US3586426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for animation
Assignee: Depthimation Inc
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Filing: 1968-11-12
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Granted: 1971-06-22
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Expires: 1988-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for animation wherein a total scene is divided into a plurality of substantially two-dimensional portions according to the distance of said portions from the viewing point of said total scene. The portions are disposed in adjacent relation and successively photographed. Each of the portions are displaced between successive photograph takings in an edgewise direction a distance substantially inversely proportional to the distance of said portion from the viewing point of said total scene.
Inventors
- 👤 Rene Bras
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:43
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B35/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of animation comprising dividing a total scene into a plurality of substantially two-dimensional portions according to the distance of said portions from the viewing point of said total scene; disposing a plurality of said two-dimensional portions in adjacent juxtaposed overlapping relation; and successively photographing said juxtaposed portions, displacing each of said portions between successive photograph takings in an edgewise direction a distance substantially inversely proportional to the distance of said respective portion from the viewing point of said total scene to create, in a series of frames as the same are projected, a photographic illusion of three-dimensions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of animation comprising dividing a total scene into a plurality of substantially two-dimensional portions according to the distance of said portions from the viewing point of said total scene; disposing a plurality of said two-dimensional portions in adjacent juxtaposed overlapping relation; and successively photographing said juxtaposed portions, displacing each of said portions between successive photograph takings in an edgewise direction a distance substantially inversely proportional to the distance of said respective portion from the viewing point of said total scene to create, in a series of frames as the same are projected, a photographic illusion of three-dimensions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said portions is displaced, between successive photograph takings, a distance which varies, by an amount which changes with each successive photograph, from the distance substantially inversely proportional to the distance of said respective portion from the viewing point of said total scene, whereby, in a series of frames as the same are projected, the photographic illusion is created that said portion is moving toward or away from the other of said portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method of animation as recited in claim 1, including changing the appearance of at least one of said scene portions between successive photographs to give the effect of animation to a figure shown on said portion.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for animating a motion picture formed from a series of still pictures comprising a camera; a plurality of transparent sheets each having, disposed thereon, a portion of a total scene divided according to the distance of each portion from the viewing point of said total scene; means for supporting said sheets in adjacent juxtaposed overlapping relation in the field of said camera; and a plurality of displacing means, each of said displacing means being adapted to displace one of said sheet in an edgewise direction.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for animating a motion picture formed from a series of still pictures comprising a camera; a plurality of transparent sheets each having, disposed thereon, a portion of a total scene divided according to the distance of each portion from the viewing point of said total scene; means for supporting said sheets in adjacent juxtaposed overlapping relation in the field of said camera; and a plurality of displacing means, each of said displacing means being adapted to displace one of said sheet in an edgewise direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, including means for controlling the relative movement of said sheets whereby each of said sheets is displaced a distance substantially inversely proportional to the distance of the portion of said total scene disposed thereon from the viewing point of said total scene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said supporting means supports said sheets in contiguous relation, each of said displacing means engaging its respective sheet in the region of at least one edge thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, including drive means connected to one of said displacing means for operation thereof, said controlling means being connected to said drive means for imparting the drive thereof to the displacing means of the other of said sheets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
71 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said displacing means includes a rotating shaft, said controlling means including a plurality of sprocket wheels mounted on said shafts and a plurality of chains engaging said sprocket wheels and interconnecting said shafts, the relative diameter of the sprocket wheels engaging each chain being proportional to the relative distance that the sheets associated with said sprocket wheels are to be displaced.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said drive means is provided with a graduated scale to facilitate successive displacement of said sheets in predetermined increments.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, including illumination means disposed below said transparent sheets in the field of said camera.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 5, including means for displacing at least one of said sheets a further distance to create the illusion that the portion of said total scene disposed on said sheet is moving toward or away from the portions disposed on other of said sheets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-21 | 1974-12-21 | 1975-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-21 | 1978-12-21 | 1979-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-21 | 1982-12-21 | 1983-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |