Techniques for generating images in visual effect system

Abstract

A visual effect system includes a display configured to present a series of image frames and a mirror positioned to reflect the series of image frames to generate reflected image frames. The visual effect system also includes a drive system coupled to the mirror, where the drive system is configured to drive movement of the mirror to adjust a perceived depth of the reflected image frame to produce a volumetric image for visualization by a customer.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 528585 (titled “TECHNIQUES FOR PRODUCINGIMAGERY IN A VISUAL EFFECTS SYSTEM”, filed July 24, 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 a setting, such as an amusement park.

[0003] Venues such as amusement parks can include a wide variety of attractions. Some attractions may include displays (such as monitors, digital screens, volumetric displays, and / or other displays) to provide images for visitors to visualize within the attraction. In some cases, displays may be movable to provide special image effects, thereby immersing customers in the attraction. As modern ride attractions become increasingly sophisticated and complex, it is now recognized that providing improved systems to create visual effects that create unique experiences for customers within the attraction can be desirable.

[0004] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to this invention, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended to 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 and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the original claimed subject matter. 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 the subject matter. In practice, the subject matter can encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the visual effects system includes a display configured to present a series of image frames and a mirror positioned to reflect the series of image frames to generate reflected image frames. The visual effects system also includes a driving system coupled to the mirror, wherein the driving system is configured to drive movement of the mirror to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frames, thereby producing a volumetric image for visualization by a customer.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of operating a visual effects system includes: generating image data for a display at one or more processors, and transmitting the image data to the display via the one or more processors, wherein the display is configured to display a series of image frames based on the image data. Furthermore, the method includes: reflecting the series of image frames via a mirror to generate reflected image frames, and moving the mirror via a drive system to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frames, thereby generating a volumetric image for a customer to visualize.

[0008] In one embodiment, the visual effects system includes a display configured to present a series of image frames, and a mirror positioned to reflect the series of image frames to generate reflected image frames. The visual effects system also includes a beam splitter positioned to guide the reflected image frames into a visualization area, and a drive system coupled to the mirror, wherein the drive system is configured to drive movement of the mirror to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frames in the visualization area for a customer to visualize. 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 characters throughout the drawings denote similar parts, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the scenic spot including a visual effects system, wherein a mirror is in a first position; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the scenic spot including Figure 1 The visual effects system, in which the mirror is in the second position; Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A top view of the visual effects system, in which mirrors are coupled to the drive system; Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the visual effects system, in which mirrors are coupled to the driving system; Figure 5 This is a top view of a visual effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a mirror; Figure 6 This is a top view of a visual effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a mirror and an additional mirror; Figure 7 This is a top view of a visual effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a display, wherein the display is transparent; and Figure 8This is a perspective view of a visual effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a disc having multiple mirror segments. 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, the development of any such actual implementation requires numerous implementation-specific decisions 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 tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] When describing elements of 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 the presence of additional elements besides 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; volumetric imaging). The visual effects system can operate in any location across a wide variety of venues, such as amusement parks, restaurants, hotels, theaters, stadiums, and so on. These venues may include a wide range of features (such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, set design, performers, and / or decorative elements) to engage customers. Visual effects can be used to complement or supplement features, such as to provide customers with a more immersive and / or unique experience. For example, visual effects can be presented to simulate real-world elements to create a more realistic atmosphere for customers.

[0013] Visual effects systems can provide a wide variety of visual 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 a Pepper's Ghost system. Generally, a Pepper's Ghost system can employ a display, Fresnel lenses, mirrors, and / or optical beam splitters (e.g., glass). To enable a customer to view the image, the display emits light via an optical beam splitter that can guide the light through a Fresnel lens. Furthermore, the light can be reflected from a mirror, pass through the Fresnel lens again, and then be reflected from the optical beam splitter. Thus, the customer can observe an image in a visualization area that appears to be behind the optical beam splitter relative to the customer's area. In this way, the visual effects system can realistically depict the elements of an image, making the customer perceive those elements as physically present. In practice, visual effects systems can utilize certain Pepper's Ghost techniques to provide an even more realistic depiction of the image.

[0014] The visual effects system may also include features that allow translation (e.g., movement) of images through the environment. Furthermore, these features may allow volumetric (e.g., three-dimensional (3D)) images to be perceived by the customer. That is, a mirror may be mounted on a drive system (e.g., a mechanical device) that moves the mirror toward and away from an optical beamsplitter at various speeds (e.g., low, medium, or high speeds) (e.g., oscillations). The display volumetric depth (e.g., perceived depth) of the image displayed for the customer's visualization may be twice the distance the mirror travels. For example, if the mirror travels one unit away from the optical beamsplitter, the image may appear to have moved two units away from the customer. Therefore, by updating the image generated by the display in coordination with the movement of the mirror, unique images can be displayed to the customer at different depths (e.g., closer to or further away from the customer). Furthermore, when the image is displayed at different depths, it may appear larger or smaller to the customer. Additionally, as the drive system moves the mirror toward and away from the optical beam splitter at high speed, the customer can perceive the time-series images presented on the display as volumetric images.

[0015] In one embodiment, the visual effects system may not have Fresnel lenses and / or beam splitters. Furthermore, the drive system of the visual effects system may include a first moving mechanism (e.g., a wheel; a rotatable structure), a second moving mechanism (e.g., a wheel; a rotatable structure), and at least one motor driving the rotation of the first and second moving mechanisms. In some embodiments, the first and second moving mechanisms may be connected via a linkage. Thus, the at least one motor may include a single motor driving the rotation of the first moving mechanism, and the linkage causes the second moving mechanism to rotate simultaneously or together with the first moving mechanism. The first and second moving mechanisms may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to cause movement of a mirror mounted thereon. Therefore, the mirror can oscillate (e.g., with forward, backward, left, and / or right components) by moving about a rotation axis or central axis, which can cause the image to appear at different perceptual depths for the customer to visualize (e.g., at different positions forward, backward, left, and / or right).

[0016] In one embodiment, the display may be positioned at height above a customer facing the mirror, and the mirror may be positioned in front of the customer and / or the display. The mirror may be moved via a drive system to move closer to the customer and / or the display or further away from the customer and / or the display. Furthermore, the display may generate an image that can be reflected from the mirror and allows the customer to view the image generated by the display. As described above, the movement of the mirror can affect the size and depth of the image as perceived by the customer. Additionally, when the mirror moves at high speed, volumetric images may be perceived by the customer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the visual effects system may include an additional mirror. The display may be positioned at a height above a customer facing the mirror. Additionally, the mirror may be positioned facing the display, and the additional mirror may be located in front of the mirror and / or the customer. Furthermore, the mirror and the additional mirror may be moved forward and backward (e.g., in the same direction or in different directions) via a drive system. Furthermore, the display may generate an image that can be reflected from the mirror, which can then be reflected onto the additional mirror, thereby enabling the customer to view the image generated by the display. The movement of the mirror and the additional mirror can double the display volume depth of the displayed image.

[0018] In one embodiment, the visual effects system may include a transparent display. The transparent display may include any type of electronic display that allows a customer to see an image of themselves relative to the customer behind the display. The transparent display may be positioned between a mirror and the customer. The display may produce an image that can be reflected from the mirror. The customer can view the image by looking through the transparent display and directly into the mirror. As disclosed herein, the mirror may be moved closer to and further away from the display via a drive system to affect the depth of the presented image and / or produce a volumetric image.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mirror may be replaced by a disk (e.g., a rotatable structure) comprising multiple mirror segments (e.g., as part of a mirror or in a mirror assembly). Each mirror in the multiple segments may be raised relative to the disk at different corresponding heights (e.g., offset distances). The multiple mirror segments may be covered by a cover with an opening such that only a single mirror segment reflects the image at a time. The disk may be rotated (e.g., rapidly) to sequentially display (e.g., one at a time; via alignment with the opening in the cover) each of the multiple mirror segments. In this way, the depth of the presented image can be affected and / or a volumetric image can be produced.

[0020] Considering the above, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot 10 (e.g., environment or location) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Scenic spot 10 includes a visual effects system 12, wherein a mirror 24 is positioned in a first location. Scenic spot 10 may include a customer area 14 in which one or more customers 16 can be positioned. As an example, customer area 14 may include paths (e.g., sidewalks, queues, lines, moving conveyors) through which customers 16 can navigate. As another example, customer area 14 may include spaces (e.g., seating areas) in which customers 16 can be positioned to watch performances. As a further example, customer area 14 may include a vehicle that can move through scenic spot 10 and transport one or more customers 16.

[0021] In addition, attraction 10 may include a visual effects system 12 that can provide entertainment for 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 display 18, a beam splitter 20 (e.g., glass), a Fresnel lens 22 (e.g., a compact lens), a mirror 24 (e.g., a reflector), a drive system 26, and a controller 28 (e.g., an electronic controller). Controller 28 may include a memory 30 and a processor 32. Additionally, visual effects system 12 may include a visualization area 34 that can represent the location of virtual images 36 (e.g., reflected images; objects and / or characters, such as buildings, cars, pieces of furniture, people, cartoon characters, and / or animals) that one or more customers 16 can view when they are in customer area 14.

[0022] Display 18 may include any suitable display (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, micro LED, transparent LCD display) that receives image data and projects (e.g., displays, transmits) the image data as images, such as a series of image frames. In one embodiment, display 18 may include a two-dimensional (2D) display. In one embodiment, display 18 may include a transparent display (e.g., a see-through display), such as a transparent LED display or a transparent OLED display. Display 18 may be positioned outside the field of view of one or more customers 16 within customer area 14 and may display images (e.g., emit light). Images may pass through beam splitter 20 and then be reflected from mirror 24 as reflected images. Beam splitter 20 may then guide (e.g., reflect) the reflected images to form a virtual image 36 in visualization area 34.

[0023] As shown, display 18 and mirror 24 can be positioned along a first axis to face each other, and beam splitter 20 can be positioned between display 18 and mirror 24 along the first axis. One or more customers 16 can see through beam splitter 20 and view virtual image 36 in visualization area 34. Beam splitter 20 can be oriented in such a way that virtual image 36 appears to be positioned in visualization area 34. By way of example, beam splitter 20 can be angled (e.g., at 45 degrees) relative to the line of sight of one or more customers 16 toward visualization area 34. In one embodiment, the line of sight of one or more customers 16 intersects (e.g., orthogonally) the first axis. Furthermore, beam splitter 20 can be made of a material such as glass, plastic, foil, and / or a translucent mirror, which includes both transmissive and reflective properties.

[0024] Additionally, the visual effects system 12 may include a Fresnel lens 22 positioned in line with the beam splitter 20 (e.g., along a first axis between the beam splitter 20 and the mirror 24). The Fresnel lens 22 may include concentric rings or grooves on a flat surface. The concentric rings or grooves of the Fresnel lens 22 can act as individual prisms, bending and focusing light towards a central point, which is the focal point of the Fresnel lens 22. Thus, the Fresnel lens 22 can focus and concentrate light in a specific direction (towards the mirror 24 and / or towards the beam splitter 20), for example, light from an image from the display 18 can pass from the beam splitter 20 through the Fresnel lens 22 and to the mirror 24. The mirror 24 can then reflect the light back through the Fresnel lens 22 and to the beam splitter 20.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, mirror 24 can be in a first position. Mirror 24 can be supported and driven by a drive system 26, which may include a first movement mechanism 38 and a second movement mechanism 40. That is, mirror 24 can be positioned (e.g., mounted, coupled) on drive system 26. Drive system 26 can enable linear or non-linear movement of mirror 24 to a second position (e.g., movement relative to the ground of display 18 and / or point 10). In one embodiment, drive system 26 can enable movement in any direction and / or along multiple axes, such as forward (e.g., toward display 18), backward (e.g., away from display 18), left, and / or right. In this way, drive system 26 can enable mirror 24 to move along track 42 by a relatively large distance (e.g., total movement; greater than 1 meter), but also to repeatedly move or oscillate relative to track 42 by a relatively small distance (e.g., small movement; less than 1 meter).

[0026] In one embodiment, the first moving mechanism 38 and / or the second moving mechanism 40 may be coupled to at least one actuator that can be actuated to move the mirror 24. For example, the at least one actuator may be a piston, hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, electric motor, another suitable actuator, and the like. After actuation by the at least one actuator, the first moving mechanism 38 and the second moving mechanism 40 may slide, rotate, turn, or perform any suitable movement to move the mirror 24 along the track 42. For example, the first moving mechanism 38 and the second moving mechanism 40 may be a wheel, a ball, a rotatable plate, another suitable moving mechanism, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the drive system 26 may include more or fewer moving mechanisms (e.g., one moving mechanism, three moving mechanisms, six moving mechanisms). The drive system 26 can be operated to move (e.g., oscillate) the mirror 24, thereby affecting (e.g., adjusting) the depth of the virtual image 36 (e.g., the depth perceived by (one or more) customers 16; its position in the visualization area 34), the size of the virtual image 36 (e.g., making it appear larger or smaller), and / or making the virtual image 36 appear as a volumetric image.

[0027] In addition, the visual effects system 12 may include a controller 28 (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 28 may include memory 30 and a processor 32. Memory 30 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. Processor 32 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, processor 32 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.

[0028] Controller 28 can transmit (e.g., send, transmit) image data to enable display 18 to provide images (e.g., emit light) based on the image data. Controller 28 can adjust and update the image data transmitted to display 18 to adjust the appearance of the virtual image 36 perceived by one or more customers 16. As noted herein, controller 28 can also move mirror 24 to adjust the depth of the virtual image 36 in the visualization area 34.

[0029] As another example, controller 28 may transmit image data to cause the display to provide an image as a series of image frames with a refresh rate (e.g., frames per second), and controller 28 may instruct drive system 26 to move mirror 24 based on the refresh rate (e.g., oscillation cycles per second). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the movement of mirror 24 and the refresh rate may be fast enough to combine the reflected image frames into a volumetric image via visual persistence. For example, the refresh rate may be at least 500 frames per second, and the oscillation of mirror 24 may provide at least 25 oscillation cycles per second (e.g., mirror 24 oscillates along a first axis over a travel distance of 10 cm, and at least 25 times per second at each location). When the human mind combines this series of image frames (e.g., because the human eye retains an image for at most one-sixteenth of a second), visual persistence may occur. In particular, the convergence of successive reflective image frames (e.g., two-dimensional (2D) image frames) that are presented in volumetric terms (e.g., at different corresponding depths in the visualization area 34 via the movement of mirror 24) compared to images that the human eye can process results in such a rapid increase in the volumetric representation of the successive reflective image frames that are perceived as volumetric images by one or more customers 16. Furthermore, the rate of movement of mirror 24 can be adjusted to adjust the voxel density (e.g., different densities of the reflective image frames at different depths in the visualization area 34).

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scenic spot 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The scenic spot 10 includes... Figure 1 The visual effects system 12 includes a mirror 24 in a second position. As mentioned herein, the mirror 24 can be driven (e.g., shifted, moved, translated) by a first movement mechanism 38 and a second movement mechanism 40 of the drive system 26. The movement of the mirror can cause the virtual image 36 to be perceived by one or more customers 16 as an image at different depths, sizes, and / or as a volumetric image.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the mirror 24 can be driven further away from the Fresnel lens 22, beam splitter 20, and display 18 to a second position via the drive system 26. Therefore, the virtual image 36 can be perceived by one or more customers 16 as being at a greater distance within the visualization area 34. For example, the mirror 24 can be driven two feet away from the Fresnel lens 22, beam splitter 20, and display. The depth of the displayed virtual image 36 can be twice the distance traveled by the mirror 24. Thus, in this example, the virtual image 36 can be perceived by one or more customers 16 as having moved four feet. It should be understood that during the experience at point 10, total movement and small movements can be used together to create volumetric images at different depths. For example, the mirror 24 can oscillate at a first position to create a first volumetric image at a first depth region in the visualization area 34, and then the mirror 24 can oscillate at a second position to create a second volumetric image at a second depth region in the visualization area 34, and so on.

[0032] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A top view of the visual effects system 12, wherein the drive system 26 includes a motor 50. The visual effects system 12 may include a display 18, a beam splitter 20, and a mirror 24. Furthermore, the visual effects system 12 may include the mirror 24 mounted to the drive system 26, which may include a first movement mechanism 38 and a second movement mechanism 40. Although the visual effects system 12 is shown without a Fresnel lens, it should be understood that a Fresnel lens may be provided.

[0033] While the drive system 26 can be configured to move the mirror 24 to oscillate linearly (e.g., via a linear actuator; oscillating linearly only along a first axis), it is now recognized that this may wear down components of the drive system 26 over time. Furthermore, such movement may include periods of acceleration and deceleration to change direction, which can affect the appearance of the virtual image 36 (e.g., different densities at different depths for a constant refresh rate). In some cases, the controller 28 may take into account periods of acceleration and deceleration (such as by variably adjusting the refresh rate (e.g., more frames during full-speed linear movement, fewer frames during acceleration and deceleration) and / or via other techniques).

[0034] Advantageously, because the visual effects system 12 provides the visual effects by moving the mirror 24 (e.g., rather than by moving the display 18), the drive system 26 can move the mirror 24 to oscillate via non-linear movement (e.g., via rotation) without skewing the virtual image 36. For example, see reference. Figure 3The first moving mechanism 38 and / or the second moving mechanism 40 may include rotatable plates that support the mirror 24 and are coupled to each other via a linkage 52 (e.g., a parallel linkage). Specifically, a first edge portion of the mirror 24 is mounted on the first moving mechanism 38, and a second edge portion of the mirror 24 is mounted on the second moving mechanism 40. The mirror 24 may be mounted on the first moving mechanism 38 and the second moving mechanism 40 to be radially offset from their respective rotation axes or central axes.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, the first moving mechanism 38 is coupled (e.g., non-rotatably coupled; fixed) to the motor 50 (e.g., to the output shaft of the motor 50). Furthermore, the motor 50 can be operated to rotate the first moving mechanism 38 clockwise or counterclockwise (e.g., about a corresponding axis of rotation or central axis), and the second moving mechanism 40 can also move together with the first moving mechanism 38 (e.g., about a corresponding axis of rotation or central axis) due to the linkage 52. As the first moving mechanism 38 and the second moving mechanism 40 rotate in this manner, the mirror 24 can also be displaced in position while continuing to face the display 18 (e.g., effectively oscillating towards and away from the display along the first axis, wherein some component of the movement along or intersecting the first axis does not skew the virtual image 36). Additional details regarding the movement provided by the drive system 26 via the first moving mechanism 38, the second moving mechanism 40, and the motor 50 will be referenced below. Figure 4 It was discussed.

[0036] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the visual effects system 12, wherein a drive system 26 is coupled to a motor 50. As described herein, the drive system 26 is capable of moving the mirror 24 forward and backward along a first axis 54. Furthermore, the drive system 26 is capable of moving side-to-side (e.g., left or right) along a second axis 56. Thus, components of linear and / or nonlinear motion can be achieved via the drive system 26 coupled to the motor 50.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, motor 50 is coupled to the first moving mechanism 38. When motor 50 causes the first moving mechanism 38 to rotate clockwise, the second moving mechanism 40 can also rotate clockwise simultaneously. As an example, drive system 26 can drive the first moving mechanism 38 and the second moving mechanism 40, as well as the mirror 24 coupled thereto, at high speed. In this way, mirror 24 can effectively oscillate along the first axis 54, and therefore, the appearance of the virtual image 36 as a volumetric image can be effectively realized.

[0038] It should be understood that the drive system 26 can have any of a wide variety of configurations and / or components. For example, it should be understood that the motor 50 can be coupled to the first motion mechanism 38 or the second motion mechanism 40. Additionally, the drive system 26 may include multiple motors 50 to support movement of the mirror 24 as described herein. Furthermore, for example, one or more motors 50 may be utilized in combination with a linear actuator that drives the overall movement of the mirror 24 along a first axis.

[0039] In one embodiment, drive system 26 may include a crankshaft and connecting rods. The crankshaft may be driven to rotate (e.g., via its own motor and / or piston). The crankshaft may be a circular crankshaft or an elliptical crankshaft. A circular crankshaft can produce uniform circular motion, while an elliptical crankshaft can produce non-uniform motion due to its asymmetrical shape. Rotation of the crankshaft can cause drive system 26 (and thus mirror 24) to move forward, backward, right, and / or left relative to track 42.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a top view of one embodiment of the visual effects system 12, wherein the visual effects are visible via mirror 24. That is, the visual effects system 12 may be without the beam splitter 20 and Fresnel lens 22. Figure 5 As shown, the display 18 can be positioned at a height above one or more customers 16 and can be positioned facing the mirror 24. Additionally, the mirror 24 can be positioned in front of one or more customers 16 and / or the display 18. The display 18 can display an image that can be reflected from the mirror 24. The virtual image 36 can be visible to one or more customers 16 in the visualization area 34 via the mirror 24.

[0041] Furthermore, mirror 24 can be positioned on drive system 26 (as described herein, such as regarding...). Figure 1The drive system 26 can drive the mirror 24 forward and backward (e.g., toward and away from the display 18). Therefore, the perceived depth of the virtual image 36 visible to one or more customers 16 can vary. That is, the virtual image 36 can appear closer to or further away from one or more customers 16. Furthermore, due to the movement of the mirror 24 combined with updates to the images displayed by the display 18 (e.g., a set of image frames), the virtual image 36 can be perceived as a volumetric image by one or more customers 16. It should be noted that although the display 18 is described as being at a height above the customers, and the mirror 24 is described as being located in front of the display 18 and / or one or more customers 16, the display 18 and the mirror 24 can be in any suitable position to allow one or more customers 16 to view the virtual image 36.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a top view of one embodiment of the visual effects system 12, wherein the visual effects are visible via mirror 24 (e.g., a first mirror) and additional mirror 62 (e.g., a second mirror). The visual effects system 12 may be without beam splitter 20 and Fresnel lens 22. Furthermore, the visual effects system 12 may include additional mirror 62, which may be positioned to face mirror 24 and / or (one or more) customers 16. Additionally, additional mirror 62 may be positioned to face mirror 24. Therefore, display 18 may display images (e.g., a set of image frames) that can be reflected from mirror 24 and subsequently from additional mirror 62. Virtual image 36 may be visible to (one or more) customers 16 in visualization area 34 via additional mirror 62 and mirror 24.

[0043] Additionally, mirror 24 and additional mirror 62 can each be positioned on drive system 26. Drive system 26 can enable mirror 24 and additional mirror 62 to oscillate at least forward and backward (e.g., toward and away from display 18). The oscillation of mirror 24 and additional mirror 62 can double the distance or depth doubling effect. For example, moving mirror 24 a certain distance can make the virtual image 36 appear to move twice that distance (e.g., double the perceived depth). Furthermore, when additional mirror 62 is included, moving mirror 24 a certain distance and moving additional mirror 62 a certain distance can make the virtual image 36 move four times the distance of mirror 24. Therefore, smaller movements can enable a more effective presentation of the virtual image 36 as a volumetric image in visualization area 34.

[0044] It should be noted that, although the visual effects system 12 is in Figure 6The description pertains to mirror 24 and additional mirror 62, but any additional number of mirrors may be included in the visual effects system 12. For each of the stated number of mirrors added to the visual effects system 12, the distance or depth change effect may be doubled.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a top view of one embodiment of the visual effects system 12, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a display 18. The display 18 may include a transparent (e.g., see-through) display. The display 18 may be located in any position between one or more customers 16 and mirror 24, a position that enables visualization of a virtual image 36 in a visualization area 34 by one or more customers 16 looking through the display 18. The display 18 may display images (e.g., a set of image frames) that can be reflected from mirror 24 as a reflected image. Because the display 18 is transparent, one or more customers can see through the display 18 to view the virtual image 36 directly as a reflected image reflected by the mirror. Furthermore, as described herein, mirror 24 may be located on a drive system 26 that can drive mirror 24 at least forward and backward (e.g., toward and away from display 18). That is, controller 28 may transmit image data to cause display 18 to provide images as a series of image frames with a refresh rate, and controller 28 may instruct drive system 26 to move mirror 24 at least forward and backward based on the refresh rate. Therefore, the perceived depth of the presented virtual image 36 can be influenced (e.g., to produce the appearance of movement of the virtual image 36, such as toward and away from customers 16(1) in the visualization area 34), and / or volumetric images can be generated when the mirror 24 moves forward and backward based on instructions from the controller 28. Thus, in one embodiment, the controller 28 may instruct the display 18 to present images as a series of image frames and instruct the drive system 26 to move the mirror 24 in a coordinated manner, which produces the appearance of movement of objects and / or people represented by the virtual image 26 from the perspective of customers(1) in the visualization area 34. In fact, these techniques can be applied in any configuration of the visual effects system 12 disclosed herein.

[0046] In one embodiment, the display 18 may include a screen and a projector. The screen may appear transparent or translucent when the projector projects light behind it. One or more customers 16 can view the mirror 24 directly through the screen to view the virtual image 36 in the visualization area 34. Furthermore, the screen may be positioned on a drive system 26 that can drive the screen forward and backward to affect the depth of the virtual image 36 and / or create a volumetric image.

[0047] Figure 8This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the visual effects system 12, wherein the visual effects are viewable via a disk 70 (e.g., a rotatable structure) having mirrors 24 (e.g., mirror assemblies), the mirrors 24 being formed by or comprising multiple mirror segments (e.g., 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f). The multiple mirror segments can be coupled to the disk 70 via suitable support structures 72 (e.g., rods, columns, bars, poles, fasteners). Each of the multiple mirror segments can be raised relative to the disk 70 at a correspondingly different height (e.g., 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, etc.; sequentially and progressively increasing around the circumference of the disk 70). That is, the corresponding length of each support structure 72 can be different. Additionally, it should be noted that any number of mirror segments can be coupled to the disk 70 via the support structures 72.

[0048] A cover 74 with an opening 76 can cover the disc 70. The opening 76 can display a single segment of a plurality of mirrors at a time. The cover 74 can include any suitable material that can be used to cover and / or block reflections from the remaining segments of the plurality of mirrors (e.g., and also to conceal at least a portion of the disc 70 from the view of one or more customers 16). In one embodiment, the number of mirrors used on the disc 70 can be related to a refresh rate used to render an image on the display 18. While for image sharpness... Figure 8 Display 18 is not shown, but it should be understood that display 18 can be positioned facing a plurality of mirror segments on disk 70, such that a single mirror segment aligned with opening 76 can reflect the image (e.g., light) presented on display 18 (e.g., a plurality of mirror segments may be used instead). Figure 1 Mirror 24 shown.

[0049] In operation, display 18 can present an image (e.g., a set of image frames) that is then reflected by multiple mirror segments on disk 70. Specifically, disk 70 can be rapidly rotated such that each of the multiple mirror segments can be aligned with opening 76, reflecting the image as a reflected image to form virtual image 36. Display 18 can update the image at a refresh rate coordinated with the rotation rate of disk 70. For example, each image frame can be presented when the corresponding mirror segment of the multiple mirror segments is aligned with opening 76. The correspondingly different heights of each of the multiple mirror segments can affect the perceptual depth at which each reflected image frame is presented as a portion of virtual image 36. In this way, one or more clients 16 can perceive each image frame as being at a different perceptual depth and / or one or more clients 16 can perceive the set of image frames (e.g., as reflected by multiple mirror segments) as being from a volumetric image. The change in the perceptual depth of virtual image 36 and / or the generation of a volumetric image can be efficiently achieved by rapidly rotating disk 70, which has multiple mirror segments at correspondingly different heights.

[0050] In one embodiment, a disc balancer can be used to measure and / or provide balance for disc 70. If disc 70 is unbalanced, a weight (e.g., lead, steel) can be attached to disc 70 to bring it into balance. In this way, disc 70 can have a uniform distribution of weight around its axis of rotation. In one embodiment, an additional mirror segment can be attached to the opposite side of disc 70. The additional mirror segment attached to the opposite side can act as a weight-balancing element for disc 70. Furthermore, the additional mirror segment can allow additional virtual images to be displayed to one or more customers 16 (e.g., two groups of one or more customers 16). Thus, the additional mirror segment can enhance the visual effect by simultaneously displaying virtual image 36 and additional virtual images on the opposite side of disc 70.

[0051] Therefore, visual effects (such as the perceived depth and size of virtual images and / or the generation of volumetric images presented to customers) can be achieved more efficiently. That is, adjusting the size and depth of virtual images and / or generating volumetric images for customers can be mechanically and electrically more efficient (e.g., compared to a moving display, which may be relatively fragile and / or include cables and other electrical components compared to a mirror; due to the doubling of perceived depth provided by the movement of a mirror). Furthermore, the generation of these visual effects can provide a more pleasant experience for customers while enabling simpler implementation methods to achieve them.

[0052] 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 as fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. It should be appreciated that the features described herein or... Figure 1-8Any of the features shown can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0053] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to concrete 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 display configured to present a series of image frames; A mirror, positioned to reflect the series of image frames, in order to generate reflected image frames; as well as A drive system coupled to the mirror, wherein the drive system is configured to drive movement of the mirror to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frame, thereby producing a volumetric image for the customer to visualize.

2. The visual effects system as described in claim 1, wherein, The display is configured to present the series of image frames at a refresh rate, and the driving system is configured to drive the movement of the mirror based on the refresh rate to generate the volumetric image.

3. The visual effects system as described in claim 1, wherein, The drive system is configured to move the mirror along a first axis toward and away from the display.

4. The visual effects system of claim 3, further comprising a beam splitter positioned to direct the reflected image frame into a visualization area and positioned such that the customer can view the volumetric image in the visualization area through the beam splitter.

5. The visual effects system as described in claim 4, wherein, The beam splitter is positioned to guide the reflected image frame along the second axis into the visualization area.

6. The visual effects system of claim 4, further comprising a compact lens configured to focus the series of image frames and the reflected image frames between the beam splitter and the mirror.

7. The visual effects system as described in claim 1, wherein, The drive system includes: Motor; and At least one rotatable structure coupled to the motor and the mirror; The motor is configured to drive the at least one rotatable structure to oscillate about a rotation axis to drive the movement of the mirror, thereby adjusting the perceived depth of the reflected image frame to produce the volumetric image.

8. The visual effects system as described in claim 1, wherein, The display is stationary relative to the ground, and the drive system is configured to drive the movement of the mirror relative to the display and the ground.

9. The visual effects system as described in claim 1, wherein, The display is transparent and configured to enable the visualization of the volumetric image through the display.

10. The visual effects system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to instruct the drive system to drive the movement of the mirror.

11. A method for operating a visual effects system, the method comprising: Generate image data for the display at one or more processors; The image data is transmitted to the display via the one or more processors, wherein the display is configured to display a series of image frames based on the image data; The series of image frames are reflected by a mirror to generate reflected image frames; and The mirror is moved via a drive system to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frame, thereby generating a volumetric image for the customer to visualize.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the mirror at an oscillation rate via the driving system based on the refresh rate of the series of image frames to generate the volumetric image.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising transmitting instructions to the driving system via the one or more processors to move the mirror to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frame, thereby generating the volumetric image.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting the instructions to the drive system via the one or more processors to move the mirror to produce the appearance of movement of the volumetric image.

15. A visual effects system, comprising: A display configured to present a series of image frames; A mirror, positioned to reflect the series of image frames to generate reflected image frames; A beam splitter is positioned to direct the reflected image frame into the visualization area; as well as A drive system coupled to the mirror, wherein the drive system is configured to drive movement of the mirror to adjust the perceived depth of the reflected image frame in the visualization area for the customer to visualize.

16. The visual effects system of claim 15, comprising a controller, wherein, The display is configured to present the series of image frames at a refresh rate, and the controller is configured to instruct the driving system to drive the movement of the mirror based on the refresh rate to combine the reflected image frames to form a volumetric image.

17. The visual effects system of claim 15, wherein, The drive system is configured to move the mirror along a first axis toward and away from the display.

18. The visual effects system of claim 15, wherein, The beam splitter is positioned to guide the reflected image frame along the second axis into the visualization area.

19. The visual effects system of claim 15, further comprising a compact lens configured to focus the series of image frames and the reflected image frames between the beam splitter and the mirror.

20. The visual effects system of claim 15, wherein, The mirror includes multiple separate mirror segments mounted on a rotatable structure at different heights relative to the rotatable structure, and the drive system is configured to drive the rotation of the rotatable structure to thereby drive the movement of the mirror, thereby adjusting the perceived depth of the reflected image frame in the visualization area for the customer to visualize.

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