Oscillating Rod Screen for Holographic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holographic technologies are costly, complex, and limited in producing high-quality, colorful, three-dimensional images that appear to float in space, failing to meet demands for vivid visual effects in applications like theme parks and movie theaters, and often require projector screens that are difficult to hide.
Innovation Solution
A video projection system using a rapidly oscillating screen element, pivotally mounted to create a 'virtual' projector screen, allowing images to be projected without the appearance of a physical screen, with high image quality and the illusion of floating images, achieved by a motor-driven screen element oscillating between two edge positions to provide a flickering, hologram-like effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional holographic technology is used to produce 3D floating images, then three-dimensional visual effects can be achieved, but the system becomes costly and complex requiring multiple projection components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex holographic components like beamsplitters and multiple laser sources by using a single projector combined with a rapidly oscillating screen element. This simplification maintains the 3D visual effect while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically oscillating screen element that rotates at high speeds to create the illusion of a floating 3D image. This dynamic approach replaces static complex holographic setups with a simple mechanical motion that produces the desired visual effect.
2Shape
If conventional holographic technology is used to produce 3D floating images, then three-dimensional visual effects can be achieved, but the system requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for large-scale holographic equipment and multiple projection components, consolidating the system into a compact configuration with a single projector and small oscillating screen element, thereby significantly reducing the space required.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a small, rapidly oscillating screen element rather than a large stationary holographic display, the patent achieves 3D effects in a compact volume while maintaining the visual illusion of floating images.
3Shape
If a spinning screen technique is used to produce 3D imagery, then some 3D effect can be achieved, but noise and air movement are produced limiting use in applications where viewers may be near the spinning screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rapid oscillation of the screen element at high frequencies that exceed human perception thresholds, creating the illusion of a stationary 3D image without producing audible noise or visible air movement that would disturb nearby viewers.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen element oscillates at high periodic frequencies that create the persistence of vision effect, making the screen appear stationary while actually moving rapidly to produce the 3D holographic illusion without generating harmful noise or air currents.
4Shape
If conventional holographic technology is used, then holographic effects can be produced, but the images are monochromatic and not acceptable to modern media consumers who demand vivid and colorful images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard color projector that can display full-color images, combining this with the oscillating screen technique to produce both the holographic 3D effect and vivid color quality simultaneously, eliminating the monochromatic limitation of conventional holography.
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
The system effectively produces high-quality, three-dimensional images that appear to float without a visible screen, enhancing visual effects with synchronized audio and maintaining image quality at higher oscillation rates, suitable for various applications including theme parks and movie theaters.
Implementation Method 1
a rapidly oscillating screen element such as a rod that is pivotally mounted at one end to a base so that the rod can pivot about this end... the screen element oscillates between two edge positions... to provide a pie wedge or V-shaped screen with a face or side of the screen element tracing out a locus of positions that define the virtual projector screen
Implementation Method 2
holograms are images that are recorded and reconstructed or projected that are three dimensional (3D)... One or more projectors are provided to direct projected images onto the oscillating screen element to provide a flickering displayed image with hologram-like results
Implementation Method 3
One or more projectors are provided to direct projected images onto the oscillating screen element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e.g., the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.