Apparatus and method for creating a real image illusion
First Claim
1. An apparatus for creating a real image illusion, comprising:
- (a) a selectively transparent screen having a plurality of apertures;
(b) a real object source and a device behind the screen for producing light rays, corresponding to the real object source, which pass through the apertures in the screen and converge to form a real image in front of the screen; and
(c) a light source for projecting light rays onto the screen and creating the appearance of a solid and non-transparent surface which prevents visual access behind the screen.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for creating real image illusions utilizes a partially transparent scrim positioned between the real image and an optical system which produces the real image from a corresponding real object. When the scrim is illuminated by a light source or projector in front of and at an oblique angle to the scrim, the scrim forms a seemingly solid and non-transparent surface that conceals the optical system from view by an observer. The scrim also protects the optical system from damage and other vandalism, yet it does not distort or interfere with the light rays passing through the scrim to form the real image. The scrim also avoids distracting surface reflections, ghosting and other highlights.
67 Citations
53 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for creating a real image illusion, comprising:
-
(a) a selectively transparent screen having a plurality of apertures; (b) a real object source and a device behind the screen for producing light rays, corresponding to the real object source, which pass through the apertures in the screen and converge to form a real image in front of the screen; and (c) a light source for projecting light rays onto the screen and creating the appearance of a solid and non-transparent surface which prevents visual access behind the screen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. An apparatus for creating a real image illusion, comprising:
-
(a) a selectively transparent scrim; (b) a real object source and a device behind the scrim for producing a real image, corresponding to the real object source, in front of the scrim; and (c) a projector in front of and at an oblique angle to the scrim for projecting an image onto the scrim and substantially concealing the device for producing the real image from view by an observer. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
-
35. An apparatus for creating a real image illusion, comprising:
-
(a) a real object source and a device for producing a real image corresponding to the real object source; (b) a selectively transparent screen that allows light rays corresponding to the real image to pass through the screen to form the real image in front of the screen, wherein the screen is movable with respect to the real image such that the screen may be moved through the real image to a plurality of positions behind or in front of the real image; and (c) a light source for projecting light rays onto the screen. - View Dependent Claims (36)
-
-
37. A method for creating a real image illusion, comprising:
-
(a) erecting a selectively transparent screen having a plurality of apertures; (b) producing a real image in front of the screen by utilizing a real object source and a device behind the screen for producing light rays, corresponding to the real object source, which pass through the apertures in the screen and converge to form the real image in front of the screen; and (c) projecting light rays onto the screen such that the screen appears to be a non-transparent surface preventing visual access behind the screen. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
-
-
47. An amusement ride, comprising:
-
(a) a ride vehicle for moving guests along a path through the amusement ride; (b) a selectively transparent screen having a plurality of apertures, wherein the screen is positioned along the path and is observable by the guests; (c) a real object source and a device behind the screen for producing light rays, corresponding to the real object source, which pass through the apertures in the screen to form a real image in front of the screen that is observable by the guests; and (d) a light source for projecting light rays onto the screen and creating the appearance of a solid surface concealing the real object source and device from view. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
-
Specification