Infrared Video Tracking for Dynamic Water Feature Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers, pose challenges for light-based displays due to their smooth surfaces, which result in most projected light being transmitted through the water rather than reflected, leading to unclear or distorted images and undesirable illumination of the water's bottom, revealing equipment or unsightly substrates.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a dynamic water feature by creating a plurality of bubbles on the water's surface using a bubble generation mechanism, tracked by an infrared camera to determine the location and size of the agitated area, allowing a video mask to be generated to project images only onto the dynamic surface, thereby reflecting light over a wide range of angles and avoiding transmission through non-agitated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is projected onto a smooth water surface, then the water surface remains visually appealing and equipment remains hidden, but most light is transmitted through the water rather than reflected, resulting in unclear or distorted images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a dynamic water feature with moving bubbles on the water surface. The bubble generation mechanism continuously produces rising bubbles that aggregate in the projected light path, creating a time-varying projection surface. This dynamic bubble aggregation increases light reflection dynamically, allowing clear image projection while maintaining the natural appearance of the water surface when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the water surface by introducing air bubbles that alter the optical properties. The bubbles change the refractive index and surface texture dynamically, transforming the smooth water surface into a light-reflecting medium. This parameter change enables sufficient light reflection for clear image projection without requiring a fixed or artificial surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dynamic water feature with bubbles is created to improve light reflection, then image quality improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air bubbles as an intermediary medium between the projector and the water surface. The bubbles serve as a transient projection surface that facilitates light reflection without requiring permanent structural modifications. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve high image quality while avoiding complex fixed infrastructure, as the bubbles are naturally generated and dissipate after use.
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
This solution enhances the quality of light-based displays on water surfaces by ensuring that the majority of projected light is reflected onto the dynamic bubble surface, providing a clear and engaging visual experience without illuminating the water's bottom or underlying structures.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera receiving a portion of the delivered infrared light that is reflected by the gas bubbles
Implementation Method 2
A dynamic water feature or dynamic projection surface is formed on the liquid or water surface (with water often used interchangeably for liquid in this description but not in a limiting manner) by providing a plurality of bubbles such as with an air or other gas stream provided by a bubble generation system
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system for projecting a still or video image onto a liquid surface. The system includes an agitation mechanism selectively operable to generate gas bubbles on the liquid surface. The system includes a tracking system tracking a location, size, and shape of the gas bubbles on the liquid surface. The system also includes a projector projecting a video stream onto the gas bubbles based on the location, shape, and size of the area of the liquid surface containing the gas bubbles. The tracking system may include an infrared (IR) light source delivering IR light to the liquid surface and an IR video camera receiving a portion of the delivered IR light that is reflected by the gas bubbles. The reflected IR light defines a dynamic projection surface presented by the gas bubbles on the liquid surface by defining a boundary on the liquid surface about the gas bubbles.