MULTI-PROJECTION SYSTEM WITH PROJECTION SURFACE COMPRISING NON-SOLID MATERIAL

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-projection system including a plurality of projection surfaces arranged in a single theater so as not to be parallel to each other, wherein the plurality of projection surfaces may comprise a projection surface including a non-solid material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multi-projection system and, more particularly, to a multi-projection system in which all or some of a plurality of projection surfaces included in the multi-projection system may comprise non-solid materials (e.g., liquid, gas).

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, in order to reproduce images such as movies, advertisements, etc., two-dimensional images are projected on a single screen arranged in front of a theater. However, audiences can only watch two-dimensional (2D) images under such a system.

Three-dimensional (3D) image technologies for providing the audience with 3D images have recently been developed. 3D image technologies use the principle of allowing an audience to feel the 3D effect even from a flat image when different images are presented to the left and right eyes of the audience and combined in the brain. In detail, two cameras equipped with different polarizing filters are used during filming, and the audience wears glasses with polarizing filters such that different images are presented to the left and right eyes during watching.

However, while these 3D technologies can provide the audience with 3D images, the audience just watches the images reproduced on a single screen, which may reduce the degree of involvement in the images. Moreover, the direction of the 3D effect that the audience feels is limited to the direction of the single screen.

Furthermore, according to the conventional 3D technologies, the audience must wear the glasses equipped with polarizing filters during watching, which may make the audience feel inconvenient, and different images are artificially presented to the left and right eyes, which may make some sensitive audiences feel dizzy or nausea.

Therefore, a so-called “multi-projection system” which can solve the problems of the conventional projection systems based on a single screen has been proposed. The “multi-projection system” refers to a technology in which a plurality of projection surfaces are arranged around auditorium such that synchronized images are reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces, thus providing the audience with the three-dimensional effect and immersion.

Meanwhile, the plurality of projection surfaces should be configured to provide the audience with a new sense so as to maximize the immersion and three-dimensional effect that the audience can feel from the “multi-projection system”.

Specifically, there is a need to configure the plurality of projection surfaces using new types of projection surfaces that are different from solid screens of light gray color installed monolithically in conventional theaters.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-projection system configured using a projection surface (e.g., a fog screen, water screen, etc.) comprising a non-solid material.

Solution to Problem

To achieve the above object, a multi-projection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a plurality of projection surfaces arranged in a single theater so as not to be parallel to each other, and the plurality of projection surfaces may comprise a projection surface including a non-solid material.

The plurality of projection surfaces may comprise a fog screen or water screen.

The multi-projection system may further comprise: one or more projection devices for projecting images on the plurality of projection surfaces; and a management device for controlling the one or more projection devices.

The multi-projection system may further comprise a fog generator for forming the fog screen on a front, ceiling, side, or floor of the single theater.

The fog generator may comprise a partition for guiding the flow of fog.

The management device may control the fog generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the fog screen, to operate in conjunction with each other.

The fog generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the fog screen, may operate in conjunction with each other based on a control signal transmitted from the management device, and the projection device may operate after the fog generator operates.

The multi-projection system may further comprise a fog inhaler for inhaling the generated fog, and the fog inhaler may be controlled by the management device.

The water screen may be formed on a front, side, or floor of the single theater.

The multi-projection system may further comprise, when the water screen in formed on the floor of the theater: a water tank filled with a liquid; and a bubble generator for generating bubbles in the liquid.

The management device may control the bubble generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the surface of the liquid, to operate in conjunction with each other.

The multi-projection system may further comprise, when the water screen is formed on the side of the theater, a liquid injector for injecting a liquid into a space, and the liquid injector may be controlled by the management device.

The liquid injector may change the shape of a water film formed in the space.

The management device may perform image correction based on differences in properties between the projection surfaces.

The management device may correct images so as to offset the differences in properties between the projection surfaces.

The management device may correct images based on chromaticity information, brightness information, reflectance information, or quality information.

The multi-projection system may further comprise an imaging device for imaging the plurality of projection surfaces, and the management device may analyze the differences in properties between the projection surfaces using the imaging device.

The multi-projection system may further comprise a light-emitting device for projecting light on the fog screen or the water screen.

The plurality of projection surfaces may comprise a main projection surface on which a main image is projected, and the light-emitting device may project light of a color associated with the main image.

The light-emitting device may create an appearance of a specific object associated with the main image on the fog screen or the water screen.

An image may be projected on the fog screen or the water screen in a stage where light is projected on the fog screen or the water screen by the light-emitting device.

Light of a color that is the same or similar to the surface color of a screen formed of a solid material ma be projected on the fog screen or the water screen by the light-emitting device.

The liquid that forms the water screen may comprise particles for increasing reflectance.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, all or some of a plurality of projection surfaces included in a multi-projection system comprise a projection surface including a non-solid material (e.g., a fog screen, water screen, etc.), thus providing the audience with new three-dimensional effect and immersion.

Moreover, the present invention can analyze differences in properties (e.g., brightness, chromaticity, quality, etc.) between the projection surfaces and then perform image correction so as to offset the analyzed differences in properties. Therefore, even when the plurality of projection surfaces comprise projection surfaces (e.g., a fog screen, water screen, etc.) including non-solid materials and typical projection surfaces (e.g., a typical solid screen, wall, etc.) at the same time, the present invention can reduce the heterogeneity of images that may occur between the projection surfaces.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a partition in a fog generator for forming a fog screen to guide the flow of fog in a predetermined direction. Therefore, it is possible to stably form the fog screen in a predetermined direction.

In addition, the present invention can control the position where the fog screen is formed, change the concentration of the fog screen, or remove the fog screen.

Additionally, the present invention can form a water screen of various shapes (e.g., a fan shape, radial shape, etc.) by controlling a liquid injector and change the shape of the water screen even in a state where an image is projected. Therefore, it is possible to increase the three-dimensional effect that the audience feels through this operation.

Also, the present invention can provide a water tank filled with a liquid on a floor of the auditorium and allow the surface of the liquid to fluctuate using a bubble generator installed in the water tank. Therefore, it is possible to form a water screen with high reflectance on the floor of the auditorium.

Moreover, the present invention can incorporate particles for increasing reflectance in the liquid that forms the water screen. Therefore, it is possible to improve the performance of the water screen (as a projection surface) through this configuration.

Furthermore, the present invention can arrange the fog screen or water screen around a main projection surface and then allow light of a color associated with the image of the main projection surface to be projected on the fog screen or water screen. Therefore, it is possible to improve the three-dimensional effect that the audience feels through this configuration.

In addition, the present invention can arrange the fog screen or water screen around the main projection surface and then create an object associated with the image of the main projection surface on the fog screen or water screen. Therefore, the audience can feel as if they are in a space created by the main image, thus improving the immersion and three-dimensional effect that the audience feels.

Additionally, the present invention can project background light (lighting) of a color similar to that of the main projection surface on the fog screen or water screen and project an image on the fog screen or water screen in a state where the background light (lighting) is projected. Therefore, the heterogeneity between the image projected on the main projection surface and the image projected on the fog screen or water screen can be partially offset by this operation (i.e., the background colors of the projection surfaces on which the images are projected may become similar to each other, and thus the heterogeneity can be partially offset).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of a plurality of projection surfaces.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-projection system comprising a plurality of projection surfaces, two or more projection devices, and a management device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing examples of a multi-projection system comprising a fog screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of a multi-projection system comprising a water screen in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which light (lighting) is projected on a fog screen or water screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which the appearance of an object is created by light projected on a fog screen or water screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which an image is projected on a fog screen or water screen on which background light (lighting) of a specific color is projected.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, “a multi-projection system with a projection surface comprising a non-solid material” according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the spirit of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereby. Moreover, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and may be in different forms from those actually implemented.

The present invention that will be described below relates to the above-mentioned “multi-projection system”.

Therefore, the “multi-projection system” that is the basis of the present invention will now be described briefly, and then the features of the present invention will be described in detail later.

Next, the multi-projection system that is the basis of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

The multi-projection system that is the basis of the present invention refers to a system which can provide synchronized images on a plurality of projection surfaces installed in a single theater and maximize the reality, three-dimensional effect, and immersion that the audience can feel in these environments. That is, the multi-projection system refers to a system in which a plurality of projection surfaces are provided in a single theater to provide the audience with synchronized images on the plurality of projection surfaces.

The plurality of projection surfaces are provided for multi-projection in a single theater. A plurality of images may be reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces. Here, it is preferable that the images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces are synchronized with each other and generally create a unified image. That is, while different images may be reproduced on the respective projection surfaces, it is preferable that the different images are synchronized with each other to create a unified image when viewed over the entire projection surface. Meanwhile, depending on the situations, an independent image may be reproduced on each projection surface or images may be reproduced only on some of the projection surfaces.

Meanwhile, the plurality of projection surfaces may reproduce images using all of the plurality of projection surfaces or using only some of the plurality of projection surfaces. For example, the plurality of projection surfaces may provide a state in which an image is reproduced only on a specific projection surface (state 1), a state in which images are reproduced only on some of the plurality of projection surfaces (state 2), and a state in which images are reproduced on all of the plurality of projection surfaces (state 3), and these states 1 to 3 may be provided in combination during projection of image content.

Moreover, the plurality of projection surfaces may be arranged so as not to be parallel to each other. According to the prior art, an image is projected only on a screen placed in front of a theater such that the audience watches the image reproduced on the two-dimensional screen or a 3D technology is applied to the image itself reproduced on a plane. On the contrary, in the multi-projection system that is the basis of the present invention, the plurality of projection surfaces are three-dimensionally arranged so as not to be parallel to each other, and thus it is possible to provide the audience with a three-dimensional image with high three-dimensional effect and immersion through the three-dimensionally arranged plurality of projection surfaces without applying the 3D technology to the image itself.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the plurality of projection surfaces are arranged so as not to be parallel to each other and arranged to surround the auditorium in the theater. Therefore, the audience can feel as if they are in a space created by the synchronized images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces, and thus the three-dimensional effect, immersion, and virtual reality that the audience feels can be maximized.

In addition, the angle between the projection surfaces is not limited to a specific angle, and the plurality of projection surfaces may be arranged at various angles as long as the audience can feel the three-dimensional effect.

Additionally, the plurality of projection surfaces may be arranged to be adjacent to each other or to be spaced from each other and, even in this case, it is preferable that the plurality of projection surfaces are arranged to surround the auditorium.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which the plurality of projection surfaces are arranged on the front, left, and right sides with respect to the auditorium, FIG. 2 shows an example in which the plurality of projection surfaces are arranged on the front, left, right, and top (ceiling) sides with respect to the auditorium, and FIG. 3 shows an example in which the plurality of projection surfaces are arranged on the front, left, right, top (ceiling), and bottom (floor) sides with respect to the auditorium.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the multi-projection system may further comprise two or more projection devices 300 for projecting images on the plurality of projection surfaces and may also further comprise a management device 400 for controlling the operation of the two or more projection devices 300.

The two or more projection devices 300 are configured to project images on the above-described plurality of projection surfaces. The two or more projection devices 300 may be implemented by including an optical system and a heating unit in various manners. For example, the projection devices 300 may be implemented in various ways, such as by using a cathode ray tube (CRT), using a liquid crystal display (LCD), by digital light processing (DLP) using a digital micromirror device (DMD) chip, by liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), etc. Moreover, the projection devices 300 may be implemented in various forms other than these ways.

The management device 400 is configured to control the two or more projection devices 300. The management device 400 may be connected in parallel to the two or more projection devices 300 to control the respective projection devices 300 either simultaneously or individually through this parallel connection. Moreover, the management device 400 may integratedly manage the images projected by the two or more projection devices 300 and may correct the images projected by the two or more projection devices 300, if necessary. Meanwhile, the management device 400 may integratedly control the operation of various devices included in the multi-projection system as well as the operation of the two or more projection devices 300.

The management device 400 may be implemented with various electronic devices. The management device 400 may be implemented with a single electronic device or with several electronic devices interconnected to each other. For example, the management device 400 may be implemented in a single server or in such a manner that two or more servers are interconnected. Moreover, the management device 400 may be implemented in such a manner that a server and other electronic devices are interconnected or implemented in arithmetic units other than the server.

Meanwhile, the management device 400 may be implemented with a plurality of servers connected hierarchically. For example, the management device 400 may be implemented in such a manner that a single main server and a plurality of slave servers are connected to each other. In this case, the plurality of slave servers respectively control the devices installed in the multi-projection system (e.g., slave server 1 controls projection devices A-D, slave server 1 controls projection devices E-H, etc.), and the single main server generally controls the operation of the plurality of slave servers.

Meanwhile, although it is preferable that the multi-projection system according to the present invention is constructed in an indoor theater, it may be constructed in an outdoor theater according to embodiments.

Next, additional features of the multi-projection system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12.

The multi-projection system according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of projection surfaces including non-solid materials (e.g., liquid particles in fog, water, etc.). Specifically, the plurality of projection surfaces according to the present invention may comprise projection surfaces such as a fog screen 110, a water screen 120, etc.

As used herein, the fog screen 110 includes various types of screens such as (i) a fog screen formed of only liquid particles only, (ii) a fog screen formed of liquid and gas particles, (iii) a fog screen formed of liquid and fine solid particles, (iv) a fog screen formed of liquid and gas, (v) a fog screen formed of fine solid particles and gas, etc.

Moreover, the water screen 120 also does not refer to a screen formed of water (H₂O) only, but includes various types of screens such as (i) a water screen formed of water, (ii) a water screen formed of water and other particles (e.g., solid, liquid, etc.), (iii) water screen formed of other liquids than water, etc.

Next, the multi-projection system comprising a fog screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

Referring to FIG. 5, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may comprise a fog generator 210 for forming the fog screen 110.

Here, the fog generator 210 is a device that generates fog for forming the fog screen 110 and may be installed on the front, side, ceiling, floor, or rear of the single theater with respect to the auditorium. Therefore, a front projection surface, a side projection surface, a ceiling projection surface, a floor projection surface, or a rear projection surface may be formed as the fog screen 110 by the fog generator 210 installed on the front, side, ceiling, floor, or rear of the single theater. For reference, FIG. 5 shows an example in which a left projection surface and a right projection surface are configured as the fog screen 110.

Moreover, the fog generator 210 may further comprise a partition 212 for guiding the flow of fog in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the generated fog can be moved in a predetermined direction by the partition 212 such that the fog screen 110 can be formed in a predetermined position by the movement of the fog. Referring to the example of FIG. 5, the fog generated by the fog generator 210 installed near the ceiling is moved downward by the guide of the partition 212, and thus the fog screen 110 is stably formed between the ceiling and the floor. Meanwhile, the partition 212 can reduce a vortex phenomenon that may occur while the fog is ejected, thus further stabilizing the flow of the ejected fog.

Furthermore, the fog generator 210 may further comprise a pattern plate that is disposed in a path through which the fog is ejected. Here, the pattern plate comprises through holes formed in various pattern shapes. When the fog passes through the pattern plate, the shape of the fog can change in various patterns. Therefore, the present invention can form various types of fog screens with the use of the pattern plate.

Meanwhile, the through holes included in the pattern hole may be formed to change the shape of the pattern in real time. Therefore, the shape of the fog screen can be changed in real time by the use of the dynamic through holes, thus providing the audience with new types of special effects.

Moreover, the fog generator 210 may incorporate various scent particles in the ejected fog, thus forming a sent fog screen. For example, the fog generator 210 may comprise a scent particle supply device that selectively supplies various types of scent particles so as to selectively insert various types of scent particles into the fog, thus forming various types of scent fog screens. Meanwhile, the fog generator 210 may select (or change) the type of the scent particles supplied by the scent particle supply device, thus implementing various types of scent fog screens that match various images.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 6, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may further comprise a fog inhaler 214 for inhaling the generated fog.

Here, the fog inhaler 214 refers to a device for inhaling the generated fog and may include various types of inhalers such as a vacuum suction device, etc.

The fog inhaler 214 can be used to control the position at which the fog screen 110 is formed. Specifically, the present invention can pull the generated fog to the position, at which the fog screen 110 is formed, using the fog inhaler 214, thus controlling the position of the fog screen 110 to be formed. In this case, it is preferable that the fog inhaler 214 is installed to move in the theater (e.g., move horizontally, vertically, etc.) such that it can move to the position at which the fog screen 110 is formed, thus controlling the position of the fog screen 110 to be formed. Moreover, it is preferable that the fog inhaler 214 is configured to adjust the inhalation force, inhalation direction, etc., thus inhaling the fog in various directions at various strengths.

Moreover, the fog inhaler 214 can be used to control the concentration of the formed fog screen 110. Specifically, the present invention can partially remove the generated fog using the fog inhaler 214, thus reducing the concentration of the generated fog. Therefore, the brightness, quality, color, etc. of an image formed on the fog screen can be changed by adjusting the concentration of the fog screen 110 (for reference, as the concentration of the fog is increased by the operation of the fog generator 210, the brightness, quality, etc. of the image may be increased, whereas, as the concentration of the fog is reduced by the operation of the fog inhaler 214, the brightness, quality, etc. of the image may be reduced).

Furthermore, the fog inhaler 214 can be used to completely remove the formed fog screen 110. Specifically, the present invention can completely inhale the generated fog using the fog inhaler 214, thus completely removing the formed fog screen 110. The fog screen 110 may be formed (1) throughout the entire screening time to reproduce an image or may be formed (2) at a specific time when a special effect is required. In the latter case, it is necessary to remove the fog screen 110 after it is formed. Moreover, even in the former case, it is necessary to remove the fog screen 110 when the screening of the image is terminated. Therefore, it is possible to perform the operation of removing the fog screen 110 at a necessary time using the fog inhaler 214.

Meanwhile, although the fog inhaler 214 may be formed integrally with the fog generator 210, the fog inhaler 214 may preferably be configured to face the fog generator 210 as shown in FIG. 6.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 7, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may be configured in a manner that two fog generators are installed to face each other to form a single fog screen 110. With this structure, (1) the speed of formation of the fog screen 110 can be increased, (2) the concentration of the fog screen 110 can be more rapidly increased, and (3) a fog screen 110 in which the spatial distribution of fog is relatively uniform can be formed.

The fog generator 210 and the fog inhaler 214 may be controlled by an independent control unit, but may preferably be controlled by the management device 400. Therefore, in this case, the management device 400 integratedly controls the two or more projection devices 300, the fog generator 210, the fog inhaler 214, etc.

Moreover, the management device 400 may control the fog generator 210 and the projection device 300, which projects an image on the fog screen 110, to operate in conjunction with each other. Specifically, the management device 400 may match the fog generator 210 for forming the fog screen 100 and the projection device 300 for projecting an image on the formed fog screen 110 as a group of control subjects and may control the fog generator 210 and the projection device 300, which match each other, to operate in conjunction with each other. For example, the management device 400 may comprise a control algorithm that allows the two devices to operate as a group, even when an operation command is given to any one of the two devices matching each other. That is, the management device 400 may comprise a control algorithm that (i) allows a specific fog generator 210 and a projection device 300 matching the specific fog generator 210 to automatically operate together even when a control command is given to the specific fog generator 210 or (ii) allows a specific projection device 300 and a fog generator 210 matching the specific projection device. 300 to automatically operate together even when a control command is given to the specific projection device 300. Meanwhile, when the fog generator 210 and the projection device 300 for projecting an image on the fog screen 110 operate in conjunction with each other, it is preferable that the projection device 300 operates after the fog generator 210 operates. The reason for this is that the time taken by the fog generator 210 to form the fog screen 110 on which the image is projected is much longer than the time taken by the projection device 300 to prepare the projection of the image.

Next, the multi-projection system comprising a water screen 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 8, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may comprise a liquid injector 220 for forming a water screen 120 on the side of the theater.

Here, the side of the theater refers to the front, left, right, rear, etc. with respect to the auditorium. Therefore, the formation of the water screen 120 on the side of the theater refers to that the front screen, left screen, right screen, or rear screen may be formed as the water screen 120.

The liquid injector 22.0 refers to a device that can form a water film, on which an image can be projected, by injecting a liquid. The liquid injector 220 may be configured in various forms such as (i) a liquid injector 220 that forms a water film in the form of a waterfall (shown in the left of FIG. 8), (ii) a liquid injector 220 that forms a water film in the form of a fountain (shown in the right of FIG. 8), etc.

Moreover, the liquid injector 220 may inject various liquids including water. Therefore, the liquid injector 220 may form a water screen 120 comprising various liquid components and may also form a well-being water screen 120 using a liquid component with functionality in human skin, for example.

Furthermore, the liquid injector 220 may incorporate various scent materials in the injected liquid, thus forming a scent water screen. For example, the liquid injector 220 may comprise a scent material supply device that selectively supplies various types of scent materials so as to selectively insert various types of scent materials into the liquid, thus forming various types of scent water screens. In addition, the liquid injector 220 may select (or change) the type of the scent material supplied by the scent material supply device, thus implementing various types of scent water screens that match various images.

In addition, the liquid injector 220 may change the shape of the water film to be formed by adjusting the installation position, the injection direction of the liquid, the number of injection nozzles, the injection strength, etc. For example, the liquid injector 220 may be configured to form a rectangular water film as shown in the left of FIG. 8 or a fan-shaped water film as shown in the right of FIG. 8 as well as various other types of water films. Additionally, the liquid injector 220 may change the shape of the water film on which an image is projected even in a state where the image is projected on the formed water film. Therefore, this dynamic configuration of the screen can further improve the immersion and three-dimensional effect that the audience feels.

Referring to FIG. 9, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may comprise a water tank 240 for forming the water screen 120 on the floor of the theater and a bubble generator 230.

The water tank 240 is installed on the floor of the auditorium and may be configured in various forms that can store a liquid.

A liquid such as water, etc. is filled in the water tank 240 to form a surface of the liquid (i.e., a boundary between liquid and air) on the floor of the auditorium, and the formed surface of the liquid serves as the water screen 120.

Meanwhile, a liquid surface in a steady state without fluctuation has a low reflectance and thus is hard to be used as a projection surface on which an image is projected. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the reflectance of the water screen 120 formed on the floor by allowing the surface of the liquid filled in the water tank 240 to fluctuate.

The bubble generator 230 is installed in the water tank 240 to generate bubbles in the liquid filled in the water tank 240.

Bubbles generated in the liquid by the bubble generator 230 move to the surface of the liquid to allow the surface of the liquid used as the water screen 120 to fluctuate, and the fluctuation by the bubbles increases the surface reflectance of the liquid.

As a result, the bubble generator 230 serves to increase the surface reflectance of the liquid using the generated bubbles, and the surface of the liquid can be used as the water screen 120 through this operation.

The liquid injector 220 and the bubble generator 230 may be controlled by an independent control unit, but may preferably be integratedly controlled by the management device 400. Therefore, in this case, the management device 400 integratedly controls the two or more projection devices 300, the liquid injector 220, the bubble generator 230, etc.

Moreover, the management device 400 may control the liquid injector 220 or the bubble generator 230 and the projection device 300, which projects an image on the water screen 120, to operate in conjunction with each other. Specifically, the management device 400 may match the liquid injector 220 for forming the water screen 120 or the bubble generator 230 and the projection device 300 for projecting an image on the formed water screen 120 as a group of control subjects and may control the liquid injector 220 or the bubble generator 230 and the projection device 300, which match each other, to operate in conjunction with each other. For example, the management device 400 may establish a control algorithm that allows the two devices to operate as a group, even when an operation command is given to any one of the two devices matching each other. That is, the management device 400 may establish a control algorithm that (i) allows a specific liquid injector 220 or bubble generator 230) and a projection device 300 matching the specific liquid injector 220 (or bubble generator 230) to automatically operate together even when a control command is given to the specific liquid injector 220 (or bubble generator 230) or (ii) allows a specific projection device 300 and a specific liquid injector 220 (or bubble generator 230) matching the specific projection device 300 to automatically operate together even when a control command is given to the specific projection device 300. Meanwhile, when “the liquid injector 220 or the bubble generator 230” and the projection device 300 for projecting an image on the water screen 120 operate in conjunction with each other, it is preferable that the projection device 300 operates after “the liquid injector 22.0 or the bubble generator 230” operates. The reason for this is that the time taken by “the liquid injector 220 or the bubble generator 230” to form the fog screen 110 on which the image is projected is much longer than the time taken by the projection device 300 to prepare the projection of the image.

Meanwhile, the present invention may incorporate solid particles for increasing the reflectance in the liquid such as water, etc. used for the formation of the water screen 120. Specifically, fine particles for increasing the reflectance may be incorporated in the liquid injected by the liquid injector 220 or filled in the water tank 240. However, in the case where harmful particles such as metal, etc. are included in the liquid, these particles have a harmful effect on the audience, and thus it is preferable that highly reflective particles harmless to the human body, such as pearl particles, are incorporated in the liquid.

The projection surfaces (e.g., the fog screen 110, the water screen 120, etc.) comprising, non-solid materials may be configured as auxiliary projection surfaces for assisting the main projection surface 100 installed in front of the theater and may be formed only for a predetermined time in the entire time when an image is reproduced on the main projection surface 100.

In this case, the management device 400 may transmit a control signal including operation time information to the fog generator 210, the liquid injector 220, or the bubble generator 230, which are configured to form the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, such that the fog generator 210, the liquid injector 220, or the bubble generator 230 forms the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 only at a specific time based on the control signal.

Moreover, the management device 400 may form the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 based on an image reproduced on the main projection surface 100. For example, when an image including fog or an image including liquid such as water is reproduced on the main projection surface 100, the management device 400 may control the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 to be formed. Therefore, this dynamic configuration of the projection surface associated with the main image can further improve the immersion and three-dimensional effect that the audience feels. Meanwhile, in this case, the management device 400 may analyze the color, appearance, operation pattern, etc. of objects included in the main image and then compare the data with standard identification information on various objects stored in a database, thus determining whether a specific object (e.g., fog, sea, rain, etc.) is included in the main image.

Meanwhile, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may configure the plurality of projection surfaces only with either the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, but may preferably configure the plurality of projection surfaces with a combination of the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 and different types of projection surfaces. Here, the different types of projection surfaces refer to projection surfaces made of solid materials that can be used to configure the plurality of projection surfaces. Here, the different types and include a typical screen, a structural surface (e., a wall, floor, ceiling, etc.), a surface of an internal fixture (e.g. a curtain, panel, etc.) of the theater, etc.

Therefore, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may configure the plurality of projection surfaces with (1) a combination of the fog screen 110 and other types of projection surfaces, (2) a combination of the water screen 120 and other types of projection surfaces, or (3) a combination of the fog screen 110, the water screen 120, and other types of projection surfaces.

However, when the plurality of projection surfaces are configured with these various types of projection surfaces, heterogeneity may occur between images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces. Specifically, the respective, projection surfaces that constitute the plurality of projection surfaces have different properties, and thus the heterogeneity may occur between the images reproduced on the respective projection surfaces. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the heterogeneity between the images, because the heterogeneity may reduce the immersion and three-dimensional effect of the audience in the images.

The present invention may perform image correction based on differences in properties between the projection surfaces, and this image correction can improve the heterogeneity of the images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces.

The image correction will now be described in detail. The image correction may comprise the steps of (1) analyzing differences in properties between the projection surfaces and (2) performing the image correction so as to offset the differences in properties based on the analyzed information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces.

First, step (1) (of analyzing the differences in properties between the projection surfaces) may preferably be performed by the management device 400. In this case, the management device 400 may analyze the information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces by various methods such as a method of using information stored in an internal database, a method of using an imaging device, etc. Here, the method of using information stored in a database refers to a method in which individual information on the properties of each projection surface (e.g., chromaticity information, brightness information, reflectance information, quality information, etc.) is stored in a database to analyze the information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces based the information stored in the database. Moreover, the method of using an imaging device refers to a method in which an imaging device for imaging the plurality of projection surfaces is provided to analyze the information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces based on the images taken by the imaging device.

Next, step (2) (of performing the image correction so as to offset the differences in properties based on the analyzed information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces) may also be performed by the management device 400. In this case, the management device 400 may correct the images projected on the respective projection surfaces so as to offset the differences in properties based on the analyzed information on the differences in properties between the projection surfaces (e.g., chromaticity information, brightness information, reflectance information, quality information, etc.), thus reducing the heterogeneity between the images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces.

Representatively, the correction based on the information on the difference in chromaticity between the projection surfaces will now be described (the process which will he described below can, of course, be applied to the correction based on the difference in brightness, difference in reflectivity, difference in quality, etc.). First, the management device 400 may calculate the information on the difference in chromaticity between the projection surfaces based on chromaticity information of the respective projection surfaces. In detail, the management device 400 may set a single reference projection surface and then calculate information on a relative difference in chromaticity of each projection surface. For example, the information on the relative difference in chromaticity is calculated in such a manner that “projection surface A has a red (R) color level 50 higher than that of the reference projection surface, a green (G) color level 40 higher than that of the reference projection surface, and a blue (B) color level the same as that of the reference projection surface”. After the information on the difference in chromaticity of the respective projection surfaces is calculated in this manner, the images may be corrected based on the calculated information in such a manner so as to “reduce the R color level of the image projected on projection surface A by 50, reduce the G color level by 40, and maintain the B color level”, for example. Therefore, the difference in chromaticity of the projection surfaces can be offset.

Meanwhile, the analysis of the difference in properties of the plurality of projection surfaces may be performed in various ways other than the method of setting the reference projection surface. For example, it is possible to calculate representative values (e.g., mean values, median values, mode values, etc.) for the properties of the plurality of projection surfaces and then analyze the relative difference in properties based on the calculated representative values.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, instead of the image, light (lighting) may be projected on the projection surfaces including non-solid materials (e.g., the fog screen 110, the water screen 120, etc.)

Next, an example in which light is projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring to FIG. 10, the multi-projection system according to the present invention may further comprise a light-emitting device 500 for projecting light on the projection surfaces including non-solid materials (e.g., the fog screen 110, the water screen 120, etc.).

Here, the light-emitting device 500 is a device that projects light on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120. The light-emitting device 500 may comprise all light-emitting elements that emit light of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) and may emit light of various colors using these R, G, and B light-emitting elements. Moreover, one or more light-emitting devices 500 may be installed on a single fog screen 110 or water screen 120, and one or more colors may be implemented by the one or more light-emitting devices 500.

Meanwhile, the light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 500 may be formed of various types of light-emitting elements such as heating lamps, fluorescent lamps, metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, mercury lamps, lamps, LEDs, semiconductor lasers, halogen lamps, etc.

Moreover, the light-emitting device 500 may be electrically connected to the management device 400 to be controlled by the management device 400.

In this case, the management device 400 may control the color of the light projected by the light-emitting device 500 or control a specific shape created by the light-emitting device (i.e., the appearance created by the projected light). Moreover, the management device 400 may control the light-emitting device 500 to project light of various colors on a single fog screen 110 or water screen 120.

Moreover, the management device 400 may be connected to the light-emitting device 500 through a wired or wireless communication network to control the light-emitting device 500 through this connection.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the projection surfaces including non-solid materials (e.g., the fog screen 110, the water screen 120, etc.) serve as auxiliary projection surfaces that assist the main projection surface 100.

Therefore, it is preferable that the light-emitting device 500 that projects light on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 implements a visual effect that can be associated with the main image.

For example, the light-emitting device 500 may project light of a color associated with the main image on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120. Specifically, the light-emitting device 500 may project light of a color that is the same or similar to the average color of the main image or colors of objects (e.g., a thing, background, etc.) included in the main image on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, thus improving the three-dimensional effect and immersion that the audience feels.

Moreover, the light-emitting device 500 may create an appearance that is the same or similar to the appearance of a thing included in the main image or an appearance that matches (i.e., that is in harmony with) the appearance of a thing included in the main image. For example, referring to FIG. 11, when a forest scene is reproduced in a main image, the light-emitting device 500 may create the appearance of a tree, which matches the main image, on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120. Therefore, the operation of the light-emitting device 500 allows the audience to feel as if they are surrounded by the forest scene created by the main image, thus improving the three-dimensional effect and immersion that the audience feels.

The operation of implementing the visual effect associated with the main image by the light-emitting device 500 may be controlled by the management device 400 as mentioned above. For example, the management device 400 may recognize whether a specific object is included in a main image by analyzing the color, appearance, movement pattern, etc. of objects in the main image and may make a control command such that the light-emitting device 500 implements the color or appearance matching the recognized specific object. Moreover, the light-emitting device 500 may include an internal database for this control, and the database may store standard identification information on each object for object recognition (e.g., standard color information, standard appearance information, standard movement information, etc.), operation information of the light-emitting device matching the recognized object, etc.

Moreover, the management device 400 may control the operation of the light-emitting device 500 based on input information. For example, the management device 400 may generate a code by receiving input information including “specific time information”, “shape or color information to be implemented by the light-emitting device 500 at a corresponding time”, etc. and may control the operation of the light-emitting device 500 based on the generated code.

Meanwhile, the management device 400 may receive the input information in various ways. For example, the management device 400 may receive information input through its input device or receive the input information through a user terminal connected to the management device 400 in a wired or wireless manner. Moreover, the management device 400 may receive the input information in various other ways.

Meanwhile, according another embodiment of the present invention, background light (lighting) of a specific color may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, and an image may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 on which the background light (lighting) of a specific color is being projected.

This embodiment will be descried in more detail with reference to FIG. 12 below,

Referring to FIG. 12, background light (lighting) of a specific color may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, and an image may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 on which the background light (lighting) of a specific color is being projected. Specifically, background light (lighting) of a specific color generated by the light-emitting device 500 may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120, and in a state where the background light (lighting) is projected by the light-emitting device 500, an image may be projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 by the projection device 300.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface color of the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 may be changed by the background light (lighting), and in a state where the surface color of the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 is changed, the image may be projected.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that background light (lighting) of a color that is the same or similar to the surface color of a projection surface formed of a solid material is projected on the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120. The surface color of the fog screen 110 or the water screen 120 may be the same or similar to the surface color of the projection surface formed of a solid material by this background light, and in this state, an image is projected on each projection surface, thus reducing the heterogeneity between the images reproduced on the plurality of projection surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 12, a main projection surface 100 formed of a solid material is arranged in front of the theater, and a fog screen 110 and a water screen 120 are arranged on both sides of the main projection surface 100. In this case, it is preferable that the light-emitting devices 400, which project background lights on the fog screen 110 and the water screen 120, project light of a color that is the same or similar to the surface color of the main projection surface 100. For example, when the surface color of the main projection surface 100 is light gray color, it is preferable that the light-emitting devices 500 project background lights of light gray color. Therefore, the surface colors of the fog screen 110 and the water screen 120 may be changed to light gray color by this operation of the light-emitting devices 500, and thus all images are projected on the projection surfaces of light gray color, thus reducing the heterogeneity between the images.

Of course, the background light is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be configured as background light of random color in various ways.

Meanwhile, the multi-projection system according to another embodiment of the present invention may configure a colored fog screen 110 or water screen 120. Specifically, the multi-projection system according to another embodiment of the present invention may form a colored fog screen 110 or water screen 120 by incorporating colored particles in fog that forms the fog screen or configuring colored liquid that forms the water screen.

Therefore, in this embodiment, (i) it is possible to reduce the heterogeneity between the projection surfaces by implementing a “fog screen 110 or water screen 120” of a color that is the same or similar to the color (e.g., light gray color) of “another solid screen”, or (ii) it is possible to provide the audience with new types of special effects by changing the color of the “fog screen 110 or water screen 120” in real time.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-projection system composing a plurality of projection surfaces arranged in a single theater so as not to be parallel to each other, wherein the plurality of projection surfaces comprise a projection surface including a non-solid material.

2. The multi-projection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projection surfaces comprise a fog screen or water screen.

3. The multi-projection system of claim 2, further comprising:

one or more projection devices for projecting images on the plurality of projection surfaces; and

a management device for controlling the one or more projection devices.

4. The multi-projection system of claim 3, further comprising a fog generator for forming the fog screen on a front, ceiling, side, or floor of the single theater.

5. The multi-projection system of claim 4, wherein the fog generator comprises a partition for guiding the flow of fog.

6. The multi-projection system of claim 4, wherein the management device controls the fog generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the fog screen, to operate in conjunction with each other.

7. The multi-projection system of claim 6, wherein the fog generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the fog screen, operate in conjunction with each other based on a control signal transmitted from the management device, the projection device operating after the fog generator operates.

8. The multi-projection system of claim 4, further comprising a fog inhaler for inhaling the generated fog, wherein the fog inhaler is controlled by the management device.

9. The multi-projection system of claim 3, wherein the water screen is formed on a front, or floor of the single theater.

10. The multi-projection system of claim 9, further comprising, when the water screen in formed on the floor of the theater:

a water tank filled with a liquid; and

a bubble generator for generating bubbles in the liquid.

11. The multi-projection system of claim 10, wherein the management device controls the bubble generator and the projection device, which projects an image on the surface of the liquid, to operate in conjunction with each other.

12. The multi-projection system of claim 9, further comprising, when the water screen is formed on the side of the theater, a liquid injector for injecting a liquid into a space, wherein the liquid injector is controlled by the management device.

13. The multi-projection system of claim 12, wherein the liquid injector changes the shape of a water film formed in the space.

14. The multi-projection system of claim 3, wherein the management device performs image correction based on differences in properties between the projection surfaces.

15. The multi-projection system of claim 14, wherein the management device corrects images so as to offset the differences in properties between the projection surfaces.

16. The multi-projection system of claim 14, wherein the management device corrects images based on chromaticity information, brightness information, reflectance information, or quality information.

17. The multi-projection system of claim 14, further comprising an imaging device for imaging the plurality of projection surfaces, wherein the management device analyzes the differences in properties between the projection surfaces using the imaging device.

18. The multi-projection system of claim 2, further comprising a light-emitting device for projecting light on the fog screen or the water screen.

19. The multi-projection system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of projection surfaces comprises a main projection surface on which a main image is projected, and wherein the light-emitting device projects light of a color associated with the main image.

20. The multi-projection system of claim 19, wherein the light-emitting device creates an appearance of a specific object associated with the main image on the fog screen or the water screen.

21. The multi-projection system of claim 18, wherein an image is projected on the fog screen or the water screen in a stage where light is projected on the fog screen or the water screen by the light-emitting device.

22. The multi-projection system of claim 21, wherein light of a color that is the same or similar to the surface color of a screen formed of a solid material is projected on the fog screen or the water screen by the light-emitting device.

23. The multi-projection system of claim 2, wherein the liquid that forms the water screen comprises particles for increasing reflectance.