 8, 1942.

This design provided an effective solution to the problem of grid visibility. Like the lenticular array, the cyclostereoscope introduced new detractions and did not solve any more of those characteristics of the simple grid concept. Again, the improvement was confined to small images, presenting partial three-dimensional effects.

The mechanical limitations of the cyclostereoscope have been overcome by improvements described in International patent specification No PCT/AU92/00199 and Australian patent specification No PL6295.

These improvements provide three-dimensional imagery that can be viewed from a wide angle without vearing visors, or similar personai view differentiating opticals. 5 LV 11503

SUMMARĪ OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a grid arrangement for use in three-dimensional imagery, including a grid forraation formed of a plurality of spaced apart slāts betveen a viewer and said imagery, and vherein said slāts are laterally spaced apart one from the other, having dimensions of both width and length.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a grid arrangement for use in three-dimensional imagery, including a grid formation formed of a plurality of spaced apart slāts between a viewer and said imagery, and wherein said slāts are laterally spaced apart one from the other, having dimensions of both width and depth; said grid arrangement being formed so that the spacings betveen said slāts are tapered.

It should be appreciated that in ali forms of the invention, 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 programmē to provide the grid for achieving the objects of the present invention. Alternatively, any appropriate knovn or available mechanical, electrical or liguid crystal means may be used to form the inventive grid arrangement of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, vherein:

Figurē 1 is a viev vhich demonstrates a simple, stātie, optical grid arrangement, 6

Figurē 2(1) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē I on a different scale, Figurē 2(II) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē 2(1) but distinguished by a larger viewing distance, Figurē 2(III) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē 2(1) but distinguished by a far greater vieving angle, Figurē 2 (IV) illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē 2(1) also distinguished by a greater screen width, Figurē 3 demonstrates an arrangement where there is a divergence of conditions in Figurēs 1 and 2, Figurē 4 demonstrates a further arrangement with a greater width of image segments, Figurē 5 demonstrates an arrangement with small image segments separated egually, Figurē 6 illustrates an arrangement representing two images of adjacent angles of view, Figurē 7 illustrates an arrangement showing a short fall in a simple stātie grid arrangement, LV 11503 7 Figurē 8 illustrates an arrangement demonstrating two sections of grid elements containing vertical elements. Figurē 9 demonstrates an arrangement of grid sections with vertical depth, Figurē 10 demonstrates another arrangement of the present invention, Figurē 11 demonstrates a further arrangement of the present invention, Figurē 12 illustrates a further arrangement of the present invention and in particular a situation common to optical grid systems, and Figurē 13 illustrates an arrangement according to a further form of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE 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.

Preferably, 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.

Preferably, the transposition of the separated, alternate, image segments is substantially synchronous with transposing 8 grid elements. The grid segments are preferably shaped, profiled and positioned, to reveal from any viewing position substantially every eleraent 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, ali 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 vithout visors, from a vide angle, vithout limiting the image area vieved.

The invention further permits three-dimensional imagery to be seen vithout visors, from any distance vithout limiting the image area vieved.

The present invention allovs for any desired vieving position, every element and aspect of imagery, acquired left of object centres, to be continuously and completely revealed to the left eyes of observers, vhile 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 veli 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 producē visibly different images can be varied. This variation is vithout limitation, to the maximum displacement possible at the object acquisition distance, for optimum three-dimensional effect. Additionally, 9 LV 11503 the variation is provided vithout 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 planēs within the imagery to be in focus simultaneously. If required othervise, focal planēs 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 vide, large, curved, or special purpose screens), to further enhance realism, or producē other special effects.

The shape and positioning of grid segments are important to the success of the present invention and will now be described and discussed further as follovs:

Knovn grid technology

It is well knovn that grid patterns can be placed in front of imagery containing adjacent angles of viev to producē three-dimensional effects.

Until nov, these effects have been limited and restricted from application vith advantage to television, Computer screens, video monitors and many other forms of imagery in common use. 10

Improvements that have been incorporated in three-dimensional imagery grid systems include lēns array adaptations, usually in lenticular forms, and dynamic grid arrangements.

Neither of these two approaches satisfy requirements for general imagery systems applications.

In case of lēns, and lenticular, arrays, a major drawback is focal point sensitivity which limits viewing to a small arc around the centre. Practical application requires inordinately large, and expensivef screens to give an adequate vieving angle to even small audiences.

Inertial forces and other fundamental incompatibilities of mechanical grid systems vith conventional electronic screens are overwhelming disadvantage for systems like the cyclostereoscope.

At least some of these impediments are overcome or at least minimised by improvements set out in international patent specification No PCT/AU92/00199 and in Australian patent specification No PL6295.

This provides three-dimensional imagery that can be viewed from a vide arc and at large distances in relation to image size.

As veli, these improvements lend themselves to take advantage of the physiognomy of normai human perception.

For instance, the propensity of the eyes to focus on imagery, tends to enhance its perceived quality, vhatever the defects caused by grids in front of it. 11 LV 11503

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.

As well, normai eye movement can contribute substantially to the horizontal scanning essential to ali such grid designs.

The improvements set out in International patent specification No PCT/AU92/00199 and Australian patent specification PL6295, together with the natūrai tolerance and compensation of human Vision, provide an extremely flexible system that can appear to work very satisfactorily, well beyond technical optimums.

These optimums determine the quality of three dimensional imagery. As wellf they define the limits of image sizes; vieving angles; vieving distances? applications; audience sizes; compatibility with human Vision, and conventional equipment.

For the purposes of this invention, these technical optimums apply when - i)ī Ali imagery left of object centres is at the maximum angle of divergence possible from ali imagery acquired right of object centres for any object acquisition distance, and ii): Ali imagery acquired left of object centres is seen by left eyes only, and completely? while ali imagery acquired right of object centres is seen by right eyes only, and completely.

It will be appreciated that these criteria are incompatible with simple stātie grids. Therefore, an improved dynamic grid 12 arrangement is provided vhich is essential to acquire the desired Standard(s) in addition to the other features of the present invention, as referred to above.

Simple stātie grid arrangement

In the accompanying drawings, referred to herein, the folloving symbols are used: L Left eye position R Right eye position al a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 bl b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 c c c c c d e f

Image segments seen by left eye

Image segments seen by right eye

Grid segments

Image width

Viewing distance

Grid distance from the screen

Figurē 1 demonstrates a simple, stātie, 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 inehes.

The eye positions, L and R, face screen AB, fifteen inehes wide; at a vieving distance, e, of thirty inehes. Grid segments at c, c^, c2, c2, c^ and c5 separate the vieving arcs from positions L and R to image segments a^, bļ, a2, b2, a3 t b^ , a^ , b^ , a5 , bg , ag and bg.

The view from left eye position, R, is confined completely to image segments a^, a2, a2, a^, a^ and ag. 13 LV 11503

The view fcom right eye position, L, is confined completely to image segments b3, b2, b3, b4, b5 and bg.

The grid segments, separate, and isolate views from position L exclusively to position L; and segments, separate, and isolate views from position R exclusively to position R.

The width and position of the grid segments permit unrestricted vieving from position L, of image segments a3, 32 r 33 , a4 , a3 and ag.

Similarly, the width and position of the grid segments permit unrestricted viewing from position R, of image segments b3, b2, b3, b4 , bg and bg ·

This arrangement demonstrates imagery segmented and separated in alternate, vertical, strips for complete and separate vieving from tvo positions, without restriction on the total area of any image segment.

For this simple, stātie, optical arrangement, grid sections in focus will be seen.

Grid sections of less width than those at c, c3, cc3, c4 and C5 ean 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 vieving distance, any distance at vhich imagery can be discerned.

It can be seen, therefore, that vithin the constraints of normai Vision, a screen of any vidth can be positioned at a 14 distance vhere, 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.

Similarly, 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.

Figurē 2 demonstrates that these conditions apply for any simple, stātie, grid arrangement of this type.

Figurē 2 I illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē 1 on a different scale. Here, eye positions L and R face image segments a^, , a2, b2 , on screen AB; twenty-five inehes vide; at a viewing distance e, of five feet. This situation could be typical of household television vieving.

Figurē 2 II illustrates a similar arrangement to figurē 21, but distinguished by a far larger vieving distance. Here, eye positions L and R face image segments a3, b2, a4, and b4 on screen CD; tventy-five inehes vide; at a vieving distance, ej, of ten feet.

Figurē 2 III illustrates a similar arrangement to Figurē 2 I again, but distinguished by a far greater vieving angle.

Here, eye positions L and R, face image segments a5, b5, ag, bg, on screen EF, twenty-five inehes vide, at an angle of 45°.

Figurēs 2 IV illustrates in similar arrangement to Figurē 2 I, also; distinguished by a greater screen vidth. Here, eye 15 LV 11503 positions L and R, face image segments a^f b-j, ag, bg, on screen GH, sixty inches wide.

Such an arrangement could apply to a high definition television screen.

As can be seen in ali these examples, 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.

It can be seen therefore, that these conditions apply to ali image sizes, viewing distances, and angles of view.

Figurē 3, demonstrates a divergence from the conditions in Figurēs 1 and 2, where grid sections positioned at c and Cj, only partially separate views from eye positions a and R of image segments a, b, a^, and bļ. In contrast, grid segments positioned at Cļr and Cg, completely separate the views from eye position L and R exclusively.

Figurē 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 vieving by the corresponding eyes.

Figurē 5 demonstrates that very small' image segments can be separated equally, and completely; as well as viewed completely, separately, and exclusively, by corresponding eyes; vhen grid sections are close, or very close to image segments. 16

Here, eye positions L and R viev image segments a^, bļ, and a2, 0.6 inches wide; at a viewing distance, e^, of 9 feet. It can be seen that the grid sections c, , and c2 can be positioned close, very close, or almost coincident with image segments aj_, b^, and a2 on screen AB.

Eye positions L and R at vieving distance ej, of 4.5 feet, and angle to the screen AB of 45°, require essentially identical grid segment positions for separate and exclusive left and right eye views of corresponding image segments aj, bļ and a2 to those for left and right eye positions L and R.

Eye positions L and R of vieving distance e2, twelve feet, from image segments a, bj and a2, on screen AB, require grid segment positions to separate exclusive left and right eye views of the image segments, again, essentially identical to those for left and right eye positions L and R.

It can be seen, therefore, that where alternate image segments are small, small grid segments can be placed very close in front of the image segments, to provide complete, completely separated, and exclusive views to left and right eyes of separated, alternate, image segments, over large vieving distances, and at vide angles of viev.

Further, the smaller the image segments, the smaller the grid segments required, and the flexibility of vieving positions. It can be seen that the arrangement depicted in Figurē 5 could apply to any similar arrangements, including any vieving distances, or angles of viev vhere image segments can be seen. Consequently, it can be seen, too, that for small and very small image segments, there are no limitations on the vieving positions through corresponding small grid segments, vhere, vithin the bounds of human Vision discernment, complete, completely separate and exclusive, are 17 LV 11503 views provided for the left and right eyes of corresponding alternate segments of imagery, and where each eye sees exactly half of the total image segments.

It follows that it is possible to position grid segments in front of any uniform imagery, that can be seen, so that the eyes see, see completely. and exclusively, equal numbers of image segments.

It also follovs that it is possible to position small grid segments close to imagery, so that the eyes see, see completely and exclusively, equal numbers of image segments from wide angles and various viewing distances.

It is essential for ali these arrangements that the width and area of image segments are the samēj and the width and area of the grid segments are the same.

This requirement is incompatible with the application of simple, stātie, grids to three-dimensional imagery.

The displacement of corresponding visual elements, in images containing adjacent angles of view about a common centre, inereases from the image centre.

Figurē 6 represents two images, of adjacent angles of view about a common centre, of egual 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.

In any such arrangement, the geometric vertical image centre lines C, C3 , C2, and C3 can be aligned coincidentally.

With vertical centre line C and Cļ, aligned coincidentally with C2 and C3, ali image elements offset from the geometric vertical image centres will diverge according to the angle of 18 divergence between the two images, the distance of the image element from the centre line and in the direction of the image centre from the common object centre.

In Figurē 6, 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, Cļ , will be greater than the distance, dļ, between image element, e^, and the image vertical centre Cļr C3.

Similarly, the distance d3, will be greater than d3.

As well, both the distances, d3, and d3, will together be greater than the distances d, and dļ.

It can be seen, therefore, that corresponding image elements of imagery containing adjacent angles of view about a common centre, cannot be aligned to coincide at more than one position,; and the discrepancy in coincidence of non-aligned points increases from the image centre; as well as with increasing divergence between the image centres.

From this, it can be seen that it is not possible to place grids of equal segment width in front of alternate segments of imagery containing two adjacent angles of about a common centre; so that the grid segments separate the view acquired left of the object centre to the left eye; and the view acquired right of the object centre to the right eye, in each case exclusively, and in each case so that ali image segments are seen completely by the corresponding eye.

Obviously, it is possible in the case of a simple, stātie, grid to place grid segments of unequal length, so that image segments, containing imagery acquired left of object centres, 19 LV 11503 are seen completely and exclusively by the left eyes; and image segments, containing imagery acquired right of the object centres, are seen completely and exclusively by the right eyes.

Hovever, the arrangement above is visible from only one viewing position; so it is not possible for the arrangement to provide the required exclusive and complete separation from any position.

Figurē 7 shovs another failing of the simple, stātie, grid when applied tc imagery containing discernibly different adjacent angles of view.

If 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.

In Figurē 7, grid segment c, placed between image segments a^ and b2, completely and exclusively separates the left and right eye positions L and R to the corresponding image segments a^ and a2, for L and b^ for R.

Image element e-^ appearing in image segment a^ and seen by the left eye position L, does not have a corresponding image element in image segment bļ, to be seen by the right eye.

Image element e^ and e2 appear in image segment aļ, because of the greater distance from the image centre line in proportion to the distance of e2 from the centre of line C. This is a typical example of so-called "double imaging" in partial three-dimensional imagery arrangements. 20

The folloving improvements overcome these limitations.

The following individual improvements to known technology can be applied in combinations of each individual improvement according to the final optical and three-dimensional quality required.

The first of these is to apply vertical dimension to dynamic grid segments.

Dynamic grid segments with vertical dimension

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 producē 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.

Where scope to improve left-right separation by reducing the distance of the grid from the screen is constrained, then, the efficiency of the grid can be enhanced by increasing the physical depth of the grids.

Increasing the physical dimensional of each grid segment, by the vertical component extending away from the eye and in the 21 LV 11503 direction of the imagery, creates a "tunnel view"- effect between any two grid segments, that can completely separate views of each image segment to the corresponding eye, providing the vertical extensions are long enough.

Figurē 8 of the drawings demonstrates two sections of grid elements Gļ and G2/ both containing vertical elements extending from the viewer forward the screen, and where Gļ is closer to the screen than G2.

As can be seen, vertically extended grid sections G2 separate both left and right views from L and R completely and exclusively, while vertically extended Gļ 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.

If the 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 producē three-dimensional imagery.

Transposing the grid elements, in synchronisation with transposing image segments, will producē a three-dimensional image, in which the grid segments cannot be see, providing the speed of transposition is sufficiently fast. 22

Increasing the angle of view in three-dimensional imagery formed by dynamic grid sections with vertical depth

Increasing the vertical depth of dynamic grid sections for the production of three-dimensional imagery, decreases the viewing angle at which the imagery can be seen unless the grid sections containing vertical depth are shaped to maximise the angle of view.

Figurē 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.

It may be preferred to have the grid shapes easily adjustable for different situations.·

As well as having tapered edges facing observers, the grid sections with vertical depth may taper in the other direction, for instance if the screen is curved. As well, the grid segm'ents can be oval, instead of wedge shaped, or diamond shaped, according to vieving requirements.

Transposing grid elements containing vertical depth so as to reveal ali image segments completely to the appropriate eyes

Figurē 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. 23 LV 11503

Firstly, by transposing the grid segments along a continuous path of length equivalent to at least the horizontal width of each grid segment, ali grid segments being of equal width.

The transposition may be continuous, in one direction, or oscillating.

Secondly, by transposing th.e grid segments as changes between fixed positions, such as positions formed on an electro-optical display, like a liquid crystal display panei or' similar inertia free means of forming a dynamic optical grid.

In the second case, vhere grid sections transpose between fixed points, it is important that the distance of transposition is eguivalent to the width of the grid sections, and that each individual movement of the grid segments, vithin the total transposition, is no larger than the length of the widest piece of imagery obscured from view by the grid, at any position, from the required viewpoint of maximum angle from the image centre.

Where the number of steps that the grid segments can take in any completion of the total path of transposition, is limited by available refresh rāte, then further alternatives are to vary the grid positions at a speed at which they cannot be see, or vary grid segment vidths, in a fixed ascending, or descending ratio, according to the number of movements in the complete cycle, as shown in Figurē 11.

Where the shape, or position, of the grid is changed during the full transposition cycle, the alternating segments of imagery behind the grid must change in exactly the same way simultaneously. 24

Dynamic forty-five degree segments containing vertical depth

Figurē 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.

Where 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 vhere the transposition is invisible to the eyes, to producē 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.

Figurē 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.

In ali circumstances, 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. 25 LV 11503

Alternatively the grid system can be incorporated within a layered screen, where the image segment perform the function of grids and imagery, alternately, or simultaneously.

Together, these arrangements provide the display of three-dimensional imagery of maximum angle of divergence for any acquisition distance through a combination of features of the present invention, which include: 1. transposing grid segments, before synchronously transposing alternate segments of imagery, containing distinctly different adjacent angles of view about common centres, ali at a speed to render the transposition invisible to “he eye: where - 2. 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 - 3. the grid segments are tapered to provide maximum angle of view in any direction; and where - 4. 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 - 5. 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 - 6. grid and image segments always maintain equal corresponding areas on the screen and identical corresponding shape at any instant of any transposition. 26

The provision of unrestricted focus within three-dimensional imagery

Real objects have no focal points; normai Vision involves human eyes focusing at will through continuously changing positions.

This provision can be provided in three-dimensional imagery, produced as described above by the following means:-

By varying the focal distances, within the total field of the imagery, from the objects closest to the acquisition point to the objects farthest from the acquisition point. The focal points may vary continuously with frame changes, or have a set variation, or change in any desired manner.

Where the imagery is generated artificially and not recorded from real life, focal planēs can be set, or can change continuously according to the result desired.

It should be appreciated that at ali times the adjacent angles of view contained within the imagery should remain of identical size and that objects within the imagery remain the same size even if in different focal positions.

In practice, 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.

Seamless joining of images

The joining of different images on a screen has well known difficulties that are caused primarily by the uneven 27 LV 11503 illumination of image edges that are always very visible and in practice impossible to hide frora view.

In an arrangement involving a grid system appearing before the imagery it is a simple matter to ensure that image edges are always positioned to lie behind grid positions where the edges would be invisible*

It should be appreciated that in the present invention any form of mechanical and/or electrical and/or electronic means can be used or applied to bring into effect the present invention. In particular, the grid arrangement of the present invention can be brought about by any mechanical, electrical, electronic or other means. For example, mechanical means, electrical means, liquid crystal screen means, or Computer generated means such as a Computer programmē generated to provide the grid system within the screen of a viewing arrangement (such as for example a screen or television screen), but stili so as to provide the good arrangement betveen the imagery as viewed and the viewer.

It should be appreciated that improvements and modifications may be made to the invention vithout departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims. 28 LV 11503 CLAIMS: 1. An arrangement for viewing imagery, such that said imagery appears in three dimensions to the viewer; including a grid arrangement formed with or providing a plurality of spaced apart slāts betveen a viewer and said imagery; said slāts being laterally spaced apart one from the other and having dimensions of widthf length and depth. 2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein spacings betveen said slāts are tapered. 3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein spacings betveen said slāts are tapered to provide the viewer with maximum angle of viev in any direction. 4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein means are provided to move and transpose said slāts and spacings, therebetween. 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein said slāts and spacings therebetveen, are angled to give substantially simultaneously, vertical and horizontal scanning or alternation of said imagery. 6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, including means to move and transpose said slāts; vherein said slāts and spacings therebetveen are angled to give substantially simultaneous, vertical and horizontal scanning or alternation of imagery; and vherein segments of said grid arrangement formed by said spaced apart slāts and spacings therebetveen and segments of imagery maintain corresponding areas on a screen, at any point of transposition of said grid arrangement. 29 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein said imagery appears on or relative to, a screen. 8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 vherein said imagery appears on a screen surface; said grid arrangement including spaced apart slāts, vith spacings therebetveen; said grid arrangement being provided on said screen surface between said imagery and a viever and being provided by means of Computer softvare and/or programmē. 9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imagery is segmented imagery containing at least two spaced apart angles of view about a common centre. 10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein means are provided to transpose said slāts and spacings therebetveen, both vertically and laterally, from and relative to changing points, relative to segmented imagery including at least tvo spaced apart angles of viev about a common centre. 11. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein said grid arrangement includes a plurality of spaced apart slāts vith spacings therebetveen, and vhich are positioned and profiled so as to have dimensions of vidth and depth; means being provided to transpose said slāts and spacings therebetveen, vertically and laterally from and relative to changing points, and relative to segmented imagery containing at least tvo spaced apart angles of viey, about a common centre. 12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, vherein means are provided to transpose the slāts and spaces therebetveen, vertically and laterally. LV 11503 1/16 LV 11503

B /1\ Nl/

TYPICAL VIEW FIGURĒ 1

SH0RT OSTJNCE FIGURĒ 2

L R

LONG V1EW!NG DISTANCE FIGURĒ 2 D LV 11503 4/16

FIGURĒ 2 ΠΙ LV 11503 5/16

PART VIEVV 0F A WtDE SCREEN

FIGURĒ 2 EZ LV 11503 6/16

FIGURĒ 3 LV 11503 LV 11503 7/16

W1TH VV1DE SEGMENTS GR1D COMES CLOSER TO V1EVVER * FIGURĒ 4 LV 115038/16

R FIGURĒ 5 LV 11503

A ,R B

FIGURĒ 6

F/G(//?£ ^ 16 LV 11503

*2 B

FIGURĒ 8 LV 11503 12/16

FIGURĒ 9 LV 11503 13/ 1 6

FIGURĒ 10 LV 1150314/16

SHAPE OF GRID FOR REVERSE TRANSPOSITION FIGURĒ 11 15 LV 11503

15 LV 11503 A

IMAGE SEGMENTS

a1 ±

B

C

GRID SEGMENTS

HERE GRID ELEMENT C WILL ALWAYS OBSCURE MOST OF IMAGE ELEMENT a1 TO BOTH L AND R WHENEVER C IS IN THIS POSITION

L

R FIGURĒ 12 LV 11503 /

POSITION 1

45°GRID SEGMENTS

IMAGE SEGMENTS ACOUIRED RIGHT OF IMAGE CENTRE

IMAGE SEGMENTS ACOUIRED LEFT OF IMAGE CENTRE FIGURĒ 13

Claims (12)

LV 11503 IZGUDROJUMA FORMULA 1. Ierīce attēla aplūkošanai tā, ka minētais attēls parādās skatītājam trīs dimensijās, kas ietver rastra ierīci, kuru veido daudzas ar atstarpēm, atsevišķi viena no otras izvietotas plāksnītes, kas atrodas starp skatītāju un minēto attēlu; minētās plāksnītes izvietotas laterāli ar atstarpēm, atsevišķi viena no otras, un tām ir platuma, garuma un dziļuma dimensijas.A device for viewing an image such that said image appears to the viewer in three dimensions, comprising a raster device consisting of a plurality of spaced apart spaced plates between the viewer and said image; these plates are spaced laterally, spaced apart, and have dimensions of latitude, longitude and depth. 2. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka atstarpes starp minētajām plāksnītēm ir ķīļveidīgas.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacing between said plates is wedge-shaped. 3. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka atstarpes starp minētajām plāksnītēm ir ķīļveidīgas, lai nodrošinātu skatītājam maksimālo redzes lauka leņķi jebkurā virzienā.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spaces between said plates are wedge-shaped to provide the viewer with a maximum field of view in any direction. 4. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka paredzētas ierīces, lai minētās plāksnītes un atstarpes telpā starp tām kustinātu un pārvietotu.4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided for moving and displacing said plates and spaces between them. 5. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka minētās plāksnītes un atstarpes telpā starp tām izvietotas leņķī, lai dotu būtībā vienlaicīgu minētā attēla vertikālu un horizontālu notaustīšanu vai maiņu.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said plates and spaces in the space between them are disposed at an angle to give substantially simultaneous vertical and horizontal shrinkage or change of said image. 6. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, kas atšķiras ar to, ka ietver ierīces, lai minētās plāksnītes kustinātu un pārvietotu un kurā minētās plāksnītes un atstarpes telpā starp tām izvietotas leņķī, lai dotu būtībā vienlaicīgu minētā attēla vertikālu un horizontālu notaustīšanu vai maiņu, un kurā minētās rastra ierīces segmentus veido ar atstarpēm, atsevišķi viena no otras izvietotās plāksnītes un kurā attēla segmenti uztur atbilstošus iecirkņus ekrānā jebkurā minētās rastra ierīces pārvietošanās punktā.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for moving and displacing said plates in which said plates and spaces in the space between them are disposed at an angle to provide substantially simultaneous vertical and horizontal folding or changing of said image, and wherein said segments of said raster device are spaced apart, separate from each other, and wherein the image segments maintain appropriate sections on the screen at any point of movement of said raster device. 7. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, kas atšķiras ar to, ka attēls parādās ekrānā vai attiecībā pret ekrānu.7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the image appears on the screen or in relation to the screen. 8. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, kas atšķiras ar to, ka minētais attēls parādās uz ekrāna virsmas, minētā rastra ierīce ietver ar atstarpēm, atsevišķi vienu no otras izvietotas plāksnītes, un tā dota uz minētā ekrāna virsmas starp minēto attēlu un skatītāju un apgādāta ar datora programmatūru un/vai programmu.8. The device of claim 1, wherein said image appears on the surface of said screen, said raster device includes a spacer, spaced apart from each other, and is provided on said surface of said screen between said image and said viewer and provided with computer software and / or program. 9. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka attēls ir segmentēts attēls, kas satur vismaz divus atsevišķus, ar atstarpēm izvietotus redzes lauka leņķus ap kopējo centru.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the image is a segmented image containing at least two separate, spaced-out angles of the visual field around the common center. 10. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka paredzētas ierīces, lai minētās plāksnītes un atstarpes telpā starp tām gan vertikāli, gan laterāli pārvietotu no izmaiņas punktiem un attiecībā pret izmaiņas punktiem un attiecībā pret segmentēto attēlu, kas ietver vismaz divus atsevišķus, ar atstarpēm izvietotus redzes lauka leņķus ap kopējo centru.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided for the said plates and spaces in the space between them to be moved vertically and laterally from the points of change and in relation to the points of change and in relation to the segmented image comprising at least two separate, spaced-angle angles around the common center. 11. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, k a s a t š ķ i r a s ar to, ka minētā rastra ierīce ietver daudzas ar atstarpēm, atsevišķi viena no otras izvietotas plāksnītes, kas novietotas un profilētas tā, lai tām būtu platuma un dziļuma dimensijas; ierīces, kas paredzētas minēto plāksnīšu un atstarpju telpā starp tām pārvietošanai vertikāli un laterāli no izmaiņas punktiem un attiecībā pret izmaiņas punktiem un attiecībā pret segmentēto attēlu, kas satur vismaz divus atsevišķus, ar atstarpi izvietotus redzes lauka leņķus ap kopējo centru.A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said raster device comprises a plurality of spaced apart spaced apart and profiled plates having width and depth dimensions; devices designed to move said plates and spaces between them vertically and laterally from points of change and relative to the points of change and to the segmented image containing at least two distinct, spaced-out angles of the field of vision around the common center. 12. Ierīce saskaņā ar 1. punktu, kas atšķiras ar to, ka paredzētas ierīces, lai vertikāli un laterāli pārvietotu plāksnītes un atstarpes telpā starp tām.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided for moving the plates and spaces between them vertically and laterally.