U.S. patent application number 13/756289 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for camouflage patterns.
The applicant listed for this patent is MCP IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Mathew A. McPherson.
Application Number | 20140212638 13/756289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51223235 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140212638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McPherson; Mathew A. |
July 31, 2014 |
CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS
Abstract
In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises multiple
layers of images, wherein at least one layer is provided at an
opacity level that is less than the opacity of another layer.
Camouflage patterns will mix images of various views and various
amounts of transparency/opacity. In some embodiments, the opacity
decreases with each successive layer. In some embodiments, opacity
can decrease then increase. In some embodiments, a layer includes
repeated images. In some embodiments, the orientation of various
tiles change with respect to one another. The use of
semi-transparent images layered to form a combination of patterns
that are not found in nature constitute a unique and novel approach
to camouflage product and method of development.
Inventors: |
McPherson; Mathew A.;
(Norwalk, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCP IP, LLC |
Sparta |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51223235 |
Appl. No.: |
13/756289 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/203 ;
382/284; 428/195.1; 428/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 11/60 20130101;
Y10T 428/24851 20150115; Y10T 428/24868 20150115; F41H 3/00
20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/203 ;
428/195.1; 428/201; 382/284 |
International
Class: |
F41H 3/00 20060101
F41H003/00 |
Claims
1. A camouflage comprising: a first image layer provided at a
predetermined opacity; and a second image layer provided at a lower
opacity than the first layer, wherein the second image layer
overlays the first image layer.
2. The camouflage of claim 1, wherein the predetermined opacity of
the first image layer is 100%.
3. The camouflage of claim 2, wherein the opacity of the second
image layer is 90% or less.
4. The camouflage of claim 1, wherein the predetermined opacity of
the first image layer is less than 100%.
5. The camouflage of claim 1, wherein the first image layer
comprises a view visible from a vantage point at a first viewing
angle, and the second image layer comprises a view visible from
said vantage point at a second viewing angle different from said
first viewing angle.
6. The camouflage of claim 5, wherein said first viewing angle is
below horizontal and said second viewing angle is above
horizontal.
7. The camouflage of claim 1, wherein the first image layer
comprises an image of ground and the second image layer comprises
an image of tree branches.
8. The camouflage of claim 7, wherein the first image layer is
provided at 100% opacity and the second image layer is provided at
an opacity ranging from 60%-40%.
9. The camouflage of claim 1, further comprising a third image
layer provided at a lower opacity than the second image layer,
wherein the third image layer overlays the second image layer.
10. A camouflage comprising: a plurality of images captured via
photography of natural environments, the images comprising: a first
image forming a base layer of said camouflage, said base layer
provided at 100% opacity; and a second image forming a second layer
of said camouflage, said second layer overlaying said base layer,
said second layer provided at an opacity level between 20% and
80%.
11. The camouflage of claim 10, further comprising a third image
forming a third layer, said third layer overlaying said second
layer, said third layer provided at an opacity level between 20%
and 80%.
12. The camouflage of claim 11, further comprising a fourth image
forming a fourth layer, said fourth layer overlaying said third
layer, said fourth layer provided at an opacity level between 20%
and 80%.
13. The camouflage of claim 10, wherein a viewing direction for the
first image differs from a viewing direction the second image.
14. The camouflage of claim 13, wherein a viewing direction for the
first image differs from a viewing direction the third image.
15. The camouflage of claim 10, wherein a vantage point for viewing
the first image differs from a vantage point for viewing the second
image.
16. A method comprising: providing a first image layer at a
predetermined opacity; providing a second image layer at a lower
opacity than the first image layer; and combining said first image
layer and said second image layer to form a camouflage pattern.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein providing a first image layer
comprises capturing said first image using a camera.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a third
image layer at a lower opacity than the second image layer and
combining said third image layer with said first and second image
layers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This disclosure relates to camouflage patterns, articles
comprising camouflage patterns and methods of making camouflage
patterns.
[0002] Camouflage is needed by the military and by private
citizens. Concealment through camouflage is useful in many
activities ranging from warfare to hunting to wildlife
observation.
[0003] The initial military camouflage was a single color that
masked the soldier with a color most similar to the surroundings,
grey or tan. The advancements in camouflage technology brought
color variations and shape variations to materials utilized for
avoidance of observation. This disruptive pattern has been changed
over the years in color tone and size of pattern with the use of
digital imaging to blur the edges of the camouflage to provide a
mottled pattern.
[0004] There remains a need for novel camouflage patterns and novel
methods of creating camouflage patterns.
[0005] All US patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0006] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
[0007] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification is provided as well only for the purposes of
complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be
used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern is generated by
layering images. In some embodiments, the images comprise captured
images (e.g. a photographic image) and are non-distorted. In some
embodiments, camouflage patterns can be made using multiple layers
comprising images, wherein different images are provided with
varying amounts of opacity. In some embodiments, images having
differing levels of opacity are layered to form a pattern.
Superimposing images allows for a mixture of images having various
views, viewing angles and/or vantage points, and the combination of
such images creates patterns that are not encountered in
nature.
[0009] In some embodiments, multiple photographic layers having
different opacities are combined. In some embodiments, a base layer
is solid (e.g. 100% opacity) and non-base layers each have a
reduced opacity when compared to the base layer. In some
embodiments, a non-base layer has opacity in the range of 20% to
80% opacity. In some embodiments, the opacity decreases with each
successive layer. In some embodiments, opacity can decrease then
increase. In some embodiments, a layer includes repeated images. In
some embodiments, the repeated images comprise a tiled layer
wherein the repeating images have similar orientation. In some
embodiments, the orientation of repeated images change with respect
to one another.
[0010] A camouflage pattern may comprise any suitable number of
layers. In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises two
layers. In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises three
layers. In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises four
layers. In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern consists of three
layers. In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern consists of two
layers.
[0011] The camouflage may be used for any suitable purpose, such as
military or sporting purposes where concealment is desirable. In
some embodiments, a realistic camouflage is intended to mask an
individual or item in a natural environment. The use of various
individual views/images that depict a natural environment, combined
via novel layering and/or reduced transparency, presents a natural
looking scenery comprising images that would not typically be
encountered in nature from a single viewing angle/direction.
Photographic camouflage patterns can be utilized to create visual
confusion by breaking up the objects' outline through the use of
natural images layered via superimposition techniques.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
of producing patterns in perspective via photographic layering with
variable transparency images.
[0013] The camouflage patterns disclosed herein can be applied to
any suitable article, such as clothing, hunting accessories,
vehicles, etc.
[0014] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the
invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use,
reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part
hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are
illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0015] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not
to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be
described with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an image suitable to be used
as a layer in a camouflage pattern.
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of an image suitable to be
used as a layer in a camouflage pattern.
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a camouflage pattern
comprising the layers shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of an image suitable to be
used as a layer in a camouflage pattern.
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a camouflage pattern
comprising the layers shown in FIGS. 4 and 2.
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of an image suitable to be
used as a layer in a camouflage pattern.
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a camouflage pattern
comprising the layers shown in FIGS. 6, 2 and 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] While this invention may be embodied in many different
forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of
the invention. This description is an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
[0024] In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises multiple
layers of images to create a novel pattern. In some embodiments, a
camouflage pattern comprises one or more captured images, such as
images that have been captured by a camera. In some embodiments,
the images are not distorted in any way. In some embodiments, an
image in at least one layer is distorted (e.g. stretched and/or
skewed). In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises at
least one non-distorted layer and at least one distorted layer. In
some embodiments, at least one image or layer comprises a reduced
level of opacity. In some embodiments, multiple layers are each
provided at an opacity of less than 100%, wherein the opacity of
one layer is different from an opacity of another layer.
[0025] In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises a first
image having 100% opacity and a second image, wherein at least a
portion of the second image overlays the first image and at least a
portion of the second image is provided at an opacity of less than
the opacity of the first image. In some embodiments, at least the
portions of the second image that overlay the first image are
provided at a reduced level of opacity.
[0026] In some embodiments, a camouflage pattern comprises a first
layer depicting a first image having 100% opacity. The camouflage
pattern further comprises a second layer depicting a second image.
The second layer overlays the first layer such that at least a
portion of the second image overlays a portion of the first image.
At least a portion of the second image is provided at an opacity of
less than the opacity of the first image. In some embodiments, at
least the portions of the second image that overlay the first image
are provided at a reduced level of opacity.
[0027] In some embodiments, portions of reduced opacity can be
considered semi-transparent.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an image that is suitable to be used as a
layer, or a portion of a layer, for a camouflage pattern. The image
represents a captured image, such as a digital photograph. The
image depicts brush, such as a growth of bushes and/or shrubs,
which are often encountered close to the ground, or between the
ground and eye-level. An ordinary observer standing on the ground,
viewing the image of FIG. 1 from a vantage point at eye level would
generally look either horizontal or at a downward viewing direction
(e.g. at an angle below horizontal).
[0029] FIG. 2 shows an image that is suitable to be used as a
layer, or a portion of a layer, for a camouflage pattern. The image
represents a captured image, such as a digital photograph. The
image depicts leafless branches, such as tree branches, with open
sky in the background. An ordinary observer standing on the ground,
viewing the image of FIG. 2 from the same vantage point as that of
viewing FIG. 1, would generally look in an upward viewing direction
(e.g. at an angle above horizontal). Thus, from the particular
vantage point, the viewing angle required to view FIG. 1 is
different from the viewing angle required to view FIG. 2, and an
ordinary observer would not typically see the images depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2 from a single viewing direction.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a camouflage pattern that
comprises the images shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The image of FIG. 1
comprises a first layer and the image of FIG. 2 comprises a second
layer. The image of FIG. 2 is oriented to overlay the image of FIG.
1. The first layer is provided at 100% opacity, and the second
layer is provided at a reduced level of opacity. The specific
opacity level can be chosen based upon the desired visual effect.
As show in FIG. 3, the image of FIG. 2 is provided at 43% opacity,
which allows the both the first and second layers to be visible,
while portions of the first layer are visible through the image of
the second layer.
[0031] The camouflage pattern shown in FIG. 3 tends to cause
confusion because an observer does not typically view overlayed
images at reduced opacity in nature. Further, the combination of
views from differing observation angles in the various images or
layers of the camouflage pattern helps to ensure that the pattern
depicted would not be encountered in nature.
[0032] In various embodiments, any layer can be provided at any
suitable level of opacity. Various embodiments that comprise
similar image layers but different levels of opacity will achieve
camouflage patterns having different visual effects.
[0033] In various embodiments, any image or layer in a camouflage
pattern can be provided in color, grayscale or black and white, or
any suitable combination thereof.
[0034] Images or layers are reduced in opacity and overlayed using
any suitable method, such as a computer and image processing
software.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows an image that is suitable to be used as a
layer, or a portion of a layer, for a camouflage pattern. The image
represents a captured image, such as a digital photograph. The
image depicts a rocky ground scenery. An ordinary observer standing
on the ground, viewing the image of FIG. 4 from a vantage point at
eye level would generally look in a downward viewing direction
(e.g. at an angle below horizontal and potentially straight down,
orthogonal to horizontal).
[0036] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a camouflage pattern that
comprises the images shown in FIGS. 4 and 2. The image of FIG. 4
comprises a first layer and the image of FIG. 2 comprises a second
layer. The image of FIG. 2 is oriented to overlay the image of FIG.
4. The first layer is provided at 100% opacity, and the second
layer is provided at a reduced level of opacity. The specific
opacity level can be chosen based upon the desired visual effect.
As show in FIG. 5, the image of FIG. 2 is provided at 47% opacity,
which allows the both the first and second layers to be visible,
while portions of the first layer are visible through the image of
the second layer.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows an image that is suitable to be used as a
layer, or a portion of a layer, for a camouflage pattern. The image
depicts vegetation, such as grass or sage, which is often
encountered close to the ground. An ordinary observer standing on
the ground, viewing the image of FIG. 6 from a vantage point at eye
level would generally look in a downward viewing direction (e.g. at
an angle below horizontal and potentially straight down, orthogonal
to horizontal).
[0038] FIG. 6 comprises a tiled image, wherein a particular image
is repeated in the Figure.
[0039] In some embodiments, a layer comprises a repeated image. In
some embodiments, the orientation of repeated images within a layer
are similar to one another. In some embodiments, the orientation of
various repeated images within a layer are different from one
another. In some embodiments, repeated images within a layer can
have variations from one another in size, color, orientation,
etc.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a camouflage pattern comprising the images
shown in FIGS. 6, 2 and 4. A first layer comprises the image shown
in FIG. 6 at 100% opacity. A second layer comprises the image shown
in FIG. 2 at a lower level of opacity, specifically at 90% opacity.
A third layer comprises the image shown in FIG. 4 at an opacity
level that is lower than the second layer. As shown, the third
layer is provided at 50% opacity. The pattern shown in FIG. 7
represents images not ordinarily found in nature.
[0041] In a camouflage pattern, any layer can be provided at any
suitable level of opacity. In some embodiments, multiple layers can
each be provided at similar opacity levels. In some embodiments,
each layer is provided at an opacity level different from all other
layers. Layers having an opacity of less than 100% can have any
suitable opacity. In some embodiments, a layer comprises an opacity
level ranging from 95% to 5%. In some embodiments, a layer
comprises an opacity level ranging from 90% to 10%. In some
embodiments, a layer comprises an opacity level ranging from 80% to
20%. In some embodiments, a layer comprises an opacity level
ranging from 60% to 40%. Varying the specific level of opacity will
change the resulting camouflage pattern. Depending upon the content
of images/layers, the specific opacity levels of each layer can be
selected to provide the desired camouflage pattern effects.
[0042] Alternative embodiments may contain any variety of images,
including natural scenery, captured images, created images, etc.
Desirably, the images are provided in multiple layers for
manipulation and overlay to provide a final image containing a
grouping of recognizable natural objects that forms a pattern not
encountered in nature.
[0043] In some embodiments, a first layer depicts an image viewed
from a first vantage point, and a second layer depicts an image
viewed from a second vantage point. In some embodiments, a viewing
angle from the first vantage point is similar to a viewing angle
from the second vantage point.
[0044] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All
these alternatives and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means
"including, but not limited to." Those familiar with the art may
recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described
herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the
claims.
[0045] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claim below.
[0046] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *