SPECIAL EFFECTS SYSTEM WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SHAPE AND SIZE PROJECTION SURFACE

Number: 20240272538
Published: 2024-08-15
Filed: 2023-02-10
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Tait; Thomas Tracey
CPC: G03B21/606; G03B21/562; G03B21/60; G03B21/62
Verdict: Low Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Adjustable-projection-surface show-effect hardware.

Abstract

A special effects system designed to provide a projection surface or screen that can be animated or dynamically altered in its shape and/or size over time while video content is being concurrently projected from a video projector onto the altering projection surface. The video content and projection surface alterations are synchronized in time, e.g., on a pixel basis or other level of precision in some cases, such that the size and/or shape of the projected imagery, e.g., of a character, an animated object, and/or the like, matches that of the size and shape or outline of the present state of the dynamically alterable projection surface.

Background

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Description

The present description relates, in general, to video projection systems used to create special effects with a unique visual component, and, more particularly, to a system (and associated methods) for providing a projection surface or screen with a shape and size that can be dynamically altered (e.g., the projection screen can be animated) to better match projected two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) video images (e.g., video content) that change over time. 2. Relevant Background

Today, there is a strong demand for eye-catching special effects to entertain visitors and to encourage the visitors to return to a venue again and again. For example, theme park operators design attractions such as rides and waiting spaces for such attractions to include exciting and, often, realistic special effects. Often, it is desirable for the special effects to include characters or objects that appear to be dynamic or animated such as a movie character or action hero that performs some movements or actions while attraction visitors are present within a nearby viewing space. Venue operators continue to search for ways to provide special effects with interesting visual aspects in a repeatable and cost-effective manner.

One technique for providing a dynamic character or object is through the use of robotics. In many theme parks, animatronic characters have been provided along ride paths for many years. While these characters

Claims

1. A system for providing visual special effects, comprising: a projector assembly operable to project a first image and a second image differing in size or shape; a projection screen assembly comprising a screen extension assembly and one or more screen material segments supported on a support frame to provide a base projection surface facing a viewing space; and a controller configured to operate the screen extension assembly in a first state to provide the base projection surface and in a second state to provide an extended projection surface including the base projection surface and differing from the base projection surface in at least one of size and shape, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the projector assembly to project the first image onto the base projection surface during operation of the screen extension assembly in the first state and to project the second image onto the extended projection surface during operation of the screen extension assembly in the second state. || 9. A method of providing visual special effects for a viewer in a viewing space, comprising: providing a screen assembly with a projection surface in a first state with a first size and shape; projecting a first video image onto the projection surface in the first state, wherein the first video image is configured to match the first size and shape of the projection surface; operating the screen assembly to transition the projection surface into a second state with a second size and shape differing from the first size and shape; and projecting a second video image onto the projection surface in the second state, wherein the second video image is configured to match the second size and shape of the projection surface. || 14. A system for providing visual special effects, comprising: a projection screen assembly comprising a screen extension assembly and one or more screen material segments supported by a support frame and configured to have a first size and shape to provide a base projection surface; and a controller generating control signals to first operate the screen extension assembly to provide the base projection surface and to second operate the screen extension assembly to generate an extended projection surface that includes the base projection surface and one or more screen material extensions extending outward from a peripheral edge of the base projection surface.