WO1998048313A1

WO1998048313A1 - Device for viewing stereoscopic images

Info

Publication number: WO1998048313A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/007813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth W. Iams
Original assignee: Iams Kenneth W
Priority date: 1997-04-18
Filing date: 1998-04-20
Publication date: 1998-10-29
Also published as: AU7132298A

Abstract

A device for viewing a stereoscopic images comprising one or more pages of stereoscopic image pairs, a stereoscope (20), a distance setting means (60) and a stereoscope attachment means (56) is disclosed. The stereoscope attachment means couples the stereoscope and/or the distance setting means to the stereograph during storage and/or transport of the stereoscopic device. The distance setting means is capable of locating the stereoscope at a predetermined distance from the images, wherein the predetermined distance is substantially equal to the focal length of lenses of the stereoscope, and thereby providing a user with a simple method of achieving three-dimensional stereoscopic effect by viewing the images through the lenses. The stereoscopic device may be in the form of a postcard, a greeting card or a book, or it may be placed in a booklet, brochure, magazine or other similar publications for advertising, educational, or entertaining purposes.

Description

DEVICE FOR VIEWING STEREOSCOPIC IMAGES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a device for viewing stereoscopic images. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device comprising one or more pages of stereoscopic images and one or more stereoscopes coupled to a distance setting means capable of locating the stereoscope at a predetermined distance from the images, wherein the predetermined distance is substantially equal to the focal length of lenses of the stereoscope, and thereby providing a user with a simple method of achieving three- dimensional stereoscopic effect by viewing the images through the lenses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural human vision perceives three-dimensional imagery by fusing together two images of the spacial world each simultaneously perceived by a person's right eye and left eye in parallax, from two slightly different, horizontally displaced perspective viewpoints. This was first discovered in the early 1800' s and is known as binocular vision. The discovery has yielded several new art forms utilizing the binocular vision theory, including the stereogram and the stereoscope, invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in the 1830s. The stereogram and the stereoscope gained widespread popularity with the introduction of photographic stereo pairs and refinements to the stereoscopes. These stereoscopic images, when viewed through a stereoscope, provide a user with a visual medium that approximates the experience of natural human visual perception of three-dimensional space.

A stereogram or stereo pair typically consists of two separate stereo images of the same object produced on a flat, planar two-dimensional medium. The two stereo images typically correspond to images as seen by the left eye and right eye. The stereo images are positioned next to each other so that the perspective viewpoints of the images are displaced horizontally by a distance which usually corresponds to the average interocular distance of the left and right eyes .

In order to perceive the object depicted in the two separate images three-dimensionally, each of the two stereo images is seen by a corresponding eye and the two images are superimposed, forming a single three-dimensional image. However, the eyes naturally converge and fix on the same point rather than see in a parallel direction so that each eye perceives a separate image. Thus, stereoscopic images are typically viewed by a user through a stereoscopic viewer, or stereoscope, which permits each image to be seen by a corresponding eye .

A stereoscope can take many forms but generally has two lenses, possessing appropriate optical and focal properties allowing the user to combine the two stereoscopic images to achieve a three-dimensional effect. In particular, the lenses deflect light rays from points in the two images in such a manner as to produce the effect of light rays from a single point. Thus, when each eye views the stereograph through a corresponding lens of the stereoscope, each eye perceives its intended corresponding image. The images perceived by each of the eyes are superimposed and a three- dimensional image is thereby perceived by the user.

The art forms associated with the theories of binocular vision were further enhanced by the stereographic paintings of Salvidor Dali, and continue to evolve with the introduction of additional forms such as auto, random dot, color field, and wallpaper stereograms .

In order to promote these artforms, there are many prior art devices for viewing stereoscopic images, some are compact in form and contain only a single sheet of stereoscopic images, enabling them to be transmitted through the mail at the postcard or letter rate, while other prior art devices contain multiple pages of stereoscopic images. However, the prior art devices have limitations that detract from their usefulness and general appeal . For example, a widely recognizable single sheet device is an auto stereogram, images of which can be viewed stereoscopically without any optical aid, of linticular construction. Developed from the original parallax stereogram, these linticular photos are generally created by condensing small vertical strips of the image into alternating left-eye and right-eye rectangular-shaped images and recording them onto an emulsion. When a linticular screen, consisting of very narrow cylindrical plastic ripples, is attached to the finished print, the user, using both eyes, will see two views which show small differences yielding an overall stereoscopic image. However, linticular prints have significant limitations. Specifically, the ability of the user to see the stereoscopic image correctly is dependent upon the chosen viewing angle. Incorrect angles can cause severe aberrations in the stereoscopic image. Furthermore, even when viewed from the optimal angle, linticular prints often exhibit aberrations in the stereoscopic image. These aberrations, often referred to as "the puppet theater effect", are inherent to the production procedure of the prints, which restricts the stereoscopic depth.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,087 to Balogh discloses a postcard formed of a single sheet of card stock consisting of two sections. The first section is defined by an opening with at least one transparent window tinted in a first color. The second section contains anaglyphically printed matter in both the first color and at least one other contrasting color. Upon separating the first section from the second section along a perforated delineation extending between the two sections, the printed matter is then viewed through the window of the first portion to produce a visual effect. Balogh discusses using the anaglyphic postcard to reveal a hidden solution to a question or puzzle. However, as noted in the specification, the anaglyphic device disclosed can not be utilized for viewing stereoscopic images. U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,543 to Curtin and U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,363 to Tanaka generally refer to three-dimensional viewers made by folding a single sheet of card stock into three sections. The first section comprises a pair of three- dimensional lenses, the second section is of a longitudinal extent substantially equal to the focal length of the lenses, and the third section comprises at least one pair of stereoscopic images arranged side by side, wherein the second section is held generally normal to the plane of the first section and the third section is held generally parallel to the first section when the viewer is in use. One disadvantage associated with these prior art devices is that, because a large portion of the cardstock is used to the second section in order to position the images at the correct distance from the lenses, each pair of stereoscopic images must be relatively small. Thus, because of the relatively small stereoscopic images, the lenses must also be relatively thick in order to achieve a desired degree of magnification. Other prior art devices generally involve stereoscopic viewers made of foldable sheet materials that are transmittable through the mails. However, although capable of displaying full color images in a manner similar to those disclosed in '543 and '363, these prior art devices suffer from similar limitations. Additionally, these prior ^' art devices often require the recipient to perform a series of sometimes complicated steps, involving numerous flaps, tabs, and/or fold lines, in order to assemble the device into its final box like shape before utilizing it to achieve the three dimensional visual effect. These steps required for assembly may cause some users to lose interest or may require a certain level of skill and dexterity some users, especially children, may not posses.

Other prior art devices have been constructed for displaying multiple pages of stereographic images. One such multi-page format is a book containing pages imprinted with stereoscopic images and accompanying text and a stereoscope, an example of this is "3-D Hollywood". This multi-page format also suffers from several limitations. For example, because the stereoscope is not attached to the book containing the images, the user must determine the correct positioning of the stereoscope with respect to the eyes and with respect to the stereoscopic images. This correct positioning is often difficult to achieve, especially for a user unfamiliar with stereographs. Furthermore, even if the user positions the stereoscope to produce the three- dimensional effect, the effect will likely be seen with aberrations, because the user is unlikely to have achieved the precise positioning.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,210 to Monzali generally comprises a book with pages of stereoscopic images and accompanying text, and a stereoscope. The stereoscope is of box-type construction, requiring a series of complicated steps to assemble. In addition, in order to view each stereoscopic image, the page upon which it is located must be removed from the book and inserted into a space provided in the viewer. Thus several steps are needed to view each sequential pair of stereoscopic images in the book.

Furthermore, the box-type viewer is not attached to the book and must be disassembled each time the user places the viewer within the book for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,280 to Jones and U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,136 to Jones disclose stereographic books. Generally, each device comprises a pivotal shell casing containing multiple pages of stereoscopic images and a stereoscope, wherein the pages and the stereoscope are pivotally connected to the casing. Neither the pages containing the stereoscopic images nor the stereoscope is self supporting, and thus the user must use both hands to maintain the device in the viewing configuration and to operate the device. Furthermore, the configuration of the device requires modification of the device each time the user reads the accompanying text and then views the images through the stereoscope . Accordingly, several objects of the present invention are to:

(a) promote the art forms associated with the theories of binocular vision through the development of a device that is simple to use, inexpensive to produce, and easily and inexpensively transmittable through the mails;

(b) provide a postcard, greeting card, or book of an alternative form that enables the person receiving the device, equipped for example with stereographic photos of far away places, to perceive, through the three dimensional effect produced, a more realistic perception of the scenes depicted in the images;

(c) provide an effective format for an instruction manual or text book in which three dimensional images can accompany the associated instructions or descriptive text;

(d) enable issues of journals, periodicals, instruction manuals, or the like containing multiple pages of stereoscopic images to be inserted into a display device for viewing; and (e) provide advertisers with an alternative method of promoting their goods and services.

The present invention accomplishes the above objectives more effectively than the prior art because of several distinct advantages. Specifically, the present invention:

(a) is simple and economical to produce yet capable of producing high quality, full color, accurate stereoscopic images;

(b) works for images of various formats such as large pictures and panoramic views aligned vertically or horizontally;

(c) works with stereoscopes that produce the three- dimensional effect with the standard parallel technique as well as stereoscopes that utilize the cross-eyed or over- under techniques; (d) is capable of enabling the user to view multiple pages of text and/or stereoscopic images in succession without the need to reconfigure the device; and

(e) can have the ability to interchange stereoscopes, thus enabling stereoscopic images of different formats and properties, i.e. focal lengths, to be viewed correctly with the same device.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the accompanying figures and detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention meet the foregoing needs by providing a device for viewing stereoscopic images generally comprising one or more pairs of stereoscopic images, one or more stereoscopes, stereoscope attachment means, and distance setting means. The stereoscope attachment means may comprise a slot provided by the structure of the stereograph in which the stereoscope may be placed during storage and/or transport of the stereoscopic device. The distance setting means may comprise a string, a rod or a bar, and assists the user in locating the stereoscope such that it is separated from the stereograph by a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the stereoscopic lenses. At least a portion of the distance setting means may be stored inside the slot so that the device is compact while it is in a stored configuration and so as to facilitate transport of stereoscopic device via the mails . The stereoscopic device may be in the form of a postcard for transmittal through the mails without the need for an additional mailing envelope. Alternatively, because of the compact design of the stereoscopic device, the device may also be in the form of a greeting card and placed inside a cover or envelope. The device may also be in the form of a portion of a booklet, brochure, magazine or other similar publications for advertising, educational, or entertaining purposes. Yet another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device comprises multiple pages of stereoscopic images configured, such as in a binder and/or in the form of a book, so as to enable the user to view the multiple pages of stereoscopic images without the need to remove, readjust or reposition the stereoscope or the need to remove each page of stereoscopic images from the stereoscopic device after viewing of the stereoscopic images. The stereoscopic device can also be further configured to allow it to retain its operable form without being supported by the user. In addition, as the desired characteristics, such as the format and/or focal length, of the multiple pairs of stereoscopic images may be different, the device may further provide multiple stereoscopes each placeable at a corresponding predetermined distance from the stereoscopic images and provide for the interchanging of stereoscopes in order to allow the user to view the stereoscopic images through the stereoscope with the corresponding desired characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the front view of a preferred embodiment of the stereoscopic device in a stored configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the stereoscopic device of FIG. 1 with the stereoscope removed from the stored configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the stereoscopic device of FIG. 1 in an operational configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the stereoscopic device of FIG. 1 with stabilizing elements in an operational configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device in an operational configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device in an operational configuration; FIG. 7 shows a side view of yet another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device in an operational configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a greeting card;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a greeting card; FIG. 10 shows a side view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a greeting card with a display mechanism, in an operational configuration;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a greeting card with multiple pages of stereoscopic images;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the stereoscopic device embodied as a book with multiple pages of stereoscopic images and a display mechanism in an operational configuration; FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device, similar to that of FIG. 12, in a partially stored configuration;

FIG. 14 shows a front view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device with multiple pages of text and stereoscopic images in varying arrangements;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device with interchangeable and detachable stereoscopic images;

FIG. 16 shows a front view of alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a book with multiple pages of text, stereoscopic images and stereoscopes;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of another alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic device embodied as a book with multiple pages of text, stereoscopic images and stereoscopes; and

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the stereoscopic device for viewing stereographic flip animation images. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The structure and function of the preferred embodiments can best be understood by reference to the drawings. Where the same reference numerals appear in multiple figures, the numerals refer to the same or corresponding structure in those figures.

FIGS. 1-3 show a preferred embodiment of stereoscopic device 10 comprising stereoscope 20, one or more stereographs 50, stereoscope attachment means 56, and optional distance setting means 60.

Stereograph 50 comprises one or more pairs of stereoscopic images 52, 54. Stereograph 50 may be made from a single piece or multiple pieces of paperboard, cardboard, or other material suitable for depicting images 52, 54 and suitable for having printed material on both sides.

Stereoscopic images 52, 54 may be of various sizes, shapes, and orientations. A surface of stereograph 50 opposite stereoscopic images 52, 54 may be printed with a description of images 52, 54 and include spaces for stamps, a correspondence and/or a mail delivery address, such as is usually found on a postcard, as well as instructions for a user's three-dimensional viewing of stereograph 50.

FIG. 3 shows stereoscopic device 10 in an operational configuration. To perceive stereograph 50 as a three- dimensional image, a user views stereograph 50 through stereoscope 20. Stereoscope 20 can have any geometric configuration capable of comprising left and right orifices 22, 24. Orifices 22, 24 are sized and shaped to accommodate left and right stereoscopic lenses 26, 28. Orifices 22, 24 may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, or any other shape suitable to accommodate stereoscopic lenses 26, 28 and suitable for a user to view stereoscopic images 52, 54 of stereograph 50 through lenses 26, 28 with the left and right eyes, respectively. Orifices 22, 24 are separated by a distance that is approximately the average interocular distance of the left and right eyes. Lenses 26, 28 may be components separate from and fixably attached to frame 30 of stereoscope 20. As components separate from frame 30, lenses 26, 28 may be of unitary construction or multiple-piece construction and may be made of a material such as glass or plastic. Lenses 26, 28 may be fixably attached to frame 30, for example, by being fixably secured between two layers of material forming frame 30 or by being snap-fitted into recesses surrounding orifices 22, 24. Alternatively, stereoscopic lenses 26, 28 may be of the same material as and formed as part of frame 30.

Lenses 26, 28 may be simple prisms, whole or fragments of simple lenses, or Fresnel lenses, etc. For example, if thin lenses 26, 28 are desired, such as where stereoscopic device 10 is to be used as a postcard, lenses such as Fresnel lenses may be utilized.

Preferably, stereoscope 20 also comprises left and right indicators 32, 34 to designate left and right lenses 26, 28, respectively, to assist the user in placing the corresponding lens in front of the user's corresponding eye. To view stereograph 50 through stereoscope 20, the user places stereoscope 20 in front of the user's eyes such that left lens 26 is in front of the left eye and right lens 28 is in front of the right eye .

Stereoscope 20 may further provide notch 36 to accommodate the user's nose such that the user's nose does not interfere with placement of stereoscope 20 in front of the user's eyes. Notch 36 may also assist the user in determining the correct orientation of stereoscope 20, as the user would generally know that notch 36 is on the side of stereoscope 20 which is to be placed over the nose. Notch 36 may also facilitate stabilizing stereoscope 20 during use with respect to the user as the user may rest notch 36 on the user's nose.

When stereoscopic device 10 is in use, stereoscope 20 is placed in front of the user's eyes and is separated from stereograph 50 by a predetermined distance which can be determined by the user with the assistance of focus and convergence marks and/or written instructions or which can be set by distance setting means 60. The predetermined distance is substantially equal to the focal distance of lenses 26, 28, thereby facilitating the user to perceive a three- dimensional image as the user views stereograph 50 through stereoscope 20.

Distance setting means 60 is coupled to stereoscope 20 at one end by means of one or more stereoscope couplings 62 and to another part of device 10, such as stereograph 50, at another end by means of one or more device couplings 64.

Each of couplings 62, 64 is adapted to retain a corresponding end of distance setting means 60, preferably when stereoscopic device 10 is in an operational as well as stored configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, when stereoscopic device 10 is in a stored configuration, stereoscope 20 and/or distance setting means 60 are adjoined to stereograph 50 by stereoscope attachment means 56. Stereoscope attachment means 56 may comprise, for example, slot 57 in which stereoscope 20 is stored and adhesive strip 58 by which stereoscope 20 and/or distance setting means 60 is adhered to stereograph 50. Slot 57 may be formed, for example, by affixing a top and bottom layer of stereograph 50 to each other to form slot 57 between the top and bottom layers. Slot 57 may also be formed by affixing a filler material between the top and bottom layers of stereograph 50 to form slot 57 between the top and bottom layers. Furthermore, slot 57, which can be positioned either vertically, horizontally or diagonally within stereograph 50, provides a storage location for stereoscope 20 and further provides protection of stereoscopic lenses 26, 28 from scratches and contamination during storage and/or transport of stereoscopic device 10. In addition, adhesive strip 58 may prevent stereoscope 20 from inadvertently falling out of slot 57 during storage and/or transport. Adhesive strip 58, by adhering distance setting means 60 to stereograph 50, may further prevent distance setting means 60 from interfering with objects with which device 10 may be in contact during storage and/or transport. To use stereoscopic device 10, the user would remove adhesive strip 58 from stereograph 50, and/or distance setting means 60 and remove stereoscope 20 from slot 57. Preferably, adhesive strip 58 may be removed without noticeable damage to stereograph 50 and may be reattached after removal so that stereoscopic device 10 may be used and returned to a stored configuration multiple times . Alternatively, stereoscope 20 may be placed along an edge of stereograph 50 and stereoscope attachment means 56 may comprise an adhesive strip and/or perforation (not shown) along the edge of stereograph 50. Additionally, a top or bottom surface of stereograph 50 may be extended over stereoscope 20 when device 10 is in a stored configuration in order to help stabilize stereoscope 20 with respect to stereograph 50, and protect lenses 26, 28 of stereoscope 20, during storage and/or transport as well as provide additional space for text and/or stereoscopic images 52, 54 on stereograph 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, distance setting means 60 and the operation thereof will be described in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 4, stereoscopic device 10 may further comprise stabilizing elements 61, which may be of like material as distance setting means 60 and which help further stabilize distance setting means 60 relative to stereoscope 20 and stereograph 50. In particular, stabilizing elements 61 helps prevent tilting of distance setting means 60 relative to stereoscope 20 and stereograph 50 and thus helps maintain the desired parallel relationship between stereoscope 20 and stereograph 50 for optimal viewing of stereoscopic images 52, 54.

Distance setting means 60 may be a flexible member, such as a string or cord, of a suitable material such as plastic, twine, wire, or rubber. Flexible distance setting means 60 may be stored, for example, by being wrapped around stereoscope 20 near notch 36, stored in a compact configuration within slot 57, and/or held in place with adhesive strip 58. To use stereoscopic device 10 with flexible distance setting means 60, the user would extend flexible distance setting means 60, attached to stereograph 50 and stereoscope 20, by holding stereoscope 20 in one hand and stereograph 50 in the other hand or simply allow stereograph 50 to hang below stereoscope 20 such that the user views stereograph 50 downward through stereoscope 20. Alternatively, distance setting means 60 may be a rigid element, such as a rod or bar of suitable material such as plastic, metal, or wood. Rigid distance setting means 60 further helps eliminate possible misalignments, such as twisting and tilting of distance setting means 60 relative to stereograph 50 and stereoscope 20, and allows the user to view stereograph 50 through stereoscope 20 without having to hold or support stereoscope 20. Rigid distance setting means 60 can be extendable and retractable, i.e. it can extend from a length suitable for storage to a length substantially equal to the focal length of lenses 26, 28 and retract back to the length suitable for storage. Rigid distance setting means 60 may be stored, for example, within one or more recessed portions of device 10, such as in stereograph 50 and/or stereoscope 20, and/or within slot 57, and/or held in place with adhesive strip 58. As previously described, each end of distance setting means 60 is coupled to stereoscope 20 and to another portion of device 10 by means of couplings 62, 64, respectively. For example, for flexible distance setting means 60, each of couplings 62, 64 may be one or more holes or slits through which flexible distance setting means 60 may be attached. As shown in FIG. 3, with flexible distance setting means 60, each of couplings 62, 64 may comprise a small rigid rod and a corresponding hole in stereoscope 20 and in another portion of device 10, for example, stereograph 50. Each end of flexible distance setting means 60 is coupled to a corresponding coupling 62 or 64 by affixing a corresponding end of flexible distance setting means 60 to a corresponding rod and inserting the rod through a corresponding hole. when the user utilizes string distance setting means 60 by applying tension to flexible distance setting means 60 and maintaining distance setting means 60 taut, the rod-hole couplings 62, 64 prevent the uncoupling of flexible distance setting means 60 from stereoscope 20 and from another portion of device 10.

Alternatively, for rigid distance setting means 60, each of couplings 62, 64 may be an orifice or recess of a proper shape and size so as to mate with the corresponding end of distance setting means 60 and retain the corresponding end of distance setting means 60 in the corresponding coupling 62 or 64. Thus, each of the resulting retaining mechanism may be, for example, a snap fit, a bearing, a fastener, hinge, or any other suitable mounting mechanism by which distance setting means 60 is coupled to stereoscope 20 and another portion of device 10, such as stereograph 50, via couplings 62, 64.

Each stereoscope coupling 62 may be located at or near the center of stereoscope 20, at or near the center of one or both lateral edges of stereoscope 20, at or near the corners of stereoscope 20, or at any other suitable locations of stereoscope 20. Similarly, each device coupling 64 may be located at or near the center of stereograph 50, at or near the center of one or both lateral edges of stereograph 50, at or near the four corners of stereograph 50, or at any other suitable locations.

As shown in FIGS. 8-18, the stereoscopic device of the present invention may also be embodied as a greeting card, a book, or any other suitable configurations. For example, FIG. 8 shows stereoscopic device 110 embodied as a greeting card comprising cover 66, stereograph 50 and binding 68 for attaching cover 66 to stereograph 50. Cover 66 and stereograph 50 may be made from the same piece of material and thus binding 68 may be a fold along an edge of stereograph 50. Stereoscope 20 and distance setting means 60 can be stored as previously described in connection with stereoscopic device 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, stereoscope 20 and distance setting means 60 may be stored between cover 66 and stereograph 50.

FIG. 10 shows stereoscopic device 110 further comprising display mechanism 80 to further connect stereograph 50 to cover 66 after device 110 has been opened more than 180 degrees. Display mechanism 80 comprises a flexible or rigid element 81 and coupling means 82, 84 suitable for coupling element 81 to stereograph 50 and to cover 66, respectively. For example, element 81 may be a string preattached to stereograph 50 at one end and providing a plurality of knots near the other end. The user may insert a portion of element 81 near a knot into a small slit provided in cover 66 and thereby attach element 81 to cover 66 once cover 66 has been opened more than 180 degrees. The user may choose a knot which would form a desired angle between cover 66 and stereograph 50 for optimal viewing of stereograph 50. If distance setting means 60 is of a rigid material, display mechanism 80 also enables device 110 to be maintained in its operational configuration without being held by the user.

As shown in FIG. 11, cover 66 may also provide stereographic images 52, 54. Furthermore, when coupling 64 is located between stereoscopic images 52, 54 slit 70 can be provided between images 52, 54 of cover 66 and thereby allow cover 66 to be turned without interference with distance setting means 60 or stereoscope 20. Thus, stereoscopic images 52, 54 of cover 66 and of stereograph 50 may be viewed stereoscopically in succession without the need to remove, reposition, or readjust stereoscope 20 or distance setting means 60.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, stereoscopic device 210 may also be embodied as a book comprising multiple pages of stereographs 50 secured together by binding 68. Device 210 may also comprise front and back covers 42, 44 also secured to stereographs 50 by binding 68. Binding 68 may utilize folds, staples, adhesive, spiral, ring, and/or any other suitable devices. Display mechanism 80 may alternatively comprise a strap with hook and loop fasteners which facilitates maintaining device 210 in its operational as well as its stored configurations. FIG. 13 shows stereoscopic device 210 in a partially stored configuration. Stereoscope 20 and distance setting means 60 can be attached to back cover 44, in the operational as well as the stored configurations by providing pivotable couplings 62, 64. To transform device 210 from its stored configuration to its operational configuration, distance setting means 60 is pivoted away from back cover 44 and stereograph 50 and toward front cover 42 until distance setting means 60 is generally perpendicular to stereograph 50. Stereoscope 20 is then pivoted to achieve a parallel relationship with stereograph 50. If distance setting means 60 is retractable and extendable, it is then extended from its stored and retracted position to a predetermined length. Lastly, display mechanism 80 may also be employed.

FIG. 14 illustrates that device 210 (as well as devices 10 and 110) can be in various forms by locating stereographic images 52, 54 and text 59 at various portions of stereograph 50. This allows the user to read text 59 as in a book, journal, or instruction manual, and then view corresponding images 52, 54, located on the same page, through stereoscope 20 to reference the desired three- dimensional image. Device 210 may also provide an additional device coupling 64 on the inside surface of front cover 42 so that images 52, 54 may also be displayed on the back side of each stereograph 50. Images 52, 54 on the back side of stereograph 50 may be viewed by removing stereoscope 20 from coupling 64 on back cover 44 and attaching stereoscope 20 to coupling 64 on front cover 42 or, alternatively, by providing an additional stereoscope 20 and distance setting means 60 for coupling 64 of front cover 42. Alternatively, the user may remove the multiple pages of stereographs 50 from binding 68, and position the pages so that images 52, 54 can be viewed through stereoscope 20 attached to back cover 44. Back cover 44 and/or front cover may provide one or more additional couplings 64 for viewing images 52, 54 located in various portions of stereograph 50 or various portions on the back of stereograph 50. Additionally, by providing a pivotable coupling 64, stereoscope 20 and distance setting means 60 may be easily pivoted away from stereograph 50 so as to be out of the user's line of sight when stereoscope 20 is not in use in order to further facilitate the user's reading of text 59. FIG. 15 shows an alternative display mechanism 80 comprising flap 81 extending from back cover 44. In addition, multiple pages of stereographs 50 may be separated from the other elements of device 210, particularly when a large number of pages is to be viewed using device 210. Specifically, desired pages of stereographs 50 and/or text 59, which may be secured together via binding 68, may be inserted into device 210 via attachment mechanism 69. Attachment mechanism 69 may, for example, comprise a rod through which spiral binding 68 is inserted. Alternatively, binding 68 may be a ring-type binder and additional pages may comprise multiple bound or unbound pages provided with holes to facilitate securing of the pages to binding 68 of device 210.

Images 52, 54 of the multiple pages of stereographs 50 may require stereoscopes 20 of different focal lengths in order for the user to perceive images 52, 54 without aberrations. To perceive stereoscopic images 52, 54 without aberrations, it is desirable to provide stereoscope 20 of focal length substantially equal to the focal length of the lenses used to produce images 52, 54, adjusted for any enlargement of the negative. Thus, multiple stereoscopes 20 may be provided with device 210 to provide accurate viewing of various images 52, 54 and to allow images 52, 54 to be displayed in different formats, such as over, under or cross- eyed. For example, multiple stereoscopes 20, each attachable to coupling 64, may be provided along with adjustable distance setting means 60 or with multiple distance setting means .

As shown in FIG. 16, each of multiple stereoscopes 20 with varying optical properties provides the same stereoscope 5 coupling 62 and can be utilized with the same adjustable distance setting means 60. Stereoscopes 20 may be stored in pockets 72 while distance setting means 60 may be stored in pocket 74. In response to instructions in text 59, such as color codes for identifying the appropriate stereoscope 20

10 and/or the proper distance for distance setting means 60, the user would remove the appropriate stereoscope 20 from pocket 72, attach stereoscope 20 to distance setting means 60 and to device 210, adjust distance setting means 60 to the proper distance, and thereby view images 52, 54 through stereoscope

15 20.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, multiple stereoscopes 20 can be affixed to the same distance setting means 60. Stereoscopes 20 may pivot or rotate with respect to distance setting means 60 and thereby allow the user to

20 view through one stereoscope 20 at a time where each stereoscope 20 can be located at a corresponding predetermined distance from stereograph 50 either by being located at a preset location or by adjustment of distance setting means 60.

25 FIG. 18 shows stereoscopic device 210 configured for viewing stereographic flip animation images. As discussed, the device of the present invention allows for viewing of multiple pages of stereographs 50 without removing, readjusting or repositioning stereoscope 20 or stereograph 50

30 after viewing of each page of stereograph 50.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplifications of the preferred embodiments. Many other embodiments are

35 possible. For example, stereoscope 20 may have additional features such as interoccular adjustability, blinders on the sides to shield unwanted peripheral vision, immersive viewing capabilities, etc.; distance setting means 60 may be adjustable to compensate for the changing distance setting requirements due to page accumulation and may be calibrated with marks, notches, etc. to assist the user in locating stereoscope 20 at the proper distance from stereograph 50; slit 70 may be bordered by reinforcement material to prevent tearing; device 10 can incorporate an attachment flap for insertion into a magazine, etc; stereograph 50 may be concave or curved to provide immersive viewing; the back side of stereograph 50 may define a cut out portion to facilitate the user in the removal of stereoscope 20 from slot 57. In addition, device couplings 64 may also comprise a track or other suitable mechanisms to slidably couple distance setting means 60 to device 10 in order to allow the user to view multiple sets of images 52, 54 at various locations on the same page without uncoupling distance setting means 60 from device couplings 64.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the embodiments illustrated, but is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is :

1. A device for viewing stereoscopic images, comprising : a stereoscope having two lens members wherein the lens members have a focal length; an images portion having one or more pairs of stereoscopic images; a distance setting means capable of locating the stereoscope at a predetermined distance from the image portion substantially equal to the focal length of the lens members, comprising a first end and a second end; a first coupling for coupling one or more discrete points of the stereoscope to one or more points of the distance setting means so that the stereoscope can be located at the predetermined distance from the images; and a second coupling for coupling one or more discrete points of the second end of the distance setting means to one or more points of the images portion.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment means for affixing the stereoscope and the distance setting means to the images portion for storage of the stereoscope and the distance setting means.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the attachment means comprises an opening in the images portion into which the stereoscope may be received for storage of the stereoscope .

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the distance setting means is a flexible member, capable of being at least partially stored in said opening during storage of the stereoscope.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the attachment means comprises an adhesive strip for affixing at least a portion of the distance setting means to the images portion during storage of the stereoscope.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the couplings is an orifice through which a corresponding end of distance setting means is attached.

7. The device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the couplings is a recess of a shape and size so as to mate with a corresponding end of the distance setting means.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the images portion comprises a plurality of pages of stereoscopic images and a binding for securing together the plurality of pages and for allowing turning of the pages for viewing of the images .

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the images portion further comprises a cover and wherein the binding further secures the cover to the pages of images and allows for turning of the cover for viewing of the images.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the second coupling is located on a portion the cover such that the turning of the pages do not interfere with the distance setting means.

11. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a display means capable of maintaining a constant angle between the cover and the page of images being viewed.

12. The device according to claim 8, wherein each of at least a portion of the pages has a gap configured to accommodate the distance setting means during the turning of the pages.

13. The device according to claim 8, further comprising: additional stereoscopes, each with two lens members having a focal length; and additional first couplings, each first coupling couples a corresponding stereoscope to the distance setting means so that each stereoscope is at a corresponding predetermined distance from the image portion, the corresponding predetermined distance is substantially equal to the focal length of the corresponding lens members.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distance setting means is made of a rigid material.

15. A system for perceiving three-dimensional images, comprising: a stereoscope having stereoscopic lenses with a focal length; an images portion with one or more stereographs; at least one stereoscope positioning shaft member capable of positioning the stereoscope at a predetermined distance from the one or more stereographs, wherein the distance is substantially equal to the focal length of the lenses and wherein each shaft member has a first end and a second end; a first attachment member for attaching the first end of each shaft member to the stereoscope; and a second attachment member for attaching the second end of each shaft member to the images portion.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one shaft member is extendable to the predetermined length and retractable to a length such that the at least one shaft member can be stored within boundaries of the images portion.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the images portion comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is securably hinged to the second portion and wherein at least one of the portions contains the one or more stereographs .

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the stereoscope is placed between the first and second portions during storage of the stereoscope.

19. The system of claim 15 wherein each stereograph has a center and wherein the second attachment means is generally located near the center.

20. The system of claim 15 wherein each stereograph has a border and wherein the second attachment means is generally located near the border.

21. An apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images, comprising: a stereoscope having lens members with a focal length; at least one image surface having at least one pair of stereoscopic images thereon; at least one elongate member disposed between said stereoscope and said image surface to position the stereoscope a predetermined distance from the image surface at least substantially equal to said focal length; and a support structure to which said elongate member is secured and which supports said at least one image surface; wherein said at least one image surface is hingeably secured to the support structure along a side and has a slot opening on an edge opposite said hingeable securement, said slot being configured so as to receive said at least one elongate member with said member at least approximately centered between the pair of images on said image surface.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said support structure comprises two planar members hinged together along said hingeable securement of said at least one image surface .

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said support structure comprises a book cover and said at least one image surface comprises a page within said book cover.

24. An apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images, comprising : a stereoscope having lens members with a focal length; at least one image surface having at least one pair of stereoscopic images thereon; at least one elongate member disposed between said stereoscope and said image surface to position the stereoscope a predetermined distance from the image surface at least substantially equal to said focal length; a support structure to which said elongate member is secured and which supports said at least one image surface, said support structure having a thickness defining sides therearound, at least one said side defining an opening to the interior of the support structure, said opening being configured and dimensioned to at least partly receive said stereoscope .

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the support structure comprises a postcard.

26. An apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images, comprising: a stereoscope having lens members; and an image portion having a first surface with at least one pair of stereoscopic images thereon; wherein said image portion comprising an attachment means for affixing the stereoscope thereto; wherein said apparatus has an operational viewing configuration and a storage configuration and wherein said stereoscope and said image portion are two separate and uncoupled members when said apparatus is in the operational viewing configuration.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the apparatus is a postcard.

28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the image portion further having a second surface opposite said first surface and the attachment means comprises an opening in the image portion between the first and second surfaces into which the stereoscope may be received for storage of the stereoscope .

29. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the attachment means comprises an adhesive strip.