Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing two-dimensional images of a scene on a substantially flat viewing surface to enable perception of three dimensions comprises arranging a plurality of optical recorders into two recorder arrays, recording a series of images simultaneously with each optical recorder, and sequencing the recorded images onto a final recording medium. The first recorded images of each series from each optical recorder are sequentially arranged, followed by the second recorded images, the third recorded images and so on. To view the final recording in real time, the final recording is displayed at a rate equal to the recording rate of the optical recorders multiplied by the number of optical recorders used.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to a method for recording a series of images by a plurality of optical recorders, sequencing selected images recorded by the optical recorders, and displaying the sequenced images on a two-dimensional medium wherein the display is perceived by a viewer as a three-dimensional image.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0006]     Prior art methods of creating a perception of 3D images, such as 3D movies and holograms, are based on perception of the eye. Variances in light refracted by an object aid in the perception of depth by the eye.  
         [0007]     There are several ways that the perception of depth is communicated to a viewer in the context of a motion picture. One common method is the use of two cameras spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Polarized lenses are necessary to view the motion picture and perceive depth.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,828 issued to Shaw et al. on Feb. 19, 1991 discloses a camera for producing 3D motion pictures in which there are camera lenses corresponding to the left eye and the right eye. Each lens has a corresponding film transport mechanism. Manipulation of the film strip is necessary before viewing. Two simultaneous projectors having polarized filters are used to view the film. Viewers must wear polarized glasses, which correspond to the polarized filters on the projectors, to perceive depth while watching the motion picture.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,361 issued to Shaw on Sep. 19, 1990 discloses a method of producing and displaying 3D motion pictures wherein tow master film negatives are prepared using a camera rig with one camera that looks directly at the subject through a semi-transparent mirror and a second camera that looks at the same subject by way of the reflective surface of the mirror to obtain left and right eye images. The cameras are oriented so that the mirror images recorded by the second camera are turned laterally of the film in being reflected by the mirror. Images from the two films are simultaneously projected onto the same screen to produce a coincident 3D image. Left and right eye images are optically coded by using polarized filters, requiring the viewer to wear spectacles having corresponding polarized lenses to perceive depth while viewing the motion picture.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,929 issued to Glenn, Jr. on Jul. 7, 1970 discloses a parallax stereogram 3D camera, which utilizes a plurality of cameras having optical axes convergent upon the object to be photographed and displayed in 3D. A common shutter drive mechanism is used to provide uniform 3D display.  
         [0011]     Other prior art methods of producing 3D images include the use of lenticular screens for viewing the images.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,987 issue to Hoppenstein on Sep. 17, 1991 discloses a method and apparatus for creating 3D television or other multi-dimensional images. A plurality of image-capturing devices is arranged in a predetermined pattern about the target object. The image from each capturing device is divided into a plurality of equally sized strips by a lenticular device located between the image capturing devices and the target object. A second lenticular device, having similar optical characteristics as the first lenticular device, is located adjacent to display means. Superimposed images taken from a plurality of cameras are used to provide the perception of depth to a viewer.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,474 issued on Jul. 4, 1995 and U.S Pat. No. 5,614,941 issued on Mar. 25, 1997 both to Hines, disclose a system for creating stereoscopic images viewable without the need for special glasses. Images from multiple sources from predetermined lateral directions are superimposed on a viewing screen. The screen upon which the 3D image is displayed includes a Fresnel lens, a diffuser, and a lenticular screen with horizontal lenticules.  
         [0014]     Another prior art method of producing a 3D image sensation in the viewer includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,045 issued to Iwane on Dec. 6, 1977. This patent discloses a 3D television system for photographing an object at a plurality of different planes to obtain an individual picture of the image corresponding to each plane. Each planar image is then angularly divided into a pattern distribution of brightness and depth signals. A transmission means is utilized to classify the image signals and transmit them to a receiving and reprocessing unit. The reprocessing unit reassembles the brightness and depth signals from the plurality of planar images from the plurality of cameras.  
         [0015]     It would be an improvement to the art to be able to experience a three-dimensional sensation when viewing a motion picture without the need for special glasses or a special viewing screen.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a perception of 3D images in a motion picture that is viewable without the use of polarized lenses.  
         [0017]     It is another object of this invention to provide a perception of 3D images in a motion picture that may be viewed on an ordinary projection screen.  
         [0018]     It is another object of this invention to replicate variations in focal length of human eyes with a plurality of cameras.  
         [0019]     The present invention is an apparatus and method to provide a perception of 3D images by sequentially displaying a plurality of 2D images recorded by a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced optical recorders. The images are recorded and displayed at a high speed, such that the viewer processes in such rapid succession that the images are perceived as being viewed simultaneously. The vertically and horizontally spaced optical recorders capture nuances of lighting and space similar to that perceived by the human eye when viewing a 3D object, a plurality of objects or a scene. The spaced optical recorders additionally provide a triangulation similar to the effect of viewing an object from two spaced eyes.  
         [0020]     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawing and the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of an optical recorder arrangement.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an optical recorder.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cut-away view of an optical recorder.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of first and second recorder arrays having a plurality of optical recorders focused on an object while recording a scene.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a matrix embodiment of an optical recorder arrangement.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a depiction of a plurality of serial images, each of which is from a different optical recorder.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a depiction of a sequenced image series. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative arrangement  100  of optical recorders  130  is provided. As used herein, the term, “optical recorder” refers to any type of device that includes an aperture through which an image, or series of images, may be captured and which has the capability of recording the image, or series of images onto a recording medium. The term “recording medium” may be film, digital memory, digital storage devices, or any other medium on which a series of images may be recorded and stored, temporarily or permanently. Optical recorders are generically describe herein as optical recorders  130 , but may also be assigned an individual description, such as optical recorder  111 .  
         [0029]     In a preferred embodiment, arrangement  100  comprises two sets of optical recorders  130 , a first recorder array  110  and a second recorder array  120 . Optical recorders  130  in first recorder array  110  are positioned around a first array center point  152  in a recorder location  111 - 116  located a radius distance  156  from first array center point  152 . Optical recorders  130  in second recorder array  120  are positioned around a second array center point  162  in a recorder location  121 - 126  located a radius distance  166  from second array center point  162 . In the embodiment shown, first and second recorder arrays  110 ,  120  each have six such locations,  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126 , however there may be as few as two optical recorders  130  per recorder array  110 ,  120  or more than the six depicted.  
         [0030]     First and second recorder arrays  110  and  120  are spaced from each other. For simplicity, first recorder array  110  is described as being to the left of second recorder array  120 . However, array  120  may be to the left of first recorder array  110  without affecting the outcome. Also, the configuration described for first recorder array  110  may be applied to second recorder array  120  while the configuration described for second recorder array  120  is applied to first recorder array  110 .  
         [0031]     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 1 , each recorder location  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  is separated by a recorder spacing distance  158 . A recorder spacing distance  168  separates each recorder location  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120 . Recorder locations  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  are coplanar, as are recorder locations  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120 . When array  110  is arranged such that the plane containing recorder locations  111 - 116  is vertical, the recorder locations  111 - 116  are spaced horizontally and vertically in relation to each other. When array  120  is arranged such that the plane containing recorder locations  121 - 126  is vertical, the recorder locations  121 - 126  are spaced horizontally and vertically in relation to each other.  
         [0032]     In the embodiment depicted, first and second recorder arrays  110  and  120  are also coplanar, resulting in all recorder locations  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  being fixed in a common plane. First and second recorder arrays  110  and  120  are not required to be co-planar to practice the invention, but if not co-planar, should be oriented so that lines passing through array center point  152  and second array center point  162  normal to the planes of recorder arrays  110  and  120  converge at a location distal from arrays  110  and  120 .  
         [0033]     An array fixture (not shown) may be arranged to hold all optical recorders  130  in an assigned recorder location  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126 .  
         [0034]     In the embodiment depicted, radius distance  156  or  166  and recorder spacing distance  158  or  168  are equivalent as array  110  comprises six recorder locations  111 - 116  equally spaced circumferentially from center point  152 , each recorder location  111 - 116  a distance  158  from center point  152 , with array  120  having similar recorder locations  121 - 126 .  
         [0035]     In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 , recorder locations  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  and recorder locations  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120  are not mirror images of each other. Recorder locations  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  are rotated from the counterpart recorder locations  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120  relative to a straight line  170  between first array center point  152  and second array center point  162 . For example, a first array location angle  172  is defined between a line  174  from a recorder location  112  to first array center point  152  and line  170 . Recorder location  121  in second array  120  corresponds to recorder location  112  in first array  110 . A second array location angle  176  is defined between a line  178  from recorder location  121  to second array center point  162  and imaginary line  170 . In the embodiment depicted, the offset will be such that angle  176  is  1 . 5  times angle  174 . Stated differently, the recorders  130  of second array  120  are offset from the recorders  110  by one-half of the angular displacement of any two adjacent recorders  130  of either array.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each optical recorder  130  includes a recorder housing  132  and a lens  134 . Recorder housing  132  includes a front end  136  to which lens  134  is attached. Lens  134  is constructed to collect and focus an image on recording medium  170  (shown in  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0037]     In an initial position, lens  134  faces in a forward direction so that a direction line  166  through center point  138  is perpendicular to the plane of the respective array  110 ,  120 . Lens  134  may be movably attached to front end  136  such that direction line  166  is in an angularly displaced position with respect to the initial position. Alternatively, optical recorder  130  is movable so that direction line  166  is angularly displaced. Preferably, either lens  134  or optical recorder  130  is movable so that the angular displacement of direction line  166  is similar to the angular displacement of the human eye when an individual&#39;s head is held in a stationary position and the eye is moved within the socket to follow an object in motion.  
         [0038]     Depending on the application, recorders  130  may comprise auto-focusing cameras as commercially practiced and may include tracking capabilities as currently commercially practiced.  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a recording medium  170  is housed within recorder housing  132 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the distance between the center point  138  of each lens  134  and an object  144  of which an image is being recorded is an object distance  148 . To simulate the perception by human eyes, first and second recorder arrays  110 ,  120  should be oriented such that the object  144  is in front of first and second recorder arrays  110 ,  120  and such that each optical recorder  130  has an unobstructed view of object  144 . It is noted that object  144  provides a focal point and that optical recorder  130  records the scene encompassing the object  144  as well as objecto  144 .  
         [0041]     After first and second recorder arrays  110  are positioned relative to an object  144  to be recorded, recording may commence. All optical recorders  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  in first and second recorder arrays  110 ,  120  record the scene which includes object  144 . Such recording may be simultaneous or may be sequential, but in rapid succession. The present invention contemplates rapid, successive recording of object  144  and the scenery recorded therewith, and recording dynamic movement of object  144  and the scenery recorded therewith.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  records an individual series of images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  onto a recording medium  170 . There may be an individual recording medium  170  associated with each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  or there may be one recording medium  170  onto which serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  are simultaneously recorded.  
         [0043]     In the preferred embodiment, each optical recorder  130  of each optical recorder  130  is constructed to rotate as required to track movement of an identified object  144 . Alternatively, each optical recorder  130  may be in a fixed position with the lens  134  constructed to rotate as required to track movement of an identified object  144 .  
         [0044]     In the preferred embodiment, the operation of arrays  110  and  120  simulate vision by a pair of eyes. During recording, object  144  is the focal point of optical recorders  111 - 116  of first recorder array  110  and is also the focal point of optical recorders  121 - 126  in the second recorder array  120 , involving slight rotation of the recorders  130  to align the direction lines  166  of each recorder  130  to object  144 . Optical recorders  111 - 126  of first recorder array  110  and optical recorders  121 - 126  of second recorder array  120  simultaneously and responsively rotate as required to follow the movement of object  144 .  
         [0045]     In an alternative embodiment, recorders  130  are in a fixed position and lenses  134  rotate to follow movement of object  144 .  
         [0046]     Each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  perceives a slight variation in the light refracted off object  144 . Optical recorders  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  record views of object  144 , as do optical recorders  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120 . Variations of the views of object  144  from each optical recorder  111 - 116  in first recorder array  110  correlate with variations in perception of object  144  by receptors in one human eye. Variations of the views of object  144  from each optical recorder  121 - 126  in second recorder array  120  correlate with variations in perception of object  144  by receptors of a second human eye.  
         [0047]     As a scene is recorded, each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  records, either directly or remotely, serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  on recording medium  170 . Optical recorder  111 , for example, may produce images  2111  through  2115  on recording medium  170 , while optical recorder  121  simultaneously produces images  2211  through  2225  on either another or the same recording medium  170 .  
         [0048]     After a scene is recorded, serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  from all recording media  170  are organized and saved on a final storage medium  510 . The quantity of individual images recorded during an event will vary depending upon the recording rate and the length of time during which recording occurs. However, the quantity of images in each series  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  should be nearly the same for the same event.  
         [0049]     In an illustrative sequence, individual images  2111 - 2268  from recorded series of images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  are selected and organized so that the earliest recorded image  2111  from first optical recorder  111  in first recorder array  110  is placed first in the sequence, followed by the recorded image  2212  of first optical recorder  121  in second recorder array  120 , third recorded image  2123  of second optical recorder  112  in first recorder array  110 , fourth recorded image  2224  from second optical recorder  122  of second recorder array  120 , etc. In the preferred embodiment, each subsequent selected image is later in time than the immediately preceding image with the timing a predetermined amount (such as, for example 36 images per second).  
         [0050]     In order to accomplish such sequencing, that optical recorders  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  may be synchronized so that each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  records each image  2111 - 2268  simultaneously and a limited number of the images acquired are actually used. Alternatively, recording by optical recorders  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  may be synchronized to obtain serial images in succession corresponding to a determined rate.  
         [0051]     The predetermined order of images preferably alternates between an image  2111  from an optical recorder  111  in first recorder array  110  and an image  2211  from an optical recorder  121  in second recorder array  120 . An example of such an image order, as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be:  
                                                                     Optical           Image   Recorder                                        2111   111           2211   121           2121   112           2221   122           2131   113           2231   123           2141   114           2241   124           2151   115           2251   125           2161   116           2261   126           2112   111           2212   121           2122   112           2222   122           2132   113           2232   123           2142   114           2242   124           2152   115           2252   125           2162   116           2262   126                      
 
 This order is maintained throughout the sequencing of all recorded images  2111  et al. 
 
         [0053]     Although it is conceivable that each image  2111  et al. from each of serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  could be separated and spliced together in a manual operation, it is preferred that the recorded serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  be loaded onto a digital recording medium such as a compact disk or other storage device. Computer software may then be used to extract individual images  2111  et al. from serial images  211 - 216 ,  221 - 226  recorded by each optical recorder  111 - 116 ,  121 - 126  and organized in the manner described.  
         [0054]     The sequenced serial images  500  are transmitted to a viewing device (not shown), such as a movie projector, video player, television, or computer.  
         [0055]     In the preferred embodiment, images are displayed at a rate in excess of a traditional video transmission rate of twenty-four (24) images per second.  
         [0056]     To provide optimal depiction of all images recorded with a determined number of optical recorders  130 , the display speed (images per second) is multiplied by the number of optical recorders  130  used to record a scene. For example, if each optical recorder  130  records 24 images per second, as is typical for motion picture cameras, and twelve optical recorders  130  are used to record the scene, there will be a total of 288 images recorded during each second. All of the recorded images are sequenced as previously described. Therefore, to view all recorded images  500  in real time, 288 images per second (that is, 24 images per second per optical recorder times 12 optical recorders) must be viewed.  
         [0057]     A preferred rate of displaying sequenced serial images  500  is, at minimum, 288 images per second. A lesser display rate may be used with decreasing effectiveness. Image generation may be with a single display device or multiple display devices each transmitting predetermined images of sequenced serial images  500 .  
         [0058]     Sequenced image series  500 , which includes all of the nuances of perception from the plurality of optical recorders  130  in first and second recorder arrays  110 ,  120 , depicted at such a high speed provides the nuances of reflected light perceived by human vision and accordingly provides three-dimensional perception of the scene viewed. The multiple locations simulate multiple reception points of rods and cones in a human eye processing pluralities of input in the visual spectrum at various locations of the retina. The space human eyes provide a triangulation effect. The present invention provides a plurality of reception points, spaced collectors and a rapid sequence of images to provide an effect to simulate actual human vision of a scene.  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in a second embodiment, a matrix arrangement  200  is depicted. Matrix arrangement  200  comprises a plurality of co-planar optical recorders  130  in a single recorder array  210 . In the single recorder array  210 , optical recorders  130  are placed at recorder locations  221 - 226 ,  231 - 236  equidistantly located around an array center point  252 . Each recorder locations  221 - 226 ,  231 - 236  is separated by a distance  258  from adjacent recorder locations  221 - 226 ,  231 - 236 . The distance from center point  252  to recorder locations  221 - 226 ,  231 - 236  need not equal the distance  258  between recorder locations  221 - 226 ,  231 - 236 . Single recorder array  210  provides the advantage of the preferred embodiment in that the spaced optical recorders  130  capture variations in perspective and light and the nuances of reflected light perceived by human vision, but does not provide two spaced arrays. Images obtained by the single recorder array  210  are sequenced for subsequent display. The optical recorders  130  preferably include auto-focus, rotation and tracking capabilities as in the preferred embodiment previously described.  
         [0060]     The foregoing description of the invention illustrates a preferred embodiment thereof. Various changes may be made in the details of the illustrated construction within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the claims and their equivalents.