GB2522053A

GB2522053A - Artificial display

Info

Publication number: GB2522053A
Application number: GB1400488.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dirk Jan Jaboc Mus; Muiris Flynn
Original assignee: Basic Holdings
Current assignee: Basic Holdings
Priority date: 2014-01-13
Filing date: 2014-01-13
Publication date: 2015-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-13
Also published as: GB2522053B; GB201400488D0

Abstract

An artificial aquarium comprises a housing and an electronic display screen 103 which is adapted to display a desired image; a semi-transparent mirror 101 comprising first and second segments angularly offset from one another is positioned in front of the display screen; physical elements 102 such as artificial plants are provided in front of the semi-transparent mirror. The physical elements are reflected as imaginary elements by the semi-transparent mirror and an image displayed on the display screen will appear to the user viewing the display to be located in a foreground area defined by the physical elements and the imaginary elements generated by the semi-transparent mirror. The arrangement gives the effect of a three dimensional (3D) aquarium.

Description

Artificial Display

Field

The present application relates to a method and apparatus that uses a combination of optical elements and electronic imagery to create three dimensional artificial displays. In one aspect the present teaching provides an artificial aquarium that creates a three dimensional impression of a water filled tank with objects within the water such as plants and fish.

Background

Artificial displays such as aquariums have been popular for a long time as decorative installations in home, business and commercial settings. These displays are used for generating simulated imagery and they have found a large following among hobbyists. In the context of aquariums, various artificial aquariums which contain no water, artificial fish and plant life, and other decorative objects such as backgrounds are also available. Such artificial aquariums require little or no care whatsoever. Such artificial aquariums are particularly suitable as decorations in offices where individuals might find it difficult to care for live fish especially over periods of times such as vacations.

They are also suitable for individuals who do not want the bother of caring for live fish. Live fish require feeding, cleaning, medical attention and their tanks require extensive water filters, pumps and chemicals to maintain the water in suitable condition. Furthermore effort required is to maintain the water level in the aquarium due to water evaporation.

On the other hand, all that is required in an artificial aquarium or other artificial displays is that the device, which is usually electrical in nature, is plugged into an electrical current source so that it operates.

The simplest artificial aquarium is usually a two dimensional display on a screen such as television or computer monitor of a recording of aquatic life.

However such artificial aquariums can often be easily perceived as a video recording. Other artificial aquariums can also be readily identified as "fake". For example, it becomes apparent to a viewer that there is no water in the aquarium or the plants/fish do not appear realistic. There can also be issues with regard to depth perception in that the scope of a "real" aquarium is not reflected in an artificial aquarium.

There are continued efforts to provide artificial aquariums and other display apparatus and the present teaching aims to address the problem of how to provide such an improved arrangement which provides three dimensional artificial displays.

Summary

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the application provides an artificial display as detailed in claim 1. The application also provides an artificial display as detailed in claim 22. A further artificial display is provided as detailed in claim 23. Advantageous embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to the present teaching; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the display apparatus of figure 1 in a housing; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the display apparatus of figure 1 according to the present teaching; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the display apparatus of figure 1 according to the present teaching; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the display apparatus of figure 1 according to the present teaching; and Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration in which a horizontal semi-transparent mirror is used according to the present teaching.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

The present teaching provides a display apparatus that combines optical elements with an active or electronic display to generate a three dimensional image for viewing by a user. In one example the apparatus comprise a semi-transparent mirror comprising first and second segments in contact with one another but angularly offset from one another. This angular mirroring arrangement is disposed behind physical elements and in front of a display screen. The display screen is configured to generate or display images which are visible through the mirror. By locating the mirror segments between the physical elements and the display screen the physical elements are reflected as imaginary elements by the semi-transparent mirror and an image displayed on the display screen will appear to the user viewing the apparatus to be located in a foreground area defined by the physical elements and the imaginary elements generated by the semi-transparent mirror.

An exemplary arrangement of such a display apparatus will now be described with reference to the provision of an artificial aquarium 100 as shown in Figure 1. A viewer (not shown) generally views the housing defining the aquarium 100 including a semi-transparent mirror 101, artificial plant life 102, and display screen 103 along line of sight L. A horizontal platform or ground cover 106 for mechanically supporting the artificial plant life 102 is also provided in the aquarium housing 100.

The mirror 101 is typically arranged as two vertical mirror elements angularly offset to one another within the aquarium. Desirably, the two angularly offset mirrors are orientated at 90 degrees relative to each other but abut one another at a joining surface. It will be appreciated that the individual segments are provided in intimate contact with one another such that this joining surface is an abutment surface between the two segments. In this configuration the abutment surface is a vertically orientated surface that extends upwardly within a housing of the display apparatus. In other configurations the mirror segments could be offset by 90 degrees such that they abut along a horizontally orientated abutment surface.

The 90 degrees offset is shown by reference numeral 107 in figure 1 and the present inventors believe that this relative orientation of the two segments represents a preferred arrangement to facilitate the optimum optical effect.

However, it will be appreciated that the present teachings are not limited to a 90 degrees offset and other angles could be chosen. Generally an offset in the range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees is sufficient. It should also be understood that the two angularly offset mirrors can be formed as a single mirror having an angular offset as shown in figure 1.

The display screen is preferably an electronic display screen configured to generate a moving display of a pre-recorded image sequence. At least a portion of the display screen 103 is in the line of sight of the viewer and behind the semi-transparent mirror 101. The display screen is desirably vertically orientated within the aquarium.

The artificial plant life 102 is provided as foreground elements in front of the display screen. The plant life 102 is also provided in front of the semi- transparent mirror 101 such that the plant life 102 is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 101 and an image of the plant life 102 appears to the viewer as originating from behind the semi-transparent mirror 101. In this way the plant life is mirrored in two ways, so one plant first looks like two because of the first mirror, and then these two get mirrored again so you see a total of 4 plants.

Essentially, the physical foreground elements (the plant life 102) are reflected as imaginary or virtual elements by the semi-transparent mirror. In effect, this at least doubles the perceived depth of the plant life 102. Such depth perception is shown in figure 1 using the reference numeral 104. Here it can be seen that the central aquatic plant is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 101. The other two plants are reflected in a similar manner.

The use of two angularly offset mirrors 101 is particularly advantageous.

Although not shown in figure 1, the plant on the right hand side of the of the aquarium 100 is reflected by the left hand side portion of the mirror 101 and the plant on the left hand side of the aquarium is reflected by the right hand side portion of the mirror 101. This in effect results in each of the plants on the left and the right appearing in both real and imaginary form (the reflected image being the imaginary form). Furthermore, although not shown in figure 1, the central plant of the aquarium is reflected by both the right hand and left hand side portions of the mirror 101. In effect the central plant appears in triplicate, one real plant and two imaginary plants. It can be appreciated that the effect of a plurality of real and imaginary images displayed to the user results in an enhanced depth perception and a more realistic user experience.

By locating the display screen behind the semi-transparent mirror, a viewer to the front of the aquarium will be presented with an overall scene that co-locates the image sequence displayed on the display screen with the combined effect of the physical plant life 102 and its image component 104. By judiciously orientating the mirror relative to the screen it is possible to generate an effect to a viewer located to the front of the screen that the moving images displayed on the screen are located to the front of the virtual image component 104 and behind the physical image component 102. In this way a three dimensional effect whereby the displayed image is superimposed into foreground effects made up of real and virtual components is achieved.

In accordance with the present teaching the choice of foreground elements may be selected dependent on what will ultimately be presented to the viewer.

For example, if the imagery displayed by the display screen 103 is that of a fresh water eel, it is inappropriate to provide foreground elements in the form of saltwater plants. Correspondingly, where the displayed imagery is that of a coral reef fish, then it is appropriate to provide a coral reef as the foreground element(s). The aforementioned ability to remove the ground plate 106 to replace the foreground elements is particularly advantageous for maintaining compatibility between the displayed images and foreground elements.

It can be appreciated that in the example of figure 1, the display screen 103 is a vertically orientated screen provided for displaying images. While the display screen 103 is generally used for displaying at least one fish swimming in the aquarium, other elements such as water and plant life can also be displayed.

Lighting means 105 to illuminate the artificial plant life 102 and ground plate 106 is also provided in the exemplary aquarium of figure 1.

Although not shown in figure 1, it is preferable that the aquarium comprises means for providing an acoustic impression of a real aquarium. An acoustic output is usually provided by a speaker embodied in the aquarium.

However any suitable acoustic output means can be chosen as appropriate by the skilled person.

In the preferred embodiment the ground plate 106 is configured to resemble the seafloor, floor of a river bed, stream, pond etc. Although the ground plate is shown as flat in figure 1, this is not necessarily the case and it may include any suitable aesthetic quality as long as mechanical support of the artificial plant life 102 is not compromised. The ground cover is also removable from the aquarium so as to allow a replacement of the artificial plant life 102 which acts as foreground elements in the aquarium. The ground plate 106 itself can also be reconfigured or updated upon removal from the aquarium to maintain consistency with the replacement plant life 102.

In the examples of Figure 1 it will be appreciated that an exemplary arrangement of an artificial aquarium in accordance with the present teaching is described. The aquarium comprises a port providing a viewer with a line of sight L into the aquarium. The port is a window allowing the viewer to see into the aquarium; the port may simply be embodied as an opening at one side of the aquarium.

In a preferred aspect, the port is composed of an optically transparent material, such as a material that transmits light e.g. at least 70 % of light incident on the port, wherein the light has a wavelength in the range of 400-700 nm. An example of such a material is glass; plastics such as poly (methyl methacrylate) are an alternative to glass. The use of a transparent material for the port ensures a more realistic effect as this more closely resembles the glass of a "real" aquarium. As shown in figure 1 the port may be the full size of one side of the aquarium in a similar manner as a fish tank wherein a user views through one full side. Alternatively, the port is simply a portion of a side wall of an aquarium which is less than the full size of one side of the aquarium. Such a configuration is similar to the viewing windows found in larger aquariums.

Through the correct use of lighting, the aquarium could be configured to disappear into darkness at either side of the port or viewing window. It will be appreciated that the aquarium 100 of figure 1 is suitable for large scale use such that the semi-transparent mirror 101 or display screen 103 have an area of several square meters. By maintaining the pod as less than the size of the display screen 101 or mirror 103, a perception of an even large sized aquarium can be achieved.

The semi-transparent mirror 101 is a mirror that transmits a proportion of light incident on the semi-transparent mirror and which reflects a further proportion of the incident light. Such a configuration ensures that a user sees both the images displayed by the screen 103 behind the mirror 101 as well as the images reflected by the mirror 101. An example of such a semi-transparent mirror is a half-silvered mirror or a dichroic mirror. The inventors of the subject application have found that glass having a transmissivity of about 20 % is the most suitable for the present application. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable substance having an appropriate level of transmission characteristics may be used as applicable by those skilled in the art.

The imaging technique that may be employed within the context of the present teaching and which is shown in Figure 1 is similar to that known as Pepper's Ghost, which is known to the person skilled in the ad. A difference between the imaging technique known as Pepper's Ghost and that used in the context of the present teaching is that the physical foreground elements (in this case the plant life 102) are provided in front of the semi-transparent mirror 101 and reflected in the viewer's line of sight rather than being provided behind the semi-transparent mirror 101 with a moving image reflected on the semi-transparent mirror 101. Advantages of this arrangement are that a box of shallower depth can be used that still provides depth to the plant life 102 and a wider viewing angle is made possible.

Such an arrangement has the further advantage that images displayed on the display screen 103 appear to be three-dimensional for the viewer viewing the image through the pod i.e., along line of sight L. As previously mentioned, the aquarium may further comprise lighting means 105 to illuminate the displayed foreground. The lighting means may operate independently from other components of the aquarium i.e. providing predefined illumination conditions, or the lighting means may be controlled by a controller (not shown), the controller having been provided with appropriate software, to coordinate lighting and the display screen. For example, activation of the display screen 103 could result in a corresponding activation of the lighting means 105. In addition, the intensity or brightness of the illumination provided by the lighting means 103 could be modified to match that provided by the display screen 103. Such tandem operation results in a more realistic effect in the aquarium.

In one example of this embodiment, the lighting means comprises a fibre optic configured for directing light from a light source of the display screen towards the foreground.

In an alternative example, the lighting means 105 comprise one or more of an LED or an incandescent light bulb.

In an example of an application of the aquarium of Figure 1, the present teaching provides an aquatic wildlife display using display screen 103 wherein the display screen 103 further comprises a controller having a computer program loaded into a memory. The controller is configured for displaying one or more aquatic species on a screen of the display screen. In its simplest form, the memory of the display screen 103 comes preloaded with a video or animation and modification of the displayed video or animation is not possible after manufacture of the aquarium. For example, the memory could be provided with an animation of a single fish swimming in water between the plant life 102.

Alternatively a school of fish swimming between the plant life 102 could be preloaded onto the memory. Upon activation of the aquarium, the preloaded animation (or video) is automatically displayed.

Any suitable display screen 103 could be chosen by those skilled in the art. For example, a light-emitting diode display (LED), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a high-performance addressing display (HPA), thin-film transistor display (TFT) or organic light-emitting diode display (OLED) could be used in the display apparatus of the present application. Other exemplary materials that could be used include lenticular three dimensional screens that facilitate the generation of three dimensional images without requiring a user to wear 3D glasses or the like. Such lenticular three dimensional screens usually involve a lenticular filter attached to a regular display screen but the present teaching should not be interpreted as limited to such a configuration. In other examples the screen can be provided as a removable screen in the form of a tablet or other portable electronic device which when received within the housing forms the display screen 103 of the housing.

It should be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of the present teaching is not limited to the aforementioned preloaded animation or video. It is preferable that the images or animation displayed by the screen 103 can be changed and updated by replacing the video or animation in the memory.

Such an embodiment allows the display screen 103 to provide a wide range of aquatic displays. For example: for young children aquatic characters such as well-known children's animated characters could be displayed. The displayed character would appear to be three-dimensional creating a more realistic impression of the character in the aquarium. For older people or different environments such as a commercial environment, more realistic images of aquatic wildlife could be displayed. These images could be taken directly from nature either as recordings or computer generated animations of aquatic wildlife. It will be understood that a computer generated animation is the preferred option as this could be adapted as appropriate to provide the optimal lighting effects etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the aquarium includes a standardised socket for connection, data communication, and power supply between the aquarium and a date storage device or computing device(s). For example the aquarium could be provided with a LJSB connection or any suitable hardware port known in the art. Such a connection would allow new animations or videos to be transferred to the aforementioned memory of the display screen 103.

Alternatively the animation or video could remain on a data storage device connected to the aquarium. The controller could be configured to automatically display any animation or video files on the data storage device. An example of such a data device is a USB flash drive, SD memory card etc. In the preferred embodiment, the aquarium 100 is provided with a remote control for interacting with the display screen 103. For example, the remote control could be used for turning on or off the display screen 103, selecting which animation or video to display and for how long. A variety of options, as known to those skilled in the art, could be made available to a user on a graphical user interface on the display screen 103 wherein navigation and selection is performed with the remote control.

As previously mentioned, an acoustic output is also provided in the aquarium. The operations of the acoustic output can also be under the control of the controller such that a soundtrack corresponding to the displayed animation of video is played at the same time as the animation or video.

Preferably an animation or video file in the memory includes a soundtrack such that when the animation or video is displayed on the screen 103, the soundtrack is broadcast through the acoustic output and is in sync with the video or animation. Alternatively, the user can select the soundtrack (i.e., an audio file) on the memory using the graphical user interface and remote control.

In a further embodiment the aquarium could be provided with a wireless network adapter. The wireless adapter could be provided instead of the data connection or it could be used in conjunction with the data connection. For example, the video or animation displayed on the screen 103 could be a provided by a video-link such as over the wireless network which couples the aquarium to a computer such as a tablet or smart phone.

The wireless adapter could also be used in place of the aforementioned remote control and graphical user interface.

The tablet or smart phone could be also be provided with an application (or app") as are known in the art for controlling the operation of the aquarium.

All the functionality provided by the aforementioned graphical user interface and remote control could be provided by the application on the tablet or smart phone. Control of the aquarium such as lighting, selection of video/animation, selection of soundtrack etc could all be provided by the application without the need for the remote control or graphical user interface on the screen 103. The use of an application for providing user inputs to the aquarium could be in place of the aforementioned graphical user interface and remote control or in conjunction with such features.

The preferred arrangement of the aquarium as shown in figure 1 does not comprise a housing or box in which the other elements are placed. Such an arrangement is most suitable for situations in which the aquarium of figure 1 is built into a fixed structure such as a wall. Using this arrangement, the portion of the aquarium viewed by a user can appear as simply a small portion of a much larger aquarium i.e., the port simply appears as a viewing window for a large aquarium.

However, for smaller scale aquariums a housing or box can be provided in which each of the semi-transparent mirror, plant life, display screen and ground plate are provided. In such an arrangement, the port is simply an opening in the housing or box. The port can be the full size of one side of the housing or can be a portion less than the full size. Such a configuration is shown in figure 2.

Specifically, an artificial aquarium 200 similar to that shown in figure 1 is provided. Furthermore, it can be seen that the elements of the aquarium 200 such as display screen, semi-transparent mirror, artificial life etc. are enclosed within housing 201. As can be appreciated from figure 2, the port In another arrangement which will be described with reference to figure 3, a single semi-transparent (partially reflective) mirror 301 may be vertically mounted within the aquarium 300 so as to be substantially parallel with the plane of the display screen 302 when it is received into the aquarium. This semi-transparent mirror 302 is a single flat or planar mirror and is used in place of the offset mirror of 101 of figure 1. As can be appreciated from Figure 3, the port 303 effectively replaces one of the side walls of the housing and can be larger than the display screen 302. A similar configuration is shown in figure 2.

In an alternative configuration as described with reference to figure 4, the virtual images that were generated by the electronic display screen are replaced with physical mechanically moving artificial fish. This configuration is similar to that of figure 1 except that mechanical fish 401 are positioned behind the semi-transparent mirror 402 such that they are visible through the mirror 402. The mechanical fish (in a similar manner as any fish displayed on the screen in figure 1) appear to the user viewing the aquarium to be located in a foreground area defined by the physical elements and the imaginary elements generated by the semi-transparent mirror 402. It will be appreciated that any other aquatic wildlife could be provided in the aquarium 400 instead of the aquatic fish 401. In a further configuration virtual imagery as provided by a electronic display could be used in combination with physical representations of the actual articles on which the display is based.

In a further alternative configuration, the display screen can be oriented in any way, horizontal, vertical or at any angle. For large aquariums or other artificial displays multiple displays screens 501 can be used as can be seen in figure 5. These screens can be placed at different depths to increase the 3D perception. For example] display screen SOla is placed closer to the semi-transparent mirror 502 than display screen 501 b. In this way the depth within the housing at which the individual ones of the screens are position may vary relative to the depth at which others of the screen are located.

With the examples of the four screens 501 shown in Figure 5, it will be noted that each of the screen are located substantially parallel to the rear wall of the housing. In this way they are not parallel with the orientation of the at least partially reflective screens 502. In other configurations one or more display screens could be orientated within the housing so as to be substantially parallel with the orientation of individual ones of the two reflective screens 502. For example screens could be provided at the corners of the housing provided by the side and rear walls of the housing.

Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration in which a horizontal semi-transparent mirror is used. In Figure 6, an artificial aquarium 600 is shown to comprise a housing 601 having an open or translucent port 602 providing a viewer (a person) with a line of sight into the housing 601. The housing 601 comprises, in combination, two display screens 603 (although any number of display screens could be used), means 604 for showing a background picture, image or element, and a semi-transparent mirror (dichroic mirror) 605 for merging the background elements with the images displayed on the display screen 603 to provide the viewer with the impression of a real aquarium. As the figure shows, two display screens 603 are provided in the line of sight of the viewer so as to be disposed behind the horizontal semi-transparent mirror 605.

Usually, fish or sea life is displayed on the screens 603 to provide the most realistic aquarium. The means 604 for showing the background image is provided in front of and above the mirror 605 such that it is reflected by the mirror 605 though the open or translucent port 601 into the line of sight of the viewer. The display screen can be any suitable device, but preferably is a monitor or a 3-D monitor (any of the previously described display screens can be used). It is preferably provided having a flat panel form so as to minimize the depth of the overall apparatus.

As already mentioned and shown in the Figure, the means 604 for showing the background picture is provided in an upper part of the housing 601 so as to provide a view of the background picture by reflecting said background picture by the semi-transparent mirror in the line of sight of the viewer through the open or translucent port 601.

It is further remarked that the housing 601 preferably has real-life objects such as artificial water plants 606 that are viewable in the line of sight of the viewer as seen through the semi-transparent mirror 605. In addition, although not shown in figure 6, other physical objects (background elements) can be placed on the means 604 for showing the background picture an placed in the line of sight of a viewer as reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 603.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. An artificial display, the display comprising: a housing: a port providing a viewer with a line of sight (L) into the housing; a semi-transparent mirror comprising first and second segments angularly offset from one another; physical elements provided in front of the semi-transparent mirror; and a display screen provided behind the semi-transparent mirror and configured for displaying images; wherein the physical elements are reflected as imaginary elements by the semi-transparent mirror and an image displayed on the display screen will appear to the user viewing the display to be located in a foreground area defined by the physical elements and the imaginary elements generated by the semi-transparent mirror.
2. The display of claim 1 wherein the first and second mirror segments abut one another within the housing.
3. The display of claim 2 wherein the first and second mirror segments abut along a vertically orientated abutment surface within the housing.
4. The display of claim 3 where in the first and second mirror segments abut along a horizontally orientated abutment surface within the housing.
5. The display of any preceding claim further comprising lighting means (105) to illuminate the physical elements.
6. The display of claim 5 wherein the lighting means (105) comprises a fibre optic configured for directing light from a light source of the display screen towards the physical elements.
7. The display of any preceding claim further comprising a horizontal platform on which the foreground elements are provided.
8. The display of claim 7 wherein the platform is removable from the housing so as to allow a replacement of the physical elements.
9. The display of claim 1 wherein the semi-transparent mirror is vertically orientated within the display.
10. The display of any one of the preceding claims wherein the semi-transparent mirror comprises a dichroic mirror.
11. The display of any one of the preceding claims wherein the semi-transparent mirror extends from a bottom portion of the display to a top portion ofthe display.
12. The display of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a user interface configured to allow a user effect changes to the operation of the display.
13. The display of any preceding claims further comprising a socket for at least one of connection, data communication, and power supply between the display and a data storage device.
14. The display of claim 13 wherein the socket is further configured for connection to a computing device.
15. The display of claim 13 or 14 further comprising a controller, the controller being configured, on sensing an connection of a data storage device at the socket, to effect display of any video or animation stored on the data storage device.
16. The display of any preceding claim further comprising a wireless network adapter for streaming of a video or animation that is to be displayed on the display screen.
17. The display of any preceding claims further comprising means for providing an acoustic output.
18. The display of any preceding claim further comprising a power socket configured to provide power to the display screen.
19. The display of any preceding claim wherein the first and second segments are angularly offset at an angle between 70 and 110 degrees from each other.
20. The display of claim 19 wherein the first and second segments are angularly offset at an angle of 90 degrees from each other..
21. The display of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the display screen and semi-transparent mirror are substantially parallel.
22. The display of any one of claims 1 to 18 or 21 each of the segments of the semi-transparent mirror is substantially planar.
23. An artificial display, the display comprising: a housing: a port providing a viewer with a line of sight (L) into the housing; a semi-transparent mirror comprising first and second segments angularly offset from one another; physical elements provided in front of the semi-transparent mirror; and moveable physical elements provided behind the semi-transparent mirror; wherein the physical elements in front of the semi-transparent mirror are reflected as imaginary elements by the semi-transparent mirror and the moveable physical elements will appear to the user viewing the display to be located in a foreground area defined by the physical elements and the imaginary elements generated by the semi-transparent mirror.
24. An artificial display, the display comprising a housing comprising: a port providing a viewer with a line of sight (L) into the housing; a horizontal semi-transparent mirror; andbackground elements;wherein the display screen and at least a portion of the background elements are provided behind the semi-transparent mirror such that, operably, an image displayed on the display screen is in the line of sight of the viewer and is merged with the background elements such that the user if provided with an impression of an aquarium.