AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PRINT CARRIERS
& PRINT CARRIER THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION
(0001) The present invention relates to an improved method for the construction of print carriers and panels and the like, capable for producing three dimensional image visualization from considerable distances, from an image-capturing camera, preferaply a television camera or with eyes. More particularly the disclosed improved method relates to manipulations which impart the illusion of perspective or three-dimensional 'Stand Up to as much 90 degrees characteristics to a two dimensional or flat image/picture
BACKGROUND ART
(0002) In the prior art systems, the vertical and horizontal coordinates of the manipulated picture are provided by the central processing unit to the X and Y function registers. In order to create perspective the registers would need to change at the line and pixel rate but the central processing units are incapable of providing manipulated data at this speed
(0003) In graphics terminology this is known as a perspective projection This operation projects each point of an object arbitrarily oriented in three dimensional space onto a two dimensional plane. For television effects, the plane is that of the television picture tube. Each point of the image has associated with it an X horizontal, Y vertical and Z depth coordinate. It must be mapped onto the television screen to rasterize, eliminating the Z or depth coordinate Typically this is done using the follow transformation: X'=XD/Z and Y'=YD/Z
(0004) In these formulas X' and Y' are the new X and Y coordinates on the television screen and X, Y and Z are the three dimensional space coordinates of the point prior to the projection. D is viewing distance. This is the distance from the projection plane from which the viewer will appear to be watching the action The amount of keystoning observed by the viewer will become more radical as D is decreased, moving the viewer closer to the projection plane
(0005) Generally, in a graphics system the image is first positioned and rotated by performing a matrix multiplication on each point of the object Then the perspective transformation is applied. An U.S. Pat No. 4,533,952 discloses digital special effects system, which will invert and rotate video images However this system as well as other existing picture manipulation systems cannot add the feature of perspective to manipulated images.
(0006) Another publication WO93/04559 discloses an image which, is depicted in an inverse perspective form on a playing field for a sporting event The playing field is imaged by means of a video camera whose line of sight corresponds to the line of sight used in transforming the image to its inverse perspective form and the output of the camera then broadcast or diffused in a television broadcasting or diffusion service.
(0007) All the prior art fails to disclose the different patterns and effects in visualization viz shadow, wavy, reflection etc as shown in the figures
(0008) The new and improved version has an increased level of tolerance of the signs to changes in the viewing heights. This development can also make the sign appear 'standing up' to the spectators at elevated levels in sporting or entertainment venues as well
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
(0009) Therefore it is the primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for the construction of print carriers and panels and the like capable for producing three dimensional image visualization with treatment of effects from considerable distances, from an image-capturing camera preferably a television camera or with eyes. The images are re-presented with sufficient complexity to be believable and convincingly 'Standing Up' signs.
(0010) Such as herein described, the improved method comprises the steps of selecting the image pattern required to be established on the print carrier recording the view distances and the view heights of the image at different points with respect to the selected pattern; inputting the values to a processor configured for obtaining the desired form / pattern; inputting the image format to the processor configured for illustration of the said image, providing a visual treatment to the mage from a group of selected patterns; outputting the three dimensional line drawings, printing the output image over a print carrier using large fonts; panting / drawing the image using the print carrier over the selected area of the ground or place
(0011) As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the print carrier is divided into components / pieces of desired shape and size and given a lift with effects when applied to any Image / Logo.
(0012) As per another exemplary embodiment the image is selected in parts to produce different three dimensional effects for the image to the viewer
(0013) Another exemplary embodiment is provided wherein the image / logo is given with a special visual effect as if the image is reflected on water.
(0014) Another application of the improved method which is the subject of the present invention will make it possible not only to achieve perfect visualization of the advertising subject from a wide range of viewing angles, but in addition will allow fuller utilization of the advertising spaces at the sports ground or the like and a greater exploitation thereof owing to the improvement achieved in visualising the advertisements given the improved variations with the aide of effects.
(0015) It is the objective of the new improved version to break away from the mundane and stereo type production of the signage on a field. This has been achieved by the Application of Effects to the Image / Logo
(0016) The development detailed has given a lift and an aura with Effects by utilizing the facets of the Image / Logo
(0017) Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide the print carrier as paper, PVC sheet, acrylic sheets, card boards or the like
(0018) For greater understanding explanatory drawings are provided, by way of example, of the method, which is the subject of the present invention
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
(0019) Fig 1 illustrates diagrammatically the arrangement of a print carrier panel forming a certain angle with respect to the horizontal and an approximate representation of the visual effect thereof.
(0020) Fig 2 illustrates the grid comprising the squares according to the present invention
(0021) Fig 3 illustrates the midpoint of for the grid in accordance with the present invention
(0022) Fig 4 illustrates a pattern (logo wave effect) of display in accordance with the present invention;
(0023) Fig 5 illustrates a pattern (logo suspended effect) of display in accordance with the preseni invention;
(0024) Fig 6 illustrates a pattern (logo with plate) of display in accordance with the present invention;
(0025) Fig 7 illustrates a pattern (logo with reflection / shadow) of display in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(0026) Figure 1 illustrates the arrangement of a print carrier panel forming an angle with respect to the horizontal, how a print according to the present invention can be made. The figures illustrate the camera together with a cube shaped three-dimensional object, which is to be transformed by the print carrier on the ground. In order to perform the projection, it is first determined which
viewpoint the print is to be optimised for the height of the camera / view point angle of elevation and the dimensions of the print carrier are noted from all the sides of the print carrier. The imaginary focal plane of the video camera which extends at right angles to the line of sight at a focal point where the line of sight intersects the ground surface. The video camera is positioned at a height H above the ground plane and at a horizontal distance L from the focal point P
(0027) Further the print screen is divided into a grid structure (multiple sub masks) comprising of squares for the purpose of decoding the pattern of display The view points;, optimized at a centre point for each grid individually The projection is carried out for each sub mask to said image according to a line of sight defined between said central viewpoint and a point in said sub mask onto a given surface. The grid structure is designed as indicated in the Fig 2 Moreover the central view point is selected at the midpoint bottom line of each grid The central view point is shown in Fig 3.
(0028) In Figure 2 line the grid shows the window in the imaginary focal plane of the camera, each window have a central view point at its central bottom line The print carrier is superimposed on a perspective grid consisting of lines When the perspective grid illustrated in Figure 2 is transformed to a regular square grid and the same transformation applied to the rectangular / square print carrier, using a transform. This transformation is herein referred to as an inverse perspective transformation. The same transformation can be applied to any design represented in the focal plane
(0029) The referred figure illustrates how the image is intended to be intercepted as a three-dimensional element by an observer having two viewpoints When viewing the image from specific viewpoints (camera position), the viewer gets the illusion that he/she is looking at a physical three-dimensional box with images on three sides
(0030) The size of each projected sub mask is determined when projecting a plane of projection to a surface comprising two substantially plane surfaces with the central viewpoint and the plane of projection The plane of projection is divided into multiple sub masks, which are to be projected simultaneously In practice dividing the plane of projection in two parts can make the image and
then stretching the sub masks in each part according to values calculated using a software program. Further on performing the activity manually the projection is first performed according to a central viewpoint as discussed earlier, after which the left side is compensated for the right eye and the right side is compensated to the left eye, resulting in a projection where the right side is a perspective projection optimised to the left eye and vice versa Therefore the projections could be divided into multiple halves at a centre-line and afterwards the left half of one projection is combined with the right half from the other projection resulting in a single projection.
(0031) In the new improved method, there is provided software which successfully addresses the crucial need to adopt a degree of tolerance of the sign towards a change or variation of the applied height. In this case, the camera or visual sight from the designated height.
(0032) The larger level of tolerance of the camera is essential to accommodate the evident changes in the terrestrial capturing of the sporting activity This adaptation also makes the sign positively responsive to today's need of changes at the 11th hour of the capturing apparatus such as the eyes and/or camera
(0033) This can be done due to the difference in the application of the formula used to develop the Image / Logo incorporated in the software
(0034) LOGO - WAVE EFFECT : As shown in Fig 4, with the manipulations to the image, movement is given primarily keeping in mind that the logo / image is not to be distorted in any form during the transformation. In this process the image is firstly broken down into equal parts or alternate equal parts and given a pattern or flow of effects. The effect of movement will gives the image a wavy effect.
(0035) LOGO SUSPENDED : As shown in Fig 5, the logo is treated with effects of shadow at strategic locations to give the image that of being suspended in the air This effect adds a sense of mystery to the signage and moves ahead by leaps being totally different and superior as a new improved signage on any surface.
(0036) LOGO WITH PLATE : As a further development of the improved version as shown in Fig 6, the logo is broken down into different components One part is used as a flat plate on which the logo rests and a semi vertical component of another part of the logo. In totality, the effect gives more to a dimensional sign by giving the image/logo a multitude of facets
(0037) LOGO WITH REFLECTION : The final attempt succeeded has been to give the image / logo an effect reflecting on water or any other mirrored surface with the aide of nanipulations and add one without distortions to the image/logo as illustrated in Fig 7.
(0038) The features of the software for the discussed method have the following features:-
The software is applied to the Image / Logo for the desired effect and then developed to the dimensional visualization.
The applied formula is embedded into the software wherein the inputs of the available variants can be utilized to process the desired visual image
The process moves on to work out the available data in 2 stages with the formula that is incorporated in the software to finally give the dimensions of the var ious facets of the Image / Logo.
The Image / Logo is then applied to the given dimensions The line drawing or the stencil used to facilitate the transferring of the image to the surface for further development is obtained
With the improved version of the application of effects the drawing / stencil will be of 2, 3 or more parts.
(0039) Further the image quality may improve the illusion of a three-dimensional element provided that it is adjusted or tuned until the quality of the illusion is optimized, such further adjustment could include adjusting contrast of the colours, adding or enhancing shadows and enhancing edges in the contents of the print.
(0040) Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled
We claim:
1 An improved method for the construction of print carriers and panels and
the like capable for producing 'Stand Up 90 degrees signs' that are three dimensional image visualization from considerable distances comprising the steps of:
selecting the image pattern required to be established on the print carrier recording the view distances and the view heights of the image at different points with respect to the selected pattern;
inputting the values to a processor configured for obtaining the desired form / pattern:
inputting the image format to the processor configured for illustration of the said image;
providing a visual treatment to the image from a group of selected patterns: outputting the three dimensional line drawings, printing the output image over a print carrier using large fonts: painting / drawing the image using the print carrier over the selected area of the ground or place
2. An improved method as claimed in claim 1, further includes the step of surveying the area wherein the image is required to be imposed
3. An improved method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the print carrier is cut into pieces of desired shape and size
4 An improved method as claimed in claim 1. wherein the image is selected in parts to produce different pattern to the viewer
5 An improved method as claimed in claim 1, wherein for achieving perfect visualization of the advertising subject from wide range of viewing angles along with fuller utilization of the advertising spaces at the area or the like
the total image is broken into parts and applied upon with different print carriers simultaneously leading to improvement achieved in visualising the advertisements.
6. An improved method as claimed in claim 1, wherein print screen is divided into a grid structure (multiple sub masks) for an improved projection comprising of squares for the purpose of decoding the pattern of display and the view points are optimized at a centre point for each grid individually.
7 An improved method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the projection is carried out for each sub mask to said image according to a line of sight defined between said central viewpoint and a point in said sub mask onto a given surface and the central view point is selected at the midpoint bottom line of each grid.
8 An improved method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the size of each projected sub mask is determined when projecting a plane of proiection to a surface comprising two substantially plane surfaces with the central viewpoint and the plane of projection
9. An improved method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the print carrier may be among! paper, cloth, PVC sheet, acrylic sheets , card boards or the like
10 A print carrier comprising an image stencil as claimed in any of the preceding claims

The present invention relates to an improved method for the construction of print carriers and panels and the like, capable for producing three dimensional image visualization from considerable distances, from an image-capturing camera preferably a television camera or with eyes more particularly it relates to manipulations which impart the illusion of perspective or three-dimensional 'Stand Up to as much 90 degrees' characteristics to a two dimensional or flat image/picture