US 5,632,544 A · Image transfer apparatus

Abstract

The present invention features an optical apparatus for the transmission of a virtual image to facilitate an individual's copy or reproduction thereof onto a working surface. The optical apparatus provides an image transfer that is more realistic than apparatuses of the prior art because of the illusion that the image is in actual contact with the working surface, when in reality the image impinges only a transparent medium. In addition, the invention provides a more effective image transfer than conventional devices by not including an opaque transfer of the artist's hand and/or art utensil, but rather by rendering the illusion that the artist's hand and/or art utensil is transparent. The optical apparatus consists of a supporting frame upon which is mounted a light source, an upper transparent support plate, a lower plate, and a working surface on which is disposed canvas or paper for receiving the artist's final, copied image or work.

Claims17

Dependent claims

An optical apparatus for providing an appearance that the image of an original artwork on a mounting surface is projected upon a working surface, said optical apparatus comprising:

a supporting frame being defined by a vertical support axis;
lighting means comprising a source of light, said lighting means capable of projecting an image, with said lighting means being mounted upon said supporting frame;
a substantially transparent medium being supported upon said supporting frame for receiving said projected image, said substantially transparent medium being angled with respect to said vertical support axis of said supporting frame;
artwork support means supported by said supporting frame and disposed between said substantially transparent medium and said lighting means;
and
means defining a working surface upon which an image of said artwork appears to be projected, when viewed through said substantially transparent medium, said working surface being disposed adjacent said substantially transparent medium, and being supported by said supporting frame, said working surface being angled with respect to said vertical support axis of said supporting frame.

3 more elements

An optical apparatus for providing an appearance that the image of an original artwork is projected upon a working surface, said optical apparatus comprising:

a supporting frame being defined by a vertical support axis;
lighting means comprising a source of light, said lighting means capable of projecting an image, with said lighting means being mounted upon said supporting frame;
a first substantially transparent medium being supported upon said supporting frame adjacent said lighting means for supporting an original artwork to be reproduced;
a second substantially transparent medium supported by said supporting frame, said second substantially transparent medium being disposed between said first substantially transparent medium and a working surface, said image reflecting off of said second substantially transparent medium towards a viewer disposed over said second substantially transparent medium and said working surface, a view of said working surface passing through said second substantially transparent medium and melding with said image reflected from said second substantially transparent medium, and thereby appearing as if said image was disposed upon said working surface;
and
a lens disposed between said first and second substantially transparent mediums for modifying said image;
whereby the appearance is that said image is projected upon said working surface so that an artist can reproduce said original artwork on said working surface with no visual interference of the artist's hand and tools.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Image transfer apparatus

Life of this patent

Image transfer apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17