DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMING SUNLIT SURFACES

Number: 20180161691
Published: 2018-06-14
Filed: 2016-12-08
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: JOSEPH; DANIEL M.
CPC: A63J5/02; G02F1/13476; A63J1/02; G02F1/13471; G02F1/1313
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Sunlit-surface transforming display system.

Abstract

A display system for transforming sunlit and other brightly lit surfaces while being observed by viewers or an audience. The display system includes an optical element switchable between first and second operating states, and the optical element includes a pane that is opaque in the first operating state and transparent in the second operating state. The display system includes a controller operable to switch the optical element between the first and second operating states. Further, the display system includes a background image element positioned adjacent to a first surface of the pane of the switchable optical element. The pane may be a liquid crystal (LC) film, and the controller operates a power source to provide electric current to the LC film to switch the optical element to the second operating state. The display system may include a foreground image element positioned proximate to a second surface of the pane.

Background

BACKGROUND1. Field of the Description

The present description relates, in general, to theatrical and other display sets and surfaces and, more particularly, to display systems for transforming or changing surfaces in a theatrical or other entertainment setting in a rapid and effective manner even when those surfaces are well lit or highly illuminated such as walls of an outdoor structure exposed to direct sunlight.2. Relevant Background

In the entertainment, marketing, and other industries, there are many situations in which it is desirable to have a surface change over time and, in some cases, in a very short period of time. For example, a theatrical stage typically will include sets and backdrops that are intended to define a space, and it may be desirable to change these sets between scenes or acts or even during a scene while the lights remain “up” such that these surfaces are well lit. In outdoor settings such as in a theme park, a world or town may be defined by many structures such as building walls, and it may be desirable to have these surfaces changed over time to reflect activities in a show such as when a character writes on a wall, when a futuristic battle occurs with laser shots hitting walls, when a magical character or superhero casts a spell or uses their superpowers to transform a wall, and so on.

Further, in the amusement or theme park environment, many of the attractions have buildings that are very rich in texture and finish. These textu

Claims

1. A display system for transforming sunlit and other brightly lit surfaces, comprising: an optical element switchable between first and second operating states, wherein the optical element includes a pane that is substantially opaque in the first operating state and substantially transparent in the second operating state; a controller operable to switch the optical element between the first and second operating states; and a background image element positioned adjacent to a first surface of the pane. 10. A system, comprising: a sheet of LC film switchable between first and second operating states, wherein the LC film is opaque when operated in the first operating state and transparent when operated in the second operating state; a power source activated during the second operating state to provide electric current to the LC film; a background image element positioned adjacent a first side of the LC film; and a foreground image element positioned proximate to a second side of the LC film, wherein the background image element is visible through the foreground image element when the LC film is operated in the second operating state. 18. A display system for transforming sunlit and other brightly lit surfaces, comprising: an optical element switchable between first and second operating states, wherein the optical element comprises a sheet of LC material; a controller operable to switch the optical element between the first and second operating states by applying electric current to the sheet of LC material during the second operating state; a background image element positioned to face a first surface of the sheet of LC material; and a foreground image element positioned to face a second surface of the sheet of LC material, wherein the foreground image element comprises a transparent substrate with a first surface facing the second surface of the sheet of LC material and a second surface facing away from the sheet of LC material and wherein an image layer is applied or attached to the second surface of the transparent substrate.