Projectable Masks for High Contrast 3D Virtual Characters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Pepper's Ghost displays face limitations in creating high contrast, solid, and occluding 3D virtual characters due to size constraints of LCD panels, excessive light attenuation, and inability to cast dynamic shadows, making them unsuitable for large settings like theme parks and indoor/outdoor displays.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly using a dynamic mask generation screen with a projector that selectively turns transparent to opaque with UV or IR light, allowing for large-scale occlusion and shadowing, featuring a projectable mask screen made of fast photochromic material, optically addressed self-emissive screens, or tunable mirrors to create high contrast and opaque virtual characters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LCD panels are used to create dynamic masks in Pepper's Ghost displays, then the masks can be controlled to be opaque or transparent, but the panel size is limited and light attenuation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or regions. Each segment can be selectively switched between transparent and opaque states, allowing the mask to be manufactured in smaller, manageable LCD panel sizes while still achieving large effective coverage area through coordinated operation of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple LCD panels are arranged in a nested or tiled configuration where smaller panels work together to form a larger effective mask area. The panels can be positioned at different depths or angles, creating a nested structure that expands the functional mask size beyond what a single panel could provide
2Ease of manufacture
If LCD panels are used to create dynamic masks, then the masks can be selectively opaque, but excessive light attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire mask uniformly opaque when blocking is needed, only the specific local regions requiring occlusion are switched to opaque state. This localized control minimizes unnecessary light attenuation in other areas, preserving overall scene brightness while achieving the required masking effect where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mask operates in periodic cycles, switching between transparent and opaque states in synchronization with the display timing. This periodic operation allows the system to accumulate light during transparent phases and only block light when necessary, reducing overall light loss compared to continuous opaque operation
3Device complexity
If traditional Pepper's Ghost displays are used, then the setup is simple with a beam splitter and hidden room, but the virtual image appears flat and cannot cast dynamic shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is made dynamically controllable, allowing it to change its opaque/transparent configuration in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the mask to adapt its shape and occlusion patterns to match the virtual character's movements and interactions, creating the illusion of three-dimensional form and enabling dynamic shadow casting that responds to changing scene conditions
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 high contrast, solid, and dynamically shadowing virtual characters that can occlude and be occluded by physical objects, providing effective occlusion and optical effects across large areas without the need for extensive electronic addressing or large pixel rendering, enhancing the 3D display experience.
Implementation Method 1
A display assembly with a dynamic mask generation screen is provided. In one embodiment, the screen is made opaque in regions exposed to a predefined type of non-visible light, such as ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light
Data Source
AI summary
A display assembly for displaying a virtual image of an object with occlusion and contrast. The display assembly includes a virtual object display selectively displaying an image at a virtual object plane. The display assembly includes a mask generation screen assembly with a screen element operable in a first state in which the screen element is transparent to visible light and in a second state in which a portion is opaque. The screen element is positioned proximate to the virtual object plane. The opaque portion of the screen element corresponds in size, shape, and location to the displayed virtual object image to provide a mask for the virtual image. The screen element may include a projectable mask screen opaque in regions exposed to a predefined type of non-visible light. The non-visible light may be ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light selectively provided by a UV or IR projector.