Projection Apparatus and Method for Pepper's Ghost Illusion

Abstract

An image projection apparatus includes a projector, a frame, and a partially transparent screen. The frame retains the screen under tension, such that the screen is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector. The screen has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector is reflected therefrom. The projector projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen.

1 . An image projection apparatus, comprising:
 an image source, a frame, a light source and an at least partially transparent screen;   the frame being arranged to retain the screen under tension, such that the tension of the screen can be independently varied at a plurality of positions along at least one edge of said screen;   the light source arranged to illuminate at least part of the apparatus;   the screen inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the image source and the screen having a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the image source is reflected therefrom; and   the image source being arranged to project an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen;   wherein the screen is foil and the frame comprises first and second retention members arranged to sandwich an edge region of the screen therebetween; and   wherein the first and second retention members are connected to one or more flexible tensioning members, which extend from the frame, the foil, flexible tensioning members and the frame lying in a common inclined plane, with the tension on the foil being applied in the plane of the flexible tensioning members and the foil.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the foil is polymeric foil. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein:
 the first and second retention members comprise respective openings therethrough arranged to collocate with respective openings in the screen; and 
 the openings are arranged to receive fixing members to clamp the screen between the first and second retention members. 
 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the frame is arranged to retain the screen under tension such that the tension of the screen can be varied at a plurality of positions along at least one edge of the screen such that the screen is substantially wrinkle free. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the image source is a projector, an LCD or a television display. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a pigmented reflective member in an optical pathway between the image source and the screen. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the pigmented reflected member is grey in color. 
     
     
         8 . An image projection apparatus, comprising:
 an image source, a frame and an at least partially transparent screen;   the frame being arranged to retain the screen under tension, such that the tension of the screen can be independently varied at a plurality of positions along at least one edge of said screen;   the screen inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the image source and the screen having a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the image source is reflected therefrom; and   the image source being arranged to project an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen;   wherein the screen is foil and the frame comprises first and second retention members arranged to sandwich an edge region of the screen therebetween; and   wherein the first and second retention members are connected to one or more flexible tensioning members, which extend from the frame, the foil, flexible tensioning members and the frame lying in a common inclined plane, with the tension on the foil being applied in the plane of the flexible tensioning members and the foil.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a light source arranged to illuminate at least part of the apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein at least one of the faces of the first and second retention members comprises an abrasive coating arranged to contact the screen. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the abrasive coating is sandpaper. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a light source arranged to illuminate at least part of a stage lying behind the screen. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein both of the faces of the first and second retention members comprise an abrasive coating.