Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
W094/17~8 2 1 ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ PCT/AU94/00030
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL
IMAGERY
FIE'D OF I~YENTION
The present invention relates to a method ar.d a??ar~tus for
use in producing three-dimensional imagery.
PR~O~ ~T
~p until this time, three-dimensional imagery h 2S essentially
~een produced with means that present different aspects cf
objects to each e~e ar.d usually with filtered, polarised or
osclllatins imagery t~at can be observed thrcugh filtere~,
polarised and/or oscillatlng viewers or spectacles.
Lentic-lar arrays, static or dynamic 2Ouble vision strips and
viewing slots arrangements also attempt a similar effect
without the use of such viewers or s?ecta~les.
The term ~three-dimensional imagery" is an expression that has
been in common use fcr many years. Since its firs. use, t;~e
me~ning of the term has been extended to enco~pass a wide
variety of depth enhance.~ent imagerv, as well as imagery that
ac~ually contains three visual dimensions. Within the ran~e
of relevant methodologies, e~uip~ent and effects, there can
be said to be two broad and general categories.
One of these catesorieâ involvec imasery cont inins a slngle
angle of view of an object. mhe other applies to images ~hat
simultaneously comprise two or ~ore angles o, view of
essentially the same object.
Methods and apparatus tha~ enable t~e present tion of two or
more different angles of view of substantially the sa~e
objects simultaneously; ~re also referrec to as t~r_e-
~U~ Ul~SHEET~R~e ~
WO94/17638 ~ ~S 4 PCT/AU94/00030
dimensional. Usually, these arrangements present two spacedangles of view, acquired at distances of 2 l/4 - 2 l/2 inches
apart with a common centre, by the use of methods and means
that isolate left views to left eyes and right views to right
eyes. Left and right view separated systems include
spectacles, viewers and visors ranging in sophistication
from (as indicated hereinbefore) simple filtered or polarised
spectacles to liquid crystal visors synchronised to screen
signals. Other techniques for keeping left and right angles
of view visible only to the corresponding eye include view
differentiating lenses - particularly lenticular arrays and
separated static right and left image strip arrangements.
In addition, holograms produce three-dimensional imagery
containing multiple angles of view. Further, there are many
combinations of these various systems.
However, despite the abundance of methods and techniques for
enhancing image depth and producing imagery containing three
visual dimensions, all have very limited application and have
had limited commercial and practical success. In particular,
none of the known systems are suitable for adaptation to most
imaging systems in general use, such as for example cinemas,
video and computer display units, television screens and the
wide variety of monitors used in every day life for functions
ranging from medical investigations, to entertainment, to
military surveillance.
It is an object of at least one aspect of the present
invention to provide a method and means for displaying three-
dimensional imagery which goes some way towards overcoming or
minimising problems and shortcomings associated with methods
and means known up until this time.
~ PCT/AU941~30
WO94/17~8 ~ ;3
Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the
following description.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a
method of producing three-dimensional imagery including
displaying on a screen, imagery including two or more spaced-
apart angles of view about a common centre and being segmented
and separated; said separated segments of imagery being viewed
through grid means of a size and shape corresponding
substantially to the dimensions of said segments of imagery,
wherein said grid is placed at a distance from said screen,
such that segments of imagery acquired left of a common image
centre are seen through said grid substantially by the left
eye of a viewer, while segments of imagery acquired right of
the common image centre are seen through the grid
substantially by the right eye of a viewer; the arrangement
being such that the relationship of left and right segments of
imagery relative to said grid is maintained by oscillation of
said grid relative to said segments of imagery appearing on
said screen, in substantial synchronisation, and at a speed
which produces coherent, complete, three-dimensional imagery
to the eyes of a viewer.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is
provided a method of producing three-dimensional imagery
including displaying on a screen surface, imagery containing
two or more spaced-apart angles of view about a common centre,
and which angles of view have been segmented and separated;
said segmented and separated angles of view being viewed
through sections of a grid, of a size and shape
corresponding substantially to the dimensions of said
segments of imagery; said grid being placed at a distance
2~s~s9
W094/17638 ~.. i PCT/AU94/00030
. .
from said screen where segments of imagery acquired left of a
common image centre are seen through sections of said grid
substantially by the left eye of a viewer, while segments of
imagery acquired right of the common image centre are seen
through grid sections substantially by the right eye of a
viewer; the relationship of left and right segments of
imagery, relative to said grid sections being maintained when
said imagery is displayed on said screen, by oscillation of
said grid sections in synchronisation with the display of
said segments of imagery at a speed which produces the
appearance of a coherent, complete, three-dimensional
imagery.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is
provided a method of producing three-dimensional imagery
including displaying on a screen surface, imagery containing
two or more spaced-apart angles of view about a common
centre, and which angles of view have been segmented and
separated; said separated and segmented angles of view being
viewed through sections of a grid, of a size and shape
corresponding substantially to the dimensions of said
segments of imagery; said grid being placed at a distance
from said screen where segments of imagery acquired left of a
common image centre are seen through sections of said grid
substantially by the left eye of a viewer, while segments of
imagery acquired right of the common image centre are seen
through grid sections substantially by the right eye of a
viewer; the relationship of left and right segments of
imagery, relative to said grid sections being maintained when
said imagery is displayed on said screen, by oscillation of
said grid sections in synchronisation with the display of
said segments of imagery at a speed which produces the
appearance of a coherent, complete, three-dimensional imagery;
and wherein said grid sections become substantially invisible
WO94/17~8 21 S~ 2 PCT/AU94/00030
to the eye as a transparent window between said eyes of a
viewer and said screen.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is
provided an arrangement for producing three-dimensional
imagery, including means for displaying on a screen surface
imagery containing two or more spaced apart adjacent angles
of view about a common centre and which angles of view have
been segmented and separated; a grid means being provided in
front of said screen such that said separated and segmented
angles of view of said imagery are viewed through sections of
said grid, of a size and shape corresponding substantially to
dimensions of said segments of imagery; said grid means being
spaced apart from said screen by a distance, such that
segments of imagery acquired left of a common image centre
are seen through sections of said grid substantially by the
left eye of a viewer, while segments of imagery acquired
right of the common image centre are seen through grid
sections substantially by the right eye of a viewer; the
relationship of left and right segments of imagery, relative
to said grid sections being maintained when said imagery is
displayed of said screen by oscillation of said grid means
and grid sections, in synchronisation with the display of
said segments of imagery on said screen at a speed which
produces the appearance of coherent, complete, three-
dimensional imagery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention will be described by way of example only and
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. l is a diagrammatic plan view of one form of the
present invention, and
WO94/17638 ~ PCT/AU94/00030
2~S42S9 6
Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a further form of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT
IN~NlION AND METHODS OF CARRYING OUT SAME
As described above, this invention provides a method and an
apparatus for producing imagery that can be displayed on a
screen and viewed through an oscillating grid so that the
imagery appears entirely in three physical dimensions.
The invention combines two discoveries. Each of the
discoveries are extensions of previous discoveries related to
earlier inventions and both of the new discoveries permit
improvements on these earlier inventions.
The two improvements, combined together, produce three-
dimensional imagery that is practical and commercially viable
for many purposes for which it is desired.
The first improvement involves the presentation of three-
dimensional imagery on a screen.
Until now it has been believed that it is not possible to
present two, or more, angles of view acquired about a common
centre of the same object on a screen, in which all elements
of each image are fully in alignment, so that, together, the
multiple adjacent angles of view appear as a single coherent
three-dimensional image, with the exception of the extreme
outer edges of the images.
It seems that there are two reasons for this believe.
Firstly, because of a general presumption that, for people,
three-dimensional imagery is primarily a function of the
human eye span.
WO94/17638 2l sg 2~9 PCT/AU94/00030
; ~
Secondly, because describing human vision in terms of solid
geometry, demonstrates, necessarily, that either eye must see
any identical point on a screen at a different position to
the other eye.
In the first case there is no set standard at which the
varying distances between the pupils of the human eyes are
established as optimised, averaged, or otherwise laid down as
generally appropriate for everyone to view three-dimensional
imagery.
Despite this, it appears accepted widely that for the
purposes of producing three-dimensional imagery, two-and-a-
quarter to two-and-a-half inches of separation between image
centres is required.
Images acquired at this order of separation about a common
centre cannot be presented on a screen so that they appear
aligned completely in three dimensions to the unaided eyes.
Further, because solid geometric depiction of human
observations show that each eye must see the same point at a
different position on a screen, it has been held to follow,
therefore, that, except for the centre, no points of two, or
more, adjacent images acquired from different angles around a
common centre can be seen by both unaided eyes in the same
position on a screen and, therefore, aligned and in three
dimensions.
For both these reasons, it seems to have been accepted
generally for many years that two or more images of
essentially the same object acquired adjacently, in a manner
simulating human eye views, cannot be aligned on a screen
and, consequently, can be seen in three dimensions only if
the images are seen by the respective eyes quite separated so
WO94/17638 `~2S~ PCT/AU94/00030
that neither eye can compare any part of the two views on a
screen and thus observe two different images.
Human perception of three-dimensional imagery has been
widely understood through this century, as the separate and
separated viewing of two different angles of view of objects,
viewed from positions spaced apart at a distance equivalent
to the width of the pupils of the eyes, or about two-and-a-
half inches.
The production of three-dimensional imagery has therefore
followed this appreciation by presenting it mainly through
view differentiating spectacles.
This presentation of three-dimensional imagery with the
requirement to wear appropriate viewers appears to be the main
impediment to more widespread use of such imagery, due to
public resistance to using this type of opticals.
Other attempts, such as applying lenticular arrays to screens
have different drawbacks, such as limited viewing area
because of the requirement to keep the eyes at the lens focal
centre.
Still more different solutions, like holographic approaches,
are limited by cost considerations.
It is a primary point of this invention that the basic belief
that two or more adjacent angles of view cannot be aligned in
three dimensions on a screen for observation by the unaided
eyes is fundamentally flawed, and this discovery opens the
way to improvements in technology that overcome the
impediment of having to wear viewers to see three-dimensional
imagery, or use techniques with equal or greater
undesirabilities.
W094/17638 ~ 2¦ ~ 2 ~ PCT/AU94/00030
In 1923 Demetre Daponte demonstrated that two adjacent angles
of view, acquired with centres approximately two-and-a-half
inches apart, could be aligned partially in three dimensions
on a screen by alternatively dissolving each view in and out
against the other.
Daponte's invention demonstrating this discovery was called
"The Pulseometorn. It comprised two discs of transparency
graduated from complete to zero, rotating in opposite
directions so that each angle of view projected through the
discs fades and brightens in illumination in opposition to
the other view.
Daponte's discovery and invention demonstrated only partial
alignment of two images in three dimensions, and the
proportion of the images so aligned was small, comprising
less than one quarter of the horizontal length of the image.
It is one of the discoveries of this invention that images
comprising two, or more adjacent angles of view, can be
aligned completely in three dimensions on a screen, providing
that the angle between the views and the distances between
the foreground and background of the object are sufficiently
small.
In practice, this angle of separation and the distance
between the background and the foreground of the object is
dependent upon the distance of the object centre; the total
depth of field; type of lenses used; centres of focus; and
vertical as well as horizontal alignment of the images.
Regardless of all these variables, the angle is always very
small for objects closer than 40 feet and the differences
between both images difficult to discern; despite the physical
W O 94/17638 ` ~`I 5 4 2 5 ~ }~CTIAU94/00030
- 10
separation of the image centres, high quality resolution
equipment is essential.
As a guide it has been found that this angle of view is less
than one quarter of a degree for objects at less than forty
feet.
The importance of this discovery is that in combination with
another discovery and another improvement of another
invention this very small angle of displacement can be
increased in a flexible way that permits application to most
conventional imagery equipment.
In essence this is accomplished by applying a system of
variable separation to the two different images and altering
the degree of separation as required.
Like other aspects of three-dimensional imagery, it has been
known for more than a century that three-dimensional imagery
can be produced by segmenting left and right angles of view
of an object and arranging the strips on a flat surface
separated by slats, or similar dividers, so that observers
can position their eyes to have the left eyes seeing left
image strips while the slats block the left eye views of
the right image strips and the right eyes see the right image
strips, while the slats block the right eye views of the left
image strips.
This well known arrangement produces a three-dimensional
combination but is always limited by the degradation to the
overall effect caused by the view differentiating slats.
Another approach was demonstrated by Francois Savoye in the
early 1950s, when he produced and applied for a patent for
his "Cyclostereoscope".
WO94/17638 PCT/AU94/00030
'1'1` 21S~2S9
The cyclostereoscope comprises a circular grid rotating about
a screen on to which left and right adjacent angles of view
were projected .hrough the grid.
The concept, described by Savoye, envisaged transposing the
approach of view separating visors, worn around the eyes of
viewers, to a similarly functioning arrangement operating
around the screen.
Savoye envisaged the grid, alternatively blocking each eye
view of a different combination of strips of angles of view
and the whole grid rotating to sequentially reveal all
segments at a speed that would permit memory and vision to
together perceive the strips combined as two whole images in
three dimensions.
This Savoye achieved partially and prescribed zoned seating
arrangements to confine viewers to areas where three-
dimensional views were optimised and views of two overlapping
images minimised.
An improved grid viewing system is an exclusive feature of
this invention which overcomes the zonal problems of the
Savoye idea as well a dispensing with the limitations of a
rotating, circular grid.
It is a second discovery of this invention that images
containing two, or more, adjacent angles of view acquired
around the common centre of essentially the same object can
be aligned in three complete, and coherent, dimensions, except
the extreme outer edges, in increasing divergence of angle,
with increasing separation between the different images, and
the corresponding viewing eyes.
WO94/17638 PCT/AU94/00030
- 215425~ 12
In practice, it is necessary to segment and separate the
images sequentially so that an equal number of equally
sized and equally spaced images are presented on a screen and
then viewed through a vertical grid so that left eye views of
image segments left of the common object centre are separated
from right eye views of image segments right of the common
centre in increasing degrees of exclusion as the angles of
divergence between the images increase.
As a guide, the system applied to two or adjacent angles of
views acquired around a common centre of an object, where the
centre of each different view are horizontally separated from
approximately a quarter of an inch to five inches for any two
adjacent angles of view.
For extreme close-up views or views beyond visual infinity,
these positions will be lesser or greater.
To maintain this relationship in a way that overcomes the
limitation of a rotating, circular grid, or the inertial
forces of an oscillating mechanical grid, the grid system can
be supplied by grids formed with a liquid crystal display
synchronised with the segmentation of the imagery.
To produce a complete three-dimensional imagery and remove
the appearance of grid lines degrading the imagery, the
segmented and separated imagery, enhanced in separation by
the grids, can be oscillated together in synchronisation so
that their functions are maintained at a speed, for example
in excess of fifty hertz, where the segments merge into a
complete, coherent, three dimensional image and the grid
lines are oscillating too fast to be seen.
This combination produces zone-free three-dimensional imagery
of any angle capable of human perception by widening or
W094/17638 ~ ~ S9
narrowing the grid lines, without inertial limitations, or
incompatibility with almost all conventional equipment.
Up until this time, three dimensional imagery has been
created and viewed as what could be termed, "the two separate
views" type. This can be done through spectacles, known means
and apparatus and the like. Essentially however three-
dimensional imagery of the "two separate views" type
involving separate right- and left-hand views and the
sequential blocking off of these views, is not capable of
producing visual realism as people are used to experiencing
it. In other words, as the eyes normally communicate the
views to the brain. Such three-dimensional imagery tends to
be identifiable as imagery and thus unnatural. Further, there
are other drawbacks with such known forms of three-
dimensional imagery, including for example limitations on the
angles from which imagery can be seen, incompatibility with
conventional equipment, difficulties with transmission and
broadcasting, substandard qualities, eye strain and lack of
commercial viability and reality, as well as problems with
many people who have abnormal vision.
As a background of the present invention, and for the
purposes of the description and definition herein, it is
generally believed that it can be said that the eye should in
many cases be conceived as something of a dynamic sensor. The
eyes of a human being generally see both horizontal and
vertical planes substantially simultaneously, together with
constantly varying fields of depths and focal points. This
essential dynamic sensing, coupled with the memory, maintains
impressions of infinitely variable views of everything seen
by the eyes. It is generally believed that the mind is not
given one clear left or one clear right view, but is
continually given a range of different partial and adjacent
images. These varying partial and adjacent images are
WO94/17638 PCT/AU94/00030
2 1 5 ~ ~ 5 9j 14
combined by the mind or brain of a human being into a single
coherent whole which has depth of image and which clearly
appears in three dimensions.
It is also generally believed that the eyes of a human are
rapidly and continuously scanning. As indicated, they do not,
it is believed, continuously focus on one point, giving one
right view and one left view. The eyes have a continuously
changing field of view and both eyes are continuously
shifting over varying points, one crossing over the other's
field of view. Further, humans are often continuously moving
their heads, and eye balls are often moving within their
sockets. Thus, far from the mind or brain of a human having
transmitted to it, two dissimilar changing views or
photographs (one right and one left), what the mind or brain
is receiving is continuous partial and adjacent, segmented
and separated views of imagery.
Up until this time, it is believed that the opticals using
the principle of producing two distinct views to simulate the
perceptions of three dimensions are limited by inherent
restrictions. Such restrictions confine such systems and
means to representations of three dimensions in single
horizontal planes with fixed field depth and fixed focal
length. It will be appreciated from the above that these are
not realistic, and are perceived as such. In practice, such
known systems are precluded from reproducing realistic three-
dimensional imagery.
A fundamental feature of the present invention is that it
produces a commercially viable method for producing three-
dimensional imagery, by removing the necessity for wearing
view differentiating spectacles and for using other
intermediate opticals between the imagery and the observer.
WO94/17638 ~ S PCT/AU94/00030
S~
The present invention, in its preferred forms, accomplishes
the production of wide angle three-dimensional imagery, with
comparatively little alteration and addition to existing
technology, by containing about a common centre within each
image, multiple, adjacent angles of view that are displayed
partially and progressively across the screen, in apparent
full alignment, as separated image segments, or as a
combination of separated image segments, changing to
cumulatively reveal the continuously varying spatial
displacements between the segments of images on the screen
and, at sufficient speed, as constant visual displacements
between the subject elements of a steady, single, coherent
and complete three-dimensional image.
The present invention also provides that the angles between
the multiple views about a common centre of each image are
such that the rapidly changing segments of images containing
the angles produce an apparent constant visual displacement
between the subject elements of the image, at the same time
that the subject elements within the image appear to remain
in alignment, so as to prevent or minimise the appearance of
more than one image, or multiple imagery within any part of
the image.
The term "production" means acquisition, generation or
construction for immediate display upon a screen, or
immediate transmission for display, or immediate broadcasting
for display. In addition. "production" can mean acquisition,
generation. or construction for storage and later display,
transmission, broadcasting or projection.
Equipment used for acquisition includes cameras, cine
cameras, video cameras, holographic camera arrangements, or
any device capable of acquiring imaging containing multiple,
adjacent angles of view about a common centre in a manner
WO94/17638 2 ~5 4~ 5 ~ l6 PCT/AU94/00030
such that the acquired imagery can be presented, separated
and segmented for display so as to appear three-dimensional
on a screen.
Segmentation of the multiple adjacent angles of view about a
common centre can take place as the imagery is acquired,
within a camera-like system, or anywhere before display
such as during, or as part of, film processing; storage
input or retrieval; or editing; for the production of
slides; film prints or video tapes for release; in
transmission or broadcasting; or on reception.
In addition, appropriate segmented imagery can be
manufactured in the generation of imagery, such as computer
imagery or symbology, or in the production of caricatures.
By "image" a single whole image is meant such as contained by
a slide; one frame of a film; one image on a video tape; an
x-ray; or any other clearly definable view capable of being
recorded, stored, transmitted, broadcast, displayed,
projected, presented or generated to duplicate actual
objects, symbols; or represent objects or symbols such as
computer generated imagery or caricatures. In addition, by
image or imagery, series of single images presenting the same
view or continuation of a view are included.
By display is meant projected, presented, illuminated or
generated so as to be visible to the eye.
By screen is meant any surface upon which the imagery can be
displayed, presented, projected or generated so that it
becomes visible; or any volume in which imagery can be made
to appear.
WO94/17638 j ~ PCT/AU94/00030
17 ~ ~
By alignment is meant that each imagery is registered
apparently exactly upon any other in size, shape, vertical
and horizontal position, so that multiple images appear as
differing only in the appearance of depth or dimensionality
and never as more than one image, or more than one part of
any image, necessarily the same shape, that is revealed
progressively across the screen.
In practice the size of the segments will vary according to
the medium used for acquisition or viewing.
The present invention provides a method and arrangement,
whereby imagery is recorded in such a manner that realistic
and commercially viable three-dimensional imagery can be
subsequently, or substantially simultaneously, be shown on a
screen surface. The imagery can be recorded on any
appropriate media, such as film, tape, slides, holograms and
the like. In one form of the invention the imagery is
recorded on media so that it can be subsequently shown such
as in the cinema by way of slides or photographs, on a
television, on a video set and the like. In further forms of
the invention, means for recording the imagery, such as a
camera or cameras, are in the form of a camera or cameras
which are themselves, or in conjunction with appropriate
transmission means, able to immediately transmit the recorded
imagery to means such as television sets and the like which
will receive and show the recorded imagery on a screen
surface. For example, such as television cameras used in
outside broadcast units for television news, sporting events
and the like. These are by way of example only. Thus, it
should be appreciated that the present invention relates to a
method and arrangement for the recording of imagery for
subsequent or substantially simultaneous viewing on a screen
surface. The present invention does not relate to a method
WO94/17638 2 I S 4 2 S 9 l8 PCT/AU94/00030
and arrangement for enabling previously recorded imagerv to
be viewed on a screen so as to appear in three dimensions.
The method and arrangement of the present invention require
the provision of a lens or lens system, that allows for the
recording or acquisition of two or more substantially
adjacent, similarly sized angles of view of imagery or
objects that are to be recorded. Generally, it is better to
acquire or record a plurality of smaller adjacent angle views
rather than a smaller number of larger angle views. It should
however be appreciated that in the present invention it is
essential that two or more differing angles of view be
recorded.
In addition, it is a further feature of the present invention
that the imagery be recorded for subsequent or simultaneous
viewing so that at all times only partial and adjacent
sections of each angle of view are acquired or recorded. As
will be appreciated, this means that when the imagery is
displayed, none of the multiple angles of view appear to the
eyes completely at any one instant, but rather are revealed
only as a sequence of segments, at a speed to the eye which
merges the segments together at differing angles, so that
when viewed, the recorded imagery is perceived by the eyes
to have depth in imagery and to be in three dimensions; that
is, in accordance with the normal working or operation of the
eyes of a human.
Tn one preferred form of the present invention the partial
and adjacent angles of view are recorded in a non-sequential
manner, by using the apparatus and method of the present
invention. The recording of such non-sequential adjacent and
partial angles of view, in accordance with the present
invention, allows for such non-sequential adjacent and
partial angles of view to be subsequently shown by means of
WO94/17638 ~ 5~ PCT/AU94/00030
19 Sg
the present invention so as to be viewed with depth of
imagery and in substantially three dimensions, by the eyes of
a viewer.
The present invention provides that means be provided in
association with the lens or camera, or in association with
the recording of the multiple angle views, so that the
imagery is recorded in a partial, adjacent and spaced apart
manner. To that end, the invention requires the provision of
a grid, grid system, separator, angle of view interrupter,
light or signal blocking mechanism, switch or process means,
as a component or feature, essential to the recording of the
imagery, so that the imagery as recorded, is recorded
partially and from two or more spaced apart, adjacent angles
of view.
The present invention is described with reference to the
imagery being recorded from two spaced angles of view - one
left angle and the other a right angle. This is however by
way of example only and it should be appreciated that the
imagery can be recorded from two or more angles of view.
The means for use in recording partial and adjacent multiple
angles of view can be separate from the recording means such
as the camera or can be incorporated into the camera. Various
forms of the invention will be described hereinafter by way
of example only and with reference to the accompanying
drawings, but it should be aPpreciated that these are by way
of example only. For example, a camera can have included into
it appropriate means for causing the imagery to be partial
and adjacent, such a means being in the form of for example
an interrupter, such as a grid system which can be built into
the camera but arranged so as to avoid interference with the
shutter or scanning function. Further, any such arrangement
should be timed to obviate as far as possible the production
WO94/17638 PCT/AU94100030
215~ 259 20
of lines, strobing, moire or other optical noise, distortion
or image degradation.
It is however envisaged that in one form a camera can be an
electronic camera which can be programmed so that it can
record partial and adjacent angles of view of the article or
articles being recorded. Such a camera can have a plurality
of spaced lenses, or alternatively a plurality of such
cameras can be utilised, the recorded imagery thereafter
being mixed and processed.
In forms of the invention where an interrupter or grid
arràngement might be provided within the camera, such an
arrangement can be provided before, within or behind the lens
or in any position wherein it positively interrupts the
acquisition or recording of imagery, through the lens, so
that only partial and adjacent images are recorded on the
media or recorded by the camera.
It is envisaged that when such an arrangement is incorporated
into a camera, the grid or interrupter arrangement will be
preferably placed behind a lens, adjacent and as close as
possible to the film plane and will be synchronised with the
camera shutter or might replace the shutter or be
incorporated into the film gate.
In various forms of the invention, where a plurality of
angles of view have been acquired and recorded by films or
electronically, the recorded multiple angles of view can then
be subsequently altered so as to include partial and adjacent
angles of view, such as by known mechanical, electro-optical,
electrical, or other means, such as for example segmentation
mixes and the like.
WO94/17638 ~ ~ PCT/AU94/00030
2i` ~ ~
It is further envisaged that media, such as film or taPes,
with a programmed grid or pattern applied thereto, or gaps
therein, could be used in a camera to simplify the recording
componentry. In yet a further form of the invention it is
envisaged that display units presenting image interrupting
patterns could be used to mix multiple angle views. For
example, a liquid crystal display could be used that
presented image segmenting lines or gaps traversing the
display of the required speed, to form a dynamic optical
grid.
The invention will now be further described with reference to
preferred embodiments thereof, and with reference to the
accompanying drawings (as referred to hereinbefore).
In a preferred form of the invention the imagery is shown on
a screen, as a result of being computer-generated or prod~lced
on the screen, or by being displayed on a screen by way of
protection. In the accompanying drawings, by way of example
only, the imagery is shown as being viewed through the grid
means - (to be described further hereinafter).
The screen l is shown as having a screen surface 2 and grid
means is provided substantially in front of and sDaced apart
from said screen surface 2, the grid means 3 preferably being
in the form of a liquid crystal display screen, which on
operation generates a plurality of oscillating grid sections
4, through which the imagery can be viewed on the screen.
Other forms of grids can be used if desired. For example,
physical grids extending across the front of a screen,
provided with a plurality of slots or openings 4 thereof of
varying depth. It is however preferred that the grid means
have a plurality of grid sections or openings therein and is
preferred that the grid means 3 be in the form of a liquid
crystal display screen or other appropriate electrical or
W O 94/17638 .. . ~CTIAU94/00030
~ .
215~259 22
chemical optical arrangement which provides physical
separation of imagery.
The liquid crystal display screen is preferably arranged so
that the grid 3 oscillates to meet the requirements of the
present invention. In other forms of the invention. Grid
means can move or oscillate by means of additional mechanisms
or electric power means.
By way of example only and referring to Fig. 1 of the
accompanying drawings, the grid 3 is shown as being separated
forwardly from the screen surface 2 and one form of the
invention is shown (diagrammatically) as being embodied into
a housing or cover 9 in front of the screen 1, be it a screen
of a television set, a cinema screen or the like.
In a further form of the invention as shown by way of example
only with reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings, a plurality of
spaced apart grid means 3 can be provided to form channel
sections or slots 4 therebetween so that on oscillation or
movement thereof, imagery on the screen surface 2 will be
seen therethrough in three dimensions.
As with other forms of the invention, the screen 1 and
spaced-apart grid means 3 can be located or housed in a
housing 9 so as to be substantially integral. Alternatively,
they can be separate one from the other.
It will be appreciated that at least the grid means 3 can be
for example in the form of crystalline, liquid crystal or
similarly functioning electro-optical materials.
For use, in forming an appropriate grid or surface, the
materials may for example be inorganic compounds, such as
gilenium arsenide; lithium niobate; potassium dihydrogen
W094/17638 1S~2 PCT/AU94/00030
23 ~ Sg
phosphate; and barium borate; as well as organic compounds
such as methyl nitroaniline and nitroaminostilbene; also
materials from electron donors, such as amino, methoxy, and
hydroxy groups; and electron acceptor groups, such as nitro,
cyanide, esther and nitroso groups; polymers; polyenes; and
polydiacetglenes or any materials with electro-optical
properties; light frequency changing properties; non-
centrosymmetric molecular structure; or crystalline
structures where anions have been completely replaced by
electrons, such as in complex compounds, such as alkalide,
potassium hexamethyl hyxacyclen sodium. The electro-optical
material may be arranged in single pieces such as blocks,
slabs or chips, or in a number of pieces, in large or small
pieces of any shape, in films, in thin films, in solutions,
in suspensions, sandwiched between other materials, such as
glass, as mixtures with other electro-optical compounds, or
as mixtures with other materials that are non-electro-optical
compounds.
Where for example the electro-optical materials of the grid
are arranged in lines, rods, strips, slats, panels or
filaments, these can be positioned in rows, in partial rows,
staggered rows, in parallel, in parallel rows, in horizontal
or vertical rows (or both) or in intersecting rows. Further,
of differing lengths and sizes and at different positions
within the display.
As indicated, these are by way of example only and grids such
as grids formed of any appropriate material with slots
therein, adapted to oscillate in an appropriate manner, can
be used to meet the requirements of the present invention.
As will be appreciated, in operation, the present invention
allows for the display of three-dimensional imagery and the
viewing of three-dimensional imagery (be it generated,
WO94/17638 ~ PCT/AU94/00030
?,~.S 4259 24
produced or projected) such as in the manner described and
claimed in our international patent application No
PCT/AU92/OOl99. Thus, the imagery projected onto the screen
or generated onto a screen or shown on a screen otherwise,
involves displaying imagery on a screen which imagery
includes two or more spaced apart adjacent angles of view
about a common centre which are displayed and in a segmented
and separated manner, substantially sequentially or
alternately on a screen. The separated segments are viewed
through sections of a grid, such as described with reference
to Figures l and 2 of the accompanying drawings, which have
sections or openings of a size and shape corresponding
substantially to the dimensions of the segments of imagery
displayed on the screen. The grid means is placed at a
distance from the screen, such that the segments of imagery
acquired left of a common image centre are seen through grid
sections only by substantially the left eye of a viewer,
while image sections acquired right of a common image centre
are seen through grid sections substantially through the
right eye of a viewer.
The relationship between the left and right segments of
imagery, relative to the grid and sections thereof is
substantially maintained when the grid sections oscillate, to
enable the imagery to be viewed through the oscillating grid,
the oscillation being at a speed and in synchronisation with
the display of the segments of imagery, such that the imagery
appears to the eyes of a viewer (through said grid means) to
be coherent, complete and in three dimensions. It has been
found that this avoids flickering, whole or partial
appearance of any individual angles of view and it has also
been found that the grid sections, on oscillating, become
substantially invisible as a substantially transparent window
between the eyes of a viewer and the screen.
WO94/17638 ?~ S PCTIAU94/00030
It should be appreciated that modifications and improvements
to the invention may be made without departing from the scope
thereof as defined by the appended claims.
