Smoothed Faceted Screen System and Method

Abstract

The facetted screen system (120) includes a curved backing surface (132), a first planar panel (122a) coupled to the curved backing surface (132), and a second planar panel (122b) coupled to the curved backing surface (132). The first planar panel (122a) and the second planar panel (122b) are angled toward a virtual focal point (130) of the curved backing surface (132). The facetted screen system (120) also includes a first plurality of light sources (126) disposed on the first planar panel (122a) and a second plurality of light sources (126) disposed on the second planar panel (122b). The individual light sources (126a, 126b) of the first plurality of light sources (126) are oriented at different angles relative to the first planar panel (122a) to emit light toward the virtual focal point (130). The individual light sources of the second plurality of light sources (126) are oriented at different angles relative to the second flat panel (122b) so as to emit light toward a virtual focal point (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Cross - Reference to Related Applications〕 This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 993,459, filed on Mar. 23, 2020, entitled “SMOOTHED FACETED SCREEN SYSTEMS AND METHOD”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of display technology. Specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for a display including a faceted screen that operates to smooth transitions between individual facets of the faceted screen.

Background Art

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing interest in viewing content on immersive displays. Along with the growing interest in immersive displays, the popularity of curved or irregularly shaped displays has been increasing. Curved displays can be used as part of a home television or gaming environment to at least partially surround an observer and create an immersive viewing experience. Although curved displays are desirable, they have been shown to have challenges in terms of cost and manufacturing. Even for relatively small sizes, curved displays are more expensive than flat displays. Scaling up a curved display for an environment that caters to multiple users can be prohibitively costly.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following summarizes some embodiments within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to merely provide an overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a faceted screen system includes a curved backing surface, a first planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface, and a second planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are angled toward a virtual focal point of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system further includes a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel and a second plurality of light sources disposed on the second planar panel. Each individual light source of the first plurality of light sources is directed at a different angle with respect to the first planar panel so as to emit light toward the virtual focal point. Each individual light source of the second plurality of light sources is directed at a different angle with respect to the second planar panel so as to emit light toward the virtual focal point.

[0006] In one embodiment, a faceted screen system includes a display panel assembly. The display panel assembly has a first planar panel and a second planar panel. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are oriented such that a first virtual line extending through an edge of the first panel and a second virtual line extending through an edge of the second planar panel form a virtual vertex. A first plurality of light sources are disposed on the first planar panel. A first individual light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a first angle with the surface of the first planar panel. A first adjacent light source of the plurality of light sources forms a second angle with the surface of the first planar panel. The first angle is different from the second angle. The faceted screen system also includes a second plurality of light sources disposed on a second surface of the second planar panel. A second individual light source of the second plurality of light sources forms a third angle with the second surface of the second planar panel. A second adjacent light source of the plurality of light sources forms a fourth angle with the second surface. The third angle is different from the fourth angle.

[0007] In one embodiment, a faceted screen control system includes a plurality of actuators coupled to respective light sources of a plurality of light sources, and a controller that receives an input indicating a selected focus to direct the plurality of light sources disposed on a plurality of planar display panels that form a faceted assembly approximating a curved surface. The controller determines the direction of each light of the plurality of light sources, for example, this direction corresponds to the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources crossing the focus. Further, the controller transmits control commands to the plurality of actuators to activate each of the light sources such that each of the plurality of light sources emits light toward the selected focus.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display panel of a display panel assembly assembled to approximate a curved surface includes receiving a first light source and a second light source configured to be coupled onto the display panel. The method includes determining a first angle of the first light source that defines an orientation of the first light source with respect to the display panel such that light emitted from the first light source is directed toward a virtual focus of the curved surface. The method also includes coupling the first light source to a flat display panel. The method further includes determining a second angle of the second light source that defines an orientation of the second light source. The second angle is different from the first angle.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the implementation are described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation, as seen in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the individual goals of the developer, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary depending on the implementation. Further, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, they are routine endeavors in design, fabrication, and manufacturing.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, articles such as "a", "an", and "the" are meant to mean that these elements are present one or more than one. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. Also, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the recited features.

[0013] The disclosed technology relates to presenting content on a display screen in a form that can enhance the enjoyment and immersion of an observer with respect to a presentation. Specifically, the present specification provides a system and method for smoothing the display of a faceted screen. By using a curved display screen, an immersive viewing experience, a wide viewing angle, additional depth, and contrast are provided. However, usually, curved display screens are difficult to manufacture, store, and wire, to name a few examples. A faceted screen that approximates a curved surface (e.g., a regular surface, a composite surface, an irregularly shaped curved surface portion) by joining planes obliquely is excellent in workability. That is, individual facets are assembled to approximate a desired curved surface shape, which is replaced with a single curved display screen, or a low-cost alternative to a single curved display screen is provided. However, when viewing content on a group or cluster of planes, problems may occur compared to a curved display. Specifically, the seams between the planes of the individual facets of a faceted screen may be visible to an observer of the content. Although the visual impact of the seams can be minimized by suppressing the angle between adjacent planes, this method may require increasing the number of planes for an arbitrary curved surface. Provide a technique for reducing the visual impact of edges (e.g., seams) without manipulating the angle between planes and / or without increasing the amount of planes for a given curved surface.

[0014] The present technology provides a faceted screen (e.g., a faceted display screen) formed from a plurality of individual facets (e.g., individual flat surfaces or flat display panels) that reduces the visual impact of the seams between the individual facets. Specifically, by operating or angling one or more light sources disposed on the individual flat display panels towards a common position (e.g., a common point), the visual impact of the seams between the panels can be reduced regardless of the angle formed between adjacent panels. The common position or direction towards which the light sources are directed can be the focus of the curved surface approximated by the faceted screen. In practice, each light source can be oriented on the display such that it emits light towards the focus of the curved surface. To achieve the desired effect, the angles between adjacent and / or proximate light sources can be varied relative to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the present technology also includes a mechanism for actuating the angles between the light sources disposed on the display panels of the faceted screen. Specifically, the side surface (e.g., a lens, the casing of the light source, etc.) of a light source disposed on one of the display panels of the faceted screen can be actuated such that the light intensity increases when the light emitted from the light source is observed from the common position towards which the light sources of the display are directed. In other words, an actuator can be coupled to each light source disposed on the display panels of the faceted screen. The actuator can control the angle towards which each light source is directed. In this way, the display panels of the faceted screen, specifically the light sources on the display panels, can be controlled to approximate various different curved surfaces. That is, the light sources can be controlled (via a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, or a combination of a mechanical mechanism and an electrical mechanism) to face different positions such as the focus of the curved surface. Therefore, by controlling the angle towards which the light sources on the display of the faceted screen are directed, the display can be controlled to approximate various different curved surfaces. Adjacent light sources can be controlled to vary slightly or significantly based on the type of curved surface to be approximated.

[0016] This technology also includes arranging a secondary lens on the light source of the display panel such that light away from the light source changes direction at a specific angle so that the lightness of the light is relatively increased at a specific point on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the light at the position of the specific point.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dome ride system 10 having a faceted display screen implemented as a dome 12 having individual facets formed from a display panel 14. The display panel 14 approximates the curved shape of the dome 12. The display panel 14 displays visual content 16 for a guest 18 within the dome 12. Specifically, the display panel 14 includes a display screen (e.g., a display panel, a flat display panel) on which light sources (e.g., pixels) are disposed. The display panel 14, which is oriented to follow the curved surface provided by the shape of the dome 12, includes a light source that emits light for presenting visual content 16 (e.g., content) on / through the display panel 14. The light sources on each display panel 14 are angled relative to each other to direct the emitted light toward a common point, such as the focus of the curved surface approximated by the arrangement of the display panel 14 as generally described with respect to FIG. 3. In other words, each light source on a particular display of a particular faceted screen can be angled relative to one or more other light sources on the particular display to direct high lightness toward a common point, such as the focus of the dome 12. Specifically, the light sources are angled such that the lightness of the light emitted from the light sources is increased at a common point, such as the focus of the curved surface. This common point can be located in the vicinity of the guest 18 disposed on the vehicle 20.

[0018] By directing light so that an increase in brightness is observed at the common position, the visual impact of the seam between the display panels 14 at the common position or in its vicinity can be reduced. This effect can occur due to an increase in the overall contrast observed from the common position. The overall contrast can be increased by the brightness of the light emitted from the light sources on the display panel 14 increasing at the common position or in its vicinity.

[0019] The display panel 14 approximates the curved surface of the dome 12. Specifically, the display panels 14 are angled relative to each other so as to approximate the curved surface. The light sources on a particular display panel 14 are also angled so as to face a common position such as the virtual focus of the curved surface provided by the dome 12, relative to adjacent light sources on the particular display panel 14. The virtual focus in this description can be used in the context of a curved surface approximated by one or more display panels of a faceted screen. Specifically, the virtual focus can mean the point where the light rays converge (e.g., converge) after being emitted from the display panel 14. As another example, the virtual focus can also be the point where the light crosses when reflected from the virtual reflecting surface after the light is incident on the virtual reflecting surface along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the virtual reflecting surface. The virtual reflecting surface can be a virtual actual curved surface approximated by the faceted screen.

[0020] The light sources of each faceted display of the faceted dome ride system 10 can be angled towards the virtual focus (or focal plane). Specifically, each light source can be angled so that the maximum brightness of the light source is achieved at the virtual focus or in its vicinity. The virtual focus can be present in the vicinity of the guest 18. By directing the light source towards the virtual focus, the visual impact of the seam at the joint edge of the plane can be reduced.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the path of light from a display screen to a user of a more expensive curved display screen formed without using facets. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing some disadvantages associated with a flat display panel assembly that approximates the curved surface of FIG. 2A to provide a less expensive curved display. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a curved display screen 40 having light rays 42 emitted from different positions on the curved display screen 40 and converging at a focus 44 along the optical axis 46 of the curved display screen 40. The light source 50 is directed towards the local normal of the curved display screen 40. In other words, the light source 50 is generally angled at 90 degrees with respect to the tangent to the position along the curved display panel 40 to emit light (shown as light rays 42) to generate a received image 58.

[0022] As another example, FIG. 2B shows a configuration having a planar component 82 coupled to a backing 90, but without facet-type screen smoothing as shown herein. As shown in FIG. 2B, the light rays 92 emitted from the light source 84 are not aligned towards a common position such as the virtual focus 94 of the backing 90 located along the optical axis 96 (e.g., virtual optical axis) of the backing 90. In contrast, the light source 84 is directed perpendicular to the plane defined by each respective planar component 82. The image 100 observed by an observer 98 located on the optical axis 96 corresponding to the backing 90 may have a low overall contrast ratio due to the spread of the received light, which is considered undesirable. In other words, in the image 100 received by the observer 98, visible seams (e.g., seam 102) between the planar components 82 may be visible due to the low overall contrast between the colors emitted from the light source 84. Thus, the curved display of FIG. 2A represents an expensive display modality, and the display of FIG. 2B formed from planar components lacking smoothing as disclosed herein may be less costly and easier to manufacture, but tends to have low image quality due to seam visibility and reduced contrast.

[0023] This specification provides a faceted screen system smoothing system and method that retains a sufficient amount of overall contrast and reduces the visibility of seams between planar joints while having a lower manufacturing cost than a curved display screen. FIG. 3 is a top view of a smoothed faceted screen assembly 120 having facets in the form of a planar display panel 122 (e.g., an LED panel), with a light source 126 disposed on the planar display panel 122. The light source 126 has a variable or relatively different orientation that improves alignment at a common point 128 corresponding to a virtual focus 130 of a desired curved shape (e.g., a shape corresponding to a curved backing surface 132). As shown herein, the orientation of the individual light sources 126 can be considered to be along the axis of the emitted light 131, or the axis along which the emitted light has maximum brightness / intensity. In one embodiment, the angle of the light source 156 can be the minimum angle formed between the light source 126 and the surface 127 of the planar display panel 122 (e.g., the surface facing the observer). In certain embodiments, the angle of the light source 156 can be the minimum angle formed between the axis of the relatively maximum brightness emitted from the light source 126 and the surface 127 of the planar display panel 122 (e.g., the surface facing the observer). In certain embodiments, the angle of the light source 156 can be the minimum angle formed between the axis passing through the common point 128 through the midpoint of the lens of the light source 126 and the surface 127 of the planar display panel 122 (e.g., the surface facing the observer).

[0024] The light source 126 is angled to emit light of relatively maximum brightness directed toward a common point 128 such as the virtual focus 130 of the curved backing surface 132. As a result of the smoothing that disperses the orientation of the light sources so that the alignment at the common point is improved rather than spread (as in FIG. 2B), the characteristics of the received image 129 are good for the observer and any seams between the display panels become less visible. This improved alignment is achieved without the need to curve the display panel 122 or form a more expensive large-curved assembly.

[0025] The display panel 122 can be arranged at equal distances on both sides of the curved backing surface 132 across the optical axis 133 of the curved backing surface 132. Further, a virtual vertex can be formed by a first line extending from a first edge of the flat display panel 122a and a second line extending from a second edge of the flat display panel 122b. Depending on the orientation of the display panel 122, the formed virtual vertex can be an obtuse angle. However, the angle formed between the individual display panels 122 can be selected based on the desired shape of the curved surface or irregular structure formed by the faceted screen assembly 120.

[0026] The curved backing surface 132 (e.g., a three-dimensional surface) can be formed from any type of material that can provide support (e.g., structural support, electrical support, etc.) for the flat display panel 122 and / or the light source 126 disposed on the flat display panel 122. Further, it should be understood that the faceted screen assembly 120 can also not include the curved backing surface 132, or can include a backing or support structure having a different shape. The flat display panel 122 can also function as a support structure that physically and electrically supports the light source 126. In some embodiments, the flat display panel 122 can be a group of printed circuit boards having a circuit configured to supply power to the light source 126.

[0027] As described above, each light source 126 is angled towards a common point 128, such as the virtual focus 130 of the curved backing surface 132, with respect to adjacent and / or nearby light sources 126. Specifically, each light source 126 is lensified and directed to emit light having a relative brightness that is maximized at the field of view angle provided by the common point 128. For example, FIG. 3 shows a light source 126a on the flat display panel 122a that is directed to emit light at an angle of 83 degrees with respect to the flat display panel 122a. Specifically, the flat display panel 122a is parallel to the axis 134. The axis 136 is parallel to the normal of the flat display panel 122a. The 83-degree angle is the angle between the axis 134 along the plane (e.g., the upper surface) of the flat display panel 122a and the unit vector parallel to the direction of the light emitted from the light source 126a. The adjacent light source 126b shown is directed to emit light at an angle of 85 degrees with respect to the flat display panel 122a.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the angles between adjacent and / or proximate light sources on the same planar display panel 122 can be different from each other. In fact, the individual light sources 126b are at an angle of 85 degrees, while the adjacent light sources 126a are at an angle of 83 degrees. Further, another adjacent light source 126 can be at an angle of 87 degrees. These angular differences can correspond to the optimal azimuth angle at a particular position of the light sources 126 on the planar display panel 122. This optimal angle can correspond to the angle at which the light emitted from a particular light source 126 at a particular position of the planar display panel most accurately approximates the light leaving a corresponding virtual curved display panel having a curved shape following the shape formed by the assembly of the display panel 122. In some embodiments, the corresponding curved display panel can generally form the shape of the curved backing surface 132, or the shape of a curved surface that contacts at least one point on each display panel 122. Thus, the individual light sources 126 on the planar display panel 122 are directed at different respective angles with respect to adjacent light sources 126 and / or the planar display panel 122 to which the individual light sources 126 are coupled. In some embodiments, at least one light source 126 is 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees with respect to the planar display panel 122, and other light sources are not at a 90-degree angle. Further, the planar display panels 122a, 122b can reflect an angular direction across the optical axis 133. However, in some embodiments, the planar display panel can also extend through the optical axis 133.

[0029] Furthermore, the angles of the individual light sources 126 can increase or decrease continuously in magnitude toward the optical axis with respect to a common axis (e.g., a common vector). For example, these increases or decreases can be a stepwise increase or decrease or change in the magnitude of a common factor. Note that the orientation angles of the light sources 126 can be within a range of angles (1 to 90 degrees) selected so as to emit light toward the virtual focus 130 and align the light at a desired distance from the common point 128 and the faceted screen assembly 120. Also, although the common point 128 (e.g., a common position) and the virtual focus 130 are shown as occupying the same position along the optical axis 133, the common point 128 toward which the light sources 126 are directed can be at a location different from the virtual focus 130 and / or not along the optical axis 133. This will be described in detail later with respect to FIG. 7.

[0030] Similarly, the brightness of the light sources 126 can achieve at least a relative maximum intensity when viewed from the observer's perspective. For example, in some embodiments the light sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs can be lensified so that the brightness of each LED increases when viewed from directly in front of the LED. In other words, the brightness of the LED is greatest when looking straight at the light of the LED. In other words, the brightness of the LED is maximum when the angle between the observer's line of sight and a virtual line extending from the front-facing orientation of the LED is minimized. When the LED is lensified, the brightness can decrease as the viewing angle increases. Specifically, the brightness can decrease when the viewing angle exceeds the lens angle of the LED. The lens angle of the LED can mean the angle beyond which the brightness decreases. For example, when using spherical coordinates, the center of the lens can be located at the origin.

[0031] As an illustration, FIG. 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lens-equipped LED light source 150 disposed on a flat display panel 151. Axis 152 is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the lens-equipped LED light source 150. Axis 154 is oriented parallel along the width direction of the lens-equipped LED light source 150. Axis 156 extends along the depth direction of the lens-equipped LED light source 150. The lens-equipped LED light source 150 includes a dome-shaped lens 160 that helps direct the emitted light so that a relative increase in brightness is observed along a path indicated by arrow 162 parallel to axis 152. When observing the lens-equipped LED light source 150, in some embodiments, an increase in brightness can be observed at position 166 that exists along axis 152 centered on the center of the lens-equipped LED light source 150. Specifically, when the light emitted from the lens-equipped LED light source 150 is projected onto a plane 168 perpendicular to path 164, an increase in brightness can be observed at the point closest to position 166. Note that the lens-equipped light source can include more (or fewer) elements than shown in FIG. 4. The lens-equipped LED light source 150 is for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] By angling the light sources toward a common point such that the light emitted from each light source has a relative maximum brightness as a function of the viewing angle at an angle corresponding to a line extending from each light source and the common point, the light rays leaving the flat display panel can approach an approximation of the light rays leaving an actual curved panel (e.g., FIG. 2A) more closely than observed in FIG. 2B. In fact, an observer can obtain viewing content with a higher overall contrast with the assembly of FIG. 3 compared to the assembly of FIG. 2B. The light sources can be angled with respect to the flat display panel at the placement location and with respect to each other. In practice, adjacent and / or proximate light sources can have a slight angular change to approximate an actual curved panel at a particular location (e.g., FIG. 2B).

[0033] As shown in this specification, the angle of the light source 150 with respect to the panel 151 can be the angle formed between the axis passing through the point of maximum brightness of the light emitted through the lens 166 and the panel 151. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle along the path 162 passing through the maximum brightness is substantially perpendicular to the panel 151. However, as disclosed below, the position of the lens with respect to the panel can also be adjusted by changing the orientation of the light source 150 with respect to the panel 151 by the actuator to change the axis of maximum brightness.

[0034] In some embodiments, lens 166 is a dome lens and the brightness of the emitted light increases at a specific point on the dome. Thus, the axis passes through a specific point on the dome. In other embodiments, light source 150 has a generally flat lens. In certain embodiments, the angle of light source 150 with respect to panel 151 can be formed with respect to panel 151 by an axis passing through the midpoint of the dome or an axis perpendicular to the flat lens passing through the midpoint of the flat lens as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a side view of a flat panel display panel 190 having a programmable and / or individually addressable light source 192 that can be adjusted in angle during use when coupled to the flat panel display panel 190. Light source 192 is angled towards a common point 194 such as the virtual focus of a virtual surface that can be approximated using the display panel, such as in a faceted flat panel display panel assembly. Each light source 192 is coupled to an actuator 196 that actuates the light source 192. Specifically, actuator 196 can actuate light source 192 such that the brightness of each light source 192 increases when viewed from the light source along a line extending from the particular light source 192 to the common point 194. As shown in FIG. 5, there is a slight angular variation between adjacent light sources 192 on flat panel display panel 190 to approximate the actual curved panel at a particular position of light sources 192 on flat panel display panel 190. In one example, the angle measured through the axis of maximum brightness between light source 192a and point 194, formed between light source 192a and panel 190, is less than the angle formed between central light source 192b and panel 190. The angle between light source 192a and panel 190 is less than 90 degrees, while the angle between light source 192b and panel 190 is approximately 90 degrees. Actuator 196 coupled to light source 192 can actuate light source 192 such that the light source 192 is directed in the direction facing the common point 194. In some embodiments, actuator 196 can be coupled to a particular component of light source 192.

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an actuator 210 can be coupled to an integral or removable lens 212 of a light source 214 disposed on a flat display panel 216. The flat display panel 216 can be one of a plurality of flat display panels utilized to approximate one or more curved surfaces. The lens 212 can be a secondary lens of the light source 214. In fact, in some embodiments, the light source 214 can be an LED having a primary lens 211 and a secondary lens that further radially extends from the primary lens 211. The actuator 210 translates and / or rotates the lens 212 such that the light emitted from the light source 214 has a relative maximum brightness when viewed from a common point 218 with respect to an image on the light source 214 and / or the flat display panel 216. The lens 212 can be disposed in front of each light source 214 such that the light emitted from each light source 214 is redirected (e.g., refracted) at a desired angle. This setting of the light sources 214 can enable all of the light sources 214 on the flat display panel 216 to share the same angular direction with respect to the flat display panel 216 while the lenses 212 of each light source 214 are changing to direct light to the common point 218. The actuator 210 can operate the lens 212 such that the light source 214 emits light having a relative maximum brightness along a propagation path (e.g., a line) that crosses the common point 218 (as indicated by the light ray 220). Although the orientations of the light sources 214 may appear similar in FIG. 6, the actuator 210 can rotate and / or translate the lens 212 such that a relative maximum brightness is observed from a common position. For example, the actuator 210 can be coupled to each lens 212 to operate the lens 212 such that the light emitted from the light source 214 is directed to a virtual focal point of a curved surface approximated by the orientation of the flat display panel 216.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a flat display panel 230 supported by a curved backing surface 232 having a light source 234 that emits light of relatively maximum brightness toward a common point 236 that is not along the optical axis 238 of the curved backing surface 232. In fact, the common point 236 toward which the light source 234 is directed is not the same as the virtual focus 240 of the curved backing surface 232. That is, the light source 234 is directed in different directions so as to increase the brightness at the common point 236. The light source 234 has an actuator 242 that can enable approximations of various curved surfaces by controlling the direction in which light is concentrated to increase the overall contrast ratio at the common position.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing a controller 260, such as an actuator controller, that controls the angle of light emitted from a light source 262 on a display panel 264 (e.g., display panel 122, display panel 230) so that the emitted light has brightness at or near the virtual focus of the virtual curved surface formed by the display panel assembly, according to an embodiment. Specifically, the controller 260 includes a memory 266 and a processor 268. The processor 268 can execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 266 (e.g., a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium / memory circuit). The memory 266 can store specific angles associated with a specific curved surface shape, and when the controller 260 receives an input indicating the type of curved surface to be approximated from an input device 270, it can access the specific angles of the light source 262 on the display panel 264 corresponding to the desired curved surface.

[0038] The input device 270 can include a display having a graphical user interface that can select a desired curved surface and / or focus. Next, the controller 260 can send a command to the actuator 272 as described above that can be coupled to the side of the light source 262, the display panel 264, and / or the lens 274 coupled to the light source 262. This command, when executed, can cause the actuator 272 to change the direction of the light emitted from the light source 262 such that the brightness at the virtual focus of the desired curved surface increases.

[0039] For example, the controller 260 can receive an input indicating a curved surface to approximate, such as a sphere. In response to receiving the input, the controller 260 can determine the optimal orientation of the light source 262 and / or the lens 274 that can be integrated with or removed from the light source 262 such that the light emitted from each light source 262 has maximum brightness when viewing an image on the display panel from the virtual focus of the input spherical curved surface. In some embodiments, the controller 260 can exclude more or fewer elements than shown in FIG. 8. In fact, in some embodiments, the angle of the light source 262 can also be actuated mechanically rather than electrically. Further, in some embodiments, the angle of the light source 262 can be actuated through a combination of both mechanical and electrical mechanisms. The controller 260 can cause the actuator 272 to change the position of the maximum brightness to a position corresponding to the input position. The new position at which the maximum brightness is observed may or may not correspond to the virtual focus.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a light source to emit light towards a focus of a curved surface according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, this method can be performed by one or more components of the controller 260 of FIG. 8. The method 300 begins at the controller by receiving an input (block 302) indicating a selected or desired focus of a curved surface approximated by a plurality of light sources on a display panel. The focus can be selected based on the calculation or determination of the curved surface characteristics. The selected focus can correspond to the point at which the light source is directed to emit light of maximum intensity. The curved surface can be approximated by a specific angulation of the light sources on the display panel. The input can also include and / or indicate other characteristics such as the curved surface. That is, in some embodiments, the input can indicate a curved surface that is desirably approximated by the assembly of the display panel. In practice, the display panel can be one of the display panels within a display panel assembly that is faceted to approximate the curved surface.

[0041] Next, the method 300 determines (block 304) at the controller the angle of each of the plurality of light sources on the display panel that is directed towards the selected focus. Specifically, the controller determines a specific angle at which to direct the light from each light source such that the image observed on the display panel has a relatively maximum intensity when viewed from the selected focus. In other words, the method 300, in block 304, determines the angle of each light source such that the brightness of the light source increases when the light source is activated and viewed from the position of the selected focus and / or a portion of the desired focal plane. The image received at or near the selected focus can have an increased overall contrast ratio. The angle determined in block 304 can also correspond to the angle between the normal of the display panel and the orientation of an individual light source. In some embodiments, the determined angle corresponds to the angle between the lens of one of the plurality of light sources and the normal of the display panel.

[0042] Subsequently, method 300 transmits, from the controller, a control command to the actuator coupled to each light source to operate the light source such that the emitted light has a maximum brightness when observed from the selected focus (block 306). The control command can cause the actuator to direct each light source at the angle determined for each light source in block 304. In other words, the control command can cause the actuator to actuate either side of the light source such that the brightness of the light source increases when observed from the selected focus.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 320 for operating a light source on a display panel, according to an embodiment. Method 320 can be utilized in manufacturing a light source that can be angled with respect to adjacent light sources on a display panel. Method 320 includes receiving (block 322) a light source to be coupled to / on the display panel via a substrate. The substrate and / or the display panel can be a printed circuit board having circuitry for electrically powering the light source and determining the frequency of the light emitted from the light source at a particular time. Further, the light source can be a lens LED that provides a brightness difference with respect to the viewing angle.

[0044] Next, method 320 determines, at block 324, the position of an actuator configured to be coupled to a light source. As described above, the actuator can actuate or operate components or sides of the light source, similar to the actuators of FIGS. 5-8. Further, the actuator can be coupled to any component of the light source, such as the casing of the light source, the primary lens of the light source, etc. The actuator can also be coupled to a position where the light source is coupled to the display panel or a position in the vicinity thereof. That is, the actuator can be soldered to the display panel to couple the light source to the actuator such that the actuator rotates the light source towards the focus. Further, the actuator can be coupled to components external to the light source, such as a secondary lens, for example. In this case, the actuator does not necessarily have to actuate the light source to direct the light from the light source to a desired position, but can actuate the secondary lens. The angle of each light source can also be determined using a computer algorithm that, for example, receives an input of a selected or desired focus and / or a desired curved surface and outputs an angle corresponding to each light source of the plurality of light sources on the display panel based on the position of each light source on the display panel.

[0045] Next, method 320 couples the actuator to a side of the light source, a substrate, a display panel, or any combination thereof at the determined position (block 326). Block 326 can include soldering the actuator to a side of the light source (e.g., the casing of the light source, the primary lens of the light source), a substrate, a display panel, or any combination thereof. Block 326 can also include utilizing computer techniques to electrically and mechanically couple the actuator to a side of the light source (e.g., the casing of the light source, the primary lens, etc.), a substrate, a display panel, or any combination thereof.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method 340 for angling a light source on a flat display panel towards a focus according to an embodiment. Note that one or more steps of method 340 can either be included or not included in the manufacturing process of a faceted screen. Method 340 begins by receiving (block 342) a first light source and a second light source to be coupled onto the flat display panel. As described above, the substrate and / or the flat display panel can be a printed circuit board having a circuit that electrically powers the first light source and the second light source to determine the frequency of the light emitted from the light sources at a particular time. The first light source and the second light source can each be an LED or a light source of any type.

[0047] Next, method 340 determines (block 344) a first angular direction of the first light source with respect to a virtual plane parallel to the flat display panel. For example, in block 344, if the first light source is an LED pixel, the determined angular direction can be the angular direction of the casing of the first light source and / or another side of the first light source. Block 344 can also include determining the position and / or angular direction of a secondary lens to be coupled to the first light source.

[0048] Next, method 340 couples (block 346) the first light source to the flat display panel at an angle given by the first angle determined in block 344. The first light source can be soldered to the flat display panel. Other processes for coupling the first light source to the display panel are also possible.

[0049] Next, method 340 determines a second angle of the second light source relative to a virtual plane parallel to the planar display panel (block 348). The second angle can be an angle having a magnitude different from that of the first angle. Further, the reason the second angle can be different from the first angle is that the planar display panel can be one of a display panel assembly assembled to approximate a curved surface. The second light source on the planar display panel can be located at a position different from the first angle, and thus the second angle needs to have an angular magnitude different from the first angle in order to increase the brightness level observed at the virtual focus of the curved surface approximated by the assembly of the planar display panel.

[0050] Thereafter, method 340 couples the second light source to the planar display panel at an angle given by the second angle determined in block 348 (block 350). The second light source can be soldered to the planar display panel. Other processes for coupling the second light source to the planar display panel are also possible.

[0051] Note that in the above, much of the disclosed technology has been described in the context of LED light sources such as LED pixels, but the disclosed technology is also applicable to other types of display technologies that use a light source as a component of a panel forming a faceted screen. Further, although some embodiments have been disclosed in the context of a dome faceted screen, it should be understood that other curved display structures are also contemplated, such as displays forming all or part of an animatronic figure, a prop element, or other components of an entertainment environment.

[0052] The embodiments described in this disclosure are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, and specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. This disclosure is directed to all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0053] The technology claimed in this specification refers to and is applicable to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that reliably improve this technical field, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended at the end of this specification includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing]... [function]" or "steps for [performing]... [function]", such elements should be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other form, such elements should not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0054] 120 Faceted Screen Assembly 122a, 122b Flat Display Panel 126, 126a, 126b Light Source 127 Surface of the Flat Display Panel 128 Common Point 129 Received Image 130 Virtual Focus 131 Emitted Light 132 Curved Backing Surface 133 Optical Axis of the Curved Backing Surface 134 Axis Parallel to the Flat Display Panel 136 Axis Parallel to the Normal of the Flat Display Panel

Claims

1. A faceted screen system comprising: a curved backing surface; a first planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface and angled toward a virtual focal point of the curved backing surface; a second planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface and angled toward the virtual focal point of the curved backing surface; a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel and each directed at a different angle with respect to the first planar panel so as to emit light toward the virtual focal point; a second plurality of light sources disposed on the second planar panel and each directed at a different angle with respect to the second planar panel so as to emit light toward the virtual focal point; A faceted screen system, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are symmetrically arranged with respect to a virtual optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

3. A virtual vertex formed by a first line extending from a first edge of the first planar panel and a second line extending from a second edge of the second planar panel includes an obtuse angle. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

4. The first planar panel abuts the second planar panel on the optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

5. The respective different angles of the individual light sources of the first plurality of light sources continuously decrease in magnitude toward a virtual optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

6. The respective different angles of the individual light sources of the first plurality of light sources continuously decrease in magnitude by a common factor or stepwise toward a virtual optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

7. At least some of the first plurality of light sources are not directed at an angle perpendicular to the first planar panel. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

8. Adjacent light sources among the first plurality of light sources are directed at different angles with respect to the first planar panel. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

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

10. Each individual light source of the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources is directed to emit light having at least a relative maximum intensity along a virtual line extending from each individual light source of the first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources to the virtual focus. The faceted screen system according to claim 1.

11. A faceted screen system, comprising a display panel assembly, the display panel assembly comprising a first flat panel, a second flat panel, wherein the first flat panel and the second flat panel are oriented such that a first line extending from a first edge of the first flat panel and a second line extending from the second flat panel form a vertex, and the display panel assembly a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first flat panel, wherein a first individual light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a first angle with the surface of the first flat panel, and a first adjacent light source among the first plurality of light sources forms a second angle different from the first angle with the surface of the first flat panel; a first plurality of light sources; a second plurality of light sources disposed on a second surface of the second flat panel, wherein a second individual light source of the second plurality of light sources forms a third angle with the second surface of the second flat panel, and a second adjacent light source among the second plurality of light sources forms a fourth angle different from the third angle with the second radiation surface of the second flat panel; a second plurality of light sources; further comprising A faceted screen system characterized by the above.

12. The first flat panel and the second flat panel are symmetrically disposed across a virtual optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 11.

13. The first flat panel abuts the second flat panel at the virtual optical axis of the curved backing surface. The faceted screen system according to claim 12.

14. The first plurality of light sources and the second plurality of light sources are configured to emit light having a relative maximum intensity towards a common position. The faceted screen system according to claim 11.

15. The common position is the virtual focus of the curved backing surface coupled to the first planar panel and the second planar panel. The faceted screen system according to claim 14.

16. The difference in the magnitudes of the first angle and the second angle is the same as the difference in the magnitudes of the third angle and the fourth angle. The faceted screen system according to claim 11.

17. A faceted screen control system, comprising: a plurality of actuators coupled to respective light sources of a plurality of light sources; a controller; The controller is configured to: receive an input indicating a selected focus to direct a plurality of light sources disposed on a plurality of planar display panels forming a faceted assembly approximating a curved surface; determine the orientation of each light source of the plurality of light sources; send control commands to the plurality of actuators to activate each of the plurality of light sources to emit light toward the selected focus; configured as A faceted screen control system, characterized in that.

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

19. Activating each of the light sources includes changing the angular direction of each of the light sources of the plurality of light sources with respect to a certain planar display panel among the plurality of planar display panels. The faceted screen control system according to claim 17.

20. Comprising a memory for storing the azimuth angle of each of the plurality of light sources with respect to a certain planar display panel among the plurality of planar display panels and corresponding operation commands, and the controller accesses the memory to determine the control commands. The faceted screen control system according to claim 17.

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