Television – Special applications – Object or scene measurement
Reexamination Certificate
1990-01-05
2001-04-17
Hsia, Sherrie (Department: 2614)
Television
Special applications
Object or scene measurement
C348S161000, C348S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219093
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device and method for creation of a fascimile of one or more selected images, which may or may not be moveable within a field of images. More particularly this invention relates to a method and device for selecting one or more images from a field, tracking the image, creating a facsimile of the image and continuously updating the facsimile as the image changes. Still more particularly and with reference to but one embodiment of the present invention a device and method are set forth for selecting an image, creating a real-time fascimile of the selected image at an opaque electro-optical device such as an LCD and projecting electromagnetic radition including coherent or incoherent visable light through the device to illuminate the selected image and minimize the shadow created by the illumination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With reference to but one specific embodiment of the present invention, it has been long known to illuminate an entertainer on stage using one or more spotlights. As the entertainer moves and traverses the stage, the spotlights are manipulated to follow him or her. This illumination of the entertainer, while attenuated by the use of several spotlights, results in overspotting which creates shadows cast on the stage or backdrop. While the beams from the spotlights may be focused, illumination of the entertainer and his or her limbs creates the aforesaid shadows and spotting. These shadows can detract from the entertainer and may cause reflections or other problems during filming or videotaping. Heretofore there has been no satisfactory means to illuminate the movable entertainer so as to eliminate shadows and spotting. Further it has been necessary to provide lighting personnel at each spotlight to track the entertainer and focus the beam. This increases the labor costs for lighting and also restricts the placement of the spotlights in that sufficient space must be provided to accommodate the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is therefore provided according to but one aspect of the present invention a device and method to select one or several images (eg. an entertainer) from a field of images (eg. the stage and props) and to create a transparent facsimile or silhouette which changes in accordance to the movement of the entertainer. Illuminating light or other forms of radiation is projected and focused through the facsimile to illuminate only the form of the entertainer thereby eliminating or minimizing the casting of shadows and spotting. In a further aspect of the present invention, if the selected image is movable within the field, tracking is provided through image recognition and comparison or by an interactive locator or by pre-programming the movements of the image to correspond to predetermined movements and changes in form of the image. In a more broad aspect of the present invention, a device and method are set forth for creating a facsimile or silhouette of the image. For example in animation, an animal may be the selected image. Following the movements of the animal a facsimile or silhouette of the movements and form of the animal is created. By photographic or tracing or other techniques the facsimile may then be used to create an animated animal whose movements closely mimic those of the selected animal. In still a further aspect of the present invention, transparent facsimiles are created each for the colors red, green and blue of a color scene. By projecting red, green and blue light through their respective transparencies a full color image is thereby created upon a screen.
In still another aspect of the present invention x-ray or other forms of radiation may be directed through a suitable facsimile to thereby cast radiation from the source in a pattern dictated by the facsimile.
These and other feathers and advantages will become better appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to the drawings, specification and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2777011 (1957-01-01), Marks
patent: 3401262 (1968-09-01), Fergason
patent: 3986022 (1976-10-01), Hyatt
patent: 52-77699 (1977-06-01), None
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Hsia Sherrie
Light & Sound Design Ltd.
LandOfFree
Method and device for creating a facsimile of an image does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and device for creating a facsimile of an image, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and device for creating a facsimile of an image will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2446760