U.S. patent application number 09/893088 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-08 for method and apparatus for creating a white-light interference hologram from pc input photographic data.
Invention is credited to Kikinis, Dan.
Application Number | 20010038470 09/893088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22634010 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010038470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kikinis, Dan |
November 8, 2001 |
Method and apparatus for creating a white-light interference
hologram from PC input photographic data
Abstract
A system for producing a white-light interference hologram
includes a camera adapted for recording a first and a second bitmap
image of a scene from separate vantage points, and the separation
distance of the vantage points, a computing engine adapted to
compute three-dimensional x, y, and z characteristics of an
interference hologram topology for the scene from the bitmap image
and separation data, wherein x and y are two dimensional locations
of bits in a bitmap of the topology and z is a depth dimension for
each x,y bit, and a printer adapted to print in color the x,y
bitmap, and to create the depth dimension z at each x,y bit
location, providing thereby a three-dimensional interference
hologram topology for the scene. In a preferred embodiment the
depth dimension is created by electrophoresis, using a medium
having an electrophoretic gel layer, with the ink applied to the
gel in a bit-mapped pattern being ionic in nature, and capable of
being migrated in the gel layer by electrophoresis. In other
embodiments the third dimension is provided by using magnetic ink
and migrating the bits using controlled magnetic fields.
Inventors: |
Kikinis, Dan; (Saratoga,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CENTRAL COAST PATENT AGENCY
PO BOX 187
AROMAS
CA
95004
US
|
Family ID: |
22634010 |
Appl. No.: |
09/893088 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09893088 |
Jun 26, 2001 |
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09173904 |
Oct 16, 1998 |
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6292277 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/35 ; 348/40;
348/46; 359/9; 708/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03H 1/24 20130101; G03H
1/26 20130101; G03H 2001/2695 20130101; G03H 2001/0484 20130101;
G03H 1/00 20130101; B41J 2002/061 20130101; G03H 2001/263 20130101;
G03H 1/0248 20130101; B41J 2/06 20130101; G03H 1/0841 20130101;
G03H 1/08 20130101; Y10S 359/90 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/35 ; 348/46;
348/40; 359/9; 708/3 |
International
Class: |
G06J 001/00; G03H
001/08; G03H 001/04; H04N 005/89; H04N 013/00; H04N 013/02; H04N
015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. a system for producing a white-light interference hologram,
comprising: a camera adapted for recording a first and a second
bitmap image of a scene from separate vantage points, and the
separation distance of the vantage points; a computing engine
adapted to compute three-dimensional x, y, and z characteristics of
an interference hologram topology for the scene from the bitmap
image and separation data, wherein x and y are two dimensional
locations of bits in a bitmap of the topology and z is a depth
dimension for each x,y bit; and a printer adapted to print in color
the x,y bitmap, and to create the depth dimension z at each x,y bit
location, providing thereby a three-dimensional interference
hologram topology for the scene.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the printer prints the x,y bitmap
for the interference hologram using ionic ink on one surface of a
medium comprising an electrophoretic gel layer, and provides the z
dimension for the topology by elecrophoresis of the ink into the
gel of the medium.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the printer prints the x,y bitmap
for the interference hologram using magnetic ink on one surface of
a medium comprising a porous layer, and provides the z dimension
for the topology by magnetic migration of the of the ink into the
gel of the medium.
4. A topology printer for producing a white-light interference
hologram, comprising: a print head adapted for depositing ionic ink
in a bit-map pattern on a surface of a medium comprising an
electrophoretic gel layer; and an electrode head disposed opposite
the print head and spaced apart from the print head, creating a
passage for the medium; wherein the electrode head creates an
electric field for each bit in the bit map pattern, the field
controlled in magnitude and duration to migrate the ionic ink of
each bit into the electrophoretic gel by a z-dimension, creating
thereby the topology for the white-light interference hologram.
5. The printer of claim 4 wherein the print head is adapted to
deposit plural bits simultaneously in a fixed pattern, and the
electrode head comprises a separate electrode for each bit, with
the electrodes arranged in the same pattern as the fixed pattern of
simultaneously-deposited bits.
6. The printer of claim 4 wherein one or both of the gel and the
ink are curable by radiated energy, and the printer further
comprises a radiation head disposed to apply curing radiation
immediately following migration of ink bits into the gel layer.
7. A topology printer for producing a white-light interference
hologram, comprising: a print head adapted for depositing magnetic
ink in a bit-map pattern on a surface of a medium comprising a
porous layer; and a magnetic head disposed opposite the print head
and spaced apart from the print head, creating a passage for the
medium; wherein the magnetic head creates a magnetic field for each
bit in the bit map pattern, the field controlled in magnitude and
duration to migrate the magnetic ink of each bit into the porous
layer by a z-dimension, creating thereby the topology for the
white-light interference hologram.
8. The printer of claim 7 wherein one or both of the porous layer
and the ink are curable by radiated energy, and the printer further
comprises a radiation head disposed to apply curing radiation
immediately following migration of ink bits into the gel layer.
9. A topology printer for producing a white-light interference
hologram, comprising: a laser head adapted for producing openings
in a print medium, the openings provided in a bit-map array
according to two-dimensional x,y data for a white-light
interference hologram, and each to a depth according to a
z-dimension for each bit in the two-dimensional array; and a print
head adapted for depositing ink over the openings provided by a the
laser head, in a manner that the ink for each bit is migrated by
capillary action into each opening in the bit map array, creating
thereby the white-light interference hologram.
10. A method for printing a white-light interference hologram,
comprising steps of: (a) printing a bit map array on a first
surface of a medium comprising an electrophoretic gel layer, using
an ionic ink; and (b) creating the third dimension by migrating the
ionic ink for selected bits into the gel layer with electrophoretic
action.
11. A method for printing a white-light interference hologram,
comprising steps of: (a) printing a bit map array on a first
surface of a medium comprising an electrophoretic gel layer, using
magnetic ink; and (b) creating the third dimension by migrating the
magnetic ink for selected bits into the gel layer with controlled
magnetic fields.
12. A method for printing a white-light interference hologram,
comprising steps of: (a) creating a series of openings in a
substantially flat medium, the openings arranged in a bit map
pattern for two dimensions of the hologram and provided each to a
depth for the third dimension at each bit map location; and (b)
placing ink on each of the openings in a manner that the ink
migrates into the openings providing thereby the white-light
interference hologram.
13. A digital camera for capturing information to create a
white-light interference hologram of a scene, comprising: a first
charge-coupled device (CCD) array for capturing a first bitmap file
of the scene from a first vantage point; and a second CCD array
spaced apart by a first spacing from the first CCD array, the
second CCD array for capturing a second bit-map file of the scene
from a second vantage point; the first spacing adjustable and
measurable by the camera to be stored with the first and second
bit-mapped files.
14. A medium for producing a white-light interference hologram, the
medium comprising: a porous transmissive layer for accepting ink
applied in a bit-mapped pattern; and a transparent electrophoretic
gel layer adjacent the transmissive layer for providing a depth
field for ink applied in the bit-mapped pattern.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of copending
application Ser. No. 09/173,904, which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is in the field of digital photography
and printing, and pertains more particularly to a method and
apparatus for digital photography, and use of the photographic data
for creating interference holograms using printing apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rendering 3-dimensional (3-D) graphics on a 2-dimensional
plane such as a computer monitor screen has been an emerging
technology marked with many advances. For example, with the use of
special 3-D cards and adapters, a 3-dimensional object may be
created from dimensional information provided of the form of input
to a computer system running appropriate software. After
calculating input data, the computer system renders a simulated 3-D
image on its 2-dimensional screen. A viewer may use special goggles
to view 3-D images on a computer screen or other two-dimensional
apparatus such as on a movie screen.
[0004] In another aspect of the art, hologram techniques are also
used to produce 3-D effects on plastic cards and the like. Such
holograms are familiar to many as embossed on such as credit cards.
This sort of hologram is called a white-light-interference
hologram, and is created through a reflective surface having a
relatively complicated topology that reflects white light in a
manner to produce interference patterns that the human eye sees as
a 3-D image.
[0005] This technique is commonly practiced with the use of a
stamping operation onto plastic surfaces, such as with holographic
baseball cards and the like.
[0006] Unfortunately, 3-D image media such as white light holograms
cannot be printed by conventional computer techniques or easily
acquired. What is clearly needed is a method and apparatus that
will allow 3 dimensional renderings of real photographed objects to
be printed much the same as two-dimensional images are printed,
using such as ink-jet technology. In the descriptions which follow
a new collection and rendering technology is taught in enabling
detail wherein, with the use of a computer station, an image may be
captured with a digital camera and rendered by a special printer as
white light interference hologram.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a system
for producing a white-light interference hologram is provided,
comprising a camera adapted for recording a first and a second
bitmap image of a scene from separate vantage points, and the
separation distance of the vantage points; a computing engine
adapted to compute three-dimensional x, y, and z characteristics of
an interference hologram topology for the scene from the bitmap
image and separation data, wherein x and y are two dimensional
locations of bits in a bitmap of the topology and z is a depth
dimension for each x,y bit; and a printer adapted to print in color
the x,y bitmap, and to create the depth dimension z at each x,y bit
location, providing thereby a three-dimensional interference
hologram topology for the scene.
[0008] In one embodiment of the system the printer prints the x,y
bitmap for the interference hologram using ionic ink on one surface
of a medium comprising an electrophoretic gel layer, and provides
the z dimension for the topology by elecrophoresis of the ink into
the gel of the medium. In another embodiment the printer prints the
x,y bitmap for the interference hologram using magnetic ink on one
surface of a medium comprising a porous layer, and provides the z
dimension for the topology by magnetic migration of the of the ink
into the gel of the medium.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention a topology printer for
producing a white-light interference hologram is provided,
comprising a print head adapted for depositing ionic ink in a
bit-map pattern on a surface of a medium comprising an
electrophoretic gel layer; and an electrode head disposed opposite
the print head and spaced apart from the print head, creating a
passage for the medium. The electrode head creates an electric
field for each bit in the bit map pattern, the field controlled in
magnitude and duration to migrate the ionic ink of each bit into
the electrophoretic gel by a z-dimension, creating thereby the
topology for the white-light interference hologram. In a preferred
embodiment print head is adapted to deposit plural bits
simultaneously in a fixed pattern, and the electrode head comprises
a separate electrode for each bit, with the electrodes arranged in
the same pattern as the fixed pattern of simultaneously-deposited
bits. Also in an embodiment one or both of the gel and the ink are
curable by radiated energy, and the printer further comprises a
radiation head disposed to apply curing radiation immediately
following migration of ink bits into the gel layer.
[0010] Another printer for producing a white-light interference
hologram is provided, comprising a print head adapted for
depositing magnetic ink in a bit-map pattern on a surface of a
medium comprising a porous layer; and a magnetic head disposed
opposite the print head and spaced apart from the print head,
creating a passage for the medium. In this embodiment the magnetic
head creates a magnetic field for each bit in the bit map pattern,
the field controlled in magnitude and duration to migrate the
magnetic ink of each bit into the porous layer by a z-dimension,
creating thereby the topology for the white-light interference
hologram.
[0011] In yet another embodiment a topology printer for producing a
white-light interference hologram is provided, comprising a laser
head adapted for producing openings in a print medium, the openings
provided in a bit-map array according to two-dimensional x,y data
for a white-light interference hologram, and each to a depth
according to a z-dimension for each bit in the two-dimensional
array; and a print head adapted for depositing ink over the
openings provided by a the laser head, in a manner that the ink for
each bit is migrated by capillary action into each opening in the
bit map array, creating thereby the white-light interference
hologram.
[0012] In other aspects several methods are taught for practicing
the invention using the apparatus described and taught.
[0013] In yet another embodiment a digital camera for capturing
information to create a white-light interference hologram of a
scene is provided, comprising a first charge-coupled device (CCD)
array for capturing a first bit-map file of the scene from a first
vantage point; and a second CCD array spaced apart by a first
spacing from the first CCD array, the second CCD array for
capturing a second bit-map file of the scene from a second vantage
point. The first spacing is adjustable and measurable by the camera
to be stored with the first and second bit-mapped files.
[0014] Finally a medium for producing a white-light interference
hologram is taught, the medium comprising a porous transmissive
layer for accepting ink applied in a bit-mapped pattern; and a
transparent electrophoretic gel layer adjacent the transmissive
layer for providing a depth field for ink applied in the bit-mapped
pattern.
[0015] With the apparatus and methods taught, interference
holograms can, for the first time, be created by taking a picture
with a digital camera, and printing the hologram from the captured
picture data, transformed by algorithm, the printing being done on
an apparatus much like an ink-jet printer. These and other aspects
of the invention are taught below in enabling detail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a 3-D input/output
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating camera circuitry
contained in the camera of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of a section of the print medium of
FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of integral components of an
electrophoresis-topological printer according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrode mechanism of FIG. 4
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a demonstrative view of an electrophoresis cycle
on one ink column according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the electrophoresis
printing process according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
unique input/output 3-D system is provided for the purpose of
capturing image data and enabling printing of a digital photograph
with 3-D characteristics on an innovative medium similar to paper,
using an innovative ink-jet topological printing apparatus and
technique. The present invention, according to various innovative
embodiments is described in enabling detail below.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a 3-D input/output
system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
System 11 is provided and adapted to take image input from a
special 3-D digital camera 13, to transform the input, using a
personal computer (PC) to a data stream having x, y, and z
information for an interference topology, and to print the 3-D
interference topology via an innovative topological printer 29 on a
special paper-like medium 31.
[0025] 3-D camera 13 in a preferred embodiment is a digital
stereo-camera that is adapted to take digital pictures of a subject
from two different vantage points. This is accomplished via two
charge-coupled devices (CCD) arrays, CCD array 15 and CCD array 17.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one
of CCD arrays 15 and 17 are adjustable such that their distance
from each other may be increased or decreased. Such adjustment
capability is illustrated by showing two positions for array 17,
labeled 17a and 17b. In this way, a wider vantage-base may be
exploited during photography, thereby supplying more useful
dimensional data for use in rendering an ultimate 3-D image for
printing.
[0026] 3-D camera 13 has a one-click shoot button 19, among other
possible options including an automatic focus button 21 and a zoom
button 23. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that
other options known in the art of digital cameras may also be
present such as auto flash, annotation insert capability, date and
time-stamping capability, audio annotation, autofocus, series
shoot, sound annotation and so on.
[0027] CCD arrays 15 and 17 simultaneously collect data from a
photographed subject from two distinctly separate vantage points
during one shutter event. The data collected by each CCD array
includes RGB data for each pixel in a pre-defined array for each
vantage point. CCD array 17 will record different values for
subject-pixels in a photographed object than will CCD array 15 by
virtue of its separate vantage point. Along with RGB values, the
distance between the two CCD arrays at the time of taking the
double-array photograph is also recorded and stored with the image
data files.
[0028] The input data, as described above, is rendered typically in
two separate data files. One file for CCD array 15, and one file
for CCD array 17. The data files are stored in a suitable memory
such as on an optionally removable memory card that may be plugged
into a PC slot adapted to receive it. In this particular
embodiment, however, an input cable 25 is used to link camera 13 to
PC 27 for downloading data. Also, data may be stored in compressed
formats, or in simple file formats.
[0029] PC 27 is provided and adapted, principally by virtue of
software, for receiving the input from camera 13 and transforming
the data into a topological data stream that may be understood by a
printing unit and software such as printer 29 (software not
illustrated). In some embodiments, input image data may be
displayed on a PC monitor associated with PC 27, however, this is
not required to practice the present invention. During the viewing
on the PC, both 2D views with manipulator for changing of virtual
vantage point and 3D views using goggles etc. may be used. The
combined and processed output is sent via a printer cable 32 to
printer 29 for printing a white-light interference hologram.
[0030] An algorithm engine (not shown) is provided as part of the
system software installed on PC 27, and is adapted for analyzing
the two-dimensional renderings from both CCD files and, by
executing known algorithms, creating a 3-D field graph. That is
then converted using known algorithms into a multiview, 3D
whitelight holographic interference pattern consisting of 2-axes in
a plane, arid a 3.sup.rd axis for the relief. The number of views
(typically 30-100) will provide the aspect of the object from each
vantage point angle to the paper surface. This data stream is
prepared providing two-dimensional information for a printer 29 to
apply ink to a surface of medium 31 for two dimensions of an
interference hologram topology, and including the third "depth
dimension" or "Z axis dimension" for each calculated pixel. The
mathematics for taking such information and rendering the 3-D
requirements for an interference hologram is well-known in the art,
and therefore not taught herein, as any worker with ordinary skill
has access to these mathematical techniques. With this information
an accurate topology may be printed on a special medium 31 and
printer 29 that are both uniquely adapted for the purpose. Further
detail regarding the unique printing method and apparatus is taught
below.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating camera circuitry of
camera 13 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Circuitry 33 has a central processing unit (CPU) 35,
typically a microcontroller, which is responsible for managing
functions that are required by camera 13 of FIG. 1 and providing
routine boot instructions as is typical in the art. Circuitry 33
further comprises a non-volatile random-access-memory (NVRAM) for
storing digital information so such information may be retained
when the camera is off, and a random-access-memory/read-only-memory
(RAM/ROM) for storing digital information that is temporary (RAM),
and for storing boot and system information (ROM). It should be
noted here that the memory types provided and discussed with
reference to NVRAM 39 and RAM/ROM 37 may be provided in virtually
any mix so long as there is sufficient memory of the appropriate
type for executing and supporting the intended functions and
features of camera 13. Moreover, certain portions of memory
described above may be of a removable form such as PC cards, flash
cards, and so on.
[0032] An input/output (I/O) port controls camera input such as
functions activated via buttons 21, 19, and 23 of camera 13 of FIG.
1, as well as an output for uploading files to a PC such as PC 27
of FIG. 1. Memory modules 39 and 37, CPU 35 and I/O 41 are
connected to each other via a bus structure 43. Similarly, CCD
arrays 15 and 17a, and micro-controller 45 are connected to bus
structure 43. These elements, though described in a general way,
are familiar to the skilled artisan.
[0033] The innovative aspect of camera 13 as described above
involves the separate configuration of CCD arrays that may be
adjustable in relative position and that are used for providing
different views of a single subject being photographed. Each CCD
array typically has a Cartesian array of photo-elements (not shown)
for each color red, green, and blue in the RGB system.
[0034] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that a
digital camera such as camera 13 of FIG. 1 may comprise varying
circuitry other than that illustrated herein without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. Circuitry 33 as
illustrated is meant to be exemplary only in describing basic
circuitry of a digital camera. An innovative aspect of the camera
is the adjustable physical separation of the CCD arrays and their
ability to render two separate files of a same image at one shutter
event, including an ability to quantify the separation of the two
CCD arrays. Also, in a further aspect, improved compression
algorithms can be created folding the two images together, since
the variances between the two will by typically less than 20
percent.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a section of print medium 31
of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment print medium 31 is provided in the form of a unique
gel-filled encapsulated paper comprising three distinct layers. An
ink transmissive layer 47 is provided on one side of medium 31, and
adapted to allow ink from an ink jet printer head to be drawn
through it via an electrophoresis process that is explained in more
detail below. Layer 47 may be of the form of a thin porous plastic.
An electrophoretic gel layer 51 is provided and adapted as a porous
filling immediately adjacent to layer 47. Gel-layer 51 is similar
to gels that are known in art to be used in electrophoresis
processes such as DNA fragment separation, such as agarose and
polyacrylamide gels. A transparent layer 49 is provided as an ultra
thin transparent backing to contain layer 51, and to provide a
flat-plane viewing window for a topology to be created.
[0036] The three distinct layers described above are suitably
sealed together around peripheral edges of the medium by a seal 52
which may be a simple plastic heat-seal or other known type of seal
of which there are many. The porosity of layer 47 is such that ink
may pass through but gel will be contained. The gel has a porosity
such that ink, suitable ionic, may be drawn linearly therein to a
predefined depth. Carrier layer 49 is not porous. The three layers
taught above in a preferred embodiment measure approximately 1
micron in thickness when combined, with each outside layer
measuring about {fraction (1/10)} of a micron, although these
dimensions may vary widely in different embodiments. Print medium
31, as constructed according to the embodiment taught herein,
provides a means with which to accomplish topological printing
based on calculated input data derived via algorithm from input CCD
data files. Such a printed topology will produce a
white-light-interference hologram when viewed from the
carrier-layer side under white light.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention ionic ink
is printed in a dot-matrix protocol onto transmissive layer 47, and
an electrophoresis process is used to draw ink from dots in the
printed two-dimensional matrix into the gel to provide a 3-D
interference topology when seen from the side of layer 47.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of novel components and assemblies
of an electrophoresis-topological printer according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Because the method and
apparatus of the present invention may be integrated with an
ink-jet printer in terms of added hardware and modified printer
function (software), essentially only those added components and
altered elements are described.
[0039] A printer head 55 is provided according to an embodiment of
the present invention to deliver 10 dots of ink that together
comprise one vertical column of ink dots at one a time. By
successively applying more columns of ink dots with each column
adjacent to the previous column, a group of ten lines may be formed
across printer medium 31 from left to right or from right to left.
A second line of such 10-dot columns begins when printer head 55
returns to a beginning point and printer medium 31 is indexed for
the next set of lines according to applicable printing protocol.
Other printing orders may be observed, such as a different number
of lines than ten, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0040] Printer head 55 is mounted to a printer carriage 57 such
that it may travel the desired width of printer medium 31 during
printing. Printer medium 31 is indexed between rollers 60 while
printing is accomplished as is known in the art. There are four
rollers 60 illustrated in this embodiment, however, in actual
practice there may be several more as needed.
[0041] A second carriage 59 is provided to be substantially
parallel to carriage 57, and print medium 31 passes between these
carriages while traversing through the printer. A jacketed
electrode-assembly 61 housing 10 independently-chargeable
electrodes 65 is mounted to carriage 59 in a position wherein
electrodes 65 assume a fixed collinear and vertical arrangement to
the 10-dot ink-dispensing nozzle of printer head 55. The
arraignment is in close proximity, allowing minimal space for
printer medium 31 to pass through.
[0042] Electrode housing 61 also supports 10 insulated flash
elements 63 rigidly affixed therein and arraigned adjacent to the
array of electrodes 65 such that the space between the collinear
arrays is equal to the space between successive columns of ink
placed horizontally across printer medium 31. A multi-channel power
supply 67 supplies variable magnitudes of electric voltage to
individual electrodes 65 and additional power for operating flash
elements 63. An electrical cable 69 with suitable individual lines
connects power supply 67 to electrode housing 61 such that each
electrode 65 may be individually powered. The power supply also
supplies a separate common voltage and current to flash elements
63; that is, each flash element receives the same power.
[0043] Power supply 67 is controlled by the data received from PC
27 (FIG. 1) that drives the printing process. That is, rules
governing the variable amounts of voltage applied to each electrode
65 during printing are derived from the supplied data, which is the
"Z" axis data for the 3-D topology to be printed. In a preferred
embodiment, variable voltages are applied to all 10 electrodes for
a predetermined time at fixed intervals, the voltage being applied
to each electrode at the time a dot of ink is applied to the
printing medium, opposite the electrode. The ink is adapted to be
translated under the influence of an electrical field, and the
electrodes, together with a suitable means of charging (or
grounding) the transmissive layer, provide the electromotive force
to draw a column of ink from each printed dot into gel layer 51 of
medium 31. The depth to which a dot of ink is translated into the
gel is proportional to the magnitude of the voltage-time-product
applied to the electrode for that dot of ink. In this way, a
topology is printed according to parameters that will, when
complete, produce a 3-D interference hologram viewable under white
light.
[0044] As printer head 65 moves to print a second and adjacent
10-dot column, adjacent flash elements 63 operate to cure the first
10-dot column that has been drawn into gel-layer 51. This flash
cure stabilizes ink columns such that they are not predisposed to
migrate under influence of voltages applied to other columns or
dots of ink. This cycle repeats across printer medium 31 as the
printer head and the electrode head advance in unison. After
printing, a separate curing operation (not shown) may be performed
to more thoroughly cure the ink inside gel-layer 51.
[0045] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that a
method other than electrophoresis may be used to draw ink through a
transmissive layer such as layer 47 without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, by
replacing each electrode 65 with an electromagnet that is adapted
to provide a magnetic field for a dot of magnetic ink, and
providing magnetic ink for the printing process, a result similar
to electrophoresis may be achieved without substantial modification
to the components already described. In this case, the flash-cure
operation may remain the same.
[0046] According to yet another embodiment, a process for
pre-drilling a printer medium via laser drilling may be used. In
this case printer medium 31 has a layer 51 of a substance
considerably more rigid than gel such as a transparent plastic
retaining a certain amount of flexibility. During a preprinting
process, a laser drill or drills are used to provide capillary
openings to a depth based on Z-axis data for dots of ink to be
later applied. During a next phase, printing is performed over the
drilled topology such that the ink is drawn into the pre-drilled
capillaries. This embodiment may also be aided via the use of
magnets wherein the magnets urge the ink into the capillaries in an
accelerated manner. The objective is to move the ink into a
pre-conceived topology.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, two laser beams are combined, and
at their crossing point, by the additive energy supplied by both
beams, the gel might be rendered opaque. That may be achieved in
different ways, both by molecular transformation of the gel, or by
activating passive, suspended matter, that may react with itself or
the gel.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrode mechanism of FIG. 4
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As previously
described with reference to FIG. 4, electrode mechanism 61 houses
10 individual electrodes 65 in a way that each may carry separate
and variable voltages. The use of 10 such electrodes is merely
representative as there may be, in actual practice, more or fewer
such electrodes.
[0049] Each electrode 65 is insulated to avoid crosstalk during
processing. A preferred method involves spraying the electrodes
with a hardening insulator material 72, such as a heat-resistant
plastic material, or a heated glass material that may cure thus
forming the insulative barrier between electrodes 65. The ten
electrodes may be encapsulated in the insulating material. It is
noted here that a minimal space (flush) at the tip of each
electrode is either left un-treated, or is subsequently etched away
after treatment, to enable the electrode to function properly.
[0050] An insulating body 75 is provided and adapted to encapsulate
the electrical connections leading to electrodes 65 such that they
do not cross, or touch each other. The shape of body 75 may vary,
it is desired however, to have a shape that accommodates other
integral components (53, FIG. 4) which may be generic to a
topological printer according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0051] At the end of body 75 opposite the operating electrodes, 10
conductive jackets 70 are arraigned and affixed to the encapsulated
electrical connections leading to electrodes 65. Each conductive
jacket 70 is adapted to enclose one conductive pin 74 of a
collinear arrangement of such pins 74 presented in a plug 73. Plug
73 fits snugly over electrode mechanism 61 according to well known
female to male relationship standards, such that an electrical
connection is completed to all electrodes 65 in much the same way
as with a pin connector. In this way, electrode mechanism 61 may be
easily removed and replaced in the event of worn or broken
electrodes or the like.
[0052] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the apparatus during a
printing operation according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As previously described with reference to FIG. 4, an
electrophoresis process is used in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention for creating an interference topology Printer
medium 31 by virtue of the porosity of tranmissive-layer 47 allows
the ink to pass through to gel-layer 51. The ink is urged into
gel-layer 51 via an electrical field unique to each applied ink dot
by electrodes 65. Layer 49 acts as a barrier such that ink drawn
the entire depth of gel-layer 51 is contained, and the gel interior
is protected. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum depth in which
ink may be drawn into gel-layer 51 is just short of the total
thickness of the medium. This insures that no spread of ink will
occur on the back layer which is the viewing widow for the white
light 3-D image created.
[0053] Although the resulting 3-D image may not be transferable
from printer medium 31 to another medium, such a paper, the image
may be scanned into a PC and transmitted over a network to another
location for reprinting. Printer medium 31 may assume any size as
is typical in printing operations.
[0054] After topological printing, a cure operation may be
performed as previously described to harden gel-layer 51 into a
semi-flexible form for handling or otherwise fixate the ink and
stop it from moving. In the case of pre-print laser drilling as
previously described, curing might not be required. According to
various embodiments of the present invention, the topological
printing operation may be performed via a modified ink-jet printer
or a new ink-jet printer adapted specifically for the purpose.
[0055] In some cases the electrode may be a two dimensional array
behind the printing medium, or it may be a single row, parallel or
perpendicular to the motion of the head. In some cases toner
systems as known in laser printers may be used, and by accumulating
different amounts of toners, it can be piled and then "pushed" into
the gel.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the data capturing and
3-D topology printing process according to an embodiment of the
present invention. An exemplary process-flow diagram presented
herein as FIG. 7 is meant only to provide one example of a basic
topology printing process according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0057] At step 77, computing software on a PC such as PC 27 of FIG.
1 combines CCD input data from a 3-D digital camera such as camera
13 of FIG. 1 and performs algorithmic calculations in order to
obtain printing data.
[0058] At step 79, the printing instructions are communicated to a
printing unit adapted to print according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Such communication may take place over a
suitable printer cable such as cable 32 (FIG. 1), or perhaps via a
wireless mode.
[0059] At step 81, the printing unit begins to starts the first
column, in the exemplary case a 10-dot column, which will be the
first such column in a series of horizontally-printed lines. It
should be noted here that in addition to topological printing, text
and flat images may still be printed by excluding use of electrodes
65 during such printing.
[0060] At step 83 electrodes are activated at time a column of ink
dots is applied so as to draw the separate ink dots to specified
depths into the gel layer. In a preferred embodiment, the
electrodes are activated simultaneously for a fixed period of time,
but will carry provide different voltages as may be required to
urge the ink to varying specified depths. This simplifies timing
requirements and allows for flash curing to be performed more
effectively.
[0061] At step 85, column curing begins on a first 10-dot column at
the same time that the next 10-dot column is being applied. The
flash elements (63 of FIG. 4) are collinear to electrodes 65 and
are positioned in an adjacent array such that the space between
both arrays is equal to the space between 10-dot columns.
[0062] The above steps represent a cycle that is repeated in step
87 until printing is complete. As an option, step 89 provides a
lamp curing operation after printing is complete. Such an operation
may be performed on a separate piece of hardware such as a scanner
type bed fitted with a heat lamp.
[0063] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the
method and apparatus of the present invention may be used for
creating white light interference holograms of any printable size.
It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that other
processes may be used instead of electrophoresis such as magnetic
or laser drilling and printing methods.
[0064] It will further be apparent to one with skill in the art
that individual components described herein such as electrodes,
flash-electrodes, encapsulated electrode jackets, printer head
nozzles, curing lamps, etc., may be provided in forms other than
the forms described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, instead of a
protruding electrode mechanism, an array of electrodes may be
presented in a movable plate adapted to move with the printer head.
The printer head may have removable printing nozzles having a
varying number of openings allowing for different size ink columns.
Depending on the application and materials used, flash elements
such as elements 63 of FIG. 4 may or may not be required, and so
on. Therefore, the present invention as taught and described in
enabling detail above should be afforded the broadest scope. The
spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the
claims that follow.
* * * * *