Interactive Object Power Harvesting With Infrared Reflector Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive objects in immersive environments, such as amusement parks, often lack the capability to generate variable special effects independently of user input and require internal power sources, which are limited and costly, hindering immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
A passively powered interactive object system that uses infrared light and a reflector assembly to harvest power, allowing for the activation of special effects through external electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for visible power buttons or internal power supplies and enabling controlled power delivery to specific objects within an environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handheld devices are used to interact with immersive environments, then users can generate special effects, but the devices have limited power capacity and cannot operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive object harvests power from the infrared radiation emitted by the base station, eliminating the need for internal batteries or external power sources. The object serves itself by converting the ambient infrared energy into electrical power through photovoltaic cells, enabling independent operation without user intervention for power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector assembly acts as an intermediary that redirects infrared radiation from the base station onto the interactive object. This intermediary component enables the transfer of energy from the base station to the object, allowing wireless power delivery and eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight or complex power transmission mechanisms.
2Reliability
If internal power supplies are installed in interactive objects, then devices can operate independently, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the interactive object and relocated to the base station. Instead of embedding batteries or power management systems in each object, the power generation capability is centralized in the base station, which then wirelessly delivers power to objects as needed. This extraction eliminates the need for internal power supplies while maintaining independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/electrical power transmission system (batteries, wiring, power management circuits) is replaced with an optical wireless power transmission system. Infrared radiation carries the power wirelessly from the base station to the object, eliminating the need for physical power supplies and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If visible power buttons are provided on interactive objects, then users can control power, but users with certain abilities may struggle to access them
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive object automatically receives power when within range of the base station and when the base station detects the need to activate effects. No user action is required to power the device or control power delivery - the system self-regulates based on environmental conditions and interaction requirements, making it accessible to all users regardless of physical ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user's interaction intent and the object's power state. Instead of requiring direct user manipulation of power buttons, the base station detects interaction conditions and automatically manages power delivery to the appropriate objects, creating an accessible interface for all users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interactive objects are deployed in an environment, then variety of effects increases, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves multiple functions: it emits infrared radiation for wireless power delivery to multiple objects simultaneously, detects the presence and state of objects, controls the activation of effects, and manages power distribution. This universal platform handles all power management tasks for the entire system, eliminating the need for individual power management in each object and simplifying overall system complexity.
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 immersive experiences by allowing interactive objects to generate variable special effects independently, reducing maintenance needs and enabling users of all abilities to engage with immersive environments without worrying about battery replacement, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an optical power harvesting device configured to receive the infrared light through the reflector assembly and to harvest power from the received infrared light
Implementation Method 2
a reflector assembly that transmits the electromagnetic radiation through a first portion of the reflector assembly to the power harvesting device and that reflects the electromagnetic radiation to an external detector from a second portion of the reflector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive object system includes an interactive object and a source of electromagnetic radiation, e.g., an external source. A power harvesting device of the interactive object receives and harvests power from the electromagnetic radiation to power a special effect system of the interactive object. In an embodiment, the interactive object includes a retroreflective material that reflects electromagnetic radiation, which may be of a same or different wavelength as the electromagnetic radiation from which power is harvested. The interactive object system detects the reflected electromagnetic radiation, which may be used to trigger one or more additional actions related to the interactive object.