US 5,280,305 A · Method and apparatus for forming a stylized, three-dimensional object

Abstract

The current invention provides a device that produces a three-dimensional object with custom art work from an electronic signal. More particularly, the preferred implementation is a device for making masquerade-type masks, and includes a digital camera that captures a front-on image of an individual's face and converts the captured image to an electronic signal that is downloaded into a personal computer. The computer is utilized to select an image, process that image to remove background, scale the image to correspond to the dimensions and features of a facial die that will be used to mold the mask, and to provide for special effects processing of the selected image. An ink jet plotter is then directed to print the processed image upon thin, flat plastic, which is aligned with the facial features of the die and deformed to skin tight conformance with the die by a vacuum-forming process. The finished mask bears art work, upon its convex exterior, that realistically imitates the face of the individual which served as the model for the mask.

Claims43

Dependent claims

A method of creating a masquerade-type mask using an electronic device capable of generating an image and producing an electronic signal representative thereof, an image processing device, a printer, a flat, deformable, heat-settable material, a vacuum device and a die that has facial features, comprising the steps of:

generating the image with the electronic device;
producing the electronic signal with the electronic device;
processing the image with the image processing device and creating a printer control signal from the electronic signal which represents the processed image;
using the printer to print the processed image upon the flat, deformable, heat-settable material in response to the printer control signal;
deforming a first portion of the flat, deformable, heat-settable material upon which the processed image has been printed by
aligning the first portion with the die;
heating the first portion to a temperature at which it may be deformed;
creating a differential pressure to opposing sides of the first portion with the vacuum device, such that the first portion is drawn in skintight conforming relation with the die;
cooling the portion to a temperature at which it will retain the shape to which it has been deformed during removal from contact with the die;
and
removing the portion from contact with the die.

8 more elements

An apparatus for creating a stylized, three-dimensional object, comprising:

image capture means for generating a desired image, said image capture means having generating means for generating an electronic signal that represents said desired image;
an image processor, coupled to said image control means to receive said electronic signal, for processing said desired image to develop a printer image, said image processor having control signal means for generating a printer control signal that represents said printer image;
a flat, deformable, heat-settable material that possesses the properties that it is relatively rigid at room temperature, may be placed in deforming contact with a die when heated substantially above room temperature and cooled to inelastically retain a shape of the die;
a printer coupled to said image processor and coupled in operative engagement with said flat, deformable, heat-settable material to receive said printer control signal and to print said printer image upon said flat, deformable, heat-settable material in response to said printer control signal;
and
deformation means for deforming a portion of said flat, deformable, heat-settable material upon which said printer image has been printed.

3 more elements

A method of Creating a stylized, three-dimensional object using an electronic device capable of generating an image and producing a first electronic signal representative thereof, a printer, a flat, deformable, heat-settable material and a deformation device, comprising the steps of:

generating the image with the electronic device;
producing the first electronic signal with the electronic device;
using the printer to print the image upon the flat, deformable, heat-settable material in response to the first electronic signal;
and
inelastically deforming the flat, deformable, heat-settable material with the deformation device in at least a portion of the material that bears the printed image, to thereby form the stylized, three-dimensional object.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for forming a stylized, three-dimensional object

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for forming a stylized, three-dimensional object

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43