Patent Description:
Recently there has been a growing interest in viewing content on immersive displays. Curved or irregularly shaped display screens have grown in popularity alongside the growing interest in immersive displays. Curved display screens may be used as part of home television or gaming setups to at least partially surround a viewer to create an immersive viewing experience. Although curved display screens are desirable, issues such as cost and manufacturing have shown to be challenging. Even at relatively small sizes, curved displays are more costly than flat counterparts. Scaling up of a curved display screen for environments that accommodate multiple users may be even more cost-prohibitive. <CIT> discloses a faceted screen system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The invention relates to a faceted screen system according to the features of claim <NUM> and to a faceted screen control system according to the features of claim <NUM>. According to the invention, the faceted screen system includes a curved backing surface, a first planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface, and a second planar panel coupled to the curved backing surface. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are angled towards a common point. The faceted screen system also includes a first plurality of light sources disposed on the first planar panel and a second plurality of light sources disposed on the second planar panel. Individual light sources of the first plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the first planar panel to emit light towards the common point. Individual light sources of the second plurality of light sources are oriented at respective different angles relative to the second planar panel to emit light towards the common point.

In an embodiment, a faceted screen system includes a display panel assembly. The display panel assembly has a first planar panel and a second planar panel. The first planar panel and the second planar panel are oriented such that a first line extending through an edge of the first panel and a second line extending through an edge of the second planar panel form a vertex. A first plurality of light sources are disposed on the first planar panel. A first individual light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a first angle with a surface of the first planar panel. A first neighboring light source of the first plurality of light sources forms a second angle with the surface of the first planar panel. The first angle is different than the second angle. The faceted screen system also includes a second plurality of light sources disposed on a second surface of the second planar panel. A second individual light source of the second plurality of light sources forms a third angle with the second surface of the second planar panel. A second neighboring light source of the second plurality of light sources forms a fourth angle with the second surface. The third angle is different than the fourth angle.

According to the invention, the faceted screen control system includes a plurality of actuators coupled to respective light sources of a plurality of light sources and a controller that receives an input indicative of a selected focal point towards which to orient a plurality of sources disposed on a plurality of planar display panels that forms a faceted assembly approximating a curve. The controller determines an orientation of each light of the plurality of light sources, e.g., whereby the orientation corresponds to light emitting from each of the plurality of light sources traversing the focal point. The controller also send a control command to the plurality of actuators to actuate the respective light sources of the plurality of light sources to cause the respective light sources to emit light towards the selected focal point.

In an example not forming part of the invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel of an assembly of display panels assembled to approximate a curve involves receiving a first light source and a second light source configured to be coupled on the display panel. The method also involves determining a first angle of the first light source to orient the first light source relative to the display panel such that light emitted from the first light source is directed toward a hypothetical focal point of the curve. The method also includes coupling the first light source to the planar display panel. The method further includes determining a second angle of the second light source to orient the second light source. The second angle is different from the first angle.

The disclosed techniques relate to presenting content on display screens in a manner that may increase the viewer enjoyment and immersiveness of the presentation. Specifically, systems and methods for smoothing displays of a faceted screen are provided herein. Using curved display screens provides an immersive viewing experience, wide viewing angle, increased depth, contrast, and the like. Yet, curved display screens typically have difficulties in manufacturing, storage, and wiring, to name a few. Faceted screens that approximate a curve (e.g., a regular curve, a compound curve, a curved portion of an irregular shape) by joining flat surfaces at an angle are easier to work with. That is, individual facets are assembled together to approximate the desired shape of the curve and to replace or provide a less costly alternative to a single curved display screen. However, problems may also arise when content is viewed on a collection or group of flat surfaces as compared to a unitary curved display screen. In particular, seams between flat surfaces of the individual facets of the faceted screen may be visible by viewers of the content. Although one may minimize the visual impact of the seams by decreasing an angle between adjoining flat surfaces, this technique may require an increased number of flat surfaces for any given curve. Techniques that lessen the visual impact of the edges (e.g., seams) without manipulating an angle between flat surfaces and/or increasing an amount of flat surfaces for a given curve are provided.

The present techniques provide faceted screens (e.g., faceted display screens) formed from a plurality of individual facets (e.g., individual flat or planar display panels) and having a decreased visual impact of the seams between the individual facets of the faceted screen. Specifically, by manipulating or angling one or more light sources disposed on the individual flat display panels towards a common location (e.g., a common point), a visual impact of seams between the panels may be decreased, irrespective of the angle formed between adjoining panels. The common location or direction to which the light sources are oriented may be a focal point of a curve that is being approximated by the faceted screen. Indeed, the light sources may be oriented on the displays such that each light source is angled to emit light toward the focal point of the curve. The angles between adjacent and/or neighboring light sources may be varied relative to one another to achieve the desired effects.

Further, the present techniques also include mechanisms for actuating the angle between light sources disposed on the display panels of faceted screens. In particular, an aspect of a light source (e.g., a lens, casing of the light source, etc.) disposed on one of the display panels of the faceted screen may be actuated such that a brightness of light emitted from the light source is increased when the light emitted from the light source is observed from the common location to which the light sources of the displays are oriented. To put it another way, an actuator may be coupled to each light source disposed on display panels of the faceted screens. The actuator may control an angle at which each light source is oriented. In this way, the display panels of the faceted screens, or rather, the light sources on the display panels, may be controlled to approximate a range of different curves. That is, the light sources may be controlled (via mechanical mechanisms, electrical mechanisms, or a combination of both mechanical and electrical mechanisms) to point toward different locations such as a focal point of a curve. Thus, displays of the faceted screens may be controlled to approximate a range of different curves by controlling the angle at which light sources on the displays are oriented. Neighboring light sources may be controlled to slightly or largely vary based on the type of curve to be approximated.

The present techniques also include positioning a secondary lens on a light source of a display panel such that light leaving the light source is redirected at a specific angle such that a brightness of the light is relatively increased at a specific point on a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of the light at the location of the specific point.

Turning to the drawings, <FIG> is a perspective view of a dome ride system <NUM> having a faceted display screen implemented as a dome <NUM> with individual facets formed from display panels <NUM> of the dome <NUM>. The display panels <NUM> approximate the curved shape of the dome <NUM>. The display panels <NUM> display visual content <NUM> for a guest <NUM> in the dome <NUM>. In particular, the display panels <NUM> include displays screens (e.g., display panels, planar display panels) that have light sources (e.g., pixels) disposed on them. The display panels <NUM>, which are oriented to follow a curve given by the shape of the dome <NUM>, contain the light sources that emit light to present the visual content <NUM> (e.g., the content ) on/through the display panels <NUM>. The light sources on each of the display panels <NUM> are angled relative to each other so as to direct emitted light toward a common point such as a focal point of a curve being approximated by the arrangement of the display panels <NUM>, as generally discussed with respect to <FIG>. In other words, the light sources on a particular display of a particular faceted screen may each be angled relative to one or more other light sources on the particular display to direct an increased brightness towards a common point such as a focal point of the dome <NUM>. More specifically, the light sources are angled such that light emitted from the light sources have an increase in brightness at the common point such as a focal point of the curve. This common point may be located near the guest <NUM>, who is located on a ride car <NUM>.

Directing light such that an increase in brightness is observed at the common location may lessen the visual impact of seams between the display panels <NUM> at or near the common location. This effect may arise due to an increase in overall contrast observed from the common location. The overall contrast may increase due to the brightness of light emitted from the light sources on the display panels <NUM> being increased at or near the common location.

The display panels <NUM> approximate the curve of the dome <NUM>. In particular, the display panels <NUM> are angled with respect to each other to approximate the curve. The light sources on a particular display panel <NUM> are also angled with respect to neighboring light sources on the particular display panel <NUM> to point towards a common location such as a hypothetical focal point of a curve given by the dome <NUM>. For purposes of this discussion, the hypothetical focal point may be used in content of a curve that is being approximated by one or more display panels of a faceted screen. Specifically, the hypothetical focal point may refer to a point at which light rays meet (e.g., converge) after being emitted from the display panels <NUM>. As another example, the hypothetical focal point may be a point traversed by light upon reflection off a hypothetical reflective curved surface after being incident on the hypothetical reflective curved surface along an axis parallel to an optical axis of the hypothetical reflective curved surface. The hypothetical reflective curved surface may be a hypothetical true curved surface that is being approximated by the faceted screen.

The light sources in each faceted display of the faceted dome ride system <NUM> may be angled toward a hypothetical focal point (or focal plane). In particular, each light source may be angled such that a maximum brightness of the light source is realized at or near the hypothetical focal point. The hypothetical focal point may be near the guest <NUM>. Having the light sources point towards the hypothetical focal point may lessen the visual impact of the seams at the joining edges of the flat surfaces.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a more costly curved display screen formed without facets and illustrating the path of light from the display screen to a user. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of certain disadvantages associated with assemblies of flat display panels to approximate the curve of <FIG> to provide a less expensive curved display. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of a curved display screen <NUM> having light rays <NUM> emit from different positions on the curved display screen <NUM> and converge at a focal point <NUM> along an optical axis <NUM> of the curved display screen <NUM>. Light sources <NUM> are orientated toward the local normal of the curved display screen <NUM>. To put it another way, the lights <NUM> are generally angled to emit light (shown as light rays <NUM>) at <NUM> degrees relative to a line tangent to the position along the curved display panel <NUM> to generate a received image <NUM>.

In another example, <FIG> is an arrangement having planar components <NUM> coupled to a backing <NUM>, but without the faceted screen smoothing as provided herein. As shown in <FIG>, light rays <NUM> emitting from the lights <NUM> do not align towards a common location, such as a hypothetical focal point <NUM>, of the backing <NUM>, which is located along an optical axis <NUM> (e.g., hypothetical optical axis) of the backing <NUM>. In contrast, the lights <NUM> are oriented to point perpendicular to a plane defined by each respective planar component <NUM>. A viewer <NUM> located on the optical axis <NUM> corresponding to the backing <NUM> may observe an image <NUM> with a low overall contrast ratio due to spreading of the received light, which may be undesirable. In other words, the image <NUM> received by the viewer <NUM> may be seen with seams (e.g., a seam <NUM>) between the planar components <NUM> that are highly visible due to the low overall contrast between the colors emitted from the light <NUM>. Thus, the curved display of <FIG> represents a more costly display modality, and the display of <FIG> formed from planar components, which lacks smoothing as disclosed herein, although potentially lower in cost and easier to manufacture, tends to have decreased image quality due to the visibility of the seams and the decrease in contrast.

Provided herein is a faceted screen system smoothing system and method that is lower in cost to manufacture than the curved display screens yet retains an ample amount of overall contrast and decreases the visibility of the seams between the joining of flat surfaces. <FIG> is a top view of a smoothed faceted screen assembly <NUM> having facets in the form of planar display panels <NUM> (e.g., LED panels) with light sources <NUM> disposed on the planar display panels <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> have variable or relatively different orientations to improve alignment at a common point <NUM> that corresponds to a hypothetical focal point <NUM> of the desired curved shape (e.g., a shape corresponding to the curving backing surface <NUM>). As provided herein, the orientation of an individual light source 126may be considered to be along an axis of the emitted light <NUM> or along an axis at which the emitted light has a maximum brightness/intensity. In one embodiment, the angle of the light source <NUM> may be the smallest angle formed between the light source <NUM> and a surface <NUM> (e.g., a viewer-facing surface) of the planar display panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle of the light source <NUM> may be the smallest angle formed between an axis of relative maximum brightness emitted from the light source <NUM> and a surface <NUM> (e.g., a viewer-facing surface) of the planar display panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle of the light source <NUM> may be the smallest angle formed between an axis through midpoint of a lens of the light source <NUM> and passing through the comment point <NUM> and a surface <NUM> (e.g., a viewer-facing surface) of the planar display panel <NUM>.

The light sources <NUM> are angled to emit light with a relative maximum in brightness oriented towards a common point <NUM> such as a hypothetical focal point <NUM> of a curved backing surface <NUM>. As a result of the smoothing, which distributes the orientations of the light sources such that the alignment at the common point is improved rather than spread out (as in <FIG>), the received image <NUM> has better properties for the viewer, and any seams between the display panels are less visible. This improved alignment is achieved without requiring that the display panels <NUM> be curved or form a larger curved assembly, which is more expensive.

The display panels <NUM> may be disposed across an optical axis <NUM> of the curved backing surface <NUM> at equal distances on either side of the curved backing surface <NUM>. Further, a hypothetical vertex may be formed by a first line extending from a first edge of the planar display panel 122a and a second line extending from a second edge of the planar display panel 122b. The hypothetical vertex formed may be an obtuse angle depending on the orientation of the display panels <NUM>. However, the angles formed between individual display panels <NUM> may be selected based on a desired shape of the curve or irregular structure formed by the faceted screen assembly <NUM>.

The curved backing surface <NUM> (e.g., a three-dimensional surface) may be formed from any type of material that may provide support (e.g., structural support, electrical support, etc.) for the planar display panels <NUM> and/or light sources <NUM> disposed on the planar display panels <NUM>. Further, it should be understood that the faceted screen assembly <NUM> may not include any curved backing surface <NUM> or may include a backing or support structure having a different shape. The planar display panels <NUM> may also serve as support structure to support the light sources <NUM> physically and electrically. In some embodiments, the planar display panels <NUM>, may be a collection of printed circuit boards having circuitry configured to power the light sources <NUM>.

As mentioned above, each light source <NUM> is angled relative to an adjacent and/or neighboring light source <NUM> towards a common point <NUM> such as the hypothetical focal point <NUM> of the curved backing surface <NUM>. In particular, each light source <NUM> is lensed and oriented such that the light source <NUM> emits light having a relative brightness maximum at a viewing angle given by the common point <NUM>. For example, <FIG> displays a light source 126a on the planar display panel 122a oriented to emit light at an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the planar display panel 122a. In particular, the planar display panel 122a is parallel to an axis <NUM>. The axis <NUM> is parallel to the normal of the planar display panel 122a. The <NUM> degree angle is the angle between the axis <NUM> along a plane (e.g., top surface) of the planar display panel 122a and a unit vector parallel to the direction of the light emitted from the light source 126a. An adjacent light source 126b is illustrated as being oriented to emit light at an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the planar display panel 122a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the angles between adjacent and/or neighboring light sources on the same planar display panel <NUM> may be different relative to one another. Indeed, the individual light source 126b is at an <NUM> degree angle while the neighboring light source 126a is at an <NUM> degree angle. Further, another neighboring light source <NUM> may be at an <NUM> degree angle. These angular differences may correspond to an optimal angle of orientation at the specific position of the light source <NUM> on the planar display panel <NUM>. The optimal angle may correspond to an angle at which light emitted from a specific light source <NUM> on the specific position of the planar display panel most accurately approximates light that would leave from a corresponding hypothetical curved display panel having a curved shape that conforms to the shape formed by the assembly of display panels <NUM>. In an embodiment, the corresponding curved display panel may generally form the shape of the curved backing surface <NUM> or of a curve that touches at least one point on each display panel <NUM>. Thus, individual light sources <NUM> on the planar display panels <NUM> are oriented at respective different angles relative to adjacent light sources <NUM> and/or the planar display panels <NUM> to which the individual light sources <NUM> are coupled. In some embodiments, at least one light source <NUM> is at or near a <NUM> degree angle relative to the planar display panel <NUM> while other lights sources are not at <NUM> degree angles. Further, the planar display panels 122a, 122b may mirror angular orientations across the optical axis <NUM>. Although, in some embodiments, a planar display panel may extend through the optical axis <NUM>.

Moreover, angles of individual light sources <NUM> may successively increase or decrease in magnitude toward the optical axis relative to a common axis (e.g., a common vector). For example, the increase or decrease may be a stepwise increase or decrease or change in magnitude of a common factor. It should be noted that the orientation angles of the light sources <NUM> may be within a range of angles (<NUM>-<NUM> degrees) selected to emit light toward a hypothetical focal point <NUM> and align the light at the common point <NUM> and at a desired distance from the faceted screen assembly <NUM>. It should also be noted that although the common point <NUM> (e.g., common location) and the hypothetical focal point <NUM> are shown to occupy the same position along the optical axis <NUM>, the common point <NUM> to which the light sources <NUM> are oriented may be a location different that the hypothetical focal point <NUM> and/or a location not along the optical axis <NUM>. This will be discussed in detail later with respects to <FIG>.

Likewise, a brightness of the light source <NUM> may achieve at least a relative maximum intensity as seen from the perspective of a viewer. For example, in some embodiments, the light sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs may be lensed such that the brightness of each LED is increased when the LED is viewed from directly in front of the LED. In other words, the brightness of the LED is brightest when the LED's light is viewed straight on. To put it another way, the brightness of the LED is brightest when an angle between the line of sight of a viewer and a hypothetical line extending from a front-facing orientation of the LED is minimized. When an LED is lensed, the brightness of the LED may decrease as the viewing angle increases. In particular, the brightness may decrease as the viewing angle exceeds the lens angle of the LED. The lens angle of the LED may refer to an angle by which, when exceeded, the brightness may decrease. For example, using spherical coordinates, a center of a lens may be located at the origin.

As an illustration, <FIG> is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lensed LED light source <NUM> disposed on a planar display panel <NUM>. An axis <NUM> is oriented along a longitudinal direction of the lensed LED light source <NUM>. An axis <NUM> is oriented parallel along a width of the lensed LED light source <NUM>. An axis <NUM> extends along a depth of the lensed LED light source <NUM>. The lensed LED light source <NUM> includes a dome-shaped lens <NUM> that helps to direct emitted light such that a relative increase in brightness is observed along a path, which is indicated by the arrow <NUM> and is parallel to the axis <NUM>. When observing the lensed LED light source <NUM>, one may observe an increased brightness at a position <NUM>, which, in some embodiments, is located along the axis <NUM> centered on a center of the lensed LED light source <NUM>. Specifically, if one projects light emitted from the lensed LED light source <NUM> onto a plane <NUM> perpendicular to the path, one may observe an increased brightness at a point closest to the position <NUM>. It is to be noted that lensed light sources may contain more (or less) elements as shown in <FIG>. The lensed LED light source <NUM> is for purely illustrative purposes.

By angling light sources towards a common point such that light emitted from each of the light sources has a relative maximum in brightness as a function of viewing angle at an angle corresponding to line extending from each of the light sources and the common point, the light rays leaving planar display panels may be a closer approximation of light rays that would leave from a true curved panel (e.g., <FIG>) than as observed in <FIG>. Indeed, a viewer may obtain a higher overall contrast viewing content on the assembly of <FIG> compared with the assembly of <FIG>. The light sources may be angled relative to the planar display panel that they are disposed upon and relative to each other. Indeed, adjacent and/or neighboring light sources may have slight angle variations in order to approximate a true curved panel (e.g., <FIG>) at a specific location.

As provided herein, the angle of the light source <NUM> with the panel <NUM> may be an angle formed by an axis through a point of maximum brightness of the light emitted through the lens <NUM> with the panel <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the angle through the maximum brightness, and along path <NUM>, is generally perpendicular to the panel <NUM>. However, as disclosed below, actuators may adjust the position of the lens relative to the panel to change the axis of maximum brightness by causing a change in orientation of the light source <NUM> relative to the panel <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the lens <NUM> is a domed lens and the light emitted is brighter at a particular point on the dome. Thus, the axis passes through a particular point on the dome. In other embodiments, the light source <NUM> has a generally flat lens. In an embodiment, the angle of the light source <NUM> with the panel <NUM> may be an angle formed with the panel <NUM> by an axis through a midpoint of the dome, as shown in <FIG>, or through a midpoint of a flat lens and perpendicular to a flat lens. <FIG> is a side view of a planar display panel <NUM> having light sources <NUM> coupled to the planar display panel <NUM> and that are programmable and/or individually addressable to tune an angle during use. The light sources <NUM> are angled toward a common point <NUM> such as a hypothetical focal point of a hypothetical curve of which the display panel may be utilized in to approximating such as in an assembly of planar display panels that are faceted. The light sources <NUM> are each coupled to an actuator <NUM> that actuates the light sources <NUM>. In particular, the actuators <NUM> may actuate the light sources <NUM> such that a brightness of each light source <NUM> is increased when the light source is viewed from a line extending from a particular light source <NUM> to the common point <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, slight angle variations exist between adjacent light sources <NUM> on the planar display panel <NUM> in order to approximate a true curved panel at the specific location of the light source <NUM> on the planar display panel <NUM>. In one example, the angle, as measured through the axis of maximum brightness between the light source <NUM> and the point <NUM>, formed by the light source 192a with the panel <NUM> is smaller than the angle formed by the center light source 192b with the panel <NUM>. The angle between the light source 192a and the panel <NUM> is smaller than <NUM> degrees, while the angle between the light source 192b and the panel <NUM> is about <NUM> degrees. The actuators <NUM> coupled to the light sources <NUM> may actuate the light source <NUM> such that the light source <NUM> is oriented in a direction facing the common point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the actuators <NUM> may be coupled to specific components of the light source <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, an actuator <NUM> may be coupled to an integral or removable lens <NUM> of a light source <NUM> disposed on a planar display panel <NUM>. The planar display panel <NUM> may be one panel of a plurality of planar display panels that are utilized to approximate one or more curves. The lens <NUM> may be a secondary lens of the light source <NUM>. Indeed, in some embodiments, the light source <NUM> may be a LED having a primary lens <NUM> and a secondary lens extended radially further from the primary lens <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> translates and/or rotates the lens <NUM> such that light emitted from the light source <NUM> is directed to have a relative maximum brightness when the light source <NUM> and/or image on the planar display panel <NUM> is viewed from a common point <NUM>. The lenses <NUM> may be positioned in front of each light source <NUM> such that light emitting from each light source <NUM> is redirected (e.g., refracted) to a desired angle. This setup of light source <NUM> may allow all light sources <NUM> on the planar display panel <NUM> to share the same angular orientation with respect to the planar display panel <NUM> while the lens <NUM> of each light source <NUM> changes to direct light toward the common point <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> may actuate the lenses <NUM> such that the light sources <NUM> emit light with a relative maximum in brightness along a path (e.g., a line) of propagation that traverses the common point <NUM> (as indicated by the light rays <NUM>). In <FIG>, the orientation of the light sources <NUM> may be similar, but the actuators <NUM> may rotate and/or translate the lenses <NUM> such that a relative maximum in brightness is observed from a common location. For instance, the actuator <NUM> is coupled to each lens <NUM> and may actuate the lens <NUM> such that light emitting from the light source <NUM> is directed toward a hypothetical focal point of a curve that is being approximated by an orientation of the planar display panel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates planar display panels <NUM> supported by a curved backing surface <NUM> having light sources <NUM> that emit light with a relative maximum in brightness towards a common point <NUM>, which is not along an optical axis <NUM> of the curved backing surface <NUM>. Indeed, the common point <NUM> to which the light sources <NUM> are oriented is not the same as a hypothetical focal point <NUM> of the curved backing surface <NUM>. That is, the light sources <NUM> are oriented differently to increase a brightness at the common point <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> have actuators <NUM> that may allow approximation of a range of curves by controlling a direction in which light is concentrated, increasing an overall contrast ratio at the common location.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram illustrating a controller <NUM>, e.g., an actuator controller, for controlling an angle of light emitted from a light source <NUM> on a display panel <NUM> (e.g., the display panel <NUM>, display panel <NUM>) such that the emitted light has a brightness at or near a hypothetical focal point of a hypothetical curve created by an assembly of display panels in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, the controller <NUM> includes a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. Computer-readable instructions stored in the memory <NUM> (e.g., non-transitory, tangible, and computer-readable medium/memory circuitry) may be executed by the processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store specific angles associated with specific curved shapes, and, upon receiving an input from an input device <NUM> indicative of a type of curve that is to be approximated, the controller <NUM> may access the specific angles of the light sources <NUM> on the display panel <NUM> that corresponds to the desired curve.

The input device <NUM> may include a display having a graphical user interface such that desired curves and/or focal points may be selected. The controller <NUM> may then send a command to an actuator <NUM>, which as discussed above, may be coupled to an aspect of the light source <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, and/or a lens <NUM> coupled to the light source <NUM>. The command, when executed, may cause the actuator <NUM> to change an orientation of light emitted from the light sources <NUM> to have an increased brightness at the hypothetical focal point of the desired curve.

For example, the controller <NUM> may receive an input indicative of a curve to approximate such as a sphere. In response to receiving the input, the controller <NUM> may determine an optimal orientation of the light sources <NUM> and/or the lenses <NUM>, which may be integral or removable from the light sources <NUM>, such that light emitted from each light source <NUM> has a maximum brightness when an image on the display panel is viewed from a hypothetical focal point of the spherical curve inputted. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may exclude more or less elements than shown in <FIG>. Indeed, in some embodiments, angles of the light sources <NUM> may be actuated mechanically rather than electrically. Further, in some embodiments, the angles of the light sources <NUM> may be actuated via a combination of both via mechanical and electrical mechanisms. The controller <NUM> may cause, via the actuator <NUM>, the location of maximum brightness to change to a location corresponding to that which was inputted. The new location to which the maximum brightness is observed may correspond to a hypothetical focal point or not.

<FIG> is an example of a flow chart of a method <NUM> for actuating a light source to emit light toward a focal point of a curve. In some cases, the method may be carried out by one or more components of the controller <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> begins with receiving (block <NUM>), at a controller, an input indicative of a selected or desired focal point for a curve approximated by a plurality of light sources on a display panel. The focal point may be selected based on a calculation or determination of curve characteristics. The selected focal point may correspond to a point towards which the light sources are oriented to emit light with a maximum intensity. The curve may be approximated by the specific angling of the light sources relative to each other on the display panel. The input may also include and/or be indicative of other characteristics such as a curve. That is, the input may, in some embodiments, be indicative of a curve desired to be approximated by an assembly of display panels. Indeed, the display panel may be one display panel in the assembly of display panels such that the assembly of display panels are faceted in a way that approximates a curve.

The method <NUM> proceeds with determining (block <NUM>), at the controller, an angle of each light source of the plurality of light sources on the display panel that points toward the selected focal point. In particular, the controller determines a specific angle that orients light from each light source to have a relative maximum intensity when an image observed on the display panel is viewed from the selected focal point. In other words, the method <NUM>, at block <NUM>, determines an angle of each light source such that a brightness of the light source is increased when the light source is activated and viewed from the position of the selected focal point and/or portion of a desired focal plane. An overall contrast ratio may be increased in an image received at or near the selected focal point. The angle determined, at block <NUM>, may also correspond to an angle between the normal of the display panel and the orientation of the individual light source. In some cases, the angle determined corresponds to an angle between a lens of a light source of the plurality of light sources and the normal of the display panel.

The method <NUM> continues with sending (block <NUM>), from the controller, a control command to an actuator coupled to each light source to actuate the light source such that light emitted from the light source has a maximum brightness when the emitted light is observed from the selected focal point. The control command may cause the actuator to orient each light source at the angle determined in block <NUM> for each light source. To put in another way, the control command may cause the actuator to actuate any aspect of the light source such that the brightness of the light source is increased when the light source is viewed from the selected focal point.

<FIG> is an example of a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for actuating a light source on a display panel. The method <NUM> may be utilized in manufacturing light sources that may be angled relative to adjacent light sources on a display panel. The method <NUM> includes receiving (block <NUM>) a light source that is to be coupled to/on a display panel via a substrate. The substrate and/or display panel may be a printed circuit board having circuitry which electrically powers and determines the frequencies of light emitted from the light source at specific times. Further, the light source may be a lens LED such as to provide a brightness differential with respect to a viewing angle.

The method <NUM>, at block <NUM>, proceeds with determining a position of an actuator configured to be coupled to the light source. As mentioned earlier, the actuator may operate or actuate similar components or aspects of the light sources as the actuators of <FIG>. Further, the actuator may be coupled to any component of the light source such as a casing of the light source, a primary lens of the light source, etc. The actuator may also be coupled a position near or on the position where the light source is coupled to the display panel. That is, the actuator may be soldered to the display panel and the light source coupled to the actuator such that the actuator rotates the light source towards a focal point. Further, the actuator may be coupled to a component that is external to the light source, such as a secondary lens, for example. In this case, the actuator, may not necessarily actuate the light source, but rather, the secondary lens so as to direct light from the light source towards a desired position. The angle of each light source could also be determined using a computer algorithm that receives an input of a selected or desired focal point and/or a desired curve, for example, and outputs angles that correspond to each light source of the plurality of light sources on the display panel based on a position of each light source on the display panel.

The method <NUM> proceeds with coupling (block <NUM>) the actuator, at the determined position, to an aspect of the light source, the substrate, the display panel, or any combination thereof. Block <NUM> may include soldering the actuator to the aspect of the light source (e.g., a casing of the light source, a primary lens of the light source), the substrate, the display panel, or any combination thereof. Block <NUM> may also include utilizing computer technology that electrically and mechanically couples the actuator to the aspect of the light source (e.g., a casing of the light source, a primary lens of the light source, etc.), the substrate, the display panel, or any combination thereof.

<FIG> is an example of a flow chart of a method <NUM> for angling light sources on a planar display panel towards a focal point. It should be noted that one or more steps of the method <NUM> may or may not be included in a manufacturing process of a faceted screen. The method <NUM> begins with receiving (block <NUM>), a first light source and a second light source to be coupled on a planar display panel. As mentioned earlier, the substrate and/or the planar display panel may be a printed circuit board having circuitry which electrically powers the first light source and the second light source, and determines the frequencies of light emitted from the light source at specific times. The first light source and the second light source may each be an LED or any type of light source.

The method <NUM> continues with determining (block <NUM>) a first angular orientation of the first light source relative to a hypothetical plane parallel to the planar display panel. For instance, at block <NUM>, when the first light source is an LED pixel, the determined angular orientation may be that of a casing of the first light source and/or another aspect of the first light source. Block <NUM> may also include determining a position and/or angular orientation of a secondary lens to couple to the first light source.

The method <NUM> continues with coupling (block <NUM>) the first light source to the planar display panel at the angle given by the first angle, which was determined at block <NUM>. The first light source may be soldered to the planar display panel. Other processes of coupling the first light source to the display panel are possible.

The method <NUM> proceeds with determining (block <NUM>) a second angle of the second light source relative to the hypothetical plane parallel to the planar display panel. The second angle may be an angle different in magnitude than the first angle. Further, the second angle may be different from the first angle because the planar display panel may be one of an assembly of display panels that are assembled so as to approximate a curve. The second light source on the planar display panel may be at a location different from the first angle such that the second angle may need to have a different angular magnitude than the first angle to increase a level of brightness observed at a hypothetical focal point of the curve being approximated by the assembly of planar display panels.

The method <NUM> proceeds with coupling (block <NUM>) the second light source to the planar display panel at the angle given by the second angle, which was determined at block <NUM>. The second light source may be soldered to the planar display panel. Other processes of coupling the second light source to the planar display panel are possible.

Claim 1:
A faceted screen system (<NUM>), comprising:
a curved backing surface (<NUM>);
a first planar panel (122a) coupled to the curved backing surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second planar panel (122b) coupled to the curved backing surface (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first planar panel (122a) and the second planar panel (122b) are angled towards a common point (<NUM>);
a first plurality of light sources (<NUM>) disposed on the first planar panel (122a), a second plurality of light sources (<NUM>) disposed on the second planar panel (122b), characterized in that
individual light sources (<NUM>) of the first plurality of light sources (<NUM>) are oriented at respective different angles relative to the first planar panel (122a) to emit light towards the common point (<NUM>); and
in that individual light sources (<NUM>) of the second plurality of light sources (<NUM>) are oriented at respective different angles relative to the second planar panel (122b) to emit light towards the common point (<NUM>).