Simultaneous Recording Or Reproducing Left-right Images Patents (Class 352/60)
  • Patent number: 10798364
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally discloses a three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction capability. The 3D image reconstruction capability may be configured to support reconstruction of a 3D image of a scene. The 3D image reconstruction capability may be configured to support reconstruction of a 3D image of a scene based on lensless compressive image acquisition performed using a lensless compressive camera having a single aperture and a set of multiple sensors. The reconstructed 3D image of a scene may include (1) image data indicative of a set of multiple two-dimensional (2D) images reconstructed based on the set of multiple sensors of the lensless compressive camera (which may be represented as images) and (2) depth information indicative of depths at points or areas of an overlapping portion of the multiple images reconstructed based on the set of multiple sensors of the lensless compressive camera (which may be represented as a depth map).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia of America Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Yuan, Hong Jiang, Gang Huang, Paul A. Wilford
  • Patent number: 10708478
    Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance display of different secondary types of images and reflected light images together. Reflected light images are converted to a larger color space in a manner that preserves the color information of the reflected light image. FI or secondary images are transformed to a color range within the larger color space, but outside the color area of the reflected light images, allowing the FI or secondary images to be combined with them in a manner with improved distinguishability of color. Hardware designs are provide to enable real-time processing of image streams from medical scopes. The combined images are encoded for an electronic display capable of displaying the larger color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Steiner
  • Patent number: 9983384
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including a lens body configured to fit within a standard cinematic movie camera, the lens body including a plurality of optical elements including a plurality of lenses and a sensor. The plurality of optical elements is arranged to receive two channels of visual images and provide the two channels of images to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, John A. Rupkalvis
  • Patent number: 9967548
    Abstract: A stereoscopic video imaging system includes a first imaging apparatus and a second imaging apparatus coupled to the first imaging apparatus and arranged to take a 3D image. A single cable connects the first imaging apparatus to the second imaging apparatus. A switching device selects one of the first and second imaging apparatuses to be a main imaging apparatus and the remaining imaging apparatus to be a sub imaging apparatus. The main imaging apparatus is enabled to generate a synchronization signal, the synchronization signal being communicated to the sub imaging apparatus through the single cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 9835841
    Abstract: A video microscopy system for displaying a 3D image on a monitor by magnifying a portion that is not easily visually observed or a portion that is generally out of visual reach. The 3D image is displayed on the monitor such that the object can be more realistically observed. The 3D video microscopy system can display the object flat without distortion by focusing the image using an achromatic prism, clearly display the object by removing chromatic aberration, and adjust the convergence angle and the degree of magnification of the object in a simple manner. The 3D video microscopy system includes a pair of image sensors, an achromatic prism focusing an image of an object on the image sensors by removing chromatic aberration thereof, and a pair of magnifying lenses transferring the image of the object that has passed through the achromatic prism to the image sensors by a predetermined ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: SOMETECH CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hee Bong Yang
  • Patent number: 9819928
    Abstract: Device for the calibration of a multi-camera recording device for three dimensional picture recording, where the calibration occurs on two depth levels consisting of a calibration chart which features at least one characteristic for geometric positioning on a two-dimensional space and if applicable at least one characteristic for the calibration of further traits of the camera system characterized by the calibration chart being used for near calibration and it being at least partially transparent or a space being cut out of it and where behind the calibration chart at least one additional natural or artificial calibration element is available for distance calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Florian Maier
  • Patent number: 9618764
    Abstract: A 3D observation device with glassless mode, where an observation hole in which two polarization plates having different polarization directions are arranged left/rightward and a monitor on which an image for a left eye and an image for a right eye are connected to form a 3D image box. The vertical rotation axis are provided on both left and right surfaces of the 3D image box and the vertical rotation bars that are linked with the rotation axis, and a support bar is provided on a lower part of the vertical rotation bar. Further, a viewer can view separately with glassless mode an image for a left eye through a left polarization plate of the observation hole and an image for a right eye through a right polarization plate of the observation hole in which the image for a left eye and the image for a right eye are overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Hae-yong Choi
  • Patent number: 9298078
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three dimensional image information using a single imaging path having an associated field of view. Two images are selectively received through respective portions of the single imaging path, each portion having a perspective viewpoint within the field of view. The two images together are operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of objects within the field of view. To create a change in the representation of the three dimensional spatial attributes, an extent of the two portions of the imaging path are varied to cause the perspective viewpoints to change location. While varying the extent of the portions, compensating for changes in transmission allows an image intensity associated with each of the two images to be maintained at a generally uniform image intensity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: STEROPES TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas N. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20140320821
    Abstract: A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Hae-Yong CHOI
  • Publication number: 20130235284
    Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 8319938
    Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system including a first camera and a second camera including respective first and second lenses. A zoom mechanism may synchronously set focal lengths of the first and second lenses to a selected focal length of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20110170069
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for monitoring frame alignment status and correcting misalignment for film in a stereoscopic 3D projection system, in which gap indicia are provided onto the film in a gap between images, whether the images belong to the same frame or different adjacent frames. Thus, gap indicia are positioned in at least one of an interframe gap and an intraframe gap of the stereoscopic film. During projection of the film, presence or absence of the gap indicia is used to determine a frame alignment status. Frame misalignment is then easily diagnosed and corrected. Characteristics of the gap indicia are modified for improving frame alignment diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: David Lee Lund, William Gibbens Redmann, Mark J. Huber
  • Publication number: 20110085142
    Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system including a first camera and a second camera including respective first and second lenses. A zoom mechanism may synchronously set focal lengths of the first and second lenses to a selected focal length of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20110085141
    Abstract: A system for projecting stereoscopic images is provided. The system includes a light source configured to provide light energy to a length of film having frames each comprising two sideframes oriented off axis, or side-by-side, from a preferred viewing orientation, an image receiving lens configured to receive light energy transmitted through the length of film, and an optical arrangement configured to receive images as light energy from the image receiving lens. The optical arrangement may include an afocal extender and means for reorienting images to the preferred viewing orientation and registering images reoriented to the preferred viewing orientation to a screen. The means for reorienting and registering include a plurality of optical refractive elements. Polarization, such as linear polarization, may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Albert L. Mayer, JR., John A. Rupkalvis
  • Publication number: 20110085727
    Abstract: A system and method for marking a stereoscopic film with colors are provided. The system and method provides for marking a left image with a mark and a right image with a mark having complementary colors, wherein upon viewing, the marks are not visible under certain conditions. The system and method provide for acquiring a stereoscopic image, the stereoscopic image including a first image and a second image, applying a first mark to the first image in a predetermined location, the first mark having a first color, and applying a second mark to the second image in substantially the same predetermined location as in the first image, the second mark having a second color that is different than the first color of the first mark, wherein when viewed in three-dimensional mode, the first mark and the second mark combine into a single mark of one color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Youngshik Yoon, Izzat Izzat, Dong-Qing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110013143
    Abstract: A high resolution 3D projection system having a light source (302) for generating and emitting light, a translucent rotatable drum (308) having differently polarized sections for receiving the light therethrough, a plurality of digital micromirror device imagers (324, 326, 328 and 330) configured to receive and reflect the light transmitted through the drum (308), where a light beam is capable of being passed generally orthogonally through a wall of the drum is disclosed
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Youngshik Yoon
  • Patent number: 7857455
    Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Publication number: 20100141856
    Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: REAL D
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20100066976
    Abstract: Shaped glasses have curved surface lenses and spectrally complementary filters disposed on the curved surface lenses configured to compensate for wavelength shifts occurring due to viewing angles and other sources. The spectrally complementary filters include guard bands to prevent crosstalk between spectrally complementary portions of a 3D image viewed through the shaped glasses. In one embodiment, the spectrally complementary filters are disposed on the curved lenses with increasing layer thickness towards edges of the lenses. The projected complementary images may also be pre-shifted to compensate for subsequent wavelength shifts occurring while viewing the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin Richards, Wilson Heaton Allen
  • Patent number: 7670004
    Abstract: A system and method for projecting stereoscopic images using a multiple projector arrangement is provided. The design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left and right images and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left and right images. The first projector left image is transmitted by the first projector at substantially a same time as the second projector right image is transmitted by the second projector. Alternately, the design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left images alternating with first projector right images, and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left images alternating with second projector right images. A quasi-interlacing technique is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Real D
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 7616885
    Abstract: The invention presents a single lens auto focus system of stereo image generation and a method thereof. The stereo three-dimensional (3D) image capturing method of a single lens auto focus camera, includes the steps of a) taking plural multi-focus images; b) estimating the plural multi-focus images to obtain a depth map and an all-in-focus image; c) mixing the depth map with plural background depth maps to obtain a mixed depth map; d) obtaining respectively a left image for left eye of user and a right image for right eye of user by means of depth image based rendering (DIBR); and e) outputting the left image and the right image, thereby displaying a stereo image onto a 3D display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Liang-Gee Chen, Wan-Yu Chen, Yu-Ling Chang
  • Patent number: 7605776
    Abstract: This invention provides a stereoscopic-vision image processing apparatus, a stereoscopic-vision image providing method, and an image display method that are capable of managing specification of display unit on which a stereoscopic-vision image is desired to be displayed as accessory information (assumed display information). The assumed display information includes a type and a display size of the display unit on which a stereoscopic-vision image is desired to be displayed. This allows an appropriate stereoscopic-vision image to be obtained by specifying a type or a display size of the display unit that is desired to be displayed with them being combined with the stereoscopic-vision image and scaling the stereoscopic-vision image up or down, in display of a stereoscopic image, in accordance with the type or the display size of the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Satoh, Hidehiko Sekizawa, Toshio Nomura, Masahiro Shioi, Goro Hamagishi, Ken Mashitani
  • Patent number: 7425953
    Abstract: A method of assembling a composite image comprising generating three-dimensional data defining a non-stereo image, assigning a first screen portion to a first rendering node, assigning a second screen portion to a second rendering node, rendering, by the first rendering node, a left image portion from the three-dimensional data, rendering, by the second rendering node, a right image portion from the three-dimensional data, and sequentially assembling the left image portion and the right image portion into the composite image is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Lefebvre, Howard D. Stroyan, Samuel C. Sands
  • Patent number: 7142281
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a system for providing a three dimensional image from at least two plane images. The system includes first and second image display devices substantially simultaneously outputting first and second plane images, each plane image produced at different positions with respect to an object. The system also includes first and second mirrors configured such that the output first and second plane images are incident to the first and second mirrors and reflected in a direction, respectively. The system provides for either manual or automatic adjustment of the distance between the first and second mirrors such that the incident angle and reflection angle of the plane images are maintained to be substantially identical after each adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Georae Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung Yi Youn
  • Patent number: 6877857
    Abstract: An apparatus for showing images. The apparatus includes a screen. The apparatus includes a mechanism for displaying a distinct and separate image for each of a number of different observers simultaneously on the screen. A method for showing images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventor: Kenneth Perlin
  • Patent number: 6801127
    Abstract: In correspondence with each face of a rectangular parallelepiped obtained when the inside of the rectangular parallelepiped is shot, a monitor screen is split into a plurality of sub-screen areas. An image shot by a vehicle-mounted camera is processed and the processed image is split correspondingly to the sub-screen areas. Each split image is displayed in the corresponding sub-screen areas. This allows intuitive understanding of the direction of an image displayed in a sub-screen thereby providing the driver with an image free from a sense of incongruity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazufumi Mizusawa, Masamichi Nakagawa, Shusaku Okamoto, Atsushi Iisaka, Takashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6778253
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for displaying a 3-dimensional image from at least two plane images. The apparatus comprises first and second image display devices, and first and second mirrors. The first and second image display devices receive first and second plane images of an object and invert the left and right sides of the first and second plane images, respectively, and to output the inverted first and second plane images, respectively, each image being produced at first and second positions with respect to the object. The first and second mirror are located between the first and second display devices and configured to receive and reflect the first and second inverted images in a first direction, respectively. The first and second display devices are located on opposite sides of the first and second mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Geo-Rae Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoungyi Yoon
  • Publication number: 20030169404
    Abstract: A system is described for three-dimensional motion picture presentation. Films are shown at a high frame rate, such as 48 frames per second, through a projector equipped for double-shuttered display method. Frames intended to be seen through the left eye by the viewers are alternated on the same strip of film with frames intended to be seen through the right eye. Alternation of images between left and right eyes can be accomplished through use of a polarizing filter, the direction of which is electronically switched, so that light passes through complimentary polarizing filters on the glasses worn by the viewers. Alternatively, an infared-activated cueing device can switch between shutters provided as part of the viewers' viewing glasses, so that alternating images are seen through each eye separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Weisgerber
  • Publication number: 20030048416
    Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing system permits separate imaging of left and right images of a particular object. Each image may be sequentially captured on the exact same imaging sensor and then transferred either to storage or for separate stereoscopic display. As a result, a single image sensor may be utilized to reduce costs of the system without significantly decreasing the time for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Meltzer
  • Patent number: 6513933
    Abstract: An image projector, having a light source, an LCD panel into which a light emitted from the light source enters, and a projection lens into which the light emitted from the LCD panel enters. There exists, in an entrance pupil of the projection lens, a range in which light emitted from respective pixels of the LCD panel overlap with each other at least in a horizontal direction. The image projector forms part of an image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Kaneko, Tetsuya Ooshima, Yoshiyuki Kaneko, Akira Arimoto, Osamu Ebina
  • Patent number: 6108130
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image sensor may be formed of a single image sensor having a pair of fields formed therein. The fields may be closer to one another than are a pair of left and right image collectors. The close spacing may be achieved by using an image redirector to redirect image information from the spaced apart collectors to the less spaced apart fields on the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, by using a single imaging sensor, a more compact structure may be achieved which may be of lower cost and may enjoy reduced processing complexity. In addition, because a single sensor is utilized, in some embodiments of the present invention, the left and right images may be captured essentially identically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Kannan Raj
  • Patent number: 5740802
    Abstract: An interactive surgery planning and display system mixes live video of external surfaces of the patient with interactive computer generated models of internal anatomy obtained from medical diagnostic imaging data of the patient. The computer images and the live video are coordinated and displayed to a surgeon in real-time during surgery allowing the surgeon to view internal and external structures and the relation between them simultaneously, and adjust his surgery accordingly. In an alternative embodiment, a normal anatomical model is also displayed as a guide in reconstructive surgery. Another embodiment employs three-dimensional viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Allen Nafis, Timothy Patrick Kelliher, William Edward Lorensen, Harvey Ellis Cline, David Egidio Altobelli, Ron Kikinis, Robert David Darrow, Charles Lucian Dumoulin
  • Patent number: 5719620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-camera autostereoscopic picture-taking device implementing an array of cylindrical lenses, characterized in that it comprises in succession:a single inlet objective (L1, L2);said lens array (20), which has a focal length such that for an image area equal to the pitch (p) of the lenses making it up, the image of the entrance pupil of the telecentric objective (L1, L2) has a nominal width equal to said pitch;a transfer optical system (L3, L4) having magnification of less than unity; andan image sensor (22),the transfer optical system (L3, L4) directing the light rays that emerge from the lens array (20) onto the image sensor (22), the image (21) of the lens array (20) in the transfer optical system (L3, L4) being such that the pitch (p) of the lenses of the lens array (20) corresponds therein to an integer number of image points (pixels) of the image sensor (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Pierre Allio
  • Patent number: 5668595
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-lens imaging apparatus and, more particularly, to a multi-lens imaging apparatus for obtaining a single high-fine image by synthesizing a plurality of images obtained by picking up an image of a common object using a plurality of imaging systems and to an apparatus which can provide an image having an aspect ratio different from that of an image obtained by a single imaging apparatus, especially, a panoramic image, by synthesizing a plurality of images using a plurality of imaging systems. This invention has as its object to obtain a high-fine image by synthesizing images from a plurality of imaging systems and, more specifically, to correct mis-registration such as keystone distortions generated in the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsushi Katayama, Yukichi Niwa, Shigeyuki Suda
  • Patent number: 5640222
    Abstract: The lens body of a camera for sensing moving images is adapted for producing a stereoscopic image by first and second spaced apart optical deflectors. The deflectors include reflective surfaces which lie in parallel planes with respect to one another and which are disposed at an angle to the optical path of incoming image rays. The second deflector lies generally in the optical path of the incoming image rays and deflects incoming image rays from the scene to the first deflector which lies in the path of the deflected rays. The first deflector in turn deflects the image rays to the image sensing means in the camera body. Both deflectors are caused to rotate slowly about an axis defined by the optical path of the incoming image rays while maintaining their relative positions with respect to one another. The orientation of the lens with respect to the image sensing means of the camera remains fixed during rotation of the deflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Eddie Paul
  • Patent number: 5532777
    Abstract: The invention comprises an adapter having a set of four mirrors in two pairs located in front of a camera lens. The outer two mirrors face generally outward along the optical axis of the lens and the inner two mirrors face generally inward into the lens. The centers of the outer two mirrors are spaced apart by an appropriate interocular distance. The two inside mirrors are together large enough to cover the complete viewing area of the lens, each taking exactly half of the lens viewing area. The two outside mirrors are bigger then the inside pair and large enough to cover the viewing area of the inside pair to avoid viewing area reduction. The convergence of the two outer mirrors is adjustable by swiveling them simultaneously and equally about their centerlines with a ganging mechanism. The two center mirrors may be fixed, or could be adjustable by being swiveled so that one side of each remains in tight contact with the other along the optical axis of the camera lens, and each makes a 45.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Pieter O. Zanen
  • Patent number: 5499051
    Abstract: A multi-lens imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of imaging optical systems in which an angle formed by optical axes is varied by inclining an optical axis of at least one optical system between a first state and a second state, and a plurality of image sensing means for detecting an image of an object imaged through the imaging optical systems. A photosensitive surface of the image sensing means corresponding to the at least one optical system is inclined with respect to the optical axis, and the inclined angle is established between an imaging surface being conjugated with the object surface in the first state and an imaging surface being conjugated with the subject surface in the second state, thereby reducing unsharpness amount generating at the periphery portions of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Suda, Yukichi Niwa, Tatsushi Katayama
  • Patent number: 5481321
    Abstract: A stereoscopic film projection system including one or more electro-optical light modulators used as part of, or in conjunction with, stereoscopic projection optics for the above-and-below film format employed for 35 mm theatrical cinema. The optical state of each modulator is voltage dependent, and the driving voltage therefor is generated in response to signals from a sensor positioned in the projector aperture. The sensor detects the presence or absence of index marks on the film. This arrangement insures that each subframe is maintained in a proper relationship with the optics' polarizers for preventing the projection of pseudostereoscopic motion pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: StereoGraphics Corp.
    Inventor: Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 5361106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing high definition cinema pictures involves the use of a plurality of filters, each capable of transmitting light in a different wavelength band, to form a plurality of superimposed image components on the cinema film during a single frame period. A similar filtering operation is carried out when the film is projected to reconstitute the original colour image. Thus, if two filers are used at each stage twice the normal frame rate can be achieved whilst still using a camera and projector operating at the normal rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Delta System Designs Limited
    Inventor: James A. Ashbey
  • Patent number: 5125733
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for driving projecting lenses in a stereoscopic projector wherein a pair of projecting lenses are integrally driven so as to match (coincide) two images on a screen and simultaneously focus the images on the screen for producing a stereoscopic image, the apparatus comprising a driving device for moving the projecting lens holders forwardly and backwardly with respect to the screen, and inwardly and outwardly with respect to the optical axis of the screen, with maintaining the projecting lens holders in parallel to the optical axis of the screen so that images-matching and focusing on the screen can be accomplished, thereby avoiding any generation of keystoning phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5119234
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the provision of stereoscopic three-dimensional images applicable in visual representations such as photographs, paintings, pictures and other patterns or diagrams on a surface which could be produced by other means; to kinematic images which might, for example, be employed in a cinema; to projected still images; to advertisements in these mediums; to book illustrations and decorations such, for example, as murals, and upholstered curtains. This invention provides a swopping over or reversal of positions of two stereoscopic images as compared to the presentation of stereoscopic images which has been heretofore employed. This presentation permits a viewer to see a three-dimensional image without any optical aids being necessary, merely by "squinting" the eyes slightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Petrus J. Van Der Walt
  • Patent number: 4999713
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved interlocked zooming apparatus used in a two-barrel type stereo scopic camera. The improved interlocked zooming apparatus includes an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the range of movement of one of the zoom lenses and an automatic image magnification adjusting apparatus for matching the rates of the change in size of images formed by two cameras. Since the sizes of the images in each of the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are first made uniform by the adjusting apparatus before sensing an image, the sizes of the images formed by both the cameras are uniform over the entire zoom region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ueno, Takao Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4993828
    Abstract: A camera for producing 3-D motion pictures has "left eye" and "right eye" camera lenses and two corresponding film transport mechanisms. Images to be recorded on films transported by the mechanisms are reflected by semitransparent mirrors and the mechanisms and the mechanisms are arranged so that the mirrors turn the images transversely of the films. Contact prints made from the films can then simply be turned face-for-face to correct for the image reversals due to the presence of the mirrors. The contact prints are then correctly oriented for projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: IMAX Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Shaw, Gordon W. Harris
  • Patent number: 4971435
    Abstract: In an alternate eye 3-D motion picture projection apparatus of the rolling loop type, light projection is accomplished by the combination of focal plane shutters that are coupled to the rotor of the projector and a supplementary shutter arrranged to trim the projected light so that discrete "left eye" and "right eye" images are projected. Various embodiments are disclosed in which a rotary blade shutter is located at the stop of the projection lens. Where there are two projection lenses, a single blade or two counter-rotating blades trim the light projected through both lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Imax Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Shaw, Marian Toporkiewicz
  • Patent number: 4963015
    Abstract: A method of recording an image of a scene onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive partial images through a single lens system onto each single frame of the film, the successive partial images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through appropriate filters, gives a stereo scopic effect. To get an optimum effect, the sequence in which the images are recorded should be appropriate to the predominant direction of horizontal movement in the scene. Accordingly in one form of the invention, each image is divided into a number of areas, each area in successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, and each image having different areas recorded in light of different characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Aspex Limited
    Inventor: William Ling
  • Patent number: 4934824
    Abstract: A method of recording an image of an object onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive images of the object through a single lens system onto each frame of the film, the successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. In a preferred embodiment, each frame of the film is exposed successively to light of two or three different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through spectacles consisting of two appropriate filters gives a stereoscopic effect. The method can be used to produce a film which can also be viewed without spectacles, and is found to give enhanced sharpness and color saturation. The invention also includes a moving film camera having a mechanism for interposing a number of filters in the optical path successively during exposure of each frame so that successive images are overlaid on each frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Aspex Limited
    Inventor: William Ling
  • Patent number: 4915497
    Abstract: An apparatus for photographing a pair of diagonally related left and right images of a stereoscopic image couple on to film frames of a horizontally moving 65 mm film having 15 film perforations per frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Parallex Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw Loth, Anthony Petitto
  • Patent number: 4725863
    Abstract: A stereoscopic camera with two lenses, in which each lens is supported by a support table fixed rigidly to two parallel resilient plates. Simultaneous focussing and convergence of the lenses is brought about by a cam urging the plates to bend, thereby constraining both lenses to follow the required straight line loci.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventors: Andrew A. Dumbreck, Stephen P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4630913
    Abstract: In the three dimensional camera of this invention, reflective surfaces, such as a prism or mirrors, are placed between each lens and its negative holder with the reflective surfaces at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the center of the lens. This results in the image center of each camera lens being offset from the center of the lens to gain more space for a larger image format to reduce the parallax effect of foreground and background object images between each adjacent image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventor: Allen K. W. Lo
  • Patent number: 4603952
    Abstract: This invention relates to an attachment for motion picture projectors to utilize stereoscopic film. The invention contains a quick mounting means to mount it on most standard theater projectors, a means to precisely adjust the attachment to the projector and internal adjusting means to accurately align and project stereoscopic images upon the theater screen. The invention is intended to be used by theater personnel who have no special training with stereoscopic film projection and to be used on most standard theater projectors without modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: John R. Sybenga