Three-dimensional image projection employing retro-reflective screens
First Claim
1. A method for producing a perceived three dimensional image of an object, said method comprising:
- obtaining a retro-reflective screen, said screen having a known non-linear light reflection pattern;
aligning at least two image projectors in a geometry so as to be able to project images onto said screen;
simultaneously calculating separate two-dimensional images, one each or projecting by a different one of said projectors, said calculated images being determined from stereopair image information regarding the object and from said pattern and said geometry;
each said calculated image simultaneously containing at least some image information intended for the left eye and at least some image information intended for the right eye; and
projecting said calculated images from said projectors onto said screen such that they reflect off said screen in a superimposed manner that produces a three-dimensional image of said object to a viewer at a known location.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein are three-dimensional projection systems and related methods employing two electronically controlled projectors and a retro-reflective screen. The retro-reflective screen produces a known non-linear light reflection pattern when images are projected thereon. Image computational means are used to calculating flat image information for each projector based upon inputted stereopair images and information regarding the projectors and screen. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the projection system uses an image computational device that employs a neural network feedback calculation to calculate the appropriate flat image information and appropriate images to be projected on the screen by the projectors at any given time. More than two projectors can be employed to produce multiple aspect views, to support multiple viewers, and the like. In another embodiment, the projection system includes a digital camera that provides feedback data to the image computational device.
69 Citations
38 Claims
-
1. A method for producing a perceived three dimensional image of an object, said method comprising:
-
obtaining a retro-reflective screen, said screen having a known non-linear light reflection pattern;
aligning at least two image projectors in a geometry so as to be able to project images onto said screen;
simultaneously calculating separate two-dimensional images, one each or projecting by a different one of said projectors, said calculated images being determined from stereopair image information regarding the object and from said pattern and said geometry;
each said calculated image simultaneously containing at least some image information intended for the left eye and at least some image information intended for the right eye; and
projecting said calculated images from said projectors onto said screen such that they reflect off said screen in a superimposed manner that produces a three-dimensional image of said object to a viewer at a known location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A system for producing a perceived three-dimensional image of an object, said system comprising:
-
a retro-reflective screen, said screen having a known non-linear light reflection pattern;
at least two projectors capable of projecting two dimensional images o to said screen, said projectors being aligned in a geometry relative to said screen, and said projectors each containing electronically switchable displays for producing two-dimensional images;
an imaging computational device containing a processor, said device being adapted to control pixels of said displays, and said device being adapted to generate a seperate flat image for each display, said flat images being calculated by said device using said pattern and said geometry and electronic stereopair images of the object;
each said flat image simultaneously containing at least some image information intended for the left eye and at least some image information intended for the right eye. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
-
25. A system for producing a perceived three-dimensional image of an object, said system comprising:
-
a retro-reflective screen, said screen having a known non-linear light reflection pattern and comprising a film having a first surface embossed with high spatial frequency micro-prisms and a second surface embossed with low spatial frequency micro-prisms;
at least two projectors capable of projecting two dimensional images onto said screen, said projectors being aligned in a geometry relative to said screen, and said projectors each containing electronically switchable displays for producing two-dimensional images;
an imaging computational device containing a processor, said device being adapted to control pixels of said displays, and said device being adapted to generate a seperate flat image for each display, said flat images being calculated by said device using said pattern and said geometry and electronic stereopair images of the object. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
-
32. A system for producing a percieved three-dimensional image of an object, said system comprising:
-
a retro-reflective screen, said screen having a known non-linear light reflection pattern and comprising a micro-prism retro-reflector film and a one-dimensional micro-prism array scattering film;
at least two projectors capable of projecting two dimensional images onto said screen, said projectors being aligned in a geometry relative to said screen, and said projectors each containing electronically switchable displays for producing two-dimensional ages;
an imaging computational device containing a processor, said device being adapted to control pixels of said displays, and said device being adapted to generate a seperate flat image for each display, said flat images being calculated by said device using said pattern and said geometry and electronic stereopair images of the object. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
-
Specification