Time-Sliced Multiplexed Image Display for Personalized Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively create individual or personalized experiences for guests in larger crowds, such as in theme parks and amusement venues, where all viewers share the same image stream, limiting interactive experiences and increasing confusion.

Innovation Solution

A system involving multiple image projectors generates and interleaves separate image streams, with filtering mechanisms to ensure each viewer sees only their intended image stream, using a common background projector for all, allowing for personalized experiences within a shared display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image streams are displayed simultaneously for individual viewers, then personalized viewing experiences are achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple projectors and filtering mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized viewing experiencesVSAvoidmultiple projectors and filtering mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image stream into multiple separate streams, with each stream designated for a specific viewer. The multiplexor divides the composite image into distinct image streams that are then projected individually, allowing each viewer to see only their intended content through synchronized shuttering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic shuttering mechanisms that open and close in synchronization with the projected image streams. Each viewer's shutter opens only when their designated image stream is projected, creating time-sequenced access to individualized content while using a shared projection resource.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If interactive elements are displayed for each guest simultaneously, then individual interactivity is enabled, but confusion and diminished guest experience result due to shared screen space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual interactivityVSAvoidguest experience clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Interactive elements for each guest are displayed in time-sequenced intervals rather than simultaneously. The shuttering mechanism ensures that only one guest's interactive content is visible at any given moment, eliminating visual confusion while maintaining individual interactivity through rapid temporal multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns display time slots to different guests based on their interaction state. When a guest interacts with the system, their content is activated and displayed during their designated time window, while other guests' content is suppressed, creating a dynamic, responsive viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If VR glasses are used to present individual images to each user, then personalized experiences are achieved, but cost and equipment volume increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized viewing experiencesVSAvoidcostly VR equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single projection screen serves multiple functions by displaying different image streams to different viewers simultaneously through time-sequenced multiplexing. The shared screen replaces multiple individual display devices, achieving personalized viewing experiences without requiring each user to have dedicated equipment like VR glasses.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttering mechanisms and multiplexor act as intermediaries between the projection system and individual viewers. These intermediaries control which image streams reach which viewers, enabling personalized content delivery through a shared projection resource without requiring direct individualized display hardware for each user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2090118B1Time-sliced multiplexed image display
Publication Date: 2015.09.30 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP2090118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2090118B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2090118B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for displaying multiple image streams each comprising multiple image frames that entertains multiple viewers includes at least three image generators for generating at least three separate image streams that each include multiple image frames. An image multiplexer is provided for interleaving image frames of each image stream to produce an interleaved image stream and a display is provided for showing the interleaved image stream. Shutter glasses (and/or polarizers) filter the interleaved image stream, thereby separating one image stream for viewing by one viewer. A method of displaying multiple image streams is also presented 2D or 3D images can be displayed.