Distributed Projection System Wireless Animation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection systems for creating complex light animations are limited by the need for central control and physical linking of lighted elements, restricting their mobility and complexity of animations.

Innovation Solution

A distributed projection system comprising a data generator, projector, and receiving units that use electromagnetic signals encoded with state data and spatial coordinates to independently control and update modular elements wirelessly, allowing for dynamic and mobile visual animations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lighted elements are physically linked via panels or meshes for synchronization, then animation synchronization is achieved, but mobility of lighted elements is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation synchronizationVSAvoidmobility of lighted elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical linking system (panels, meshes, wires) with an electromagnetic communication system. The central controller sends control signals via electromagnetic fields to individual lighted elements, enabling wireless synchronization. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints while maintaining synchronization reliability through signal-based coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a central control system is used to coordinate lighted elements, then animation complexity is managed, but system mobility and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation coordinationVSAvoidsystem mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control function from a fixed central control system and distributes it to portable wireless controllers. The lighted elements maintain independence while receiving coordination commands via electromagnetic signals. This extraction allows the system to retain animation coordination capabilities while gaining mobility and flexibility by removing the fixed infrastructure requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If modular elements are densely packed for complex animations, then animation complexity increases, but physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation complexityVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangements of lighted elements to three-dimensional spatial distributions. By utilizing vertical space and three-dimensional positioning, the system can accommodate complex animations with more elements without proportionally increasing the footprint area. The wireless electromagnetic control enables precise positioning and coordination in 3D space, allowing denser packing vertically while maintaining manageable horizontal space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the creation of complex, dynamic visual animations by wirelessly controlling and updating modular elements, providing a scalable and mobile solution for various environments without the limitations of central control or physical linking.

Implementation Method 1

It comprises a signal generating module for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals, each one of the electromagnetic signals being representative of the state data from one of the data sets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each receiving unit is provided with a receiver for receiving one of the electromagnetic signals when the receiving unit is positioned in the corresponding target location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10499482B2Devices and methods for providing a distributed manifestation in an environment

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 ESKI INC

AI summary

The present invention concerns a projection system for providing a distributed manifestation within an environment. The projection system includes a data generator for generating a plurality of data sets of associated state data and spatial coordinate data. The projection system also includes a projector in communication with the data generator for receiving the data sets. The projector is provided with a signal generating module for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals, and a projecting module for projecting each of the electromagnetic signals towards a target location within the environment. The projection system also includes a plurality of receiving units distributed within the environment, each receiving unit having a receiver for receiving one of the electromagnetic signals when the receiving unit is positioned in the corresponding target location, each receiving unit being adapted to perform a change of state in response to the state data.