Infrared Subtitle Projection for Immersive Attractions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guests at amusement parks may miss parts of the immersive experience due to not understanding dialogue or communications in attractions, as current attractions do not effectively provide subtitles or translations for all guests.
Innovation Solution
An entertainment enhancement system using an infrared projection system that outputs invisible infrared images, which can be viewed only through a wearable device with a filter assembly that shifts the infrared frequency to visible light, allowing guests to see subtitles or translations without distracting other visitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visible light projection is used to display subtitles or translations, then guests can understand the dialogue, but it will distract other visitors from the immersive experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the subtitle projection selective and localized to specific guests through the use of infrared technology. Only guests wearing the special viewing glasses can see the subtitles, while other guests experience the attraction without distraction. This creates a localized information delivery system that addresses individual needs without affecting the overall environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light frequency from visible spectrum to infrared spectrum. By projecting subtitles in infrared light that is invisible to the naked eye but detectable by the special glasses with infrared LEDs and photodetectors, the system enables subtitle visibility for those who need it while keeping the projection invisible to other guests, thus eliminating the distraction problem.
2Loss of information
If infrared projection is used, then only guests with viewing devices can see subtitles, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of infrared LEDs embedded in the viewing glasses and corresponding photodetectors in the projection system. This intermediary layer enables selective reception of infrared subtitles only by guests wearing the glasses, creating a clean separation between the projection source and the selective display mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy mechanism where the infrared subtitles are projected as light patterns that can be detected and converted into visible signals by the viewing glasses. The glasses essentially copy the infrared information into a form the guest can perceive, while the original infrared projection remains invisible to others.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subtitles are provided to all guests, then everyone understands the dialogue, but the unique immersive experience is compromised for those who don't need translations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where subtitle display is activated only when needed. The control system detects which guests are wearing the viewing glasses and selectively projects infrared subtitles only toward those guests, dynamically adjusting the information delivery based on real-time guest characteristics and needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the guest audience into two groups: those who need subtitle assistance and those who do not. By using infrared technology and selective projection, the system delivers subtitles only to the segment that requires them (identified by wearing the special glasses), while leaving the other segment unaffected, thus preserving their immersive experience.
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 guests to fully participate in the immersive experience by providing readable subtitles or translations, while maintaining the unique experience for others who do not use the viewing device.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly configured to shift the infrared image from an infrared frequency to a visible light frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
An entertainment enhancement system includes an infrared projection system configured to output an infrared image to a target surface. The infrared projection system includes a controller configured to coordinate projection of the infrared image with a separate action by generating instructions for projecting the infrared image based on data received by the controller indicative of an active status of the separate action and an infrared emitter configured to receive the generated instructions and emit the infrared image to the target surface. The system also includes a viewing device configured to be wearable by a user. The viewing device includes at least one lens and a filter assembly configured to shift the infrared image from an infrared frequency to a visible light frequency such that the infrared image is viewable on the target surface via the viewing device.