New York Institute of Technology

Alexander Schure

William E Glenn

Edwin Catmull

Alvy R Smith

The invention is an improved apparatus and method for the automatic coloration and/or shading of images, and especially images utilized for presenting animated motion pictures. Display means are provided, preferably at least one display for displaying monochrome line drawings and one for displaying color images. Graphical imput means, for example a data tablet, are provided, having a coordinate system adapted to effect display on the display means of characters defined by coordinate points selected by an operator. Means are provided for storing the coordinate points of at least one enclosed area of the coordinate system, this storing means typically including a portion of the data base of a computer system which stores the coordinate points of the lines drawn by the operator. These lines typically define a plurality of enclosed areas, such as the areas of a drawn character or figure. Means are also provided for storing an operator-selected position reference, called a 'seed point', for each enclosed area. Further means are provided for storing an operator-selected color-defining parameter associated with each of the seed points. In this manner, the operator defines the coloration of each area, the seed point defining the area to be colored and the color-defining parameter associated with the seed point being determinative of the color with which the area will be filled. Means are provided for scanning the coordinate points within each enclosed area, the scan for each area initiating from a position which depends upon the stored position references, i.e. the stored seed points. Finally, video frame storage means are provided for storing the selected color-defining and/or shading-defining parameter for each of the scanned coordinate points within each enclosed area. In this manner, the video frame storage means will store the operator-selected parameter for each enclosed area, this operation being performed automatically after selection of the area and the desired color.

Apparatus and method for automatic coloration and/or shading of images

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for receiving a plurality of two-dimensional images and for generating a three-dimensional display from these images. The plurality of two-dimensional images will typically represent different image planes of a desired three-dimensional image. The two-dimensional images may be still pictures, transparencies, motion pictures or images generated by any suitable means. In accordance with the invention, a plurality of flat screen fiber optical magnification units are provided. Each unit includes an input surface defined by the input ends of a multiplicity of fiber optical strands which extend rearwardly and then sidewardly from the input surface and terminate at their output ends which define an output surface that is perpendicular to the input surface. The strands of each unit are supported in a transparent support medium. The image magnification units are disposed one-behind-another with their output surfaces in substantially parallel relationship. Application of the two-dimensional images to the input surfaces of units effects display of a three-dimensional image. The rearmost fiber optical image magnification unit is formed with the fiber optical strands supported in an opaque supporting medium.

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Old Westbury, NY, United States of America

Alexander Schure