Abstract
A digital picture is divided into N groups of pixels based on a pixel property. A set of N projection images is generated on the basis of this division. Each projection image shows one of the groups of pixels in substantially white light in a light intensity and the other pixels in a differing light intensity. Preferably the pixel property which is the basis for the division is the greyscale value and preferably the remaining pixels are also projected in substantially white light.
Claims
1. A system for displaying light projection images, comprising a memory that is configured to receive image data comprising pixels, and a processor that is configured to provide image information to a light projection device for displaying a light image on an object for applying a picture to be painted or drawn on the object, wherein the processor is configured to: divide the image data into three or more sub-areas based on pixel properties with a specific pixel property range for each sub-area, wherein the image information comprises display information for displaying a set of 3 or more projection images, wherein each projection image of the set of projection images displays: one of the sub-areas with light of a first light intensity, and a remainder of the sub-areas with light of one or more other light intensities that are substantially different from the first light intensity.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pixel properties correspond to pixel greyscale values.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first light intensity is at least twice the other light intensities.
4-7. (canceled)
8. The system of claim 1 with the set of projection images comprising 4, 5, 6 or 7 projection images.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is configured to successively display the 3 or more projection images of the set of projection images in an order of ascending or descending greyscale values.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to enable users to selectively edit the image data.
11. (canceled)
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to provide an output feature for displaying, along with the projection image, information for instruction purposes by means of light projected onto or next to the object.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is also configured to receive predefined sets of 3 or more projection images from an existing database portfolio, and the processor is configured to provide these predefined sets to the light projection device.
14. (canceled)
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to receive a color picture comprising color values, and the processor is configured to convert the color picture into a greyscale picture that forms the image data.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to enable a user to input a set of 3 or more predefined projection images, and to provide these predefined projection sets to the light projection device.
17. The system of claim 15, comprising: an analyzer that is configured to analyze the color picture, and a comparator for comparing the results of the analysis to a database which comprises data of colors, and wherein the processor is configured to provide the user with one or more sample sets of colors corresponding to the analysis.
18. The system of claim 2, wherein the projection images comprise sub-areas with a greyscale value between a lower and upper greyscale value specific for the projection image.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the projection device comprises a projector or a digital light screen for displaying the set of 3 or more projection images.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to access an internet site or app that enables use of a digital service to provide the sets of projection images corresponding to the image data.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the processor provides an output feature to show the user the provided projection images.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor enables the user to change one or more of the following properties of image data: brightness, contrast, cut-out size, cut-out shape, cut-out focus, and cut-out detail level.
23. (canceled)
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor enables a user to specify a desired technique or style, and wherein the processor is configured to provide instructions or suggestions, depending on the desired technique, in order to include the desired technique in the production of the projection images.
25. The system of claim 1, comprising a camera, wherein the processor is configured to access the camera to measure color properties of an applied paint.
26-29. (canceled)
30. Method for processing a digital picture comprising: converting the digital picture into a digital greyscale picture, dividing the digital greyscale picture into three or more sub-areas based on pixel greyscale values, wherein each sub-area corresponds to a specific greyscale range, generating a set of 3 or more digital images from the digital greyscale picture, wherein each digital image of the set comprises a corresponding sub-area of the 3 or more sub-areas of the digital greyscale picture, wherein each pixel of the sub-area of each digital image is assigned a display value that corresponds to a display of light of a first light intensity, and wherein a remainder of the pixels of digital picture are assigned display values that correspond to light of a light intensity is substantially less than the first light intensity.
31. (canceled)
32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to: convert a digital picture into a digital greyscale picture, divide the digital greyscale picture into three or more sub-areas based on pixel greyscale values, wherein each sub-area corresponds to a specific greyscale range, generating a set of 3 or more digital images from the digital greyscale picture, wherein each digital image of the set comprises a corresponding sub-area of the 3 or more sub-areas of the digital greyscale picture, wherein each pixel of the sub-area of each digital image is assigned a display value that corresponds to a display of light of a first light intensity, and wherein a remainder of the pixels of digital picture are assigned display values that correspond to light of a light intensity is substantially less than the first light intensity.
Description
[0097] The figures contained in the drawing show the following:
[0098] FIG. 1 shows a picture known from digital publication on working with the online colour separation system called PBNify
[0099] FIG. 2 shows a representation of a colour separation according to the PBNify system where the original picture from FIG. 1 has been divided into a limited number of colours.
[0100] FIG. 3 shows a representation of the colour division of FIG. 2 where each colour is outlined by a line and a number can be placed within each line outline.
[0101] FIGS. 4 and 5A, 5B and 5C show schematic examples of systems according to the invention FIGS. 6 and 7 provide flowcharts for embodiments of the invention.
[0102] FIGS. 8 to 16 show illustrations of an embodiment of the invention.
[0103] FIG. 17 to 25 show illustrations of a further embodiment of the invention.
[0104] FIGS. 26 to 58 show further aspects of embodiments of the invention.
[0105] FIG. 1 to 3 present prior art.
[0106] FIG. 1 shows a picture known from digital publication on working with the online colour separation system called PBNify in which this method is described.
[0107] FIG. 2 shows a representation of a colour separation according to the PBNify system where the picture has been digitally divided into colour areas of equal colour values if the original picture from FIG. 1 has been divided into a limited number of colours.
[0108] FIG. 3 shows a representation of the colour division of FIG. 2 with each colour being outlined by a line and with the possibility to place a number within each outlined area showing whether the limited number of colour values chosen is applicable to the area within the lines.
[0109] Thus areas of equal colour are marked with the same numbers.
[0110] If a picture is projected onto a canvas according to FIG. 3 all colour areas are displayed simultaneously as a result of which it is still difficult to find whether the application of a colour while painting is correct. Painting a colour in a light projection of the same colour when simply projecting the picture in colour is quite tricky because colours of a similar kind cancel each other out then as a result of which it is hard to see whether any painting has already been done in a certain area or whether it is only the colour of the light that one is seeing. This means that it may be difficult to find the result in such systems and that this search is frustrated by this lack of visible observation of work which has already been done.
[0111] FIG. 4 shows a light projection set-up according to the invention showing a light projection using a projector. FIG. 4 shows a computer 41, the computer receives a digital picture. There are many ways to input the digital picture, via email, from a mobile phone, from social media, from a cloud service, etc. The input digital picture is then, optionally after having been edited, converted into a set of three or more light projection images. The projection images are projected by projector 42. FIG. 4 shows one of the projection images 46 on a canvas 43. A mobile device can also be used instead of a computer. Further information can be projected along with the projection images. The system can be provided with a camera 45. This enables the system to monitor what is being done and project any instructions if necessary. The system can also comprise a website which is accessed for example by means of a smartphone or another portable device, shown in the upper right corner of the figure by device 44, where a photograph is sent to the website, where the editing is done on the website and device 44 can also be used when controlling projector 42 for example for switching over to a next projection image. The set of projection images is sent from the website to the projector 42 possibly via the portable device 44. The website itself can also comprise a portfolio of sets of projection images with the website being able to send the user information about sets of projection images in de database portfolio to enable the user to select a set of projection images from the portfolio.
[0112] The website can also comprise a portfolio of sets of projection images which have been previously used or selected by the user which can be added to a database portfolio and shared with other users. This enables users to make a painting, for instance based on a photograph of a loved one who has died, which painting will be an ever better likeness where, for example, in a second version a colour choice which is not considered to be satisfactory after all, or the choice of the number of projection images in a first version can be corrected or improved in the further versions and where several different sets of the same image can be applied over one another in multiple glazing layers of partly transparent paint.
[0113] Practice makes perfect also applies to using the system and the method for painting according to the invention and therefore a used projection set is preferably saved for possible further refinement or improvement in preferred embodiments of the system. Information 47 can be projected together with the picture below or next to the projected picture. The computer is provided with an input feature for inputting a digital image, e.g. wireless using an antenna 58, but this can also be done via a landline or a direct connection via a USB port with a camera.
[0114] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show an embodiment of a light projection set-up according to the invention showing a light projection by means of a digitally controlled visual display unit 51 over which a partly translucent object 43, such as a canvas or transparent paper, can be placed. Further functions of the relevant parts of FIG. 5 here match the description in FIG. 4. FIG. 5B shows a tool for a system according to the invention. The tool comprises a support 52 for a portable visual display unit containing device 51, a cover 53 with a transparent part, where the cover 53 is placed over the support 52 during operation. A cavity 55 has been left open between the cover 53 and the support 52. A device 51 can be placed in this cavity 55. During operation an at least partially transparent object 43 is placed over the cover 53 and a clamp part 54 is placed over object 43. The dimensions indicated in FIG. 5C serve as examples. They are not to be considered to be limiting dimensions.
[0115] FIGS. 6 and 7 show schematic flowcharts of an embodiment of the invention. The flowcharts illustrate both steps of the method, such as converting a colour image into a pixel property or greyscale image, and parts of the system, such as a converter for converting a colour image into a greyscale image. In step 61, a digital full-colour image, for example a full-colour photograph, is introduced into an input feature 61 of the system. Alternatively, a pixel property or greyscale image can be introduced into an input feature of the system in step 62. A cut-out can be made from the photograph or picture in step 63 by means of a cut-out device 63 in the system.
[0116] If a colour picture is input, a converter 64 in the system can make a conversion to a greyscale photograph in step 64 prior to or after making the cut-out. Optionally the greyscale photograph can be edited in step 75. An editing step can also be performed for making a cut-out and/or converting into a greyscale picture. Depending on a choice as to whether establishment of greyscale ranges is used in order to divide the greyscale picture, the greyscale picture is divided into N sub-areas.
[0117] The divided image can be displayed in step 71 on an image display device 71 of the system. The user can influence various characteristics such as contrast, the number of sub-areas, the colours they wish to use, etc. The user can also optionally enter the desired style, colour means and application means.
[0118] Depending on any parameters which may or may not have been entered or changed a set of N projection images is made in step 93. The projection images are projected sequentially, starting from the first projection image, under the control of the user.
[0119] FIG. 8 shows a photograph of a person. The FIGS. 9 to 16 show how this photograph goes through the system according to the present invention step by step.
[0120] FIG. 9 shows a digitally edited version of the photograph from FIG. 8 with the photograph having been broken up into three colour areas each of which represents a part of the greyscale spectrum in the same greyscale value leading to three areas to be coloured in being visible in ascending order. These colours include white for the lightest colour group, i.e. the colours with a greyscale value between the brightest and a first threshold value and grey for the colours in the middle of the grey greyscale spectrum, i.e. colours with a greyscale value between the first threshold value and a second threshold value and then also black for all dark colour areas, i.e. colours with a grey scale value lower than the second threshold value. This makes these three values a collection of all colours belonging to the same range of values within certain limits. The photograph in this example is subdivided into greyscale ranges. This is a preferred embodiment. The photograph can also be subdivided into pixel value areas. Pixel values normally have four coordinates: e.g. RGB (or CMY) and luminance or greyscale values. Those four pixel values cover a four-dimensional space. The subdivision can be based on pixel value areas within this four-dimensional space. A further possible division into pixel value groups and corresponding pixel value areas is as follows: An average change in the greyscale value and/or colour value of the pixels in the area in question is measured for all pixels of the photograph for a surrounding area of the pixels, e.g. a 3*3 or 5*5 pixel area of which the pixel in question is the centre. Pixels whose change is relatively large are located in sharp edges of elements of the photograph or transitions from one colour to a colour which distinctly differs from this colour. Pixels whose change is relatively small are located in solid-coloured areas. Based on the average change the pixels can be classified into pixel value groups; sharp edges then form one pixel value group, soft edges a further pixel value group, areas where brightness or colour relatively gradually changes into another brightness or colour are yet another group, and solid-coloured areas are a further group.
[0121] It is also possible to use a combination for the classification into pixel value groups. A specific pixel value group is then, for example, reserved for the pixels which indicate the hardest edges, i.e. the highest change in pixel values around the pixel. The rest of the pixels can then have been subdivided into the greyscale values. This will result in a painting based on greyscale areas, but with the possibility to accentuate hard edges.
[0122] In the preferred embodiment shown the division is based only on the greyscale values of the pixels. This has shown to yield good results.
[0123] FIG. 10 shows an object to be painted the surface (22) of which is shaded by means of diagonal lines.
[0124] FIG. 11 shows projection according to the present invention with only the lightest one of the three areas to be coloured being visible as the white area (1) and both colour areas of both the middle colour spectrum and the darkest colour spectrum being black, i.e. they are unilluminated and will not let any light pass nor show any light on the canvas when such an image is projected onto the surface to be painted with the black areas (2). In this case, only the white part (1) will be visible as light on the canvas if a projection lamp displays this picture.
[0125] FIG. 12 shows which area remains visible in the lightest colour of paint on the surface to be painted and which part still shows the original surface (22) of the surface to be painted shown in FIG. 7 as a shaded area.
[0126] FIG. 13 shows a projection according to the present invention with only the middle one of the three areas to be coloured being visible as the white area (1) and both colour areas of both the lightest greyscale range and the darkest greyscale range being black and will not let any light pass nor show any light on the canvas when such an image is projected onto the surface to be painted with the black shaded areas (2). In this case only the white part (1) will be visible as light on the canvas.
[0127] FIG. 14 shows which area remains visible in the lightest colour of paint on the surface to be painted as well as the result of the paint or other medium applied according to the projection of the middle colour spectrum as described in FIG. 13 and which part still shows the original surface (22) of the surface to be painted shown in FIG. 7 as a shaded area.
[0128] FIG. 15 shows a projection according to the present invention with only the darkest one of the three areas to be coloured being visible as the white area (1) and both colour areas of both the lightest greyscale range and the middle greyscale range being black and will not let any light pass nor show any light on the canvas when such an image is projected onto the surface to be painted with the black shaded areas (2). In this case, only the white part (1) will be visible as light on the canvas if a projection lamp displays this picture and this is intended for applying the darkest of the three colours to be used.
[0129] FIG. 16 shows the surface to be painted with all three projections of the colour images depicted in white for the lightest greyscale value group colours, grey for the middle greyscale value group colours and black for the darkest greyscale value group colours according to an embodiment of the invention and as a consequence of following the colouring steps this leads to a result which is largely comparable to the result intended according to the system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.
[0130] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the system does not indicate any contiguous areas to be coloured in but a collection of schematically positioned round shapes which depending on the colour value they represent have certain dimensions and thus contrast with the background they are in and jointly convert the desired picture into circles of a certain size and if so desired a certain colour.
[0131] FIG. 18 shows a projection image according to the present invention where only the largest circles are shown by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0132] FIG. 19 shows a projection image according to the present invention where only the smaller circles are displayed by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0133] FIG. 20 shows a similar set-up of circle positions according to the present invention with the size of the circles being equal in all projections but where the greyscale value determines which ones belong to the same colour.
[0134] FIG. 21 shows a projection image according to the present invention where only the darkest circles are shown by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0135] FIG. 22 shows a projection image according to the present invention where only the lightest colour circles or group of colour circles are shown by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0136] FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the system does not indicate any collection of contiguous areas to be coloured in but a collection of schematically positioned square shapes in a diamond pattern which depending on the colour value represented by them represent a particular colour in the image and thus contrast with the adjacent square shapes in which they are located and jointly convert the desired picture into square contiguous areas of a certain size and if so desired a certain colour.
[0137] FIG. 24 shows a projection image according to the present invention in the technique intended as in FIG. 23 where only the darkest square areas in the diamond pattern are shown by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0138] FIG. 25 shows a projection image according to the present invention in the technique intended as in FIG. 23 where only the lightest square areas of the diamond pattern are shown by means of light so that it can be recognised where they should be placed and provided with a colour means.
[0139] FIG. 26 shows an overexposed photograph with a bar under it showing the colour spectrum gradient in balance with the photograph and ascending from light to dark with a larger part of the colour balance in the lighter colour spectrum.
[0140] FIG. 27 shows the photograph from FIG. 26 in a well-illuminated configuration with a bar under it showing the colour spectrum gradient in balance with the photograph and ascending from light to dark in an even distribution. The greyscale bar under the photograph shows a particularly even gradient from light to dark.
[0141] FIG. 28 shows the photograph from FIG. 26 in an underexposed photograph with a bar under it showing the colour spectrum gradient in balance with the photograph and ascending from light to dark with a larger part of the colour balance in the dark colour spectrum.
[0142] FIG. 29 shows the underexposed photograph from FIG. 28 with light areas taking up more space. By painting the four areas using a set of four colours in which the middle colours are darker than the middle colours of the evenly distributed colour configuration from FIG. 30 the underexposed effect of the photograph is corrected by the use of the relatively darker colours when painting.
[0143] FIG. 30 shows the well-exposed photograph from FIG. 27 with the image having been broken up into four colour tone areas which are proportionally ascendingly darker, thus giving the face the right shape. If these areas were to be painted with relatively lighter middle colour paint the end result would give the impression of the image having been overexposed. If these areas were to be painted with relatively darker middle colour paint, the end result would give the impression of the image having been underexposed.
[0144] FIG. 31 shows the overexposed photograph from FIG. 26 with dark areas taking up more space. By painting the four areas using a set of four colours in which the middle colours are lighter than the middle colours of the evenly distributed colour configuration from FIG. 30, the overexposed effect of the photograph is corrected by the use of the relatively lighter colours when painting.
[0145] FIG. 32 shows the light projection of the third darkest colour from light to dark as derived from FIG. 29 showing an underexposed photograph, i.e. defining an area to be painted with the third darker colour in ascending order if the middle colours of a four-colour configuration from light to dark relatively light colour had been compared to the colour used in the third darker area in ascending order of the colour configuration of FIG. 30.
[0146] FIG. 33 shows the light projection of the third darkest colour from light to dark as derived from FIG. 30 showing a well-exposed photograph, i.e. defining an area to be painted with the third darker colour in ascending order if the middle colours of a four-colour configuration from light to dark match well with evenly ascending ever darker steps from light to dark.
[0147] FIG. 34 shows the light projection of the third darkest colour from light to light as derived from FIG. 31 showing an overexposed photograph, i.e. defining an area to be painted with the third darker colour in ascending order if the middle colours of a four-colour configuration from light to dark relatively dark colour had been compared to the colour used in the third darker area in ascending order of the colour configuration of FIG. 30.
[0148] FIG. 35 shows the well-exposed photograph from FIG. 27 with the image being broken up into three colour tone areas which are proportionally ascendingly darker and thus give the face its correct shape. If these areas were to be painted with colour means which become proportionally ascendingly darker the end result would give the impression of a naturally shaped face as if the image were a well-exposed photograph.
[0149] FIG. 36 shows the well-exposed photograph from FIG. 27 with the image being broken up into five colour tone areas which are proportionally ascendingly darker and thus give the face its correct shape. If these areas were to be painted with colours of paint which become proportionally ascendingly darker the end result would give the impression of a naturally shaped face as if the image were a well-exposed photograph.
[0150] FIG. 37 shows the well-exposed photograph from FIG. 27 with the image being broken up into seven colour tone areas which are proportionally ascendingly darker and thus give the face its correct shape. If these areas were to be painted with colours of paint which become proportionally ascendingly darker the end result would give the impression of a naturally shaped face as if the image were a well-exposed photograph.
[0151] FIG. 38 shows the light projection according to the present invention of the lightest colour means to be painted from the picture shown in FIG. 42 in a light projection set-up with the colour means applied to a colour palette in the light projection indicating which colour on the palette of colours to be used belongs to the colour projection area shown as an easy way to make it clear to the person doing the painting which colour means is to be used. An enlargement above the picture clearly shows that even the smallest lines and areas to be coloured can easily be distinguished from the parts which should not be painted in that colour.
[0152] FIG. 39 shows the light projection according to the present invention of the second lightest colour means to be painted from the picture shown in FIG. 42 in a light projection set-up with the colour means applied to a colour palette in the light projection indicating which colour belongs to the colour projection area shown as an easy way to make it clear to the person doing the painting which colour means is to be used and has been highlighted on the palette as the second lightest colour.
[0153] FIG. 40 shows the light projection according to the present invention of the second darkest colour means to be painted from the picture shown in FIG. 42 in a light projection set-up with the colour means applied to a colour palette in the light projection indicating which colour belongs to the colour projection area shown as an easy way to make it clear to the person doing the painting which colour means is to be used and has been highlighted on the palette as the second darkest colour.
[0154] FIG. 41 shows the light projection according to the present invention of the darkest colour means to be painted from the picture shown in FIG. 42 in a light projection set-up with the colour means applied to a colour palette in the light projection indicating which colour belongs to the colour projection area shown as an easy way to make it clear to the person doing the painting which colour means is to be used and has been highlighted on the palette as the darkest colour.
[0155] FIG. 42 shows the picture from FIG. 45 according to the present invention which has been divided into colour areas as described in FIGS. 38 to 41 where the background shown in white remains unpainted.
[0156] FIG. 43 shows a picture according to the present invention where according to a painting technique to be followed, a light image area indicates the area within which two adjacent colours shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 can be mixed together or can be coloured to blend together in order to soften a hard transition from one colour means to the next and where partly illuminated areas show where these colour means which are applied should not be mixed together. According to the present invention the indication above the palette indicates the two colour means concerned in this step and the indication can also show a possible mixing ratio.
[0157] FIG. 44 shows a projection of a lightest area according to the present invention if a picture as shown in FIG. 43 had been divided into 12 areas based on the greyscale range.
[0158] FIG. 45 shows a picture or photograph to be input into the system.
[0159] FIG. 46 shows an implementation of the picture from FIG. 45 according to the invention with colour areas having been outlined as known in prior art with the enlargement of FIG. 38 shown again according to such known prior art and shows that any placement of indications such as colour numbers is limited to outlines within which a legible number can still be placed.
[0160] FIG. 47 shows a full colour spectrum converted into greyscale values with the colour division into the CMYK colour system as common in printing technology being indicated for reference purposes and where white (W), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (B) each being within the colour spectrum of this FIG. 47.
[0161] FIG. 48 shows the full colour spectrum from FIG. 47 divided into four greyscale value areas according to the system and method of the present invention. The lightest area comprises the colours white and yellow, the darkest area comprises the colours C and B.
[0162] FIG. 49 shows the full colour spectrum from FIG. 47 divided into seven colour areas according to the system in the present invention.
[0163] FIG. 50 shows a projection step according to the invention with an area to be painted being highlighted in a first light intensity on the left and with this same area being identified on the right by highlighting precisely only the surrounding area of the area in this first light intensity and with the area to be painted which is to be followed comprising the substantially unilluminated parts of a second light intensity.
[0164] FIG. 51 shows an input photograph on the left. A cut-out is indicated by dotted lines in the photograph. The system displays this photograph with a cut-out on an image display device, e.g. an Ipad or Iphone or computer screen. The user can then change the cut-out, e.g. shift, enlarge, change the aspect ratio, rotate, and/or adjust the corner points or the number of corner points. The greyscale histogram for the photograph as a whole has been drawn below the left-hand photograph. Once the final version of the cut-out has been saved or the cut-out has been approved by the user, the system will analyse the pixels in the cut-out. The middle photograph shows the cut-out. A greyscale histogram for the cut-out is provided under the central photograph. In embodiments the system can edit the greyscale values for the cut-out in order to improve the contrast. For example the greyscale values can be extended to the full range from 0 to 255. Next, all pixels with a greyscale value in the first quarter from 0 to 255, with 0 being black and 255 being the highest intensity, are assigned greyscale value 0 (black), those in the second quarter are assigned greyscale value 85, those in the third quarter greyscale value 170 and those in the lightest quarter greyscale value 255 (white at the highest light intensity). Next these pixels with these assigned greyscale values are shown to the user in a greyscale picture. That is the picture shown in the right-hand part of FIG. 51. This picture gives the user an idea of what the painting will look like when painted. In general the user is not shown the histograms. After this the user can give their approval. The right-hand photograph comprises four sub-areas, and that is a situation which is between FIGS. 35 (three sub-areas) and 36 (five sub-areas). In embodiments the system shows the user several possible divisions, as for example shown schematically in FIGS. 35, 36 and 37, with FIG. 35 illustrating a division into three, FIG. 36 a division into five, and FIG. 37 a division into seven. The system can also enable the user to make the picture to be painted darker or lighter. This enables the user to increase or decrease the sizes of the different sub-areas relative to each other. If the cut-out is made lighter more pixels will show in the lightest part. If the user is satisfied, they can give their approval. The system then establishes the sub-areas, and projects the first projection image with, for example, the lightest pixels from the right-hand picture in white light (light intensity 255) and the rest of the pixels with light intensity 0 on a painting canvas, for example. The user has chosen a colour or has been advised a colour by the system which has a greyscale value in the lightest segment and the user colours the parts indicated with white light with this colour. When the user has indicated that this has been finished, the system will project the second lightest pixels. This process repeats until all projection images have been finished. Depending on the dead colour used a situation can occur where the dead colour used is a paint which could be used for the darkest pixels, the projection image to be projected the last, and in that case, if the user is satisfied with this, it is not necessary to apply any extra paint for the darkest pixels.
[0165] FIG. 52 illustrates how a user can control the generation of the sub-areas and thus make their own creative choice in how the image is divided into projection images.
[0166] The user can input a picture in this preferred embodiment, this is represented schematically by the new picture button. The user can then decide to make a cut-out from the picture. The size and shape of the cut-out can be set. The cut-out forms the part of the input picture which the user wants to paint or draw. The cut-out is shown under the picture in this embodiment. This figure shows the same cut-out but one shade darker or lighter on the left and the right of this cut-out. The user can select the relevant darker or lighter picture with the cursor in order to make the cut-out darker or lighter. The figure is an illustration of the image editing action of adjusting the brightness. Other forms of editing, such as changing contrast, picture sharpness, size and shape of the cut-out are possible in embodiments of the invention. It is also possible to photoshop or to add or leave out elements in certain embodiments. How the cut-out is divided into sub-areas is shown to the user under the cut-out. This enables the user to check that the division is not too coarse causing too many details to be lost and is not too fine which would make it difficult to paint. In embodiments where the user can input the means they want to use in order to apply the painting the system can give advice as to the number of sub-areas.
[0167] If a rather coarse painting means such as a palette knife is chosen the most suitable number of sub-areas will be smaller than if a fine brush were used. In embodiments the system comprises an input feature to enable the user to select painting styles and the system preferably comprises an output feature to show the image to the user after the image has been processed according to a selected painting style. In embodiments showing can take place by means of projection or by means of an image on, for example, a portable display device of the user. Examples of styles which can be chosen are impressionism, expressionism, cubism, painting in Picasso or Dali style, cartoon style with certain parts of the face, such as eyes, lips or ears being made larger, distorting mirror effects, converting a picture into a picture consisting of blocks or dots as shown in FIGS. 14 to 22, etc.
[0168] In preferred embodiments the system has been configured to select one or more sets of paints for the sub-areas after the sub-areas have been established and to present one or more sets to the user.
[0169] FIGS. 53 to 56 illustrate a possible method.
[0170] A greyscale value ranging from black, 0, to the highest intensity of white light, 255, is shown on the extreme left of FIG. 53.
[0171] A greyscale value can be assigned to each paint. This is no different from converting a colour into a greyscale value. The middle column gives the greyscale value for a number of paints, paints A to K. The greyscale value can be divided into four equal parts. The paints can then be divided into four groups. FIG. 52 shows groups 1 to 4, with group 1 having the highest greyscale value, white or nearly white, and group 4 having the lowest, black or dark grey. FIG. 53 shows the same thing, but then for a division into six groups.
[0172] The greyscale has been divided into four or six equal parts in FIGS. 53 and 54. This is not the only possible division. FIG. 55 shows a division where the distribution near the centre of the greyscale is finer than at the edges. Every greyscale range [Translator's note: this section in the source text seems to have been included by mistake] Of course, another greyscale range division may change the distribution of paints among the groups.
[0173] In preferred embodiments of the invention the system has been configured to determine one or more suitable sets of colour means and present them to the user as a possible usable set. The following rules are preferably observed when determining a possibly useful set of colour means: [0174] A colour means with a greyscale value in the greyscale range for the sub-area in question is selected for each sub-area [0175] The difference between the greyscale values of two colour means chosen should be more than a base difference, with the base difference preferably being determined as follows: [0176] Base difference=(average width of the greyscale ranges for the colours chosen)/N with N being 4 as a maximum and preferably 3 and most preferably 2.
[0177] The choice of paints may depend on a user indicated preference for certain colours, such as red, green or blue.
[0178] The distance in greyscale values between two chosen colours is then more than one fourth of the width of the greyscale ranges and preferably more than one third or even more than half the width of the greyscale ranges. If the difference between the greyscale values of two paints chosen is smaller the optical effect will be less.
[0179] FIG. 56 shows a scheme of 60 paints with each paint being displayed in grey. The paints are subdivided into 14 groups in FIG. 55. Group 1 is the lightest group and comprises titanium white, group 14 is the darkest group and comprises very dark colours.
[0180] It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the examples given.
[0181] FIG. 57 shows an embodiment in which a sub-area 57A is projected and also an attenuated version 57B, for example with a fourth or a third of the original intensity, of the part of the original image that does not belong to the projected sub-area 57A, the rest of the image. This allows the user to better estimate the position of the sub-area in the whole of the original image. The method may, in embodiments, give the user the choice of whether or not to display in attenuated version the remainder of the image adjacent to the sub-area, and/or adjust the intensity of the remainder of the image.
[0182] FIG. 58 shows an embodiment in which the images are displayed to a user via virtual reality glasses 58. The sub-areas projected virtually on the canvas are visible to the user and he/she can draw the painting. The partial areas are not visible to bystanders, they only see a canvas to be painted.
[0183] This gives a mysterious aspect to the working method for the bystanders, in which the user conjures up a good-looking painting of a well-known image out of the sky. Virtual reality glasses come in different versions with the aim of providing the user with image information which is either projected directly on the eye or on the inside of the glass. According to the invention, both types of projection can be used as a system for displaying light projection images. In the image that the wearer of the virtual reality glasses sees, the light projection images are visible as projected onto the object to be painted, and thus visually, for the wearer of the virtual reality glasses, projected onto the object to be painted.
[0184] In brief, the invention can be summarised as follows:
[0185] A digital picture is divided into N groups of pixels based on a pixel property. A set of N projection images is generated on the basis of this division. Each projection image shows one of the groups of pixels in substantially white light in a light intensity and the other pixels in a differing light intensity. Preferably the pixel property which is the basis for the division is the greyscale value and preferably the remaining pixels are also projected in substantially white light.
