CA1071448A - Projection apparatus for stereoscopic pictures - Google Patents
Projection apparatus for stereoscopic picturesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1071448A CA1071448A CA280,475A CA280475A CA1071448A CA 1071448 A CA1071448 A CA 1071448A CA 280475 A CA280475 A CA 280475A CA 1071448 A CA1071448 A CA 1071448A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lenses
- lenticular screen
- lenticules
- dimensional views
- rows
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B35/00—Stereoscopic photography
- G03B35/18—Stereoscopic photography by simultaneous viewing
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed, autostereoscopic pictures are produced by projecting a series of two-dimensional views of an object field onto a lenticular screen. Substantially uninterrupted and non-overlapping condensed, or lineiform, images of the two-dimensional views are formed beneath each lenticule of the lenticular screen by setting the number M of these images in the image band beneath each lenticule, and hence the total number of two-dimensional views projected, equal to wm, where w is the lenticule width and m is the width of each condensed image. In order to project the required number M
of two-dimensional views while avoiding gaps between adjacent condensed images, the projection lenses and the associated film frames are positioned along a plurality of adjacent, parallel, straight lines in a manner such that the apertures of the lenses are effectively in edge-to-edge contiguous relation.
In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed, autostereoscopic pictures are produced by projecting a series of two-dimensional views of an object field onto a lenticular screen. Substantially uninterrupted and non-overlapping condensed, or lineiform, images of the two-dimensional views are formed beneath each lenticule of the lenticular screen by setting the number M of these images in the image band beneath each lenticule, and hence the total number of two-dimensional views projected, equal to wm, where w is the lenticule width and m is the width of each condensed image. In order to project the required number M
of two-dimensional views while avoiding gaps between adjacent condensed images, the projection lenses and the associated film frames are positioned along a plurality of adjacent, parallel, straight lines in a manner such that the apertures of the lenses are effectively in edge-to-edge contiguous relation.
Description
BACKGROUN~) OF THE INVENTXON
Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to the production of autostereoscopic pictures of the type employing a lenticular screen.
20 More speci~cally, the invention concerns .1 . ~1 , .` `' ~
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novel apparatus for composing or projecting sueh pictures in such a way that uninterrupted and non-overlapping condensed, lineiform images are formed beneath eaeh lenticule of the lenticular screen.
The Prior Art Lenticular screen-type autostereoscopic pictures are produced basically according to two techniques: the direet or "in eamera" teehnique, in which the taking and eomposing steps are both carried out within the eamera, and the indirect technique, in which a number of two-dimensional views of an object field are made from different vantage points and the three-dimensional picture is subsequently composed or projected by projecting the two-dimensional images through a lenticular screen. The present invention has its principal applicability to the indirect technique, so that only this technique will be described hereinafter.
- Various advances in the state of the art of the indirect technique are disclosed by Lo and Nims in the eommonly owned U. S. Patent No. 3,953,869. One of these advances and improvements concerns apparatus for expanding the individual, projected, condensed lineiform images so ; that these images will be contiguous (but do not overlap).
` This is accomplished by "scanning" the projected image from each two-dimensional frame in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules. Such apparatus causes the condensed lineiform images to fill the image band : - .
Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to the production of autostereoscopic pictures of the type employing a lenticular screen.
20 More speci~cally, the invention concerns .1 . ~1 , .` `' ~
`::
.:
, .. j ,., " ,., ~ : i ~ - ` " ' `
: : , ~ . ~
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novel apparatus for composing or projecting sueh pictures in such a way that uninterrupted and non-overlapping condensed, lineiform images are formed beneath eaeh lenticule of the lenticular screen.
The Prior Art Lenticular screen-type autostereoscopic pictures are produced basically according to two techniques: the direet or "in eamera" teehnique, in which the taking and eomposing steps are both carried out within the eamera, and the indirect technique, in which a number of two-dimensional views of an object field are made from different vantage points and the three-dimensional picture is subsequently composed or projected by projecting the two-dimensional images through a lenticular screen. The present invention has its principal applicability to the indirect technique, so that only this technique will be described hereinafter.
- Various advances in the state of the art of the indirect technique are disclosed by Lo and Nims in the eommonly owned U. S. Patent No. 3,953,869. One of these advances and improvements concerns apparatus for expanding the individual, projected, condensed lineiform images so ; that these images will be contiguous (but do not overlap).
` This is accomplished by "scanning" the projected image from each two-dimensional frame in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules. Such apparatus causes the condensed lineiform images to fill the image band : - .
- 2 -beneath each lenticule while permitting the projection of l~s khan wm images, where w is the lenticule width o the len~icular screen and m is the width of the condensed images.
Although the aforementioned scanning -technique a~fords important advantages for certain applications, it is desirable in some instances to be able to compose stereoscopic pictures without use of the scanning mechanisms associated with that technique. This is particularly true where very short composing times are necessary as, for ex~rnple, in the manufacture of mass production items such as postcards and the like.
SU~ RY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for composing or projecting stereoscopic pictures of the type employing a lenticular screen, which permits a sufficient number M of two-dimensional views to be projected such that the image band beneath each lenticule is filled with condensed images without substantial overlap of or ~aps between adjacent images~
It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the foregoing type which exhibits the optimum optical geometry for projection o images.
5till another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the foregoing type which is capable of 2~ one~step substantially "instantaneous" composing of stereoscopic pictures.
These objects, as well as other objects which will become apparent in the discussion that follows, are _ 3 ~
~ 21~78 achieved, according to the present invention, by arranging the projecting lenses .in the apparatus along a plurality of spaced-apart rows which extend in a p~ane parallel to the lenticular screen and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal directi.on S o the individual lenti.cules. In this way, the lens locations extend not only in the direction of an X axis which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules, but also in the direction of a Y axis, transverse to the X axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rows containing the lenses are adjacent, parallel, straight lines, with the rows offset relative to one another in the X direction such that the apertures of the lenses, when viewed in the direction of the ~ axis, are in sub-s~antial edge-to-edge contiguous relation.
-~ccording to the invention, the number ~ of two-dimensional views which are`projected by the apparatus may be the same as the number N of different two-dimensional views which are taken in the photographic stage of the indirect process;
however, this is not necessary. According to a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, each different two-dimensional view taken may be duplicated two, three or moretimes and each duplicated negative arranged for projection in a different row.
It has been found to be advantageous to space the different rows of lenses as closely together as is practical~
~5 depending on the outside diameter of the lenses and the width of -: the two-dimensional views. In projection apparatus of this type, it is preferable that all of the lenses have the same aperture . 21878 ~7~
size so that the image ~uality attributable to each lens will be the same. It may be desirable in certain situations, however, as, Eor example, in order to exactly match the pro-j~cting angle of the lenses to the acceptance angle of the lenticular screen, to vary the aperture size~of one or more of the endmost lenses. With the spacing as just described, separation of lenses in the Y axis direction may be kept to a minimum, thus permitting use of only the central portion of each lens for projection purposes and thereby minimizing distortion.
When used as a composer, the apparatus according to the present invention may project images onto a lenticular screen having a suitable photographic emulsion disposed on the reverse side thereof. If desired, such a lenticular screen - 15 may be automatically se~uenced into position beneath the projection lenses to increase the speed and reduce the cost of the composing process. Apparatus for moving successive lengths of a flexible band of lenticular screen material into position may comprise a supply and -take-up spool for the material - 20 and a motor drive which rotates the take-up spool a prescribed amount after each stereoscopic picture has been composed.
The apparatus according to the present invention may also be employed as a pro]ector. In this case the lenticular screen may constitute a laminate comprising, in successive order:
(1) a layer of transparent material forming a first series of parallel lenticules, (2) a light diffusing layer; and
Although the aforementioned scanning -technique a~fords important advantages for certain applications, it is desirable in some instances to be able to compose stereoscopic pictures without use of the scanning mechanisms associated with that technique. This is particularly true where very short composing times are necessary as, for ex~rnple, in the manufacture of mass production items such as postcards and the like.
SU~ RY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for composing or projecting stereoscopic pictures of the type employing a lenticular screen, which permits a sufficient number M of two-dimensional views to be projected such that the image band beneath each lenticule is filled with condensed images without substantial overlap of or ~aps between adjacent images~
It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the foregoing type which exhibits the optimum optical geometry for projection o images.
5till another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the foregoing type which is capable of 2~ one~step substantially "instantaneous" composing of stereoscopic pictures.
These objects, as well as other objects which will become apparent in the discussion that follows, are _ 3 ~
~ 21~78 achieved, according to the present invention, by arranging the projecting lenses .in the apparatus along a plurality of spaced-apart rows which extend in a p~ane parallel to the lenticular screen and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal directi.on S o the individual lenti.cules. In this way, the lens locations extend not only in the direction of an X axis which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules, but also in the direction of a Y axis, transverse to the X axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rows containing the lenses are adjacent, parallel, straight lines, with the rows offset relative to one another in the X direction such that the apertures of the lenses, when viewed in the direction of the ~ axis, are in sub-s~antial edge-to-edge contiguous relation.
-~ccording to the invention, the number ~ of two-dimensional views which are`projected by the apparatus may be the same as the number N of different two-dimensional views which are taken in the photographic stage of the indirect process;
however, this is not necessary. According to a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, each different two-dimensional view taken may be duplicated two, three or moretimes and each duplicated negative arranged for projection in a different row.
It has been found to be advantageous to space the different rows of lenses as closely together as is practical~
~5 depending on the outside diameter of the lenses and the width of -: the two-dimensional views. In projection apparatus of this type, it is preferable that all of the lenses have the same aperture . 21878 ~7~
size so that the image ~uality attributable to each lens will be the same. It may be desirable in certain situations, however, as, Eor example, in order to exactly match the pro-j~cting angle of the lenses to the acceptance angle of the lenticular screen, to vary the aperture size~of one or more of the endmost lenses. With the spacing as just described, separation of lenses in the Y axis direction may be kept to a minimum, thus permitting use of only the central portion of each lens for projection purposes and thereby minimizing distortion.
When used as a composer, the apparatus according to the present invention may project images onto a lenticular screen having a suitable photographic emulsion disposed on the reverse side thereof. If desired, such a lenticular screen - 15 may be automatically se~uenced into position beneath the projection lenses to increase the speed and reduce the cost of the composing process. Apparatus for moving successive lengths of a flexible band of lenticular screen material into position may comprise a supply and -take-up spool for the material - 20 and a motor drive which rotates the take-up spool a prescribed amount after each stereoscopic picture has been composed.
The apparatus according to the present invention may also be employed as a pro]ector. In this case the lenticular screen may constitute a laminate comprising, in successive order:
(1) a layer of transparent material forming a first series of parallel lenticules, (2) a light diffusing layer; and
(3) a layer of transparent material forming a second series of parallel lenticules. The lenticules of the first and the second series should have similar dimensions, face L4~
.
in opposite directions and be arranged in substantial regi.stryO
More particularly, there is provided:-Apparatus for forming 9tereoscopic pictures of the type including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenticules aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising:
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of 10 width w; :~
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N ~ M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule; and means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and said corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and two-dimensional views being spaced apart in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and ~:
being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent : of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the . lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially 30 contiguows and non-overlapping, There is also provided:-Apparatus for forming stereoscopic pictures of the type ~ - 6-including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenl;ic-lles aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising: :
a lenticu].ar screen having a plurality o:E cylindrical lenticules of ~ .
wiclth w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N L M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule;
a corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings, each arranged in optical alignment with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and containing a photographic image of one of said two-dimensional 2 0 view s; and r means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and ~ -said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a pluralityr -: of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and photographic recordings being spaced apart in l:he direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and being o:Efset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M
lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlappingO
There is further provicled an appara~us for cc~osing a stereoscopic picture of the type ,~ _ 6a-t~
. : , `
7~
comprising (1) a lenticular ~creen having cylindrical lenticules and (2) an image layer underlying said lenticules and containing a lineiform image band aligned with each lenticule, each band comprising a plurality of condensed images made from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional photographic recordings taken from a number of spaced vantage points relative to an object field, said apparatus coInprising a light source, a plurality M of projecting lenses, and means for supporting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional photographic recordings of an object field, each of which recordings contains substantially the entire object field and 10 a plurality N L M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, in optical relation to said M projecting lenses such that the projected image of a selected common object field element on each recording is in substantial registry with a reference point; wherein the improvement comprises:
means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses in a plurality of first rows which are spaced apart in the direction transverse to the lengthwise extent of the first rows and which are offset relative to one another in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the first rows quch that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in said transverse 20 direction, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation;
and means for supporting said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a corresponding plurality of second rows, which are aligned with and substantially parallel to respective ones of said first rows such that each photographic recording is aligned with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and such that said common element on each photo-graphic recording is projected in substantial registry with said reference point;
whereby said M projected two-dimensional recordings may form M
30 condensed images at the raar surface of each lenticule of a cylindrical-lenticule lenticular screen, when said screen is positioned substantially at the place of said reference point with the lenticules thereof aligned ~ _ 6b-: :~
lengthwise in said transverse direction, which are substantially con-tiguous and non-overlapping BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~iVINGS
Fig. 1 is a cliagrammatic view of the overall indirect process .Eor production of stereoscopic pictures, as practiced in the prior artO
Fig, 2 is a diagrammatic view of projection apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, which eliminates blank spaces on a lenticular screenO
Figo 3 is a diagrammatic view of composing apparatus, in :
10 accordance with the present invention, which eliminates blank spaces on a lenticular screenO
Figso 4(a) and 4(b) each show a film holder having plural pictures arranged, respectively, in two different formatsO Figo 4(c) is a plan view showing the arrangement of lenses in the apparatus according to the present invention to accommodate the lens holders of Figso 4(a) and ~ ~'
.
in opposite directions and be arranged in substantial regi.stryO
More particularly, there is provided:-Apparatus for forming 9tereoscopic pictures of the type including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenticules aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising:
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of 10 width w; :~
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N ~ M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule; and means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and said corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and two-dimensional views being spaced apart in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and ~:
being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent : of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the . lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially 30 contiguows and non-overlapping, There is also provided:-Apparatus for forming stereoscopic pictures of the type ~ - 6-including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenl;ic-lles aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising: :
a lenticu].ar screen having a plurality o:E cylindrical lenticules of ~ .
wiclth w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N L M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule;
a corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings, each arranged in optical alignment with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and containing a photographic image of one of said two-dimensional 2 0 view s; and r means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and ~ -said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a pluralityr -: of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and photographic recordings being spaced apart in l:he direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and being o:Efset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M
lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlappingO
There is further provicled an appara~us for cc~osing a stereoscopic picture of the type ,~ _ 6a-t~
. : , `
7~
comprising (1) a lenticular ~creen having cylindrical lenticules and (2) an image layer underlying said lenticules and containing a lineiform image band aligned with each lenticule, each band comprising a plurality of condensed images made from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional photographic recordings taken from a number of spaced vantage points relative to an object field, said apparatus coInprising a light source, a plurality M of projecting lenses, and means for supporting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional photographic recordings of an object field, each of which recordings contains substantially the entire object field and 10 a plurality N L M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, in optical relation to said M projecting lenses such that the projected image of a selected common object field element on each recording is in substantial registry with a reference point; wherein the improvement comprises:
means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses in a plurality of first rows which are spaced apart in the direction transverse to the lengthwise extent of the first rows and which are offset relative to one another in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the first rows quch that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in said transverse 20 direction, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation;
and means for supporting said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a corresponding plurality of second rows, which are aligned with and substantially parallel to respective ones of said first rows such that each photographic recording is aligned with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and such that said common element on each photo-graphic recording is projected in substantial registry with said reference point;
whereby said M projected two-dimensional recordings may form M
30 condensed images at the raar surface of each lenticule of a cylindrical-lenticule lenticular screen, when said screen is positioned substantially at the place of said reference point with the lenticules thereof aligned ~ _ 6b-: :~
lengthwise in said transverse direction, which are substantially con-tiguous and non-overlapping BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~iVINGS
Fig. 1 is a cliagrammatic view of the overall indirect process .Eor production of stereoscopic pictures, as practiced in the prior artO
Fig, 2 is a diagrammatic view of projection apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, which eliminates blank spaces on a lenticular screenO
Figo 3 is a diagrammatic view of composing apparatus, in :
10 accordance with the present invention, which eliminates blank spaces on a lenticular screenO
Figso 4(a) and 4(b) each show a film holder having plural pictures arranged, respectively, in two different formatsO Figo 4(c) is a plan view showing the arrangement of lenses in the apparatus according to the present invention to accommodate the lens holders of Figso 4(a) and ~ ~'
4(b)o Figso 5(a) and 5(b) each show a film holder having plural pictures arranged, respectively, in two different formatsO Figo 5(c) is a plan view showing the arrangement of lenses in the apparatus according ZO to the present invention to accommodate the lens holders of Figso 5(a) and 5(b)o Figso 6(a) and 6(b) each show a film holder having plural pictures arranged, respectively, in two different formatsO Figo 6(c) is a plan view showing the arrangement of lenses in the apparatus according to the present invention to accommodate the lens holders of Figso 6(a) and 6(b) o Figo 7(a) is a representational diagram showing a strip of motion picture film having a plurality of pictures arranged in each frame in accordance with the present inventionO Figo 7(b) illustrates an arrange-30 ment of lenses for a motion picture projector adapted to receive filmof the type shown in FigD 7(a)0 _ 6c --Figo 8(a) and 8(b) are top and front diagrammatic views, respectively, of a portion of projection apparatus, in accordance with thc present invention, showing an exemplary arrangement of the projection len~3~s and their ~perturesO
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
-The prior art background of the present invention as well as the preferred embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to Figso 1-8 of the drawing90 As alluded to above, the indirect process as practiced in 10 the prior art includes basically two distinct stepso a photographing or taking step and a projecting or composing step. These steps are illustrated diagrammatically in Figo 1 in the context of the overall indirect processO In the taking step, a series of two-dimensional views of an object field are taken fro-m a corresponding number of photographic vantage points aligned transversely of the object fieldO The different - photographic vantage points may be established by arranging a number of equidistantly spaced cameras of substantially identical optical characteristics along a path perpendicular to the optical axes of the cameras. Alternatively, a single camera may be moved from vantage 20 point to vantage point relative to the object field (OL the object field moved relative to a stationary ca-mera), or a single camera having a numbex of objectives may be usedO An exemplary camera arrangement, therefore, might take the form illustrated in Figo 1, with four individual cameras 11, 13, 15 and 17 positioned along a straight path 18 and centered relative to the object ZO to be photographed. Upon exposure, the cameras 11-17 produce on the corresponding film frames 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, latent images of the object ZOO The :
frames 1-4 are then processed (developed, trimmed, etcO ) for use in the subsequent composing or projecting step.
The processed frames (negatives or positives) 1-4, bearing dev~loped images oE the object 20, are placed in proper order in a projector 22 having a number of projection lenses 24, 26, 28 and 30 which are independently adjustable :Eor control of magnifîcation and for alignment of corresponding images of a selected object field element from the several framesO The particular image portions selected 10 for registration during projection will determine the object field element that will appear to lie in the plane of the stereoscopic picture~
If the projector 22 is utilis~;ed to compose photographic prints of a stereoscopic picture, the various images are projected onto a lenticular screen comprising a so-called "lenticular film"; i. eO, a -layer of transparent material having a series of parallel lenticules embossed on one side and a photosensitive emulsion disposed on the opposite planar surfaceO The photosensitive emulsion may be coated directly onto the planar surface of the transparent material or it may form a part of a separate film placed adjacent this surfaceO The 20 lenticular film, so made, is arranged in the composing apparatus with the lenticules facing the projection lenses. After exposure, the emulsion is suitably processed to provide a stereoscopic picture which, upon viewing, affords to the observer an overall view of the object field in relief O
`: ~
If the projector is employed, as illustrated in Fig. 1, to project positive images in such a way that a stereoscopic picture may be directly viewed by an observer, the lenticular screen 32 is formed as a laminate comprising, in successive order: (1) a projection screen 34 of transparent llaterial having a first series of lenticules facing toward the projection lenses 24-30; (2) a light diffusing sheet or layer 36;
and (3) a viewing screen 38 made of transparent material having a second series of lenticules facing away from the projection lenses 24-30. The lenticules of the viewing screen 38 normally have the same dimensions as, and are arranged in registry with, the lenticules of the projection screen 34. Where the viewing distance differs significantly from the projection distance, it may be desirable to use a viewing screen of slishtly different lenticule dimensions than those of the projection screen.
Whether the projection apparatus 22 described above is employed as a composer to produce photographic prints or is used to project stereoscopic pictures for direct viewing, it is desirable that the projection distance h from the projection lenses 24-30 to the lenticular projection screen 34 be approximately the same as the expected viewing distance v between the lenticular viewing screen 38 and the observer. In this way the eyes of the observer will be able to focus on the proper condensed images 40 for three-dimensional viewing.
In addition, whether the projection apparatus is employed as a composer to produce photographic prints or is used to project stereoscopic pictures for direct viewing, it is desired that the entire image surface be filled with imagé
elements or portions which are contiguous but do not overlap, _ g _ ' 7:~.g9L~
so that a continuous, uninterrupted view of the object ield is presented to the observer. However r as shown in Fig. 1 on the diffusing sheet 36, these image elements arer in fact, well~focused and condensed by the projection lenses and by the lenticules facing these lenses. In the usual case, the image elements are in reality very narrow line ("lineiform") images of considerably less width than the optimum required to fill the image band beneath each lenticule. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the image bands 42 are completely filled when the number M of condensed imag~s 40 is made substantially equal to w, where w is the lenticule width of the lenticular screen and m is the width of the condensed lineiform images which, in turn, is determined by m = Pz/h, where h is the pro]ection distance, P is the aperture si~e or width of the projection lenses 24-30 and z is the focal length of the lenticule.
The projection of too few images onto the lenticular screen results in a situation such as that shown in Fig. 1.
In this case, where M is less than w, the condensed images 40 m will not be contiguous. Blank spaces 44 will be present between successive ones of the images 40 so that, when the stereoscopic picture is viewed, portions of the picture seem to disappear. Conversely, if the number M of condensed images is in excess O~ w, the condensed images will partially overlap, m causing the image density of the stereoscopic picture to vary over the width of the picture, with consequent loss of image quality.
Thus, the optimum number M of condensed images in each image band beneath a lenticule is w or the highest picture m ~ ~7~ ~8 quality~ Since the lenticule width w of the lenticular screen is normally standardized and the width m of the individual images depends upon optical variables which are normally given, the only parameter that is readily varied is the number M of projected images. Ho~ever, because the aperture size of the lenses is necessarily smaller than the outer diameter of the lenses, it is not possible to arrange M lenses side-by-side and space them close enough to avoid producing gaps between the condensed images formed by adjacent lenses.
This difficulty encountered with M side-by-side lenses is overcome if the projection apparatus is modifed in accordance with the present invention as illustrated in Figs. 2 - and 3. Fig. 2 shows a projection system of the type representedin Fig. 1 while Fig. 3 illustrates a composing system. In both -` 15 systems the negative or positive frames as well as the projection lenses are distributed in the Y, as well as the X, axis direction.
As referred to here, the X and Y axes lie in the plane of the frames to be exposed (which plane is parallel to the planes of the projection lenses and the lenticular screen) with the X axis perpendicular and the Y axis parallel to the individual lenticules of the lenticular screen.
As illustrated in Fig. -2, for example, the projection lenses are therefore arranged along a plurality of adjacent, parallel, straight lines 46 and 48 which extend in the X direction and are spaced apart in the Y direction by the minimum necessary distance (as described hereinafter). The first set of projection lenses, arranged along the line 46, receives light which is projected from above through a first set of frames 1-4 arranged in the direction of the X axis. The second set of projection 4g~3 lenses, arranged along the line 48, receives light ~hat has been projected through a second set of ~rames 1-4 arranged parallel to the first set of frames but displaced sufficiently in the ~ direction so that the frames are aligned with respective ones of the pro~ection lenses in the second set.
~ As shown in the diffusing layer 36 of the lenticular screen 32 in Fig. 2, the condensed images of the second set of frames are interleaved with the condensed images of the first set of frames forming an uninterrupted, contiguous series of images. As illustrated diagrammatically in the lower portion of Fig. 2, such a series of images ensures that both eyes of the observer will always see an appropriate image.
In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, only four (N=4) different two-dimensional views of the object field are utilized.
However, these four views are expanded into eight (M=8) condensed images 40 on the diffusing sheet 36 by providing two sets of identical positive frames and arranging these frames with respect to the projection lenses in the manner shown.
Fig. 3 illustrates how the frames may be arranged, in accordance with the present invention, if the number N of different two-dimensional views is exactly equal to the number of condensed images to be formed in each image band on the lenticulax screen. In this instance, there are nine tM=9) two dimensional negatives arranged by threes in three, transversely spaced and lengthwise offset rows 50, 52 and 54, and nine enlarging lenses similarly arranged by threes in three, transversel~v spaced and lengthwise offset rows 56, 58 and 60, respectivel~, which are aliyned with the negative rows. As shown in Fig. 3, the order of the nine negatives in the rows 50, S2 and 54 is such that a series of consecutive condensed images (1,2,3,4l
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
-The prior art background of the present invention as well as the preferred embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to Figso 1-8 of the drawing90 As alluded to above, the indirect process as practiced in 10 the prior art includes basically two distinct stepso a photographing or taking step and a projecting or composing step. These steps are illustrated diagrammatically in Figo 1 in the context of the overall indirect processO In the taking step, a series of two-dimensional views of an object field are taken fro-m a corresponding number of photographic vantage points aligned transversely of the object fieldO The different - photographic vantage points may be established by arranging a number of equidistantly spaced cameras of substantially identical optical characteristics along a path perpendicular to the optical axes of the cameras. Alternatively, a single camera may be moved from vantage 20 point to vantage point relative to the object field (OL the object field moved relative to a stationary ca-mera), or a single camera having a numbex of objectives may be usedO An exemplary camera arrangement, therefore, might take the form illustrated in Figo 1, with four individual cameras 11, 13, 15 and 17 positioned along a straight path 18 and centered relative to the object ZO to be photographed. Upon exposure, the cameras 11-17 produce on the corresponding film frames 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, latent images of the object ZOO The :
frames 1-4 are then processed (developed, trimmed, etcO ) for use in the subsequent composing or projecting step.
The processed frames (negatives or positives) 1-4, bearing dev~loped images oE the object 20, are placed in proper order in a projector 22 having a number of projection lenses 24, 26, 28 and 30 which are independently adjustable :Eor control of magnifîcation and for alignment of corresponding images of a selected object field element from the several framesO The particular image portions selected 10 for registration during projection will determine the object field element that will appear to lie in the plane of the stereoscopic picture~
If the projector 22 is utilis~;ed to compose photographic prints of a stereoscopic picture, the various images are projected onto a lenticular screen comprising a so-called "lenticular film"; i. eO, a -layer of transparent material having a series of parallel lenticules embossed on one side and a photosensitive emulsion disposed on the opposite planar surfaceO The photosensitive emulsion may be coated directly onto the planar surface of the transparent material or it may form a part of a separate film placed adjacent this surfaceO The 20 lenticular film, so made, is arranged in the composing apparatus with the lenticules facing the projection lenses. After exposure, the emulsion is suitably processed to provide a stereoscopic picture which, upon viewing, affords to the observer an overall view of the object field in relief O
`: ~
If the projector is employed, as illustrated in Fig. 1, to project positive images in such a way that a stereoscopic picture may be directly viewed by an observer, the lenticular screen 32 is formed as a laminate comprising, in successive order: (1) a projection screen 34 of transparent llaterial having a first series of lenticules facing toward the projection lenses 24-30; (2) a light diffusing sheet or layer 36;
and (3) a viewing screen 38 made of transparent material having a second series of lenticules facing away from the projection lenses 24-30. The lenticules of the viewing screen 38 normally have the same dimensions as, and are arranged in registry with, the lenticules of the projection screen 34. Where the viewing distance differs significantly from the projection distance, it may be desirable to use a viewing screen of slishtly different lenticule dimensions than those of the projection screen.
Whether the projection apparatus 22 described above is employed as a composer to produce photographic prints or is used to project stereoscopic pictures for direct viewing, it is desirable that the projection distance h from the projection lenses 24-30 to the lenticular projection screen 34 be approximately the same as the expected viewing distance v between the lenticular viewing screen 38 and the observer. In this way the eyes of the observer will be able to focus on the proper condensed images 40 for three-dimensional viewing.
In addition, whether the projection apparatus is employed as a composer to produce photographic prints or is used to project stereoscopic pictures for direct viewing, it is desired that the entire image surface be filled with imagé
elements or portions which are contiguous but do not overlap, _ g _ ' 7:~.g9L~
so that a continuous, uninterrupted view of the object ield is presented to the observer. However r as shown in Fig. 1 on the diffusing sheet 36, these image elements arer in fact, well~focused and condensed by the projection lenses and by the lenticules facing these lenses. In the usual case, the image elements are in reality very narrow line ("lineiform") images of considerably less width than the optimum required to fill the image band beneath each lenticule. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the image bands 42 are completely filled when the number M of condensed imag~s 40 is made substantially equal to w, where w is the lenticule width of the lenticular screen and m is the width of the condensed lineiform images which, in turn, is determined by m = Pz/h, where h is the pro]ection distance, P is the aperture si~e or width of the projection lenses 24-30 and z is the focal length of the lenticule.
The projection of too few images onto the lenticular screen results in a situation such as that shown in Fig. 1.
In this case, where M is less than w, the condensed images 40 m will not be contiguous. Blank spaces 44 will be present between successive ones of the images 40 so that, when the stereoscopic picture is viewed, portions of the picture seem to disappear. Conversely, if the number M of condensed images is in excess O~ w, the condensed images will partially overlap, m causing the image density of the stereoscopic picture to vary over the width of the picture, with consequent loss of image quality.
Thus, the optimum number M of condensed images in each image band beneath a lenticule is w or the highest picture m ~ ~7~ ~8 quality~ Since the lenticule width w of the lenticular screen is normally standardized and the width m of the individual images depends upon optical variables which are normally given, the only parameter that is readily varied is the number M of projected images. Ho~ever, because the aperture size of the lenses is necessarily smaller than the outer diameter of the lenses, it is not possible to arrange M lenses side-by-side and space them close enough to avoid producing gaps between the condensed images formed by adjacent lenses.
This difficulty encountered with M side-by-side lenses is overcome if the projection apparatus is modifed in accordance with the present invention as illustrated in Figs. 2 - and 3. Fig. 2 shows a projection system of the type representedin Fig. 1 while Fig. 3 illustrates a composing system. In both -` 15 systems the negative or positive frames as well as the projection lenses are distributed in the Y, as well as the X, axis direction.
As referred to here, the X and Y axes lie in the plane of the frames to be exposed (which plane is parallel to the planes of the projection lenses and the lenticular screen) with the X axis perpendicular and the Y axis parallel to the individual lenticules of the lenticular screen.
As illustrated in Fig. -2, for example, the projection lenses are therefore arranged along a plurality of adjacent, parallel, straight lines 46 and 48 which extend in the X direction and are spaced apart in the Y direction by the minimum necessary distance (as described hereinafter). The first set of projection lenses, arranged along the line 46, receives light which is projected from above through a first set of frames 1-4 arranged in the direction of the X axis. The second set of projection 4g~3 lenses, arranged along the line 48, receives light ~hat has been projected through a second set of ~rames 1-4 arranged parallel to the first set of frames but displaced sufficiently in the ~ direction so that the frames are aligned with respective ones of the pro~ection lenses in the second set.
~ As shown in the diffusing layer 36 of the lenticular screen 32 in Fig. 2, the condensed images of the second set of frames are interleaved with the condensed images of the first set of frames forming an uninterrupted, contiguous series of images. As illustrated diagrammatically in the lower portion of Fig. 2, such a series of images ensures that both eyes of the observer will always see an appropriate image.
In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, only four (N=4) different two-dimensional views of the object field are utilized.
However, these four views are expanded into eight (M=8) condensed images 40 on the diffusing sheet 36 by providing two sets of identical positive frames and arranging these frames with respect to the projection lenses in the manner shown.
Fig. 3 illustrates how the frames may be arranged, in accordance with the present invention, if the number N of different two-dimensional views is exactly equal to the number of condensed images to be formed in each image band on the lenticulax screen. In this instance, there are nine tM=9) two dimensional negatives arranged by threes in three, transversely spaced and lengthwise offset rows 50, 52 and 54, and nine enlarging lenses similarly arranged by threes in three, transversel~v spaced and lengthwise offset rows 56, 58 and 60, respectivel~, which are aliyned with the negative rows. As shown in Fig. 3, the order of the nine negatives in the rows 50, S2 and 54 is such that a series of consecutive condensed images (1,2,3,4l
5,6,7,8,9) is formed in contiguous relation behind each lenticule of the lenticular screen. It will be understood by those skilled ~ -12-the art that it is preferable to increase the number N of different ~:
views, rather than to duplicate views; however, duplication is often necessary in practice because the number N of different views available is less than wm- or for economic reasons.
Since the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 is an enlargex-composer, including a lens support frame for the enlarging lenses, a film support frame for the negatives, and a light chamber, the lsnticular screen 64 i9 constituted by a sheet of "
.
~,:
~12a '~ : ,. , transparent material 66 forming a single series of lenticules on one side and having a layer of photosensitive emulsion 68 disposed on the opposite sideO The condensed images of portions of the nine different nc~atives are focused in adjacent, contiguous relationship beneath each :lonticul~3 on the photosensitive emulsion 680 The enlarger -- composer according to the present invention and illustrated in Figo 3 lends itself readily to use in an automated system for development of stereoscopic picturesO An automated system is especially useful in cases where a single stereoscopic picture is to be 10 duplicated a large number of times -- for example, to produce picture po stcardsO
In such cases the co-mposer apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage over the apparatus, abovementioned, for "scanning" the projected images to fill the image bands beneath each lenticule in that some time is saved during the composition of each pictureO
Accordingly, in a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, the lenticular screen 64 is constituted by a flexible band or strip of material and apparatus is provided for moving successive 20 lengths of this material into posiltion opposite the enlarging lensesO As shown in Figo 3, such apparatus may include a supply spool 70, a take up spool 72, and a motor 74 arranged to repeatedly rotate the take-up spool a prescribed amountO In this way, the material forming the lenticular screen 64 may be advanced after composing and printing each stereoscopic pictureO
L49~
Figso 4_6 illustrate, respectively, various embodiments of a lens arrangement for the apparatus according to the present invention and show, for each embodiment, the frame formats that may be used.
Figs, ~(a), 4(b) and 4(c) illustrate the frames and projection lenses arranged in two parallel rows spaced apart, in the Y direction, by a clistance slightly greater than the diameter of the lenses (shown exaggerated in the drawings)O In this case, four frames and four projection lenses are provided in each row (the "X" direction)0 Figo 4(a) illustrates a format incorporating eight different views (N=8) 10 whereas Figo 4(b) illustrates a format in which four different views (N=4) are duplicated so that eight images (M=8) may be projectedO
Figso 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) illustrate an embodiment in which frames and projection lenses are arranged in three rows, four to a rowO
In Fig. 5(a), the frames exhibit twelve (N=12) different two dimensional views; in Figo 5(b), a frame strip having four (N=4) different two-dimensional views is provided in triplicateO
Figso 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) illustrate a third embodiment wherein the frames and projection lenses are arranged in four rows, four frames and lenses to a rowO In FigD 6(a) sixteen (N=16) different 20 two-dimensional views are provided; in Fig. 6(b), four identical strips of frames, providing four (N=4) different two-dimensional views each, are arranged in staggered relationship in the four respective rowsO
The frame formats and lens arrangements illustrated in Figso 4_6 are examples only and are not intended to suggest certain embodiments to the exclusion of othersO As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number of frames and lenses per row, and ~0 the number of rows, is limited only by the overall optical geometry defined by the variables h, w, etcO Further, although the same number of frames and lenses is shown in each row in Figso 2-6, it will be undorstood that clifferent numbers may be used in the respective rows;
see, for cxample, Figo ~(a)O The number N of two-dimensional views :may be duplicated by any suitable integer, greater than unity, to provide the needed M projected imagesO
In order that the condensed lineiform images lie properly adjacent to each other in each image band beneath a lenticule of the 10 lenticular screen, the frames should be staggered by equal distances and their corresponding projection lenses should also be staggered by equal distancesO Thus, in the embodiment of Figo 4, the frames and lenses in one row are displaced by equal amounts with respect to the frames and lenses, respectively, in the other rowO In particular, as is illustrated, each frame or projection lens in one row is displaced in the X direction by an amount equal to one-half the distance between the centers of successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the other row. .In Figo 5, the frames and lenses of the successive rows are displaced in the X
direction by an amount equal to one-third the distance between the centers 20 o~ successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the pre~ious rowO In Figo 6, the frames and lenses in successive rows are displaced in the X
direction by an alnount equal to one-fourth the distance between the centers of successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the previous rowO
The distance, in the Y direction, between successive rows should be made as small as possible commensurate with the outer dimension of the lenses, the width of the two-dimensional views and whatever apparatus is necessary to conveniently hold the frames and the projection lenses in their proper respective positionsO Too great a spacing in the Y direction introduces unwanted distortion due to projection 30 through the outer portions _ :~5 -~L~7~
o the projections lenses, In certain situations, the Y
direction spaci,ng may be less than the outer diameter of the lenses, as for example, where two rows of lenses are used and the lenses of one row interdigitate to some extent with the l~nses of the other row. Generally, however, the spacing between rows will be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the lenses unless the width of the two-dimensional views requires a greater spacing.
The apparatus according to the present invention and described above for projecting stereoscopic pictures may be adapted and constructed to project motion pictures onto a suitable stereoscopic screen of the type illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In this case, the plural frames are arranged in the appropriate format on successive sections of conventional motion picutre film as illustrated in Fig. 7(a). Due to the limited width of the film strip it may be desirable to reduce the number of frames in each row to two or three and appropriately increase the number af rows so that the total number of frames, and consequently the number of projected images M, in each section of film will equal w. Fig, 7(a) illustrates an embodiment m in wh;ch frames bearing nine different two-dimensional views are arranged in three rows, three frames to a row (M=~). FigO 7 (b) illustrates a projection lens arrangement appropriate for this film format.
Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the relationship of the projection lenses and their apertures in the projection and composing system according to the present invention. Although the apertures 76 of the lenses 78 are illustrated as being round, square apertures, such as those indicated by the reference numeral 80, are preferred since they improve the evenness of density of the integrated composite image.
, - 16 -.
~7~
' Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) show how the arrangement of lenses according to the present lnvention facilitates the projection of immediately adjacent condensed lineiform images 82 beneath each lenticule 84. To accomplish this, it is necessary -that rows of lenses 78 be offset relative to one another in the X direction such that the apertures 76, thereof, when viewed in the Y direction, are arranged successively side~by-side or edge-to-edge in contiguous fashion in the direction of the X axis. This`condition is illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 8(a).
According to the present invention the lenses 78 are arxanged in spaced-apart rows which extend in a direction (X axis) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules 8~ of the lenticular screen. As previously noted, it is not necessary that the same number of lenses be arranged in each row.
As is illustrated in Fig. 8(a), the centers of the projection lenses 78 are separated in the direction of the X
axis by a distance 90 which is determined by the length of the negatives, the focal length of the projection lenses and the projection iength h. The centers of the lenses 78 are separated in the direction of the Y axis by a distance which, as previously mentioned, is preferably as small as the diameter of the lenses or the width of the negatives will permit.
Although the apertures 76 of the lenses 78 are depicted in Figs; 8(a) and 8(b) as being all of the same size, the apertures 76 need not all be of identical size. For example, the apertures of one or more of the endmost lenses 76 ~ 21878 may be smaller or larger than ;the apertures of the central lenses in oxder to match the projecting angle ~ of the lenses to the accep-tance angle ~ of the lenticules 84 of the lenticular screen. As an example, the lens 76 farthest to the right in Fig. 8A is shown with an enlarged lens and aperture super-imposed in dashed lines.
It will be understood that the present invention is susceptible to various modifications, cnanges and adaptions which fall within its spirit and scope. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.
~1~--
views, rather than to duplicate views; however, duplication is often necessary in practice because the number N of different views available is less than wm- or for economic reasons.
Since the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 is an enlargex-composer, including a lens support frame for the enlarging lenses, a film support frame for the negatives, and a light chamber, the lsnticular screen 64 i9 constituted by a sheet of "
.
~,:
~12a '~ : ,. , transparent material 66 forming a single series of lenticules on one side and having a layer of photosensitive emulsion 68 disposed on the opposite sideO The condensed images of portions of the nine different nc~atives are focused in adjacent, contiguous relationship beneath each :lonticul~3 on the photosensitive emulsion 680 The enlarger -- composer according to the present invention and illustrated in Figo 3 lends itself readily to use in an automated system for development of stereoscopic picturesO An automated system is especially useful in cases where a single stereoscopic picture is to be 10 duplicated a large number of times -- for example, to produce picture po stcardsO
In such cases the co-mposer apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage over the apparatus, abovementioned, for "scanning" the projected images to fill the image bands beneath each lenticule in that some time is saved during the composition of each pictureO
Accordingly, in a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, the lenticular screen 64 is constituted by a flexible band or strip of material and apparatus is provided for moving successive 20 lengths of this material into posiltion opposite the enlarging lensesO As shown in Figo 3, such apparatus may include a supply spool 70, a take up spool 72, and a motor 74 arranged to repeatedly rotate the take-up spool a prescribed amountO In this way, the material forming the lenticular screen 64 may be advanced after composing and printing each stereoscopic pictureO
L49~
Figso 4_6 illustrate, respectively, various embodiments of a lens arrangement for the apparatus according to the present invention and show, for each embodiment, the frame formats that may be used.
Figs, ~(a), 4(b) and 4(c) illustrate the frames and projection lenses arranged in two parallel rows spaced apart, in the Y direction, by a clistance slightly greater than the diameter of the lenses (shown exaggerated in the drawings)O In this case, four frames and four projection lenses are provided in each row (the "X" direction)0 Figo 4(a) illustrates a format incorporating eight different views (N=8) 10 whereas Figo 4(b) illustrates a format in which four different views (N=4) are duplicated so that eight images (M=8) may be projectedO
Figso 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) illustrate an embodiment in which frames and projection lenses are arranged in three rows, four to a rowO
In Fig. 5(a), the frames exhibit twelve (N=12) different two dimensional views; in Figo 5(b), a frame strip having four (N=4) different two-dimensional views is provided in triplicateO
Figso 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) illustrate a third embodiment wherein the frames and projection lenses are arranged in four rows, four frames and lenses to a rowO In FigD 6(a) sixteen (N=16) different 20 two-dimensional views are provided; in Fig. 6(b), four identical strips of frames, providing four (N=4) different two-dimensional views each, are arranged in staggered relationship in the four respective rowsO
The frame formats and lens arrangements illustrated in Figso 4_6 are examples only and are not intended to suggest certain embodiments to the exclusion of othersO As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number of frames and lenses per row, and ~0 the number of rows, is limited only by the overall optical geometry defined by the variables h, w, etcO Further, although the same number of frames and lenses is shown in each row in Figso 2-6, it will be undorstood that clifferent numbers may be used in the respective rows;
see, for cxample, Figo ~(a)O The number N of two-dimensional views :may be duplicated by any suitable integer, greater than unity, to provide the needed M projected imagesO
In order that the condensed lineiform images lie properly adjacent to each other in each image band beneath a lenticule of the 10 lenticular screen, the frames should be staggered by equal distances and their corresponding projection lenses should also be staggered by equal distancesO Thus, in the embodiment of Figo 4, the frames and lenses in one row are displaced by equal amounts with respect to the frames and lenses, respectively, in the other rowO In particular, as is illustrated, each frame or projection lens in one row is displaced in the X direction by an amount equal to one-half the distance between the centers of successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the other row. .In Figo 5, the frames and lenses of the successive rows are displaced in the X
direction by an amount equal to one-third the distance between the centers 20 o~ successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the pre~ious rowO In Figo 6, the frames and lenses in successive rows are displaced in the X
direction by an alnount equal to one-fourth the distance between the centers of successive frames or lenses, respectively, in the previous rowO
The distance, in the Y direction, between successive rows should be made as small as possible commensurate with the outer dimension of the lenses, the width of the two-dimensional views and whatever apparatus is necessary to conveniently hold the frames and the projection lenses in their proper respective positionsO Too great a spacing in the Y direction introduces unwanted distortion due to projection 30 through the outer portions _ :~5 -~L~7~
o the projections lenses, In certain situations, the Y
direction spaci,ng may be less than the outer diameter of the lenses, as for example, where two rows of lenses are used and the lenses of one row interdigitate to some extent with the l~nses of the other row. Generally, however, the spacing between rows will be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the lenses unless the width of the two-dimensional views requires a greater spacing.
The apparatus according to the present invention and described above for projecting stereoscopic pictures may be adapted and constructed to project motion pictures onto a suitable stereoscopic screen of the type illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In this case, the plural frames are arranged in the appropriate format on successive sections of conventional motion picutre film as illustrated in Fig. 7(a). Due to the limited width of the film strip it may be desirable to reduce the number of frames in each row to two or three and appropriately increase the number af rows so that the total number of frames, and consequently the number of projected images M, in each section of film will equal w. Fig, 7(a) illustrates an embodiment m in wh;ch frames bearing nine different two-dimensional views are arranged in three rows, three frames to a row (M=~). FigO 7 (b) illustrates a projection lens arrangement appropriate for this film format.
Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the relationship of the projection lenses and their apertures in the projection and composing system according to the present invention. Although the apertures 76 of the lenses 78 are illustrated as being round, square apertures, such as those indicated by the reference numeral 80, are preferred since they improve the evenness of density of the integrated composite image.
, - 16 -.
~7~
' Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) show how the arrangement of lenses according to the present lnvention facilitates the projection of immediately adjacent condensed lineiform images 82 beneath each lenticule 84. To accomplish this, it is necessary -that rows of lenses 78 be offset relative to one another in the X direction such that the apertures 76, thereof, when viewed in the Y direction, are arranged successively side~by-side or edge-to-edge in contiguous fashion in the direction of the X axis. This`condition is illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 8(a).
According to the present invention the lenses 78 are arxanged in spaced-apart rows which extend in a direction (X axis) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lenticules 8~ of the lenticular screen. As previously noted, it is not necessary that the same number of lenses be arranged in each row.
As is illustrated in Fig. 8(a), the centers of the projection lenses 78 are separated in the direction of the X
axis by a distance 90 which is determined by the length of the negatives, the focal length of the projection lenses and the projection iength h. The centers of the lenses 78 are separated in the direction of the Y axis by a distance which, as previously mentioned, is preferably as small as the diameter of the lenses or the width of the negatives will permit.
Although the apertures 76 of the lenses 78 are depicted in Figs; 8(a) and 8(b) as being all of the same size, the apertures 76 need not all be of identical size. For example, the apertures of one or more of the endmost lenses 76 ~ 21878 may be smaller or larger than ;the apertures of the central lenses in oxder to match the projecting angle ~ of the lenses to the accep-tance angle ~ of the lenticules 84 of the lenticular screen. As an example, the lens 76 farthest to the right in Fig. 8A is shown with an enlarged lens and aperture super-imposed in dashed lines.
It will be understood that the present invention is susceptible to various modifications, cnanges and adaptions which fall within its spirit and scope. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.
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Claims (12)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED, ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Apparatus for forming stereoscopic pictures of the type including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenticules aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising:
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of with w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N < M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position.
of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule; and means for supporting said plurality M of protecting lenses and said corresponding plurality N of two-dimensional .
views in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and two-dimensional views being spaced apart in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M lenses the when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of with w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N < M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position.
of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m, where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule; and means for supporting said plurality M of protecting lenses and said corresponding plurality N of two-dimensional .
views in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and two-dimensional views being spaced apart in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules and being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M lenses the when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said rows define parallel straight lines.
3. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the number N of different two-dimensional views is equal to the number M of projected two-dimensional views.
4. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the number M of projected two-dimensional views is equal to an integer i times the number N of different two-dimensional views, said integer 1 being greater than unity; and wherein i condensed images from each two-dimensional view are projected side-by-side in substantially contiguous and non-overlapping relationship at the rear surface of each lenticule.
5. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said rows of projecting lenses are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the outer diameter of a projecting lens or the minimum spacing permitted by the width of two-dimensional views, whichever is greater.
6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said lenticular screen includes a photographic emulsion on the rear surface thereof, whereby said apparatus is operable to compose stereoscopic picture prints.
7. The apparatus d in claim 6, further comprising means for positioning said lenticular screen opposite said projecting lenses with a lenticule thereof in substantial registry with said reference point, and means for moving successive lengths of said emulsion-bearing lenticular screen into position opposite said protecting lenses for exposure
8. The apparatus defined in Claim 7, wherein said moving means includes:
(a) first spool means for holding a coil of said emulsion-bearing lenticular screen and supplying said lengths to said position opposite said projecting lenses;
(b) second spool means for holding a coil of said emulsion-bearing lenticular screen and receiving said lengths from said position opposite said projecting lenses; and (c) means for selectively driving said second spool means, to cause it to receive said lengths.
(a) first spool means for holding a coil of said emulsion-bearing lenticular screen and supplying said lengths to said position opposite said projecting lenses;
(b) second spool means for holding a coil of said emulsion-bearing lenticular screen and receiving said lengths from said position opposite said projecting lenses; and (c) means for selectively driving said second spool means, to cause it to receive said lengths.
9. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said lenticular screen includes a laminate comprising, in successive order:
(a) a layer of substantially transparent material forming a first series of lenticules;
(b) a light diffusing layer; and (c) a layer of substantially transparent material forming a second series of lenticules; said first and said second series of lenticules having substantially the same dimensions and facing in opposite directions in substantial registry;
whereby said apparatus is operable to project stereo-scopic pictures through layer (a) which are visible through layer (c).
(a) a layer of substantially transparent material forming a first series of lenticules;
(b) a light diffusing layer; and (c) a layer of substantially transparent material forming a second series of lenticules; said first and said second series of lenticules having substantially the same dimensions and facing in opposite directions in substantial registry;
whereby said apparatus is operable to project stereo-scopic pictures through layer (a) which are visible through layer (c).
10. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein one or more of the endmost apertures in said edge-to-edge arrange-ment of apertures differ in size from the central apertures in said edge-to-edge arrangement.
11. Apparatus for forming stereo-scopic pictures of the type including a multiplicity of lineiform image bands, each of said image bands comprising a plurality of condensed images from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional views of an object field taken from spaced vantage points, and a lenticular screen having a corresponding multiplicity of lenti-cules aligned with the image bands, said apparatus comprising:
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of width w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N < M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule;
a corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings, each arranged in optical alignment with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and containing a photographic image of one of said two-dimensional views; and means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and photographic recordings being spaced apart in the direction of the length-wise extent of the lenticules and being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M
lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
a lenticular screen having a plurality of cylindrical lenticules of width w;
means including a plurality M of projecting lenses for projecting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional views of an object field, a plurality N < M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, onto said lenticular screen with the projected image of a selected common element of each view in substantial registry with a reference point located substantially at the position of said lenticular screen, the number M of projected two-dimensional views being equal to w/m where m is the width of an individual condensed image formed at the rear surface of a lenticule;
a corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings, each arranged in optical alignment with a corresponding one of said projecting lenses and containing a photographic image of one of said two-dimensional views; and means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses and said corresponding plurality M of photographic recordings in a plurality of rows, said rows of projecting lenses and photographic recordings being spaced apart in the direction of the length-wise extent of the lenticules and being offset relative to one another in the direction of the widthwise extent of the lenticules of said lenticular screen such that the apertures of said M
lenses, when viewed in the direction of the lengthwise extent of the lenticules, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation, whereby said M projected two-dimensional views form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
12. An apparatus for composing a stereoscopic picture of the type comprising (1) a lenticular screen having cylindrical lenticules and (2) an image layer underlying said lenticules and containing a lineiform image band aligned with each lenticule, each band comprising a plurality of condensed images made from a corresponding plurality of two-dimensional photographic recordings taken from a number of spaced vantage points relative to an object field, said apparatus comprising a light source, a plurality M of projecting lenses, and means for supporting a corresponding plurality M of two-dimensional photographic recordings of an object field, each of which recordings contains substantially the entire object field and a plurality N < M of which were taken from different vantage points relative to the object field, in optical relation to said M projecting lenses such that the projected image of a selected common object field element on each recording is in substantial registry with a reference point; wherein the improve-ment comprises:
means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses in a plurality of first rows which are spaced apart in the direction transverse to the lengthwise extent of the first rows and which are offset relative to one another in the direc-tion of the lengthwise extent of the first rows such that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in said transverse direction, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation; and means for supporting said corresponding plurality M
of photographic recordings in a corresponding plurality of second rows, which are aligned with and substantially parallel to respective ones of said first rows such that each photographic recording is aligned with a corresponding one of said project-ing lenses and such that said common element on each photographic recording is projected in substantial registry with said reference point;
whereby said M projected two-dimensional recordings may form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule of a cylindrical-lenticule lenticular screen, when said screen is positioned substantially at the place of said reference point with the lenticules thereof aligned lengthwise in said transverse direction, which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
means for supporting said plurality M of projecting lenses in a plurality of first rows which are spaced apart in the direction transverse to the lengthwise extent of the first rows and which are offset relative to one another in the direc-tion of the lengthwise extent of the first rows such that the apertures of said M lenses, when viewed in said transverse direction, are arranged substantially in edge-to-edge contiguous relation; and means for supporting said corresponding plurality M
of photographic recordings in a corresponding plurality of second rows, which are aligned with and substantially parallel to respective ones of said first rows such that each photographic recording is aligned with a corresponding one of said project-ing lenses and such that said common element on each photographic recording is projected in substantial registry with said reference point;
whereby said M projected two-dimensional recordings may form M condensed images at the rear surface of each lenticule of a cylindrical-lenticule lenticular screen, when said screen is positioned substantially at the place of said reference point with the lenticules thereof aligned lengthwise in said transverse direction, which are substantially contiguous and non-overlapping.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/698,064 US4101210A (en) | 1976-06-21 | 1976-06-21 | Projection apparatus for stereoscopic pictures |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1071448A true CA1071448A (en) | 1980-02-12 |
Family
ID=24803778
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA280,475A Expired CA1071448A (en) | 1976-06-21 | 1977-06-14 | Projection apparatus for stereoscopic pictures |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US4101210A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5322417A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU499676B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE855844A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1071448A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH618024A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2727642C3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2356181A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1571442A (en) |
| HK (1) | HK23281A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1082826B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX144827A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7706421A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE417647B (en) |
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| US3953869A (en) * | 1974-09-24 | 1976-04-27 | Dimensional Development Corporation | Stereoscopic photography apparatus |
| US3995288A (en) * | 1975-10-20 | 1976-11-30 | Izon Corporation | Compact folded mirror camera and projector |
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1976
- 1976-06-21 US US05/698,064 patent/US4101210A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1977
- 1977-06-08 AU AU25944/77A patent/AU499676B2/en not_active Expired
- 1977-06-10 NL NL7706421A patent/NL7706421A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1977-06-14 GB GB24752/77A patent/GB1571442A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-06-14 CA CA280,475A patent/CA1071448A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-06-17 BE BE178569A patent/BE855844A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1977-06-20 DE DE2727642A patent/DE2727642C3/en not_active Expired
- 1977-06-20 JP JP7316377A patent/JPS5322417A/en active Granted
- 1977-06-20 FR FR7718827A patent/FR2356181A1/en active Granted
- 1977-06-20 SE SE7707103A patent/SE417647B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1977-06-20 CH CH753077A patent/CH618024A5/fr not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1977-06-20 IT IT68430/77A patent/IT1082826B/en active
- 1977-06-21 MX MX169551A patent/MX144827A/en unknown
- 1977-12-08 US US05/858,549 patent/US4132468A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1981
- 1981-05-28 HK HK232/81A patent/HK23281A/en unknown
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|---|---|
| SE7707103L (en) | 1977-12-22 |
| AU2594477A (en) | 1978-12-14 |
| FR2356181B1 (en) | 1979-03-09 |
| JPS5631577B2 (en) | 1981-07-22 |
| CH618024A5 (en) | 1980-06-30 |
| AU499676B2 (en) | 1979-04-26 |
| BE855844A (en) | 1977-12-19 |
| GB1571442A (en) | 1980-07-16 |
| FR2356181A1 (en) | 1978-01-20 |
| IT1082826B (en) | 1985-05-21 |
| JPS5322417A (en) | 1978-03-01 |
| DE2727642A1 (en) | 1977-12-29 |
| US4132468A (en) | 1979-01-02 |
| DE2727642B2 (en) | 1980-04-17 |
| SE417647B (en) | 1981-03-30 |
| HK23281A (en) | 1981-06-05 |
| US4101210A (en) | 1978-07-18 |
| MX144827A (en) | 1981-11-24 |
| DE2727642C3 (en) | 1980-12-18 |
| NL7706421A (en) | 1977-12-23 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |