Fireworks Smoke Projection Mapping for Continuous Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fireworks displays are hindered by smoke that requires waiting for natural wind dispersal, leading to long intervals and reduced viewer enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

Utilize the smoke generated by fireworks as a screen for projection mapping, allowing simultaneous projection of images with subsequent fireworks launches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fireworks are launched in succession, then the display becomes more engaging and continuous, but smoke from previous fireworks obscures subsequent fireworks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefireworks launch frequencyVSAvoidsmoke obscuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful smoke effect into a beneficial projection screen. By projecting images onto the smoke generated by fireworks, the obscuring medium becomes a canvas for visual entertainment, allowing continuous fireworks launches without waiting for smoke dispersal while maintaining viewer engagement through the projected content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Illumination intensity

If smoke is allowed to disperse naturally before next firework, then visibility is improved, but long intervals between launches reduce viewer enjoyment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirework visibilityVSAvoidinterval between launches

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces projection mapping as an intermediary element between the smoke and the viewer. Instead of waiting for smoke to clear, the system projects images onto the smoke, creating a composite visual experience that maintains visibility and engagement during the interval period, effectively eliminating the waiting time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If smoke is utilized as a projection screen, then continuous entertainment is provided during smoke presence, but additional projection equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentertainment continuityVSAvoidprojection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the smoke serve multiple functions: it remains the byproduct of fireworks combustion while simultaneously becoming a projection screen. This multi-functionality allows the existing smoke to be utilized for additional entertainment value without requiring fundamental changes to the fireworks system, only adding the projection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances viewer enjoyment by enabling continuous fireworks displays without waiting for smoke dispersal, combining projected images with fireworks for a more engaging experience.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the smoke as a screen and combining it with projection mapping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProjection mapping:

Implementation Method 2

we had to wait until the smoke was blown away by the wind

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind dispersal: Advection

Data Source

PatentUS12487516B2Projected image fireworks

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 DR NAKAMATS INNOVATION INST

AI summary

At fireworks shows and other venues where smoke is generated, waiting until the smoke clears before launching the next firework is a waste of time and lack of interest on the part of the spectators. This invention is a fireworks method that utilizes the smoke from fireworks to produce images by projection such as projection mapping.