Illusion Caused By Video, Projected Picture, Or Special Light Effect Patents (Class 472/61)
  • Patent number: 12129989
    Abstract: A light supplying device includes a box and a light emitting device. The box is provided with a cavity and configured to be fully closed or semi-closed, and the light emitting device is arranged in the box and configured to provide ultraviolet light and/or visible light. The device supplies light to a light receiving device such as luminous sporting goods to excite the fluorescent agent on the surface to produce fluorescence effect and shows luminous effect at night or in the dark. In such a way, the light receiving device such as the luminous sporting goods may receive the light anytime and anywhere, without sunlight irradiation, thereby improving the user's experience. Moreover, the device is convenient and portable, and has simple structure and high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Inventor: Huazhi Zhao
  • Patent number: 10596460
    Abstract: An improved virtual reality system comprises a chair 110 integrated with a pedestal 120, which contains a motion platform 150 and base 160. The chair 110 can be rotated continuously in the yaw axis by a stepper motor 230 and substantially in the pitch axis by an additional stepper motor 240 in coordination with the content of the VR display as directed by a chair controller located on the motion platform 150.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: POSITRON, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Travis, Jennifer Rundell, Ricardo Ruiz-Torres, Mehul Dilip Sati Kunvar
  • Patent number: 10549181
    Abstract: A shooting game control method, which is executed by a computer incorporated in a device including a display and a touch panel, includes accepting a touch operation on the touch panel; displaying a first frame indicative of a shooting effective range on the display in accordance with a position of the touch operation; accepting an instruction for an attack on an attack target in a state in which the first frame is displayed; determining whether the attack target in a game image displayed on the display is within the first frame or not, at a time point when the instruction for the attack has been accepted; and controlling the attack on the attack target in the game image in accordance with a result of the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsuchiya, Norihiro Sawada, Tadashi Nagano, Takeshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 10265631
    Abstract: A water slide includes a blind tube portion having a blind tube opening on a front end of the blind tube portion that is adjacent to the tubular slide portion of the water slide. The opening is closed by a transparent peripheral wall segment of the tubular slide portion, which extends in the sliding direction as well as in the peripheral direction of the tubular slide portion. The transparent peripheral wall segment may be curved in the peripheral direction and preferably fits into the shape of the tubular slide portion. Like the tubular slide portion, the blind tube portion may include a peripheral wall, for example, being closed on the periphery. The blind tube portion may include a dead end. The longitudinal extent of the blind tube portion is preferably much shorter than that of the tubular slide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: KLARER FREIZEITANLAGEN AG
    Inventor: Stefan Klarer
  • Patent number: 10099149
    Abstract: A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path in the tunnel, an entrance disposed at a first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more walls of the tunnel, and a projection system to project images onto the one or more walls of the tunnel. The tunnel is curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible at an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Devin Boyle
  • Patent number: 9943745
    Abstract: A digital video ramp assembly incorporates process-formed structural LED tiles with modular components that join in a system of scalable structural LED tiles forming a complete LED display structure with integrated LED embedded tiles with interlocking and inter-trans-positioning features sometimes requiring additional structural framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Welck
  • Patent number: 9895617
    Abstract: A water slide entry system in accordance with present embodiments may include an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry and an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform. The water slide entry system may also include a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid within the enclosure to a predetermined fill level and a control system configured to receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Justin Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9274596
    Abstract: A moveable headrest is mounted on or with respect to a support for supporting a user in viewing images in a standing, seated, or reclining posture. The headrest is for supporting the head of the user in executing head movements with a changing direction-of-view. A display mounted with respect to the user's head provides the images. An actuator can be provided for moving the moveable headrest for a passive user. A sensor can be provided for sensing movements of the moveable headrest, i.e., for sensing the movements from a changing direction. The moveable headrest apparatus may include either or both the actuator and the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Francis J. Maguire, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9272225
    Abstract: A soother device for calming infants and children and inducing sleep. The soother includes a light source and a rotating image bar through which light from the source is projected to generate a soothing light pattern visible to the infant or child, for example in wave form or having the appearance of moving water or light reflecting from moving water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Jay Gunter, Bradford Reese
  • Patent number: 9164214
    Abstract: A system and method of providing an at least two color image with a system where the system has at least two contiguous imaged light print sheets. Each imaged light print sheet has a white light translucent sheet having a volume and a first and second print sheet having pixels within the volume which alter direction of white light transmission through the volume such that at least some light intersecting the pixel is directed towards the first viewable surface. The first and second at least two imaged light prints overlain with respective pixels of a single composite image in registry. A light emitter of a first visible color is positioned to edge-light the first imaged light print sheet and a second light emitter of a second visible color different from the first visible color, is positioned to edge light the second imaged light print sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Nicklas Benton Tininenko
  • Patent number: 8979273
    Abstract: [Problem] A line display system capable of changing a line easily when the sporting event is changed is to be provided. [Means for Resolution] A line display system 1 includes plural projectors 100A, 100B each of which is installed to project a line image on a floor surface F or ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 8953909
    Abstract: A system for visually superimposing a first image that may be in motion over and/or under a second image that may be in motion, the system including at least one generating device to provide a first image and a second image, a display device to display the first image and second image superimposed with each other, and an adjustment device for reconfiguring the first image and/or the second image to a size in agreement with a non-adjusted first image and/or second image, to a size in agreement with the display device, and/or to a size acceptable by a user. The first image or the second image is displayed in a different media than the other image to allow for a distinction to be made between movements occurring in both images. A method for visually superimposing a first image that may be in motion over and/or under a second image that may be in motion is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Elizabeth T. Guckenberger, Ronald J. Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 8951133
    Abstract: A waterslide kaleidoscope amusement device consisting of straight or curved modules that can be used singly or connected in series and utilize two or more internal reflective surfaces and light source (s) to create an optical experience for the user. The device consists of a transparent watercourse slide tube surrounded by two or more reflective surfaces and illuminated in such a way that objects and light sources within the modules are reflected in a kaleidoscopic fashion from the visual perspective of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy Thor Leach
  • Patent number: 8905852
    Abstract: A roadside personalized entertainment system will be inside a building that may be positioned on major highways or Interstates, or other areas of high vehicular traffic. The system will provide short audio-visual entertainment for travelers while they remain in their vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Yuri Geylik
  • Patent number: 8894498
    Abstract: An image projecting device for producing a physiological illusion in a viewing guest, the device having a housing with a transparent projection surface, a strobe light supported by the housing and configured to illuminate the transparent projection surface, an image located on the transparent projection surface, and a controller configured to activate and set duration of the strobe light at a predetermined time to produce a physiological illusion of the image in the viewing guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Ross Edwards, Tim Linamen
  • Patent number: 8777765
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to features for maintaining or providing a beach area that is adjacent a water feature and that includes beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures such that a multi-colored or illuminated beach surface is provided. Present embodiments may include multiple containment structures arrayed in an area adjacent a water feature, wherein each containment structure holds beach surface material of a different color. Further, present embodiments may include creating and/or distributing iridescent and/or phosphorescent beach surface material in one or more containment structures that define the beach area. Additionally, present embodiments may include adjustable or attachable barrier extensions to facilitate maintenance. Further, present embodiments may include transparent or translucent beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures and a lighting system under the beach surface materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Ross Alan Osterman, Justin Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8579672
    Abstract: A car 1 for amusement devices comprises a frame (not shown), which is connected to a person-receiving apparatus 10. A running gear 30 is arranged on the frame. Arranged on the running gear 30 and spaced at a distance from the frame and from the person-receiving apparatus 10 are rotatable wheels with coils and illumination elements 33 integrated therein. Between the wheels 31 and the running gear 30 is arranged in each case at least one magnet 32, such that electric current is induced in the coil by rotation of the wheels 31 for feeding the illumination elements 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Maurer Soehne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jörg Beutler
  • Publication number: 20130244801
    Abstract: The attraction systems include underground or underwater tunnels having a visitor transportation system with ride vehicles and multiple audio and video systems for providing an experience of three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) video installations. In addition, the attraction systems may have various special effects devices to enhance visitors' experiences. These underground or underwater tunnels may be built in cities, and especially, in historic city centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Anton Frolov
  • Patent number: 8500038
    Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WET Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Michael Jason Baldwin, Keith J. Kalis, Helen S. Park, Riae Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130130813
    Abstract: There is provided a system comprising a venue including a mapped physical space; a venue management system configured to control real events occurring within the venue; a transporter designed to transport at least one occupant through the mapped physical space along a known path, the transporter configured to move through the mapped physical space under the control of the venue management system; an augmented reality experience server including a virtual venue generator in communication with the venue management system, the virtual venue generator for producing a virtual venue having a virtual representation of the mapped physical space including virtual events and real events occurring within the venue; the augmented reality experience server configured to provide the at least one occupant of the transporter with an augmented sensory perspective including a selective combination of the real events occurring in the venue and the virtual events produced by the virtual venue generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis, Lanny Starkes Smoot
  • Patent number: 8282214
    Abstract: A display system for use in winter and other low temperature venues. The system includes a projection screen generation assembly that includes a snow making machine. The snow making machine receives an input flow of a liquid, such as water plus one or more additives to increase opacity and/or reflectivity of the snowflakes. The machine forms snow from the input flow and discharges a volume of flowing snow as a sheet or curtain providing a projection screen. The system includes a high-brightness projector directing light onto the projection screen to provide an image on surfaces of the flowing snow. In some embodiments, the snow making machine includes a nozzle configured such that the flowing snow is output in a substantially planar sheet, e.g., with the use of a diffuser or the like for increasing the laminar nature of the flow and the sheet may be relatively thin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Reichow
  • Patent number: 8206230
    Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Patent number: 8142295
    Abstract: Described is a levitating disk for performing illusions of levitation. The disk includes a disk-shaped housing, with a circuit board, microprocessor, and batteries encased within the housing. A series of LEDs are connected with the housing and are activated via a centrifugal force switch. The circuit board and batteries are positioned within the housing such that they distribute the weight evenly from a central axis toward the periphery of the housing. A micro-thread is included for attaching with the disk. Thus, in operation, a user can hang the disk with the micro-thread and spin the disk about the central axis to cause the lights to illuminate and cause the disk to appear as if it is levitating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yigal Mesika
  • Publication number: 20110281660
    Abstract: The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clock with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. The invention creates an exciting visual and illusory moment of a second object passing through an apparently solid object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Brooke Schumm, JR., Brooke Schumm, III
  • Patent number: 7988520
    Abstract: A sculpture device may comprise a base, at least one figure, a cover and a control element. The base may have upper and lower surfaces. The figure may be movable along the upper surface. The cover may be coupled to the base and may have a lens mounted therein to which an operator may view the figure. The control element may include a magnetic mechanism for magnetically attracting the figure such that movement of the control element along the lower surface causes corresponding movement of the figure along the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Perry C. Faanes
  • Publication number: 20110177871
    Abstract: Described is a levitating disk for performing illusions of levitation. The disk includes a disk-shaped housing, with a circuit board, microprocessor, and batteries encased within the housing. A series of LEDs are connected with the housing and are activated via a centrifugal force switch. The circuit board and batteries are positioned within the housing such that they distribute the weight evenly from a central axis toward the periphery of the housing. A micro-thread is included for attaching with the disk. Thus, in operation, a user can hang the disk with the micro-thread and spin the disk about the central axis to cause the lights to illuminate and cause the disk to appear as if it is levitating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Yigal Mesika
  • Patent number: 7971537
    Abstract: The carnival ride has a travel path for cars with seats and at least one screen arranged adjacent to the travel path. In order to design the carnival ride in such a way that the passengers in the car have an optimal gaming experience, the screen follows the car at least along a section of its travel distance. In this way, the passengers in the car have a very long-lasting visual contact with the screen or with the movie shown on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Alexander Verl, Gino De-Gol
  • Patent number: 7967692
    Abstract: An interactive water slide includes a plurality of light and sound sources synchronized with a theme chosen by the rider, the lighting and sound changes as the rider travels down the slide. Images are projected onto a screens of water that block the path of the rider and as the rider travels down the slide the rider must go through these projected images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Michael F. Werner
  • Patent number: 7762898
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide with at least a portion of the slide being covered so as to define a tunnel in which a user of the slide is likely to having difficulty seeing where the slide is taking them and a lighting effect that uses invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light, black light, or infrared light) and an element that, in response to invisible light, produces visible light in the tunnel that is capable of being seen by a user that is passing through the tunnel. Also provided is a method for retrofitting an existing amusement slide that has a tunnel without such a lighting effect or that has a tunnel with inadequate or undesirable lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Technifex Products, LLC
    Inventors: Montgomery C. Lunde, Clement Folckemer
  • Patent number: 7727078
    Abstract: A juvenile product includes a seat having a seating area supported by a part of the juvenile product, a canopy positionable over at least a portion of the seating area and having an underside that faces the seating area, and a projection system carried on the juvenile product. The projection system has a projector configured to project visible stimuli either above the seating area or onto at least part of the underside of the canopy. These and other aspects of the disclosure are directed to providing a soothing and entertaining environment that may also be adjustable or customizable to address the changing interests and developmental levels of a child occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: John (Jason) C. Arnold, IV, Joshua E. Clapper, Brian Kincaid, Matthew J. Ransil, James E. Godiska
  • Publication number: 20100130296
    Abstract: There is provided a system comprising a venue including a mapped physical space; a venue management system configured to control real events occurring within the venue; a transporter designed to transport at least one occupant through the mapped physical space along a known path, the transporter configured to move through the mapped physical space under the control of the venue management system; an augmented reality experience server including a virtual venue generator in communication with the venue management system, the virtual venue generator for producing a virtual venue having a virtual representation of the mapped physical space including virtual events and real events occurring within the venue; the augmented reality experience server configured to provide the at least one occupant of the transporter with an augmented sensory perspective including a selective combination of the real events occurring in the venue and the virtual events produced by the virtual venue generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis, Lanny Starkes Smoot
  • Publication number: 20100062866
    Abstract: A vehicle and screen assembly is provided for theme park rides to create a ride-through screen experience. The assembly includes a vehicle for carrying passengers that includes a top or roof assembly with first and second sets of magnetic elements on an exterior surface of the top assembly, with each of the sets having a like pole oriented outward from the exterior surface. A screen assembly is included with first and second planar screen segments that are pivotably mounted adjacent to each other so as to hang or be positioned in a plane that is transverse to a track traveled by the vehicle. The screen segments include magnetic elements with exposed poles that match the outward facing pole of the corresponding sets of magnetic elements on the vehicle. The screen segments magnetically levitate away from the top assembly when the vehicle passes through the screen assembly without touching the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: GARY W. SCHNUCKLE
  • Patent number: 7578719
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward a sculpture, and the method of making the sculpture, utilizing a mold and manufacturing method in which the underside of the mold mimics the top of an ocean bottom, or other underwater environment, which can be painted to realistically depict different types of corals and fishes. This ocean bottom can be seen through clear, smooth-surfaced sections of the front, sides, and back of the sculpture, thereby creating an “aquarium view” of the ocean bottom. The invention also contains a fish-eye lens, which can be moved in several directions, thereby affording a user numerous views of the surfer, wave, and ocean bottom from different perspectives, or of other aquatic sportspeople engaging in various aquatic sports. The fish-eye lens can be mounted above the water, or at the waterline, thereby affording a view of the environment and actions both above and below the waterline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Perry C. Faanes, Phil Dean Roberts
  • Patent number: 7509761
    Abstract: Apparatus for creating a number of display images comprises a first rotating element provided with a plurality of mounting means, each of said mounting means rotatably carrying one or more second rotating elements each provided with a number of display surfaces in which the mounting means are arranged such that they define a shape with substantially straight edges, and in which two or more second rotating elements can combine to create a changeable display surface substantially parallel to each substantially straight edge of said shape, and in which in use each second rotating element is rotated independently of all other second rotating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Kwame Owusu-Atuahene
  • Patent number: 7511631
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a method for modifying a color of a device. Method may include receiving a signal, identifying a color scheme of an immediate area, changing a color of a device to substantially conform to the immediate color scheme; and changing a color of the device to a substantial color other than the immediate color scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin C. Breslau, David B. Kumhyr, Ori Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 7422332
    Abstract: A wall structure has a first wall and a second wall that faces the first wall. A part of the second wall or the entire second wall is configured as a rear-projection screen. A projector for projecting an image onto the rear-projection screen is arranged between the first and second walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Yasushi Tatehira, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi
  • Patent number: 7354351
    Abstract: A pair of opposed inflatable bladders form a false floor, ceiling or wall having a seam through which an object support is propelled, deforming the inflatable bladders around the support, thereby giving the appearance that an object mounted on the support above the bladders is self-propelled above the false floor, ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLLP
    Inventor: Ross Edwards
  • Patent number: 7292392
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: an image display unit including a display device having an image display surface that displays a two-dimensional image and a microlens array disposed in spaced-apart relation to the image display surface, the image display unit that displays a stereoscopic two-dimensional image by allowing the light emitted from the image display surface to form an image on an image forming plane in a space located on a side opposite to the display device with respect to the the microlens array; at least one switch; at least one illumination device that illuminates the space when the switch is turned on; and a controller that controls the display device to change the two-dimensional image displayed on the image display surface in accordance with an illuminating state of the illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Tomisawa, Masaru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7199344
    Abstract: An invention is provided for concealing an object. The invention includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources that generate an electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and a controller in communication with the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources. The controller includes logic that compares the electromagnetic radiation spectrum generated from the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources with an electromagnetic radiation spectrum from an environment surrounding the object. In operation, the controller adjusts the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources to generate an electromagnetic radiation spectrum that matches the electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the environment surrounding the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Pamela L. Blake
  • Patent number: 7144114
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer. The system includes a video capture device and a display and an optional audio system for showing the person whose image is being projected the giant image as seen and heard by a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Susannah Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7132635
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus that employ one or more light sources to reduce the ability to recognize or identify one or more objects. In various examples, one or more LED-based light sources are utilized in camouflaging techniques. The apparatus and methods disclosed relating to camouflaging techniques have wide applicability in a number of environments (and with a number of different objects) including, but not limited to, military, commercial, industrial, sporting, recreational, and entertainment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7115039
    Abstract: A contents distribution system for a simulation ride system has a seat rocking unit, a video unit, an acoustic unit, and a simulation ride control apparatus. The simulation ride control apparatus has the simulation ride system controlling operations of the seat rocking unit, the video unit, and the acoustic unit by using content data, and a distribution apparatus for a ride contents administration center. The distribution apparatus for the ride contents administration center distributes the content data and the simulation ride control apparatus receives the distributed content data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Keiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Matsuda, Tsukasa Shiina, Masayuki Oshiro, Kazuhide Ebine, Kenjiro Fujii, Katsumasa Nagai
  • Patent number: 7097307
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Upon being projected, the image of interest is masked so that illumination falls on one or more regions of a display surface, and no illumination reaches the architectural structure outside the display region(s). Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Susannah Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7040993
    Abstract: A children's amusement device has a translucent sheet with hidden images that may be revealed when illuminated from behind. The sheet is laminated with an image disposed on an interior surface of the sheet. The image is substantially hidden from view in ambient lighting. However, the image is revealed when illuminated from behind the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Bert Lovitt
  • Patent number: 6929552
    Abstract: An infinity mirror display apparatus, and method of manufacture, which allows private and commercial users to rapidly trade out favored display objects to create different infinity display effects for continued viewer interest and enjoyment. The apparatus comprises a housing having a stationary base member and an easily removable cover which together define an enclosed interior space, at least two reflective surfaces positioned adjacent to the interior space with at least one of the surfaces being partially reflective, and at least one illumination source communicating with the interior space. The cover can be partially or totally removed from the stationary member during display object exchange. The apparatus can be wall-mounted for front and/or side viewing of the infinity mirror effect, or it can be table-mounted with multiple partially reflective surfaces for a full 360° view of the infinity mirror effect created by one or more illuminated display objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick Allen Hargabus
  • Patent number: 6834968
    Abstract: A teleprompter configured to project an image to a viewer at a viewer location comprises a single-beam teleprompter projector, configured to project an image to a focal plane, and a directional screen, disposed at the focal plane. The directional screen is configured to direct the image to a focal point at the viewer location, and diffuse the image within a limited viewing region surrounding the focal point, such that the apparent brightness of the image to the viewer at the viewer location is increased, and the visibility of the image to persons other than the viewer is reduced. Because the device concentrates the light at the viewer, it can be made much larger than conventional video monitors typically used in speech-prompter settings, while still maintaining very high brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Justin Peatross, Michael Ware, Robert H. Todd
  • Patent number: 6665985
    Abstract: An interactive theater for creating a perception on the part of the audience that they are immersed in a boundless environment. The projection surface surrounds the audience platform and the ceiling to form a cavity providing a full or apparent 360° projected environment horizontally and apparent 360° projected environment vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Thinc
    Inventor: Thomas Hennes
  • Patent number: 6612935
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating light effects comprising a liquid container having transparent top and bottom walls, partially filled with a transparent liquid. At least one light source is mounted so that an emitted light beam will pass through the liquid container at the top and bottom walls thereof to project an image on a desired surface. An actuator including a control unit is effectively coupled directly or though a transmission medium with the liquid container such that the movements generated in a given pattern impart vibrations to the liquid in the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes Rojahn
  • Patent number: 6608718
    Abstract: A method and system for producing false three-dimensional images for amusement may be used in haunted houses, fun houses, or similar attractions found at fairs, amusement parks, and/or tourist areas. The method includes forming specific color and geometric patterns on a substantially black background illuminated by ultraviolet light and then viewing the resultant images through the preferred stereoscopic lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Nightmare Network, Inc.
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 6533670
    Abstract: An amusement ride includes a motion base having multiple degrees of freedom. An audience platform is eccentrically pivotable on top of the motion base about a pivot point that is eccentrically offset from a central region of the audience platform. A motor disposed on either the motion base or the audience platform is used to pivot the audience platform via a shaft. A projection screen is located either on board or off board and is used to display images or a motion picture. The amusement ride simulates fishtailing, slide out, and similar movements experienced as a vehicle turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Universal City Studio, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas H Drobnis