3D Mural Display Using Wavelength Multiplex Visualization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D projection technologies, particularly those using wavelength multiplex visualization, are expensive and limited to large-scale theatrical experiences, making it impractical to provide 3D imagery in smaller spaces or locations outside conventional theater settings, such as amusement park rides, where viewers wear 3D stereo glasses but no projectors are present.

Innovation Solution

A 3D display system that uses flat or nearly flat murals with lenticular panels and strategically positioned light sources emitting specific wavelength bands to create 3D imagery for viewers wearing wavelength multiplex visualization glasses, eliminating the need for expensive 3D projectors and allowing 3D effects in areas without projector coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) technology is used to provide 3D imagery, then 3D effects can be achieved for viewers wearing 3D glasses, but the system becomes expensive and limited to large-scale theatrical settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D imagery qualityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flat or nearly flat murals as simplified copies of traditional 3D projection systems. These murals contain embedded wavelength multiplex visualization elements that replicate the 3D effect without requiring expensive projectors. The mural itself becomes a passive 3D display medium that can be viewed with WMV glasses, eliminating the need for active projection equipment while maintaining 3D imagery quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex projector systems with inexpensive mural elements. The murals are static, non-projecting surfaces that can be manufactured at low cost and deployed in various settings. This disposable-like approach allows widespread distribution of 3D viewing experiences without investing in costly projector infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If expensive 3D projectors are used to provide 3D imagery, then full-color full-stereo 3D effects can be achieved, but the system cannot be deployed in areas without projector coverage such as amusement park ride queues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D stereo effectVSAvoiddeployment location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential 3D functionality from the projector system and embeds it directly into the mural itself. By removing the need for external projection equipment, the 3D effect becomes an inherent property of the mural that can be placed anywhere viewers wear WMV glasses, dramatically increasing deployment flexibility to locations like amusement park queues, waiting areas, and other non-theater settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mural-based system serves multiple functions: it provides 3D imagery without requiring projectors, can be installed in diverse locations, and works with standard WMV glasses. This universal approach allows the same mural technology to be deployed in theaters, amusement parks, museums, and other venues, making the system highly adaptable to different environments and use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If traditional projection systems are used, then 3D content can be displayed, but the system requires expensive projectors and is not cost-effective for smaller spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D content deliveryVSAvoidprojector cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates passive mural copies that encode 3D content directly in their structure. These murals replicate the visual information needed for 3D viewing without requiring active projection equipment. The mural itself becomes the information carrier, eliminating the need for expensive projectors while maintaining full-color full-stereo 3D content delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables cost-effective and efficient provision of 3D imagery in various settings by using affordable mural elements and light sources to direct appropriate wavelength streams to the viewer's glasses, providing a full-color, full-stereo 3D experience without the need for projectors, thus expanding 3D entertainment possibilities beyond traditional theater settings.

Implementation Method 1

flat or nearly flat murals with lenticular panels and strategically positioned light sources emitting specific wavelength bands to create 3D imagery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

viewers wearing wavelength multiplex visualization glasses... direct appropriate wavelength streams to the viewer's glasses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength multiplex visualization: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS9918074B2Three dimensional (3D) stereo display systems for creating 3D effects for viewers wearing 3D glasses
Publication Date: 2018.03.13 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • US9918074B2 patent drawing
  • US9918074B2 patent drawing
  • US9918074B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display system creating three dimensional (3D) imagery for a viewer in a viewing space wearing 3D stereo glasses. The 3D stereo glasses have first and second lens passing colored light in first and second ranges of wavelengths. The display system includes a 3D mural element with a display surface facing the viewing space and a light receiving surface opposite the display surface. The display system includes a first wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) light source outputting a first light stream onto the light receiving surface, and the first light stream has a wavelength in the first range of wavelengths. The display system includes a second WMV light source outputting a second light stream onto the light receiving surface, and the second light stream has a wavelength in the second range of wavelengths. WMV light sources may be directed onto 3D surfaces and props in the viewing space providing 3D effect.