3D Image Article Using Multi-Sheet Shadow Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional postcards fail to provide a strong sensation of depth due to limitations in their design, such as overlapping sheets that reduce the perceived distance between images, resulting in a limited three-dimensional effect.

Innovation Solution

A multi-sheet configuration where each sheet displays a part of the image with a portion in shadow and another portion showing a different image, with strategically placed openings or transparent materials to enhance the three-dimensional effect by creating a sense of depth through alternating shadows and perspectives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If multiple sheets are used to create three-dimensional effect, then the three-dimensional effect is improved, but the sensation of depth is reduced due to overlapping sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional effectVSAvoidsensation of depth
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shadow portions from the image content on each sheet, placing them on separate sheets at different positions. This extraction allows the shadow elements to be spatially separated from the main image, creating perceived depth without the sheets physically overlapping and blocking the view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional overlapping sheet arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where sheets are positioned at different distances from the observer. By placing shadow portions on sheets at varying distances, the patent creates depth perception along the z-axis without requiring sheets to overlap in the x-y plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If sheets are arranged side by side with folding lines, then three-dimensional shape is achieved, but the image does not reflect the real image due to connecting portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional shapeVSAvoidimage fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts shadow portions from the complete image and places them on separate sheets. This extraction removes the distracting connecting portions that would otherwise be visible, allowing the main image to be displayed without interruption while shadows are independently positioned to enhance depth perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the image into distinct components: the main image content remains on one sheet while shadow portions are separated and placed on other sheets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without the need for connecting folding lines, maintaining image fidelity while achieving three-dimensional effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If sheets are spaced parallel to each other, then three-dimensional shape is improved, but the distance between sheets is not well perceived

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional shapeVSAvoidperceived distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses shadow portions (dark regions) to enhance the perception of distance between sheets. The contrast between the shadowed areas on distant sheets and the brighter main image creates visual cues that help observers accurately perceive the spacing between sheets, transforming an otherwise imperceptible distance into a measurable visual element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3585623B1Article configured to reproduce a predetermined image with three-dimensional effect and method for producing said article
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 ANZA PIERFRANCESCO
  • EP3585623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3585623B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3585623B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to an article (C) configured for reproducing a predetermined image with three-dimensional effect. Said article (C) comprising a succession of sheets (1,2,3) and said succession of sheets (1,2,3) comprising at least a first sheet (1) having a first surface (1A) on which a first part (11) of said predetermined image is shown, and a second surface (1B), opposite to said first surface (1A), as well as a second sheet (2) having a first surface (2A), on which a second part (12) of said predetermined image is shown, and a second surface (2B), opposite to said first surface (2A), where said second part (12) of said predetermined image comprising a first portion (12A) showing a first image reproducing said first part (11) of said predetermined image in shadow, and a second portion (12B) showing a second image, different from said first image. Said first sheet (1) has at least one opening or portion of transparent material (100) having predetermined dimensions, and said article (C) is configured in such a way that, when in use, said second sheet (2) is parallel or substantially parallel to said first sheet (1) and is aligned to said first sheet (1) along an axis (A), said axis (A) being perpendicular to said first sheet (1) and to said second sheet (2), said first surface (2A) of said second sheet (2) is at a predetermined first distance from the second surface (1B) of said first sheet (1), said at least one opening or portion of transparent material (100) is arranged with respect to the first surface (2A) of said second sheet (2) in such a way that said second portion (12B) of said second part (12) is visible from the outside and the projection along said axis (A) of said first part (11) of said predetermined image shown on the first surface (1A) of said first sheet (1) falls on the first surface (2A) of said second sheet (2) substantially in correspondence of said first portion (12A) of said second part (12). The present invention relates also to a method for producing said article.