Abstract:
The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to infrared imaging projection. 
         [0003]    2. Information 
         [0004]    Solid state imaging devices, such as digital cameras and camcorders, comprising solid state imaging sensors provide the user with image recording capability that can be used in many ways. Users may now capture images with a quality approaching that of photographic film on relatively affordable devices. The proliferation of portable devices with solid state imaging sensors is extensive. Solid state imaging sensors are found in dedicated digital cameras and camcorders, as well as integrated into other devices such as mobile phones, handheld computers, personal digital assistants and/or the like. 
         [0005]    It is becoming commonplace that at least one solid state imaging device is available to or is carried by each person that attends a venue, such as an entertainment complex, theme park, zoo, and museum. The proliferation of solid state imaging devices has impacted revenue generating services normally provided by the venue. For example, a museum may offer for sale photographs of artwork in the form of photo-books and postcards, but a visitor may be able to obtain high quality digital images of the same artwork using a solid state imaging device. 
         [0006]    Another noteworthy example is the candid photo service offered at the point of exit of an attraction, especially such as those found at a theme park. It has become commonplace for theme parks to offer keepsake photos of the visitor experiencing, for example, a moment of high excitement on a thrill ride attraction. Upon exiting of the attraction, the visitor may be presented with a high definition display monitor displaying the candid image and an offer for sale of a photo of that image. It is becoming commonplace that instead of the visitor purchasing the candid photo, the visitor is simply capturing the image off of the display monitor using their solid state imaging device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system comprising an infrared projection installation configured to obscure an image on a display monitor as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device according to an embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate various images by way of example in accordance with embodiments; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a display device in accordance with a particular implementation; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a system configured to obscure an image of an object as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device according to an embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system comprising an infrared image projection installation configured to provide an enhanced experience to visitors according to an embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of a gaming environment in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of a display monitor comprising a back light visible spectrum illumination source, an infrared spectrum illumination source, a diffuser, and a display screen according to an embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of a display monitor comprising a back light visible spectrum illumination source, a plurality of infrared spectrum illumination sources, a diffuser, and a display screen according to an embodiment; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an embodiment of LED display comprising a panel and a plurality of light emitting diodes. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Countermeasures are needed to prevent the capturing of an image from a display monitor using an imaging device to obtain quality images of high value content. 
         [0018]    It is also desired to take advantage of the proliferation of imaging devices to offer a visitor to an entertainment venue an enhanced entertainment experience using such devices. 
         [0019]    References are made herein to “infrared image projection installations”. Such an infrared image projection installation may comprise any suitable apparatus for projecting infrared light. For example, an optical projector may have a light engine comprising an infrared light emitting source capable of illumination in the infrared spectrum. One such infrared light emitting source may comprise light emitting diodes that illuminate in the infrared spectrum at about 780 nm to about 1200 nm which is outside of the normally visible spectrum and therefore unseen by the unaided eye. An optical projector so equipped may be used for many purposes, such as, but not limited to, to flood an area with infrared light, and to project an image in the infrared spectrum onto a substance. 
         [0020]    References are made herein to “solid state imaging devices”. In this context, a solid state imaging device is one having a solid state imaging sensor capable of imaging at least a portion of the infrared spectrum. Solid state imaging devices include, such as, but not limited to, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and integrated devices having a solid state imaging sensor, such as mobile phones, portable game consoles, notebook computers, personal digital assistants and/or the like. The solid state imaging sensors may comprise any one of several solid state devices capable of capturing image information, such as, for example, charged-coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices. 
         [0021]    In particular embodiments illustrated herein, infrared illumination may be used to obscure an image displayed on a display monitor as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device. In a particular embodiment, the quality of an image on a display monitor captured using a solid state imaging device may be degraded so as to discourage capturing the image on a display monitor. According to another embodiment, the image on a display monitor as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device may be annotated with a message. In these embodiments, the visible aspects of the image on a display monitor are not significantly modified to the unaided eye. 
         [0022]    In a particular embodiment, a visitor presents a solid state imaging device having the capability of imaging at least a portion of the infrared spectrum. For instance, such visitor may carry, wear or otherwise be co-located with a solid state imaging device such as, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, and integrated devices having a solid state imaging sensor, such as a mobile phone, notebook computer, personal digital assistant, and/or the like. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates system  10  comprising infrared projection installation  122  configured to obscure an image on display monitor  112  as viewed and/or recorded by solid state imaging device  100  according to an embodiment. In the particular implementation of  FIG. 1 , visitors associated with solid state imaging devices  100  may receive an infrared image, invisible with the unaided eye, reflecting from display screen  112  being illuminated by infrared image projection installation  120 . Infrared image projection installation  120  may be installed adjacent display monitor  110  so as to illuminate display screen  112  of display monitor  110  with infrared illumination  124 . According to an embodiment, infrared illumination  124  reflected from display screen  112  may be sufficient to at least partially obscure the visible portion of the resulting image as received by solid state imaging device  100  sufficient to render the image undesirable. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate various images by way of example.  FIG. 2A  illustrates visible image  130  as presented in the visible spectrum. According to an embodiment, infrared illumination  124  reflected from display screen  112  comprises message  135  superimposed onto visible image  130  displayed on display screen  112 . Here, such a superimposed message may spoil the resulting image received by solid state imaging device  100  sufficient to render the visible image  130  undesirable, as shown in  FIG. 2B . Such a message  135  may state, for example, but is not limited to, “copy protected”. 
         [0025]    In a particular implementation of  FIG. 1 , solid state imaging device  100  may receive infrared illumination  124 , invisible with the unaided eye, reflecting from display screen  112  of display monitor  110  being illuminated by infrared projection installation  122 . Infrared projection installation  122  may be installed adjacent display monitor  110  so as to illuminate display screen  112 . According to an embodiment, infrared projection installation  122  may illuminate display screen  112  in sufficient infrared illumination  124  so as to oversaturate pixels of solid state imaging device  100  with infrared energy resulting in an over-exposed, or washed-out image  134 , obscuring the visible image  130  sufficient to render the image as received by solid state imaging device  100  undesirable, as illustrated in  FIG. 2C . It is noted, in passing, that while this particular embodiment is illustrated as an imaging system, other embodiments may comprise video systems employing infrared projections. Therefore, in the context of this patent application, the term imaging is intended to include video systems and the like. 
         [0026]    In a particular implementation, display monitor  110  may be modified so as to improve the infrared reflectivity of display screen  112 .  FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of display device  110  including overlay  114 , in accordance with a particular implementation. In accordance with an embodiment, overlay  114  comprises material having properties that may be reflective of infrared radiation. Overlay  114  may be placed on at least a portion of display screen  112 , either permanently or removably coupled thereto. Here, overlay  114  may be sufficiently transparent to the visible spectrum so as not to substantially degrade the visible image that may be shown on display screen  112  as viewed by the unaided eye. 
         [0027]    In accordance with an embodiment, overlay  114  may be placed over a particular portion of the display that may show a visible image that may be visible to the unaided eye so as to obscure the visible image if viewed by an imaging device. In accordance with another embodiment, overlay  114  may be placed on the display screen  112  but adjacent to the visible image so as not to necessarily obscure the visible image but, by way of example, not limited thereto, to provide a message. 
         [0028]    In accordance with an embodiment, overlay  114  comprises a sheet material including indium tin oxide (ITO). Indium tin oxide is substantially optically transparent to the visible spectrum, substantially reflective in the infrared spectrum, and colorless in thin layers. Thin films of ITO may be deposited on surfaces by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, and/or sputter deposition techniques, among others. ITO is known to be used to make transparent conductive coatings for liquid crystal displays, flat panel displays, plasma displays, touch panels, electronic ink applications, organic light-emitting diodes, among others. 
         [0029]    It is appreciated that the ITO film may be applied to the inside surface of display screen  112 , the outside surface of display screen  112 , or a part of display screen  112  suitable for the purpose previously described. 
         [0030]    In particular embodiments illustrated herein, infrared illumination may be used to spoil an image of an object as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device. In a particular embodiment, the quality of an image of an object captured using a solid state imaging device may be degraded so as to discourage photographing the object with such an imaging device. According to another embodiment, the image of an object as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device may be annotated with a message. In these embodiments, the visible aspects of the object are not modified to the unaided eye. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates system  20  configured to obscure an image of object  140  as viewed and/or recorded by solid state imaging device  100  according to an embodiment. In the particular implementation of  FIG. 4 , solid state imaging device  100  may receive infrared illumination  124 , invisible with the unaided eye, reflecting from object  140  being illuminated by infrared image projection installation  120 . Infrared image projection installation  120  may be installed adjacent object  140  to be illuminated so as illuminate surface  142  of object  140  visible to solid state imaging device  100 . According to an embodiment, infrared illumination  124  reflected from object  140  may be sufficient to obscure the visible image as received by solid state imaging device  100  sufficient to render the received image undesirable. According to another embodiment, infrared illumination  124  reflected from object  140  may be a textural or symbolic message that spoils the image received by solid state imaging device  100  sufficient to render the image undesirable. According to an embodiment, the image as received by the solid state imaging device  100  may include an infrared portion comprising a message to appear superimposed onto object  140 . Such a message may state, for example, but is not limited to, “copy protected artwork” or “copy protected.” 
         [0032]    In particular embodiments illustrated herein, visitors carry solid state imaging devices having the capability of imaging at least a portion of the infrared spectrum. For instance, such participants may carry, wear or otherwise be co-located with one or more solid state imaging devices such as, for example, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and integrated devices having a solid state imaging sensor, such as mobile phones, portable game consoles, devices embedded in garments, notebook computers, personal digital assistants and/or the like. However, in another potential embodiment, an imaging or other device may be adapted to at least partially block infrared light in those instances in which infrared light is to at least partially illuminate an object, such as if the object is illuminated with infrared light immediately before the imaging device is about to capture an image of said object. For example, an imaging device may include an infrared light sensor. If, in such an embodiment, infrared light is detected, the imaging device may, for example, include a mechanism for blocking or otherwise filtering out the infrared light that illuminates the object. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates system  30  comprising infrared image projection installation  120  configured to provide an enhanced experience to visitors according to an embodiment. In the particular implementation of  FIG. 5 , visitors associated with solid state imaging device  100  may receive infrared images  130 , invisible with the unaided eye, at one or more infrared image projection installations  120 . Infrared image projection installations  120  may be installed at visual content installation  150 . According to an embodiment, visual content installation  150  comprises performance stage  152  and infrared image projection installation  120  may be operable to coordinate the projection of infrared images  130  onto an element of performance stage  152  so as to enhance the visual aspects of performance stage  152  as imaged by solid state imaging device  100 . According to an embodiment, a visitor may view infrared image  130  superimposed onto visual content installation  150  using the solid state imaging device  100 . 
         [0034]    In a particular example provided for the purpose of illustration, infrared image projection installation  120  may be positioned adjacent visual content installation  150  that provides visual content  154  to those without solid state imaging device  100 . Infrared image projection installation  120  projects infrared image  130  onto at least a portion of visual content installation  150  to provide additional visual content to the visitor viewing visual content installation  150  with solid state imaging device  100 . For example, in visual content installation  150  representing a haunted house (e.g., as in a theme park attraction), infrared image projection installation  120  may project infrared image  130  representing a ghost onto the haunted house such that the visitor may view the ghost using solid state imaging device  100 . Infrared image  130  may comprise a moving image of a ghost, a still image of text message or symbol, among other things, and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of gaming environment  160  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular embodiments illustrated herein, participants in an interactive game may carry solid state imaging devices  100  having the capability of capturing images in at least a portion of the infrared spectrum. For instance, such participants may carry, wear or otherwise be co-located with one or more solid state imaging devices such as, for example, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and integrated devices having a solid state imaging sensor, such as mobile phones, portable game consoles, devices embedded in garments, notebook computers, personal digital assistants and/or the like. 
         [0036]    In particular embodiments illustrated herein, participants in an interactive game may physically move about in gaming environment  160  to search for clues. For instance, such participants may visualize infrared images  130  using solid state imaging devices  100 . 
         [0037]    A game participant may participate in a game having an object of the game being, for example, completing tasks and/or performing actions in gaming environment  160 . Such a participant may, for example, in an embodiment, participate in a game objective by locating a predefined number of a plurality of infrared images  130 , with the challenge of finding the most infrared images  130  in a predetermined period of time. 
         [0038]    According to an embodiment, gaming environment  160  may provide an interactive gaming experience to one or more “game participants” (“game participant” is to be used interchangeably herein with “participant”). In one particular embodiment a game participant may compete with another participant in finding the most infrared images  130  in a predetermined period of time, and/or to get to a destination the quickest based on finding clues in the infrared images  130 , for example, among others. 
         [0039]    Referring again to  FIG. 6 , gaming environment  160  comprises one or more infrared image projection installations  120  configured to provide a gaming experience to participants according to an embodiment. In the particular implementation of  FIG. 6 , game participants associated with solid state imaging devices  100  participate in a gaming experience at one or more infrared image projection installations  120 . Infrared image projection installations  120  may be dispersed over a geographical area such as that of a theme or amusement park. In other embodiments infrared image projection installations may be dispersed over a geographical area such as a neighborhood, school or business campus, convention center, theatre complex, town, metropolitan area, political subdivision such as a city, state or nation, just to name a few examples. 
         [0040]    According to an embodiment, a game participant may travel to different infrared image projection installations  120  while carrying solid state imaging device  100  to visualize an infrared image  130  and participate in a gaming experience having an objective, at least in part, on finding a plurality of infrared images  130 , “invisible” to the unassisted eye, viewable with the assistance of the participant&#39;s solid state imaging device  100 . According to another embodiment, the participant records each infrared image  130  onto the solid state imaging device  100  so as to verify at a later time that indeed the infrared image  130  was seen. 
         [0041]    According to an embodiment, a gaming experience includes finding a plurality of infrared images  130 , such as, but not limited to, in the form of text, still image, moving image, symbol and the like, including combinations thereof. According to another embodiment, a gaming experience further includes solving a puzzle which may be solvable by correctly answering or solving a series of riddles or problems based on the found images. According to another embodiment, gaming experience includes locating a plurality of infrared images  130  in a predetermined sequence to provide directions to a destination. 
         [0042]    Infrared image projection installations  120  may exist at a fixed location in game environment  160 , or may be mobile such that its position changes during game play. Infrared image projection installation  120  may be manned or unmanned. In an embodiment, infrared image projection installation  120  may be integrated with a character costume. In an embodiment, infrared image projection installation  120  may be integrated with a themed structure. In an embodiment, infrared image projection installation  120  may be integrated with a water feature  158 , such as a mist generator or pond such that infrared image  130  appears to be floating in mid-air or on or underwater, respectively. It is appreciated that the infrared image  130  may reflect from a variety of infrared reflective media, such as, but not limited to, mist, smoke, water, screen, netting, wall, flat substrate, non-flat substrate, and film. 
         [0043]    In a particular example provided for the purpose of illustration, infrared image projection installation  120  may be positioned adjacent a visual content installation  150  that provides visual content to those not viewing the visual content installation  150  with the assistance of solid state imaging device  100 . infrared image projection installation  120  may project infrared image  130  onto at least a portion of visual content installation  150  to provide additional visual content to the participant viewing visual content installation  150  with solid state imaging device  100 . For example, where visual content installation  150  represents graveyard  151  comprising a plurality of tombstones  153 , infrared image projection installation  120  may project infrared image  130  of a ghost onto tombstone  153  such that the participant may view the ghost using solid state imaging device  100 . Infrared image  130  may comprise a moving image of a ghost, a still image of text message or symbol or graphic, among other things, and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0044]    According to an embodiment, the number of infrared images  130  viewed and recorded on solid state imaging device  100  may be evaluated by an attendant to provide a reward for finding a predetermined number of infrared images  130 . The reward may be any desirable benefit, such as, but not limited to, a prize. According to another embodiment, the value of the reward is dependent on meeting one of a plurality of objects of the game. 
         [0045]    In particular embodiments illustrated herein, infrared illumination may be used to obscure an image displayed on a display monitor as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device. In a particular embodiment, the quality of an image on a display monitor captured using a solid state imaging device may be degraded so as to discourage photographing the image on a display monitor. According to another embodiment, the image on a display monitor as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device may be annotated with a message. In these embodiments, the visible aspects of the image on a display monitor are not modified to the unaided eye. 
         [0046]    In a particular embodiment, a visitor or participant presents a solid state imaging device having the capability of imaging at least a portion of the infrared spectrum. For instance, such visitor or participant may carry, wear or otherwise be co-located with a solid state imaging device such as, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, and integrated devices having a solid state imaging sensor, such as a mobile phone, notebook computer, personal digital assistant, and/or the like. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of display monitor  174  comprising a back light visible spectrum illumination source  170 , infrared spectrum illumination source  172 , diffuser  176 , and display screen  112 , configured to obscure an image on display monitor  174  as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device  100  according to an embodiment. In the particular implementation of  FIG. 7 , a solid state imaging device may receive infrared images, invisible with the unaided eye, emanating from display screen  112 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of display monitor  175  comprising a back light visible spectrum illumination source  170 , a plurality of infrared spectrum illumination sources  172 , diffuser  176 , and display screen  112 , configured to obscure an image on display monitor  175  as viewed and/or recorded by a solid state imaging device according to an embodiment. The plurality of discrete infrared illumination sources  172  are located behind display screen  112  and operable so as to project infrared illumination through display screen  112  that may be imaged by a solid state imaging device. Discrete infrared illumination sources  172  may be uniformly arranged relative to the display screen  112  so as to oversaturate the pixels of a solid state imaging device with infrared energy; that is, to over expose the resulting image sufficient to render the image as received by a solid state imaging device undesirable. According to another embodiment, discrete infrared illumination sources  174  may be preferentially arranged so as to form a text message, a distorting pattern, a symbol, and/or other resulting image sufficient to render the image as received by a solid state imaging device undesirable. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an embodiment of LED display  975  comprising a panel  904  and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED)  902 . Individual LEDs  902  may be coupled to panel  904  in a predetermined arrangement. By way of example, pixel  910  comprises a predetermined number of LEDs  902 . Pixel  910  may include any combination of red, green, or blue colored LEDs  902 . In an embodiment, pixel  910  further comprises infrared (IR) LED  903 . IR LED  903  is an LED operable to emit infrared radiation. In an implementation of LED display  975 , a predetermined number of IR LEDs  903  may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement suitable for a particular purpose. 
         [0050]    By way of example and explanation, LED display  975  may comprise LEDs  902  arranged on panel  904  having a 30 mm pitch with a 4-red/3-green/3-blue LEDs  902  per pixel  910 . This provides over 130,000 pixels  910  from a total of more than 650,000 LEDs  902 . LED display  975  may provide a full-color, video capability. LED display  975  may comprise a range of sizes and formats suitable for, but not limited to, indoor shopping malls, off-road billboard displays, or bus shelters. In other embodiments, LED display  975  may be provided as network-capable, multi-sign configurations. 
         [0051]    In an implementation of LED display  975 , a plurality of IR LEDs  903  may be arranged so as to provide image copy protection. In a particular implementation, IR LEDs  903  may be uniformly arranged on panel  904  so as to distort or obscure the resulting image produced by LEDs  902  sufficient to render the image undesirable as received by a solid state imaging device. According to another implementation, IR LEDs  903  may be preferentially arranged so as to form a text message, a distorting pattern, a symbol, or other resulting image as received by a solid state imaging device. The text message, distorting pattern, symbol, or other resulting image may render the image undesirable as received by solid state imaging device. 
         [0052]    According to yet another implementation, IR LEDs  903  may be preferentially arranged so as to form a text message, a symbol, or other resulting image that may be enjoyed when viewed by a solid state imaging device. 
         [0053]    In accordance with an embodiment, LED display  975  further comprises an IR light diffuser  912 . IR light diffuser  912  may be operable to diffuse infrared light so as to soften or blur together the IR light from individual IR LEDs  903  as viewed from a side of IR light diffuser  912  opposite from IR LEDs  903 . IR light diffuser  912  may be placed in close proximity to IR LEDs  903  so as to blend the points of IR light together to make a fuzzy infrared image, particularly suitable, for example, for images of ghosts. By way of an example of an implementation, LED display  975  may be placed in a window of a building such as a haunted mansion in a theme park so as to present an image of a ghost as received by a solid state imaging device. 
         [0054]    In yet another implementation, IR light diffuser  912  may also be operable for use as a projection screen so as to provide, by way of example, a projected scene as viewed with the unaided eye that is augmented with an IR image as received by a solid state imaging device. 
         [0055]    While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.