Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ANIMATION DISPLAY PROCESS AND ASSEMBLY
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a process and .apparatus for providing a sequence
of specifically altered images, and most preferably to providing a sequence of
said
images as single static images or as an animation sequence when operably
viewed in a state of motion under the influence of visual persistence. The
apparatus has applicability, among others, as display units, preferably
illuminated,
25
.
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for viewing by an observer in moving sidewalks, pedestrian walkways,
escalators,
subways, vehicular tunnels, elevators, theme attraction rides and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional media format used to display an animation sequence, apply
the principles of the concept " persistence of vision", where the viewer is
stationary
and the images, affixed to a substrate, are in motion. The same principle can
also
be applied in an inverse relationship, where the images are stationary and the
io viewer is in motion.
The general concept of having the observer move, while the images remain
static has been applied in several prior instances, with varying degrees of
success.
In order to create a condition where the principles of persistence of vision
can be
applied, all prior art forms have applied some form of intermittent lighting.
Most of
the prior efforts to improve image quality have focused primarily on attempts
to
refine complex and expensive systems of stroboscopic light sources in order to
apply these principles.
U.S. Patent Nos. 917,587 (Good - April 1909) and 4,179,198 (Brachet - Dec
1979)describe an electro-mechanical means of triggering the illumination of
each
image, involving a mechanical device attached to the train, which periodically
closes an electrical circuit, triggering the illumination of the image within
the image
display panel.
U.S. Patent Nos. 3,951,529 (Gandia) and 4,383,742 (Brachet) describe a
determination of the vehicle's speed to trigger image illumination. In this
case, the
vehicle is a train, which is passing a stationary image. In this case, patent
'529
contemplates that the train travels at a predetermined speed each time it
passes a
section of track
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while the patent '742 measures the train's speed by a radar type speed
detector.
Many image display panels are triggered to illuminate their images
simultaneously.
U.S. Patent Nos. 3,694,062 (Koenig) and 3,704,064 (Sollogoub) describe
the light from within a vehicle to trigger image illumination. A light
detector
associated with each image display panel, monitors the light intensity coming
from
the passing vehicle, When the light shining on the image display panel is of
great
enough intensity the image is briefly illuminated.
U.S. 'Patent No. 978,854 (Czerniewski) describes a purely mechanical
means of triggering the illumination of the image. A "shoe" attached to the
moving
io vehicle lifts an aperture filter attached to the subway wall beside the
train and a
mechanism then permits light to momentarily illuminate the image within the
image
display panel mounted on the subway wall. A stationary miniature image is
mounted within the image display panel. Light is shone 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 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.
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 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.
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In these most recent inventions, the use of a stroboscopic light sources
appears to have been the predominant approach to satisfying the requirement
for
an intermittent light source. Earlier inventions however, did provide a
simpler
solution to the problem.
Joseph Antoine Ferdinand Plateau invented the Phenakistiscope (a.k.a.
Fantoscope) in 1832. It is basically a disc fixed at its center so that it can
spin
freely. Around the edges are regularly spaced slits, and in conjunction with
each
slit is an image drawn in sequential stages of movement.
The German inventor Stampfer developed the Phenakistiscope separately
io but at the same time; he dubbed it the Stroboscope. Many other versions and
refinements followed, including a model designed by Stampfer with two fixed
discs,
one with a series of images, and the other with an equal number of slits or
apertures centered in front of each image. Both discs rotated about a
horizontal
axis and a random distance between the two discs separated the image and
aperture.
In 1834, William George Horner invented the Zoetrope an adaptation of the
Stroboscope where the axis of image rotation was transferred from a horizontal
to
vertical, thereby providing a substantially horizontal direction of relative
image
movement, while still viewed in a substantially vertical plane. A distance
equal to
the random diameter of the cylinder separated the image and apertures.
Unlike the stroboscopic systems, both the Stroboscope and the Zoetrope
employed a consistent and constant light source. In order to provide an
intermittent view, an opaque plane with a series of equally spaced vertical
slits or
apertures were placed between the viewer and the constantly illuminated image.
To perceive an entire image through the narrow width of the aperture, both
devices rely on the principles of a parallax, which in turn applies the
geometry and
properties of the isosceles triangles. In essence as an image proceeds into
view,
a longitudinal scan of the image is provided to the viewer which progress
across
the width of the image. The same properties apply when the device is
constructed
in a linear context where, the. images and apertures are arranged in a
vertical
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plane similar to the Stroboscope, while advancing the images and apertures
along
a horizontal plane similarly to a circular Zoetrope. This in itself is not a
novel
thought but offers a more practical arrangement where the viewer is considered
to
be the object in a state of relative motion.
5 Use of a linear arrangement of the Stroboscope, to effect persistence of
vision, avoids the mechanical triggering issues and is therefore preferable to
the
use of a stroboscopic light source.
U.S. Patent No. 3,653,753 (Mitchell), describes a plurality of aperture
filters
comprising linear light sources. The vertical line of light appears through
the
io 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 light appears to sweep across each transparency,
progressively illuminating linear adjacent segments of each image; thus the
viewer
as perceives a motion picture composed of the progressively illuminated image
segments. Specifically Mitchell explains that "The relationship between the
viewing distance and the width of the perceived image. is linear; e.g. at a
viewing
distance one-half of the expected viewing distance EVD, the width of the
perceived
image is one-half of the transparency width"
20 It is possible to control or magnify the perceived image width by
controlling
or increasing the relative distance between the viewer and the aperture and
the
distance between the image and the aperture. Similarly it is possible to
reduce the
distance between the image and the aperture, by proportionally reducing the
width
of the printed image, which results in an apparatus of minimal depth.
25 In practical applications of a linear zoetrope or stroboscope as the ratio
of
the distance between the viewer and the aperture relative to the distance
between
the image and the aperture increases, the viewer will be provided with an
increasing number of apertures, which provide unobstructed lines of sight to
the
images centered behind the apertures. As a result, when the viewer is
positioned
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(for example) a multiple of 30 times the horizontal distance between the
aperture
and the actual image the viewer may, depending on the depth of the aperture
plate
and width of the aperture, be privy to 30 sequential and discreet apertures or
discreet image frames, which, depending on the degree of image variance from
image to image will lend itself to a degradation, in perceived image clarity
or
crispness. In effect the viewers peripheral view will be provided with a
longitudinal
scan of 30 or more discrete sequential sections of 30 or more discrete images
in
sequential stages of movement. This effect would be similar to projecting 30
sequential images on to a screen simultaneously where in each frame; the main
io object is in a slightly different position. This inherent loss of image
quality is
particularly pronounced at slower speeds, where the viewer is afforded more
time
to identify the disassociation between subsequent incongruent sections of
subsequent discrete image frames.
Due to a perceptible depth of the aperture plate utilized in prior art forms,
visual applications of the geometry of a parallax (applied in a linear
fashion),
requires and therefore assumes that the viewer observe intended images or
sequences of images in a direction predominantly perpendicular to the relative
direction of travel. The viewer is therefore required to either stand at right
angles
to the direction of travel or rotate ones head at right angles to the
direction of
travel. Application of the apparatus in environments where the viewer maybe
required to maintain an awareness of potential on-coming obstructions located
along the path of trajectory; render the apparatus somewhat impractical under
these conditions. The apparatus in its prior art form is therefore at best
only suited
for commercial environments where the viewer is essentially a passenger on a
moving vehicle.
Widespread commercial application of a practical animation display system,
based on the concepts of linear Stroboscope or Zoetrope, suitable for most
environments where the viewer is in motion, would desirably first address a
number of issues of commercial importance: the elimination of multiple image
frames being revealed simultaneously, the ability of affect the range of
possible
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viewing angles, the ability to adjust inappropriate frame rates particularly
under
conditions of relatively slow movement and the ability to adjust inappropriate
image
aspect ratios.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to address at least some of
these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one of its aspects, the invention provides a method of treating a plurality
io of source image frames, in sequential stages of movement, to produce a
resultant
plurality of sequential image plates, to be transferred to a display
substrate. The
resultant image plates,.when viewed through a planar or linear zoetrope or
stroboscope, permit a viewer, in a state of relative motion, to scan congruent
collections of longitudinal arrays located throughout a multiple of the
sequential
image plates. Each series of image plate longitudinal array subsets,
collectively
combine to form an original source image frame. The absence of this treatment
would otherwise result in a collective combination of vertical image array
subsets
belonging to a multiple of incongruent source image frames in sequential
stages of
movement, where each image frame may depict an incongruent stage of
movement, as is the result in prior art forms.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an animation
display system that provides formulae for appropriately rearranging a
plurality of
pixel locations, preferably as many as millions of pixel locations.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides 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.
However,
other relationships between source image pixels and dots printed per image are
also contemplated.
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In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an animation
display system that provides a method of elongating images through economic
computer re-digitization so that when viewed through a parallax filter, by a
viewer
in a state of relative motion, the images, which become stretched along the x
axis,
are reconstructed through interpretation by the viewer, resulting in an
intended
image aspect ratio.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an animation
display system that provides a system that will operate while in a state of
relatively
slow motion, such that when applied, for example, to a moving walk-way with a
io velocity of 2 mph or more the system will still meet a minimum objective of
30
frames per second. However, lower speeds are also contemplated, such as a
speed of about 1.25 mph, for example.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an animation
display system that does not require electronic or mechanical moving parts and
is thus eliminates mechanical wear problems and the need for critical timing.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an animation
display system that provides a plurality of longitudinal apertures and
associated
aperture filters so as to limit the duration of time over which any specific
longitudinal section of a constantly illuminated image my be observed, such
that
20 the principles of persistence of vision can be applied.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of
creating aperture plates for a linear arrangement of the zoetrope or
stroboscope,
where a range of angles through which the images are revealed to the viewer
can
be increased and where there exists a plurality of direction focuses to the
image
25 substrate, allowing the viewer a range of more practical or comfortable
range of
angles from which to view the animation sequence. These methods eliminate the
restricted angles of view, which can be caused, for example, by perpendicular
slits
applied to relatively thick aperture plates (in other words plates of a
perceptible
depth) as in prior art forms.
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In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of
creating a directional aperture plate for a linear arrangement of the zoetrope
or
stroboscope or a combination thereof, where the range of angles through which
the images are revealed to the viewer shall be limited but where the
predominant
direction of focus maybe altered from that of perpendicular direction to the
image
substrate to a more practical, desirable or comfortable predominant direction
of
focus from which the viewer may observe the animation sequence.
The invention in one aspect provides a method a process and apparatus for
displaying static or moving images to an observer while in relative motion by
io providing stabilized, fixed, altered images through a plurality of parallax
filters.
The invention in this aspect allows a viewer to observe a stable image even
when the device is observed at slow speeds. It uses principles of "slit scan
image
production" (in other words the viewer's brain assembles an image as the
viewer
scans the image through a slit) and the quantum characteristics of human
conciseness, i.e. persistence of vision. Unlike film images, the system,
according
to one embodiment, delivers a constant image more akin to television or a
flatbed
film-editing table and relies on the phenomena of moving light over time.
An illusion of motion depends on two things, namely, persistence of vision
and the phi phenomenon. Persistence of vision refers to the length of time the
retina retains an image. A light flash every tenth of a second or less is
perceived
as continuous and in consequence because of this persistence, an observer
cannot tell where one flash ends and the next flash begins, and, thus,
perceives a
continuous light.
If an observer speeds past a series of progressive constantly illuminated
images, only a blur is seen and intended motion is lost. The apertures of use
in
the display unit according to the invention, as hereinafter defined, simulate
flashes
of light to create stroboscopic effect or the effect of the persistence of
vision.
Persistence of vision is achieved when there exists relative motion between
the
apparatus and the viewer and when the viewer is only permitted to see a given
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longitudinal section of a constantly illuminated image for less than 1/10 of a
second.
The Phi phenomenon is a result of human instinct. Our brains strive to
make meaning from what it perceives. When different images are viewed close
5 together in time, a viewer brain quickly creates a relationship between
them.
In the practice of this invention, video or film sequences are converted / re-
digitized and, in one aspect, re-printed to a substrate, such as, for example,
preferably sheets or rolls of translucent film, by way of suitable print
technology,
such as, for example, electrostatic, thermal ink jet, laser, dot matrix and
DURA-
1o TRANS (a trade name) printing and the like. In this case, the width of the
print
substrate corresponds to 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
1s scanning filters and associated apertures. Image reprocessing and use of a
parallax scanning filters allow for the presentation of a singular image or
seemingly
animated sequence of images, without the requirement of any moving or
mechanical parts or stroboscopic lights. Alternatively, the so-treated
sequences
may be presented in a non-permanent or transient form, such as on an
appropriately sized display screen, such as plasma screen or the like.
Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a method and a
process of producing a plurality of sequential, digitized substrate image
plates for
use in providing an animated sequence of said images, said method comprising;
(i)
providing a plurality of sequential source image frames, where each frame has
a
sequential ascending frame number, said frames having a first aspect ratio
defined
as the ratio of the length of the vertical or y-axis / length of the
horizontal or x-axis;
(ii) providing a plurality of digital image plates, where each image plate has
a
sequential ascending plate number, said plates having a first aspect ratio, of
the
same value as the source image frame, defined as the ratio of the length of
the
vertical or y-axis / length of the horizontal or x-axis; (iii) vertically
slicing each of
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said sequential source image frames along said x-axis to provide X slices of
equal
width, from each of said source image frames, where each slice has a frame
number and a sequential -ascending image slice position number; (iv)
vertically
slicing each of said sequential image plates along said x-axis to provide X
digital
slices of equal width, within each of said image plates, where each plate
slice has
an ascending plate number and a sequential ascending plate slice position
number; (v) distributing said X image slices of each source image frame over X
number of sequential image plates, where the resulting numeric plate
destination
of each image slice can be determined by the addition of its source image
frame
1o number and its relative image frame slice number less one integer and where
its'
numeric source image frame slice position determines its relative numeric
plate
slice position within the defined image plate destination; and (vi) increasing
said
aspect ratio of each of said sequential digital image plate by a pre-selected
factor
Y to a second aspect ratio to provide a plurality of distorted digital image
plates.
Preferably, X is an integer selected from 4 - 720, more preferably 15 -60.
The invention further provides a method and a process for refining a value for
X,
wherein the following variables are defined (a) the desired optimum focal
plane or
viewing distance from the image plate substrate, (b) the desired optimum
viewable
image width, IW, when viewed from the optimum focal plane, expressed in
inches,
(c) the display technology, as well as its respective display resolution,
preferably
defined as dots per inch, DPI, and (d) the pixel resolution of the source
image
frames, along the x-axis, IPR. One can then define the resultant display image
plate width, defined as the quotient of (a) the pixel resolution of a source
image
frame along the x-axis, IRP and (b) the DPI of the displayer. The value of X
can
then be expressed as the quotient of (a) the desired optimum viewable image
width and (b) the resultant display image plate width. It is preferable to
select or
adjust a value for X such that the resultant vale of IRP divided b X result in
an
integer. The process maybe reduced to the following formula X =IW/{IRP/DPI}.
The invention provides a method and process to increase relative frame
3o rates and reduce the strobing effect which may result when the apparatus is
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viewed at slow rates of travel, wherein both the width of the image plate and
the
distance between aperture centers are both reduced by a compression factor, CF
representing the size of the compressed source image as a decimal value of its
original width. In a linear application of the Zoetrope or Stroboscope, there
exists
a one to one relationship between the number of image frames or image plates
and the number linear apertures. Any reduction in the width of the image plate
therefore requires a proportionate reduction in the distance between aperture
centers, which can be achieved by a reduction in the width of the aperture
filters,
which separate the apertures themselves. The width of the resultant image
plates
1o may be reduced in width, by first reducing the width of the source image
frames,
wherein the x axis of the source image frame is digitally compressed to occupy
a
lesser percentage of its original width, allowing for a proportional reduction
of the
width of aperture centers, thereby reducing filter interference when the
animation is
viewed at slow rates of travel.
1s The viewers' relative rate of travel and width of the aperture filters
determine
the relative frame rate of the animation. High rates of travel and narrow
aperture
filters may result in inappropriately high frame rates, which are in excess of
the
original animation frame rate, causing the animation sequence to progress at
an
unintended high rate.
20 The invention therefore provides a method for adjusting inappropriate frame
rates, wherein the resultant frame rate approximates the original source frame
rate
(in other words, the frame rate presenting the original animated image or
video
footage) by (i) first taking the display width of an image plate, determined
by the
quotient of the x-axis resolution of the source image frames expressed in
pixels,
25 and the x-axis resolution of the selected display technology expressed as
number
of dots per inch, DPI, (ii) determining the default observed frame rate by
taking the
quotient of the image plate display width, expressed in inches, and the
expected
velocity of the viewer relative to the image plate substrate, expressed in
inches per
second, (iii) determining the frame rate of the original source image frames,
3o expressed as frames per second and (iv) taking a quotient of the default
observed
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frame rate, and the frame rate of the original source image frames, (v)
reducing
the resultant value to its nearest integer referred to as M the resultant
frame
multiple and (vi) creating M sequential multiples of each discrete source
image
frame prior to creating a series of image plates.
In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a method and a process for
determining a value Y by which the image plates are to be elongated; a method
wherein Y can be expressed as product of the relative reduction to the width
of the
original source image frames, represented by the factor CF and expressed as
decimal, multiplied by the value of X. Where no compression or magnification
is
1o applied to the source image frames along the x-axis to effect effective
frame rates
and aperture filter widths, the value of CF is 1 and thereby Y assumes the
value of
X.
In a preferred aspect, the plurality of sequential digitized image plates is
transferred to a substrate adapted to receive the images by printing methods
as
hereinbefore stated.
Thus, the invention in the aforesaid preferred aspect further comprises
providing a method and a process of creating an aperture plate having a
plurality
of parallax scanning filters comprised of pairs of longitudinal apertures and
filters,
placed in longitudinal alignment,, wherein each of the apertures, is so
disposed
relative to the display substrate as to provide a plurality of lines of sight,
through a
corresponding plurality of apertures, to discrete and distinct longitudinal
subset
arrays of sequential image plates so disposed on the display substrate, as to
operably effect persistence of vision.
In a preferred planar or linear construction, from any given viewpoint, each
subsequent aperture will provide a slightly different angle of view to the
display
substrate. Each subsequent longitudinal view provided through each series of
subsequent longitudinal apertures will therefore reveal a longitudinal scan of
subsequently different longitudinal sections of subsequent image plates. As a
viewer travels a distance equal to the width of an image plate along the path
of
trajectory, the resulting compilation of subset arrays views observed
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simultaneously through a plurality of subsequent apertures, on a plurality of
subsequent image plates, produce by the method described above, will return
the
desired discrete and complete source image frame.
In other words, the apertures allow the viewer to scan a set of individual
slices of the same image frame in a given position along a travel path. If the
viewer changes his position along his travel path, so too will the set of
individual
slices change. As the viewer advances from one position to another
sequentially
along his travel path, the sets of individual slices will sequentially change.
The
viewer's persistence of vision will thus present an animation from one
singular
to image frame to the next.
In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a display assembly comprising
a planar substrate bearing a plurality of sequential, digitized substrate
image
plates; a planar front member disposed parallel to and at a front distance
from said
substrate. Said planar front member, comprises providing a plurality of
parallax
scanning filters comprised of pairs of longitudinal apertures and filters,
placed in
longitudinal alignment, wherein each of the apertures, is so disposed relative
to the
display substrate as to provide a plurality of lines of sight, through a
plurality of
apertures, to discrete and distinct longitudinal subset arrays, of sequential,
image
plates so disposed on the display substrate, as to operably provide an
instantaneous transition between said discrete and distinct portions when
illuminated and when (a) viewed through said apertures and (b) when masked by
said front member as to effect persistence of vision to an observer; and
constitute
a plurality of parallax scanning filters.
Perpendicular slits or slots in relatively "thick" aperture plates of
perceptible
depth as in the prior art involve two opposing surfaces or planes, an outer,
viewer
facing plane and an inner, image facing plane, where the slit or slot
perforates both
inner and outer surfaces of a single planar substrate and where the two
surfaces
are separated by a perceptible thickness. Slits or slots in aperture plates of
perceptible depth, results in a restricted range of angles through which the
viewer
is provided a limited range longitudinal views to the image contained behind
each
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aperture. The invention provides a method of creating an aperture plate having
thin aperture filters, wherein the viewer is provided a significantly broader
range of
views as a result.
In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a display assembly comprising
5 a substrate bearing a plurality of sequential digitized substrate images and
a front
member disposed parallel and spaced from the substrate. The substrate images
are sliced and the slices are distributed along the substrate in a
predetermined
pattern. The planar front member has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of
parallax
scanning filters is provided along the longitudinal axis. Each scanning filter
has a
to pair of spaced filter elements to form an elongate aperture. The apertures
are
positioned relative to the substrate images to provide a plurality of lines of
sight to
discrete slices of the images so disposed on the display to present,
collectively,
one of the images. Thus, a viewer walking along a travel path relative to the
front
member and viewing the substrate images through the parallax scanning filters
will
15 be presented with the sequential digitized substrate images.
Preferably, the substrate and the front member are planar and the travel
path linear, though other configurations may also be employed in some cases.
Preferably, the front member is substantially transparent with a front surface
facing the viewer's travel path and a rear surface facing the images. The
parallax
scanning filters are formed by applying a film of opaque material on either
the front
surface, the rear surface or both. Desirably, the film is as thin as
practically and
economically achievable.
When the film is applied to both the front and rear surfaces, the so-formed
apertures on the front surface may be positioned relative to the apertures on
the
rear surface. For example, the apertures on the front surface may be either
aligned with or staggered relative to, the apertures on the rear surface.
Doing so
will control the angle, at which the viewer can view the image slices through
the
apertures, on either side of an "aperture axis" (or "direction of focus")
extending
through each aperture.
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When the apertures on the front surface as aligned with the apertures on
the rear surface, the "aperture axis" will be perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of
the front member.
Alternatively, the so-formed apertures on the front surface may be
staggered (to the right or left) relative to the apertures on the rear
surface, thus
shifting the "aperture axis" to a degree corresponding to the stagger (in
other
words the greater the stagger the steeper the "aperture axis").
In a preferred aspect the invention provides an aperture plate, providing a
to plurality of directional focuses to the animation sequence and a plurality
of lines of
sight, from the viewers line of trajectory to the image plate substrate,
further
comprising a succession substantially opaque filters in longitudinal
alignment,
wherein each of said opaque filters has a corresponding and adjacent plurality
of
longitudinal, preferably optically clear, translucent apertures, wherein said
opaque
filters are applied as a preferably thin film, upon a translucent preferably
optically
clear support substrate.
Preferably, the substantially opaque filters are thin, more preferably as thin
as practically or economically achievable (or both) given the materials being
used
to prepare the aperture plate. The filter may, for example, have a thickness
ranging from about 0.0001 to 0.01 inch, for example, and can include such
things
as a vinyl applique applied on a LEXAN (a trade name) substrate, a layer of
glass
frit fired to a film on a glass substrate, or a paint or other thin coating
otherwise
applied to a transparent substrate such as LEXAN, PLEXIGLASS (both trade
names), glass or the like. However, a range of other techniques may be devised
to provide even thinner layers. In a further preferred aspect, the invention
provides
a method of creating a display assembly with a plurality of directional
focuses
provided by an aperture apparatus having a single aperture plate providing a
range
of views, said the apparatus having of a plurality of thin aperture filters,
where the
aperture filters preferably abut but do not intersect the areas between the
opening
lines of sight and closing lines of sight, where each diagonal and
intersecting line
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of sight terminates at the outer limits of the x-axis of the image plates
width and
commence along the viewers trajectory of travel, where the commencement
points are separated by a distance defined to be the product of the multiple
of'(a)
the variable X as defined above and (b) the display width of the image plates,
and
where the aperture plate separates the viewers plane of trajectory, from the
image
plate substrate, as to provide a plurality of lines of sight, to discreet and
distinct
portions of the sequential image plates on the substrate through the apertures
to
the substrate, as to operably effect persistence of vision and provide an
animated
sequence of the image plates. The aperture filters are preferably placed in
close
to proximity to the axis of the intersecting lines of sight, in order to
minimize the
resulting width of the apertures, thereby improving perceptible clarity of the
image.
By providing an aperture plate consisting of aperture filters of minimal
thickness, and thereby providing the viewer' a plurality of predominant focus
angles, the viewer is permitted to simultaneously view, by virtue of
peripheral sight,
animation sequences that were just previously seen in the predemonant
direction
of focus as well animation sequences that will be momentarily aligned with the
predominant direction of focus.
In the case of a directional aperture plate the viewer is permitted to view
essentially only a single animation sequence at a singular direction of focus.
The
remainder of the apparatus will appear to be blank and dark. In contrast, an
aperture plate offering a multidirectional focus will allow the viewer to
observe
images in all parts of the apparatus simultaneously, where adjacent animation
sequences abut one another.
In a further preferred aspect, the invention provides a method of spacing
second order images, wherein the resulting proximity of perceptible
observation of
adjacent images may be decreased, by appending an opaque vertical bar to both
sides of each source image prior to construction of their respective image
plates.
In other words, a vertical black (or other suitable coloured) bar of 0.2
inches added
to both sides of each source image frame, prior to creating image plates.
whose
width is assumed to 1.2 inches, when viewed through the apparatus with a
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perceived image width of 36, will now appear to have a 12 inch black
separation
between subsequent animation sequences. ((0.2+0.2)/1.2)x36.
In a further preferred aspect, the invention provides a method of creating an
aperture plate, providing a desired directional focus and a plurality of lines
of sight,
from the viewers line of trajectory to the image plate substrate, wherein the
aperture filters abut both the opening and closing lines of adjacent image
frames
but do not intersect the area between the opening lines of sight and closing
lines of
sight, where each diagonal and intersecting line of sight terminate at the
outer
1o limits of an image plate and commence along the viewers trajectory of
travel,
where the commencement points are separated by a distance defined to be the
product of the multiple of (a) the variable X and (b) the display width of the
image
plate, where the line bisecting the angle of intersection of the opening line
of sight
and the closing line of sight defines the direction of focus and where the
aperture
plates separates the viewers plane of trajectory, from the image plate
substrate, as
to provide a unobstructed and limited plurality of lines of sight, to discreet
and
distinct portions of said sequential, image plates on said substrate through
said
apertures to said substrate, as to operably effect persistence of vision and
provide
an animated sequence of said image plates.
In a further preferred aspect, the invention provides a method of creating a
display assembly wherein the predominant direction of focus may be controlled
by
the configuration of the aperture filters and where there exists a plurality
of lines of
sight, from the viewers line of trajectory to the image plate substrate, said
method
comprising a plurality of filter configurations, wherein the aperture filters
are
required to abut both the opening and closing lines of adjacent image frames
but
not intersect the area between the opening lines of sight and closing lines of
sight,
where each diagonal and intersecting line of sight terminate at the outer
limits of
an image plate and commence along the viewers trajectory of travel, where the
commencement, points are separated by a distance defined to be the product of
the multiple of (a) the variable X and (b) the display width of the image
plate,
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where the line bisecting the angle of intersection of the opening line of
sight and
the closing line of sight defines the direction of focus and where the
aperture
plates separates the viewers plane of trajectory, from the image plate
substrate, as
to provide plurality of lines of sight, to discreet and distinct portions of
the
sequential image plates on the substrate through the apertures to the
substrate,
as to operably effect persistence of vision and provide an animated sequence
of
the image plates.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of
1o providing animation, comprising:
- providing a plurality of source image frames, where each frame has a
sequential ascending frame number;
- slicing the frames into an equal number of frame elements;
- providing a plurality of image receiving zones;
- dividing the zones into an equal number of sectors, wherein the frame
elements and sectors are equal;
- locating each frame element into a corresponding sector, so that the frame
elements are distributed, in order, in an equal number of sectors, where
each frame element occupies a position in the sector corresponding to its
position in the image, thereby forming a set of zones containing the
successive frame elements; and
- staggering the set of zones for each frame according to its corresponding
frame number.
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The optimum focal `line' or 'plane' is the distance from the image-bearing
substrate to the location at which an observer sees the normal or intended
view of
the images having the proper, true and desired aspect ratio. Viewing the
images
nearer the substrate than at the optimal focal distance provides a compressed
5 image of greater aspect ratio, whereas viewing the images at a greater
distance
provides an elongated image of reduced aspect ratio. We have found that
practical satisfactory viewing of the plurality of sequential, digitized
substrate
images is possible at distances up to at least 50% of the optimum focal
distance
when the latter is of the order of 2 = 3 meters, though other distances may
also be
io suitable.
The term "aperture" includes slits, slots, perforations, openings and
the like of a continuous length (height) or a plurality of intermittent,
discrete
perforations and the like which to the eye of an observer or viewer provides
the
same visual effect as a continuous slit. For example, a suitable aperture
horizontal
15 width from about 0.2 to about 1.5 mm may be selected, though other
dimensions
may also be used.
The term "image" includes, for example, but is not limited thereto, a design,
letter, word, logo, picture, shape, outline, however formed, of any color(s)
and the
like, or combinations thereof. The image may be disposed on the inner or outer
20 surface or within the body of the substrate, or combinations thereof. Thus,
it may
be printed, carved or the like on or in the substrate, or combinations
thereof. The
term "bearing" in this specification includes one or more of these
dispositions.
The device may include a compartment containing the substrate bearing the
image. The latter may be illuminated by any lighting means within the
compartment or, preferably behind the substrate, which defines the image as to
be
seen by an observer through the apertures.
The system may be self-supporting or received by a retaining wall,
framework or like structure. The system may be either stationary or operably
movable relative to an observer.
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The term "sequential" when used is association with the term "image plates"
in this specification is defined as meaning the specific order of arranging
the image
slices, one slice adjacent to another, to effect the production of the
resultant
desired image as to be viewed by an observer in accordance with the practice
of
the invention, as herein below defined.
Thus, the series of progressive image frames numbered sequentially in
ascending order starting with the numeral 1, are sliced into X number of
vertical
subsets of equal width, wherein each'slice contained within a source image
frame
is numbered sequentially in ascending order starting with the numeral 1, and
each
to slice assumes an image plate position on the basis of the following
sequence;
wherein the plate position of each original slice is derived by the addition
of its
image frame number and its slice position within the image frame less the
integer
one.
For example, slice position 6 of image frame 7 would retain the same slice
position but located in image plate 12, likewise slice position 4 of image
frame 20
would be positioned in image plate 23.
In more detail, where x is equal to 6,
Frame 1, Slice 1 would be positioned in Image Plate 1 Slice 1;
Frame 1, Slice 2 would be positioned in Image Plate 2 Slice 2;
Frame 1, Slice 3 would be positioned in Image Plate 3 Slice 3;
Frame 1, Slice 4 would be positioned in Image Plate 4 Slice 4;
Frame 1, Slice 5 would be positioned in Image Plate 5 Slice 5;
Frame 1, Slice 6 would be positioned in Image Plate 6 Slice 6;
Frame 2, Slice 1 would be positioned in Image Plate 2 Slice 1;
Frame 2, Slice 2 would be positioned in Image Plate 3 Slice 2;
Frame 2, Slice 3 would be positioned in Image Plate 4 Slice 3;
Frame 2, Slice 4 would be positioned in Image Plate 5 Slice 4;
Frame 2, Slice 5 would be positioned in Image Plate 6 Slice 5;
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Frame 2, Slice 6 would be positioned in Image Plate 7 Slice 6;
Frame 3, Slice 1 would be positioned in Image Plate 3 Slice 1;
Frame 3, Slice 2 would be positioned in Image Plate 4 Slice 2;
Frame 3, Slice 3 would be positioned in Image Plate 5 Slice 3;
Frame 3, Slice 4 would be positioned in Image Plate 6 Slice 4;
Frame 3, Slice 5 would be positioned in Image Plate 7 Slice 5;
Frame 3, Slice 6 would be positioned in Image Plate 8 Slice 6;
Frame 4, Slice I would be positioned in Image Plate 4 Slice 1
etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred
embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings wherein: -
Fig. I (i) illustrates two sequential source image frames;
Fig 1 (ii illustrates two sequential image plates;
Fig I (iii) illustrates vertically slicing a source image frame;
Fig 1(iv) illustrates vertically slicing an image plate;
Fig 1(v) illustrates the distribution of images slices over a sequence of
image
plates;
Fig 1 (vi) illustrates a vertical elongation of two image plates;
Fig. 2 illustrates a sequence of image plates, which will result from the
process of
treating a sequence of 8 source image frames;
Fig. 3 illustrates the compression of two source frames where the compression
factor CF is set to .5 or 50%;
Fig. 4 illustrates a method of reducing the effective frame rate of an
apparatus;
3o Fig. 4a illustrates a number of source image frames in another arrangement;
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Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view indicating the plurality of discrete views
afforded
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
according to the invention;
Fig. 6 illustrates the purpose and benefit of creating image plates from
source
image frames;
Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a display apparatus wherein the aperture
plate is
comprised of thin aperture filters;
Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of establishing the location of opening and
closing
to lines of sight relative to a pre-selected predominant directional focus;
Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of 4 possible aperture filter
configurations utilized
to create a directional aperture plates; and
Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of, a directional aperture plate comprised
of thin
aperture filters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Within the geometry of the Stroboscope or parallax, one observes a direct
relationship between actual image widths and perceived image widths, relative
to
aperture distances and viewing distances. In order for the image to be
perceived
in its original width, the distance between the viewer and the aperture and
the
distance between aperture and the actual image need to be substantially equal
as
per the laws of geometry. Observing an actual Stroboscope, one will notice
that as
the distance from which the Stroboscope is viewed increases, the wider
objects.
appear. A circular object will transform into a wide ball or oval and that the
greater
the distance between viewer and aperture, the more elongated the oval becomes,
along the x-axis. Therefore proportions of the image may require prior
alteration in
order to appear natural at a specified and desired viewing distance from the
3o aperture, as will be discussed herein below.
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In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a
plurality of sequential source image frames, in progressive stages of
movement, to
produce a resultant plurality of sequential image plates, to be transferred to
a
display substrate. The resultant image plates when viewed through a. planar or
s linear zoetrope or stroboscope permit a viewer, in a state of relative
motion, to
scan congruent collections of longitudinal arrays located throughout a
multiple of
the sequential image plates. Each series of image plate longitudinal array
subsets,
collectively combine to form an original source image frame.
In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of constructing an
to image display apparatus namely a linear zoetrope or stroboscope with an
aperture
plate of less restricted angles of view and multiple orientations of the
predominant
direction of focus.
In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of constructing an
image display apparatus namely a 'linear zoetrope or stroboscope with an
aperture
15 plate of restricted range of angles of view and a specific orientation of
directional
focus.
There are numerous utilities for one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, where an observer is in a state of relative motion with respect to
the
illumination of a series of images. These applications, include, but are not
limited
20 to, the following examples, namely, walkways, moving sidewalks, escalators,
subway tunnel walls, railway systems, light rapid transit systems, shuttles
systems,
vehicular tunnels, personal transport systems, elevator shafts, theme park
rides
and illuminated displays with content that pertains to, advertising,
entertainment or
that of an informational basis.
25 One embodiment of the present invention provides one or more of the
following technical effects or benefits:
1. It preferably eliminates an inappropriate plurality of sight lines to a
collection of incongruent longitudinal arrays positioned throughout
a plurality of sequential image frames, where the image frames
30 depict progressive stages of movement.
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2. It preferably presents the viewer at an expected distance from the
aperture with a clean transition from one given image source
frame to its subsequent image source frame.
3. It preferably prevents, or minimizes, any loss of original discreet
5. or quantified image pixel information as a result of compressing
the image for eventual magnification.
4. It preferably requires the viewer to process a lesser number of
discrete source image frames simultaneously.
5. It preferably provides the viewer with a crisper image than that of
10 a linear stroboscope or zoetrope.
6. It preferably allows the image content to change rapidly from
frame to frame even when viewed a slow rate of relative
movement.
7. It preferably provides the viewer with crisper imagery at slower
15 speeds than a linear stroboscope or zoetrope.
8. It preferably offers greater control over range of viewing angles
while reducing restrictions imposed by material thickness utilized
to construct or support aperture filters,
9. It preferably offers a variety of different angles of view
20 10. It preferably - offers a more comfortable or practical range of
viewing angles, resulting from a greater range of predominant
directional focus.
11. It optionally limits the viewers' sight from viewing beyond an
intended image width.
25 A method of treating a plurality of still images to produce a plurality of
sequential, image plates for use in providing an animated display is
illustrated in
Figs. 1 (i) to 1 (iv). Figure 1 (i) depicts a plurality of source image
frames, where
each frame is assigned a sequential ascending frame number, SIF 1, SIF 2 etc.
The frames have a first aspect ratio defined as the ratio of the length of the
vertical
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or y-axis of 480 pixels / length of the horizontal or x-axis of 720 pixels,
whose result
is 480 pixels / 720 pixels or 2/3.
Figure 1(ii) depicts a plurality of digital image plates, where each image
plate has a sequential ascending plate number IP1, IP 2 etc, the plates having
a
first aspect ratio, of the same value as the source image frames, defined as
the
ratio of the length of the vertical or y-axis / length of the horizontal or x-
axis;
Figure 1(iii) depicts vertically slicing each of the sequential source image
frames along the x-axis to provide X slices of equal width, where the value of
X is
assumed to be set to 4 and, where each slice is assigned a frame number and a
io sequential ascending image slice position number, where the first integer
of each
slice represents the frame number and the second integer represents the slice
position within the frame.
Figure 1(iv) depicts vertically slicing each of the sequential image plates
along the x-axis to provide X digital slices of equal width, within each of
the image
plates, where each plate slice has an ascending plate number and a sequential
ascending plate slice position number; and
Figure 1(v) depicts the distribution of the X image slices of each source
image frame over X number of sequential image plates, where the resulting
numeric plate destination of each image slice can be determined by the
addition of
its source image frame number and its relative image frame slice number less
one
integer and where its' numeric source image frame slice position determines
its
relative numeric plate slice position within the defined image plate
destination.
Slice 4 of frame 1 is thereby relocated to Image plate 4 and remains in its
original
slice position 4; and
Figure 1(vi) depicts increasing the aspect ratio of each of the sequential
digital image plate by a pre-selected factor Y, where Y is assumed to be 'set
to 4,
to a second aspect ratio to provide a plurality of distorted digital image
plates;
Figure 2 depicts the creation of several image plates from a sequential set
of 8 source image frames where the value of X and Y are both assumed to be set
to 4 and illustrates that number of image plates required to process a certain
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number of image frames will exceed the number of source image frames by a
value equal to X less one integer. Where the number of source image frames is
8
the number of image plates required to process all source image frames where X
is set to 4 would therefore be 11.
A value for X can be determined by the quotient of (a) the desired optimum
viewable image width, herein assumed to be 36 inches and (b) the resultant
width
of a printed or displayed resultant image plate, where the width of the
resultant
image plate is further determined by the quotient of the pixel resolution of a
source
image frame along the x axis, herein assumed to be 720 pixels and, the DPI of
the
io display technology or printer, herein assumed to be 600 Dpi resulting in an
image
plate width of 720/600 or 1.2 inches. A value for X herein can then be
expressed
as, 36/1.2 or the integer 30.
It is preferable to select or adjust the value for X, where the division of
the
pixel resolution of the source image frame, along the X-axis by the value of
X, shall
is result in a slice width of integer pixels. Where the selection of X results
in a value
other than an integer, original source resolution may be compromised during
the
process of image plate creation. Where the image plate resolution is defined
to be
720 pixels along the x-axis, suitable values for x are as follows:
20 4 4/720 = 180
5 5/720 = 144
6 6/720 = 120
8 8/720 = 90
10/720 = 72
25 12 12/720 = 60
15/720 = 48
20/720 = 36
24 24/720 = 30
30/720 = 24
30 40 40/720 = 18
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60 60/720 = 12
120 120/720 = 6
The anticipated frame rate of the apparatus can be determined by taking
the quotient of the image plate display width, herein determined to be 1.2
inches,
and the expected velocity of the viewer relative to the image plate substrate,
herein
assumed to be 2 mph or 35.2 inches per second resulting in an effective frame
rate of 29.33 frames per second, 35.2/1.2. Where the anticipated velocity of
the
viewer maybe 8 mph or 140.8 inches per second the anticipated frame rate is
l0 140.8/1.2 or 117.336 frames per second. The effective frame rate of the
apparatus may not always correspond to the intended or recorded frame rate of
the sequential progression of movement depicted in the source image frames.
It is possible to create source image frame based on the anticipated frame
rate of the apparatus. Alternatively, by evaluating the intended or original
source
frame rate, herein assumed to be 29.33 frames per second, relative to the
anticipated frame rate of the apparatus, it is possible , to compensate for
inappropriate frame rates.
Compressing the width of the source image prior to creating image plates
will result in a proportional increase in the effective frame rate of the
apparatus.
The compressing factor, herein referred to as OF, represents the size of the
compressed source image frame as a decimal value of its original width. The
narrower the image plate width the narrower the distance between aperture
centers and therefore the less noticeable aperture filters become, when
viewing
the apparatus at slow speeds.
Compressing the source image frames by a factor of 50%, where CF is
equal to .5, as depicted in figure 3 will result in a doubling of the
effective frame
rate of the apparatus. In this example a frame rate of 29.33 will result in an
effective frame rate of the apparatus of 58.66.
Where the effective frame rate of the apparatus is excessive relative to the
intended or original source frame rates, it is possible to replace each source
image
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frame with a multiple thereof, prior to creating the desired image plates. The
multiple can be determined by taking a quotient of; the default observed
'frame
rate, and the frame rate of the original source image frames and reducing the
resultant value to its nearest integer referred to as M the resultant frame
multiple.
s Assuming an anticipated apparatus frame rate of 117.36 frames per second
where the frame rate of the original source image frames is assumed to be
29.33,
expressed as frames per second it can be determined that each source image
frame should be replaced with a multiple of 4 of the same image frame, the
integer
value of 117.36/29.33 or 4.0459862, as depicted in figure 4. The resulting
effect
to will reduce the rate of progressive change in movement from one frame to
the next
by a factor of 4, closely approximating the original intended source frame
rate.
It should be noted that the process of creating image plates must be
subsequent to any modification of the source image frames, where no
distinction is
made between a singular, unique and original source image frame or a resultant
15 sequence of image frames also referred to as source image frames for the
purpose of creating image plates, , where the widths of singular, unique and
original source image frames may have been altered from the original, to
reduce
aperture filter widths, or singular, unique and original source image frame
now
appear to be separated by multiple copies of each singular, unique and
original
20 source image frame, in order to reduce the resultant frame rates, or where
singular, unique and original source image frame have been modified with the
addition of a black vertical bar(as shown in figure 4a) to result in a
separation of
sequential animation sequences viewed when see through a multidirectional
aperture plate described as having a multidirectional focus and the like.
25 The value of Y, the factor by which image plates must be elongated along
the y-axis can be determined as a product of the Compression Factor, CF and
the
value of X. Where source image frames are converted to image plates and no
prior modification to source image frame widths has occurred Y is set to the
value
of X.
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Once all of the desired source image frames, altered or original as the case
may be, have been converted to a sequence of image plates the file is ready to
be
transferred to a display substrate, preferably a print substrate, for display
within a
display apparatus appropriately configured to effect persistence of vision,
s preferably a linear configuration of a zoetrope or stroboscope
In a linear configuration of a zoetrope or stroboscope, as depicted in plan
view by figure 5, a sequence of source image frames, SIF1 to 6, are placed in
front
of a light source - LS and behind a planar aperture plate - AP, having of an
opaque
substrate, with a series of longitudinal apertures A, formed by slits or slots
or
io perforations and separated by aperture filters - AF, all within a
compartment
shown in dashed lines at 10 with mounting means I Oa, 1 Ob, and 1 Oc for
mounting
the light source, the substrate 12 carrying the source image frames and the
aperture plate AP. Centered, behind each aperture - A, there exists a source
image frame SIF 1 to 6, where each sequential image is in a progressive stage
of
15 motion. Figure 6 illustrates how the depth of the aperture plate AP, and
the width
of the apertures A, determine the limit or range of angles through which the
viewer,
traveling along the line of trajectory DT, is permitted lines of sight or a
longitudinal
scan of the source image frames, SIF 1 through 6. The range of angles is
further
determined by the angle of intersection of the opening line of sight OLS and
the,
20 closing line of sight CLS., as shown in figure 7 Source image frame 6,
SIF6,
maybe observed while advancing from the intersection of the opening line of
sight -
OLS and the trajectory or direction of travel - DT, to the intersection of the
closing
line of sight - CIS and the trajectory or direction of travel - DT. In order
to
minimize our reliance on peripheral eyesight in order to view source image
frames
25 in their entirety thorough the apertures A, one would need to direct our
focus in a
predominantly perpendicular direction to the apparatus as indicated by the
line DF.
Figure 6 illustrates two versions of a linear zoetrope or stroboscope. As will
be described, the upper section of figure 6 shows the conventional method of
presenting a series of images while the lower section illustrates an improved
3o arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, in
the
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upper section. of figure 6, one will note that as the viewer proceeds along
the line of
trajectory DT the viewer is afforded a multitude of lines of sight through
multiple
apertures distributed along the aperture plate AP. As the viewer travels from
point H to point I, the adjacent apertures on the left will reveal a
longitudinal scan
s of an incongruent collection of image slices belonging to discrete source
image
frames, numbered SIF 6 through to SIF 9. While the visual information provided
allows the viewer to make some sense of the intended sequence of images the
organization of the visual information and the timing of its delivery results
in a more
problematic interpretation of the visual information provided.
On the other hand, in the lower section of Figure 6, as the viewer moves
from point J to K, the adjacent aperture on the left will reveal a
longitudinal scan of
congruent collection of image slices belonging to unique and sequential source
image frames, dispersed on image plates IP 1 through to IP 4. As a result of
reordering source image frame slices onto sequential image plates, the timing
of
1s the delivery of image slices ensures that from point J to K the viewer is
provided
with a longitudinal scan of image slices from a sequential series of unique
source
image frames. The result is a clear transition from one source image frame to
the
next.
Fig 7 illustrates a preferred method of constructing an aperture plate,
wherein the range of views and direction of focus are significantly less
restrictive.
In Fig 7, opaque filters AF are applied as a preferably thin film, upon a
translucent
preferably optically clear support substrate TS, such as glass, LEXAN (a trade
name), or other transparent plastic materials, for example, having dimensions
ranging from to, for example. The application of thin film aperture filters as
indicated in Fig 7 now permits the opening line of sight to optionally shift
from OLS
1 (as established by the dimensions of the relatively thick aperture plate AP
of
figure 5) to OLS2, the closing line of sight to optionally shift from CLS 1
(similarly
constrained by the dimensions of the aperture plate AP in figure 5) to CLS 2,
allowing the viewer to observe source image frame 6 SIF, or preferably IP 6,
in a.
more forward direction as opposed to an adjacent direction as indicated by DF
1.
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In some instances it may be desirable to shift the predominant direction of
focus while still limiting the range of views. This objective may be achieved
by first
establishing a desired and predominant direction or line of focus, as
illustrated by
the line DF1 in figure 8, where the commencement of DF1 intersects the
direction
of travel and terminates at the center of an image plate or source image
frame.
Commencement of the opening and closing lines of sight, CLS and OLS may now
be established along the direction of travel DT equidistant from the
intersection of
direction of focus DF1 along the direction of travel DT and separated by a
distance
equal to the desired image width, when viewed along the trajectory of travel
DT.
1o The opening line of sight and closing line of sight shall terminate at the
outer limits
of the width of the source image frame SIF or preferably the image plate. The
axis of the parallax is now established at the intersection of both opening
and
closing lines of sight.
A directional aperture filter of a limited range of views may now be
constructed provided the aperture filter makes contact but does not intersect
the
opening and closing lines of sight of two adjacent image plates or source
image
frames as illustrated in figure 9. Provided the aperture filter makes contact
but
does not intersect the opening and closing lines of sight of two adjacent
image
plates or source image frames, there exist a range of aperture filter
configurations,
which may or may not use a plurality of thin film aperture filters.
Fig 10 depicts two sets of thin aperture filters mounted on a single,
optically
clear translucent substrate, where the aperture filters makes contact but do
not
intersect the opening and closing lines of sight of two adjacent image plates
or
source image frames. Fig 10 further illustrates that with the direction of
focus
shifted from a predominantly perpendicular direction of focus, it is no longer
possible to view the image plate substrate from a predominantly perpendicular
direction of focus.
Thus, the aperture plate may be made using a single thin film substantially
opaque layer on one side of a substantially transparent substrate by applying
such
3o a single thin film on both sides of the substrate. In the latter case, the
resulting
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slits formed in the thin film layers may be offset from one another to control
the
direction of focus.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently
considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the
contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and
equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The
scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so
as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
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