MIRROR DISPLAY WITH INCREASED BRIGHTNESS

Number: 20230280598
Published: 2023-09-07
Filed: 2022-03-07
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Smithwick; Quinn Y. et al.
CPC: G02B30/52; H04N13/337; G02B30/25; H04N13/363; G02B27/145; G02B30/56; G02B27/283; H04N13/346
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Increased-brightness mirror-display show hardware (Smithwick).

Abstract

A display system for a providing a three-dimensional effect with controlled reflections is disclosed. In one embodiment, the display system includes a display; and a beam splitter positioned between the display and the viewing location. The beam splitter transmits or reflects light based on a characteristic of the light. A physical prop is positioned between the beam splitter and the viewing location. The display is oriented to emit light toward the beam splitter and displays an image at least partially viewable in the viewing location through the beam splitter, such that the image is substantially un-attenuated by the bean splitter. Light reflected from the physical prop and further reflected by the beam splitter toward the viewing location is at least partially viewable in the viewing location. The display system is suitable to enable a substantially full brightness of the image to be viewable in the viewing location.

Background

FIELD OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present description relates, in general, to compact display systems to provide a three-dimensional (3D) mirror illusion, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for producing 3D images or depth and space media illusions without requiring viewers to wear 3D glasses or other eyewear by using mirror techniques combined with other optical components and arrangements to eliminate viewer reflection that had hindered prior mirror-based displays. RELEVANT BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand for displays that include 3D imagery to capture attention and entertain visitors of a facility. One conventional approach to providing 3D imagery without the need for 3D or other special eyewear has been the use of Pepper's Ghost displays. Pepper's Ghost is an illusionary technique used by magicians, by ride or attraction designers, and by others to produce a 3D illusion of a latent or ghost-like image. Using a simple piece of plate glass or transparent plastic (e.g., a Mylar sheet) that acts as a beam splitter and special lighting techniques, Pepper's Ghost systems can make objects appear, move, and/or disappear within a scene or room.

Conventionally, these systems include a main room or scene that is readily viewed by an audience or viewers and a hidden room that is not visible to the audience/viewers. Both rooms may be identical in their physical structure including furniture and other objects except the hidden room may include additiona

Claims

1. A display system for a providing a three-dimensional effect with controlled reflections comprising: a display; a beam splitter positioned between the display and a viewing location that transmits or reflects light based on a characteristic of the light; a physical prop positioned between the beam splitter and the viewing location, wherein: the display is oriented to emit light toward the beam splitter and displays an image at least partially viewable in the viewing location through the beam splitter, such that the image is substantially un-attenuated by the bean splitter, and light reflected from the physical prop and further reflected by the beam splitter toward the viewing location is at least partially viewable in the viewing location. || 20. A method of providing a three-dimensional (3D) effect with controlled reflections comprising: providing a display; providing a beam splitter positioned between the display and the viewing location that transmits or reflects light based on a characteristic of the light; providing a physical prop positioned between the beam splitter and the viewing location, wherein: the display is oriented to emit light toward beam splitter and displays an image at least partially viewable in the viewing location through the beam splitter, such that the image is substantially un-attenuated by the bean splitter, and light reflected from the physical prop and further reflected by the beam splitter toward the viewing location is at least partially viewable in the viewing location.