Systems and methods for lenticular displays

Abstract

The lenticular display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lenticular display system includes a lens formed of glass or a crystalline material. The lens includes a first surface, at least a portion of which includes a coating configured to display a projected image. The lens includes a second surface, the second surface configured to face a user and including a transparent curved surface that allows the user to view the image projected onto the coating through the transparent curved surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,754, filed February 21, 2020, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR LENSED DISPLAY," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to displays for amusement park attractions and experiences. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, these statements should be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Amusement parks often include attractions or experiences that use moving and / or still images to entertain and delight park guests. For example, attractions may include established themed environments using display devices that display media content (e.g., in the form of moving images, text, still images, motion graphics, or a combination thereof). In some attractions, it may be desirable to display media content with special visual effects to create a realistic and / or immersive viewing or playing experience for patrons. In one example, such special visual effects may be achieved using holographic technology, where media content is displayed using holograms generated by illuminating a holographic medium that encodes a light field emanating from a scene as an interference pattern. When the holographic medium is appropriately illuminated with a light source, the interference pattern diffracts light, resulting in a three-dimensional holographic image that exhibits depth, such as parallax and perspective. However, displaying media content via a holographic image (e.g., via a holographic medium that encodes a light field emanating from a scene as an interference pattern) can be challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, availability of equipment, viewing area environment, target audience, and / or video (moving visual image) performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a lenticular display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lenticular display system includes a lens formed of glass, crystalline, or polymeric material. The lens includes a first surface, at least a portion of which includes a coating configured to display a projected image. The lens includes a second surface, configured to face a user and including a transparent curved surface that allows the user to view the image projected onto the coating on the first surface through the transparent curved surface.

[0007] In another embodiment, a lenticular display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lenticular display system includes a lens formed of glass, crystalline, or polymeric material. The lens includes a radially inner curved surface configured to face toward the projector and including a coating configured to display a projected image. The lens includes a radially outer curved surface configured to face away from the projector and configured to allow a user to view the image projected onto the coating on the radially inner curved surface through the radially outer curved surface.

[0008] In another embodiment, a lenticular display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lenticular display system includes a lens formed of glass, crystalline, or polymeric material. The lens includes a first surface configured to face toward the projector and including, at least a portion of, a coating configured to display a projected image. The lens includes a second surface configured to face away from the projector and configured to allow a user to view the image projected onto the coating through the second surface. The lenticular display system also includes a cover configured to couple to the lens.

[0009] Various refinements of the above-described features may be implemented in connection with the various aspects of the present disclosure. Additional features may also be incorporated into these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a lensed display system including a projector and a lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a lensed display system including a projector and a hemispherical lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a lens-equipped display system including a lens and a cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a lensed display system including a lens having a depression disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described herein. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. It should also be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that specific terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, etc., are used herein, it should be understood that these terms permit certain departures from their strict mathematical definitions to accommodate, for example, deviations related to manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0012] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the referenced features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates generally to lenticular display systems and methods, and more particularly to lenticular display systems capable of generating displays for amusement park attractions and experiences. Attractions can include any type of ride system designed to entertain passengers, such as attractions that include ride vehicles that move along a path, or attractions that include rooms or theaters with fixed or moving seats where passengers sit while watching moving images. In particular, lenticular display systems provide displays with visual effects similar to holographic images (e.g., depth effects, parallax, 3D effects), but without the challenges and / or costs associated with providing such holographic images. Furthermore, while the disclosed embodiments generally discuss lenticular display systems used for entertainment purposes, the disclosed embodiments may also be applied to lenticular display systems used for any other suitable purposes.

[0014] With the above in mind, Figure 1 illustrates a lensed display system 100 including a projector 102 and a lens 106, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The projector 102 can project an image 104 (e.g., a still image, a moving image) onto a curved (i.e., spherical) outer surface (e.g., the coated surface having a coating 108) of the lens 106. The projector 102 can be a still image projector, a moving image projector, or any other suitable type of projector. In certain embodiments, the projector 102 can be a rear projector (e.g., can invert the projected image 104) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of the lens 106 from the user 110, as shown.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 106 is a spherical lens (e.g., having a curved outer surface located radially from the center). As shown, the spherical lens can be a solid sphere. In some embodiments, the lens 106 can have a diameter of at least 7 centimeters (cm) (e.g., 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm). The lens 106 can be formed from any suitable transparent material. The lens 106 can be formed from a glass material. Alternatively, the lens 106 can be formed from a crystalline material, a polymeric material, or any other suitable material having a refractive index in the range of 1 to 2. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the lens 106 can be within a range, such as between about 1 and 2, 1.2 and 1.8, or 1.4 and 1.6. In some embodiments, the reflectivity of the lens 106 can be less than or equal to about 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In certain embodiments, the transmittance of lens 106 can be equal to or greater than about 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent.

[0016] The lens 106 may include a coating 108 on the curved outer surface of the lens 106. The coating 108 may be applied to at least a portion (e.g., approximately 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent) of the curved outer surface of the lens 106. The coating 108 may be a projection paint applied to the curved outer surface of the lens 106, a projection film attached to the curved outer surface of the lens 106, or any other type of coating that enables the display of the image 104 projected by the projector 102. In certain embodiments, the coating 108 may be a rear projection coating that enables the image 104 to be viewed by a user 110 through the coating 108 (e.g., on the opposite side of the lens 106, as shown).

[0017] In this manner, user 110 can view image 104 through lens 106. As shown, a first portion of the curved outer surface having coating 108 can face toward projector 102, and a second portion of the curved outer surface can face away from projector 102 (and toward user 110 while user 110 is present). The first portion of the curved outer surface can be disposed between projector 102 and the second portion of the curved outer surface. For example, user 110 can view image 104 by looking through the second portion of the curved outer surface, which is opposite lens 106 from the first portion of the curved outer surface. Lens 106 can distort image 104 projected onto coating 108. As a result, image 104 can appear (e.g., to user 110) as if it were displayed inside lens 106. Additionally or alternatively, lens 106 can distort image 104 to create a three-dimensional effect of image 104. It should be understood that lens 106 can have a variety of other configurations. For example, lens 106 can include any suitable curved outer surface and can be any suitable double-convex or equal-convex lens (e.g., a first radius of curvature at a first surface equals a second radius of curvature at a second surface). In some embodiments, user 110 can view image 104 as part of an attraction, such as while user 110 is in a ride vehicle.

[0018] 2 illustrates a lensed display system 200 that includes a projector 202 and a lens 206. The projector 202 can project an image 204 (e.g., a still image, a moving image) onto a surface (e.g., a coated surface) of the lens 206. The projector 202 can be a still image projector, a moving image projector, or any other suitable type of projector. In certain embodiments, the projector 202 can be a rear projector (e.g., the projected image 204 can be inverted) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of the lens 206 from the user 208, as shown.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, lens 206 is a hemispherical lens (e.g., having a curved (e.g., spherical) outer surface located radially from the center; half of a sphere; spheroid). As shown, lens 206 can be a solid hemisphere or spheroid. Thus, lens 206 can be a plano-convex lens. For example, lens 206 can include a first, planar surface facing toward projector 202 and a second, convex surface (e.g., curved outer surface) facing away from projector 202 (and toward user 208 while user 208 is present). In certain embodiments, the first planar surface can be located between projector 202 and the second convex surface. Alternatively, lens 206 can include a hollow cavity (e.g., recess) within the interior of lens 206. Thus, instead of a first flat surface facing towards the projector 202 , the lens 206 may include a first curved inner surface (eg, a concave surface) facing towards the projector 202 .

[0020] In some embodiments, the lens 206 can have a diameter of at least 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 30 cm. The lens 206 can be formed from any suitable transparent material. The lens 206 can be formed from a glass material. Alternatively, the lens 206 can be formed from a crystalline material, a polymeric material, or any other suitable material having a refractive index between 1 and 2. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the lens 206 can be within a range, such as between about 1 and 2, 1.2 and 1.8, or 1.4 and 1.6. In some embodiments, the reflectivity of the lens 206 can be less than or equal to about 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In certain embodiments, the transmittance of the lens 206 can be greater than or equal to about 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent.

[0021] The lens 206 may include a coating on a first planar surface of the lens 206. For example, the coating may be applied to at least a portion of the first planar surface of the lens 206. The coating may be a projection paint applied to the first planar surface of the lens 106, a projection film deposited on the first planar surface of the lens 106, or any other type of coating that enables the display of the image 204 projected by the projector 202. In certain embodiments, the coating may be a rear projection coating that allows the image 204 to pass through the coating and be viewed by the user 208 (e.g., on the opposite side of the lens 206). As described above, instead of a first planar surface facing toward the projector 202, the lens 206 may include a first curved inner surface (e.g., a concave surface) facing toward the projector 202. In such a case, the lens 206 may include a coating on the first curved inner surface.

[0022] In this manner, the user 208 can view the image 204 through the lens 206. In some embodiments, a first surface (e.g., a first, planar surface; a curved inner surface) of the lens 206 having the coating can face toward the projector 202, and a second surface (e.g., a second, convex surface; a curved outer surface) can face away from the projector 202 (and toward the user 208 while the user 208 is present). The first surface can be disposed between the projector 202 and the second surface. For example, the user 208 can view the image 204 projected onto the first surface by looking through the second surface of the lens 206, which is opposite the first surface. The lens 206 can distort the image 204 projected onto the coating. As a result, the image 204 can appear (e.g., to the user 208) as if it were displayed inside the lens 206. Additionally or alternatively, the lens 206 may distort the image 204 to create a three-dimensional effect for the image 204. In some embodiments, the user 208 may view the image 204 as part of an attraction, such as while the user 208 is inside a ride vehicle.

[0023] With the above in mind, FIG. 3 shows a lensed display system 210 including a lens 212 and a cover 216. The lens 212 of FIG. 3 can be similar to the lens 206 of FIG. 2. Indeed, the lens 212 of FIG. 3 can include any of the features of the lens 206 of FIG. 2 (e.g., a hollow cavity formed by a first curved [e.g., spherical] inner surface), and the lens 206 of FIG. 2 can include any of the features of the lens 212 of FIG. 3 (e.g., a first, planar surface having a coating 214). Furthermore, the lens 212 of FIG. 3 (with or without the cover 216 of FIG. 3) can be used in the lensed display system 200 of FIG. 2 in place of the lens 206 of FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown, lens 212 is a hemispherical lens. Lens 212 can be a solid hemisphere or a spherical truncated sphere. Thus, lens 212 can be a plano-convex lens. In such cases, lens 212 can include a first planar surface and a second curved (e.g., spherical) surface (e.g., a curved outer surface). Lens 212 can include a coating 214 on the first planar surface. Coating 214 can be projection paint applied to the first planar surface of lens 212, a projection film deposited on the first planar surface of lens 212, or any other type of coating that enables the display of an image projected by a projector, such as projector 202 of FIG. 2 . In certain embodiments, coating 214 can be a rear projection coating that allows an image to pass through coating 214 and be viewed by a user (e.g., on the opposite side of lens 212). As mentioned above, lens 212 can include a hollow cavity 218, shown by a dotted line for ease of discussion. For example, a portion of the first planar surface of lens 212 can be milled to form a curved (e.g., spherical) inner surface (e.g., concave surface), in which case coating 214 can be applied to at least a portion of the curved inner surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lens-equipped display system 210 can include a cover 216. As shown, the cover 216 can have a hemispherical shape or can be spherically indented. In certain embodiments, the cover 216 can be a hemispherical shell including an internal cavity (e.g., a hollow cavity or recess). In some embodiments, the cover 216 can be formed of a glass material, a crystalline material, or a thermoplastic material. For example, the cover 216 can be formed of an acrylic material. In certain embodiments, the reflectance of the cover 216 can be equal to or less than approximately 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent. In some embodiments, the transmittance of the cover 216 can be equal to or greater than approximately 80 percent, 90 percent, or 95 percent. In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the cover 216 can be within a range, such as between approximately 1 and 2, between 1.2 and 1.8, or between 1.4 and 1.6. The cover 216 can be bonded to the lens 212 (e.g., via an adhesive). In some embodiments, when coupled together, lens 212 and cover 216 can form a spherical shape (e.g., form a perfect sphere; have substantially equal radii). Cover 216 can allow an image projected by a projector, such as projector 202 of FIG. 2 , located on one side of lenticular display system 210, to pass through cover 216 and be displayed on coating 214 for visualization by a user (e.g., on the other side of lenticular display system 210, opposite lens 212; looking through the second curved surface of lens 212) without appreciable distortion of the image. As a result, the image may appear (e.g., to a user) to be displayed inside lens 212.

[0026] The cover 216 may be formed by molding, milling, or any other suitable forming process. For example, the cover 216 may be formed from a resin poured into a mold. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the cover 216 may be milled to remove additional material from the cover 216. For example, the cover 216 may be formed into a hemispherical shell by milling an interior cavity into the cover 216.

[0027] 4 shows a lensed display system 300 that includes a lens 304 and a set of projectors 302A, 302B, and 302C (collectively referred to as projectors 302). Projectors 302 can be still image projectors, video projectors, or any other suitable type of projector. In particular embodiments, projectors 302 can be rear projectors (e.g., the projected image can be inverted) and / or can be positioned on the opposite side of lens 304 from the user. As shown, each of projectors 302 can project light in a respective, different direction (e.g., a first projector can project light about a first axis, and a second projector can project light about a second axis that is different from the first axis). Such embodiments may allow users to view images (e.g., a first image via a first projector and a second image via a second projector, where the first and second images may be the same or different) while standing in different positions relative to the lens 304, and / or may allow multiple users to view images while standing in different positions relative to the lens 304.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 304 is a spherical shell. For example, the lens 304 includes a curved (e.g., spherical) outer surface 306 (e.g., radial outer surface) that is at least a portion of a sphere, e.g., at least one-half (e.g., two-thirds, three-quarters, four-fifths) of a sphere. The lens 304 may include a hollow cavity 310 disposed within an interior of the lens 304. The hollow cavity 310 of the lens 304 may be formed by milling at least a portion of the lens 304. In certain embodiments, the lens 304 may include an opening through which the projector 302 projects an image.

[0029] The lens 304 may include a curved outer surface 306 and a curved (e.g., spherical) inner surface 308 (e.g., radial inner surface). In certain embodiments, the curved outer surface 306 may face away from the projector 302 (e.g., toward the user while the user is present), and the curved inner surface 308 may face toward the projector 302. The curved inner surface 308 may be disposed between the projector 302 and the curved outer surface 306. For example, a user may view an image by looking through the curved outer surface 306. The lens 304 may have a diameter of at least 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 30 cm. The lens 304 may have a thickness 312 (e.g., radial thickness) measured between the curved outer surface 306 and the curved inner surface 308. The thickness 312 may be equal to or greater than about 2 cm (e.g., 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm). In certain embodiments, the thickness 312 of the lens 304 can be uniform, or the thickness 312 can vary across the lens 304 (e.g., the smallest thickness can be located in the portion directly facing the projector 302).

[0030] The curved inner surface 308 may include a coating 314. For example, the coating 314 may be applied to at least a portion of the curved inner surface 308. The coating 314 may be a projection paint applied to the curved outer surface of the lens 306, a projection film attached to the curved outer surface of the lens 306, or any other type of coating that allows for the display of an image projected by the projector 302. In certain embodiments, the coating 314 may be a rear projection coating that allows an image to pass through the coating 314 and be viewed by a user (e.g., on the opposite side of the coating 314 and the lens 304 from the projector 302).

[0031] In this manner, a user may view an image through lens 304. In particular, lens 304 may distort the image projected onto coating 314. As a result, the image may appear (e.g., to the user) to be displayed inside lens 304. Additionally or alternatively, lens 304 may distort the image to create a three-dimensional effect of the image. In some embodiments, a user may view the image as part of an attraction, such as while the user is inside a ride vehicle.

[0032] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, intended in the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0033] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to specific examples of material object and practical nature that significantly improve the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100 Lensed Display System 102 Projector 104 images 106 Lens 108 Coating 110 users

Claims

1. 1. A lens-equipped display system, comprising: a projector configured to project an image; A single lens formed of glass, crystalline, or polymeric material, a first surface, the first surface comprising a planar surface, at least a portion of the first surface comprising a coating configured to display the image; a second surface including a transparent curved surface configured to face a user such that the user can view the entire image projected onto the coating through the transparent curved surface; and a single lens comprising: Equipped with A lensed display system, wherein the single lens is configured to distort the image such that the image appears to the user as if it is entirely within the single lens.

2. The lensed display system of claim 1 , wherein the single lens includes a convex surface.

3. The lensed display system of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a rear projection coating.

4. The lensed display system of claim 1 , wherein the single lens comprises a concave surface.

5. The lensed display system of claim 1 , wherein the single lens comprises a hemispherical shape.

6. 1. A lens-equipped display system, comprising: a projector configured to project an image; 1. A lens comprising a spherically shaped shell formed of glass, crystalline, or polymeric material, a radially inner curved surface configured to face the projector and including a coating configured to display the image; and a radially outer curved surface configured to face away from the projector and configured to allow a user to view the entire image projected onto the coating through the radially outer curved surface such that the image appears to the user as if the entire image is inside the lens; and a lens including a cover configured to be bonded to the lens by an adhesive; A lens-equipped display system comprising:

7. The lensed display system of claim 6 including a hollow cavity defined by said radially inner curved surface.

8. The lensed display system of claim 6 , wherein the radially inner curved surface is disposed between the radially outer curved surface and the projector.

9. 10. The lensed display system of claim 8, wherein a thickness of the lens between the radially inner curved surface and the radially outer curved surface is at least 2 centimeters.

10. 7. The lensed display system of claim 6, wherein the lens has a diameter of at least 30 centimeters.

11. 7. The lensed display system of claim 6, wherein the refractive index of the glass, crystalline, or polymeric material of the lens is between 1.4 and 1.

6.

12. The lensed display system of claim 6 , wherein the lens comprises a hemispherical shaped shell.

13. 1. A lens-equipped display system, comprising: a projector configured to project an image; A lens formed of glass, crystal, or polymeric material, a first surface configured to face the projector, at least a portion of the first surface including a coating configured to display the image; and a second surface configured to face away from the projector and configured to allow a user to view the entire image projected onto the coating through the second surface, such that the entire image appears to the user to be within the lens; and a lens, a cover including a hemispherical shell configured to couple to the lens; A lens-equipped display system comprising:

14. The lensed display system of claim 13 , wherein the first surface comprises a concave surface.

15. The lensed display system of claim 13 , wherein the cover is formed of an acrylic material.

16. The lens-equipped display system of claim 13 , wherein the cover is disposed between the projector and the lens.

17. The lens-equipped display system of claim 13 , wherein the cover is bonded to the lens by an adhesive.

18. The lensed display system of claim 13 , wherein the cover is configured to allow the image to pass through the coating.

19. The lensed display system of claim 13 , wherein the cover includes a recess formed therein.

20. The lens-equipped display system of claim 13 including a recess formed at least partially between the first surface and the cover.

21. 1. A lens-equipped display system, comprising: A single lens, a first surface including a planar surface, the first surface configured to face a projector, at least a portion of the first surface including a coating configured to enable display of an image on the coating projected by the projector; a second surface including a curved surface configured to face a user such that the user can view the image on the coating through the curved surface; a single lens, Equipped with the single lens is configured to distort the image so that the image appears to the user as if it were entirely within the single lens; Lensed display system.

22. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21, wherein the coating comprises a rear projection coating.

23. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21, wherein the coating comprises a paint or a film.

24. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21, wherein the single lens is a plano-convex lens.

25. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21, comprising a cover, said cover and said single lens forming a spherical shape when bonded together.

26. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21 comprising a projector configured to project the image onto the coating.

27. 22. The lensed display system of claim 21, wherein the curved surface is formed from a glass material, a crystalline material, or a thermoplastic material.

28. 1. A lens-equipped display system, comprising: A single lens, a first curved surface including a coating configured to allow display of an image on the coating; a second curved surface configured to allow a user to view the entire image displayed on the coating through the second curved surface; and a single lens, Equipped with the single lens is configured to distort the image so that the image appears to the user as if it were entirely within the single lens; Lensed display system.

29. 30. The lensed display system of claim 28, wherein the single lens is a spherical lens, the first curved surface is a first portion of the spherical lens, and the second curved surface is a second portion of the spherical lens.

30. 30. The lensed display system of claim 28, wherein the first curved surface is positioned between the second curved surface and a projector that projects the image onto the coating.

31. 30. The lensed display system of claim 28, wherein the single lens comprises a hemispherical lens, the first curved surface forming a radially inner curved surface of the hemispherical lens, and the second curved surface forming a radially outer curved surface of the hemispherical lens.

32. 30. The lensed display system of claim 28, wherein the refractive index of said single lens is between 1 and 2.

33. 30. The lensed display system of claim 28, wherein the single lens is formed from a glass, crystalline, or thermoplastic material.

34. A lens-equipped display system A single lens, a first surface configured to face a projector, at least a portion of the first surface configured to display an image projected onto the first surface by the projector; a second surface configured to face away from the projector and to allow a user to view the entire image projected onto the first surface through the second surface; and a single lens, Equipped with the single lens is configured to distort the image so that the image appears to the user as if it were entirely within the single lens; Lensed display system.

35. 35. The lensed display system of claim 34, wherein the first surface comprises a curved radially inner surface and the second surface comprises a curved radially outer surface.

36. 36. The lensed display system of claim 35, wherein the single lens comprises a spherical lens having an aperture through which the image is projected by the projector onto the first surface.

37. the projector configured to project the image onto the first surface; one or more additional projectors, each additional projector of the one or more additional projectors configured to project a corresponding additional image onto the first surface, at least a portion of the first surface configured to display the image and each corresponding additional image, and the second surface configured to allow the user to view the image and each corresponding additional image projected onto the first surface through the second surface; 36. The lensed display system of claim 35, comprising:

38. 38. The lensed display system of claim 37, wherein the projector is arranged to project a first respective light in a first direction to project the image onto the first surface, and each additional projector of the one or more additional projectors is configured to project a corresponding respective light in a corresponding direction to project a corresponding additional image onto the first surface.

39. 39. The lensed display system of claim 38, wherein the single lens is configured to allow the user to view, through the second surface, the image while the user is in a first position relative to the single lens and a corresponding additional image of one or more corresponding additional images while the user is in a second position relative to the single lens.

40. 35. The lensed display system of claim 34, comprising a cover configured to be disposed between the projector and the single lens, the cover being formed from a glass material, a crystalline material, a thermoplastic material, or an acrylic material.

Images