Polarization techniques for visual effect systems

Abstract

A visual effect system includes: a first display, where the first display includes a polarization filter on or in the first display; and a second display, where the second display is not polarized. The visual effect system also includes a beam splitter positioned to enable a customer to view the first display through the beam splitter and to view a reflection of the second display through the beam splitter.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 529240 (titled “POLARIZATION TECHNIQUESFOR A VISUAL EFFECTS SYSTEM”, filed July 27, 2023), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to visual effects systems that provide visual effects in places such as amusement parks.

[0003] Places such as amusement parks can include a wide variety of attractions. Some attractions may include 3D imagery (e.g., offset pairs of 2D images of features that create the illusion of 3D when viewed through appropriate lenses), volumetric displays, and / or other special effects that help immerse customers in the attraction. However, it is currently recognized that customers may be limited to a single experience at the attraction and / or may have limited ways of experiencing it. With the increasing precision and complexity of modern ride attractions, it is also recognized that it may be desirable to provide improved and more creative visual effects to create unique experiences for customers at the attraction.

[0004] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be associated with the various aspects of this disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, rather than as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the subject matter initially claimed. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of this subject matter. In reality, this subject matter 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 visual effects system includes: a first display, wherein the first display includes a polarizing filter on or therein; and a second display, wherein the second display is not polarized. The visual effects system further includes a beam splitter positioned to allow a customer to view the first display through the beam splitter and to view reflections of the second display via the beam splitter.

[0007] In one embodiment, a visual effects system includes: a first display, wherein the first display includes a polarizing filter on or therein; and a second display, wherein the second display is not polarized. The visual effects system further includes: a beam splitter positioned to allow a customer to view the first display through the beam splitter and to view a reflection of the second display via the beam splitter; and goggles configured to be worn by the customer, wherein the goggles include a first lens that includes an additional polarizing filter.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of operating a visual effects system includes: generating image data for a first display and a second display at a processor; and instructing, via the processor, the transmission of the image data to the first display and to the second display, wherein the first display is configured to display a first image based on the image data, and the second display is configured to display a second image based on the image data. Further, the method includes: reflecting the second image toward the first display via a beam splitter; using a first polarization filter associated with the first display to enable visualization of the first image by a customer; and placing a second polarization filter between the customer and the first display to enable visualization of the second image by the customer. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot including a visual effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The visual effects system displays elements to create visual effects that can be viewed by customers without the use of lenses; Figure 3 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The visual effects system displays elements to create a visual effect that can be viewed by the customer using lenses; Figure 4 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The visual effects system displays elements to create the visual effect of elements overlapping each other and being viewed by the customer using lenses; Figure 5 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The visual effects system displays elements to create a two-dimensional visual effect that can be viewed by the customer without lenses and a three-dimensional visual effect that can be viewed by the customer with lenses; and Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for providing visual effects to a customer via a visual effects system, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to those listed. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that are also incorporated into the described features.

[0012] This disclosure relates to a visual effects system that provides visual effects (e.g., image effects). The visual effects system can operate in any of a wide variety of locations, such as amusement parks, restaurants, hotels, theaters, stadiums, etc. These locations may include a variety of features such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, set design, performers, and / or decorative elements to entertain customers. Image effects can be used to complement or enhance these features, for example, to provide customers with a more immersive and / or unique experience. For example, image effects may be presented as simulating real-world elements to create a more realistic atmosphere for customers.

[0013] Visual effects systems can utilize multiple displays to provide a wide variety of image effects. For example, a visual effects system can display virtual objects that can complement the appearance of real-world objects and / or other virtual objects via Pepper's Ghost technology. Generally, a visual effects system may employ a primary area (e.g., a background scene, a first scene, a first display), secondary areas (e.g., an augmented real scene, a second scene, a second display), and optical beamsplitters (e.g., glass). The optical beamsplitters can be arranged to enable the transmission of an image from the primary area so that a customer can view the image of the primary area through the optical beamsplitters. The optical beamsplitters can also reflect images from the secondary areas so that a customer can view reflected images from the secondary areas. Thus, a customer can observe images from the primary area (e.g., a real image from the primary area that can be viewed through the optical beamsplitters) and images from the secondary areas (e.g., virtual images reflected from the secondary areas by the optical beamsplitters), which are combined, superimposed, or overlapped relative to each other via the optical beamsplitters (e.g., referred to herein as "combined images"). Additionally, the visual effects system may include illumination to brighten and / or improve the visualization of various aspects of the combined image while blocking illumination of the optical beam splitter. Thus, the visual effects system can realistically depict elements of the image from the secondary area, such that the customer perceives them as existing alongside the image from the primary area, at least under certain conditions (e.g., when the customer is wearing polarizing lenses).

[0014] In this way, the visual effects system can utilize certain Pepper illusion techniques to provide a more realistic depiction of combined images. Furthermore, the visual effects system can utilize polarization techniques to selectively allow the viewer to see images from a primary area, images from a secondary area, and / or combined images. Specifically, the visual effects system may include a first display (e.g., the primary area) and a second display (e.g., the secondary area) positioned in a specific orientation (e.g., perpendicular to each other). Furthermore, an optical beam splitter may be positioned at an angle between the first and second displays to enable reflection of one or more images from the second display.

[0015] The first display may include a polarizing layer (such as a polarizing coating or filter) and may be positioned within the customer's field of vision. The second display may lack a polarizing layer (e.g., the polarizing layer is removed), thus making the second display unpolarized (e.g., non-polarized, unpolarized). Additionally, the second display may be positioned outside the customer's field of vision. The first display may be configured to display a first image (e.g., a video) to enable visualization by the customer. Furthermore, the second display may be configured to display a second image (e.g., a video) on the second display, and the second image is reflected onto the first display via an optical beam splitter. In this way, the customer can view the first image displayed by the first display and / or the second image displayed by the second display, at least under certain conditions (e.g., when the customer is wearing polarizing lenses).

[0016] In one embodiment, the customer can view the first image directly with the naked eye (e.g., without wearing polarizing lenses or viewing through an additional polarizing layer). Furthermore, because the second display is not polarized, the second image displayed by the second display may appear as white light to the customer. In this way, the first image may appear brighter to the customer. In one embodiment, the customer can wear (e.g., be equipped with) glasses that may include polarizing lenses. The polarizing lenses polarize the second display. Furthermore, the polarizing layer of the first display and the polarizing lenses may be positioned in orthogonal directions (e.g., a first direction orthogonal to a second direction). Therefore, due to these orientations of the polarizing layer and the polarizing lenses, the first display may appear darker (e.g., visually black to the customer), while the second image from the second display is reflected and visible to the customer. In this way, the first display may appear deactivated to the customer, while the second image from the second display is visible to the customer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first display may include a polarizing layer (e.g., polarized by the manufacturer) oriented in any direction not orthogonal to a second direction suitable for repolarizing the second display. In this way, when a customer wears glasses with polarized lenses, the customer can visualize a first image displayed on the first display and a second image displayed on the second display. In practice, in such cases, the second image may appear to the customer to overlap, superimpose, or combine with the first image due to optical beam splitters and polarization characteristics.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second display may be unpolarized and outside the field of view. The customer can visualize the first image on the first display without wearing glasses. Subsequently, the customer can wear glasses, one lens of which is polarized and the other unpolarized. The unpolarized lens of the glasses enables visualization of the first image on the first display. Additionally, the polarized lens enables visualization of a second image on the second display (e.g., one reflected onto the first display via an optical beam splitter). Thus, glasses with polarized lenses can enable visualization of three-dimensional (3D) images. Therefore, the present embodiment advantageously enables the presentation of multiple visual effects and also allows customers to determine the type of visualization they wish to experience during their visit.

[0019] Considering the foregoing, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot 10 (e.g., environment or location) including a visual effects system 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The scenic spot 10 may include a customer area 14 in which one or more customers 16 may be located. As an example, the customer area 14 may include paths (e.g., sidewalks, queues, lines) through which customers 16 can navigate. As another example, the customer area 14 may include spaces (e.g., seating areas) in which customers can be positioned to watch a performance. As yet another example, the customer area 14 may include a vehicle that can move through the scenic spot 10 and transport one or more customers 16.

[0020] In addition, attraction 10 may include a visual effects system 12, which can provide entertainment to one or more customers 16 located in customer area 14 and / or attraction 10. For example, visual effects system 12 can create visual effects that can be viewed by one or more customers 16. Visual effects system 12 may include a first display 18 having polarization characteristics 19 (e.g., a polarization layer), a second display 20 (e.g., without a polarization layer), a beam splitter 22 (e.g., glass), and a controller 24 (e.g., an electronic controller). The controller may include a memory 26 and a processor 28. Additionally, visual effects system 12 may include a visualization area 30 (e.g., a main area, a background scene). When one or more customers 16 are in customer area 14, one or more customers 16 can view transmitted elements 32 (e.g., a first image) and / or reflected elements 34 (e.g., a second image) in visualization area 30. Although visualization area 30 is in Figure 1The image is schematically shown with a transmissive element 32 and a reflective element 34 to facilitate discussion of these elements, but it should be understood that the visualization area 30 may be all or part of the first display 18 (e.g., the customer-facing surface of the first display 18) or otherwise aligned with the first display 18 (e.g., in its plane).

[0021] The first display 18 and / or the second display 20 may include any suitable display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro-LED, a transparent LCD display) that receives image data and projects (e.g., displays, transmits) the image data as an image. In some embodiments, the image data may include moving objects. That is, the image data may include a scene in which various elements within an image frame of the image data are changing position and / or configuration. In one embodiment, the first display 18 and / or the second display 20 may include a two-dimensional (2D) display. In an alternative embodiment, the first display 18 and / or the second display 20 may include a 3D or volumetric display, such as an autostereoscopic display, a light field display, and the like. In one embodiment, the first projector and the second projector may be interchangeable with the first display 18 and the second display 20. The first projector and the second projector may implement polarization techniques similar to those used by the first display 18 and the second display 20.

[0022] The first display 18 may include a polarization feature 19, such as a polarizing coating or layer on the outer surface of the first display 18 (e.g., the customer-facing outer surface). Alternatively, the polarization feature 19 may be formed within, embedded in, or formed on any suitable surface of the first display 18. The polarization feature 19 may have polarization characteristics to act as a filter lens, allowing only polarized light with appropriate characteristics to pass through. In one embodiment, the polarization feature 19 may be oriented in a certain direction (e.g., a first direction). The polarization feature may be adjustable such that the polarization characteristics acting as a filter lens can be adjusted (e.g., rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees). In one embodiment, the polarization feature 19 may be a linear polarization filter, such as a linear polarization filter orthogonally or parallel to the plane of incidence of light relative to the surface of the polarization feature 19. In another embodiment, the polarization feature 19 may be a circular polarization filter, such as a circular polarization filter held to the left or right.

[0023] The first display 18 may be positioned for viewing by one or more customers 16 within the customer area 14. The first display 18 may display a first image for visualization by one or more customers 16. The first image may be a transmissive element 32 of the visualization area 30 and may be directly seen by one or more customers 16 through the beam splitter 22.

[0024] The visual effects system 12 may include a beam splitter 22 positioned to combine images from a first display 18 and a second display 20. For example, one or more customers 16 can view a first image on the first display 18 through the beam splitter 22. That is, one or more customers 16 can see and directly view the first image displayed by the first display 18 in the visualization area 30 through the beam splitter 22. Further, one or more customers 16 can view a second image displayed by the second display 20, which is reflected toward the first display 18 by the beam splitter 22. In effect, one or more customers can see the reflection of the second image at the first display 18. The beam splitter 22 may be oriented such that the reflection of the second image provides an element 34 that appears to be positioned in the visualization area 30 (such as adjacent to the transmissive element 32). By way of example, the beam splitter 22 may be angled (e.g., at a 45-degree angle) toward the visualization area 30 relative to the line of sight of one or more customers. Furthermore, the beam splitter 22 may be made of a material such as glass, plastic, foil, and / or a translucent mirror, the material having both transmission and reflection properties to enable the viewing of the transmitted element 32 of the visualization area 30 through the beam splitter 22 and the viewing of the reflected element 34 of the visualization area 30, such as the reflection from the beam splitter 22.

[0025] In addition, the visual effects system 12 may include a controller 24 (e.g., an automation controller, a programmable logic controller, an electronic controller) configured to operate to adjust the experience provided to one or more customers 16 via the visual effects system 12. The controller 24 may include a memory 26 and a processor 28. The memory 26 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The processor 28 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 28 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof.

[0026] Controller 24 may send image data to first display 18 (e.g., instruct the transmission of image data to first display 18) to provide a first image based on the image data. Additionally or alternatively, controller 24 may send image data to second display 20 to provide a second image based on the image data. Controller 24 may adjust and update the image data sent to first display 18 and / or second display 20 to adjust the appearance of the first and / or second images. Therefore, such adjustments may also cause corresponding adjustments to the appearance of transmissive elements 32 and / or reflective elements 34 in the visualization area 30. It should be understood that controller 24 may include additional components, such as input / output (I / O) devices and / or communication components. Communication components may be wired or wireless components that facilitate communication between controller 24, first display 18, second display 20, and / or various other types of devices (e.g., controller 24 may instruct the communication components to send or transmit data such as image data).

[0027] In one embodiment, a mechanism (e.g., actuator, gear, or any other suitable mechanical link) may be coupled to the polarization feature 19, enabling movement of the polarization feature 19 (e.g., insertion, removal, rotation). That is, the controller 24 may instruct the mechanism to perform movement of the polarization feature 19. For example, the controller 24 may instruct the mechanism to remove the polarization feature 19 from in front of the first display 18. The mechanism may then begin to move the polarization feature 19 away from in front of the first display 18 (e.g., no longer overlapping part or all of the first display 18).

[0028] In one embodiment, one or more customers 16 may use a pair of glasses 36 (e.g., goggles; one or both lenses are polarized) or a polarizing film 38 to modify the visualization of a first and a second image. The glasses 36 may be configured to be worn on the head of one or more customers, wherein the lenses of the glasses 36 (e.g., which may be provided in the frame 37 of the glasses 36) cover both eyes of one or more customers 16. The polarizing film 38 may be integrated into portable devices (e.g., handheld or wearable devices carried by one or more customers 16), vehicles carrying one or more customers 16, mobile platforms moving relative to one or more customers 16, etc. It should be noted that while the glasses 36 and polarizing film 38 are described herein, any suitable polarization technology may be incorporated, which may provide a similar interaction with the visual effects system 12. For ease of discussion, the description of the visual effects system 12 provided herein is made with reference to the glasses 36. However, it should be noted that, as described herein, the visual effects system 12 is not limited to such embodiments. Reference will be made below to Figure 2-5Let's discuss additional details regarding the visualization provided to (one or more) customers 16 via these glasses 36.

[0029] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 The illustration of the visual effects system 12. In particular, Figure 2 The illustration shows a customer 16 viewing a visualization area 30 (e.g., a transmissive element 32 and / or a reflective element 34) via a first display 18 and a second display 20. The first display 18 may include a polarization feature 19. Figure 1 The first display 18 may provide a transmissive element 32, and the second display 20 may provide a reflective element 34. The customer 16 can view the visualization area 30 directly with the naked eye (e.g., without lenses).

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the first display 18 can directly display the transmitted element 32 to the customer 16. Since the second display 20 is not polarized, the reflected element 34 of the second display 20 can appear as white light to the customer 16. Therefore, the visualization area 30 can include the transmitted element 32 displayed to the customer 16, and the white light of the reflected element 34 (via a beam splitter) can be combined with the transmitted element 32. In this way, the transmitted element 32 displayed to the customer 16 can appear brighter (e.g., more vibrant).

[0031] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transmitting element 32 may include an image of lightning. Additionally, the reflecting element 34 may include white light. The white light from the reflected element 34 may be combined with the image of lightning from the transmitting element 32. Thus, the visualization area 30 may display a brighter image of lightning for viewing by the customer 16.

[0032] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 The illustration of the visual effects system 12. In particular, Figure 3 The illustration depicts a customer 16 wearing glasses 36 and viewing a visualization area 30 via a first display 18 and a second display 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the glasses 36 may include polarizing lenses for both eyes of the customer 16. The first display 18 may include a polarizing feature 19 oriented in a certain direction (e.g., a first direction). Figure 1The direction is orthogonal to the direction used to repolarize the second display 20 (e.g., a second direction). Because the orientation of the polarization feature 19 of the first display 18 is orthogonal to the polarizing lens of the glasses 36, the transmitted element 32 of the first display 18 may appear darker to the customer 16 (e.g., visually black or deactivated). Furthermore, the second display 20 can be polarized due to the polarizing lens of the glasses 36. Therefore, the customer 16 can view the reflected element 34 of the second display 20 (and not the transmitted element 32 of the first display 18) in the visualization area 30.

[0033] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, customer 16 is wearing glasses 36 with polarizing lenses. The polarization characteristics (e.g., polarizing filters) of each lens in the polarizing lenses can be identical; for example, vertical. In this example, the polarization characteristic 19 of the first display 18 is oriented in a manner that makes its polarization characteristic horizontal. Therefore, the transmitted element 32 appears darkened or deactivated to customer 16 through the polarizing lenses of the glasses 36. Furthermore, the reflected element 34 may include images of two clouds. Thus, customer 16 can view the reflected element 34, including images of two clouds in the visualization area 30. In this way, customer 16 can create new visual effects by wearing the glasses 36, enabling the appearance of the transmitted element 32 to be replaced by the reflected element 34.

[0034] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 The illustration of the visual effects system 12. In particular, Figure 4 The illustration shows a customer 16 wearing glasses 36 and viewing a visualization area 30 via a first display 18 and a second display 20. The glasses 36 may include polarizing lenses for both eyes. The first display 18 may include a polarization feature 19. Figure 1 The polarization feature is oriented in any direction except orthogonal to the direction used to polarize the second display 20. In this way, interference or obstruction by orthogonal orientation (e.g., obstruction of polarized light) is prevented. That is, the polarization feature 19 can be positioned in any orientation except directly opposite to the orientation used to polarize the second display 20 to enable viewing of both the first display 18 and the second display 20. Therefore, when the customer 16 wears the glasses 36 with the polarizing lens, the transmissive element 32 of the first display 18 remains visible to the customer 16. Furthermore, the glasses 36 can polarize the second display 20. Therefore, the reflective element 34 of the second display 20 can also be visible to the customer 16. Thus, the reflective element 34 of the second display 20 may appear to overlap or superimpose on the transmissive element 32 of the first display 18.

[0035] For example, in Figure 4 In this setup, the first display 18 may include a polarization feature 19, wherein the polarization characteristic is horizontal (or any direction other than vertical). The transmissive element 32 of the first display 18 may include an image of lightning. The second display 20 may use the horizontal polarization characteristic (e.g., a corresponding or identical polarization characteristic) for repolarization. Furthermore, the reflective element 34 of the second display 20 may include images of two clouds. A customer 16 is wearing glasses 36 with polarizing lenses (including horizontal polarization characteristics). Therefore, the customer 16 can view the reflected element 34 of the image of the second display 20 superimposed on the transmissive element 32 of the first display 18. In effect, the clouds may appear to the customer 16 as superimposed on the lightning.

[0036] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 The illustration of the visual effects system 12. In particular, Figure 5 The illustration shows a view of the visualization area 30 by customer 16 (represented as customer 16A without the glasses 36 or customer 16B with the glasses 36). The first display 18 may include a polarization feature 19. Figure 1 ), and the second display 20 may not be polarized.

[0037] In one embodiment, customer 16A can view the visualization area 30 with the naked eye. As mentioned herein, the transmissive element 32 can be visible to customer 16A, and the reflective element 34 can appear as white light. Thus, the transmissive element 32 can be a two-dimensional (2D) image visible to customer 16A and can appear brighter due to white light.

[0038] like Figure 5 As illustrated in the figure, and as described in this article for Figure 2 As described, the white light reflected by element 34 can be combined with the image of lightning transmitted by element 32 of the first display 18. Therefore, the visualization area 30 can display a brighter image of the lightning for viewing by customer 16A.

[0039] In one embodiment, customer 16B may wear glasses 36 and view a visualization area 30. Glasses 36 may include a polarizing lens 48 and a transparent lens 50 (e.g., an unpolarized lens). The transparent lens 50 enables visualization of the transmitted elements 32 of the first display 18. Furthermore, the polarizing lens 48 enables visualization of the reflected elements 34 of the second display 20. Customer 16B can simultaneously view both the transmitted elements 32 and the reflected elements 34 via each corresponding lens (e.g., the polarizing lens 48 and the transparent lens 50), creating a three-dimensional (3D) image for visualization performed by customer 16B.

[0040] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, customer 16B wears these glasses 36. The transmissive element 32 may include an image of lightning. The reflective element 34 may also include an image of lightning. Thus, customer 16B can view the transmissive element 32 and the reflective element 34 combined in the visualization area 30 to create a 3D image for customer 16B. In this way, customer 16B can decide whether they want to view 2D or 3D content by choosing to view it with their naked eyes or with these glasses 36.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method 60 for providing visual effects to a customer via a visual effects system. The method 60 disclosed herein includes various steps represented by boxes. It should be noted that at least some steps of method 60 can be automated by a system (such as...) Figure 1 The visual effects system 12) is executed. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps can be executed in any suitable order, and some steps can be executed simultaneously when appropriate.

[0042] In step 62, method 60 may begin by displaying a first image on a first display, which is polarized to enable visualization by a customer. For example, a controller may generate and transmit image data to the first display so that the first display provides the first image based on the image data. In step 64, a second image may be displayed on a second display. For example, the controller may generate and transmit additional image data to the second display so that the second display provides the second image based on the additional image data. The first display may be in the customer's direct field of vision, and the second display may be positioned outside the customer's field of vision.

[0043] In step 66, the second image can be reflected onto the first display. That is, the beam splitter can be positioned to reflect the second image onto the first display to combine the images from the first and second displays. However, the second display can be unpolarized, so that the second image appears as white light to the customer.

[0044] In step 68, a first polarizing lens may be positioned to enable visualization of the first and second images together. As noted herein, in one embodiment, the first display may include a polarization feature that may be oriented in any direction other than orthogonal to the direction used to repolarize the second display. For example, the polarization feature may be oriented such that its polarization characteristics are perpendicular. Furthermore, the polarization characteristics used to repolarize the second display may also be perpendicular. Thus, a first polarizing lens including perpendicular polarization characteristics may be positioned. In this way, continuous visualization of the first image can be achieved. Additionally, the first polarizing lens can repolarize the second display, thus enabling visualization of the second image combined with the first image.

[0045] In step 70, a second polarizing lens may be placed (e.g., in glasses above the customer's eyes) to enable visualization of the second image in the absence of the first image. As mentioned herein, in one embodiment, the first display may include a polarization feature that may be oriented in a direction orthogonal to the direction used to polarize the second display. For example, the polarization feature used to polarize the second display may be vertical. Furthermore, the polarization feature of the first display may be oriented in such a way that its polarization characteristic is horizontal. Therefore, the second polarizing lens (including a vertical polarization feature) may be placed. Thus, the first display may appear deactivated to the customer. Further, the second polarizing lens may repolarize the second display, making the second image visible to the customer without the first image.

[0046] Accordingly, customers can control the visual effects they experience at the attraction. Customers can control whether they view images in 2D or 3D (e.g., one or more customers with motion sickness who may not wish to experience 3D visual effects can choose not to wear glasses to view only 2D visual effects; one or more customers can choose to view 2D or 3D effects at different times; one or more customers can be directed to wear glasses and / or otherwise positioned relative to a polarizing film to alternately view the first image, the second image, or both). Furthermore, customers can experience the attraction once and then subsequently experience it a second time for a new experience at the same attraction. This can provide a more enjoyable experience for customers at the attraction while also giving them some control.

[0047] While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0048] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to specific examples and substantial objects that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for (performing)...(function)” or “step for (performing)...(function)”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A visual effects system, comprising: A first display, wherein the first display includes a polarization filter on or therein; A second display, wherein the second display is not polarized; and A beam splitter is positioned to allow a customer to view the first display through the beam splitter and to view the reflection of the second display through the beam splitter.

2. The visual effects system of claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the first display, the second display, or both, the controller configured to: Transmitting first image data to the first display so that the first display shows the first image; and The second image data is transmitted to the second display so that the second display shows the second image.

3. The visual effects system of claim 1, further comprising an additional polarization filter configured to polarize the second display.

4. The visual effects system as described in claim 3, wherein, The polarization filter is oriented differently from the additional polarization filter.

5. The visual effects system as described in claim 3, wherein, The polarization filter is oriented in the same way as the additional polarization filter.

6. The visual effects system as described in claim 3, wherein, Each of the polarization filter and the additional polarization filter includes a linear polarization filter, and the linear polarization filter is oriented orthogonally to each other.

7. The visual effects system as described in claim 3, wherein, Each of the polarization filter and the additional polarization filter includes a circular polarization filter, and the circular polarization filter is oriented with chirality opposite to that of each other.

8. The visual effects system as described in claim 3, wherein, The additional polarization filter includes goggles or a polarizing film.

9. The visual effects system as described in claim 8, wherein, The additional polarizing filter includes the goggles, and the goggles include: frame; The first lens and the second lens are coupled to the frame; and The lens polarization filter on the first lens.

10. The visual effects system of claim 9, wherein, The goggles include the lens polarization filter on the second lens.

11. The visual effects system of claim 9, wherein, The second lens is not polarized.

12. The visual effects system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first display and the second display includes a two-dimensional display, a three-dimensional display, or a volumetric display.

13. The visual effects system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first display and the second display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro-LED display, or a transparent LCD display.

14. A visual effects system, comprising: A first display, wherein the first display includes a polarization filter on or therein; A second display, wherein the second display is not polarized; A beam splitter, positioned to allow a customer to view the first display through the beam splitter and to view the reflection of the second display through the beam splitter; and The goggles are configured to be worn by the customer, wherein the goggles include a first lens that includes an additional polarizing filter.

15. The visual effects system of claim 14, wherein, The additional polarizing filter is configured to be orthogonal to the polarizing filter when the goggles are worn correctly by the customer.

16. The visual effects system of claim 15, wherein, The goggles include a second lens, which includes the additional polarizing filter.

17. The visual effects system of claim 15, wherein, The goggles include a second lens that is not polarized, and the goggles enable the customer to view both the first and second images to create a three-dimensional image.

18. A method for operating a visual effects system, the method comprising: Image data for the first and second displays is generated at the processor. The processor instructs the transmission of image data to the first display and to the second display, wherein the first display is configured to display a first image based on the image data, and the second display is configured to display a second image based on the image data; The second image is reflected toward the first display via a beam splitter; Using a first polarization filter associated with the first display, visualization of the first image by the customer can be achieved; and A second polarization filter is placed between the customer and the first display to enable the customer to visualize the second image.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, Placing the second polarization filter enables the visualization of the first image and the second image together as a combined image.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, Each of the first polarization filter and the second polarization filter includes a corresponding polarization characteristic for repolarization.

Images