Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A PASSIVE IMAGE STABILIZER AND ANIMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
s
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the principals of visual persistence and the
associated
to systems of processing and illuminating a sequence of static images, so as
to
create a singular image or an animation sequence, when viewed in a state of
motion. The invention has numerous practical applications including,
subways, vehicular tunnels, moving sidewalks, escalators, elevators, theme
attraction rides etc..
is
2. Description of Prior Art.
The conventional media format used to display an animation sequence has
2o been a video player or motion projector, where the viewer is stationary and
the
images are in motion. In a conventional animation scenario, the viewer is a
stationary or passive observer, placed in front of a series of moving
pictures.
By inverting the relationships, the viewer's perception changes to one where
the viewer has an active and realistic sensation of actually moving through
the
2s animation. This sensation is caused as a result of physically moving past
the
sequence static of images.
The general concept of moving the observer while the images remain static has
been attempted in several prior instances. In order to remove the visual
blurring
so effect that is inherent to observing a static image while in a state of
relative
motion, all prior art forms have applied some form of intermittent lighting,
relying on the principles of "persistence of vision". Most of the prior
efforts to
improve image clarity have focused primarily on attempts to refine complex and
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expensive systems of stroboscopic light sources in order to apply said
principles.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 917,587 (Good - April 1909) and 4,179,198 (Brachet - Dec
s 1979) use an electro-mechanical means of triggering the illumination of each
image. These employ a mechanical device attached to the train, which
periodically closes an electrical circuit, triggering the illumination of the
image
within the image display panel.
io U.S. Pat. No. 978,854 (Czerniewski) uses a purely mechanical means of
triggering the illumination of the image. A "shoe" attached to the moving
vehicle
lifts a shutter attached to the subway wall beside the train. A mechanism then
permits light to momentarily illuminate the image within the image display
panel
mounted on the subway wall.
is
U S. Pat. Nos. 3,951,529 (Gandia) and 4,383,742 (Brachet) use a
determination of the vehicle's speed to trigger image illumination. The former
assumes that the train travels at a predetermined speed each time it passes a
section of track while the latter measures the train's speed by a radar type
2o speed detector. Many image display panels are triggered to illuminate their
images simultaneously.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,694,062 (Koenig) and 3,704,064 (Sollogoub) use the light from
within the vehicle to trigger image illumination. A light detector associated
with
each image display panel, monitors the light intensity coming from the passing
2s vehicle. When the light shining on the image display panel is of great
enough
intensity the image is briefly illuminated.
U.S. Pat. No. 978,854 (Czerniewski), previously referred to, uses a stationary
miniature image mounted within the image display panel. Light is shone
3o through the miniature image and is magnified through various lenses and
directed onto the back of a semi-transparent projection screen by a series of
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reflectors. The light source is attached to the moving vehicle. All the other
patents mentioned above use a large size, back or front lit, image mounted as
part of the image display panel.
s The mechanical illumination triggering devices, referred to above, have
inherent mechanical wear problems because of the high triggering rates and
thus do not provide a practical solution to the problem. In addition to issues
associated with maintenance and trouble free operation of mechanical parts
there is a secondary and more pronounced issue, the requirement of reliable
io and timely triggering of image illumination. In order that the observer,
clearly
see the image, each successive image must be illuminated at exactly the same
position relative to the observer. If this process is not precise, the
integration of
the images will seem blurred.
is U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,753 (Mitchell), uses a plurality of shutters comprising
linear
light sources. The vertical line of light appears through the transparency and
traverses the width of the image, presenting the image in successive segments
as the relative position of observer, image and light change. When there is
effective relative movement between the viewer and the transparencies, the
20 light appears to sweep across each transparency, progressively illuminating
linear adjacent segments of each image; thus the viewer perceives a motion
picture composed of the progressively illuminated image segments.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,753 (Mitchell} dispenses with mechanical illumination
2s triggering devices by providing a consistent light source and addresses
issues
that relate to the depth of the display system, which are relevant, in
practical
applications of the theories. However, as the width of the projected image
increases so must the depth of the reflective panel.
3o What is not addressed in any of the prior arts are issues arising from the
display of consecutive discrete images in relation to a requirement for a
smooth
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transition from frame image to consecutive frame image - frame roll over. This
is an inherent function required in-order to produce a realistic simulation of
pure motion.
s In today's environment practical implementation of a solid theory requires
conformity with public safety issues. The use of traditional peculide
transparencies poses a significant fire hazard rendering the implementation of
the concept unacceptable by today's fire standard requirements .
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,436 (Ashall) presents a lighting system that allows for a
flat
io even distribution of light, while occupying a relatively shallow depth of
box.
The edge lit illuminated display system has a transparent medium having first
and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light
source for illuminating the first and second surfaces. A matrix of dots on
each
of the surfaces is arranged to allow interaction of light between the
surfaces.
is The matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covers the
entire
surface for providing an even increased illumination throughout the surface,
wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface the graphic image
is evenly illuminated. The illumination and profile of this patent is highly
suitable for the application of the proposed patent. Its major drawback is
that
2o the lighting substrate is highly flammable and therefore unsuitable in
public
transport environments.
Summary of Invention
The invention is a novel system for displaying static or moving images to
observers while in motion. The system stabilizes fixed, altered images that
are
moving past the observer by a method of a parallax filter system. The system
takes advantage of recent developments in digital image technology.
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The system allows the viewer to observe a stable image when the device is
observed at sufficient speed. It uses principles of slit scan image production
and the quantum characteristics of human conciseness (i.e.: persistence of
vision). Unlike film images the system delivers a constant image more akin to
s television or a flatbed film-editing table. The system relies on the
phenomena
of moving light over time.
In order for a human brain to perceive a visual signal, 9 photons must hit any
individual retinal cell, this amount of light is actually quite small but must
be
io delivered over a period of not less than 1130 of a second for the brain to
register it. If in this time period several cells are hit with sufficient
light (9
photons each) the brain perceives the pattern not in sequence but as a whole,
as if they were stimulated simultaneously and not in any sequence. Beyond
1130 of a second the brain starts to recognize a linear or time structured
is sequence along with a pattern.
Video or film sequences are converted or re-digitized and re-printed to sheets
or rolls of translucent film by way of suitable print technology such as
electrostatic or thermal ink jet. The width of the print substrate corresponds
to
2o the desired image projection height, where as length of the print substrate
is
determined as a function of, the desired time span of the animation and the
rate
of speed at which the viewer is moving. The printed sheets or rolls of film
are
positioned between a flat light source and series of parallax scanning
filters.
Image reprocessing and use of a parallax scanning filters allow for the
2s presentation of a singular image or seemingly animated sequence of images,
without the requirement of any moving or mechanical parts or stroboscopic
lights.
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Objects of the Invention
s It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide an animation
display
system that does not require electronic or mechanical moving parts. Designs
that eliminate the requirement of electronic or mechanical systems remove
issues associated with critical timing and mechanical wear problems.
io It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that
provides an instantaneous transition between illuminated images and sections
or periods of darkness, such that the principles of persistence of vision can
be
applied.
is
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that provides a method of elongating images through economic computer re
digitization so that when stretched as a result of being viewed while in a
state
of motion are reconstructed through interpretation of the mind of the viewer,
in
zo their original proportions.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that provides a method of producing an uninterrupted smooth roll over of
images with a frame rate in excess of 40 frames per second, through economic
2s computer re-digitization. Manipulation of the images, so as to create a
smooth
roll over effect necessitates the re-formatting of image pixilation. At the
time of
previous patents such re-digitization would have required image processing
that would have rendered the patents uneconomical. To date no prior art
incorporates this particular objective.
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It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that provides a parallax-scanning filter that facilitates the desired mental
process of decoding the re-digitized pixels. The filter directs the focus of
the
viewer to the correct order of pixels to be interpreted and simultaneously
s eliminate inappropriate visual information.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that provides a system that will operate while in a state of relatively slow
motion, such that when applied to a moving walk way with a velocity of 2 mph
io or more the system will still meet the objective of 40 frames per second
which is
greater than film (24 frames per second) NTSC video (29.97 frames per
second) or PAL video (25 fps).
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
is that
addresses the confined environment of a subway tunnel system, such that the
system can applied practically in environments where the distance between the
moving vehicle and the images is minimal.
2o It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that provides a formula for rearranging millions of pixel locations, It is the
computational capabilities of today's central processing units (CPU's) that
make this large scale pixel re-arrangement possible, such a task would be
almost impossible without the assistance of modern computers.
2s
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a method of creating a
one to
one relationship between source image pixels and dots printed per image (1
pixel = 1 or more printed dots) so as to avoid the possibility of losing pixel
information between source image and printed re-digitized image.
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It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that addresses current fire and smoke emission safety requirements. To date
no prior art incorporates this particular objective.
s It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that addresses methods of constructing appropriate display units and their
effective installation methods.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
io that addresses issues that relate to preexisting mounting obstructions that
may
occur along the path on installation of said image display units.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that addresses issues that relate to non-linear paths of display unit
installation.
is
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
that is economical to manufacture, operate and maintain.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide an animation display
system
2o that provides a novel and intriguing form of animation. Should one view the
printed images the transition from sequence to sequence makes no apparent
sense. It is only when the sequence of images is viewed, (while in a state of
motion) through the parallax scanner that the illusion of a comprehensive set
of
animated images forms in the mind of the viewer. It is the mind that creates a
2s recognizable sequence of images by assembling the pixels into a clear image
that becomes meaningful, in essence the imagery does not exist until the
viewer sees it in his minds eye.
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Brief Description of Drawings
Fig 1 is a side elevation of a subway tunnel representing a set of display
units
and a subway train;
Fig 2 is a plan view of the representation shown in Fig 1;
Fig 3 is a cross section of the representation shown in Fig 1:
io Fig 4 is perspective drawing of a typical display unit;
Fig 5 is a plan view indicating the plurality of discrete views afford an
observer
by virtue of his specific direction of travel and location along the path of
travel
as it relates to the construction dimensions of a given display unit;
is
Fig 5A is a further extension of the representation shown in Fig 5;
Fig 6 is a schematic of the pixel dimensions of 2 singular yet typical video
or
digital frame images;
Fig 7 is a schematic illustration of Fig 6 where each discrete frame image
represented in Fig 6 is divided into 4 equal vertical slices;
Fig 8 is a schematic illustration of Fig 7, where each pixel on the horizontal
2s axis of the frame images represented in Fig 7 is stacked vertically on top
of
itself by a factor of 4;
Fig 9 is flow chart for determining the reallocation pixel position from an
image
source file to a print image output file;
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Fig 10 is a schematic illustration of what a print image would look like after
applying the process specified in the flow chart represented in Fig 9.
Fig 11 is a perspective illustration of two typical display units (where x has
a
s value of 4), which illustrates Fig 10 in a perspective view.
Detailed Description of the Invention
to The present invention describes a Passive Display System for illuminating
and
animating a series of re-formatted images, creating a focused and continuous
motion picture, visible to an observer while in a state of relative motion
with
respect to the series of images. The preferred application is one where the re
formatted images are stationary and the observer is in a state of relative
is motion.
There are numerous applications for the present invention, where an observer
may find him or herself in a state of relative motion with respect to the
illumination of a series of images . These applications include but are not
limited to, the following examples; subways systems, moving sidewalks, railway
systems, light rapid transit systems, shuttles systems, vehicular tunnels,
personal transport systems, elevator shafts, walkways, theme park rides and
illuminated displays with content that pertains to , advertising,
entertainment or
that of an informational basis.
2s
While it is an object of the present invention to describe a Passive Display
System that is adaptable to numerous day-to-day applications and
environments, the patent will present the example of rail system such as that
of
a subway tunnel.
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Fig 1 shows a side elevation of a typical installation. Fig 2 shows a plan
view
of a typical installation, and Fig 3 shows a cross sectional view of a typical
installation. A vehicle 10 (a subway train in this case) travels through a
tunnel
14. On the wall of the tunnel 14 adjacent to the train 10 are supported a
s plurality of display units 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F etc. illuminating a
series of reformatted images contained therein as shown in Fig 4. The
continuity of the movement moves progressively past display units 13A, 13B,
13C, 13D, 13E, 13F etc. in the direction of the arrow A.
to The construction of each discrete display unit numbered 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D,
13E, 13F etc., is comprised of a plurality of vertical "T" shaped baffles , as
depicted in Fig 4 by the reference B6, B7, B8 and whose quantity shall be
referred to by the value defined by the variable "x". Baffles B6, B7, BB...Bx
are
held in place by bottom rail Br and top rail Tr. Baffles B6, B7, B8...Bx are
is assembled so as to create a longitudinal aperture, A5, A6, A7, A8, at the
front
center of the baffle box, where the aperture width is defined to be Aw. The
purpose of the slit is to reveal only a small and appropriate amount of the
actual image to the viewer at the appropriate and precise moment. The depth of
the baffles is defined to be Bd. The width of the shutter is defined to be Sw.
2o Fig 4 shows the printed substrate, Pi situated between the back of the
baffles
B6, B7, B8 , and in front of the illumination panel Ip 6.
The lighting substrate provides an even plane of light by which to illuminate
the
print substrate. In order to address fire safety concerns related to public
2s transit system environments (which include a requirement for the product to
be
self extinguishing), the lighting substrate must be manufactured from a
product
that will meet the typical fire safety requirements. In order to meet general
fire
safety requirements, the invention specifies that the light substrate be
manufactured with resin packages which conform with or are similar to the
3o properties provided by GE structured plastics, polycarbonate product number
DL4634. When the DL4634 light substrate is treated using a method
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described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,436 (Ashall) the invention provides a slim
profile lighting substrate with a depth of .375 inches and a set of fire
related
properties that conform to typical fire safety requirements.
s Similar fire safety requirements apply equally to the print substrate. In
order to
meet these fire safety requirements the invention specifies that the print
substrate be manufactured with a resin package, which conforms with or is
similar to the properties provided by GE structured plastics, polycarbonate
product number Fr 60. The polycarbonate material is not a suitable substrate
to for electrostatic or thermal print technologies, therefore the invention
specifies
that the print substrate be first treated on one side with a coating that will
all
allow thermal and other types of ink to adhere to the substrate.
Fig 5 shows a plan view of the display unit referred to in Fig 4 and the pixel
is imagery that would come into the line of sight to a viewer traveling along
the
path and direction of arrow A. As the observer advances in the direction of
arrow A, the observer will first be permitted to see through the first
aperture A1,
of baffle box 1 at point 1. What is revealed to the observer first, is the
right
hand side of the image pixels contained in the forth slice -2d of baffle box
1.
2o As the observer continues in direction A, from point 1 through to point 4,
the
location of aperture A1, will allow the observer to view a longitudinal scan
that
advances from right to left across the forth image slice -2D contained in
baffle
box 1.
2s As the observer continues to travel along the path of A, past point 4, the
aperture A1, will cause the left hand side of the forth image slice -2D in
baffle
box 1 to disappear from view. As the forth image slice -2D in baffle box 1
passes out of the observers line of sight, the contents of the right hand side
of
the third image slice -1C of Ballast box 1 comes simultaneously into the
3o viewers line of sight. As the observer travels from point 4 to point 5, the
positioning of aperture A1, will permit the observer to view a longitudinal
scan
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that advances, from right to left, across the first third (on the print
substrate) of
slice -1C in Ballast box 1. Upon reaching line of sight 5 and continuing on to
the 7t" line of sight , the observer will scan the remaining two thirds of
slice -1C
in Ballast box 1 still through aperture A1. At this same view point 5,
aperture
s A2 will simultaneously commence revealing a longitudinal scan of the image
pixels contained in slice -1D in Ballast Box 2.
From viewpoint 5 through 10 the observer will be exposed to imagery revealed
through 2 apertures A1 and A2. The two apertures will simultaneously reveal
to longitudinal scans of pixel imagery from two different and discrete image
slices.
The roll over of image pixel scans from 2 discrete yet different image slices
continues to be revealed in a staggered pattern.
As the observer arrives at a point 10 (as shown in Fig 5A) along the path of
A,
is the viewer is finally permitted to see through 3 apertures A1, A2, and A3,
to
view the contents of three image slices, the beginning of the last third of
image
slice OC of Ballast box 2, the beginning of the middle third of image slice OD
of Ballast box 3 and the beginning or right hand side of the first third
(which in
reality is the last third on the actual print substrate) of image slice 1A of
Ballast
2o box 1. Once again the observers longitudinal scan always moves across the
image pixilation from right to left.
The configuration of the display unit's baffle boxes and apertures, sequence
the image slices in a fashion that is similar to a juggler, who begins with 1
ball
2s in the air and then adds a second and third etc. Once all the balls are in
play,
the balls appear to be in a constant state of fluid rotation, despite the
reality
that the balls rest momentarily while being caught by the juggler.
Image slices revealed to the observer between positions 1 through 10 are
3o blacked out in anticipation of the moment where a full compliment of
apertures
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is reached. This is analogous to keeping the curtains of a stage closed until
the juggler has had a chance to get all of his balls in the air.
Point 10 exposes a view point of image pixels positioned along the
longitudinal
s axis that lies 2 third of the distance from the right hand side of image
slice OC
of Ballast box 2, image pixels positioned along the longitudinal axis that
lies
1 third of the distance from the right hand side of image slice OD of Ballast
box
3 and image pixels positioned along the longitudinal axis that lies on the
right
hand side of image slice 1A of Ballast box 1. The longitudinal axis of image
to pixels located in each image slice of each exposed baffle box lies
progressively
further, from the right of a given image slice, in each progression of the
image
slice pattern. For example:
Series 1 (OC-Box 2, OD-Box3, 1 A-Box 1 ),
is Series 2 (OD-Box 3, 1 A-Box 1,1 B-Box2),
Series 3 ( 1 A-Box 1, 1 B-Box2, 1 C-Box 3),
Series 4 (1 B-Box 2,1 C-Box 3 ,1 D-Box 4)
Series 5 ( 1 C-Box 3,1 D-Box 4, 2A-Box 2).
Series 6 {1 D-Box 4, 2A-Box 2, 2B-Box 3) etc.
From this point forward the observer is permitted to look through a maximum of
three apertures at any one time. In the same instant that the left most
aperture
closes imagery from view, a new aperture, to the right of the previous
grouping
of three, will open. The constant rotation of longitudinal image pixels
results in
2s a smooth and continuous roll over of imagery as shown by the overlapping
image sections illustrated below the path of travel indicated by line A.
In this optically focused view the baffle shutters from instantaneous
transition
transitions between dark and light, consistent with the principles of
persistent
3o vision, yet without the requirement of a stroboscopic light, . Principles
of the
Phi phenomenon cause the human brain to make sense of the scanned pixel
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images so that mind forms a pattern comprised of focusing on the pixel images
scanned first in image slice 1A followed by pixel images scanned from image
slice 1 B, 1 C, 1 D, 2A, 2B, 2C etc.. Despite the fact that images are scanned
from right to left the human brain assembles the images in the same manner,
s that allows a passenger, looking through an open window of a moving car, to
clearly see an object, normally obscured from view, behind a picket fence.
Due to the speed of the vehicle and the principles of persistent vision, the
object appears as it would if there were no picket fence at all, yet as the
passenger passes the picket fence the object is revealed from right to left,
to assuming the passenger is traveling from left to right.
The specific arrangement of static images slices derived from, a series of
discrete video or digital image frames which alter slightly from image frame
to
image frame and the principles of persistent vision cause the human brain to
is perceive the illusion that the overall image appears to be in state of
fluid motion
as opposed to stationary. The specific arrangement of static images slices,
simulates the specific imagery that would be observed, if one were to capture
the imagery viewed at each and every discrete line of sight, while passing the
picket fence and if the object behind the picket fence was a cat in motion as
opposed to a stationary bush. The observer will therefore perceive the
compliment of image pixelation and baffle apertures, as a continuously
illuminated sequence of animation.
The location of optimal focal point A is located at a distance that is equal
to the
2s baffle depth Bd, multiplied by x, the number of discrete image slices that
appear (printed) on the substrate within a given baffle box. In this example
the
variable x is represented by the number 4. At the specific optimal focal point
arrow A, the roll over from image to image is equal and consistent. Points
closer or further away, produce imagery where the spacing or time transition
so between perceived groupings of discrete image frames such as 1 A,1 B, 1 C 1
D
and 2A, 2B,2C,2D become increasingly compressed or stretched out, causing
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the horizontal axis of the image frames to appear slightly compressed as one
moves toward the display unit or stretched out if one moves further away from
the display unit.
s It is the desired focal point divided by the selected baffle depth that
determines
the value of x. Therefore if the desired optimum focal point lies at a point
that
is 4 times the depth of the baffle box, the value of x is determined to be 4.
Image slices 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, (which represents in bodily form, a discrete
to frame image) are seen by the observed over a distance of travel which is
significantly less than the width of their physical locations. They are
perceived
however, to be located over a distance equal to the distance between their
actual outer physical locations. In other words, at the optimal focal point,
they
are perceived to be stretched over a distance which is x times an original
image
is frame width. A single image frame, or its pixel width, would therefore have
to
be compressed by a factor of x. The compressed image would then be
sliced into x number of longitudinal sections and placed in their appropriate
locations in order to produce the desired animation sequence.
Fig 6 shows a schematic illustrating the typical pixel properties of two
2o representative, discreet digital or video image frames F1 & F2, typically
found
in a series of consecutive, video or digital frame images, normally making up
an
animation or video sequence. Each image, has a typical singular frame image
pixel height H1 of 480 pixels and a typical singular frame image pixel width
W1
of 720 pixels.
Fig 7 is a schematic illustration of the same two, typical digital or video
frame
images, where each individual frame is divided longitudinally along the
horizontal axis into "x" number of vertical image slices and where each
vertical
image slice is of equal integer pixel width.
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In Figs 7 and 8, the variable "x", is assumed to be set to the value 4. It is
preferable that variable x be an integer, such that when the frame image pixel
width W1 is divided by variable "x" the resultant number shall also be a
resulting integer. Fig 6 illustrates that if "x" is set to 4, image frame F1
shall
s result in 4 equal image partitions or slices numbered 1A, 1 B, 1C and 1 D,
each
having a resulting image slice width of 180 pixels.
It is a requirement of the display system that each discrete frame image be
compressed by a factor of x along the horizontal axis. As each digital frame
to image contains a fixed number of horizontal pixels, digital compression of
these
discrete pixels would necessitate an amalgamation of pixels and thereby a loss
or distortion of pixel or image data. To avoid loss of image information, it
is
preferable to multiply or stack along the y-axis each and every pixel upon
itself
by a factor of x, as opposed to dividing or compressing each pixel located on
is the x-axis. The resulting image effectively has the properties of an image
compressed along the horizontal axis and enlarged by a factor of x. In this
application the quantity of pixel information is increased by a factor of x as
opposed to reduced or compressed by a factor of x, thereby maintaining the
integrity of the original image frame resolution or clarity.
Fig 8 illustrates the effect of multiplying pixels on the y-axis of a singular
frame
image by a factor of x set to 4, where the resultant image height is 1920
pixels .
The perceived desired height of the animation is equal to the actual physical
2s height of the illuminated print substrate. It is preferable that the
animation
sequence occupies the full height of passenger vehicle window. Therefore if
the vehicle window has a height of 24 inches the preferred width, applying a
typical video image frame aspect ratio of 2:3, would be 36 inches. When the
resulting pixel height, of an effectively compressed digital image, results in
1920 pixels and assuming the desired image print height is 24 inches, the
resultant pixels per inch of printed image will be 80 pixels per inch
(1920/24).
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In order to maintain a minimum of ratio of 1 printed dot to 1 pixel of image
information, it is a requirement of !he invention that an electrostatic or
thermal
inkjet printer be set ideally to a 80 dots per inch or what is referred to in
the
industry as 80 DPI or a multiple thereof. It is a requirement of the system
that
to maintain original image resolution, printer DPI must be set to a multiple
of
the image pixel height multiplied by the variable x, divided by the desired
image
height (480 pixels * x124).
As shown in Fig 5, the apertures in each baffle box reveal longitudinal pixel
to information in a specific sequence. In order to reveal longitudinal pixel
information such that an observer may perceive the illusion that slice 1A is
followed by 1 B and so on, the image slices must first be relocated according
to
the flow chart process shown in Fig 9.
File A = Digital image source file
File B = Print output file
Sw - Slice pixel width
F - Total # of horizontal pixels in File A
W - an image slice pixel displacement
2o X - compression factor, # of slices or # of baffle boxes per image
Y - horizontal pixel position in File A
Z - horizontal pixel position in File B
Applying a computer program that follows the flow chart will produce a
2s sequence of images as depicted by Fig 10.
While several particular embodiments of this inventions are described above,
it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be limited
thereto,
since many modifications may be made. It is contemplated, therefore, by the
so appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the spirit
and
scope of this invention.
