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WO2003001436A1 - Procedes et appareil d'elaboration d'images composites multiples - Google Patents

Procedes et appareil d'elaboration d'images composites multiples Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003001436A1
WO2003001436A1 PCT/US2002/019190 US0219190W WO03001436A1 WO 2003001436 A1 WO2003001436 A1 WO 2003001436A1 US 0219190 W US0219190 W US 0219190W WO 03001436 A1 WO03001436 A1 WO 03001436A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
composite
lenticular
interior
foreground
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/019190
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Peterson
Original Assignee
Paul Peterson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/885,758 external-priority patent/US7079279B2/en
Priority claimed from US09/885,686 external-priority patent/US20020198724A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/885,746 external-priority patent/US7079706B2/en
Application filed by Paul Peterson filed Critical Paul Peterson
Priority to US10/489,747 priority Critical patent/US20040232027A1/en
Publication of WO2003001436A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003001436A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/02—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for optical devices, e.g. telescopes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/26—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00167—Processing or editing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00169—Digital image input
    • H04N1/00172—Digital image input directly from a still digital camera or from a storage medium mounted in a still digital camera
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
    • H04N1/00185—Image output
    • H04N1/00188—Printing, e.g. prints or reprints
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/23—Reproducing arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/387—Composing, repositioning or otherwise geometrically modifying originals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to digital imaging and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase.
  • FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a retail point of purchase system illustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system.
  • FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a communications system illustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system.
  • FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of one of the client devices illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram showing one embodiment of the composite image generator illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram showing another embodiment of the composite image generator illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for generating a multiple composite image.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for producing a lenticular novelty item interactively via the Internet.
  • a composite generator for combining a prestored composite background image, a prestored composite foreground image, and a composite interior image.
  • the composite interior image is preferably generated by the composite image generator by interlacing a prestored interior image with a captured digital image. Portions of the composite background image are deleted or hidden based on the composite interior image. Similarly, portions of the composite interior image are deleted or hidden based on the composite foreground image.
  • a composite image generator for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase receives a theme selection and a captured digital image. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. The final composite image is printed and a lenticular surface is applied to produce the lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase.
  • a composite image generator for producing a lenticular novelty item interactively via the Internet is disclosed. The composite image generator receives a theme identifier, a captured digital image, shipping information, and payment information from a client device. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image.
  • a representation of the final composite image may be transmitted to the client device for review. If the final composite image is approved, a printed version of the composite image is produced, and a lenticular surface is applied to the printed image to produce the lenticular novelty item. The lenticular novelty item is then shipped to the shipping address.
  • FIG. 1 A high level block diagram of a retail point of purchase system illustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system is illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • a person 102 is positioned at a predetermined location 104.
  • the predetermined location 104 is located a certain distance from a light 106, a digital camera 108, and a backdrop 110.
  • the light 106 may be any type of light, such as an incandescent light and/or a camera flash.
  • the digital camera 108 may be any type of digital camera, such as a digital still camera and/or a digital video camera.
  • the digital camera 108 is a high resolution digital camera.
  • the backdrop 110 is a solid color, such as green.
  • the composite image generator 112 is a personal computer programmed to generate composite images using a captured digital image and selected theme images as described in detail below.
  • a composite image is an image which includes two or more interlaced frames. To a person viewing the composite image, the frames are visually separated from each other by a lenticular surface.
  • Each composite image generated by the composite image generator 112 is then printed on a printer 114 to produce a printed image 116. Any type of printer 114, such as a ink jet printer, a dot matrix printer, or a laser printer, may be used. In the preferred embodiment, a high resolution color printer is used.
  • the paper the image is printed on may be any type of paper.
  • a heavy stock white paper is used.
  • a lenticular sheet 118 is then affixed to the printed image 116 to produce a "three dimensional" lenticular novelty item 120.
  • Any type of lenticular sheet 118 may be used.
  • the width of the lenses in the lenticular sheet 118 allows for an integer number of dots to be printed by the printer 114 under each lens.
  • the lenticular sheet 118 is made of plastic and includes adhesive which may be exposed by peeling back a disposable layer of material.
  • FIG. 2 A high level block diagram of a communications system illustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system is illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the system includes one or more client devices 202 and one or more composite image generators 112. Each of these devices may communicate with each other via a connection to the Internet or some other wide area network 204.
  • a composite image generator 112 stores a plurality of files, programs, and/or web pages for use by the client devices 202.
  • One composite image generator 112 may handle requests from a large number of clients 202. Accordingly, each composite image generator 112 is typically a high end computer with a large storage capacity, one or more fast microprocessors, and one or more high speed network connections.
  • each client device 202 typically includes less storage capacity, a single microprocessor, and a single network connection.
  • FIG. 3 A more detailed block diagram of a client device 202 is illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the client device 202 is a personal computer
  • the client 102 includes a controller 302 which preferably includes a central processing unit 304 electrically coupled by an address/data bus 306 to a memory device 308 and an interface circuit 310.
  • the CPU 304 may be any type of well known CPU, such as an Intel PentiumTM processor.
  • the memory device 308 preferably includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory.
  • the memory device 308 stores a software program that interacts with the composite image generator 112 as described below. This program may be executed by the CPU 304 in a well known manner.
  • the memory device 308 may also store digital data indicative of documents, files, programs, web pages, etc. retrieved from a composite image generator 112 and/or loaded via an input device 312.
  • the interface circuit 310 may be implemented using any type of well known interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface and/or a
  • One or more input devices 312 may be connected to the interface circuit 310 for entering data and commands into the controller 302.
  • the input device 312 may be a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, track pad, track ball, isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system.
  • One or more displays, printers, speakers, and/or other output devices 314 may also be connected to the controller 302 via the interface circuit 310.
  • the display 314 may be cathode ray tube (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or any other type of display.
  • the display 314 generates visual displays of data generated during operation of the client 202.
  • the display 314 is typically used to display web pages received from the composite image generator 112.
  • the visual displays may include prompts for human operator input, still graphics and/or animations representing theme choices, still graphics and/or animations representing generated composite images, run time statistics, calculated values, detected data, etc.
  • the client 202 may also exchange data with other devices via a connection to the network 204.
  • the network connection may be any type of network connection, such as an Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, etc.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • Users of the system may be required to register with the composite image generator 112. In such an instance, each user may choose a user identifier and a password which may be required for the activation of services.
  • the user identifier and password may be passed across the network 204 using encryption built into the user's browser. Alternatively, the user identifier and/or password may be assigned by the composite image generator 112.
  • FIG. 4 A more detailed block diagram of a composite image generator 112 is illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the controller 402 in the composite image generator 112 preferably includes a central processing unit 404 electrically coupled by an address/data bus 406 to a memory device 408 and an interface circuit 410.
  • the controller 402 in the composite image generator 112 is typically more powerful than the client controller 302.
  • the CPU 404 may be any type of well known CPU, such as an Intel PentiumTM processor
  • the memory device 408 preferably includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory.
  • the memory device 408 stores a software program that implements all or part of the method described below. This program may be executed by the CPU 404 in a well known manner.
  • the memory device 408 and/or a separate database 414 also store files, programs, web pages, etc. for use by the composite image generator 112 and/or the client devices 202.
  • One or more input devices 412 may be connected to the interface circuit 410 for entering data and commands into the controller 402.
  • the input device 412 may be a keyboard, mouse, digital camera, touch screen, track pad, track ball, isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system.
  • One or more displays, printers, speakers, and/or other output devices 416 may also be connected to the controller 402 via the interface circuit 410.
  • the display 416 may be cathode ray tube (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or any other type of display.
  • the display 416 generates visual displays of data generated during operation of the composite image generator 112.
  • the visual displays may include prompts for human operator input, still graphics and/or animations representing theme choices, still graphics and/or animations representing generated composite images, run time statistics, calculated values, detected data, etc.
  • the composite image generator 1 12 may exchange data with other devices via a connection to the network 204.
  • the interface circuit 410 may be implemented using any data transceiver, such as an Ethernet transceiver.
  • the network 204 may be any type of network, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or the Internet.
  • the composite image generator 1 12 includes a plurality of interconnected modules 502 - 516.
  • each of the modules 502 - 516 is operatively coupled to each of the other modules 502 - 516.
  • Each of the modules may be implemented by a microprocessor executing software instructions and/or conventional electronic circuitry.
  • a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that certain modules may be combined or divided according to customary design constraints.
  • the composite image generator 1 12 includes a user input module 502.
  • the user input module 502 is operatively coupled to one or more input devices 412.
  • the user input module 502 may be implemented using any well known interface standard such as a USB interface.
  • the user input module 502 preferably accepts inputs from a customer and/or an operator.
  • the user input module 502 preferably accepts inputs from a customer or an operator indicative of a customer selection.
  • the customer selection may identify one of a plurality of predetermined themes.
  • a graphical user interface showing graphical representations of a plurality of predetermined themes is displayed to facilitate a theme selection.
  • the user input module 502 may receive alignment inputs.
  • the alignment inputs cause a change in relative proximity of a captured digital image and an associated background image, foreground image, and/or interior image. In other words, alignment inputs facilitate alignment of the various layers which make up the final composite image.
  • the composite image generator 112 includes a digital image capture module 504.
  • the digital image capture module 504 is operatively coupled to the digital camera 108.
  • the digital image capture module 504 preferably captures a digital image at the point of purchase.
  • the composite image generator 112 includes a memory device 414.
  • the memory device 414 is operatively coupled to the user input module 502.
  • the memory device preferably stores a plurality of themes, including the identified theme.
  • the identified theme includes a foreground image, an interior image, and a background image.
  • the foreground image and/or the background image may be stored as composite images or non-composite images prior to use in a final composite image.
  • the interior image is stored as a non-composite image to be interlaced with a captured image.
  • the memory device 414 may also store captured digital images, web pages, software programs, and other data files.
  • the composite image generator 112 includes a network receiver 506.
  • the network receiver 402 is operatively coupled to the network 204 and the other modules of the composite image generator 112 in a well known manner.
  • the network receiver 506 may be an Ethernet interface circuit electrically coupled to the Internet via an Ethernet cable.
  • the composite image generator 112 includes an interiacer 508.
  • the interiacer 508 is operatively coupled to the memory device 414, the user input module 502, the digital image capture module 504 and/or the network receiver 506.
  • the interiacer 508 generates a composite image from two or more digital images by merging slices of the digital images in a well known manner.
  • the interiacer 508 receives an interior image associated with the selected theme from the memory device 414.
  • the interiacer 508 preferably receives a captured digital image (e.g., a person's face) from at least one of the user input module 502, the digital image capture module 504 and/or the network receiver 506.
  • the interiacer 508 preferably generates a composite interior image by interlacing the interior image associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image.
  • the interiacer 508 may also be used to interlace background images, foreground images, and/or previously combined images.
  • the composite image generator 112 includes an integration module 510.
  • the integration module 510 is configured to integrate the integration module 510.
  • the integration module 510 is operatively coupled to the memory module 414, the digital image capture module 504, and the interiacer 508.
  • the integration module 510 combines composite and/or non-composite images.
  • the integration module 510 combines a composite background image, a composite interior image, and a composite foreground image to create a multiple composite image.
  • the composite background image and the composite foreground image preferably belong to a selected theme.
  • the composite interior image is preferably generated by interlacing a non- composite interior image belonging to the selected theme with a captured digital image.
  • any image may be annotated with user input text.
  • the integration module 510 combines images by deleting or hiding pixels which are "behind” other pixels. "Visible” pixels in one layer cause pixels in the same position in a lower layer to be hidden or deleted. "Invisible” pixels do not cause pixels below to be hidden or deleted. For example, in the preferred embodiment, a digital image of a person 102 in front of a green screen 110 is captured. The system uses the large number of green pixels to find the outline of the person 102 in a well known manner. Pixels outside the outline of the person 102 are considered “transparent.” In other words, background image pixels are deleted where ever there is a person 102 in the interior image and background pixels remain wherever the green screen is captured in the interior image.
  • a foreground image with pixels predefined as "transparent” is preferably created.
  • a text message may be shown in the foreground image with all other pixels from the foreground image being "transparent" to the interior image and the background image.
  • the integration module 510 preferably deletes a portion of the background image to create a specialized background image and a portion of the interior image to create a specialized interior image.
  • the portion of the background image deleted is preferably dependant on the interior image as described above.
  • the portion of the interior image deleted is preferably dependant on the foreground image as described above.
  • the three layers are then combined in a well known manner. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of layers may be combined.
  • the background image and the foreground image may be interlaced prior to capturing the digital image used in the interior image.
  • the final composite image may be output in one or more ways.
  • the final composite image may be transmitted over the network 204 using a network transmitter 512.
  • the final composite image may be printed on a printer 114 via a print driver 514.
  • the final composite image may be displayed on a display device 518 via a display driver 516.
  • the network transmitter 512 may be any type of well known network transmitter, such as an Ethernet transmitter.
  • the network transmitter 512 may also be used to transmit web pages and other data to a client device 202.
  • the network transmitter 512 may transmit plurality of graphic images indicative of a plurality of predetermined theme choices to facilitate theme selection by a remote user.
  • the network transmitter 512 may also transmit a plurality of two dimensional frames sequenced to produce a three dimensional illusion representing a composite image.
  • the printer 114 may be any type of well known printer, such as an ink jet printer, a dot matrix printer, or a laser printer. In a preferred embodiment, printing of the final composite image occurs within minutes after a digital image incorporated into the final composite image is captured at the point of purchase. In addition, the printer 114 preferably prints a lenticular registration mark on the printed image 116.
  • the lenticular registration mark facilitates rotational positioning of the lenticular surface 118 on the printed image 1 16 and axial positioning of the lenticular surface 118 on the printed image 116. Rotational positioning ensures that the parallel lenses in the lenticular surface 118 line up with the interlaced frames in the composite image.
  • Axial positioning is left/right positioning or up/down positioning to place the center frame (e.g., frame six) at the center viewing angle (i.e., perpendicular to the surface).
  • the lenticular registration mark comprises a plurality of parallel lines, wherein each of the lines is a different color.
  • the display device 518 may be any type of well known display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • the display device 518 may also be used to display a graphical representation of each of the predetermined themes to facilitate theme selection via a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the display device 518 may also be used to display a graphical representation of a background image, a captured digital image, and/or a foreground image. Adjustments to the relative alignment of these images may be made with the help of the display device 518.
  • the display device 518 may also display a graphical representation of the final composite image. In a preferred embodiment, the composite image is displayed using a plurality of two dimensional frames sequenced to produce aihree dimensional illusion.
  • a flowchart of a process 600 for generating a multiple composite image is illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • a multiple composite image is a composite image generated from other composite images.
  • the process 600 is embodied in a software program which is stored in a composite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed by the composite image generator CPU 404 in a well known manner.
  • some or all of the steps of the process 600 may be performed manually and/or by another device.
  • the process 600 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other methods of performing the acts associated with process 600 may be used. For example, the order of many of the steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In addition, many of the steps described are optional.
  • the process 600 causes the composite image generator 112 to combine a prestored composite background image, a prestored composite foreground image, and a composite interior image.
  • the composite interior image is preferably generated by the composite image generator 112 by interlacing a prestored interior image with a captured digital image. Portions of the composite background image are deleted or hidden based on the composite interior image. Similarly, portions of the composite interior image are deleted or hidden based on the composite foreground image.
  • the process 600 begins when a plurality of composite background images are generated "ahead of time" (i.e., prior to digital image capture of the person 102 or other subject) by interlacing a plurality of non- composite background images (step 602).
  • a composite background image is generated for each of a plurality of themes.
  • the multiple composite image i.e., the end product
  • a series of non-composite background images may include the logos in various positions.
  • twelve "frames" are being used in the multiple composite image, twelve non-composite background images may be used for each of the themes.
  • any number of frames may be used (depending on printer resolution and lens size), and more than one frame may contain the same data.
  • a plurality of composite foreground images are preferably generated "ahead of time” by interlacing a plurality of non- composite foreground images (step 604).
  • at least one composite foreground image is generated for each of the themes.
  • a series of non-composite foreground images may include the text in various positions.
  • one or more digital images are captured (step 606).
  • a person's face may be captured by a digital camera.
  • the captured digital image may then be interlaced with a predetermined interior image to generate a composite interior image (step 608).
  • the predetermined interior image is part of a selected theme.
  • the theme and/or the predetermined interior image may be selected before or after the digital image is captured.
  • an interior composite image which "flips" between the person's face and an animal may be generated by interlacing the captured image with a stock animal image.
  • the same image may be repeated in adjacent frames (e.g., six frames of the person's face followed by six frames of the animal).
  • more than one captured digital image may be interlaced.
  • the interior image may flip between a first person's face and a second person's face.
  • the composite image generator 112 In order to prepare the images for combing, the composite image generator 112 generates a specialized background image by deleting a portion of the composite background image based on the composite interior image (step 610). Similarly, the composite image generator 112 preferably generates a specialized composite interior image by deleting a portion of the composite interior image based on the composite foreground image (step 612). The portions deleted or hidden are based on well known digital image layering techniques and are described in detail above.
  • the composite image generator 112 combines the three layers in a well known manner (step 614).
  • a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of layers may be combined.
  • FIG. 7 A flowchart of a process 700 for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase is illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the process 700 is embodied in a software program which is stored in a composite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed by the composite image generator CPU 404 in a well known manner.
  • some or all of the steps of the process 700 may be performed manually and/or by another device.
  • the process 700 causes the composite image generator 112 to receive a theme selection and a captured digital image. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. The final composite image is printed and a lenticular surface 118 is applied to produce the lenticular novelty item 120 at a point of purchase.
  • the process 700 begins when the composite image generator 112 causes a display device 518 to display a plurality of theme choices (step
  • the theme choices include text and/or graphics indicative of the associated themes. For example, one theme choice may depict a lion while another theme choice depicts a bear.
  • a user i.e., a customer or an operator
  • a theme may be selected by entering a number or other code into the composite image generator 1 12. In such an instance, actual printed samples with lenses and theme numbers attached may be available for theme determination.
  • a person 102 is preferably positioned in front of the backdrop 110 at the predetermined location 104 (step 706). Subsequently, a digital image of the person 102 is captured at the point of purchase using a scanner or digital camera 108 (step 708). Of course, in the event a scanner is used, a photo must be provided for scanning, and step 706 may be skipped.
  • the digital camera 108 may be any type of digital camera, such as a digital still camera and/or a digital video camera.
  • Theme selection prior to digital image capture allows for theme related posturing of the person 102.
  • Theme selection after digital image capture allows for interactive on-screen theme selection which incorporates some or all of the captured digital image (i.e., previewing).
  • the composite image generator 112 preferably displays the captured digital image and adjusts the captured digital image based on alignment inputs (step 710).
  • alignment inputs are generated in response to arrow key depressions, mouse click and drag operations, and/or touch screen inputs.
  • the composite image generator 1 12 preferably generates a composite image by digitally combining a background image, the captured digital image, and a foreground image (step 712).
  • the background image and the foreground image belong to the selected theme.
  • the captured digital image is preferably interlaced with an interior image from the selected theme.
  • the composite image generator 112 may display a representation of the composite image (step 714).
  • animation is used to simulate the appearance of the composite image after the composite image is printed and placed under a lenticular surface. For example, if twelve frames are interlaced in the composite image, a twelve frame animation is preferably produced. In such an instance, a slider or other control may be available through the GUI to allow the user to move from frame to frame. In another embodiment, a single image representing the composite image is displayed (e.g., one of the frames).
  • the composite image is preferably printed at the point of purchase using a high resolution color printer 114 (step 716).
  • the printed image 1 16 includes registration marks of different colors as described above.
  • the center frame e.g., frame six
  • the center frame may be positioned for a perpendicular viewing angle, thereby leaving approximately half of the frames to the "left” and half of the frames to the "right.”
  • a lenticular surface 1 18 is attached to the printed image 116 to produce the lenticular novelty item (step 718).
  • FIG. 8 A flowchart of a process 800 for producing a lenticular novelty item interactively via the Internet is illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • the process 800 is embodied in a software program which is stored in a composite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed by the composite image generator CPU 404 in a well known manner.
  • some or all of the steps of the process 800 may be performed manually and/or by another device.
  • the process 800 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other methods of performing the acts associated with process 800 may be used. For example, the order of many of the steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In addition, many of the steps described are optional.
  • the process 800 causes the composite image generator 112 to receive a theme identifier, a captured digital image, shipping information, and payment information from the client device 202. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. A representation of the final composite image may be transmitted to the client device 202 for review. If the final composite image is approved, a printed version 116 of the composite image is produced, and a lenticular surface 118 is applied to the printed image 116 to produce the lenticular novelty item 120. The lenticular novelty item 120 is then shipped to the shipping address.
  • the process 800 begins when the composite image generator 112 causes a network transmitter 410, 512 to transmit a plurality of theme choices to a client device 202 via a network 204 (step 802).
  • the theme choices may include text and/or graphics indicative of the associated themes.
  • a user at the client device 202 may then select a theme by selecting one of the text and/or graphics representations.
  • the composite image generator 112 receives a theme identifier identifying a theme (step 804).
  • the composite image generator 112 receives a digital image (e.g., a digital photo of a person) from the client device 202 (step 806).
  • the image may be cropped or repositioned digitally to facilitate combing the digital image with other images from the selected theme.
  • alignment inputs are generated in response to arrow key depressions, mouse click and drag operations, and/or touch screen inputs at the location of the composite image generator 112
  • the composite image generator 112 preferably generates a composite image by digitally combining a background image, the captured digital image, and a foreground image (step 808).
  • the background image and the foreground image belong to the selected theme.
  • the received digital image is preferably interlaced with an interior image from the selected theme.
  • the composite image generator 112 may transmit a representation of the composite image to the client device 202 (step 810).
  • animation is used to simulate the appearance of the finished lenticular novelty item.
  • software indicative of a slider or other control may be transmitted to the client device 202 to allow the user to move from frame to frame.
  • a single image representing the composite image is transmitted to the client device 202.
  • the composite image is preferably printed using a high resolution color printer 114 (step 812).
  • the printed image 116 includes registration marks of different colors as described above.
  • a lenticular surface 118 is attached to the printed image 116 to produce the lenticular novelty item 120 (step 814).
  • the lenticular novelty item 120 is also laminated to remove any air bubbles and provide a protective layer.
  • the composite image generator 112 preferably receives a shipping address and payment information (step 816).
  • the lenticular novelty item is shipped to the shipping address (step 818) if payment can be obtained using the payment information.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Processing Or Creating Images (AREA)
  • Image Processing (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un générateur (112) d'images composites. Dans une première exécution, on combine une image composite préstockée d'arrière plan, une image composite préstockée d'avant plan et une arrière plan et une image composite intérieure. L'image composite intérieure est de préférence produite par le générateur d'images composites en entrelaçant une image composite intérieure préstockée et une image numérique saisie. Des parties de l'image composite d'arrière plan sont supprimées ou cachées en fonction de l'image composite intérieure. De même des parties de l'image composite intérieure sont supprimées ou cachées en fonction de l'image composite d'avant plan. Dans une deuxième exécution un générateur d'images composites produit un article lenticulaire (120) sur le lieu de l'achat. Le générateur d'images composites reçoit un thème sélectionné et une image numérique saisie. Les images associées au thème sélectionné et à l'image numérique saisie sont alors entrelacées et/ou combinées pour produire une image composite finale qui est imprimée et sur laquelle on applique une surface lenticulaire.
PCT/US2002/019190 2001-06-20 2002-06-18 Procedes et appareil d'elaboration d'images composites multiples WO2003001436A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/489,747 US20040232027A1 (en) 2001-09-13 2002-06-18 Method and apparatus for displaying information on recycling and refuse containers

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/885,758 US7079279B2 (en) 2001-06-20 2001-06-20 Methods and apparatus for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase
US09/885,686 US20020198724A1 (en) 2001-06-20 2001-06-20 Methods and apparatus for producing a lenticular novelty item interactively via the internet
US09/885,746 US7079706B2 (en) 2001-06-20 2001-06-20 Methods and apparatus for generating a multiple composite image
US09/885,758 2001-06-20
US09/885,686 2001-06-20
US09/885,746 2001-06-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003001436A1 true WO2003001436A1 (fr) 2003-01-03

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2400022A1 (fr) 2005-07-01 2011-12-28 Basf Se Plantes de tournesol résistantes aux herbicides, polynucléotides codant pour la résistance aux herbicides, protéines à grandes sub-unités d'acétohydroxyacide synthase et procédés d'utilisation
EP3581024A1 (fr) 2005-03-02 2019-12-18 Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria Plantes de riz résistantes aux herbicides, polynucléotides codant pour la résistance aux herbicides, protéines à grandes sous-unités d'acétohydroxyacide synthase et procédés d'utilisation

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5731883A (en) * 1996-04-10 1998-03-24 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for producing integral image elements
US6185042B1 (en) * 1998-06-22 2001-02-06 Eastman Kodak Company Process for increasing the clarity and legibility of graphics, text, and continuous tone composites in lenticular images
US20010015753A1 (en) * 2000-01-13 2001-08-23 Myers Kenneth J. Split image stereoscopic system and method
US20020021832A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2002-02-21 Dawson Mark Thomas Method and apparatus for producing anaglyphic 3-D images

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5731883A (en) * 1996-04-10 1998-03-24 Eastman Kodak Company Apparatus and method for producing integral image elements
US6185042B1 (en) * 1998-06-22 2001-02-06 Eastman Kodak Company Process for increasing the clarity and legibility of graphics, text, and continuous tone composites in lenticular images
US20010015753A1 (en) * 2000-01-13 2001-08-23 Myers Kenneth J. Split image stereoscopic system and method
US20020021832A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2002-02-21 Dawson Mark Thomas Method and apparatus for producing anaglyphic 3-D images

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3581024A1 (fr) 2005-03-02 2019-12-18 Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria Plantes de riz résistantes aux herbicides, polynucléotides codant pour la résistance aux herbicides, protéines à grandes sous-unités d'acétohydroxyacide synthase et procédés d'utilisation
EP2400022A1 (fr) 2005-07-01 2011-12-28 Basf Se Plantes de tournesol résistantes aux herbicides, polynucléotides codant pour la résistance aux herbicides, protéines à grandes sub-unités d'acétohydroxyacide synthase et procédés d'utilisation

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