Optical: systems and elements – Projection screen – Curved
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-02-13
Metjahic, Safet (Department: 2858)
Optical: systems and elements
Projection screen
Curved
C359S458000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188517
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to screens for video projection, and more particularly to a hybrid viewing screen having multiple three-dimensional (3D) sections upon which an image or a series of images is projected with a sense of realism comparable with natural viewing of a 3D physical reality. In another aspect, this invention relates to a desktop based viewing screen having multiple 3D display sections, which allows viewers to use their peripheral vision.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Display systems are widely used in diverse image display applications, with most systems employing either planar or substantially planar display surfaces, i.e., flat wall screens which have an inherently limited field of view. While it is possible to extend the observers field of view by simply increasing the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the planar display screen, this expansion generally results in an unacceptable level of distortion of the image. In order to permit users to view objects peripherally, display technology has been developed which generally uses multiple projectors to project adjoining images on adjacent sections of a large wraparound screen so that observers can view objects with depth perception in 3D space.
Accordingly, four screen types are commonly used today to facilitate the many diverse image display applications. These four screen types are: 1) a flat wall, 2) multiple adjacent flat walls, 3) a dome, and 4) a curved wraparound panel, which can be semi-toroidal. All of these display surfaces can include stereo 3D graphics, and some applications require it to be successful.
The reason that no one screen type has persisted is that the different problems and purposes encountered with display systems are best individually addressed by only one of the various screen types mentioned above.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a hybrid screen that combines the four screen types in a unitary structure.
A more specific object is to provide a hybrid screen for viewing various 3D combinations of wraparound, dome, flat wall and multi-wall type displays using a single video projector or multiple video projectors.
A still more specific object of this invention is to provide a portable, self-supporting rigid structure with a concave inner viewing surface, which is suitable for positioning on a desktop or on a moveable support table.
Yet another object is to provide an economical viewing surface that gives the viewer a sense of depth perception without requiring stereo projection and stereo glasses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained in a multi-section hybrid projection screen structure having an inner concave display surface for viewing video images. The hybrid screen, which is sized to be positioned on a desktop, includes three sections, and the sections can be divided into subsections so that 3D displays covering one or more of the subsections can be viewed. The sections include: a concave semidome ceiling section, a semicylindricular wall section which can be semi-toroidal and having a diameter to match the maximum diameter of the semidome, and a flat semicircular floor section attached to the lower edge of the cylindrical wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the 3D display surface is a unitary construction that combines viewing features of the four commonly used screen types including: a flat wall, multiple adjacent walls, a semidome, and a wraparound. Accordingly, the display surface includes multiple sections for viewing 3D displays. Various combinations of these sections may also be used for viewing, such as the semidome ceiling section together with the flat wall, and further the various sections can be divided into subsections or subareas for detailed viewing.
In use, a video projector, which accepts multiple simultaneous inputs, is connected to a computer to allow the graphic output of the computer to be projected, enlarged, and focused onto the hybrid screen. Accordingly, computer generated signals control the view to be displayed, and the views include section or subsection displays, as well as animation of successive views, which imparts lifelike motion to an object and which is derived from the volume of data, to display information from throughout the data volume.
The multi-section hybrid screen according to this invention can be used for a variety of useful displays, including: 1) a wraparound one-hundred-eighty degree display using only the semicylindrical wall surface, 2) a one-hundred-eighty degree by ninety degree semidome display using only the semidome ceiling surface, 3) a one-hundred-eighty degree wraparound plus floor display using the combination of the semicylindrical wall screen panel plus the floor section, 4) a single wall or three wall display using the semicylindrical wall screen panel divided into one or more subareas, 5) a single wall plus floor, using the combination of the semicylindrical wall panel and the floor, and 6) a silo like shape with a floor, where the entire concave 3D display surface is illuminated.
In another preferred embodiment, a relatively small flat auxiliary screen in the shape of a paddle is provided. This paddle screen can be held by the viewer and positioned within the volume inside of the hybrid screen. An electromagnetic transmitter mounted on the outside of the concave screen surface in combination with a receiver mounted on the paddle screen detect the position and orientation of the moveable paddle throughout the space defined within the hybrid screen, and an interactive image is displayed on the paddle, representing the data that exists at the detected spatial position. In simulation displays the image on the paddle could represent a view corresponding to a rear view mirror. In other applications such as seismic data displays the paddle can display the seismic amplitudes or attributes, e.g., petrophysical properties of rock layers.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description and the drawings, wherein there is shown and described only one of the several preferred embodiments of the invention. While the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention is illustrated as applied to a particularly shaped 3D display surface, it will be realized that the invention is suitable for other and different embodiments, such as projecting video images onto the interior of a hemispherical display surface, the outer surface of a sphere, or a corner between walls. Also several different details of the invention are subject to modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the description of the invention and the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3836812 (1974-09-01), Bennett
patent: 4350489 (1982-09-01), Gdovin
patent: 5483254 (1996-01-01), Powell
patent: 5502481 (1996-03-01), Dentinger et al.
patent: 5540229 (1996-07-01), Collet-Billon et al.
patent: 5762413 (1998-06-01), Colucci et al.
patent: 5908300 (1999-06-01), Walker et al.
Grismore John R.
Lucas William A.
Neff Dennis B.
Wyatt Steven B.
LeRoux Etienne
Metjahic Safet
Phillips Petroleum Company
Richmond, Hitchcock, Fish & Dollar
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