PRIOR ART:

Pepper's Ghost images and projections are pervading into a variety of applications like marketing and product launching, education & training, modeling & simulation, stage performances, public meetings with prominent personalities etc. They offer a new method for giving presentations or performances by making use of holographic images already captured and to hold the viewers spell bound by the magic appearance of images in air. For a product launch, the product's features are demonstrated via a holographic display, the product need not be present physically. The technology can be adopted for a live Telepresence - a person, who is not present, can still appear to be present and participate—in the form of a hologram. In all these applications, the Pepper's Ghost image projection stands distinct from other conventional methods.

A patent on an advanced Pepper's Ghost projection system is listed below:

ADVANCED PEPPER'S GHOST PROJECTION SYSTEM WITH A MULTIVIEW AND MULTIPLANAR DISPLAY: 20120313839dt Dec, 13, 2012

In the present day context, High Definition projection (back projection/front projection) based displays are currently in use to present Pepper's Ghost images. These systems require the projector to be placed at different locations above or beneath the stage in order to project the reconstructed image of the object from several angles. This involves fixing, operating and attending to maintenance of the projectors situated at a height above the stage. This is an involved task.

Further, in order to achieve desired video effects in the image with clarity and high resolution, it is necessary to have a high intensity light engine, so that viewers cannot make out that it is an image and not real. The projection system suffers in this respect. Also there is a size limitation on the image projected due to the fixed positions of the projector and the screen.

These shortcomings can be overcome by the proposed scheme by deploying LED based True Colour Video Displays for projecting the Pepper's Ghost images on to the stage to facilitate viewing by the viewers. True colour LED video displays enable a large number of colour combinations to depict vivid life size images to be visualized in the presentation. For MIC Electronics Limited

Significant original work has been done by the Inventor on the subject of True colour LED video displays', which have been proven as a potential medium for a large spectrum of applications like Event coverage, Theatre backdrops, Advertisements, Sports, Mass communication and various other audio - visual applications for both indoor and outdoor environments. LED TVs are specially tailored products for out of home corporate applications. Similarly LED screens can be deployed in a variety of ways for stage / movie applications in drive-in theatres and for very large scale viewing.

The salient features and distinct advantages of true colour LED video display technology are depicted as under:

Salient Features

> High bright LEDs with wide viewing angle for optimised image spread

> Proprietary scan+ technology providing high resolution for sharp and clear pictures

> True colour reproduction with 16 bit processing on each colour

> Automatic adjustment of brightness and contrast with ambient variations

> WAN / LAN & Wireless connectivity for remote operation

Distinct Advantages

> Solid state technology - no filament burn-outs like in a projector

> Energy efficient - significant savings on power consumption and operating costs

> Indoor / Outdoor applications with Day / Night visibility

> Long life of LEDs, no mechanical parts hence less maintenance

> Virtually unlimited size of the display

> Ingress Protection (IP66 rated) for withstanding outdoor environments

> Modular construction to realise any size, shape, pitch and resolution of the display

> Ease in installation and de-installation

The following co-pending patent applications by the Inventor describe the processes in detail for several interesting applications of the true colour LED

LED DigiPoster, LED TV and LED screens for simulating 3D effects on True colour LED Displays:

1. Intelligent LED 'Poster' System-LED DigiPoster2621/CHE/2008 dt:28.10.2008

2. LED TV 2141/CHE/2009 dt:04.09.2009

3. A 3D display / video backdrop comprising of LED display for theatre stage for TV/FILM Production studio 2523/CHE/2010dt 30.08.2010 3 basic and traditional methodologies have been implemented to realise True colour 3D LED Displays:

4. With passive polarised glasses 3782/CHE/2010 dt 10.12.2010
5. With Active shutter glasses 3783/CHE/2010 dt 10.12.2010

6. Without glasses (Autostereoscopic) 443/CHE/2011 dt 15.02.2011 A proprietary chip was fabricated for implementing a special color coding scheme to realize 3D viewing in the true colour LED Displays:

7. with simultaneous 2D/3D viewing option 2914/CHE/2011 dt 25.08.2011

8. 4-in-l Chip LED for True colour 3D LED Display 2915/CHE/2011 dt 25.08.2011

Live capture and real time processing of images

6) OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:

The objectives of the invention are discussed in the following paragraphs:

It is the primary objective of this invention, to utilize True Color LED video displays for Pepper's Ghost Image content display, in place of the existing Front / back projection screens, with the following advantages:

> Custom size / shape of the display screen

> Custom pixel resolution of the display screen

> Very large combinations of colors & color depth

> Optimized space occupancy comparing to that of Projector based display, by reduction/elimination of certain mechanical equipment and mirroring equipment

> Overcoming the existing limitations on size of hologram

For indoor applications, LCD displays with their limited light intensities, may suffice. For outdoor applications, LED displays are the right choice due to their excellent brightness, day light visibility and larger view angles for providing the input. For projecting life sized images of persons, the LCD / LED displays of 102" or bigger are proposed to be used.

Another objective is to obtain multiple images on the stage by keeping multiple LCD / LED displays as sources. No demarcation lines appear between images, and the stage appears as a single homogeneous medium with images of several people or objects, along with realistic objects and persons.

Another objective is to employ very-low pitch (0.5" and 1" pitch) True color LED display screens as "stage control back-drops" (left, right, back & top surfaces with True color LED display screens and floor surface with black object for the holographic cube). The backdrops can also provide a virtual 3D perspective by arranging two or three screens separated with a gap in between. This concept has been elaborated in the inventor's pending patent listed at SI.No:3 in the prior art. Similarly the backdrops used for side walls and top ceiling can also provide dynamic scenery to add value to the stage appearance. Optionally focus lights can also be used to highlight physical (pbje^^rppeople on the stage.

This will have the following advantages:

> Configurable/programmable background content for the same event being displayed

> Large & custom size & very high resolution cubes for holographic display

Yet another objective of this invention is that the same content (live / recorded / stored) used for displaying the Pepper's Ghost images (holographic display) can also be used, by having a centralized content server, with automatic conversion facility, to display the content on another holographic system, a 3D LED display, a 2D LED display and any standard TV / LCD / Plasma display screens, the advantage being:

> One source for the content for all the heterogeneous displays

Yet another objective is to exploit the concept of using the Pepper's Ghost image content as source and using the same for displaying at different places in holographic form. It is particularly interesting and useful in respect of very important persons to optimally utilize their time and also have their presence felt at different places simultaneously.

One another objective is that the stage provides for 360 degree view ability for the audience, by replicating the set up 3 or 4 times i.e, the sets are positioned for viewability at 120° or 90°. The stage is centrally located with provision for seating all around (Fig.3, 4 & 5). This arrangement is expected to generate a highly impressive and splendid appearance of the whole imagery of the totality. An interesting observation is that one section of the viewers will be looking at one image while the other sections will be viewing different images as displayed in the respective LED screens, on the same stage, simultaneously.

Yet another objective is that the image projection enables to create a three-dimensional, life-size illusion that moves and interacts within a live stage setting. The stage contains, in addition to the holographic image, few live objects or persons, interacting with each other.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a live interaction with the holographic images being displayed, one of the viewers may use a microphone to interactively solicit clarifications or replies to his/herj3uefjg§.ymiied

Another objective is to exploit a 'GLObal Billboard exchange' (GLOBIX - patent by the inventor pending) concept for marketing advertisement space.

One another objective of this invention is the implementation of innovative compression techniques for the transmission of live/recorded holographic content from one location to multiple other locations, with significant reduction in the carrier bandwidth usage. This compression technique is ideally suitable for LED displays.

In all the above cases, the thin film used for creating the Pepper's Ghost effect, with 50% transmission and 50% reflection properties is another essential element, besides the true colour LED video displays. The film also has colour rendering capability by filtering different colours at differing depths. The film proposed is the same or better than the one that is used in the patents mentioned in the prior art.

7) DESCRIPTION:

The process of displaying Pepper's Ghost image at desired location(s), using True Color LED displays is described with the help of a set up, the diagram (Fig.l) of which is given below:

Principle of Operation

The Pepper's Ghost Image technique is based on the principle that a video display content projected on to a beam-spliter undergoes a split where by one component gets reflected from a holographic film towards the viewer and the second component is transmitted through behind the film, the combined effect of these two components results in the visualisation of a virtual image in 3D, and constitutes the Pepper's Ghost image. With the image data fed to a display unit which projects the image on to the holographic film to facilitate displaying the image in a 3D form in a set up meant for the purpose, without the need for the original object to be present.

Setup

A typical set up for projecting a Pepper's Ghost image from a live or stored content consists of the following:

Conventional Method:
■$■ A physical arrangement of a stage / Truss
<» A projector or any other light engine fixed to the ceiling
<- Speakers for audio effects
<$- A rear backdrop or drapes
■$■ A video player
-$>■ Lighting for effects
^ A thin polymer coated foil erected at an angle
•^ The floor surface covered with black object
-♦■ Viewing position for Audience

With the proposed True colour LED Display method: <■ A Stage / cube made up of 2 side wallsjthe top roof;the behind wall, all other walls / low pitch LED screens •^ Flooring - the floor surface covered with black object (may be a carpet) for the holographic cube <- A Special thin film - the polymeric film with 50% transmission / 50% reflecting property <- True colour LED video Display - or LCD TV placed in front of the stage, on the floor, with display upwards

Fig1:

With reference to the diagram above, which depicts a stage (or a cube) organised to present Pepper's Ghost image of an object / a view / a person: ■$■ 1 and 2 are the side walls; -$■ 3 is the top cover; 4 is the rear wall; and -♦■ 5 is the flooring (may be a carpet on the stage); •♦■ Thin film is the polymeric film with 50% transmission / 50% reflecting property; <■ The true colour LED video Display is placed in front of the stage, on the floor, with the display up and *> Viewing position for Audience ^ Drivers for Multiple Displays ^ Remote Control Film

The Pepper's Ghost technique works by splitting light beams. A beam splitter, typically made up of a type of foil, is employed. The foil is a polymeric mirror with special properties to exhibit excellent holographic effects. The product is developed by improving the properties of polymers to achieve desired high quality.

The special thin film used for creating the holographic effect, with 50% transmission and 50% reflection properties is the essential element. The film also has colour rendering capability by filtering different colours at differing depths.

The holographic effect foils can be used for rugged indoor/outdoor applications as they are resistant to rain, fire, sun, fog, laser or any sharp object.

Light is directed through a beam splitter which then appears in 3D space at a depth that can be controlled.

The films can be used in different sizes to meet specific requirements of the application, like 4mX4m, 4mX8m, 4mX12m, 8mX8m, 8mX12m or 8mX20m

Input

Content: The input content to be used to generate Pepper's Ghost images in 3D can be Live or Stored / Recorded or Animations or old 2D conversions

Displays: LED Display screens of pitch 1.2mm to 6mm for Indoor applications and 6mm to 16mm for Outdoor applications and 6mm to 16mm for scenery controls used in the backdrops

Working

In one embodiment, the true colour video display, used in place of a projector, accepts the holographic input as live or stored / recorded content and displays a high quality image with its inherent capability to project 280 trillion colours. The light from the display is incident on the thin film, with 50% transmitted and 50% reflected. The film is not visible to the viewer. The transmitted portion goes behind the film; the viewer sees the reflected image in conjunction with the virtual image behind the screen, as if it were the original object or person seen on the stage. The rest of the area within the stage / cube serves as background -which can be suitably modified to appear different from the original. This facilitates to show the Pepper's Ghost image of a person at different places with different backgrounds giving the viewer a feeling that they are shooted at different locations. Since the true colour displays offer any size, shape, pixel pitch / resolution and several colour combinations, the holographic image, virtually , has no restrictions on size etc and provides a stunning video effect on the images due to the layered colour architecture. With the projector system totally eliminated, there is good savings in the space occupancy on the stage and as well the operational issues of projector system are avoided.
As an extension to the above, plurality of images can be obtained on the stage (1', 2', 3', 4') by mere placement of a plurality of LCD/LED displays (1,2,3,4) with inputs as shown in Fig.2:

Fig:2

In another embodiment, the stage provides for 360 degree view ability for the audience, by replicating the set up 3-4 times. The stage is centrally located with provision for seating all around (Figs.3, 4 and 5).

Pepper Ghost concept based True color LED Video display system with multi-view Display (360°)

Fig:5 Pepper Ghost concept based True color LED Video display system with multi-view Display(120°) - Top view

The above embodiments are expected to project a unique highly impressive and spectacular view to the audience due to the high brightness, intensity and depth of the colour. Particularly when placed at a height of say around 8ft above the ground, the spectators visualise a bright image in 3D almost in the mid air. This is going to be a marvel. Large life size images can be generated only with LED displays because of the unlimited size they can handle.

Also, an interesting observation is that one section of the viewers will be looking at one image while the other sections will be viewing different images as projected in the displays on the same stage / cube.

The LED backlit LCD panels will have a built in self control of the LED brightness depending on the brightness of the holographic image.

In another embodiment, the side walls, top cover and the hind screen are also replaced with low pitch (0.5" or 1" ) true colour LED displays, so that even those surfaces are flushed with dynamic content which is programmable. This will give the needed effects of a variety of backdrops along with its associated effect on the quality and clarity of the Pepper's Ghost images. The backdrops can also provide a virtual 3D perspective by arranging two or three screens separated with a gap in between. This concept has been elaborated in the inventor's pending patent listed at 3 in the prior art. Fig. 6 and 7 depict a virtual 3D application Kingdom of Dreams successfully working for the last three years at Great Indian Nautanki Company. Similarly the backdrops used for side walls and top ceiling can also provide dynamic sceneries to add value to the stage appearance. Optionally projection / focus lights can also be used to highlight physical objects or people on the stage. It is again interesting to note that the focus lights on physical objects do not affect the 3D Pepper's Ghost image as the brightness of the holographic image is almost 5 times in intensity of other objects and it dominates other lighting. The projected lighting makes the background effect very significant.

Fig:6 Kingdom of Dreams - A Virtual 3D implementation of Giant LED Displays for Great Indian Nautanki Compaay^work^ifjgi^a^^years

Fig:7 Kingdom of Dreams - A Virtual 3D implementation of Giant LED Displays for Great Indian Nautanki Company, working for last 3 years

In another embodiment, the Pepper's Ghost image content, in addition to the holographic display, can also be fed to a host of other displays like any standard TV, LCD (LED backlit) TV, Plasma TV, LED TV (3D or 2D true colour LED displays) with the help of a common server with automatic conversion to facilitate viewing the content on the display in the respective manner and the images will be as clear as generated from the original live/ recorded content (Fig.8). This may be useful in large gatherings where one holographic set up and several other conventional displays, located at different locations, serve the purpose of providing visibility to all. Interactive participation of the viewers with the help of a micro phone can also be contemplated.

Fig:8

In another interesting embodiment, the holographic image can be set up at several places, geographically dispersed, to see the image at different locations with corresponding localised background effects. This will be helpful to the very important personalities to be available at one place, but simultaneously, his/her Pepper's Ghost images appear at all other locations, giving an impression that he/she is physically available at all places. Telepresence conferences are held in this manner.

In another interesting embodiment, the hologram enables to create a three-dimensional, life-size illusion that moves and interacts within a live stage setting. The stage contains, in addition to the holographic image, few live objects or persons, interacting with each other.

In yet another embodiment, significant savings in time and effort can be realized by adopting suitable data compression techniques in transmitting frames of data, wherein as little as 10% of the data in a coded form is sufficient to reconstruct the image with no loss of detail when used in conjunction with true colour LED displays.

9) CONCLUSION:

Pepper's Ghost techniques have become a fascinating subject for many inventors and manufacturers. People from all walks of life are enchanted with the technological magic holograms are offering. The subject is still in the beginning where the research ideas are being translated into realisable applications. Conceptually, there are endless applications for these systems and they can be adopted to function in every environment. True colour LED video displays produce a marked difference in the final imagery in any application. However the scope is not limited to LED Displays; LCD (With LED backlit) /Plasma displays can also be used, particularly in Indoor applications, but LED displays with their brightness, intensity, colour, day light visibility and wide viewing angle serve as excellent input content for outdoor applications.

4) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention is aimed at realisation of the Pepper's Ghost image (like Holographic display) at desired location(s), deploying True Color LED displays / LED-backlit LCD for displaying the content.

The present invention is an improvisation over the existing processes for Pepper's Ghost image based system. The need for a projector system is avoided and replaced with a powerful, feature-rich, true colour LED Display system, which generates a multi - layered colour effect with high intensity and depth showing up as many as 280 trillion colour combinations providing vivid clarity and contrast in the displayed image.

3) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

The object of this invention is to enable mimicking of the real object / person when it / he is not physically present by realising a virtual image of the same in 3D and to eliminate the present limitation of size through the day light visible LED displays which can be configured to any size and shape. These abilities make the invention ideally suitable for mass communication applications wherein a speaker or a trainer or a political leader can reach out to large audience communities either centralised or dispersed in different locations without the person being physically available.

1) PRODUCT NAME:
LED Based Pepper's Ghost System providing 3D viewing experience

2) OWNER OF PRODUCT AND ADDRESS:
Owner:
MIC Electronics Limited A Public Limited Company
Address:
A - 4/II, Electronic Complex, Kushaiguda, Hyderabad - 500 062 INDIA.
Email: info@mic.co.in
Tel:+91 40 27122222 Fax:+91 40 27133333
Field of research:

Realising Pepper's Ghost technique to visualise 3D images (like Holographic displays) by deploying True colour LED Video Displays / LCDs in place of conventional projection Systems

CLAIMS:

We claim

1. An LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays in place of the existing projection system for providing 3D viewing experience with single or multiple virtual images

2. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, comprising Holographic content displayed at several location(s) using True Color LED displays.

3. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, employs very-low pitch (6mm to 16mm) True color LED display screens as "stage control back-drops" ( left, right, back & top surfaces with True color LED display screens and floor surface with black object for the holographic cube / stage).

4. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the backdrops can also provide a virtual 3D perspective by arranging two or three screens separated with a gap in between in the depth dimension.

5. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the same content (live / recorded / stored) which is used for displaying on a Pepper's Ghost image, can also be used, by having a centralized content server with automatic conversion, for displaying on a 3D LED display or any standard, LCD / Plasma TV or a 2D LED display screen, i.e. one source content for several heterogeneous displays.

6. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, is designed to exploit the concept of using the holographic content as source and networked for displaying a suitably modified content from the server at different locations in 2D / 3D form so that very important persons may be seen through 2D / 3D TVs - LED /LCD/Plasma - at different places simultaneously in a large gathering or a public event.

7. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, can also have an interactive facility that a person from the public can interact with people on the stage through a micro phone.

8. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, can be networked for a distributed or a dispersed geographical locations; a business model like GLOBIX (GLObal Billboard exchange) can also be made use of for commercial purposes.

9. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, enables to create a three-dimensional, life-size illusion that moves and interacts within a live stage setting with other live objects or persons.

10. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, facilitates the implementation of innovative compression techniques for the transmission of live/recorded holographic content from one location to multiple other locations, with significant reduction in the carrier bandwidth usage.

11. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the stage occupancy size is drastically reduced, by elimination of certain mechanical and mirroring equipment.

12. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1 , can also work with plasma TV/ LCD TV for Indoor applications and LED TV/Displays for outdoor applications.

13. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein it is possible to contemplate a stage at the center with audience sitting all around with a 360° visibility with a replication of 3-4 times of the setup.

14. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, multiple images on stage can be realised by deploying several LCD / LED TVs as sources. No demarcation lines appear between images, and the stage appears as a single homogeneous medium.

15. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the film employed is fixed at an angle of around 45°.

16. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the semi-transparent film employed offers 50% transmission and 50% reflection properties.

17. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the film is powerful in segregating colours and makes the image appear with depth.

18. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, wherein the images can be seen along with live characters or objects.

19. The LED based Pepper's Ghost system deploying LED video displays of claim 1, can thus make an excellent visual fete in 3D in life size in the mid air making it spectacular, either with a 4-display setup or with a 3-display setup.