Smoothed faceted screen system and method

Abstract

A faceted screen system (120) includes: a curved backing surface (132); a first planar panel (122a) coupled to the curved backing surface (132); and a second planar panel (122b) coupled to the curved backing surface (132). The first planar panel (122a) and the second planar panel (122b) are angled toward an imaginary focus (130) of the curved backing surface (132). The faceted screen system (120) also includes a first plurality of light sources (126) disposed on the first planar panel (122a) and a second plurality of light sources (126) disposed on the second planar panel (122b). Individual light sources (126a, 126b) in the first plurality of light sources (126) are oriented at respective different angles relative to the first planar panel (122a) to emit light toward the imaginary focus (130). Individual light sources of the second plurality of light sources (126) are oriented at respective different angles relative to the second planar panel (122b) to emit light toward an imaginary focal point (130).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 993,459, filed on March 23, 2020, entitled “Smoothed Faceted Screen Systems and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of display technology. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for a display that includes a faceted screen and operates to smooth transitions between individual facets of the faceted screen. Background Art

[0004] Recently, interest in viewing content on immersive displays has grown. As interest in immersive displays grows, curved or irregularly shaped displays have become increasingly popular. Curved displays can be used as part of a home television or gaming setup, at least partially surrounding the viewer to create an immersive viewing experience. While curved displays are ideal, issues such as cost and manufacturing have proven challenging. Even at relatively small sizes, curved displays are more expensive than their flat counterparts. Scaling curved displays for environments accommodating multiple users can be even more costly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain embodiments corresponding in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather, are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a faceted screen system includes: a curved backing surface; a first planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface; and a second planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are angled toward an imaginary focus of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system also includes a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel and a second plurality of light sources disposed on the second planar panel. Individual light sources in the first plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the first planar panel to emit light toward the imaginary focus. Individual light sources in the second plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the second planar panel to emit light toward the imaginary focus.

[0007] In an embodiment, a faceted screen system includes a display panel assembly. The display panel assembly has a first planar panel and a second planar panel. The first and second planar panels are oriented such that a first imaginary line extending through an edge of the first panel and a second imaginary line extending through an edge of the second panel form an imaginary vertex. A first plurality of light sources is disposed on the first planar panel. A first individual light source in the first plurality of light sources forms a first angle with a surface of the first planar panel. A first adjacent light source in the first plurality of light sources forms a second angle with the surface of the first planar panel. The first angle is different from the second angle. The faceted screen system further includes a second plurality of light sources disposed on a second surface of the second planar panel. A second individual light source in the second plurality of light sources forms a third angle with the second surface of the second planar panel. A second adjacent light source in the second plurality of light sources forms a fourth angle with the second surface. The third angle is different from the fourth angle.

[0008] In one embodiment, a faceted screen control system includes: a plurality of actuators coupled to respective ones of a plurality of light sources; and a controller that receives input indicating a selected focal point of a faceted component forming an approximate curve, with a plurality of light sources disposed on a plurality of flat display panels oriented toward the selected focal point. For example, the controller determines the orientation of each light source in the plurality of light sources, such that the orientation corresponds to light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources transverse to the focal point. The controller also sends control commands to the plurality of actuators to actuate the respective ones of the plurality of light sources to cause the respective ones of the plurality of light sources to emit light toward the selected focal point.

[0009] In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a display panel for an assembly of display panels assembled to approximate a curve includes receiving a first light source and a second light source configured to be coupled to the display panel. The method also includes determining a first angle for the first light source to orient the first light source relative to the display panel such that light emitted from the first light source is directed toward an imaginary focus of the curve. The method also includes coupling the first light source to the flat display panel. The method also includes determining a second angle for the second light source to orient the second light source. The second angle is different from the first angle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dome system having a screen smoothing system integrated into a display of the dome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a curved display;

[0013] Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of unsmoothed components of a flat display panel;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a smoothed faceted screen assembly formed from a flat display panel having a light source angled toward an imaginary focus of a curved backing surface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a light emitting diode (LED) light source with a lens on a flat display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is a side view of a flat display panel with an arrangement of light sources angled toward an imaginary focus of the curve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 is a side view of a flat display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat display panel having light sources oriented at the same angle and further having a sub-lens attached to the light sources such that the sub-lens directs light emitted from the light sources toward an imaginary focus of the curve;

[0018] Figure 7 is a side view of a portion of an array of flat display panels having light sources oriented at different angles on respective flat display panels such that light emitted from the light sources is emitted toward an imaginary focus of the curve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an angle controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the angle controller being configured to control the angle of light emitted from a light source on a display panel so that the emitted light has a brightness at or near an imaginary focus of an imaginary curve generated by components of the display panel;

[0020] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method for actuating a light source toward a focus of a curve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method for coupling an actuator to a light source disposed on a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method for angling a light source on a flat display panel toward a focal point according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but will be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0024] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the recited elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0025] The disclosed technology relates to presenting content on a display screen in a manner that increases the viewer's enjoyment and immersion in the presentation. Specifically, systems and methods are provided herein for smoothing the display of faceted screens. Using curved displays provides an immersive viewing experience, wide viewing angles, increased depth, contrast, and more. However, curved displays typically present difficulties in manufacturing, storage, and wiring, to name a few. It is easier to work with faceted screens that approximate curves (e.g., regular curves, compound curves, or irregularly shaped curved sections) by joining flat surfaces at an angle. That is, individual facets are assembled together to approximate the desired shape of the curve, replacing or providing a less expensive alternative to a single curved display. However, compared to a single curved display, problems may arise when viewing content on a collection or group of flat surfaces. In particular, seams between the flat surfaces of individual facets of a faceted screen may be visible to the viewer of the content. While the visual impact of these seams can be minimized by reducing the angle between the adjoining flat surfaces, this technique may require an increased number of flat surfaces for any given curve. Techniques are provided for reducing the visual impact of edges (eg, seams) without manipulating the angles between flat surfaces and / or increasing the amount of flat surfaces for a given curve.

[0026] Current technology provides faceted screens (e.g., faceted display screens) formed from a plurality of individual facets (e.g., individual flat or planar display panels) and having reduced visual impact of the seams between the individual facets of the faceted screen. Specifically, by steering or angling one or more light sources disposed on the individual flat display panels toward a common location (e.g., a common point), the visual impact of the seams between the panels can be reduced, regardless of the angle formed between the adjacent panels. The common location or direction toward which the light sources are oriented can be the focal point of a curve being approximated by the faceted screen. In practice, the light sources can be oriented on the display such that each light source is angled to emit light toward the focal point of the curve. The angles between adjacent and / or neighboring light sources can be varied relative to each other to achieve a desired effect.

[0027] Furthermore, the current technology also includes a mechanism for actuating the angles between light sources arranged on the display panel of a faceted screen. Specifically, aspects of a light source arranged on one of the display panels of the faceted screen (e.g., its lens, housing, etc.) can be actuated so that the brightness of the light emitted by the light source increases when viewed from a common position at which the light sources of the display are oriented. In other words, an actuator can be coupled to each light source arranged on the display panel of the faceted screen. The actuator can control the angle at which each light source is oriented. In this way, the display panel of the faceted screen, or more specifically, the light sources on the display panel, can be controlled to approximate a range of different curves. In other words, the light sources can be controlled (via mechanical, electrical, or a combination of mechanical and electrical mechanisms) to point at different locations, such as the focus of a curve. Thus, by controlling the angles at which the light sources on the display are oriented, the faceted screen display can be controlled to approximate a range of different curves. The control of adjacent light sources can vary slightly or significantly depending on the type of curve to be approximated.

[0028] Current technology also includes positioning a secondary lens on the light source of the display panel so that the light leaving the light source is redirected at a specific angle, so that the brightness of the light is relatively increased at a specific point on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the light at the specific point.

[0029] Go to the attached figure, Figure 1is a perspective view of a dome ride system 10 having a faceted display screen implemented as a dome 12 having individual facets formed by display panels 14 of the dome 12. The display panels 14 approximate the curved shape of the dome 12. The display panels 14 display visual content 16 for patrons 18 in the dome 12. In particular, the display panels 14 include a display screen (e.g., a display panel, a flat display panel) having light sources (e.g., pixels) disposed thereon. The display panels 14, oriented to follow a curve given by the shape of the dome 12, include light sources that emit light to present the visual content 16 (e.g., content) on / through the display panels 14. As generally described with respect to Figure 3 As discussed above, the light sources on each of the display panels 14 are angled relative to one another so as to direct the emitted light toward a common point, such as the focal point of a curve approximated by the arrangement of the display panels 14. In other words, the light sources on a particular display of a particular faceted screen can each be angled relative to one or more other light sources on the particular display to direct increased brightness toward a common point, such as the focal point of the dome 12. More specifically, the light sources are angled so that the light emitted from the light sources has an increase in brightness at a common point, such as the focal point of the curve. This common point can be located near a customer 18, who is seated on a ride vehicle 20.

[0030] Directing the light so that an increase in brightness is observed at a common location can reduce the visual impact of the seam between display panels 14 at or near the common location. This effect may occur due to an increase in the overall contrast observed from the common location. Since the brightness of the light emitted by the light source on the display panel 14 is increased at or near the common location, the overall contrast may be increased.

[0031] The display panels 14 approximate the curve of the dome 12. In particular, the display panels 14 are angled relative to each other to approximate the curve. The light sources on a particular display panel 14 are also angled relative to adjacent light sources on the particular display panel 14 to point to a common location, such as an imaginary focus of the curve given by the dome 12. For the purposes of this discussion, the imaginary focus may be used in the context of the curve being approximated by one or more display panels of the faceted screen. Specifically, the imaginary focus may refer to the point at which light rays meet (e.g., converge) after being emitted from the display panels 14. As another example, the imaginary focus may be the point that light traverses when reflected from the imaginary reflective curved surface after being incident on the imaginary reflective curved surface along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the imaginary reflective curved surface. The imaginary reflective curved surface may be an imaginary real curved surface that is being approximated by the faceted screen.

[0032] The light sources in the displays of each facet of the faceted dome ride system 10 can be angled toward an imaginary focal point (or focal plane). In particular, each light source can be angled so that the maximum brightness of the light source is achieved at or near the imaginary focal point. The imaginary focal point can be near the patron 18. Having the light sources pointed toward the imaginary focal point can reduce the visual impact of seams at the joining edges of planar surfaces.

[0033] Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a more expensive curved display formed without faceting and illustrating the path of light from the display to the user. Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of certain disadvantages associated with the assembly of a flat display panel, which is approximately Figure 2A curves to provide less expensive curved displays. Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a curved display 40 having light rays 42 emitted from different locations on the curved display 40 and converging at a focal point 44 along an optical axis 46 of the curved display 40. A light source 50 is oriented toward the local normal of the curved display 40. In other words, the light 50 is generally angled to emit light (shown as light rays 42) at 90 degrees relative to a line tangent to the location along the curved display panel 40 to generate a received image 58.

[0034] In another example, Figure 2B is an arrangement having a planar member 82 coupled to a backing 90, but without the faceted screen smoothing as provided herein. Figure 2B , the light rays 92 emitted from the lamps 84 are not aligned toward a common location (such as, an imaginary focal point 94) of the backing 90, which is located along an optical axis 96 (e.g., an imaginary optical axis) of the backing 90. In contrast, the lamps 84 are oriented to point perpendicularly to the plane defined by each respective planar member 82. A viewer 98 located on the optical axis 96 corresponding to the backing 90 can observe an image 100 that has a low overall contrast ratio due to the diffusion of the received light, which may be undesirable. In other words, the image 100 received by the viewer 98 can be viewed with the seams (e.g., seams 102) between the planar members 82, which are highly visible due to the low overall contrast between the colors emitted from the lamps 84. Thus, Figure 2A The curved display represents a more expensive display modality and lacks the smoothing characteristics of the flat components disclosed herein. Figure 2B Displays that are potentially lower in cost and easier to manufacture tend to have reduced image quality due to the visibility of seams and a reduction in contrast.

[0035] A faceted screen system smoothing system and method is provided herein that is potentially less expensive to manufacture than curved display screens, yet retains a sufficient amount of overall contrast and reduces the visibility of seams between joins of flat surfaces. Figure 3 FIG2 is a top view of a smoothed faceted screen assembly 120 having facets in the form of a flat display panel 122 (e.g., an LED panel), with light sources 126 disposed on the flat display panel 122. Light sources 126 have variable or relatively different orientations to improve alignment at a common point 128, which corresponds to an imaginary focus 130 of a desired curved shape (e.g., a shape corresponding to a curved backing surface 132). As provided herein, the orientation of an individual light source 126 can be considered to be along the axis of emitted light 131 or along the axis at which the emitted light has maximum brightness / intensity. In one embodiment, the angle of light source 156 can be the minimum angle formed between light source 126 and surface 127 of flat display panel 122 (e.g., the surface facing the viewer). In embodiments, the angle of light source 156 can be the minimum angle formed between the axis of relative maximum brightness emitted from light source 126 and surface 127 of flat display panel 122 (e.g., the surface facing the viewer). In an embodiment, the angle of the light source 156 may be the minimum angle between an axis formed through the midpoint of the lens of the light source 126 and passing through the common point 128 and the surface 127 of the flat display panel 122 (eg, the surface facing the viewer).

[0036] The light sources 126 are angled to emit light having a relative maximum in brightness that is oriented toward a common point 128, such as an imaginary focus 130 of the curved backing surface 132. Due to the orientation of the distributed light sources, alignment at the common point is improved rather than spread out (as in FIG. Figure 2B The smoothing (as in FIG. 1 ) of the display panels 122 is achieved so that the received image 129 has better properties for the viewer and any seams between the display panels are less visible. This improved alignment is achieved without requiring the display panels 122 to be curved or to form larger curved components, which is more expensive.

[0037] The display panels 122 can be arranged on either side of the curved backing surface 132 at equal distances across the optical axis 133 of the curved backing surface 132. Furthermore, an imaginary vertex can be formed by a first line extending from a first edge of the planar display panel 122a and a second line extending from a second edge of the planar display panel 122b. Depending on the orientation of the display panels 122, the imaginary vertex formed can be an obtuse angle. However, the angle formed between the individual display panels 122 can be selected based on the desired shape of the curved or irregular structure formed by the faceted screen assembly 120.

[0038] The curved backing surface 132 (e.g., a three-dimensional surface) can be formed from any type of material that can provide support (e.g., structural support, electrical support, etc.) for the flat display panel 122 and / or the light source 126 disposed on the flat display panel 122. Furthermore, it should be understood that the faceted screen assembly 120 may not include any curved backing surface 132 or may include a backing or support structure having a different shape. The flat display panel 122 may also serve as a support structure for physically and electrically supporting the light source 126. In some embodiments, the flat display panel 122 may be a collection of printed circuit boards having circuitry configured to power the light source 126.

[0039] As mentioned above, each light source 126 is angled relative to adjacent and / or neighboring light sources 126 toward a common point 128 (such as an imaginary focus 130 of the curved backing surface 132). In particular, each light source 126 is lensed and oriented such that the light sources 126 emit light having a relative brightness maximum at a viewing angle given by the common point 128. For example, Figure 3 Light source 126a on planar display panel 122a is shown oriented to emit light at an angle of 83 degrees relative to planar display panel 122a. Specifically, planar display panel 122a is parallel to axis 134. Axis 136 is parallel to the normal of planar display panel 122a. The 83-degree angle is the angle between axis 134 along the plane (e.g., top surface) of planar display panel 122a and a unit vector parallel to the direction of light emitted from light source 126a. Adjacent light source 126b is illustrated as being oriented to emit light at an angle of 85 degrees relative to planar display panel 122a.

[0040] like Figure 3As described in

[0045] , the angles between adjacent and / or neighboring light sources on the same flat display panel 122 can be different relative to each other. In practice, individual light source 126b is at an 85-degree angle, while adjacent light source 126a is at an 83-degree angle. Furthermore, another adjacent light source 126 may be at an 87-degree angle. These angular differences may correspond to optimal orientation angles for light sources 126 at specific locations on the flat display panel 122. The optimal angles may correspond to the angles at which light emitted from a particular light source 126 at a specific location on the flat display panel most accurately approximates the angle at which light would exit from a corresponding imaginary curved display panel having a curved shape consistent with the shape formed by the components of the display panel 122. In embodiments, the corresponding curved display panels may generally form the shape of a curved backing surface 132 or a curve that touches at least one point on each display panel 122. Thus, individual light sources 126 on the flat display panel 122 are oriented at correspondingly different angles relative to adjacent light sources 126 and / or relative to the flat display panel 122 to which the individual light sources 126 are coupled. In some embodiments, at least one light source 126 is at or near a 90-degree angle relative to the flat display panel 122, while the other light sources are not at a 90-degree angle. Furthermore, the flat display panels 122a, 122b can be mirrored at diagonal orientations across the optical axis 133. However, in some embodiments, the flat display panels can extend through the optical axis 133.

[0041] Furthermore, the angles of the individual light sources 126 can continuously increase or decrease in magnitude relative to a common axis (e.g., a common vector) toward the optical axis. For example, the increase or decrease can be a stepwise increase or decrease or change in the magnitude of a common factor. It should be noted that the orientation angles of the light sources 126 can be within a range of angles (1-90 degrees) selected to emit light toward an imaginary focus 130 and to have the light aligned at a common point 128 and at a desired distance from the faceted screen assembly 120. It should also be noted that although the common point 128 (e.g., a common position) and the imaginary focus 130 are shown as occupying the same position along the optical axis 133, the common point 128 to which the light sources 126 are oriented can be a different position than the imaginary focus 130 and / or a position that is not along the optical axis 133. This will be discussed later with respect to Figure 7 and discuss in detail.

[0042] Similarly, the brightness of the light source 126 can achieve at least a relative maximum intensity when viewed from the perspective of the viewer. For example, in some embodiments, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED). These LEDs can be lensed so that the brightness of each LED increases when the LED is viewed from directly in front of the LED. In other words, the brightness of the LED is brightest when the light from the LED is viewed directly. In other words, the brightness of the LED is brightest when the angle between the viewer's line of sight and an imaginary line extending from the forward-facing orientation of the LED is minimized. When the LED is lensed, the brightness of the LED may decrease as the viewing angle increases. In particular, the brightness may decrease when the viewing angle exceeds the lens angle of the LED. The lens angle of the LED may refer to the angle at which the brightness may decrease when the viewing angle exceeds the lens angle of the LED. For example, using spherical coordinates, the center of the lens may be located at the origin.

[0043] As an illustration, Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lensed LED light source 150 disposed on a flat display panel 151. Axis 152 is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the lensed LED light source 150. Axis 154 is oriented parallel to the width of the lensed LED light source 150. Axis 156 extends along the depth of the lensed LED light source 150. The lensed LED light source 150 includes a dome-shaped lens 160 that helps direct the emitted light so that a relative increase in brightness is observed along a path indicated by arrow 162 and parallel to axis 152. When observing the lensed LED light source 150, one can observe an increased brightness at position 166, which in some embodiments is located along axis 152 centered about the center of the lensed LED light source 150. Specifically, if one projects the light emitted from the lensed LED light source 150 onto a plane 168 that is perpendicular to path 164, one can observe an increased brightness at the point closest to position 166. It is noted that, as Figure 4 The lensed light source may include more (or fewer) elements than shown in FIG. The lensed LED light source 150 is for illustrative purposes only.

[0044] By angling the light sources toward a common point so that light emitted from each of the light sources has a relative maximum in brightness as a function of viewing angle at an angle corresponding to a line extending from each of the light sources and the common point, light rays exiting the flat display panel may be, for example, at Figure 2B A closer approximation to the observed situation would be obtained from real curved panels (e.g. Figure 2A ) is an approximation of the rays leaving. In fact, Figure 2B Compared to the components of Figure 3The light sources can be angled relative to the flat display panel on which they are mounted, as well as relative to each other. In practice, adjacent and / or neighboring light sources can have slight variations in angle to approximate a true curved panel at a specific location (e.g., Figure 2B ).

[0045] As provided herein, the angle of the light source 150 to the panel 151 may be the angle formed by the axis passing through the point of maximum brightness of the light emitted through the lens 166 and the panel 151. Figure 4 , the angle passing through maximum brightness and along path 162 is generally perpendicular to panel 151. However, as disclosed below, an actuator can adjust the position of the lens relative to the panel to change the axis of maximum brightness by causing a change in the orientation of light source 150 relative to panel 151.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lens 166 is a dome-shaped lens, and the emitted light is brighter at a specific point on the dome. Thus, the axis passes through a specific point on the dome. In other embodiments, the light source 150 has a substantially flat lens. In embodiments, the angle of the light source 150 to the panel 151 can be determined by, for example, Figure 4 The angle formed by the axis through the midpoint of the dome or through the midpoint of the flat lens and perpendicular to the flat lens with the panel 151 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 is a side view of a flat display panel 190 having light sources 192 coupled to the flat display panel 190 and programmable and / or individually addressable for tuning angles during use. The light sources 192 are angled toward a common point 194 (such as an imaginary focus of an imaginary curve that can be approximated using the display panel, such as in an assembly of faceted flat display panels). The light sources 192 are each coupled to an actuator 196 that actuates the light sources 192. In particular, the actuator 196 can actuate the light sources 192 such that the brightness of each light source 192 increases when the light sources are viewed from a line extending from the particular light source 192 to the common point 194. As shown Figure 5As shown in FIG, there are slight angle variations between adjacent light sources 192 on the flat display panel 190 to approximate a truly curved panel at specific locations of the light sources 192 on the flat display panel 190. In one example, the angle formed by light source 192a with the panel 190, as measured through the axis of maximum brightness between the light source 192 and point 194, is smaller than the angle formed by the central light source 192b with the panel 190. The angle between light source 192a and the panel 190 is less than 90 degrees, while the angle between light source 192b and the panel 190 is approximately 90 degrees. An actuator 196 coupled to the light source 192 can actuate the light source 192 so that the light source 192 is oriented in a direction facing the common point 194. In some embodiments, the actuator 196 can be coupled to a specific component of the light source 192.

[0047] For example, Figure 6 As shown in FIG, actuator 210 can be coupled to an integral lens 212 or a removable lens 212 of a light source 214 disposed on a flat display panel 216. Flat display panel 216 can be one of a plurality of flat display panels utilized to approximate one or more curves. Lens 212 can be a secondary lens for light source 214. In some embodiments, light source 214 can be an LED having a primary lens 211 and a secondary lens extending radially further from primary lens 211. Actuator 210 translates and / or rotates lens 212 so that when light source 214 and / or an image on flat display panel 216 is viewed from a common point 218, light emitted from light source 214 is directed to have a relatively maximum brightness. Lens 212 can be positioned in front of each light source 214 so that light emitted from each light source 214 is redirected (e.g., refracted) to a desired angle. This arrangement of light sources 214 can allow all light sources 214 on a flat display panel 216 to share the same angular orientation relative to the flat display panel 216, while the lens 212 of each light source 214 changes to direct light toward a common point 218. The actuator 210 can actuate the lens 212 so that the light sources 214 emit light having a relative maximum in brightness along a propagation path (e.g., a line) that traverses the common point 218 (as indicated by light ray 220). Figure 6 , the orientation of light source 214 can be similar, but actuator 210 can rotate and / or translate lens 212 so that a relative maximum in brightness is observed from a common position. For example, actuator 210 is coupled to each lens 212 and can actuate lens 212 so that light emitted from light source 214 is directed toward an imaginary focus of the curve approximated by the orientation of flat display panel 216.

[0048] Figure 7A flat display panel 230 is illustrated, supported by a curved backing surface 232 having a light source 234 that emits light having a relative maximum in brightness toward a common point 236 that is not along the optical axis 238 of the curved backing surface 232. In practice, the common point 236 to which the light source 234 is oriented is not identical to the imaginary focus 240 of the curved backing surface 232. That is, the light source 234 is oriented differently to increase the brightness at the common point 236. The light source 234 has an actuator 242 that allows for the approximation of a range of curves by controlling the direction along which the light is concentrated, thereby increasing the overall contrast ratio at the common location.

[0049] Figure 8 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a controller 260 (e.g., an actuator controller) according to an embodiment. The controller 260 is configured to control the angle of light emitted from a light source 262 on a display panel 264 (e.g., display panel 122, display panel 230) so that the emitted light has a brightness at or near the imaginary focus of an imaginary curve created by the components of the display panel. Specifically, the controller 260 includes a memory 266 and a processor 268. Computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 266 (e.g., a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium / memory circuitry) can be executed by the processor 268. The memory 266 can store specific angles associated with specific curved shapes, and upon receiving input from an input device 270 indicating the type of curve to be approximated, the controller 260 can access the specific angle of the light source 262 on the display panel 264 that corresponds to the desired curve.

[0050] Input device 270 may include a display having a graphical user interface that allows selection of a desired curve and / or focal point. Controller 260 may then send commands to: actuator 272, as discussed above, which may be coupled to aspects of light source 262; display panel 264; and / or lens 274, which is coupled to light source 262. The commands, when executed, may cause actuator 272 to change the orientation of light emitted from light source 262 to have increased brightness at the imaginary focal point of the desired curve.

[0051] For example, the controller 260 may receive an input indicating a curve to be approximated (such as a sphere). In response to receiving the input, the controller 260 may determine the optimal orientation of the light sources 262 and / or the lens 274, which may be integral or removable from the light sources 262, so that when the image on the display panel is viewed from the imaginary focus of the input spherical curve, the light emitted from each light source 262 has maximum brightness. In some embodiments, the controller 260 may exclude the light source 262 from being aligned with the image. Figure 8. In fact, in some embodiments, the angle of light source 262 can be actuated mechanically rather than electrically. Moreover, in some embodiments, the angle of light source 262 can be actuated via a combination of mechanical and electrical mechanisms. Controller 260 may cause actuator 272 to change the position of maximum brightness to a position corresponding to the position previously input. The new position at which maximum brightness is observed may or may not correspond to the imaginary focus.

[0052] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method 300 for actuating a light source to emit light toward a focus of a curve, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by Figure 8 The method 300 is implemented by one or more components of the controller 260. The method 300 begins by receiving (block 302) at the controller an input indicating a selected or desired focus for a curve approximated by a plurality of light sources on a display panel. The focus may be selected based on an operation or determination of a characteristic of the curve. The selected focus may correspond to a point toward which the light sources are oriented to emit light having a maximum intensity. The curve may be approximated by specific angular adjustments of the light sources relative to each other on the display panel. The input may also include and / or indicate other characteristics such as a curve. That is, in some embodiments, the input may indicate a curve that is desired to be approximated by a component of the display panel. In practice, the display panel may be one of a component of a display panel such that the component of the display panel is faceted in a manner that approximates the curve.

[0053] Method 300 continues by determining (block 304) at the controller an angle for each of the plurality of light sources on the display panel directed toward the selected focal point. Specifically, the controller determines a specific angle that orients light from each light source to have a relative maximum intensity when the image viewed on the display panel is viewed from the selected focal point. In other words, at block 304, method 300 determines the angle of each light source so that the brightness of the light source increases when the light source is activated and viewed from the location of the selected focal point and / or a portion of the desired focal plane. The overall contrast ratio in an image received at or near the selected focal point may be increased. The angle determined at block 304 may also correspond to the angle between the normal to the display panel and the orientation of the individual light source. In some embodiments, the determined angle corresponds to the angle between a lens of a light source from the plurality of light sources and the normal to the display panel.

[0054] Method 300 continues by sending a control command from the controller to an actuator coupled to each light source (block 306) to actuate the light source so that the light emitted from the light source has a maximum brightness when the emitted light is viewed from the selected focal point. The control command may cause the actuator to orient each light source at the angle determined for each light source in block 304. In other words, the control command may cause the actuator to actuate any aspect of the light source so that the brightness of the light source increases when the light source is viewed from the selected focal point.

[0055] Figure 10 3 is a flow chart of a method 320 for actuating a light source on a display panel, according to an embodiment. Method 320 can be utilized when manufacturing a light source that can be angled relative to adjacent light sources on a display panel. Method 320 includes receiving (block 322) a light source to be coupled to / on a display panel via a substrate. The substrate and / or display panel can be a printed circuit board having circuitry that electrically powers the light source and determines the frequency of light emitted from the light source at a specific time. Furthermore, the light source can be a lensed LED to provide brightness differences relative to viewing angle.

[0056] At block 324, method 320 continues with determining a position of an actuator configured to couple to the light source. As previously mentioned, the actuator may be coupled to the light source. Figure 5-8 The actuator may be operated or actuated by a component or aspect similar to an actuator of the light source. Moreover, the actuator may be coupled to any component of the light source, such as a housing of the light source, a main lens of the light source, and the like. The actuator may also be coupled to a location near or on the location where the light source is coupled to the display panel. That is, the actuator may be welded to the display panel, and the light source is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator rotates the light source toward the focal point. Moreover, for example, the actuator may be coupled to a component external to the light source, such as a secondary lens. In this case, the actuator may not necessarily actuate the light source, but rather actuate the secondary lens to direct the light from the light source toward a desired position. The angle of each light source can also be determined using a computer algorithm, for example, which receives an input of a selected or desired focus and / or a desired curve, and outputs an angle corresponding to each of the multiple light sources on the display panel based on the position of each light source on the display panel.

[0057] Method 320 continues by coupling the actuator to an aspect of the light source, a substrate, a display panel, or any combination thereof at the determined location (block 326). Block 326 may include soldering the actuator to an aspect of the light source (e.g., a housing of the light source, a primary lens of the light source), the substrate, the display panel, or any combination thereof. Block 326 may also include utilizing computer technology to electrically and mechanically couple the actuator to an aspect of the light source (e.g., a housing of the light source, a primary lens of the light source, etc.), the substrate, the display panel, or any combination thereof.

[0058] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method 340 for angling a light source on a flat display panel toward a focal point, according to an embodiment. It should be noted that one or more steps of method 340 may or may not be included in the manufacturing process of a faceted screen. Method 340 begins by receiving (block 342) a first light source and a second light source to be coupled to the flat display panel. As previously mentioned, the substrate and / or the flat display panel may be a printed circuit board having circuitry that electrically powers the first and second light sources and determines the frequency of light emitted from the light sources at a specific time. The first and second light sources may each be an LED or any other type of light source.

[0059] Method 340 continues by determining (block 344) a first angular orientation of the first light source relative to an imaginary plane parallel to the flat display panel. For example, at block 344, when the first light source is an LED pixel, the determined angular orientation may be the angular orientation of a housing of the first light source and / or another aspect of the first light source. Block 344 may also include determining a position and / or angular orientation of a secondary lens to be coupled to the first light source.

[0060] Method 340 continues by coupling the first light source to the flat display panel at an angle given by the first angle determined at block 344 (block 346). The first light source may be welded to the flat display panel. Other processes for coupling the first light source to the display panel are possible.

[0061] Method 340 continues by determining (block 348) a second angle of the second light source relative to an imaginary plane parallel to the flat display panel. The second angle can be an angle that is different in magnitude from the first angle. Furthermore, the second angle can be different from the first angle because the flat display panel can be a flat display panel of an assembly of display panels assembled to approximate a curve. The second light source on the flat display panel can be at a different location than the first angle, such that the second angle may need to have a different angular magnitude than the first angle to increase the brightness level observed at the imaginary focus of the curve approximated by the assembly of flat display panels.

[0062] Method 340 continues by coupling the second light source to the flat display panel at an angle given by the second angle determined at block 348 (block 350). The second light source may be welded to the flat display panel. Other processes for coupling the second light source to the flat display panel are possible.

[0063] It should be noted that while many of the disclosed techniques are described above in the context of LED light sources (e.g., LED pixels), the disclosed techniques may be applicable to other types of display technologies that use light sources as part of panels forming faceted screens. Furthermore, while certain embodiments have been disclosed in the context of domed faceted screens, it should be understood that other curved display structures are contemplated, such as displays forming all or part of an animated character, a prop element, or other portion of an entertainment environment.

[0064] Although the embodiments set forth in this disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. This disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

[0065] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that arguably advance the art and, therefore, is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be interpreted under 35 USC § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 USC § 112(f).

Claims

1. A faceted screen system comprising: curved backing surface; a first planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface; a second planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface, wherein the first and second planar panels are angled toward an imaginary focus of the curved backing surface; a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel, wherein individual light sources of the first plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the first planar panel to emit light toward the imaginary focus; and A second plurality of light sources is disposed on the second planar panel, wherein individual light sources of the second plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the second planar panel to emit light toward the imaginary focus.

2. The faceted screen system according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second planar panels are positioned symmetrically across an imaginary optical axis of the curved backing surface.

3. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: An imaginary vertex formed by a first line extending from a first edge of the first planar panel and a second line extending from a second edge of the second planar panel includes an obtuse angle.

4. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: The first planar panel abuts the second planar panel at an optical axis of the curved backing surface.

5. The faceted screen system of claim 1 , wherein: The respective different angles of the individual ones of the first plurality of light sources continuously decrease in size toward an imaginary optical axis of the curved backing surface.

6. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: The respective different angles of the individual ones of the first plurality of light sources decrease continuously in magnitude by a common factor or in a step-wise manner toward an imaginary optical axis of the curved backing surface.

7. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the first plurality of light sources are oriented at a non-perpendicular angle to the first planar panel.

8. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: Adjacent light sources in the first plurality of light sources are oriented at different angles relative to the first planar panel.

9. The faceted screen system of claim 1 , wherein: The first plurality of light sources and / or the second plurality of light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs).

10. The faceted screen system of claim 1, wherein: Each individual light source in the first plurality of light sources and each individual light source in the second plurality of light sources are oriented to emit light having at least a relatively maximum intensity along an imaginary line extending from each of the individual light sources in the first plurality of light sources and each of the individual light sources in the second plurality of light sources and extending to the imaginary focus.

11. A faceted screen system comprising: A display panel assembly, wherein the display panel assembly comprises: a first planar panel; a second planar panel, wherein the first planar panel and the second planar panel are oriented such that a first line extending from a first edge of the first planar panel and a second line extending from the second planar panel form a vertex; a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel such that a first individual light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a first angle with a surface of the first planar panel, and a first adjacent light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a second angle with the surface of the first planar panel, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle; and a second plurality of light sources disposed on the second surface of the second planar panel such that a second individual light source in the second plurality of light sources forms a third angle with the second surface of the second planar panel, and a second adjacent light source in the second plurality of light sources forms a fourth angle with the second surface of the second planar panel, wherein the third angle is different from the fourth angle.

12. The faceted screen system of claim 11, wherein: The first planar panel and the second planar panel are positioned symmetrically across an imaginary optical axis of the curved backing surface.

13. The faceted screen system of claim 12, wherein: The first planar panel abuts the second planar panel at the imaginary optical axis of the curved backing surface.

14. The faceted screen system of claim 11, wherein: The first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources are configured to emit light having a relative maximum intensity toward a common location.

15. The faceted screen system of claim 14, wherein: The common location is an imaginary focal point of a curved backing surface coupled to the first and second planar panels.

16. The faceted screen system of claim 11, wherein: The difference in magnitude between the first angle and the second angle is the same as the difference in magnitude between the third angle and the fourth angle.

17. A faceted screen control system, comprising: a plurality of actuators coupled to respective ones of the plurality of light sources; A controller configured to: receiving an input indicating a selected focus point, the selected focus point orienting the plurality of light sources disposed on a plurality of flat display panels toward the selected focus point, the plurality of flat display panels forming an assembly of facets approximating a curve; determining an orientation of each of the plurality of light sources; as well as Control commands are sent to the plurality of actuators to actuate the respective ones of the plurality of light sources to cause the respective light sources to emit light toward the selected focal point.

18. The faceted screen control system according to claim 17, wherein: Each actuator of the plurality of actuators is individually addressable by the controller.

19. The faceted screen control system according to claim 17, wherein: Actuating the respective light sources includes changing an angular orientation of each of the plurality of light sources relative to a flat display panel of the plurality of flat display panels.

20. The faceted screen control system of claim 17, comprising a memory storing an orientation angle and corresponding actuation instructions for each of the plurality of light sources relative to a flat display panel in the plurality of flat display panels, wherein The controller accesses the memory to determine the control command.

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