Angled Projection Screens with Directional Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems in theaters with multiple screens suffer from visual artifacts due to light reflection between screens, leading to inconsistent brightness and contrast for viewers, especially when spectators are not centrally positioned.
Innovation Solution
A projection assembly where at least one screen is angled such that it reflects light predominantly or exclusively in angular ranges that do not intersect with another screen, using lenticular screens with varying thickness and sawtooth patterns to minimize light reflection between screens, and adjusting projector brightness to compensate for differences in image brightness across screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screens are positioned at angles to each other in a multi-screen projection system, then the viewing area and immersion are improved, but light reflection between screens causes visual artifacts and inconsistent brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each screen have directionally selective reflective properties. Specifically, each screen is configured to reflect light predominantly within a specific angular range that directs reflected light toward the audience while avoiding other screens. This localized control of light reflection at each screen position eliminates cross-screen light contamination while preserving the angled multi-screen configuration for expanded viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular reflection parameter of each screen to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the screens to reflect light at specific angles that do not intersect with other screens, the system maintains the immersive multi-screen geometry while eliminating visual artifacts caused by light spill between screens.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors project images onto angled screens, then immersive display is enhanced, but light from one screen reaches other screens causing brightness inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
Each screen is given directionally selective reflective properties tailored to its specific position and orientation. The screens are configured to reflect light within specific angular ranges that channel reflected light toward the audience area while preventing light from reaching adjacent screens. This local optimization of light reflection at each screen position ensures uniform brightness across all screens despite the immersive multi-screen configuration.
3Ease of operation
If screens reflect light omnidirectionally, then viewing flexibility is improved, but light spills onto other screens creating visual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces omnidirectional reflection with directionally selective reflection at each screen position. Each screen is configured with specific reflective properties that direct light within a controlled angular range toward the audience while avoiding other screens. This localized control eliminates light spill-over interference while maintaining viewing flexibility through optimized angular reflection patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful omnidirectional light reflection into a beneficial directional reflection pattern. By configuring screens to reflect light preferentially in specific angular ranges that avoid other screens, the system transforms what would be harmful light spill-over into useful directed illumination that enhances image visibility for the audience while eliminating cross-screen interference.
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
This configuration reduces visual artifacts and maintains consistent image quality for viewers across the audience area by directing reflected light preferentially towards the audience and minimizing light spill-over between screens, enhancing the overall projection setting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first screen is adapted to reflect light projected onto it predominantly or exclusively in one or more angular ranges that do not intersect with the second screen
Implementation Method 2
using lenticular screens with varying thickness and sawtooth patterns to minimize light reflection between screens
Data Source
AI summary
A projection assembly comprising at least a first screen (14) and a second screen (10). The first screen (14) is at an angle with the second screen (10). The first screen (14) is adapted to reflect light projected onto it predominantly or exclusively in one or more angular ranges that do not intersect with the second screen (10). The invention also pertains to a method for projecting images with such a projection assembly, comprising projecting a first image with the first projector (16B) on the first screen (14), and projecting a second image with the second projector (16A) on the second screen (10).