VISUAL EFFECT SYSTEM INCLUDING PERSPECTIVE-CORRECT AUTOSTEREOSCOPIC RETROREFLECTIVE PROJECTION

Number: 20220283445
Published: 2022-09-08
Filed: 2022-05-27
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Smithwick; Quinn Y. J., Dill; Dawson McLeod, Ilardi; Michael John, Papadopoulos; Elisabeth C., Bristow; Robert J., Bristow-Campbell; Colleen L., Smith; Chad Michael
CPC: G03B21/10; G02B30/33; G02B27/283; G03B21/2033; G02B30/25; G02B27/30; G02B27/0093; G03B35/16; G02B30/24; G03B21/2066; G02B27/286; G03B21/006; G03B21/60
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Autostereoscopic retroreflective show-projection optics hardware (Smithwick, pre-grant).

Abstract

A system creating an autostereoscopic augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or other visual display experience involving 3D images, presented to a viewer without glasses or other head-gear. The system includes a projection screen, which includes a reflective surface formed using retroreflective material. The system includes a projection assembly and a beamsplitter, which is disposed between an outlet of the projection assembly and the projection screen. The system includes a physical scenic space facing a lower side of the beamsplitter and a viewing space facing an upper side of the beamsplitter. A controller operates the projector assembly to project left and right eye images toward the projection screen. The left and right eye images are then directed to left and right eye positions so a viewer with eyes positioned at the left and right eye positions perceives a virtual object concurrently with light from the physical scenic space.

Background

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Description

The present invention relates, in general, to projecting or displaying video/animated or still three-dimensional (3D) images to augment a physical set or space or provide such as to provide an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR), or other visual display experience involving 3D images or imagery, and, more particularly, to autostereoscopy and retroreflective projection methods and systems for providing glasses-free 3D to achieve a new visual experience such as an AR or VR experience. 2. Relevant Background

There are numerous entertainment and other settings where it is desirable to create unique visual displays to entertain and excite viewers. For example, theme or amusement parks may include rides or walk-through attractions where guests (or “viewers”) are entertained by a unique visual effect or illusion. Often, it is desirable to create a display with three dimensional (3D) images so as to enhance a physical set or environment so as to create an AR experience. Even more desirable for many entertainment facility operators is to provide the 3D display without requiring the viewer to wear special headgear or glasses, e.g., using perspective-correct autostereoscopy or similar techniques.

In recent years, the incorporation of 3D stereoscopic projection and imagery into rides, attractions, and other entertainment experiences has been rapidly increasing. However, many of these attractions require that the rider

Claims

1. A method for providing a three-dimensional (3D) image-based visual effect, comprising: operating a projection assembly to project left eye images toward a reflective surface of a projection screen; operating the projection assembly to project right eye images toward the reflective surface of the projection screen; and concurrently with the operating of the projection assembly to project the left and right eye images, transmitting light from the projection assembly through a first side of a beamsplitter and receiving light from the projection screen on a second side of the beamsplitter, wherein the reflective surface comprises a retroreflector, wherein the beamsplitter is disposed between an outlet of the projection assembly and the reflective surface of the projection screen, and wherein the left and right eye images are viewable from a left eye position and a right eye position, respectively, within a viewing space adjacent and facing the second side of the beamsplitter, to allow a viewer with eyes positioned at the left and right eye positions to perceive a three-dimensional (3D) virtual object in a physical scenic space, opposite the second side of the beamsplitter, concurrently with light from physical objects or scenery in the physical scenic. || 19. A method for providing 3D image-based visual effect, comprising: tracking left and right eye positions proximate to a second side of a beamsplitter that is disposed between an outlet of a projection assembly and a reflective surface of a projection screen, wherein the beamsplitter is configured to transmit light from the projector through a first side and receive light from the projection screen on the second side and wherein the reflective surface comprises a retroreflector; and emitting, with the projector assembly, stereo images toward the reflective surface of the projection screen, wherein the stereo images are directed to the tracked left and right eye positions, wherein the stereo images are rendered for viewpoints matching the tracked left and right eye positions, and wherein the left and right eye images are provided in eye boxes containing the tracked left and right eye positions. || 29. A method for providing a 3D image-based visual effect, comprising: positioning a beamsplitter between an outlet of a projection assembly and a retroreflective surface of a screen, wherein the beamsplitter is configured to transmit light from the projection assembly through a first side and to receive light from the projection screen on a second side; tracking a left eye position and a right eye position of a viewer in a viewing space and facing the second side of the beamsplitter; operating the projection assembly to project left and right eye images toward the retroreflective surface of the projection screen; and directing light from surfaces of physical objects in a physical scenic space toward the viewing space, wherein the left and right eye images are directed to the tracked left eye position and the tracked right eye position, respectively, of the viewer, wherein light reflected from the second side of the beamsplitter is directed into the viewing space, and wherein the left and right eye images are stereo images rendered for viewpoints matching the tracked left and right eye positions.