AU615737B2 - Improved entertainment or amusement device - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 7 J'mw COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: S Published: S- Priority Related Art: o C

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APPLICANT'S REF.: C.A.P. pf PI 7901

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Name(s) of Applicant(s): Address(es) of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service is: CONCORDE ST. GEORGE PRODUCTIONS PTY. LTD.

Unit 1, 67 Palmerston Crescent South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 Melbourne, Australia Michael Rodney BROWNING PHILLIPS, ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street

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Melbourne, Australia, 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: IMPROVED ENTERTAINMENT OR AMUSEMENT DEVICE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): P19/3/84 1 This invention relates to an improved entertainment or amusement device.

In our Australian patent specification 51589/85 (579435), there is disclosed an entertainment or amusement device or structure which enables generation of an optical effect somewhat similar to that of a Kaleidoscope. In the device or structure of that application an elongate chamber is bounded along its length by at least three elongate, substantially planar walls with at least two adjacent ones of those walls having reflective surfaces. The device has an image generating means by which a primary image can be formed across one end of the chamber so as to result in Ssecondary images being generated by reflection of the primary image by the reflective surfaces. Also, the structure is adapted to enable viewer access for simultaneous viewing of the primary image and the secondary images. The viewer access preferably is enabled by a gallery at the end cf the chamber remote from the one end. Typically, the reflective surfaces r and also a screen of the image generating means are defined by S 20 reflective tiles so that the primary and secondary images are perceived as comprised of pixels. The chamber may be of constant cross-sectional form, but may taper to the one end thereof such that the primary and secondary images are perceived as if one the surface of a sphere of massive relative proportions.

The preferred form of device or structure according to generally needs to be of massive proportions in order to generate a suitable optical effect able to be simultaneously observed by a large number of viewers.

Typically, the chamber has a length of from about 40 to about o I -2ii: 4?-i:,,,v44

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feet, and a width and height of the order of about one quarter to about one half of its length; with the device or structure being housed in a building. As a consequence, the capital investment is very substantial. Also, it generally is necessary to have recourse to a screen made up of tiles disposed in an array in which adjacent tiles are spaced by slots configured so as not to be visible in secondary images.

The present invention is directed to providing an improved entertainment or amusement device which enables such disadvantages to be at least partially overcome.

According to the invention, there is provided a device 9 .°ohaving a viewing end and, spaced from the viewing end in a general viewing direction, an image generating end; the device c eo o having a plurality of chambers each of substantially polygonal 9oo9 o cross-section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the viewing direction, each chamber being open at said ends and 9009 9, 0 defined by at least three substantially planar walls extending 0 99 between said ends, with at least two adjacent ones of said walls of each chamber having an internal reflective surface; the chambers being mounted in an array in which the chambers are closely grouped around a central axis extending between too said ends and in which a respective wall of each chamber is 9o 99 closely adjacent, and substantially parallel, to a respective wall of two adjacent said chambers; there being image generating means by which a primary image can be formed across a first end of each chamber at said image generating end of the device; the arrangement being such that a viewer closely adjacent the viewing end of the device is able to view a primary image at the first end of a selected chamber and to view resultant secondary images generated by reflection of the FY -3- 1 viewed primary image by the reflective surfaces of the selected chamber and such that, on moving rearwardly from the viewing end away from the image generating end, the viewer is able to view a respective primary image at the first end of each of a number of said chambers and to view resultant corresponding secondary images generated by reflection of said respective primary images by the reflective surfaces of said number of chambers. Some of the secondary images may be reversed, inverted or reversed and inverted relative to the primary image.

The array of chambers can take a variety of forms, o depending, in part, on the specific polygonal cross-section of 0 0 0 the chambers. Each chamber preferably has a similar cross-section, which most preferably is triangular, but may be 0 square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or the like. Most o 0 preferably the chambers are of substantially equi-sided cross-section, such as of equilateral triangular, square, or o' oo regular pentagonal or hexagonal cross-section. Chambers of equilateral triangular cross-section are most preferred. It also is highly desirable that all walls of each chamber has a reflective internal surface.

bw The chambers are disposed in an angularly disposed 0 04 array around said central axis extending in the viewing direction. In one highly preferred arrangements, based on S 25 chambers of equilateral triangular cross-section, the device is of overall hexagonal form, and has six such chambers; each chamber having one wall which defines a respective peripheral wall of the device, with a junction between its other two walls extending along the central axis of the device.

Each chamber may be of constant cross-section between FY -4the viewing end and the image generating end. However, it is preferred that each chamber tapers uniformly from one to the other of those ends. Most preferably, the taper is such that each chamber has a minimum cross-sectional area at the image generating end of the device, although the converse of this arrangement is possible.

Where the chambers taper from one to the other of the viewing and image generating ends of the device, the arrangement preferably is such that each chamber has a respective axis of symmetry which is inclined with respect to the central axis. All such axes of symmetry preferably o o intersect at a common point on the central axis of the device.

p 00 0 The image generating means includes a respective p p screen member for each chamber. Each screen member preferably is of the rear projection type and thus is of a translucent p 0 material. The screen members may be separate from each other, S or each may form part of a large screen device. However, each to'p screen member preferably is substantially perpendicular to the axis of its chamber, and closes the chamber at the image ,osQ generating end of the device. A large screen device providing each screen member preferably is non-planar where tapered pop.

chambers are provided.

The image generating means further includes an image projection system. The projection system may comprise a single image projection device, such as a cinematic projector Sor a video projector, and an optical splitter arrangement for directing and repeating the output of such projector onto each screen member to provide a similar primary image on each screen member. Alternatively, a single image source, such as video disc player, can be used, with the output of that player FY being electronically split to drive a plurality of video projectors each for projecting a respective, similar primary image onto the screen member of each chamber. Alternatively, a separate projector, cinematic or video, operable can be used to project a respective primary image onto the screen member of each chamber, although this can present difficulty in synchronising the primary image of each chamber if these images are to be the same.

Reference now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a device 0000*0 o 0 according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the device of o 0 Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a principal optical effect achievable with the device of Figures 1 and 2.

SFigure 4 shows a supplemental optical effect 00 achievable with the device of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 5 shows the effects of Figures 3 and 4 as viewed simultaneously.

The device 10 of Figures 1 and 2 is of hexagonal pare external form in cross-section. Device 10 has an axis of 0 symmetry A extending from a viewing end V, at which an observer O is depicted in Figure 2, and an image generating end I. The external hexagonal form tapers from a maximum at end V to a minimum at end I.

The external hexagonal form is bounded by six outer wall panels 12, each of similar form. Internally oL' walls 12, *device 10 is divided into six similar, tapered chambers C1 to C6 by wall panels 14 which radiate from axis A, such that each -6-

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of chambers C1 to C6 is of substantially equilateral triangular section. The taper of device 10 is such that the axis of symmetry of each chamber C1 to C6 intersects axis A at a point located beyond end I of device Within each chamber C1 to C6, each of walls 12,14 is lined with mirrored glass sheet 16 between ends V and I of device 10. Typically, each wall 12 has an outer timber panel 18 against which its glass sheet 16 is secured, while each wall 14 has a timber panel core 20 on each side of which a glass sheet 16 is secured.

Device 10 is open at end V, although each chamber C1 S to C6 is closed at end I by a respective triangular screen member 22 which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of SoO its chamber. The arrangement is such that observer O is able 9 to look along one of chambers C1 to C6 when standing close to 0 9 end V, but such that observer 0 is able to look along all chambers C1 to C6 when standing further from device 10 and *0 000, looking through end V to end I. To facilitate such viewing 0 00 000 along all chambers C1 to C6, axis A is inclined downwardly from end I to end V. Depending on how close observer 0 is to end V, one or all of screen members 22 can be observed.

0:00 0o0 Beyond end I, device 10 has image projection means 24 S for generating a primary image onto each of screen members 22. In the arrangement illustrated, each of screen members 22 is of material enabling it to function as a rear projection screen, such that an image generated on the rear surface of each screen member 22 by projection means 24 is able to be observed from end V of device Projection means 24 includes a support structure 26 of i 30 hexagonal pyramidal form and mounted so as to be centered on FY -7it- axis A with its apex closely adjacent to end I. Around structure 26, a respective one of a plurality of mirrors 28 is mounted on each of its surfaces. Each of mirrors 28 is positioned such that an image from a respective projector offset from axis A is able to be reflected so as to generate an image on a respective screen member 22. For ease of illustration, only three of the six projectors 30 are shown in Figure i, while only two of these are shown in Figure 2.

Structure 26 preferably has an internal skeletal metal frame-work (not shown) which may fix mirrors 28 or be adjustable to enable adjustment of the inclination of each t mirror 28 relative to its screen member 22 and projector 30 to ensure that the reflected image from projector 30 is in r6+I register with the respective screen member 22. After such adjustment of mirrors 28, if provided, structure 26 then a preferably is locked in position to secure the assembly.

Structure 26 has six mirrors 28 secured thereto, one a Ja,, for each screen member 22 and projector 30. However, if there t ta are space constraints beyond end I of device 10, one or more a..o of mirrors 28 can be mounted independently of structure 26.

Each of projectors 30 preferably is a video CaST -projector. An image signal for each projector 30 is received from a common source 32, such as a video disc player, with the signal from source 32 passing to each projector 30 via an electronic splitter device 34. Thus each projector 30 and its mirror 28 causes the same primary image to be projected onto the respective screen members 22.

Device 10 can be supported in any convenient arrangement. Thus, the portion thereof bounded by walls 12 S 30 may simply rest on a suitable support base, with an upper FY -8support surface of the base being inclined towards end V such that axis A is inclined downwardly to that end for ease of viewing by observers of image effects being generated. Also, structure 26 can be mounted by its base on an upwardly extending surface of a support structure located beyond end I. Projectors 30 can be mounted on any suitable support or stand.

It is indicated above that each of chambers C1 to C6 tapers from end V so as to be of lesser cross-section at end I. It also is indicated that each of chambers C1 to C6 is of substantially equilateral triangular cross-section and has a respective axis which is inclined towards and intersects axis o 00 :B A beyond end I. It is to be understood that such .o0 cross-section of each of chambers C1 to C6 is with respect to 0 its axis, rather than axis A. Screens 22 therefore are not in 0 0 a common plane perpendicular to axis A, but each has its outer 90, edge in such plane and its inner apex displaced slightly along 00 000° axis A towards end V. Thus, viewed in side elevation, each screen 22 defines one surface of a shallow, hexagonal pyramid.

o a0 Each mirror 28 of structure 26 is inclined with respect to its screen 22 at approximately 45 Also, each o projector 30 directs its image towards the axis of its 00 chamber, at approximately 450 to its mirror 28. Thus, an image projected onto a mirror 28 by its projector 30 is reflected onto the respective screen 22. For the two projectors 30, of a total of six thereof, shown in Figure 2, a projected image is depicted on mirror 28 by an ellipse E, with its reflection onto screens 22 being shown by ellipse Of course, ellipses, E,E' are shown simply for ease of 30 illustration and, typically, a projected image would cover

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i' i i substantially the entire surface of mirror 28 and be reflected onto substantially the entire screen 22. Each of ellipses, E,E' shows a corresponding diametral line D,D' and a corresponding tangential line with these lines indicating orientation of the projected and reflected images.

Preferably all projectors 30 are oriented to generate correspondingly oriented images, but other orientations for respective projectors can be used, if required.

The nature of the image able to be generated by device 10 is schematically illustrated in Figure 3. However, the interpretation of this depends on whether an observer is close 00000.

o 0 ooO to or is standing back from end V of device 0 00 a* The image 40 of Figure 3 is perceived as a sphere made °o up of contiguous, planar triangular areas over its surface.

Six of the triangular areas are marked T1 to T6 arnd these represent the primary image projected onto the hexagonal area a corresponding to screen members 22 as seen along respective 0 0 a S00 chambers C1 to C6. An observer at end V is able to view all six screens 22 of chambera C1 to C6, and the six primary images projected thereon, if the observer is a sufficient, relatively large distance from end V of device 10. Due to 00: o reflections of the primary images by mirrored glass sheets 16, 0" the observer at such relatively large distance perceives secondary image hexagonal areas around T1 to T6. Two such secondary image areas are shown as T'l to T'6, although such areas cover all of the perceived surface of sphere 40. The secondary image areas T'l to T'6 generally are representative of the form of image repeats obtained, although the reflections are very complex and are not necessarily precisely as has been depicted for ease of illustration.

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r :i~pc~ If, on the other hand, the observer is close to end V and thus able to look along only one of chambers C1 to C6, the observer will only view one screen member 22 and the primary image thereon. Thus, if the observer looks along chamber C4, he will view only the member 22 of that chamber and see only primary image T4. However, due to reflections of image T4 in mirrored glass sheets 16 of chamber C4, the observer will perceive triangular secondary images of primary image T4 and the overall image sphere 40 will be perceived in essentially the same form as seen at the relatively large distance from end V. Indeed, as the observer moves towards or away from end S V, his perception of sphere 40 will remain essentially the same, with there being an apparent optically continuous 00 00O m transition from one condition in which he looks along one of 05o chambers C1 to C6 to the condition observed when viewing along 0 0 all chambers C1 to C6.

Walls 12,14 and the mirrored glass sheet 16 mounted o~o o0, thereon may be continuous between ends V,I. However, it is o o preferred that this is not the case. As shown, device 10 is 0oo0 'Z slit transversely intermediate ends V,I, with there being a slight spacing between the resultant two parts. In the gaps 0000 l e 42 thereby produced in all walls 12,14 and sheets 16 thereon, c there preferably is provided lighting 44 of neon or fluorescent tubes or the like, and this is found to achieve a further enhanced optical effect.

In one form, a neon or fluorescent tube is provided along each gap 42 to provide lighting 44 of some or all of walls 12,14 and sheets 16. Where this form of light tube is provided in all gaps 42, preferably such that each tube projects laterally a short distance within chambers Cl to C6, -11i 0 sphere 40 is seen as if within a larger sphere 46 of open mesh form, shown in Figure 4, with the openings in the sphere being of triangular form. The lines 48 of the mesh of sphere 46 are seen as being radially in line with the edges of the triangular areas of sphere 40, as shown in Figure 5, and are seen as secondary images of the lighting 44 i.e. as an open mesh sphere made up of neon or fluorescent tubes suspended around sphere Additionally, or alternatively, the longitudinal junctions of walls 12, and the central junction between walls 14 can be slightly spaced or grooved. In such case, a neon or S fluorescent tube can be provided along the resultant 6° longitudinal gaps, and these lights are perceived as rods of o 0 light extending radially outwardly from the apexes of the 4- t triangles of sphere 40. If such lights are used in conjunction with lights in gaps 42, each apex of the triangles of sphere 40 appears to be joined radially to a corresponding *0 oOo apex of the larger open mesh sphere 46 perceived as enclosing ao sphere 0000 While device 10 is shown as being of hexagonal form, with chambers of triangular section, other configurations are possible. However, it is preferred that the configuration is S one which generates geometric shapes able to fully define a spherical surface.

Also, while device 10 tapers to end I, a taper in the reverse direction is possible. However, in this case, sphere would be oppositely curved, with its inner surface being observed; while sphere 46 if generated in this context would appear as a smaller open mesh sphere within sphere Additionally, device 10 need not be tapered in either FY -12- 1 i-r

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direction, although the primary and secondary images then would be perceived as being on a plane perpendicular to axis A anu che optical effect is less startling.

If device 10 is in a form in which it tapers from end I so as to be of lesser section at end V, the form would be the same except that screens 22 and projecting means 24 would be at the larger end, and the end designations V, I would be reversed. Of course, larger screens 22 and mirrors 28 would be required. However, each screen 22 still would be perpendicular to the axis of its chamber, such that all screens are mutually inclined in a hexagonal pyramid form in which the pyramid apex is at axis A and is away from end V, beyond end I.

0 8 oo. Where device 10 is tapered, but regardless of the direction of taper, the generation of sphere 40 does not result simply from screens 22 being mutually inclined.

o.o Rather, the sphere yprincipally is generated by the taper of chambers Cl to C6, and resultant inclination of secondary images with respect to the primary images.

o4 If device 10 is in a form in which it does not taper, the axes of each chamber C1 to C6 would be substantially parallel to axis A. Also, screens would be substantially co-planar.

Device 10 can generate a surprising and pronounced overall optical effect, without need for the device to be of massive proportions. Thus, at end V, the edges of walls 12,14 may be from 4 to 12 feet in width, such as about 6 to 9 feet, while the device may be from 6 to 18 -eet such as from 8 to 14 feet in length. The sphere 40, of course, is perceived as being many times larger in diameter than the cross-sectional -13t dimensions of device In the above description of device 10, in both the tapered and non-tapered variants thereof, each screen 22 is indicated as being substantially perpendicular to the axis of its chamber. l:owever, this is not necessary. In the case of a tapered device, the screens need not be mutually inclined, but may be substantially co-planar. Such co-planar screens also generate substantially triangular secondary images, but the secondary images are not fully contiguous with the primary images and other secondary images, and the overall form of sphere 40 is less aesthetically pleasing.

ago.4a In another variant, applicable principally to tapered 40 forms of device 10, screens 22 need not be flat. Thus, rather 06 0 than be on surfaces of a hexagonal pyramid, each screen may be curved as if defined by a respective part of a spherical 00 0 surface and seen as convex from end V in the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2, or concave from that end with the reverse S o4 oo taper. Such curved screens 22 generate a sphere 40 which is seen as smoothly spherical, rather than as a faceted sphere as in Figure 3. Curved screens, whether concave or convex, can be used in a non-tapered form of device 10, but primary and secondary images similarly curved, rather than flat and 0 0. substantially co-planar, then are produced.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

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Claims (18)

1. 2. A device according to claim i, wherein each chamber r" lil I -i sa has a similar cross-section, said cross-section being selected from triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal and hexagonal cross-sections.
2. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the chambers are of substantially equi-sided cross-section, and each has substantially the same cross-section selected from equilateral triangular, square, regular pentagonal and hexagonal cross-sections.
3. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein all walls of each chamber have a reflective internal surface. 6 o o o o or or 0 t o 15" oro e 0 o a oo o os 9 a *e e 20 0r *r a *or
4. 5. A device according to any one of cllms 1 to 4, wherein the chambers are of equilateral triangular cross-section, the device being of hexagonal section transversely of said central axis and having six said chambers; each chamber having one wall which defines a respective peripheral wall of the device, with a junction between its other two walls extending along the central axis of the device.
5. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to wherein each chamber is of constant cross-section between the viewing end and the image generating end.
6. 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to wherein each chamber tapers uniformly from one to the other of those ends.
7. 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the taper is such that each chamber has a minimum cross-sectional area at "the -image generating end of the device.
8. 9. A device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each chamber has a respective axis of symmetry which -16- r i~ :i r i. i ii ii ii i I i 6 ii ii ii i i i ii ii ii i i i i i 0 D i i ii ii iii ii t ii i t ii is inclined with respect to the central axis. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image generating means includes a respective screen member for each chamber.
9. 11. A device according to claim 10, wherein each screen member is of the rear projection type and is of a translucent material.
10. 12. A device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each screen member preferably is substantially perpendicular to the axis of its chamber, and closes the chamber at the image generating end of the device.
11. 13. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein each screen member forms part of a larger screen device. 15 14. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the image generating means further includes an image projection system.
12. 15. A device according io claim 14, wherein said projection system comprises a single image projection 20 device and an optical splitter arrangement for directing and repeating the output of such projector onto each screen member to provide a similar primary image on each screen member.
13. 16. A device according to claim 14, wherein the projection system is a single image source with the output of that source being electronically split to drive a plurality of video projectors each for projecting a respective, similar primary image onto the screen member of each chamber.
14. 17. A device according to claim 14, wherein the -17- projector system comprises a separate projector operable to project a respective primary image onto the screen member of each chamber.
15. 18. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein said image generating means includes a respective image reflecting means for each chamber, each of said reflecting means being positioned relative to the projection system and the screen of its chamber such that a primary image is able to be provided on said screen by reflection from said reflection means.
16. 19. A device according to claim 18, wherein each tiltS, St reflecting means comprises a respective one of a plurality *c :t of mirrors arranged adjacent to said image generating end, around said viewing axis. St C r
17. 20. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein elongate light means extending transversely with It.. respect to at least one wall of each chamber is provided rtri intermediate said viewing and image generating ends, said lighting being operable to generate lines of lighting in said chambers which are perceived as associated with said it.. •primary and secondary images.
18. 21. A device according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 25 July 1991 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICI Attorneys for: fd CONCORDE ST. GEORGE PRODUCTIONS PTY. LTD. -18-