Photographs of fabrics and methods for making them

• US 6,832,125 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2001
• Issued: 12/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hunes BV
• Original Assignee: Hunes BV
• Inventors: Hendrikx, Henricus Aldegonda, Sonnenberg, David
• Primary Examiner(s): NERBUN, PETER P
• Application Number:
  US09/996,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20020064301A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,113 Days
• Field of Search: 700/130, 700/143, 382/111, 356/238.1, 356/238.3, 356/429, 356/430
• US Class Current: 700/130
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/367 Fabric or woven textiles optical analysis of moving sheets G01N21/86
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Abstract

A method for reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics is provided. The method produces photographs which depict one or more characteristics of each fabric. Such characteristics include the texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, each of which characteristics can be reliably understood and compared. The method comprises the steps of folding each fabric in the same way, placing the folded fabric on a background surface in order to provide the fabric with a standardized draped shape and then photographing each draped and folded fabric in the same way. Further, by utilizing digital photography the photographs for each fabric can be suitably viewed via an internet web site. Additionally, the photograph of each fabric can also be computer generated in a photo-realistic image depicting a likely or intended use of the fabric, for example, as drapery or a covering for furniture.

Claims

1. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabrics characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has two folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape wherein the predetermined standardized drape of the fabric comprises;

a bottom ply that is of the background surface and has a first side edge;

an intermediate ply having a second side edge;

a first fold line between the bottom and intermediate plies; and

a top ply having a third side edge; and

a second fold line between the intermediate and top plies;

wherein the first, second and third side edges are on the same side of the fabric;

the first and third side edges are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a first direction;

the second side edge is located between the first and third side edges; and

the first and second fold lines are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a second direction; and

then photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way, wherein each fabric is photographed, so that the resulting photograph has a first total surface area, a second surface area of the photograph shows the fabric and a third surface area of the photograph shows the background surface;

the second surface area being greater than the third surface area.

5. The method of claims 4, 1, 2 or 3 wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the first fold line includes a first curve formed by the first and second side edges and having a first radius and wherein the second fold line includes a second curve formed by the second and third side edges and having a second radius, and wherein the first radius is smaller than the second radius.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein a portion of each draped and folded fabric, within a rectangular virtual photo frame, is photographed with a camera and wherein the first direction is at an obtuse angle with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the obtuse angle is between about 105°

and 120°

, preferably about 110°

.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the second direction is at an acute angle with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera and wherein the acute angle is between about 15°

and 30°

, preferably about 20°

.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first, second and third side edges are serrated.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein each fabric is also photographed in a second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the fabric has a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.

18. The method of claim 7 wherein the second direction is at an acute angle with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera and wherein the acute angle is between about 15°

and 30°

, preferably about 20°

.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the first, second and third side edges are serrated.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein each fabric is also photographed in second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the fabric has a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model the use.

27. The method of claims 4, 1, 2, or 3 wherein the first, second and third side edges are serrated.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein each fabric is also photographed in second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the fabric has a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.

39. The method of claim 33 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.

2. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has one to three folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized shape, wherein the predetermined standardized drape of the fabric comprises;

a bottom ply that is on the background surface and has a first side edge;

an intermediate ply having a second side edge;

a first fold line between the bottom and intermediate plies; and

a top ply having a third side edge; and

a second fold line between the intermediate and top plies;

wherein the first, second and third side edges are on the same side of the fabric;

the first and third side edges are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a first direction;

the second side edge is located between the first and third side edges; and

the first and second fold lines are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a second direction; and

then photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way.

3. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has one to three folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape, wherein the predetermined standardized drape of the fabric comprises;

a bottom ply that is on the background surface and has a first side edge;

an intermediate ply having a second side edge;

a first fold line between the bottom and intermediate plies; and

a top ply having a third side edge; and

a second fold line between the intermediate and top plies;

wherein the first, second and third side edges are on the same side of the fabric;

the first and third side edges are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a first direction;

the second side edge is located between the first and third side edges; and

the first and second fold lines are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a second direction; and

then photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way, wherein each fabric is photographed, so that the resulting photograph has a first total surface area, a second surface area of the photograph shows the fabric and a third surface area of the photograph shows the background surface;

the second surface area being greater than the third surface area.

4. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has 2 folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape, wherein the predetermined standardized drape of the fabric comprises;

a bottom ply that is on the background surface and has a first side edge;

an intermediate ply having a second side edge, a first fold line between the bottom and intermediate plies; and

a top ply having a third side edge; and

a second fold line between the intermediate and top plies;

wherein the first, second and third side edges are on the same side of the fabric;

the first and third side edges are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a first direction;

the second side edge is located between the first and third side edges; and

the first and second fold lines are spaced apart and extend generally parallel in a second direction; and

then photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way.

35. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has 2 folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape; and

then photographing a portion of each draped and folded fabric, within a rectangular virtual photo frame, in a first same way by a camera, so that the resulting photograph has a first total surface area, a second surface area of the photograph shows the fabric and a third surface area of the photograph shows the background surface;

the second surface area being greater than the third surface area, and wherein a first direction is at an obtuse angle between about 105°

an 120°

, preferably about 110°

, with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera and a second direction is at an acute angle between about 15° and

30°

, preferably about 20°

, with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera; and

wherein the first, second and third side edges are serrated.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein each fabric is also photographed in second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the fabric has a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

43. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way such that each fabric has 2 folds;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape; and

then photographing a portion of each draped and folded fabric, within a rectangular virtual photo frame, in a first same way by a camera, so that the resulting photograph has a first total surface area, a second surface area of the photograph shows the fabric and a third surface are of the photograph shows the background surface;

the second surface area being greater than the third surface area, and wherein a first direction is at an obtuse angle with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera and a second direction is at an acute angle between about 15° and

30°

, preferably about 20°

, with respect to a side of the virtual photo frame closest to the camera; and

wherein the first, second and third side edges are serrated.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein each fabric is also photographed in second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein the fabric as a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

48. The method of claim 48 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model the use.

51. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape;

photographing each draped an folded fabric in a first same way; and

showing each fabric in a second way in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering, wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.

54. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of:

folding each fabric in the same way;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape;

photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way; and

showing each fabric in a second way in a computer-generated photo-realistic image, in use, wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of unprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.

57. A standardized method of reproducibly making photographs of different fabrics, so that one or more of each fabric'"'"'s characteristics of texture, pattern, thickness, drape and translucency, can be reliably understood and compared, comprising the steps of;

folding each fabric in the same way;

placing the folded fabric on a background surface to provide it with a standardized draped shape;

photographing each draped and folded fabric in a first same way; and

photographing each fabric in a second same way as straight with a full-repeat of a pattern.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein the fabric has a serrated edge and is atop a gray background.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein each fabric is also shown in a computer-generated photo-realistic image in a third same way, in use.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein each fabric is shown in use as a window covering and/or a furniture covering.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein each photograph of a fabric in the first and/or second way is stored in a computer database and is tagged to indicate a use of the fabric.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein a plurality of pre-processed digitized photographs of 3-dimensional models of imprinted fabrics in the use are also in the database.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein the computer-generated photo-realistic image is made on demand of a purchaser by rendering the photograph of the fabric in the first or second way on the photograph of the 3-dimensional model in the use.