US 12,124,159 B2
Special effects system with an adjustable shape and size projection surface
Thomas Tracey Tait, Santa Clarita, CA (US)
Assigned to Disney Enterprises, Inc., Burbank, CA (US)
Filed by Disney Enterprises, Inc., Burbank, CA (US)
Filed on Feb. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/108,275.
Prior Publication US 2024/0272538 A1, Aug. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. G03B 21/60 (2014.01)
CPC G03B 21/60 (2013.01) 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for providing visual special effects, comprising:
a projector assembly operable to project a first image and a second image differing in size or shape;
a projection screen assembly comprising a screen extension assembly and one or more screen material segments supported on a support frame to provide a base projection surface facing a viewing space; and
a controller configured to operate the screen extension assembly in a first state to provide the base projection surface and in a second state to provide an extended projection surface including the base projection surface and differing from the base projection surface in at least one of size and shape, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the projector assembly to project the first image onto the base projection surface during operation of the screen extension assembly in the first state and to project the second image onto the extended projection surface during operation of the screen extension assembly in the second state,
wherein the screen extension assembly comprises a plurality of drivers operable in response to control signals from the controller to move screen material extensions beyond a peripheral edge of the base projection surface to form portions of the extended projection surface.