Fire display with polarized optical device

Abstract

A system for generating an image display for an occupant in a vehicle includes a controller and an imaging chamber. The imaging chamber comprises: a first display adapted to project a first image; a first reflector adapted to receive the first image from the first display and to reflect the first image to a first passenger; a second display adapted to project a second image and a second reflector adapted to receive the second image from the second display and reflect the second image to a second passenger; a transparent touch screen display located between the first and second reflectors and the passenger and adapted to display information to the passenger in an image plane located in front of the first and second images; and a linear polarizer between the transparent display and the first and second reflectors and adapted to filter light propagating from the transparent display to the first and second reflectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for generating a floating image that is viewable by multiple passengers within a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Current in-vehicle entertainment systems typically include screens or monitors mounted within the vehicle for viewing by passengers. Some systems include smaller individual screens, with each passenger having a screen for their personal viewing. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a method and system for improving passenger satisfaction by presenting relevant information in a format that is easily understood by the passenger.

[0003] While current systems achieve their intended purposes, there is a need for a new and improved system for providing all passengers within a vehicle with a floating three-dimensional image that appears centrally within the vehicle and provides a campfire-like viewing atmosphere in which the passengers can all view a common floating image, or each passenger can view a unique floating image, wherein the system provides high quality images to the passengers. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method for using a system for generating a centrally located floating image display within a Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber for multiple passengers within a vehicle cabin includes filtering light propagating from a transparent display toward a reflector with a linear polarizer positioned between the transparent display and a reflector within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber to increase the contrast of an image displayed within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber.

[0005] According to another aspect, the method further comprises: displaying a first image with a first display in the imaging room in communication with the system controller; receiving the first image from the first display with a first reflector solely associated with a first passenger; reflecting the first image to the first passenger with the first reflector, wherein the first passenger perceives the first image floating at a central position in the imaging room; displaying a second image with a second display in the imaging room in communication with the system controller; receiving the second image from the second display with a second reflector solely associated with a second passenger; reflecting the second image to the second passenger with the second reflector, wherein the second passenger perceives the second image floating at a central position in the imaging room; and displaying first private information floating at a central position in the imaging room to the first passenger in an image plane in front of the first image, and displaying second private information floating at a central position in the imaging room to the second passenger in an image plane in front of the second image.

[0006] According to another aspect, filtering light traveling from the transparent display toward the first reflector and the second reflector with a linear polarizer positioned between the transparent display and the first reflector and between the transparent display and the second reflector also includes filtering light traveling from the transparent display toward the first reflector and the second reflector with the linear polarizer and allowing only S-polarized light to pass through the linear polarizer toward the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0007] According to another aspect, displaying the first image with a first display in the imaging room in communication with the system controller further comprises displaying the first image including only S-polarized light with the first display in the imaging room, and displaying the second image with a second display in the imaging room in communication with the system controller further comprises displaying the second image including only S-polarized light with the second display in the imaging room.

[0008] According to another aspect, the method also includes reflecting S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the first reflector toward the first display with a first reflector; reflecting S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the second reflector toward the second display with a second reflector; using a first cover glass on the first display to deflect a first portion of the light reflected by the first reflector to the first display away from the first reflector; using the first cover glass on the first display to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the first reflector to the first display back to the first reflector; reflecting the light reflected from the first cover glass toward the linear polarizer with the first reflector; using the second cover glass on the second display to deflect the first portion of the light reflected by the second reflector to the second display away from the second reflector; using the second cover glass on the second display to reflect the second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector to the second display back to the second reflector; and reflecting the light reflected from the second cover glass toward the polarizer with the second reflector.

[0009] According to another aspect, the method also includes converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer to the first reflector into circularly polarized light using a quarter wave plate located between the linear polarizer and the first reflector and between the linear polarizer and the second reflector; converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer to the second reflector into circularly polarized light using the quarter wave plate; converting circularly polarized light reflected from the first reflector to the linear polarizer into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate; and converting circularly polarized light reflected from the second reflector to the linear polarizer into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate.

[0010] According to another aspect, each of the first reflector and the second reflector is a polarizing beam splitter adapted to reflect only S-polarized light.

[0011] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a system for generating a centrally located floating image display for multiple passengers within a vehicle cabin includes: a Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber, and a linear polarizer positioned between a transparent touch screen display and a reflector of the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber, the linear polarizer being adapted to filter light propagating from the transparent display toward the reflector and to increase contrast of an image displayed within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber.

[0012] According to another aspect, the system further includes a system controller, the imaging room including: a first display adapted to project a first image; a first reflector individually associated with the first display and a first passenger among a plurality of passengers, the first reflector adapted to receive the first image from the first display and reflect the first image to the first passenger, wherein the first passenger perceives the first image to float at a central position within the imaging room; a second display adapted to project a second image; and a second reflector individually associated with the second display and a second passenger among the plurality of passengers, the second reflector adapted to receive the second image from the second display and reflect the second image to the second passenger, wherein the second passenger perceives the second image to float at a central position within the imaging room; and a transparent touch screen display located between the first reflector and the first passenger and between the second reflector and the second passenger, and adapted to display first private information to the first passenger in an image plane located in front of the first image floating at a central position within the imaging room, and adapted to receive input from the first passenger, and adapted to display second private information to the second passenger in an image plane located in front of the second image floating at a central position within the imaging room, and adapted to receive input from the second passenger.

[0013] According to another aspect, the linear polarizer is adapted to allow only S-polarized light to pass through the linear polarizer toward the first and second reflectors, and the first display is adapted to display a first image comprising only S-polarized light, and the second display is adapted to display a second image comprising only S-polarized light.

[0014] According to another aspect, the first reflector is adapted to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the first reflector toward the first display, and the second reflector is adapted to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the second reflector toward the second display.

[0015] According to another aspect, the system further comprises: a first cover glass, the first cover glass being positioned on the first display and being adapted to deflect a first portion of light reflected by the first reflector toward the first display away from the first reflector and to reflect a second portion of light reflected by the first reflector toward the first display back to the first reflector, the first reflector being adapted to reflect light from the first cover glass toward the linear polarizer; and a second cover glass, the second cover glass being positioned on the second display and being adapted to deflect a first portion of light reflected by the second reflector to the second display away from the second reflector and to reflect a second portion of light reflected by the second reflector to the second display back to the second reflector, the second reflector being adapted to reflect light from the second cover glass toward the linear polarizer.

[0016] According to another aspect, the system also includes a quarter wave plate, which is located between the linear polarizer and the first reflector and between the linear polarizer and the second reflector, and the quarter wave plate is suitable for: converting linear S-polarized light propagating from the polarizer to the first reflector into circularly polarized light; converting linear S-polarized light propagating from the polarizer to the second reflector into circularly polarized light; converting circularly polarized light reflected by the first reflector to the polarizer into linear polarization; and converting circularly polarized light reflected by the second reflector to the polarizer into linear polarization.

[0017] According to another aspect, each of the first reflector and the second reflector is a polarizing beam splitter adapted to reflect only S-polarized light.

[0018] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view of a vehicle cabin having a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic side view of the transparent display, linear polarizer, reflector and display of the system shown;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic side view of a , including a quarter wave plate;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic top view of the system shown with a first passenger and a second passenger;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the system shown;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 a schematic top view of the system shown, wherein the position of the second passenger has been moved; and

[0028] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] These figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced, such as to illustrate details of a particular component. In some cases, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is essentially only exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use. In addition, it is not desired to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, summary of the invention or the following specific embodiments. It should be understood that in all drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent identical or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic and / or processor device individually or in any combination, including but not limited to: specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuit, processor (shared, specific or group) and memory, combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components providing the function that execute one or more software or firmware programs. Although the drawings shown in this article describe examples with certain element arrangements, additional intermediate elements, devices, features or components may be present in actual embodiments. It should also be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0031] As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to automobiles. Although the present technology is described primarily in conjunction with automobiles herein, the present technology is not limited to automobiles. These concepts can be used in a variety of applications, such as those related to aircraft, ships, other vehicles, and consumer electronic components.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is shown with an associated system 11 for generating a centrally located floating three-dimensional image 50 display for a plurality of passengers 52 located within the vehicle 10, according to various embodiments. Typically, the hybrid head-up display system 11 works in conjunction with other systems within the vehicle 10 to display various information and infotainment content for the passengers. The vehicle 10 typically includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and typically substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0033] In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle, and the system 11 is incorporated into the autonomous vehicle 10. The autonomous vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle 10 that is automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. The vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other vehicle including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. may also be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a so-called level 4 or level 5 automation system. A level 4 system represents "high automation" and refers to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task even if the human driver does not respond appropriately to the intervention request. A level 5 system represents "full automation" and refers to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task under all road and environmental conditions that can be managed by a human driver.

[0034] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, a vehicle controller 34, and a communication system 36. In embodiments where the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, there may be no transmission system 22. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The transmission system 22 is configured to transfer power from the propulsion system 20 to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle according to a selectable speed ratio. According to different embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or a suitable transmission.

[0035] The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include friction brakes, brake-by-wire brakes, a regenerative braking system such as an electric machine, and / or other suitable braking systems. The steering system 24 affects the position of the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for purposes of illustration, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0036] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or internal environment of the autonomous vehicle 10. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radar, laser radar (LiDAR), global positioning system, optical camera, thermal imager, ultrasonic sensor and / or other sensors. The camera may include two or two or more digital cameras at a selected distance, wherein the two or more digital cameras are used to obtain stereo images of the surrounding environment in order to obtain a three-dimensional image. Multiple sensing devices 40a-40n are used to determine information about the environment surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include at least one of a motor speed sensor, a motor torque sensor, an electric drive motor voltage and / or current sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a cooling fan speed sensor, and a transmission oil temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n also include sensors for determining information about the environment surrounding the vehicle 10, such as an ambient air temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and / or a photo and / or video camera positioned to view the environment in front of the vehicle 10.

[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is capable of measuring distances in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting example in which the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include cameras, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n measure distances using an image processing algorithm configured to process images from the cameras and determine distances between objects. In another non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 40a-40n include stereo cameras with distance measurement capabilities. In one example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the interior of the vehicle 10, such as in the roof of the vehicle 10, with a view through the windshield of the vehicle 10. In another example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the exterior of the vehicle 10, such as on the roof of the vehicle 10, with a view of the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. It should be understood that various additional types of sensing devices, such as LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, radar sensors, and / or time-of-flight sensors are within the scope of the present disclosure. The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42 a - 42 n that control one or more features of the vehicle 10 , such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 20 , the transmission system 22 , the steering system 24 , and the braking system 26 .

[0039] The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer readable storage device or medium 46. The at least one data processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of several processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used to execute instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the at least one data processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using any of a variety of known memory devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10.

[0040] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by at least one processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms to automatically control components of the vehicle 10. Although in Figure 1 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication mediums and collaborate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0041] In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the vehicle controller 34 are included in the trajectory planning system and, when executed by at least one data processor 44, generate trajectory outputs that address kinematic and dynamic constraints of the environment. For example, the instructions receive process sensor and map data as input. The instructions execute a graph-based approach that utilizes a custom cost function to handle different road scenarios in urban and highway roads.

[0042] The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate with other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems, remote servers, cloud computers, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternative communication methods such as a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channel are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel specific to automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0043] The vehicle controller 34 is a non-universal electronic control device having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, look-up tables, etc., and a transceiver [or input / output port]. Computer-readable media include any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard drive, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media do not include wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as rewritable optical disks or erasable memory devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The system 11 for generating a centrally located floating three-dimensional image 50 display for a plurality of passengers 52 located within a vehicle includes an imaging room 54, which includes: a first display 56 in communication with the system controller 34 and adapted to project a first image 50A, and a first reflector 58 associated with the first display 56 and a first passenger 52A of the plurality of passengers 52, respectively; and a second display 60 adapted to project a second image 50B, and a second reflector 62 associated with the second display 60 and a second passenger 52B of the plurality of passengers 52, respectively. Figure 2 As shown, the system 11 includes two displays 56, 60, reflectors 58, 62, and passengers 52A, 52B. It should be appreciated that the system 11 may be adapted to accommodate any suitable number of passengers 52.

[0045] refer to Figure 3 , the carriage 64 includes a plurality of seating positions occupied by a plurality of passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D. As shown, the carriage 64 includes four seating positions for four passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D. Each reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 is adapted to be seen by one of the passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D. Each reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 is adapted to receive an image from an associated display and reflect the image to the associated passenger 52. The associated passenger 52 perceives the image 50 floating in a central position within the imaging chamber 54.

[0046] Reference again Figure 2, the first reflector 58 is adapted to receive the first image 50A from the first display 56 (as indicated by arrow 70) and reflect the first image 50A to the first passenger 52A (as indicated by arrow 72), wherein the first passenger 52A perceives the first image 50A floating at a central position within the imaging room 54 (as indicated by arrow 74). The second reflector 62 is adapted to receive the second image 50B from the second display 60 (as indicated by arrow 76) and reflect the second image 50B to the second passenger 52B (as indicated by arrow 78), wherein the second passenger 52B perceives the second image 50B floating at a central position within the imaging room 54 (as indicated by arrow 80).

[0047] Reference again Figure 3 , each of the four passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D perceives an image 50 reflected to them by a corresponding associated reflector 58, 62, 66, 68, and the passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D perceive the image 50 reflected to them within the imaging chamber 54, as indicated by line 82. The first display 56 is associated with the first reflector 58, the second display 60 is associated with the second reflector 62, and the third and fourth displays (not shown) are associated with the third and fourth reflectors 66, 68, respectively. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth displays 56, 60 may project the same image to each of the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68, and thus to each of the passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D. Alternatively, each of the displays 18, 22 may display a different perspective of the same image or a completely different image to each of the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68. Thus, the system 11 is able to present the same floating image 50 to all passengers 52 so that they can view it simultaneously, or alternatively, each passenger 52 can view a different perspective of the floating image 50 or an entirely different three-dimensional image 50 .

[0048] The transparent display 84 is located between the eyes of each of the plurality of passengers 52 and the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68. Figure 2As shown, the transparent display 84 is located between the first reflector 58 and the first passenger 52A and between the second reflector 62 and the second passenger 52B. The transparent display 84 is adapted to display information to the first passenger 52A and the second passenger 52B in an image plane that is located in front of the perceived first image 50A and the second image 50B floating in a central position in the imaging room 54. The transparent display 84 presents the first passenger 52A with first private information appearing in the first image plane 86, wherein the first private information displayed to the first passenger 52A on the transparent display 84 appears in front of the image 50A perceived by the first passenger 52A in the imaging room 54. The first private information is information that is only seen by the first passenger 52A. The transparent display 84 presents the second passenger 52B with second private information appearing in the second image plane 88, wherein the second private information displayed to the second passenger 52B on the transparent display 84 appears in front of the image 50B perceived by the second passenger 52B in the imaging room 54. The second private information is information that is only seen by the second passenger 52B.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, transparent display 84 is a transparent touch screen that is adapted to allow multiple passengers 52 to receive annotation information and provide input to system 11. Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent display 84 includes a transparent cylindrical touch screen. The transparent cylindrical touch screen surrounds the imaging chamber 54 so as to be located between the eyes of the plurality of passengers 52 and the perceived image 50 floating at a central location within the imaging chamber 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent display 84 is an organic light emitting diode (OLED). It should be understood that the transparent display 84 may be other types of transparent touch screen displays known in the art.

[0050] The transparent display 84 is adapted to present visible display information only to passengers 52 who are directly in front of a portion of the transparent display 84. The nature of the transparent display 84 is such that the displayed information is displayed only on a first side, i.e., the outwardly facing cylindrical surface, of the transparent display 84. The second side, i.e., the inwardly facing cylindrical surface, of the transparent display 84 displays no information, thereby allowing other passengers 52 to see through the transparent display 84 to the other side when viewed by other passengers 52.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the images from each of the displays 56, 60 are generated via a holographic method, pre-calculated and encoded into a hologram generator within the displays 56, 60. In an exemplary embodiment, each display 56, 60 is adapted to project a three-dimensional image with a variable virtual image distance. The three-dimensional image with a variable virtual image distance allows the system 11 to project the floating image 50 to the passenger 52, which has the ability to make the floating image 50 appear closer or farther away from the passenger 52.

[0052] Reference again Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the system 11 is mounted to a support structure 90 suspended from a roof 92 within the vehicle cabin 64. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the system 11 is mounted to a support structure 94, such as a pedestal, which is mounted to a floor 96 within the cabin 64. In various embodiments, the system 11 may be retractable, wherein the system 11 is recessed within the roof 92 or floor 96 within the vehicle cabin 64 when not in use.

[0053] The transparent display 84 and each reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 are transparent, wherein the passenger 14 can see through the transparent display 46 and the associated reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 to the other side. This allows the passenger 52 to perceive the floating image 50 at a distance beyond the reflector 58, 62, 66, 68, and further allows the passenger 52 to see through the transparent display 84 and the reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 to the other side, thereby being able to see the interior of the car 64 and other passengers 52 therein.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent display 84 is an autostereoscopic display that is adapted to display stereoscopic or three-dimensional images by increasing the binocular perception of three-dimensional depth without the use of special helmets, glasses, things that affect the viewer's vision, or anything for the viewer's eyes. Because no headband is required, the autostereoscopic display is also referred to as "glasses-free 3D" or "3D without glasses." The autostereoscopic transparent display includes a display panel and a parallax barrier that is mounted to the display panel on the outward-facing side of the display panel facing an associated one of the plurality of passengers 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the parallax barrier mounted to the transparent display 84 includes a plurality of parallel vertical holes that divide the displayed image so that the left eye and the right eye of the passenger 52 viewing the autostereoscopic display see different portions of the displayed image, and the passenger 52 perceives a three-dimensional image.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the parallax barrier mounted to the transparent display 84 can be selectively actuated by a controller that is adapted to switch between closing the parallax barrier and opening the parallax barrier, wherein when the parallax barrier is closed, the parallax barrier is completely transparent and the viewing passenger 52 views the image displayed on the transparent display 84 as a two-dimensional image, and when the parallax barrier is opened, the viewing passenger 52 views the image displayed on the transparent display 84 as a three-dimensional image.

[0056] When the parallax barrier is activated, each of the left and right eyes of the viewing passenger 52 sees only half of the displayed image, and therefore, the resolution of the three-dimensional image is reduced. To improve resolution, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to implement time division multiplexing by alternately opening and closing the parallax barrier. Time division multiplexing requires that the system 11 be able to switch the parallax barrier on and off quickly enough to eliminate any perceptible image flickering by the viewing passenger 52. Liquid crystal displays are particularly suitable for such applications.

[0057] Reference again Figure 2 , the system 11 includes a linear polarizer 98 located between the transparent display 84 and the first reflector 58 and between the transparent display 84 and the second reflector 62. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear polarizer 98 is cylindrical and extends around the imaging chamber 54 within the cylindrical transparent display 84, located between the transparent display 84 and each of the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68. The linear polarizer 98 is adapted to filter light propagating from the transparent display 84 to the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62.

[0058] refer to Figure 4 , the displays 56, 60 project light including the image 50 upward toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 100). The reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 reflect the light from the displays 56, 60 outward toward the transparent display 84 (as indicated by arrow 102) through the polarizer 98 (as indicated by arrow 104) and through the transparent display 84 to the eyes of the passenger 52 (as indicated by arrow 106). Ambient light from outside the transparent display 84 passes through the transparent display 84 toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 108). In addition, light emitted by the transparent display 84 travels toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 110). When such ambient light and light emitted by the transparent display 84 leak into the imaging chamber 54, the contrast of the floating image 50 within the imaging chamber is reduced, reducing the quality of the displayed floating image 50. In an exemplary embodiment, linear polarizer 98 is adapted to allow only S-polarized light to pass through linear polarizer 98 toward reflectors 58 , 62 , 66 , 68 .

[0059] Linear polarizer 98 is located between transparent display 84 and reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 and is adapted to allow only S-polarized light to pass through. Light is an electromagnetic wave, and the electric field of the wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation. If the direction of the electric field fluctuates randomly over time, the light is referred to as unpolarized light or randomly polarized light. Many common light sources, such as sunlight, halogen lighting, LED spotlights, and incandescent bulbs produce unpolarized light. If the direction of the electric field is well defined, it is referred to as polarized light. The two orthogonal linear polarization states that are most important for reflection and transmission are referred to as P polarization and S polarization. P polarized light has an electric field that is polarized parallel to the plane of incidence, while S polarized light is perpendicular to the plane. Polarizer 98 is any suitable device adapted to allow only S polarized light to pass through and prevent P polarized light from passing through.

[0060] Thus, because linear polarizer 98 allows only S-polarized light to pass through and blocks P-polarized light from passing through, approximately 50% of both ambient light passing through transparent display 84 (as indicated by arrow 108) and light emitted by transparent display 84 (as indicated by arrow 110) pass through linear polarizer 98, resulting in a 50% reduction in light propagating toward reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 112). In addition, because the material used to make polymer polarizers accepts a wide spectral bandwidth and has a large acceptance angle, linear polarizer 98 will attenuate light passing through it by up to an additional 10%.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 are adapted to reflect S-polarized light propagating from linear polarizers toward reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 112) toward displays 56, 60 (as indicated by arrow 114). Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment, the system 11 includes a first cover glass 116 positioned on the first display 56 and a second cover glass 118 positioned on the second display 60 .

[0062] Reference again Figure 4, a first cover glass 116 and a second cover glass 118 are located on the first display 56 and the second display 60, and a third cover glass and a fourth cover glass (not shown separately) are associated with the third display and the fourth display (not shown separately). The displays 56, 60 covered with glass provide a natural reflection of a small portion (approximately 4%) of any incident light, and in addition, the cover glasses 116, 118 have a curved profile and / or are coated with an anti-reflective coating, wherein the cover glasses 116, 118 are adapted to receive light reflected to the displays 56, 60 (as indicated by arrow 114) and deflect a first portion of such light away from the reflector (as indicated by arrow 120). In addition, the first cover glass 116 and the second cover glass 118 located on the first display 56 and the second display 60 and the third and fourth cover glasses (not shown separately) associated with the third display and the fourth display (not shown separately) are suitable for reflecting a second portion of such light back to the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as shown by arrow 122), wherein the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 are suitable for reflecting such light from the cover glasses 116, 118 toward the polarizer 98 (as shown by arrow 124).

[0063] The curved profile and / or anti-reflective coating helps reduce the amount of light, including the second portion, that is reflected back toward the reflector (as indicated by arrow 122). Thus, the amount of light reflected by the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as indicated by arrow 124) is minimized, thereby reducing the amount of such light that propagates back through the linear polarizer 98 (as indicated by arrow 126), and the amount of such light that propagates back through the transparent display 84 (as indicated by arrow 128), thereby reducing the amount of such light that reaches the eyes of the passenger 52 and affects the contrast of the image 50 perceived by the passenger 52 within the imaging chamber 54.

[0064] The amount of such light that passes through linear polarizer 98 toward transparent display 84 is not significantly reduced because such light is already S-polarized, however, due to the materials used in manufacturing polymer polarizers that accept a wide spectral bandwidth and have a large acceptance angle, such light is further attenuated by up to an additional 10% during a second pass through linear polarizer 98 (arrows 124 and 126). The amount of such light that propagates back through linear polarizer 98 (as indicated by arrow 126) and the amount of light that propagates back through transparent display 84 (as indicated by arrow 128) is thereby further reduced, thereby further reducing the amount of light that reaches the eyes of passenger 52 and affects the contrast of image 50 perceived by passenger 52 within imaging chamber 54.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, first display 56 and second display 60 are adapted to display images including only S-polarized light. In addition, each of reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 is a polarizing beam splitter adapted to reflect only S-polarized light and allow P-polarized light to pass therethrough. Thus, any P-polarized light incident on reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 passes through reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 and exits the display (as indicated by arrow 130).

[0066] refer to Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the system 11 also includes a quarter wave plate 132 located between the linear polarizer 98 and the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68. In an embodiment including the quarter wave plate 132, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 can be basic reflectors or polarizing beam splitters as described above. Ambient light from outside the transparent display 84 passes through the transparent display 84 toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as shown by arrow 108). In addition, light emitted by the transparent display 84 travels toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as shown by arrow 110). About 50% of both the ambient light passing through the transparent display 84 (as shown by arrow 108) and the light emitted by the transparent display 84 (as shown by arrow 110) are allowed to pass through the linear polarizer 98, resulting in a 50% reduction in the light propagating toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 (as shown by arrow 112). Furthermore, because the materials used to make polymer polarizers accept a wide spectral bandwidth and have a large acceptance angle, linear polarizer 98 will attenuate light passing through it by up to an additional 10%.

[0067] Light passing through the linear polarizer (as shown by arrow 112) passes through a quarter wave plate 132 (as shown by arrow 134). The quarter wave plate 132 is adapted to convert linear S polarized light (as shown by arrow 112) traveling from the linear polarizer 98 toward the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 into circularly polarized light (as shown by arrow 134). The linearly polarized light is converted into circular polarization by passing through a quarter wave plate whose axis is 45° to its polarization axis. Similarly, circularly polarized light can be converted into linearly polarized light by passing it through a quarter wave plate. Such circularly polarized light is reflected by the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 to the displays 56, 60 (as shown by arrow 136). And as described above, a portion of such circularly polarized light is reflected back to the reflector by the displays 56, 60 and the cover glass 116, 118 (as shown by arrow 138).

[0068] Circularly polarized light from the displays 56, 60 (as indicated by arrow 138) is reflected by the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 back to the quarter wave plate 132 (as indicated by arrow 140), passes through the quarter wave plate 132 toward the linear polarizer 98, and is converted back to linearly polarized light by the quarter wave plate 132. When such light passes through the quarter wave plate 132 for the second time, an additional phase factor is added to the light relative to the original light. The light leaving the quarter wave plate 132 (as indicated by arrow 142) is linearly polarized, however, rotated 90 degrees relative to the incident light. This light will be blocked by the linear polarizer 98 until the polarization ratio of the linear polarizer is reached, which is typically 100:1 or 1000:1. Thereby further reducing and possibly eliminating the amount of light that propagates back through the linear polarizer 98 and the transparent display 84, and further reducing the amount of such light that reaches the eyes of the passenger 52 and affects the contrast of the image 50 perceived by the passenger 52 in the imaging room 54.

[0069] refer to Figure 6 , the imaging chamber 54 includes transparent portions 152, 154 to allow the passenger 52 to see their associated reflectors 58, 62. As shown, the imaging chamber 54 includes a first transparent portion 152, which is adapted to allow the first image 50A reflected by the first reflector 58 to pass outwardly from the imaging chamber 54 to the first passenger 52A (e.g., Figure 2 In addition, the imaging chamber 54 includes a second transparent portion 154, which is adapted to allow the second image 50B reflected by the second reflector 62 to pass outwardly from the imaging chamber 54 to the second passenger 52B (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 78 in FIG.

[0070] The imaging chamber 54 also includes solid portions 156, 158 adapted to prevent light from entering the imaging chamber 54 behind the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62. The imaging chamber 54 functions much like a Pepper's Ghost Chamber, where the image of an object is perceived by an observer in a reflective surface adjacent to the actual image. As described above, in the present disclosure, images presented by displays 56, 60 that are not within the field of view of the passenger 52 are reflected by the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 to the passengers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, so that the passengers "see" the image 50 within the imaging chamber 54 and perceive the image 50 floating behind the reflective surfaces of the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68. If the imaging chamber 54 behind the reflectors 58, 62, 66, 68 is exposed to ambient light, the image 50 will not be visible to the passenger 52. Thus, the solid portions 156, 158 of the imaging chamber 54 are adapted to prevent light from entering the imaging chamber 54 behind the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62. Figure 6, the imaging chamber 54 includes solid overlapping panels 156 , 158 that are adapted to prevent light from entering the imaging chamber 54 behind the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62 .

[0071] refer to Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the system 11 can be selectively moved vertically upward and downward (as indicated by arrow 162) along the vertical center axis 160. In addition, each display 56, 60 and associated reflector 58, 62, 66, 68 can be integrally and selectively rotated about the vertical center axis 160 (as indicated by arrow 164). This allows the system 11 to adjust to change the position of the passenger 52 within the vehicle cabin 64.

[0072] refer to Figure 8 , the first reflector 58 and the first display 56 can rotate about the vertical center axis 160 (as shown by arrow 166). The second reflector 62 and the second display 60 can rotate about the vertical center axis 160 (as shown by arrow 168). Figure 6 As shown, the first passenger 53A and the second passenger 52B are seated directly opposite each other, and the first reflector 58 and the first display 56 are positioned 180 degrees from the second reflector 62 and the second display 60. Figure 8 As shown, the head position of the second passenger 52B has moved, and the second reflector 62 and the second display 60 have been rotated an angular distance 170 to ensure that the second passenger 52B perceives the image 50 from the second display 60 and the second reflector 62 .

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging chamber 54 includes a first solid plate 156 located adjacent to either side of the first reflector 58 and adapted to move integrally with the first reflector 58 and the first display 56 when the first reflector 58 and the first display 56 rotate about the vertical center axis 160. The second solid plate 158 is located adjacent to the second reflector 62 and adapted to move integrally with the second reflector 62 and the second display 60 when the second reflector 62 and the second display 60 rotate about the vertical center axis 160. The first solid plate 156 overlaps the second solid plate 158 to allow relative movement of the first solid plate 156 with respect to the second solid plate 158 and to ensure that ambient light is blocked from entering the imaging chamber 54 behind the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62 at all times.

[0074] refer to Fig. 9The method 200 for generating a centrally located floating three-dimensional image 50 display for a plurality of passengers 52 located within a cabin 64 of a vehicle 10 using the system 11 includes, beginning at block 202, displaying a first image 50A with a first display 56 of an imaging room 54 in communication with a system controller 34, moving to block 204, receiving the first image 50A from the first display 56 with a first reflector 58 solely associated with the first passenger 52A, moving to block 206, reflecting the first image 50A toward the first passenger 52A with the first reflector 58, wherein the first passenger 52A perceives the first image 50A to float in a central position within the imaging room 54, moving to block 208, displaying a second image 50B with a second display 60 of the imaging room 54 in communication with the system controller 34, moving to block 210, receiving the second image 50B from the second display 60 with a second reflector 62 solely associated with the second passenger 52B, moving to block 212, 62 reflects the second image 50B to the second passenger 52B, wherein the second passenger 52B perceives the second image 50B floating at a central position within the imaging room 54, moves to box 214, uses a transparent display 84 that communicates with the system controller 34 and is located between the eyes of the first passenger 52A and the first reflector 58 and between the eyes of the second passenger 52B and the second reflector 62 to display the first private information to the first passenger 52A in the first image plane 86 in front of the first image 50A floating at a central position within the imaging room 54, and displays the second private information to the second passenger 52B in the second image plane 88 in front of the second image 50B floating at a central position within the imaging room 54, and moves to box 216, uses a linear polarizer 98 located between the transparent display 84 and the first reflector 58 and between the transparent display 84 and the second reflector 62 to filter the light traveling from the transparent display 84 to the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, at box 216, filtering light traveling from the transparent display 84 toward the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62 with a linear polarizer 98 located between the transparent display 84 and the first reflector 58 and between the transparent display 84 and the second reflector 62 also includes filtering light traveling from the transparent display 84 toward the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62 with the linear polarizer 98, and only allowing S-polarized light to pass through the linear polarizer 98 toward the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment, displaying the first image 50A at box 202 using the first display 56 of the imaging room 54 that communicates with the system controller 34 also includes displaying the first image 50A that includes only S-polarized light using the first display 56 of the imaging room 54, and displaying the second image 50B at box 208 using the second display 60 of the imaging room 54 that communicates with the system controller 34 also includes displaying the second image 50B that includes only S-polarized light using the second display 60 of the imaging room 54.

[0077] In another exemplary embodiment, method 200 also includes moving to frame 218, using the first reflector 58 to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56, and moving to frame 220, using the second reflector 62 to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the second reflector 62 toward the second display 60.

[0078] In another exemplary embodiment, the method 200 further includes moving to frame 222, using the first cover glass 116 on the first display 56 to deflect a first portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56 away from the first reflector 58, moving to frame 224, using the first cover glass 116 on the first display 56 to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56 back to the first reflector 58, moving to frame 226, using the first reflector 58 to reflect the light reflected from the first cover glass 116 toward the linear polarizer 98, moving to frame 228, using the second cover glass 118 on the second display 60 to deflect a first portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 away from the second reflector 62, moving to frame 230, using the second cover glass 118 on the second display 60 to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 back to the second reflector 62, and moving to frame 232, using the second reflector 62 to reflect the light reflected from the second cover glass 118 toward the polarizer 98.

[0079] In another exemplary embodiment, method 200 also includes moving to frame 234 to convert linear S polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the first reflector 58 into circular polarized light using a quarter wave plate 132 located between the linear polarizer 98 and the first reflector 58 and between the linear polarizer 98 and the second reflector 62, before reflecting S polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the second reflector 62 toward the second display 60 using the second reflector 62 in frame 220, and moving to frame 236 to convert the linear S polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the second reflector 62 into circular polarized light.

[0080] In addition, method 200 includes reflecting a second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 back to the second reflector 62 with the second cover glass 118 at frame 230, and reflecting the light reflected from the second cover glass 118 to the polarizer 98 back to the second reflector with the second reflector 62 at frame 232, moving to frame 238, converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the first reflector 58 to the linear polarizer 98 into linear polarization with the quarter wave plate 132, and moving to frame 240, converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the linear polarizer 98 into linear polarization with the quarter wave plate 132.

[0081] In another exemplary embodiment, each of the first reflector 58 and the second reflector 62 is a polarization beam splitter suitable for reflecting only S-polarized light, wherein method 200 includes moving from frame 216 to frame 242, using the first reflector 58 to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56, and moving to frame 244, using the second reflector 62 to reflect S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the second reflector 62 toward the second display 60.

[0082] In another exemplary embodiment, the method 200 also includes moving to frame 246, using the first cover glass 116 on the first display 56 to deflect a first portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56 away from the first reflector 58, moving to frame 248, using the first cover glass 116 on the first display 56 to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56 back to the first reflector 58, moving to frame 250, using the first reflector 58 to reflect the light reflected from the first cover glass 116 toward the linear polarizer 98, moving to frame 252, using the second cover glass 118 on the second display 60 to deflect a first portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 away from the second reflector 62, moving to frame 254, using the second cover glass 118 on the second display 60 to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 back to the second reflector 62, and moving to frame 256, using the second reflector 62 to reflect the light reflected from the second cover glass 118 toward the polarizer 98.

[0083] In another exemplary embodiment, method 200 also includes reflecting S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 toward the first reflector 58 toward the first display 56 using the first reflector 58 at frame 242, and reflecting S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 toward the second reflector 62 toward the second display 60 using the second reflector 62 at frame 244, moving to frame 258, converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 toward the first reflector 58 into circularly polarized light using a quarter-wave plate 132 located between the linear polarizer 98 and the first reflector 58 and between the linear polarizer 98 and the second reflector 62, and moving to frame 260, converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer 98 to the second reflector 62 into circularly polarized light using the quarter-wave plate 132.

[0084] In addition, method 200 includes reflecting a second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the second display 60 back to the second reflector 62 using the second cover glass 118 on the second display 60 at frame 254, and reflecting the light reflected from the second cover glass 118 toward the polarizer 98 using the second reflector 62 at frame 256, moving to frame 262, converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the first reflector 58 to the linear polarizer 98 into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate 132, and moving to frame 264, converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the second reflector 62 to the linear polarizer 98 into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate 132.

[0085] The system of the present disclosure has several advantages. These advantages include providing a floating image that is perceived by the passenger at a central location within the vehicle compartment. This provides a campfire-like viewing atmosphere in which the passengers can all view a common floating image, or each passenger can view a unique floating image. In addition, the system according to the present disclosure reduces the amount of ambient light that leaks into the imaging chamber and into the eyes of the passengers, which affects the contrast and overall quality of the displayed image, thereby maintaining higher image contrast and quality and providing a better viewing experience for the passengers.

[0086] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of using a system for generating a centrally located floating image display within a Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber for a plurality of passengers within a vehicle compartment, the method comprising: Light propagating from the transparent display toward the reflector is filtered using a linear polarizer positioned between the transparent display and the reflector within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber to increase contrast of an image displayed within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: displaying a first image with a first display of the imaging room in communication with a system controller; receiving the first image from the first display with a first reflector individually associated with a first passenger; reflecting the first image to the first passenger using the first reflector, wherein the first passenger perceives that the first image floats at a central position within the imaging room; displaying a second image with a second display of the imaging room in communication with the system controller; receiving the second image from the second display with a second reflector individually associated with a second passenger; reflecting the second image to the second passenger using the second reflector, wherein the second passenger perceives the second image as floating at a central position within the imaging room; and Using a transparent display that communicates with the system controller and is located between the eyes of the first passenger and the first reflector and between the eyes of the second passenger and the second reflector, first private information floating at a central position within the imaging room is displayed to the first passenger in an image plane located in front of the first image, and second private information floating at a central position within the imaging room is displayed to the second passenger in an image plane located in front of the second image.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Filtering light traveling from the transparent display toward the first reflector and the second reflector with a linear polarizer located between the transparent display and the first reflector and between the transparent display and the second reflector also includes filtering light traveling from the transparent display toward the first reflector and the second reflector with the linear polarizer and allowing only S-polarized light to pass through the linear polarizer toward the first reflector and the second reflector.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Displaying a first image with a first display of the imaging room in communication with the system controller further comprises displaying a first image including only S-polarized light with the first display of the imaging room; and Displaying a second image with a second display of the imaging room in communication with the system controller further comprises displaying a second image including only S-polarized light with the second display of the imaging room.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: reflecting, with the first reflector, S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the first reflector toward the first display; as well as reflecting, with the second reflector, S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the second reflector toward the second display; deflecting a first portion of light reflected from the first reflector to the first display away from the first reflector with a first cover glass on the first display; using the first cover glass on the first display to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the first reflector to the first display back to the first reflector; reflecting light reflected from the first cover glass toward the linear polarizer with the first reflector; deflecting a first portion of light reflected from the second reflector to the second display away from the second reflector with a second cover glass on the second display; using the second cover glass on the second display to reflect a second portion of the light reflected by the second reflector to the second display back to the second reflector; as well as The light reflected from the second cover glass is reflected toward the polarizer by the second reflector.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the first reflector into circularly polarized light using a quarter wave plate positioned between the linear polarizer and the first reflector and between the linear polarizer and the second reflector; converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the second reflector into circularly polarized light using the quarter wave plate; converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the first reflector toward the linear polarizer into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate; as well as The circularly polarized light reflected by the second reflector toward the linear polarizer is converted into linear polarization by the quarter wave plate.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first reflector and the second reflector is a polarization beam splitter adapted to reflect only S-polarized light.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: deflecting a first portion of S-polarized light reflected from the first reflector to the first display away from the first reflector using a first cover glass on the first display; using the first cover glass on the first display to reflect a second portion of the S-polarized light reflected by the first reflector to the first display back to the first reflector; reflecting the S-polarized light reflected from the first cover glass toward the polarizer using the first reflector; deflecting a first portion of S-polarized light reflected from the second reflector to the second display away from the second reflector using a second cover glass on the second display; using the second cover glass on the second display to reflect a second portion of the S-polarized light reflected by the second reflector to the second display back to the second reflector; as well as The S-polarized light reflected from the second cover glass is reflected toward the polarizer by the second reflector.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the first reflector into circularly polarized light using a quarter wave plate positioned between the linear polarizer and the first reflector and between the linear polarizer and the second reflector; converting linear S-polarized light traveling from the linear polarizer toward the second reflector into circularly polarized light using the quarter wave plate; converting the circularly polarized light reflected by the first reflector toward the linear polarizer into linear polarization using the quarter wave plate; as well as The circularly polarized light reflected by the second reflector toward the linear polarizer is converted into linear polarization by the quarter wave plate.

10. A system for generating a centrally located floating image display for a plurality of passengers within a vehicle compartment, comprising: Pepper's Ghost Imaging Room; as well as A linear polarizer is located between the transparent touch screen display and the reflector of the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber, the linear polarizer being adapted to filter light traveling from the transparent display toward the reflector and increase the contrast of an image displayed within the Pepper's Ghost imaging chamber.

Images