WO2015181605A2

WO2015181605A2 - A concealable stage for projection of holographic virtual images

Info

Publication number: WO2015181605A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/000735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shankar BHAIRAV
Original assignee: Bhairav Shankar
Priority date: 2014-05-26
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2015-12-03
Also published as: WO2015181605A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses an improved concealable and a collapsible system for outdoor purposes for projecting holographic images depending on the ambient light, wind and other environment. This system comprises of projection screen (106) and medium for projection (104) hingedly attached along one of its length by hydraulic pumps (105), a plurality of sensors attached to the projection screen (106), a ultra-throw projector (103) and other surrounding structures (102) for image enhancement. The concealable stage not only provides protection from external forces but also does not obscure the natural scenic beauty.

Description

A CONCEALABLE STAGE FOR PROJECTION OF HOLOGRAPHIC VIRTUAL

IMAGES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of holographic technology and more particularly to a design and construction of a collapsible holographic stage, which can be used in outdoor settings and may be concealed during the daytime and easily fitted after sunset. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pepper's ghost creation is a well-known method of creating virtual images by the use of smoke and mirrors. This creates an optical illusion, which appears as a hologram and the method has been adapted numerous times to create a virtual image. Nowadays, projectors and semi-reflective surfaces are used for this purpose.

US5865519 entitled "Device for displaying moving images in the background of a stage" discloses a method of creation of virtual images with the use of a tensed foil, which is placed at an angle of 45° to a surface wherein moving images are projected onto it with the use of a projector. The semi-reflective foil, in turn reflects the images which have been projected onto the surface that is at 45° from it, allowing a viewer who is viewing the image from the front side of the semi-reflective surface to observe the image as a hologram. The semi-reflective surface also allows for enough transparency so that the observer is able to see the background as well.

This patent requires a stage to be built behind the semi-reflective foil, so as to add depth of field, thereby providing a three dimensional effect. The background of this structure, i.e. the background behind the semi-reflective surface is kept dimly lit, with objects or people in the near background, which adds multiple dimensional viewing angles to the observer, and hence enhances their visual experience. This concept of giving a three dimensional effect to a virtual image, has been improved by I.C. O'Connell et.al. US8172400 entitled "Projection apparatus and method" wherein a similar projection system which creates a^" three dimensional image is described. It also creates background image and light from background is projected on the three dimensional virtual image for better visualization.

The major limitation of the above prior arts lies in the construction of the stage. The stage, which is a permanent fixture, is required to provide lighting in the background and add to the visual appeal. However, permanent stage fixtures make the projected image look blur and obscure visual scenery. Hence they are seldom placed outdoors. Another limitation of this technology is the presence of ambient light, which is another reason for not placing the system outdoors. If the background or the foreground of the semi-reflective surface on which the hologram appears is exposed to a certain range of brightness, the image contrast is reduced, and the holographic effect disappears. Hence, it is required to provide optimal light, so as to enable a hologram to appear.

Lastly, these holograms are prone to damage due to environmental conditions, and hence cannot be placed outside. As described in patent US5865519, the foil, which is semi-reflective and displays the virtual image, is subject to tear or even scratches due to high winds, dust storms, etc.

Therefore, an additional system for holographic projection is required, which can be placed outdoors without obscuring the scenery, which has the ability to withstand high-winds, and recognizes that a holographic show can only occur in a low-light setting so remains unobtrusive until the show begins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a concealable stage for the projection of holographic images thereby providing for its protection during daytime and during bad weather conditions. However, the key challenges in projecting holographic images in outdoor environment are excessive light due to the sun and obtrusive construction which is an outcome of permanent fixtures in scenic locations such as beaches, forests, etc. These challenges impede the usage of holographic technology in open areas. The present system aims to solve these challenges provided due to the environmental conditions and protects the expensive components of the system from damages caused by the environment.

The present system includes a projection screen (106) and a semi-reflective surface (104) which are connected at one side with the help of hydraulic pumps (105) that helps in lifting and closing of the semi-reflective surface (104) over the projection screen depending on the conditions of the environment. Hence the system folds together when the light isn't optimal or when weather conditions are not favorable, hence not obscuring the natural scenic beauty. The whole structure is protected from external forces like excessive light, obtrusive construction, etc. by placing the semi reflective surface (104) and the projected screen (106) over one another with the rubber lining in between to avoid damage and then covering the structure with a tarp (101). A plurality of sensors is included in the projection screen of the system such as for detecting the ambient light, winds and humidity in the environment. Ambient light, humidity and wind sensors detect the optimal conditions, and automatically allow the hydraulic pumps (105) to separate the semi- reflective surface (104) from the projection screen at a pre-determined angle for the show. The same sensors also detect when the conditions are not optimal, and automatically allow the hydraulic pumps (105) to close the two ends together, thereby preventing much damage. In other words, depending on the environmental conditions, the semi-reflective screen (104) automatically lifts up to certain angle to the projection screen wherein images are projected which are in turn reflected on to the semi reflective surface (104) thus becoming visible to the viewer facing it.

Further, the system includes perforated screens with embedded LEDs placed on poles behind the semi-reflective surface (104) which allow for not only greater background effect, but also act as a barrier from strong winds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a prospective view of the present system when concealed 100 during the time of peak sunlight;

Figure 2 is a front view of the present system when optimal conditions of ambience is detected whereby the stage and the medium for the holographic projection is set-up 200; and

Figure 3 shows how the users will perceive the projected image when the system is functional.

The present system has been represented where appropriate by conventional in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the system. Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components of the system and the method of achieving the concealable projection.

In this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or "including" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method, article, device or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, article, device, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, product, method, article, device or apparatus that comprises the element.

Any embodiment described herein is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described*in_¾,this detailed description are illustrative, and provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure and not to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present method of operation and construction of a mobile stage. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The main objective of the present invention is to design and construct a collapsible stage for the purpose of a holographic projection based on Pepper's ghost, for outdoor use. As ambient light is a big issue for this system, this innovation aims to operate only in the evening and since large permanent constructions obscure the scenic beauty, a method of concealment during the day time and quick construction once the ambient light is at an optimal level, is mentioned.

The present invention discloses a collapsible system for projecting holographic images in the background of a natural scenery i.e. mainly in the outdoor that includes a semi-reflective surface (104) hingedly connected to a projection screen (106) along its length with the help of hydraulic pumps (105) that can be concealed and lifted up to a pre-determined angle for the projection; a plurality of sensors for detecting the environmental conditions are placed on the said projection screen; and an ultra-short throw projector (103) attached to the said projection screen (106). The semi-reflective surface (104) and projection surface (106) are layered with rubber-lining for protection from environmental damages when the system is in concealed state. It further flexible perforated screens with embedded LEDs placed between poles behind the semi-reflective surfaces (104).

Figure 1 shows the prospective view of the system in its concealed form (100) i.e. when both the semi-reflective surface (104) and the projection screen (106) are in closed state. This highlights the concealment of the system which would be camouflaged during the time when the ambient light is at its maximum. The system is covered with a tarp or a covering (101) to ensure that it's protected from external forces. The surrounding light structures (102) of the stage, which in its unconcealed version (200) will provide the necessary depth of field, are small and non-descript that they don't affect the natural beauty of the environment. Hence those who pass by the invention in its concealed state are not distracted from the scenery during times of high light.

During the daytime, the semi-reflective surface (104) and the projected screen (106) are placed directly one over the other to avoid obtrusive and opaque construction, which hinders the scenic beauty. The space between these surfaces would be lined with rubber to avoid water and dust. The area above the semi-reflective surface (104), i.e. the reverse side of the surface, which would be exposed during the daylight, is covered with an aesthetic and durable covering (101) to avoid damage to the surface.

Figure 2 shows the system is in its unconcealed form (200). As the invention notices that the ambient light is at a low level, the medium, on which the holographic projection would appear i.e. the semi-reflective surface (104) is lifted to its optimal position or a pre-determined angle to the projection screen, using the hydraulic pumps provided (105). Once there, the ultra-short throw projector (103) is switched on, to project the image from a source on the projection screen (106). The projection done by the projector would appear on the screen which in turn gets reflected on the semi-reflective surface (104) for the audience (107) to perceive it as a hologram (108). The lifting-up of the semi-reflective screen (104) from its concealed state (100) by the hydraulic pumps (105) is automated by the plurality of sensors present in the projection screen (106) which actually detects the environmental condition and the ambient light. The ambient light, humidity and wind sensors will be always in active mode to detect and sense the weather conditions such as the amount of light, humidity content in the air and the speed of wind depending on which the system/ stage is opened or closed for the projection.

Figure 3 shows the complete invention in its unconcealed form (200), whereby the projections from the projector (103) appear on the holographic medium (104), as holograms (108). The surrounding structures (102) would light up to provide the necessary depth of field for the audience (107), who would view the projections on the holographic medium (104) to be a three dimensional people.

As mentioned before, ambient light detection sensors are placed on the screen, which would measure the ambient light. Once the light has reached the optimally low level, hydraulic steel enforced pumps (105) would lift the semi-reflected surface (104) to an angle against the projected screen (106) below. This angle might be anywhere between 45° to 90° for a proper virtual projection of the image.

Once the semi-reflective surface (104) has reached the optimal angle to the projected screen (106), sensors would initiate the ultra-short throw high resolution projectors like 4K projectors, which are placed adjacent to the screen. These projectors would beam directly onto the screen (106), which then would project directly onto the semi-reflective surface (106). This projected image is perceived as holograms (108) by the audience (107). In one of the embodiment, while the hydraulic pumps (105) lift the semi-reflective surface (104) to the optimal level, a platform can be brought behind the semi-reflective surface, so that the image that forms on it will appear to be on a stage to the observer. Aesthetically designed lights can be placed as permanent fixtures behind the stage, which would not only blend in seamlessly with the environment, but also add depth of field to the projection on the semi-reflective screen (104), thereby providing a holographic effect. This effect can be seen in Figure 3 where the surrounding structures (102) would light up to provide the necessary depth of field for the audience (107), who would view the projections on the holographic medium to be a three dimensional image. The hydraulic steel pumps (105) would also ensure an automatic closing of the semi-reflective screen (104) towards the projected surface as soon as the sensors detect high wind, untoward weather conditions or excessive brightness.

A novel feature of this system is to provide not only protection from high-winds but also create a background for this holographic imagery. Poles are placed at intervals behind the collapsible structure during the daytime and hence they do not hinder the scenic beauty. Once the surrounding light is optimal, flexible perforated screens are attached to these poles, and fastened tightly using a sail-type lever system, to avoid ripple. Tri-color LEDs (Red, Green and Blue) will be placed on these screens, which will emit light once the screens are tightened, to increase the visual spectacle of the hologram, as they provide a visual context behind the hologram, thereby providing multiple dimensional effects to the observer of the image on the semi-reflect surface (104). This multi-dimensional effect allows for greater depth, and hence a more profound holographic effect is created.

The LEDs, which are embedded onto the perforated screens, will be placed evenly to allow adequate flexibility of the screen; their electrical wiring will be placed within the screen to avoid any damage due to environmental conditions. Once the show is completed, the screen may be unfastened by loosening the level within the poles, and the screen (106) may also be wrapped around the pole if necessary.

In another embodiment of the system, foil/ screen (106) component further comprises of a polymer substrate coated with silicon dioxide in 10 - 100 nm where in the projected image forms on the coated surface. The obtained screen has enhanced properties that supports this concealed stage and can be used in any kind of atmospheres. The fibrous glass coating given makes the screen hydrophobic which helps in keeping the screen free from dust particles and moisture content. It is also fire resistant, flexible and can be re-used.

Yet another embodiment of the system has been introduced to enhance the visual aspect of the three dimensional figure. This alternative method will work best on a 40 feet stage. By placing a platform in front of the system it is possible to extend the stage forward and increase the depth of the image. This stage may be utilised by real performers and artists, which will allow the viewer to perceive further depth of virtual image formed on the semi-reflective surface (104).

In yet another embodiment, the system does not require the reflective screen (106) placed at the bottom to reflect off the image formed on it. It comprises of a floor, a rear projector device and a semi-reflective screen surface which is applied with an adhesive to a glass or polycarbonate surface, and placed at an angle of 90° to the stage surface.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A collapsible system for projecting holographic images in the background of a natural scenery using an image source, including an aesthetic or durable covering (101), the said system characterized in that a medium for projection is hingedly connected to a projection screen (106) along its length with the help of hydraulic pumps (105) that can be concealed and lifted up to a pre-determined angle for the projection; plurality of sensors for detecting the environmental conditions are placed on the said projection screen (106); a ultra-short throw projector (103) attached to the said projection screen (106); and flexible perforated screens with embedded LEDs are placed on poles behind the medium for projection.

2. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the medium for projection of the image is a semi- reflective surface (104).

3. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the image is projected on the projection screen (106) which in turn is reflected on the medium (104) placed at an angle to the projection surface.

4. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the plurality of sensors includes sensors to detect ambient lights, humidity and wind to detect the optimum environmental conditions.

5. The system as in Claim 1 wherein rubber lining exists between the medium for projection (104) and the projection screen (106), so as to avoid water and dust damages.

6. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the hydraulic pumps (105) automatically lifts the medium for projection (104) from the projection screen (106) at a pre-determined angle for the projection when an optimal environment conditions are detected by the plurality of the sensors.

7. The system as in Claim 6 wherein at the time of projection, a platform is raised behind the medium for projection (104) so as to characterize that the image is formed on the said platform.

8. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the hydraulic pumps (105) automatically closes the medium for projection (104) above the projection screen (106) when abnormal environmental conditions are detected by the plurality of the sensors.

9. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the medium for projection (104) is lifted up to angles anywhere between 0° - 90° to the projection screen (106).

10. The system as in Claim 1 wherein the medium for projection (104) is lifted up to an angle of 45° to the projection screen (106).

1 1. A concealable method of projection of holographic images including a medium for projection (104) hingedly connected to a projection screen (106) along its length with the help of hydraulic pumps (105), plurality of sensors for detecting the environmental conditions placed on the said projection screen (106) and an ultra-short throw projector (103) comprising the steps of:

a. Detecting the environmental conditions through the plurality of sensors;

b. Lifting the medium for projection (104) to a predetermined angle to the projection screen (106) if the optimal conditions of the ambience are detected;

c. Projecting an image on the projection screen (106) which in turn reflects on the medium of projection (104) and emerges as a hologram (108); and

d. Closing the medium of projection (104) over the projection screen (106) if abnormal conditions of the ambience are detected.