U.S. patent application number 14/219675 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for multi-projection system with projection surface comprising non-solid material.
This patent application is currently assigned to CJ CGV CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is CJ CGV CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Su Ryeon KANG, Hwan Chul KIM.
Application Number | 20140320824 14/219675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49455356 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140320824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Hwan Chul ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
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.
Inventors: |
KIM; Hwan Chul; (Seoul,
KR) ; KANG; Su Ryeon; (Goyang-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CJ CGV CO., LTD. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
CJ CGV CO., LTD.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
49455356 |
Appl. No.: |
14/219675 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
353/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 3/18 20130101; H04N
21/4122 20130101; G03B 21/608 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; A63J
25/00 20130101; G03B 21/26 20130101; G03B 21/56 20130101; A47C 1/12
20130101; H04N 9/3185 20130101; G03B 21/2053 20130101; H04N 21/4316
20130101; H04N 9/3147 20130101; G03B 21/60 20130101; G03B 41/00
20130101; G03B 21/14 20130101; G03B 31/00 20130101; G03B 37/04
20130101; H04N 9/3194 20130101; A63J 2005/002 20130101; E04H 3/22
20130101; G03B 21/003 20130101; H04N 9/3182 20130101; G03B 21/206
20130101; G03B 21/16 20130101; G03B 29/00 20130101; G02B 30/50
20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
353/30 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/60 20060101
G03B021/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 30, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0048088 |
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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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".
[0008] 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
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] The plurality of projection surfaces may comprise a fog
screen or water screen.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] The fog generator may comprise a partition for guiding the
flow of fog.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] The water screen may be formed on a front, side, or floor of
the single theater.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] The liquid injector may change the shape of a water film
formed in the space.
[0023] The management device may perform image correction based on
differences in properties between the projection surfaces.
[0024] The management device may correct images so as to offset the
differences in properties between the projection surfaces.
[0025] The management device may correct images based on
chromaticity information, brightness information, reflectance
information, or quality information.
[0026] 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.
[0027] The multi-projection system may further comprise a
light-emitting device for projecting light on the fog screen or the
water screen.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] The liquid that forms the water screen may comprise
particles for increasing reflectance.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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
[0043] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of a plurality of
projection surfaces.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which light
(lighting) is projected on a fog screen or water screen.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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
[0050] 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.
[0051] The present invention that will be described below relates
to the above-mentioned "multi-projection system".
[0052] 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.
[0053] Next, the multi-projection system that is the basis of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
4.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] Moreover, the water screen 120 also does not refer to a
screen formed of water (H.sub.2O) 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.
[0072] Next, the multi-projection system comprising a fog screen
will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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).
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] Next, the multi-projection system comprising a water screen
120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] The water tank 240 is installed on the floor of the
auditorium and may be configured in various forms that can store a
liquid.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] The bubble generator 230 is installed in the water tank 240
to generate bubbles in the liquid filled in the water tank 240.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.)
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.).
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] Moreover, the light-emitting device 500 may be electrically
connected to the management device 400 to be controlled by the
management device 400.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] This embodiment will be descried in more detail with
reference to FIG. 12 below,
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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.
[0136] 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.
[0137] 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.
[0138] 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.
[0139] 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.
[0140] 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.
[0141] 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.
* * * * *