Method and apparatus for forming a stylized, three-dimensional object
US5280305A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/702
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.