Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Attribute control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-26
2004-08-17
Evans, Arthur G. (Department: 2622)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Attribute control
C358S001100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06778295
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an image display prepared from a color photograph or LCD display so as to present a three-dimensional effect to the observer. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing the display of certain color photocopies.
BACKGROUND ART
Paralleling the development and acceptance of photography has been a desire to present images that appear lifelike, that is, three-dimensional. Various techniques have been conceived for creating a three-dimensional (3D) effect. Stereograms were produced by taking two photographs of the same field of view from the perspective of separate human eyes, and then displaying them separately to the eyes of the observer using a special apparatus. Holograms display impressive three-dimensional images, but a laser must be used to create the hologram.
Three-dimensional effects in motion pictures and television have also relied on complex techniques for recording and viewing the subject. The audience must wear special glasses to “decode” the special images and trick the brain into “seeing” three dimensions.
Photographic prints taken with a single lens camera present a two-dimensional image. It has been generally believed that one cannot make a hologram from a photographic print. Some contrast enhancement of black and white photographs has been obtained using the well-known process of unsharp masking, but no process is known for displaying normal color photographic prints (traditional or digital) with a three-dimensional effect. Nor is there a known process for displaying digital photographs with a three-dimensional effect.
In some commercial sales efforts, salespersons provide color photocopies of photographs to potential customers. For example, real estate agents often use color photocopies to show properties to prospects. However, non-enhanced color photocopies may not be as lifelike as the salesperson desires.
Thus, there is a need for a straightforward, inexpensive process for creating a three-dimensional effect in viewing photographs and moving images, and a further need for enhancing color photocopies of photographs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an image display with a three-dimensional effect, prepared from a color analog or digital photograph, or from a digital display screen.
This object is achieved in the present invention by superimposing color raster-pixel representations of the same field of view.
Generally described, the present invention provides an image display, comprising: a first color raster-pixel representation of a three-dimensional field of view, including depth information, presented on a two-dimensional base medium; and a second color raster-pixel representation of the three-dimensional field of view, including depth information, presented on a two-dimensional transparent cover medium; and being held in spaced apart, aligned relation to one another. A person looking at the image display from the side of the second representation perceives a three-dimensional effect.
Such an image display may be prepared, according to one embodiment of the invention, from a color photographic print, by making a color photocopy of the print on translucent paper, and then making another photocopy of the print on a transparency. The two photocopies are assembled so that the raster-pixel representations are aligned and spaced from one another. Alternatively, the image display may be prepared, according to another embodiment of the invention, from a color digital photograph. The image file is printed first on paper, and then on a transparency, using a color photocopier or a color laser printer. The representations differ in at least one optical characteristic, which may result, for example, from differences in the media on which they are presented or different parameters used in their creation.
In both of the foregoing embodiments, the two representations preferably are spaced from about 0.03 to about 0.07 inch. This spacing may be provided by the thickness of the transparency or by one or more spacers, preferably a layer of Lexan plastic and two layers of Mylar plastic between the Lexan and the paper photocopy. The three-dimensional effect is maximized by simultaneously back-lighting the paper photocopy to pass light through the translucent paper base medium and front lighting to direct light through the transparent cover medium while also illuminating the transparency.
In still another embodiment of the invention, an image display with a three-dimensional effect is prepared by superimposing two LCD displays of the same field of view. This embodiment provides three-dimensional moving images.
The present invention also provides a method of preparing an image display, comprising: inputting to a laser printing device a color image including depth information; printing a first raster-pixel representation of the color image on a base medium; printing a second raster-pixel representation of the color image on a transparent cover medium; aligning the representations and mounting them in spaced apart relation. The laser printing device may be, for example, a color photocopier or a color laser printer. In one embodiment, the inputting step comprises mounting a color photographic print in a frame including registration indicia, and exposing the mounted print in a color photocopier, such that the registration indicia appear on both of the representations; and wherein the aligning step comprises aligning the registration indicia. In another embodiment, the inputting step comprises sending a file containing a digital photographic image to a color laser printer or photocopier.
Output from color digital cameras produces a somewhat more enhanced 3D effect than that produced from color print analog cameras. This is believed due to a “pixel multiplication effect” when the color digital camera output is processed by the analog to digital color copier. Holographic phase data is believed to be recovered and displayed via raster/pixel refraction. Pixel multiplication recovers and displays more of the phase data encoded in the photographed image. A drawback to the digital camera is a slight grain to the image due to pixel multiplication.
It will therefore be understood that the present invention provides an improved method for displaying color photocopies of photographs.
Color photographic prints, unlike black and white prints, have multiple layers of photographic emulsions to record the three complementary colors that combine to represent the colors in the field of view. In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to the extraction, magnification and display of optical intensity and holographic phase data from a conventional color photograph with a color analog to digital color copying device to create the visual sensation of a 3D image to a human observer. It is believed that holographic phase and optical intensity data recovery, multiplication, and display are accomplished by optical interaction with raster and pixel patterns at the discontinuity between a translucent and transparent full color raster/pixel format copy of the original color photograph. The translucent and transparent copies of the color photograph are optically slightly dissimilar from each other, as produced by an analog to digital color copying device. The 3D image generated by this effect has characteristics of both a color hologram and a color auto stereogram and is believed to represent a hybrid between these two types of 3D images. The 3D image created by this effect has the characteristic of being sensed immediately by an observer and then gaining in strength as the observer gazes at the image. Most observers report that maximum 3D effect is reached after the observer's brain has fully assimilated the 3D image, a process taking about 60 seconds.
Referring in more detail to creating 3D effect image displays from color photographs, the first copy of the color photograph is rendered by an analog to digital color copying device in four color raster/pixel format on translucent paper with maximum sharpness an
Evans Arthur G.
Lanier Worldwide Inc.
Sutherland & Asbill & Brennan LLP
LandOfFree
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