Lens Stack Holographic Character Projection for Space-Saving Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for bringing characters from screens into the real world, such as in rides or attractions, require large spaces, high costs, and complex safety measures due to the use of animatronics or physical models, necessitating a more efficient and space-saving alternative.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a lens stack, image plane, and scrim layer to optically create 2D or 3D holographic characters, employing Fresnel lenses and a sheer scrim to project images at a desired distance, allowing for immersive environments without physical objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If animatronics or physical models are used to bring characters into the real world, then the character can be physically present in the environment, but the system requires large spaces, high costs, and complex safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying to create a holographic image of the character rather than using a physical animatronic model. The hologram is generated by projecting light through a lens stack and scrim layer, creating a visual copy that appears three-dimensional and floating in space, eliminating the need for physical contact controls and complex safety infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical animatronic system with an optical system consisting of a lens stack, scrim layer, and image source. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts and physical models, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining the ability to present characters in the real world environment
2Ease of operation
If physical models are placed in the environment, then the character can be interacted with, but contact prevention controls are required
Solution Approach 1:
The holographic character is an optical copy that appears to float in space without physical substance. Viewers can observe and interact visually with the character, but physical contact is impossible since the hologram is merely light projected through a scrim layer, eliminating the need for contact prevention controls
Solution Approach 2:
The scrim layer acts as an intermediary between the optical system and the viewer. It allows light to pass through while creating the illusion of a three-dimensional floating image, enabling visual interaction without physical contact possibilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If animatronics are used, then the character can be physically positioned, but large facility space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical models to three-dimensional holographic images that appear to float in space. The lens stack creates optical depth, allowing the character to be positioned at various distances from the viewer without requiring physical space for the character's body, significantly reducing facility space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic image is an optical copy that can be positioned in three-dimensional space without occupying physical volume. The character appears to float at a specific distance from the lens stack, enabling flexible positioning without the space constraints of physical animatronics
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 the creation of holographic characters that appear to float in space, providing an immersive experience without the need for physical infrastructure, suitable for both dim and bright environments, and scalable for various installations.
Implementation Method 1
a lens stack positioned between the image plane and the scrim layer... configured to create, at a second distance away from the lens stack, a perceived image of the generated image
Implementation Method 2
the lens stack includes a pair of Fresnel lenses stacked facing each other
Implementation Method 3
a scrim layer... The lens stack and scrim layer may create a perceived image based on the image
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an image plane, a scrim layer, and a lens stack positioned between the image plane and the scrim layer. The lens stack may be positioned at a first distance from the image plane to create a perceived image at a second distance away from the lens stack. The first and second distances may be equal. The image source may be spaced away from the lens stack and on a first side of the lens stack. The scrim layer may be positioned on a second side of the lens stack. The lens stack may include a pair of lenses (e.g., identical Fresnel lenses) stacked facing each other. A bounce mirror positioned between the image plane and the lens stack may fold an optical path from the image plane to the lens stack. Additional systems and associated methods are also disclosed.