U.S. patent number 3,822,938 [Application Number 05/103,510] was granted by the patent office on 1974-07-09 for three dimensional display.
Invention is credited to Max Hirsch.
United States Patent |
3,822,938 |
Hirsch |
July 9, 1974 |
THREE DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY
Abstract
A process generates and displays representations of various
entities--solid objects, scenes, graphs, lines, and points--in true
three dimensional space (3D) space. A series of segments of thin
transparent film are marked with respect to reference elements of
the film segments to correspond to a series of sections of an
entity. The segments are assembled spaced apart in corresponding
sequence in an apparatus for display, aligned therein by their
reference elements, and illuminated by a diffuse substantially
uniform light source at one end of the sequence. The assembly of
marks on the film segments can be seen from the other end of the
sequence by transmitted light as a three dimensional representation
of said entity. Apparatus and film segments have unique features
accomodating the process of this invention.
Inventors: |
Hirsch; Max (Philadelphia,
PA) |
Family
ID: |
26800544 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/103,510 |
Filed: |
January 4, 1971 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
823392 |
May 9, 1969 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
353/121; 353/35;
40/367; 434/152 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B
15/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03B
15/00 (20060101); G03b 021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;353/30,35,125,121
;40/106.1,96 ;35/28 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Martin, Jr.; William D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Edelson and Udell
Parent Case Text
This invention relates generally to a new and improved apparatus,
process and materials for generating and representating scenes,
solid objects, surfaces, lines and points in true three dimensional
space, and is a division of my co-pending U.S. Pat. application
Ser. No. 823,392, filed May 9, 1969.
Claims
I claim:
1. A process for producing a representation in three dimensional
space of an entity which comprises the steps of, marking positively
each of a series of segments of thin transparent film to correspond
to each of a series of sectional portions of said entity so that
similar markings on any segment in said series of segments have
similar brightness, assembling said segments in association with
display means in a sequence corresponding to the sequence of
sectional portions of said entity and holding said segments flat,
spaced apart, substantially smooth and parallel to each other in
coaction with said display means, illuminating said sequence of
segments with light transmitted through said segments from one end
of said sequence from a diffuse substantially uniformly bright
distributed light source at least coextensive in area with a
segment at said one end of sequence, presenting the assembly of
marks of said segments to be viewed from the other end of the
sequence by transmitted light from said source as a three
dimensional reconstitution of said entity.
2. A process as described in claim 1 wherein said step of
assembling said series of segments is reversible, whereby said
segments can be removed from said display means and replaced by
different series of segments for the display of different
entities.
3. A process as described in claim 1 wherein said step of
assembling said series of segments is reversible, and further
including the steps of, removing select segments from said
assembly, altering the markings on said select segments,
reinserting said segments in said assembly, whereby alteration for
correction of a three dimensional representation of an entity or
adjustment to alteration of said entity can be effected.
4. A process for producing a representation in three dimensional
space of an entity which comprises the steps of, marking each of a
series of segments of thin transparent film with respect to
prescribed fiducial markings similarly located on said segments to
correspond to each of a series of sectional portions of said
entity, assembling said series of segments in association with
display means in a sequence corresponding to the sequence of
sectional portions of said entity, and holding said segments
substantially smooth, parallel to each other and spaced apart in
correspondance in depth with said sectional portions and capable of
transverse displacement, and the step of aligning each segment
systematically and accurately by its fiducial markings with respect
to said fiducial markings of other segments by displacement for
optical coincidence whereby the assembly of marks on said series of
segments can be exhibited as a three dimensional reconstitution of
said entity systematically aligned independently of the nature of
the subject markings.
5. A process as described in claim 4 wherein said step of
assembling said series of segments is reversible, whereby said
segments can be removed from said display means and replaced by
different series of segments for the display of different
entities.
6. A process as described in claim 4 further including the step of
illuminating said series of assembled segments with diffuse
substantially uniform light transmitted through said segments from
one end of said series, whereby a graphical reconstitution in three
dimensions of said entity can be systematically effected solely by
said markings.
7. A process for producing a representation in three dimensional
space of an entity which comprises the steps of, marking each of a
series of segments of thin transparent film with respect to
prescribed reference features of said segments similarly located on
said segments to correspond to each of a series of sectional
portions of said entity, assembling said series of segments in
association with display means in a sequence corresponding to the
sequence of sectional portions of said entity, and holding said
segments substantially smooth, parallel to each other and spaced
apart in correspondence in depth with said sectional portions, and
the step of aligning each segment systematically and accurately by
its reference features with respect to said reference features of
other segments by said reference features of the film segments
engaging reference means of said display means.
8. A process as described in claim 7 wherein said step of marking
said segments includes the step of positioning said segments on a
reference surface with said reference features of segments engaging
reference features of said surface, whereby drawings, grids, or
scales on said reference surface facilitate the marking, checking,
and sequential ordering of said segments.
9. A process as described in claim 7 further including the step of
illuminating said sequence of parallel segments with light
transmitted through said segments from one end of said sequence
from a diffuse substantially uniformly bright distributed light
source at least coextensive in area with a segment at said same end
of said sequence.
10. A process as described in claim 9 wherein said series of
segments are sequentially connected in a film strip, wherein said
step of marking includes marking each of said segments with respect
to said prescribed reference features to correspond to each of a
series of sectional portions of said entity and in corresponding
sequence with alternate sections marked to correspond to said
sectional portions but reversed on the longitudinal axis of said
strip, and wherein said assembling step includes folding said
segments transversely back and forth into segmental folds, whereby
the markings on all segmental folds have a common orientation.
11. A process as described in claim 9 further including the step of
displaying graphical data on a surface positioned transversely to
said parallel segments and proximate to their margins, whereby said
graphical data complements the markings of the segments and
provides a setting for the reconstituted entity.
Description
More particularly, this invention concerns facile means for
exhibiting on a series of thin transparent sheets of film
progressive sections of an object in such spacial array as to
reconstitute said object so as to be visible by an observer in its
3D form.
The representation of scenes, solid objects and the like by
sculpture has long been known. The arts of sculpturing and model
making are tedious and time-consuming, requiring artistic or
mechanical skill. The graphic arts are more easily and economically
practiced manually and automatically with the aid of extensive
developments in reproduction methods, chemical and electronic
photography, and XY plotters driven by computer control. The unique
features of the present invention make these advanced developments
of the graphic arts readily applicable to true 3D
representations.
Erwin Raisz, in "Principles of Cartography" (p.262, McGraw-Hill
Book Co., N.Y.C., 1962) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,556,798 to Concordet,
both describe the encapsulation of a stack of thick transparent
plastic plates upon which map contour intervals have been printed.
Such solid block models suffer from the objections of considerable
bulk, weight and cost, as well as requiring an uneconomical use of
time and effort.
Other forms of pertinent prior apparatus are disclosed in the U.S.
Pats. No. 2,577,320 to Fenyo, No. 2,727,327 to Colby, and No.
3,079,959 to Johnston, provide for the spacing apart, one behind
another, of a series of transparent slides or plates, each one of
which bears a portion of a complete scene and together composing a
scene enhanced by a 3D effect. As shown, the slides or plates
required for the apparatus disclosed in those patents must be of
sufficient thickness for them to be self supporting when standing
on one of their edges. By contrast, the present invention utilizes
very thin film sheets which are incapable of standing on their
edges longer than momentarily. More specifically, the thin,
transparent sheets of this invention are incapable of supporting
their own weight as simple columns or beams since the ratio of one
of the broad dimensions of the sheet to the thickness generally is
greater than 1,000. While thin and flexible sheets have been
depicted by Stark U.S. Pat. No. 2,151,055 and and Foley U.S. Pat.
No. 2,565,553 for use in multi-layered picture devices, those
devices do not contain provisions for alignment, brightness
independent of depth, or for obtaining any resolution in depth for
object reproduction, graphs and designs in true 3D such as is
capable of being achieved in the present invention by a coordinated
set of means and methods described below. Moreover, the present
invention is also uniquely distinguished over these earlier designs
by virtue of its provision for ready insertion and removal of the
film segments from the apparatus by random access and serially.
The obtainment of considerable depth and resolution in depth are
among the unique features of this invention. The many thin film
sheets associated with a 3D display, having considerable depth and
resolution in depth, require a systematic method for their proper
alignment. This method includes the steps of marking a series of
sheets in relation to reference features embodied in the sheets or
fiducial markings on them, assembling the sheets in the apparatus,
and positioning the sheets in relation to the same reference
features or fiducial markings in conjuction with alignment features
of the apparatus. A rear uniform extended and diffuse illumination
source is provided in the display apparatus to make similar
markings on sheets at different depths have similar brightness. The
methods and apparatus are extended from use for a series of sheets
to a sequence on a strip of thin transparent film.
Displays in true three dimensions are inherently of considerable
volume. The means of quick and easy insertion, and removal of
sheets or strips of thin film allows a great variety of 3D displays
to be shown with relative economy of space. The sheets and strips
can be stored in a much smaller volume approximately equal to their
bulk. The insertion of thin flexible film sheets rather than self
supporting relatively thick plates or slides makes for great
economy in cost of the materials of display. But most important of
all thin film can be readily accommodated to virtually all the
advanced processes of the graphic arts. This makes high quality
reproduction and inscription on the film surfaces for this
invention possible at low cost.
The "open slot," "suspended sheet" and other embodiments in the
apparatus of this invention illustrate unique means for supporting
thin sheets and strips of transparent film in extended and smooth
form for display. They are each conjoined with the several unique
means of alignment, insertion, removal, illumination, etc., and are
coordinated in the process of making and assembling for the
production of true 3D displays. This process includes unique means
for sketching, upgrading, superimposing, and sequencing 3D display.
The sheets and strips of thin transparent film are materials having
unique features for handling and alignment, accommodating them to
the process and apparatus of the present invention.
The invention will be better explained and understood by reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a rectangular 3D display
apparatus in which the slots for support of thin transparent sheets
are shown at the top for insertion and removal;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged view showing the upper right
corner of the FIG. 1 apparatus additionally provided with an index
for identifying the sheets and the corresponding slots in which
they are mounted;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view through a slot of an apparatus similar
to the illustration of FIG. 1 apparatus, but depicting a diagonally
notched sheet and diagonally keyed slot;
FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of a rectangular 3D display
apparatus, similar to the apparatus of FIG. 1 but in this
embodiment having dual opening slots and roller assemblies enabling
transparent sheets of film to be inserted or withdrawn from either
side of the apparatus;
FIG. 5 is similar to the FIG. 4 view but additionally provided with
means for rear projections of an image on an inner surface of the
apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a horizontal, longitudinal, sectional view through the
dual opening slot apparatus, somewhat similar to that of FIG. 4 but
differing in that is provided with roller assemblies for adapting
the apparatus to strip film use;
FIG. 7 is a lateral view of one of the rollers of FIG. 6 apparatus
and of a strip of film that passes over the rollers and folds back
and forth in a multiple traversing of the apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of an alternate mode of the
invention in which transparent sheets are suspended between
beams;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing frames for supporting
beams;
FIG. 10 is a perspective showing of the invention in which there is
supported by suspension a strip of thin transparent film folded
into many parallel surfaces;
FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a string-suspended, continuous strip
film extended flat;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a string-suspended continuous strip
film which has been folded in position for viewing many parallel
film surfaces;
FIG. 13 is a side view of a continuous strip of film fabricated
from discrete sheets;
FIG. 14 is a perspective showing of a continuous strip film
partially fan folded for storage;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the suspended film apparatus of FIG.
10 adapted to discrete sheets mounted in radial array;
FIG. 16 is a frontal view of a string-suspended discrete sheet for
radial arrays marked for a 3D cylindrical coordinate system;
FIG. 17 is a front view of a string-suspended discrete sheet for
radial arrays marked for 3D spherical coordinate system;
FIG. 18 is a device for adapting the suspended sheet apparatus of
FIG. 10 for radial arrays of 360.degree.;
FIG. 19 is a view in perspective of another embodiment of the
invention in which discrete sheets are stacked between discrete
variable interval frames;
FIG. 20 illustrates a pointer and an alphanumeric label employed to
locate features of interest in a 3D display;
FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of the process for generating and
exhibiting 3D displays with computer and plotter.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters
indicate like parts, the "open slot" embodiment of the invention
represented by FIG. 1 will be considered first. This 3D display
apparatus 30 has a hollow box-like holder 32 to the rear end of
which is attached a complementary box-like, electric light source
34. Holder 32 consists of two sidewalls, 35 and 36, which together
with a bottom wall 37 and a top wall 38 form a rectangular prism
having a front face 40 and a rear face 41. Walls 35, 36, 37 and 38
encompass an aperture 39 extending from front face 40 to rear face
41.
A series of narrow transverse slots 44, positioned one behind each
other from the front to the back of holder 32, open to the exterior
in holder top 38 and extend downwardly through top 38 and side
walls 35-36 and continue down into holder bottom 37. Each of the
slots lies in a plane parallel to the others. Outer edges 42 of
each slot 44 lie hidden within the walls 35, 36 and 37 and inner
edges 43 of each slot 44 lie on the surface of aperture 39. The
inner edges 43 of narrow slot 44 are adapted to fit astride a thin
transparent sheet of film 46 placed in the slot through the
exterior opening in holder top 38, circumscribe the periphery of
the sheet at a definite distance from its edges to hold the sheet
extended substantially smooth and flat. While a fairly deep slot is
needed, most of the support of the film sheets is provided by the
inner edges of the slots so that the supporting walls of a holder
may be hollow or may be made of a supported lattice of wire.
The series of outer edges 42 lying in walls 35, 36 and 37 fall in
three planes in their respective walls with each plane being
perpendicular to the planes of the slots 44. Also, the planes in
walls 35 and 36 are each perpendicular to the plane in bottom wall
37. Thus, when a series of thin transparent sheets 46 are placed in
the series of slots 44 the bottom and left edges of each of the
sheets can be made to butt the bottom and left outer edges 42 in
walls 37 and 35, respectively, so that all the sheets are aligned
with each other. These outer edges 42 act as stops to limit and
define the position of the film sheets 46 in the slots 44 and in
the holder 32. As shown, the stops are slot edges that are
continuous with the edges of sheets 46. If the holder is made with
hollow walls or of a wire lattice, the sheets can be positioned in
a slot by a set of stops so that each stop engages a sheet edge for
only a portion of its length. Since the sheets can be marked with
reference to the sheet edges mentioned, the alignment of the sheets
then aligns the marks on them. The length of the slots are somewhat
greater than the length of the sheets to facilitate insertion in
the slots and removal therefrom, and to accommodate dimensional
instabilities in the sheets of thin film, and to allow movement of
the sheets 46 when they are being aligned with the aid of fiducial
markings 45 on sheets 46.
Thus, the right edge of the first sheet 46 does not engage the
right outer edge 42. There is a small gap as shown in FIG. 1. Of
course, alignment could be to the right instead of the left. When
sheets 46 are aligned by their fiducial markings 45 at the extreme
corners of the visible portion of the sheets, the aligned positions
can be maintained by friction between sheets 46 and narrow slots
44. The frictional forces can be increased by inserting small thin
paper or plastic tabs (not shown) between sheets 46 and the
openings of slots 44 in holder top 38. The upper edge of each sheet
46 preferably extends a short distance, about one-fourth inch,
above the opening of slot 44. This makes sheets 46 not only
convenient to handle for insertion and removal, but also for edge
and fiducial alignment.
Each slot 44 holds each sheet of thin transparent plastic film 46
at all four of its borders. A thin flexible sheet of film, by its
very nature, cannot support itself on its edge. While the slots
could be pressure-loaded, i.e., opened to receive a sheet of film
and clamped close to hold the film in place, a thin slot of fixed
width will suffice to support the sheet provided the depth of the
slot, i.e., from the interior slot edge to the edge of the sheet,
is sufficient. This is on the order of 1/2 inch for 81/2 .times. 11
inch sheets and a somewhat greater amount for larger sheets. While
a fairly deep slot is needed, much of the support of the film is
provided at the interior edges of the slots so that supporting
walls, i.e., walls 35, 36, 37 and 38, may be made hollow or indeed
of a lattice of wire.
The slots are accurately made so that their edges are smooth and
parallel, their width and other dimensions maintain tolerances and
the law of the interval, the distance between corresponding edges
of slots, as described below, is preserved. The apparatus 30 is
made of dimensionally stable materials at the somewhat elevated
temperatures occasioned by the electric light source 34, steel,
aluminum and plastics. Other, cheaper materials such as paperboard,
cardboard, etc. may be used when reduced accuracy may be
tolerated.
A preferred option is to form the inner edges 43 in the bottom wall
37 so as to present the appearance of a wide and shallow V, as seen
in FIG. 1. This arrangement facilitates insertion of the sheets,
since with this provision the bottom edge of a sheet being
inserted, initially engages the bottom inner edge of the slot at
only one point on each side and thus slides in smoothly.
The width of the slots may have considerable tolerance over the
thickness of the plastic sheets used. A relatively wide slot
facilitates insertion of the sheet film; however, it will not keep
the sheet extended or flat. For example, with 5 mil acetate film, 8
to 15 mil wide slots or even 20 mil slots can be used. If a slot
width of over 10 mils is used, two sheets can be inserted in the
same slot to obtain accurate superimpositioning of two or more 3D
displays in a single assembly as described below.
Translucent plastic or glass covers (not shown) may be mounted for
enclosing the front face 40 and back face 41. A removable dust
cover 48 of a rigid plastic or other suitable material may also be
used to complete the enclosure and to shield the upper extremities
of the transparent sheets and to keep dust and dirt from falling
into the slots from above.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, an index 50 may be provided on the top 38
of holder 32. The one shown is made to identify the level of each
of the slots and its distance from a reference level. Each
transparent sheet 46 can be labelled with markings 51 which
correspond with the symbols on index 50 so as to assure that each
sheet is inserted into its own slot. Optionally, in order to
facilitate marking and reading markings 51, sheet 46 can be
rendered non-transparent at its upper border or on all its borders
(as shown in FIGS. 3 and 19). A bordered sheet is also more easily
seen and more conveniently handled.
As shown in FIG. 3, a diagonally keyed slot 44A is provided in the
alternate form of apparatus 32A. A corner of each slot 44A is
provided with a diagonal key 57. Each of the thin transparent
sheets of film 46A has a diagonal identification notch 49 that
accommodates slot key 57 and allows sheet 46A to fit into slot 44A
one and only one way. This aids in maintaining the gross
orientation of the several sheets in a display and the consistency
of the data exhibited. The diagonal notch 49 on sheet 46A aids in
orienting series of marked sheets. It is useful in locating
drawings on the sheets by identifying the reference edges of the
sheets directly and/or with respect to reference surfaces, as set
forth in the process description below. In manual drawing using
raised reference edges as guides, diagonal notch 49 facilitates
temporary adhesion to a work or reference surface of an inner
corner.
The upper border 47 of sheet 46A can be rendered non-transparent as
shown in FIG. 3. This border can be opaque or translucent and can
be made white or any color desired. Rendering the upper border 47
non-transparent prevents the sheet index numbers 51 from being
confused when the sheets are in position as shown in FIG. 2 or when
they are stored one above the other. The border 47 also facilitates
seeing, handling and the identification of transparent sheets 46A.
This border can be employed with or independently of notch 49. The
border can extend around the periphery of the sheet or some portion
of it. In FIG. 3 it is shown extending down the left side and thus
serves to identify the reference edges of sheet 46A.
In the apparatus of FIG. 1 the slot intervals (i.e., distances or
spaces between the slots) are uniform. However, the law of the
interval increment can be made as desired, i.e., with logarithmic,
hyperbolic, perspective, etc. scales.
Reverting to FIG. 1, the box-like light source 34 is shown secured
to holder 32 by means of latches 53 which engages catches 54. Light
source 34 contains a combination of fluorescent and incandescent
lamps (not shown) to give the brightness and relative spectral
intensity to the rear diffuse uniform illumination required for the
type of display to be exhibited. A multi-positioned or variable
switch 60 is provided to adjust the level of illumination by
switching different lamp combinations and voltage levels to the
lamps. The front face 56 of the light source is a diffusing
translucent sheet and extends over aperture 39 at face 41.
Optionally, holder 32 and light source 34 may be constructed as a
single unit (not shown) rather than as separate entities.
Another option is to have another set of catches 54 mounted near
the front face 40 to make possible reversal of the positioning of
the light source with respect to the front instead of the rear face
of the holder. By thus reversing the holder and looking into it
from the rear instead of the front it is possible to gain a rear
view of the display within quickly and easily.
Another means for supplying rear diffuse illumination is to use as
a rear cover for holder 32 a diffusing or opalescent sheet and
placing the holder 32 before any convenient light source such as a
desk lamp, window, etc.
The holder 32 becomes a self sufficient and passive device, no
power is needed. The self sufficient form of holder 32 can also be
reversed by making its front cover diffusing and the rear face of
aperture 39 clear. A convenient means is to reserve the first and
last slots 44 for cover sheets that may be diffusing or clear
transparent film.
Rear uniform diffuse illumination of a series of marked thin sheets
of transparent film is a unique and important feature of this
invention because it makes it possible for similar markings on
sheets at different levels to have substantially the same
brightness. A ray of light traversing a marking on a rear sheet
must then traverse all the remaining sheets. A second ray
traversing a marking on a front sheet had previously traversed all
the remaining sheets. Since both rays traversed similar paths,
although in different sequences, the brightness of both markings is
approximately the same.
If there are n sheets, each transmitting T amount of the light
incident upon it, i.e. about 0.95, and the intensity of
illumination of a beam of light I originating in the diffuse source
passes through a given number of sheets m and a marking D on the
m-th sheet and continues through the remaining sheets n-m to yield
on apparent brightness B, thus, B = IT.sup.m DT.sup.n.sup.-m =
IT.sup.n D. Thus, the brightness B of a viewed marking is
independent of depth (or sheet number m) on which it is marked. For
a given array and given rear illumination, brightness depends
exclusively on the quality of the marking D, i.e., as though all
markings were on the same level as far as brightness is concerned.
Because there is some frontal illumination this relation is an
approximation.
Since there is some diffusion and scattering of light by the
transparent sheets, when there are many sheets the markings on the
rear sheets are not as well defined as are the markings on the
front sheets. The quality of the film, its surface treatment, the
absence of dust, etc., can help preserve the definition of the rear
levels of these 3D displays.
Since the 3D apparatus of this invention may be used where ambient
illumination levels are fairly high, reflections of front ambient
light from a front cover (not shown) and the transparent plastic
sheets 46 may obscure the 3D display to some extent. This effect
can be reduced by use of transparent sheets of material having a
low index of refraction (and hence low reflection). A front
transparent cover can be dispensed with, or if used, should
preferably have high contrast qualities, a high ratio of
transmitted to reflected light, similar in quality to the cover
plates of television receivers or polarizing sheets, and can be
tilted downwards.
A hood (not shown) may be attached to the front face 40 (or rear
face 41) to block undesired ambient light and reduce reflections.
The hood can be of shallow construction and easily detachable to
make possible wide angle viewing of the 3D display. The effect of
undesired reflections can also be reduced by making the rear
illumination much brighter than that which is incident at the front
of the apparatus.
It should be understood that, although reflections from a front
cover or the plastic sheets of the display are not desired, some
diffuse illumination through the front aperture is desired,
particularly for 3D displays rendered in color. If only rear
illumination were provided, color would be seen almost exclusively
as a transparency. By means of some frontal illumination there is
obtained brighter and more vivid color, also blacks are improved
and whites are made visible. Such illumination may also be provided
by a diffuse extended light source incorporated in the previously
mentioned hood (not shown) on its inner surfaces, so that its light
would be masked from a viewer's eyes.
Other sources of ambient illumination that are diffuse and extended
may be provided. Optionally, it is desirable to make the inner
surfaces of aperture 39 of holder 32 highly reflecting and
diffusing (e.g., matte), thereby increasing forward illumination by
back scattering of light from a rear source.
The walls 35, 36, bottom 37 and top 38 of holder 32 can suitably be
made of any rigid, transparent material such as methyl
methacrylate. This increases the solid angle of viewing, although
visibility through the walls is to some extent obscured by the
slots 44 and the edges of sheets 46. It is possible to take further
advantage of the transparent walls by projecting illumination
through a wall surface so as to get special effects such as the
lighting of a single film sheet 46. In lieu of, or in combination
with, illumination by reflected or transmitted light as described
above, it is possible to use edge illumination of one or more of
the film sheets (not shown).
(In the descriptions that follow, in particular, although the terms
"top" and "bottom" will be used in the descriptions of the
apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 4 as a matter of convenience and with
reference to the usual mode of use, it should be understood that
the apparatus can be used in any physical orientation desired.)
Another version of the "open slot" embodiment 30B of the present
invention is represented in FIG. 4. In this form the holder 32B has
dual slot openings 62 at both sides of the apparatus. In FIG. 4 the
openings 62 on only one side can be seen. The slots in the FIG. 4
apparatus 30B are equivalent construction to those shown in FIG. 1,
a difference being that the slots extend entirely through the side
walls instead of being confined to the interior, as in FIG. 1.
Through these slots a series of thin sheets of transparent film 46B
protrude exteriorly to the left and to the right of apparatus 30B.
If desired, and in some applications it is preferred, the left and
right interior slot edges can be constructed in the form of a
shallow V, as described for the interior bottom slot edge in the
FIG. 1 embodiment. This accommodates the insertion and removal of
the film sheets 46 from either side.
Two alternate methods for aligning the series of thin transparent
sheets 46B are provided, one mechanical, the other optical. They
may be used either independently or together for the apparatus 32B
of FIG. 4. The sheets 46 are aligned mechanically by engaging or
butting their bottom edges with the exterior bottom edges of the
slot 62 they occupy. On the bottom right edge of each sheet an
aligning groove 66 is cut or stamped with a vertical edge 68 and a
sloping edge 70. When the sheets are inserted in slots they are
adjusted so that their vertical edges 68 are positioned slightly
within the exterior edges of their slot openings. An aligning bar
72 is raised by a rotatable lever 74 (through linkage not shown).
Each of the sheets is then gently moved so that its vertical edge
68 engages or rests against the aligning bar 72 to produce accurate
alignment. To remove or insert other sheets aligning bar 72 is
lowered by counter rotation of lever 74. The aligning bar is spring
loaded (springs not shown) to press closely to the outer surface of
the side wall which is made perpendicular to the exterior bottom
edges of the slots. These same edges are also made to lie in a
plane perpendicular to the plane of the slots.
Optical alignment requires the adjustment of each sheet 46B.
Fiducial marks 64 and 65 are made in the same corresponding
positions on all sheets 46B. When the sheets are inserted into
apparatus 32B the fiducial markings 65 and 64 are aligned with the
interior edges and exterior opening edges of slots 62 respectively.
After the marks have been aligned with the edges they can be
aligned relative to each other for greater accuracy.
Apparatus 30B is susceptible to virtually all the features of
apparatus 30. It can be provided with front and rear covers, dust
covers (for the side walls), a light source, latches and catches,
and hood with or without front illumination, as well as the
operational features such as an index and associated features.
In FIG. 5 apparatus 30B is shown in association with projection
apparatus 76 to form a rear projection image 79 on a diffusing
ground inner surface 75 of bottom 37 that is made of transparent
material. A slide projector 76 optically projects an image by
reflection off a plane mirror 77. A central ray 78 of a central
beam of light illustratively represents the path of projection.
While a convenient arrangement of apparatus is shown in FIG. 5,
other folded optical paths can be employed. Instead of a slide
projector a motion picture or other type of projector (not shown)
can be used.
The paired openings of apparatus 30B can be used in conjunction
with strip of film 80, as shown in FIG. 6. As there shown, two
roller assemblies 82 are attached to the sides of the apparatus.
The strip of film 80 enters a slot which is positioned closest to
the front of the apparatus, as shown, and is folded back and forth
through successive slots toward the rear of the apparatus. The
entrance of the film at the front and its exit at the rear are
designated by arrows in FIG. 6. In each case the film emerging from
one slot and then entering the next adjacent slot turns around
rollers 81 that are mounted between alternate pairs of slots in
roller assemblies 82. Strip 80 can be a continuous strip of thin,
transparent film or it may be an assemblage of sheets. In any case
each of its segments 89, a portion of transparent material adapted
to occupy a level of a 3D display, are connected to a next segment,
thereby comprising a sequence of said segments. The film strip 80
is perforated at the top and bottom margins as shown in FIG. 7. The
opposed central perforations 88 are marked with identifying strips.
Rollers 81 are fitted with toothed wheels 86 and 87 respectively
near the top and bottom of each roller as shown in FIG. 7. They
mate with the series of perforations 84 and 85, respectively, along
the top and bottom margins of film strip 80.
On the original insertion of film 80 in apparatus 30C, and
threading it through the roller 81 in assemblies 82, each of the
central and marked perforations 88, engages a tooth of the toothed
wheels 86-87 oriented away from apparatus 30C. This aligns the side
margins of segments 89, as shown in FIG. 6, since the perforations
have been spaced accurately to the distance between rollers 81 and
the segments 89 have been drawn (or printed, etc.) accurately with
relation to said perforations. If graphic content is drawn on all
of the segments of strip 80, then alternate segments must be drawn
reversed in the longitudinal direction in order for the data which
they contain to have a single orientation with the remaining
elements in a 3D display. Note the alternation of segment
identifications a and b in FIG. 7. The reversed direction of the
arrows on the reversed side of the b segments illustrate the data
orientation needed, i.e., for the arrows to be in line. This need
for reversing alternate segments can be avoided by leaving them
blank.
A given 3D presentation can be viewed for some time, then the strip
80 may be driven off at one end (cf. the arrow depicting emergence
of strip 80 at the rear of the FIG. 6 apparatus), while at the same
time fresh film strip 80 can be introduced at the other end (cf.
the arrow showing entrance of strip 80 into the forward end of the
FIG. 6 apparatus) to offer a new 3D presentation. Such a continuous
strip 3D display means offers a simple and facile means for
altering 3D presentations, and is suited for the high rate outputs
of computers as well as for advertising where the graphics have
been prepared in advance, etc.
Another form of the present invention, referred to as the
"suspended sheet" embodiment, employs the principle of supporting
thin sheets of transparent film by means of string or stiffening
elements attached to opposite edges of sheets of thin film. Such an
embodiment is illustrated by the apparatus 90 as shown in FIGS. 8
and 9. It comprises four beams 91, two upper and two lower, each
pair spaced apart from one another and from the opposite pair so as
to accommodate transparent film sheets 46C between them. The sheets
46C are held extended in one dimension by means of stiffening
elements 92 attached along the top and bottom edges of each sheet,
and by the tension of springs 103 in the other dimension.
The stiffening elements 92 can be made of thin sheet aluminum or
steel, plastic, or paperboard. Although shown in flat condition, it
should be understood that the strips may have hems, bent edges,
etc. to make them more rigid and keep them straight, and to keep
their weight and cost low. The strips may be attached to one side
or both the front and back of each sheet. There is a variety of
means for attachment, cementing, self adhering strips, mechanical
devices, etc. The advantage of mechanical devices is their
reversability and economy. The stiffening elements can be removed
and used with other sets of sheets. Also sheets not in use can be
stored separately from elements 92 close and flat to save weight
and space in storage.
A novel and efficient mechanical means for affixing stiffening
elements to sheets of film will be described. Holes are punched
along the longitudinal edges of sheets 46C at defined positions.
Stiffening elements 92 cut to the lengths of sheets 46C also have
similar holes made therethrough at corresponding positions so that
when a stiffening element is on the sheet along its upper edge, the
holes of element 92 fit on the holes of the sheet 46. The top and
bottom holes in the sheets are similar so that the elements can be
interchangeable for top and bottom, and for all sheets of a given
size. Through the aligned holes of element 92 and sheet 46C are
attached snap fasteners 94 similar to those used in the clothing
industry. For greater stiffening action and to minimize warping of
the sheets two elements 92, one on each side of the sheet so as to
sandwich the sheet between them, may be attached. The stiffening
elements attached across the tops and bottoms of the sheets, keep
the sheets extended longitudinally. They also provide means for
suspending the sheets and distribute the forces of weight and
tension acting on the suspended sheets so that the forces of weight
and tension are not localized so as to tear the thin film composing
the sheets.
Extending above the two end holes on the top of each sheet are
straps 96. The straps may be made of thin sheet aluminum, steel or
plastic. They have a hole through them to accommodate snap fastener
94. The top of strap 96 is bent at a 90.degree. angle so as to form
a rest 98. The vertical distance between the edge of rest 98 and
the hole is precisely made so that all straps are interchangeable
with each other.
The stiffening element 92 and straps 96 have been described above
as separate entities. However, the stiffening element and strap
could be made as a single continuous member.
The two top beams 91 have a series of slits 99 cut in them for a
portion of their width and deep enough to accommodate the full
width of straps 96. The nature and size of the intervals between
slits 99 are subject to the same factors described above for the
intervals between slots 44 in apparatus 30 of FIG. 1. The
corresponding slits 99 of the opposed upper beams, lie in a common
plane and their inner, left edges lie on two straight lines.
A sheet 46C with bottom and top elements 92 as well as straps 96
attached, is suspended from upper beams 91 by inserting the left
and right straps in a pair of corresponding slits 99. The straps 96
are pushed along slits 99 until their leading edges touch the inner
left edges of the slits with the rests 98 engaging the top of beams
91 that lie in a plane.
The two bottom beams 91 have a series of holes 100 through them,
similarly spaced so that each pair fall in a plane which passes
through a corresponding pair of slits 99 in upper beams 91. Springs
103, hooked at both ends, are placed in holes 100 so that the
bottoms of the hooks rest on the bottoms (not shown) of the lower
beams 91. The top hooks of the springs engage holes in the snap
fasteners 94. The tension of the springs, applied through snap
fasteners 94 and bottom element 92, are transferred to the thin
transparent sheets 46 to which they are connected. This tension
keeps the sheets fully extended in their transverse direction. The
springs also serve to hold the bottom of the sheets in place. The
described suspension keeps the sheets accurately positioned and
aligned. The sheets can also be aligned with the aid of fiducial
markings 45 by displacing straps 96 from inner left edges of slits
99, and elevating them by narrow tabs (not shown) of paper or
plastic above the tops of beams 91.
It is to be appreciated that the sheets 46C are attached to
stiffening elements, 92, and the stiffening elements are attached
through straps 96 to beams 91 so that sheets 46C are supported
through the train of listed elements by beams 91. In a similar way,
reference features embodied in sheet 46C, the holes punched along
its upper horizontal edge, determine the position of stiffening
element 92 with respect to the sheet. Since the straps 96 are
accurately positioned with respect to element 92 and slits 99 on
beams 91 the sheets 46C are accurately positioned with respect to
the beams 91 through the same train of listed elements.
As reference to FIG. 9 will show, beams 91 are rigidly supported by
front and rear rectangular frames 102. An extended light source 34
can be attached to the rear frame as shown. A detachable cover (not
shown) with a matte reflecting interior surface can be mounted on
the sides, top and bottom to enclose apparatus 90, and yet provide
ready access to the beams when necessary to suspend or remove
sheets therefrom. Technical displays used in engineering,
architecture, etc., with which one may view the displays from all
angles, top, bottom, sides, front, require extended light sources
(not shown), larger than aperture 104. Further, apparatus 90 can be
moved and rotated with respect to the light sources and observers,
or the light sources and the observers can move so that a given 3D
display in apparatus 90 can be seen from different angles.
The "suspended sheet" embodiment of the present invention is well
adapted for the economic exhibition of large displays, since thin,
relatively inexpensive transparent plastic sheets can be extended
for considerable areas, from several square feet to many square
yards, on four inexpensive beams. These beams can be a foot or a
few feet in length for advertising displays of the kind that would
fit in store windows. For large scale 3D layouts, e.g., of
prototype structures such as aircraft frames, wings, ships, hulls,
etc., the beams can be tens or hundreds of feet long. With the aid
of computer-driven plotters such 3D large layouts can be made and
exhibited at a fraction of the time and cost of making comparable
plywood or other solid models. Such displays are transparent so
that all interior elements are visible, making inconsistencies in
design readily apparent, they are also easy to correct and
alter.
A second set of beams (not shown) similar to beams 91, but located
substantially transverse to them and attached to frames 102, can be
provided. Alternatively, the vertical members of frames 102 can
provide such a second set of support beams. To this second set of
beams a selected number of sheets, perpendicular or oblique to the
first set, can be mounted. This second set of sheets can be used to
improve the pictorial display with a showing of the ground, the
sky, walls, etc. Also, for both first and second sets of sheets,
portions of said sheets only may be used for limited areas of
interest.
A variation of the apparatus 90 shown in FIG. 8 which employs
strings instead of straps, and is adapted to continuous strips of
transparent film as well as discrete sheets, and to radial as well
as linear arrays, is the string-suspended form 108 shown in FIG.
10. A continuous strip of thin transparent film 110 is folded back
and forth between the side walls 112. As shown extended in FIG. 11,
strip film 110 is comprised of a series of surface segments 114a,
114b, 114a, etc., on which sectional portions can be recorded.
Between each of the surface segments there are incremental portions
or "risers," 116a, 116b, 116a, etc.
In FIG. 12 the strip film 110 is shown in isolation and in top
view, folded back and forth as if it were situated in apparatus
108. On or close to the upper and lower edges of each surface
segment 114 are filaments or strings 118a to 118n and 119a to 119n
respectively which have been implanted or affixed firmly to the
thin film. At the vertical boundaries of each film segment 114 the
strings 118 and 119 are extended free for about an inch or two (see
FIGS. 10-11-12).
The apparatus 108 of FIG. 10 essentially consists of the two side
walls 112 and transparent front and rear faces 120. Together, these
four structural parts comprise a hollow rectangular prism open at
the top and bottom. Cross braces 122 are mounted between the
bottoms of front and rear faces 120 so that their top edges are
just below the bottom level of strip 110, and their bottom edges
are a few inches below the bottom edges of side walls 112 and front
and rear faces 120. The cross braces hold the bottom edges of the
walls, front and rear faces a few inches above a supporting surface
123.
The top and bottom edges of both side walls 112 each has a series
(thus, four such series) of slits 124a to 124n, preferably cut
one-fourth to one-half inch deep. The distance between the slits
equals the incremental portion or riser 116 in the strip film 110
with which it is to be used. As shown in FIGS. 10-11-12, the
increments or risers 116 are equal, and hence the distances between
each adjacent pair of slits 124a to 124n are equal. Actually,
however, the increments and slit spacings can be made to whatever
scale desired, i.e., logarithmic, hyperbolic, etc. as well as
uniform.
The film strip 110 that is to be exhibited is shown in top view in
FIG. 12. Without some constraints on the strip its positioning is
imperfect. This folded strip is inserted through the top so that it
rests on braces 122. Both ends of strings 118a to 118n and 119a to
119n can be pressed through the four series of corresponding slits
124a to 124n. Each of the strings is then pulled taut separately so
that they all rest on the bottoms of their slits, and so that all
incremental portions 116 on one side of the strip are pulled
against the left wall 112. The distance between left and right
walls 112 is slightly larger than the length of a surface segment
114. Each string can be held taut by fastening a metal or plastic
clip to it close to the outer surfaces of the walls (not shown).
The strings can also be held by winding their ends around tethering
pins 121a to 121n. (The pins 121 below slits 124 on the other three
edges of 108 are omitted in FIG. 10 not to obscure the principal
features of the apparatus).
By pressing risers 116 against left side wall 112, makes this wall
serve as a longitudinal reference. The line formed by the bottoms
of the slits serves as a transverse reference so that all surface
segments 114a to 114n of the film strip are aligned. When the
strings are pulled and held taut their associated surface segments
114 are extended flat and held firmly in place.
In FIG. 10 the strip 110 is shown as fully occupying the apparatus
108; i.e., there are n sets of slits in which are situated n
surface segments of film. However, it should be understood that a
partial strip (one having less than n surface segments) may be
exhibited, or several partial strips, the sum of whose sections are
equal or less than n, can be exhibited together. Also, if desired,
discrete or separate sheets 126 having dimensions and construction
similar to surface segments 114 can be exhibited in apparatus 108.
These discrete sheets can be made by eliminating incremental
portions 116 from a strip 110, or they can be made anew. Another
modification, illustrated in FIG. 13, is to assemble discrete
sheets 126 by means of hinges 128 that are strips of transparent
plastic with self-adhering (adhesive coated) edges. The
non-adhering portion of hinge 128 serves as an incremental portion
116.
Referring to FIG. 14, film strip 110 is shown "fan folded" for flat
storage in which each fold contains surface segment 114 and
incremental portion 116. Another advantage of fan folding strip 110
is that easy access to any surface segment 114 (see FIG. 12) is
provided.
Quite obviously, display apparatus 108 can be adapted with many
elements similar to those described previously for apparatus 30
shown in FIG. 1. Apparatus 108 also is susceptible to a wide
variety of modifications. For example, as shown by the simplified
top view of apparatus 108 in FIG. 15 discrete sheets 126 may be
suspended in a radial array. A pair of slits 130, one at the top
and one at the bottom (not shown) center of the rear faces 120,
together determine a reference axis O-O'. A series of slits 131 on
the front face 120 are spaced by the tangent of the angle their
associated sheet makes with the central section (marked
"90.degree." in FIG. 15). Slits 130 are made larger than slits 124
since the former must accommodate many strings whereas the latter
only holds one in each slit. Slits 124 in side walls 112 also have
tangential spacings. However, if they had been made for a linear
array with a close spacing, selected slits can give a useful
approximation to a tangential spacing. The angular increment of the
array shown in FIG. 15 is 10 degrees. Other angular increments can,
of course, be used. (It should be understood that although only the
top slits are shown in FIG. 15 there is a corresponding set of
lower slits each aligned with an upper slit in a vertical
plane.)
The radial array of sheets illustrated in FIG. 15, with their
peripheral ends inscribing a semi-circle, is useful for the display
of characteristics that are a function of angles, i.e. radar
antenna patterns. The sheets 126 in this form of display can be
marked to give cylindrical or spherical coordinates. In FIG. 15,
for example, a sheet 126A is shown marked with rectangular
coordinates that begin at a reference edge that would fall along
the O-O' reference line of the radial array, and thus give
cylindrical coordinates in three dimension. Sheet 126B in FIG. 17
is similarly marked to give spherical coordinates in a radial array
when its reference edge falls on the O-O' reference line.
The radial array of FIG. 15 covers a solid angle equivalent to a
hemisphere. For some applications a 3D display with a radial array
covering an entire sphere is desirable. One way to achieve this is
by assembling two structures 108 so that they are fastened together
with their transparent rear faces 120 back to back. Another way of
achieving complete spherical coverage with a radial array is
through beam 132 shown in FIG. 18. The length of that beam is equal
to the interior width of apparatus 108, i.e., to the distance
between left and right walls 112. Imbedded in the beam, and
extending from both ends of it, are thin flexible steel strips 134.
These strips are thin enough to pass through slits 124 of apparatus
108. In the center of the beam is a slit 136 similar to slit 130.
Small holes 138 are provided for fastening strings 118.
A beam 132 can be mounted in the upper central slits 124 of
apparatus 108, and another such beam can be mounted in the lower
central slits 124, while their steel strips 134 rest in slits 124
and their slits 136 face outward. The steel strips 134 can be
clamped close at the outer surfaces of walls 112 so that strips 134
are in tension and the two beams are rigidly fastened in apparatus
108. The beams 132 can be made thin, about one-eighth inch wide,
but must be wider than the width of slit 124. Discrete sheets 126
can be mounted in a radial array similar to that of FIG. 15 except
that the total angle around the array is now 360.degree. instead of
180.degree., and the beam bisects the array. The depth of apparatus
108 so adapted must at least be as great as its width or the length
of sheets 126 must be one-half the lesser dimension (width or
depth) of apparatus 108, and radial slits 131 must be made on rear
face 120 as well.
An optional choice is to replace strings 118 by plastic threads,
thin wires, or any strong filament, for both transparent thin film
strip 110 or discrete sheets 126, and used in about the same way as
strings in apparatus 108.
The principle of support in the "suspended sheet" embodiments of
apparatus 90 (FIG. 8) and 108 (FIG. 10) requires edged support of a
segment of thin film in one dimension and extension of that segment
in its other dimension by the forces suspending it. The principle
of edge support in both dimensions of a sheet of thin film is
demonstrated in FIG. 19 with "stack" 150. Frames 152a, 152b, 152c,
152d, etc. made of metal, plastic, paperboard, or cardboard of
select thicknesses which are indicated by the letter designations.
They are narrow structures circumscribing apertures 153 and can be
made hollow or with bent edges to make them light and cheap.
The common surface of a pair of frames 152 forms a level in which a
transparent sheet of thin film can be supported. These frames are
stacked in a linear array 150. If there are n frames in the stack
there are n - 1 paired surfaces between which n - 1 sheets of thin
film can be supported. Any of the discrete sheets 46 described
previously may be supported by these frames. The nature of the
sheet employed is adapted to the means of securing the "stack."
To support sheet film so that the sheets are flat and secure in
position the frames 152 must press against each other firmly. There
are various means for doing this. Strings or wires 156 can be
passed around stack 150 and fastened to hold the stack firmly
together. Notches 158 cut in the corners of frames 152 and notches
160 cut in the corners of film sheet 46D serve as guides for
strings or wires 156, as well as built in reference features for
marking and aligning. The width and length of sheet film 46D are
the same as frames 152.
Stack 150 can also be held together and assembled in a stack holder
162. Holder 162 has apertures 164 at its front and back which have
the same dimensions as the apertures 153 of frames 152. The top 166
is open. The other three walls may be continuous. The width of
holder 162 is slightly greater than the width of the frames. Its
height is less than that of a frame. Thus, a frame 152 inserted in
holder 162 extends above top 166. This facilitates insertion and
removal of the frame.
An entire stack 150 of frames 152 and sheets 46 can be inserted in
holder 162, and by pressing the individual elements against bottom
and left sides the stack can be aligned. The stack can then be
pressed together by filling the rest of the holder with space
frames (no film) and completing the assembly with a compressing
frame (not shown) that has a sandwich construction of soft sponge
rubber and two stiff, smooth metal or plastic surfaces. Holder 162
can then be used in any position desired and be provided with the
features described above for holder 30.
The select thickness of frames allows a variable increment of any
spacing between film sheets desired, and as well as any thickness
of film desired. For extremely high resolution within such an
array, sheet film can also be stacked continuously to any depth
desired.
Indeed, a stack of sheets only, such as sheet 46D in FIG. 19, may
be employed. Sheets 46D as shown are provided with notches 160 and
are used in a similar manner as previously described for stack 150.
Sheets 46E as shown are provided with punched holes 168 that serve
as built in reference features for marking or aligning as well as
assembly means that are more positive, i.e. for smooth rods closely
fitting the punched holes 168 and bolted at the ends. The assembly
of stacked sheets of thin film is well suited for the exhibition of
displays of high resolution in depth. If 5 or 10 mil sheet film
were used there would be a resolution of 200 or 100 lines to the
inch, respectively. The borders 47D and 47E may be rendered
non-transparent or can be colored to facilitate seeing, handling,
and identification of the transparent sheets 46D and 46E
respectively. The border can be applied to only one side of sheet
and thus serve to identify its sides and to only one edge. A sheet
identification number (indicated by reference character 51 in FIG.
19) may be marked on the border. The border can be coded by color
and design to identify the nature and thickness of a sheet of
film.
FIG. 20 illustrates a 3D pointer 175 for demonstrating features of
interest at different levels of a 3d display. The pointer is made
of a thin transparent plastic strip on which an arrow 177 has been
drawn. The 3D strip pointer 175 can be inserted in any selected
level occupied by a thin transparent sheet 46 or not and
manipulated so that the arrow points to any selected position on
that level. The pointer can be used with the "open slot" and
"suspended sheet" embodiments of this invention. Since the pointer
reaches between sheets and to any point on a sheet there is full
three dimensional control. Figures or symbols other than an arrow
can be used, e.g., circles, squares, aircraft, ships, as well as
alphanumerics for labelling, i.e. alphanumeric label 178. The 3D
pointer can be clipped to an adjoining sheet, or otherwise fixed in
position at a desired point. This frees the hands of a demonstrator
and also allows the use of many such pointers in a single 3D
display, an example of such use being the marking and identifying
of positions of air craft for air traffic control.
A novel process for generating and exhibiting a three dimensional
display is demonstrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 21. This
process, 185 employing a computer and plotter, is merely
illustrative of a wide range of means available for the conduct of
a basic method. Program and data are fed from a source 186 over
data path 187 to a computer 188. These program and data determine
the nature of the markings to be made on a series of segments of
thin transparent film. The computer 188 can be digital, analog, or
hybrid. If the computer is analog or hybrid, programming
constitutes connecting its operational units in a prescribed way.
The computer 188 over a continuation of data path 187 controls the
marking of film in X-Y plotter 189. The computer is shown directly
connected to the plotter. However, it could be buffered by a
magnetic tape recorder (not shown) or some other memory device. The
plotter 189 is also fed film from a supply 190 over film flow path
191. The film can be in the form of sheets or strips. In either
case the film is positioned in the plotter 189 so that the plotter
markings are made with respect to reference features embodied in
the sheets or strips, i.e., sheet edges or notches, strip
perforations, etc. (or fiducial markings). After being marked the
film continues on flow path 191 to a series store 192 where it is
held available for display. The marked film continues on to
insertion in a 3D display apparatus 193 of the kind described
above. For exhibition in apparatus 193 the marked film is aligned
in cooperation with the same reference features embodied in the
film segments (or their fiducial markings) used in marking
graphical data. After exhibition in apparatus 193 the marked film
can be returned to store 192 by return path 191R, although
exhibition in apparatus 193 may be indefinitely long. The part of
the process immediately involving the appatus 193 requires
insertion and removal of marked film in interchange with store
192.
FIG. 21 by including another film path 194 illustrates the process
195 of 3D sketching and 3D display upgrading. This process 195
includes the basic process 185. In addition, marked film can be
removed from 3D display apparatus 193 and returned by path 194 to
the plotter 189. The plotter alters the markings on this returned
film and again feeds the film forward by path 191 through store 192
to the apparatus 193. In 3D sketching a human operator 196 observes
by visual path 197 the 3D display 193 and inputs through path 198
to source 186 those alterations he decides on. The new data he
enters in support of his decision in source 186 will eventually
produce new marking through plotter 189. The operator can see the
3D display with substantial continuity. This helps the operator
determine what alterations to make.
In 3D display upgrading, for example of a command control system,
new information comes from the controlled system (not shown) to the
source 186 to alter the 3D display as previously described.
The symbols in process 185 have been described for the most part as
specific physical instruments, computer 188, X-Y, plotter 189,
while source 186 could be any computer input device, i.e.,
teletypewriter, card reader, etc. The operations they perform can
be assigned to a wide range of means. The operations performed,
represented by symbols 186, 188 and 189, can be done by a single
person and a drawing board. This could also be performed by a
single source (electronic circuit) for 186 connected to an
oscilloscope for 188, recorded by a camera for 189, that is
supplied by photographic film by 190. They could also be performed
by a physiological test animal for 186, being monitored by an
instrument for 188, whose data is being received on a strip
recorder 189.
The novel process for generating and exhibiting a three dimensional
display that represents sections of an entity includes the steps
set forth below. An entity is "a thing which has reality and
distinctness of being either in fact or for thought." An entity "in
fact" may be an object such as a machine part, a mountain, a
microorganism, or scenes, such as, a landscape, a group of people,
or a stage setting. An entity "for thought" may be graphs,
geometrical curves, abstract designs, engineering and architectural
designs using symbolic notations etc.
DISCRETE SHEET PROCESS
1A. A series of discrete thin transparent sheets that are marked so
that each sheet is a sectional portion of an entity.
2A. The series of sheets marked according to step 1A are assembled
by means described previously.
3A. The assembly of sheets formed according to steps 1A and 2A are
illuminated for viewing as a 3D display.
4A. All the sheets of an assembly as formed in steps 1A, 2A and 3A
can be removed from a given means and another series of sheets can
be assembled therein to provide another 3D display.
STRIP PROCESS
1B. A strip of segments of thin transparent film, each connected to
a next, is marked so that each segment is a sectional portion of an
entity.
2B. The strip of segments marked according to step 1B is assembled
in traverse folds back and forth by means described previously.
3B. The assembly of folds as formed according to steps 1B and 2B
are illuminated for viewing as a 3D display.
4B. The folded strip as formed in steps 1B, 2B and 3B can be
removed from a given means and another strip can be assembled in
folds therein to provide another 3D display.
AUXILIARY PROCESSES
5. Any sheet in the assembly of discrete sheets as formed and
exhibited in steps 1A to 4A can be removed, altered, and then
reinserted in the assembly.
6. To the assembly of sheets or folds (segments) as formed in steps
1, 2 and 3 another sheet or series of sheets is added to alter or
to superimpose a second display on the first.
7. To the assembly of sheets or folds (segments) as formed in steps
1, 2, 3 a pointer or alphanumeric tag is inserted into any select
level and put to any select position therein for the unique
identification of any location in all three dimensions of a 3D
display.
8. A series of strips of segments of thin transparent film has
corresponding segments marked according to step 1 to comprise a
series for a corresponding entity and assembled and illuminated
according to steps 2 and 3 in sequence by the movement in unison of
the series of strips for a sequence of corresponding 3D
displays.
9. To the assemblies of sheets or folds segments formed in steps 1,
2, 3 a surface display can be added so that the surface is
perpendicular or oblique to the sheets or folds of the assembly and
at their margins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
The steps and operations listed above in outline fashion are
described below in more detail, each one keyed by number and letter
to the steps above.
1A1. A series of discrete thin transparent sheets are marked so
that each sheet is a sectional portion of an entity.
1A2. The sectional portions marked may be such as to form contours,
profiles, or oblique sections, etc. Also these sectional portions
can be geometrical sections or they can be sectional intervals. The
first produces an assembly of lines that is useful for analysis.
The second shows detailed information within an interval, i.e.,
between section levels. An assembly of sectional intervals can
produce a quantized versimilitudinous reproduction of an object,
etc., whose definition in depth is determined by the magnitude of
the interval.
The correspondence of the marking of a sectional portion to an
entity being represented can be a linear scale, 1 to 1 or 150 to 1,
etc., or some non-linear mapping function, i.e. logarithmic for
either dimension of a sheet. Also correspondence can be complete or
selective as to detail. The correspondence of the intervals between
sectional portions shown in the 3D displays of this invention and
the intervals of the entity being represented can also be some
linear scale or some non-linear function.
Further, correspondence of definition in depth, interval magnitude,
and entity detail can be selective. This holds not only among 3D
displays, but within a given display. The foreground of a scene may
be given small intervals while the background may be given large
intervals, i.e. by a non-linear perspective function.
1A3. The correspondence or the sequence of sections in an entity
and the sequence of a marked series of transparent sheets can be
maintained by the physical order of the sheets and by symbolic
notation marked on each sheet. The notation can have arbitrary
order, alphabetic or numeric. It may also be a measure of
separation of the sections of the entity from a base level, and/or
made to correspond to the notation of an index (such as index 50 in
FIG. 2) on a display apparatus.
1A4. The marking of the transparent plastic sheets is an
application of the graphic arts manually, or automatically by the
extensive developments in reproduction methods, chemical and
electronic photography, and XY plotters driven by computer control.
The markings may be made by inks or paints of any color including
black and white and that are opaque or translucent. The marking of
the sheets also includes raising of portions of the sheet cameo or
intaglio by the application of heat and pressure to those local
portions. This can also be done manually or automatically. The
depth of raising is limited by the interval being employed. Raising
sheets can be displayed by the apparatus of this invention except
for the "open slot" form shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.
1A5. The correspondence of the relative position of a series of
sectional portions marked on a series of transparent sheets to each
other in a display assembly and to the sections of an entity being
represented is established in two operations. First, each, marked
sectional portion is positioned along two axes of a sheet with
respect to reference features embodied in the sheet and/or fiducial
markings on the sheet. Second, the sheets are aligned, or held in
relative position to each other, by engaging the said reference
features embodied in the sheets with aligning means in a display
assembly and/or by the fiducial markings.
The reference features embodied in a sheet can be the edges of a
corner of an accurately cut rectangular sheet, i.e., in the sheet
of FIG. 1 or any two non-parallel edges of, i.e., the bottom edge
and leading edge 68 of a notch 70 in the sheet of FIG. 4, or the
four notches 160, or the four holes 168 in the sheets of FIG. 19.
The aligning means of the display assemblies employed with each of
these sheet reference features were described previously. The
location of marks on a sheet can be made by direct measurement to
reference features embodied in a sheet or ficudial markings.
This method of alignment is general and can be applied to sheets of
other shapes, i.e., circular (for disc recorders) or oval, etc. It
may also be applied to a series of sheets not of the same size,
i.e., changing progressively in size as a function of position in
the series, or depth in a display.
Fiducial markings on a series of sheets may be of many forms along
with the single form 45 shown in the drawings, i.e., concentric
circles, crosses, etc. Also these fiducial marks may be positioned
whereever is most convenient on the sheets and remain visible. They
may be supplied in connection with the graphical data, i.e. as
reference axes with graphs.
1A6. An intermediate reference surface having guides that
accommodate the embodied reference features of a transparent sheet
and/or its fiducial markings can be used to facilitate measurement,
marking, and checking the marks on the said sheet. The guides may
be marks or raised members. For guide marks, accommodation allows
coincidence with the embodied reference features and/or fiducial
markings of a sheet. For raised guide members, accommodation allows
engaging said sheet reference features. In either case a sheet is
uniquely positioned on said surface and measurements on the sheet
can be made with facility from the reference surface.
This reference surface can be marked with axes, scales, grids, and
drawings to further facilitate the marking of a sheet. The top
layer of the reference surface may be a sheet of paper that may be
removed upon the completion of the marking of a series, or a
fraction thereof, of transparent sheets for composing a 3D display
and stored with them for checking and altering said sheets.
1B1. A strip of segments, each connected to a next, is marked so
that each segment is a sectional portion of an entity. A strip of
segments may be continuous strip of thin transparent plastic film
with edge perforations (strip 80, FIG. 7) or a folded strip (strip
110, FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 14). A strip of segments, as previously
described, may be separate sheets attached to two long narrow
perforated ribbons of metal or plastic to compose a strip similar
to strip 80.
The marking of each segment of a strip is similar to marking of
discrete or separate sheets as described above. The reference
features embodied in the strip may be different, i.e. perforations
84, 85 of strip 80 in FIG. 7, or a bottom edge and a traversing
foldable edge of strip 110 of FIG. 11. Also alternate segments of a
strip must have its sectional portion drawn reverted with respect
to the longitudinal axis of the strip or omitted for all marked
sectional portions to have like orientation in display assembly.
This operation of the process is described in detail above the
strip 80 of FIG. 7. It is applicable to strip 110 and other similar
strips. However, where a series of strips are used, each for a
different level of a 3D display, as in auxiliary process (8) in
list above and described below, reversion or omission of alternate
sheets is not needed.
2A. The series of sheets marked according to step (1A) are
assembled by means described previously as examples illustrating
this step.
2B. The strip of sheets marked according to step (1B) is assembled
in traverse folds back and forth by means previously described as
examples illustrating this step.
3. The assembly of sheets or folds according to steps 1 and 2 are
illuminated for viewing as a 3D display. The several means for
illumination and of an assembly are described in connection with
the "open slot" embodiment 30 of FIG. 1 and the "suspended sheet"
embodiment 90 of FIG. 8. The principles of rear uniform diffuse
illumination, passive and active illumination, etc. illustrated are
applicable to the other forms of assembly disclosed herein.
4. All the sheets or a folded strip as formed in steps 1, 2, and 3
can be removed from a given means and another series of sheets or
strip can be assembled therein to provide another 3D display. The
sheets and strips can be conveniently stored in a volume
approximately the bulk of the film sheets or strip and displayed
again at a later time.
It is important to note that this step can be omitted. A 3D display
comprising sheets or strip of this invention can be used
indefinitely and on a continuing basis.
5. Any sheet in an assembly of discrete sheets as formed and
exhibited in steps 1A to 3A can be removed, altered and then
reinserted in the assembly. While a sheet has been removed for
alteration the remaining sheets can be viewed. This process is
useful for 3D sketching and for 3D control displays upgraded for
new information.
This process can be adapted so that all information of a 3D display
is subject to virtually continuous exhibition and upgrading. The
information pertinent to each level can be recorded on two (or
more) sheets or folds (segments).
The procedure is as follows:
a. One of the sheets or strips is exhibited in a display
assembly.
b. The other sheet or strip is available for recording new
information.
c. After recording new information (and/or removing old data) on
the second sheet or strip, the first sheet of a given level or the
entire first strip is quickly removed, and the second sheet or
strip quickly inserted.
d. Now the second sheet or strip is similarly upgraded, and held
available for further new data.
e. The cycle is repeated as often as desired.
f. In order to eliminate disturbance of viewing, the illumination
of the 3D display can be extinguished during sheet change. By
making this period very short, i.e. less than one-twentieth of a
second, the change and extinction will not be perceived. To keep
the number of sheet exchanges to a minimum, groups of upgraded
sheets can be exchanged concurrently.
This process of upgrading may be performed by human operators, by
machine, or a combination of both. While it can be performed with
several forms of apparatus of this invention, those of FIG. 4 and
FIG. 1 are especially adaptable. The dual openings in the apparatus
of FIG. 4 make possible simultaneous insertion and removal during
an exchange.
6. To the assembly of sheets or folds as formed in steps 1, 2, and
3 another sheet or series of sheets is added to alter or super
impose a second display with the first. The sheet or series added
can be inserted in display levels that are between levels occupied
by the first series of sheets or folds. They can also be inserted
so that they share given levels with the first series. In either
case the first and second series are interleaved. The second
method, the sharing of levels makes closer comparison, i.e., of
intersections and locations possible. A single sheet, with a grid,
for example, can be added to demonstrate position at a given level.
A series of grid sheets could be added to demonstrate position at a
given level. A series of grid sheets could be added to demonstrate
position throughout the display space. The intersection of
independent surfaces, i.e., a sphere and hyperboloids of
revolution, can be demonstrated.
Any apparatus of this invention can be employed with this process.
The "open slot" form of FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 make the insertion of a
second series expeditious. As previously stated, for level sharing,
the slots must be made wide enough to accommodate two or more
thicknesses of plastic film. With the "open slot" form of FIG. 6,
discrete sheets of a second series can be interleaved with the
folds of strip 80. For level sharing in "suspended sheet" forms
discrete sheets of a second series can be attached to sheets or
folds of a first series.
7. To the assembly of sheets or folds as formed in steps 1, 2, 3 a
pointer or alpha numeric tag is inserted into any select level and
put to any select position therein for the unique identification of
any location in all three dimensions of a 3D display. A pointer and
alphanumeric or symbol tag are shown in FIG. 20.
8. A series of strips of segments of thin transparent film has
corresponding segments marked according to step 1 to comprise a
series for a corresponding entity and assembled and illuminated
according to steps 2 and 3 in sequence by the movement in unison of
the series of strips for a sequence of corresponding 3D
displays.
The corresponding segments may be all the first elements of the
series of strips. They are marked to represent sectional portions
of a first object. Their concurrent display exhibits a 3D
representation of that first object. The movement of all the strips
in unison brings all the second elements of the series of strips to
a 3D display of a second object for which they were marked.
This movement of strips can be intermittent with display periods of
any desired length of time, or it can be a slow continuous action.
The movement of the strips in unison can be repeated (or continued)
until all the series of corresponding segments have been displayed.
This sequence of displays can be repeated in reverse order by
reversing the motion of the strips. The cycle of forward and
reverse motion can be repeated as desired. Each strip can have its
ends sealed together to make a closed loop. A continued forward
motion would then repeat the sequence of displays in the same
order.
The several entities displayed can be parts of a single entity and
each of the strips can be continuously marked to exhibit in 3D a
continuous sequence of parts of that single entity. A panoramic
view, for example, may be so displayed.
The apparatus of FIG. 4 is readily adaptable to this process. The
series of strips entering the openings of slots 62 at one side can
exit at the other. The apparatus of FIG. 10 can be adapted to this
process. Cross braces 122 can be removed and apparatus 108 can be
supported at side walls 112 so that the opening at bottom as well
as the top is clear. A series of strips could then be moved
vertically through apparatus 108.
9. To the assemblies of sheets or folds formed in steps 1, 2, 3
surface displays can be added so that the surfaces are
perpendicular or oblique to the sheets or folds at their edges. The
projection of an image, as shown in FIG. 5, on a flat inside
surface 75 illustrates the process of combining such a surface
display, the image, with the 3D display of a sequence of surfaces.
This process is also illustrated by a previous description given
with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, a selected number of sheets
perpendicular or oblique to the first set can be mounted. This can
be done on a second set of beams or the members of frame 103. This
second set of sheets can be transparent, diffusing translucent, or
opaque.
* * * * *