Optics: motion pictures – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2003-09-09
2004-12-28
Gray, David (Department: 2851)
Optics: motion pictures
With support
C352S053000, C352S086000, C396S005000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06834960
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a device for taking three-dimensional views, that can be adapted more particularly to the production of VR (Virtual Reality) editions. VR editing is a computer process according to which the shots are subjected to digital processing for their visualization on a computer with the help of visualization or “viewer” software, which gives the illusion of a three-dimensional representation of the photographed reality. These three-dimensional editions are thus constructed from real photographic images, which distinguishes them from 3D digital images called synthesis images. It is a recent technique, the first VR presentations dating from the 1990s.
At present, there are known two types of VR editing: panoramic and object.
Panoramic VR is a digital representation in three dimensions of a space which is visualized on a computer screen and with which one can interact with the help of visualization or “viewer” software which simulates an immersion and a development in this space. Panoramic VR is constructed from a fixed panoramic image of the represented space. This panoramic image can cover up to 360° by 360° for spherical visualization of the space. This panoramic image can be digitally processed so as to be visualized in three dimensions with the help of visualization software.
The mechanical means for taking shots used to produce a panorama is a panoramic head. This panoramic head is a rotatable support for apparatus for taking views, permitting being able to pivot the apparatus about an axis passing through the nodal point of the object. In general, the panoramic head is graduated or notched such that the apparatus can be placed in position with sufficient precision for each shot.
The VR object is a digital representation in three dimensions of an object which is visualized on a computer and with which one can interact to manipulate it with the help of so-called “viewer” software. The VR object is constructed from a spherical series of shots of an object, namely a series of shots taken at multiple angles of view of the object. These shots are digitally processed and compiled in a single file. The user can manipulate and see the object up to 360° by 360°.
At present, the mechanical means commonly used for taking the three-dimensional views necessary for the production of a VR object, is an object rig.
FIGS. 36 and 37
show two examples of object rigs. This equipment is comprised by two elements:
a turning support
102
on which the object rests, combined with
a support
103
for the view-taking apparatus. This support for the apparatus for taking views permits placing the view-taking apparatus in several positions along a regular curve about the arc of a circle (or an elliptical arc) and the objective of the apparatus is oriented, no matter what its position along the curve, toward a focal point located on the axis of rotation of the photographed object.
This apparatus support is generally comprised by a vertically oscillating arm
102
, fixed to a base fixed to the floor; said oscillating arm carries and drives the view-taking apparatus along a rod such that its objective will always be turned toward a focal point located on the virtual axis of rotation of the object. The combination of the horizontally rotating movement of the object on its rotatable plate and of the vertical rotating movement of the view-taking apparatus on the oscillating arm, permits taking shots over all the horizontal and vertical angles defined for the production and compilation of the VR file. There are also found such supports in the form of a curved arm fixed to the floor, which arm is provided with a movable securement system for photographic apparatus which permits, by moving it along the curved arm, giving the vertical movement of rotation and inclination to the apparatus.
It will be seen that the construction of a VR object photographed with the help of this equipment has numerous drawbacks:
the object must be held such that it can turn about itself, it is thus necessarily disassociated from its environment.
as a result of this, to have a correct representation of the VR object, it is necessary to isolate the object from all the original shots before compilation, so as to avoid showing the rotating support and the fixed environment of the object. This manipulation is laborious.
The device according to the invention has for its object to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a system to produce a third type of VR images based on digital editions called VR objects.
To this end, the device according to the invention proposes combining the effects of panoramic VR shots with the effects of object VR shots, and, moreover, it is provided to permit the user if desired simultaneously to use several view-taking devices.
The invention thus proposes a device for producing spherical shots of a scene comprising a support provided with securement means for the photographic apparatus, this support being adapted to be in movement of relative rotation about a substantially vertical axis relative to the photographed scene, and on the other hand the securement means being movable in rotation relative to a substantially horizontal axis, characterized in that it is provided with means permitting suspending it above the scene to be photographed.
It also proposes a device for the production of spherical photographs of a scene, characterized in that it comprises a support provided with securement means for several view-taking devices, these devices being adapted to all be directed toward a point on the scene to be photographed and the support being adapted to move in relative rotation about a substantially vertical axis relative to the photographed scene, and in that it is provided with means permitting suspending it above the scene to be photographed.
Thus the present invention proposes an equipment-object apparatus support suspended at at least one point above the scene to be photographed and which does not rest fixedly on the floor. In a studio, for example, the object is placed in a turning plate, isolated from the rest of the view by natural partitions of its presentation. The view-taking system is immersed in the assembly of the environment without hindering the movement of rotation of the plate nor being affected by this rotative movement.
In one embodiment of the invention, the device is mounted pivotally about a vertical axis, the scene to be photographed remaining fixed. The assembly of the view-taking system thus turns about the object by means of a system of rotation. Thus, the apparatus support for the equipment-object is fixed to a point of rotation which is disposed above the object or the scene to be photographed. This system can be embodied in at least one carrying arm provided with a securement system for the photographic apparatus such that the shape of the arm combined with the shape of the components of the securement system, permits placing the apparatus used suitably for taking VR object shots.
The advantage of the point of rotation being disposed above the object is that the device according to the invention permits taking views of the object by turning the assembly of the view-taking system about the object without any structure of the system appearing in the photographic field. This was not possible with rotation guided from the floor.
The support has for example a carrying arm bent in substantially circular or elliptical arc shape, disposed in a vertical plane. In this case, the support if desired has a counterweight balancing the carrying arm relative to the suspension means.
In one embodiment, it can be provided that the securement means are movable along a guide rail in the form of an arc of a circle disposed in a vertical plane. In another embodiment, the securement means are mounted for example on an arm oscillating about a substantially horizontal axis, this arm being mounted on the support.
Preferably, the suspension means are also provided with means permitting varying the height and/or inclination of the device.
As the assembly of the device according to
Gray David
Smith Arthur A
Young & Thompson
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