Floating Image Audio Localization Using Retroreflective Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to accurately localize sound with respect to the location of floating images, leading to a diminished sense of reality and guest experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses retroreflective materials, beamsplitters, and sound sources to output sound at the exact or proximal location of floating images, synchronized with the image's movement and interaction, using controllers to coordinate light and sound emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sound sources are positioned away from floating image locations, then device complexity is reduced, but sound localization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces invisible transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices. Transmitters are positioned at floating image locations to emit sound, while receivers at guest positions receive the sound. This intermediary system enables accurate sound localization at image locations without requiring direct placement of sound sources at every floating image position, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and sound localization accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If sound is emitted from remote locations, then ease of operation is improved, but perceived reality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates acoustic copies of the floating image locations by positioning transmitters at these locations. The transmitters emit sound that appears to originate from the floating image positions, creating a realistic auditory experience that matches the visual floating images. This copying approach maintains perceived reality while allowing centralized control through the controller system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sound sources are distributed at image locations, then sound localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal controller system that manages multiple transmitters and receivers across the venue. The controller coordinates all sound emission activities, allowing a single control unit to manage multiple distributed transmitters. This multi-functionality approach enables accurate sound localization at multiple image locations while avoiding the complexity of independent control systems for each transmitter.
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 the perceived reality of floating images by ensuring sound emanates from the image's location, improving guest experience through synchronized visual and auditory stimuli.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflector, comprising a retroreflective material and a reflective surface, adapted to: reflect the reflected first light to provide a first image at a first location, and reflect the reflected second light to provide a second image at a second location
Implementation Method 2
a beamsplitter adapted to: reflect a portion of the first light as reflected first light, and reflect a portion of the second light as reflected second light
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a first light source adapted to emit first light; a second light source adapted to emit second light; a beamsplitter adapted to: reflect a portion of the first light as reflected first light, and reflect a portion of the second light as reflected second light. The system may comprise a retroreflector, comprising a retroreflective material and a reflective surface, adapted to: reflect the reflected first light to provide a first image at a first location, and reflect the reflected second light to provide a second image at a second location. The system may comprise a first sound source adapted to output a first sound audible at the first location; a second sound source adapted to output a second sound audible at the second location. The system may comprise a controller adapted to cause the sounds to be output based on the light being emitted.