Interactive Object Tracking via Photodiode Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

In crowded interactive entertainment settings, identifying and tracking interactive objects carried by multiple guests is challenging due to overlapping light reflections and movements.

Innovation Solution

An interactive object control system that uses processing circuitry to send instructions to interactive objects to emit light, receives photodiode array data to determine object position, and uses camera image data to identify and track the object's motion, generating special effect outputs based on the object's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple guests carry interactive objects in a crowded entertainment setting, then the entertainment experience is enhanced, but identifying and tracking individual objects becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteractive entertainment experienceVSAvoidobject identification and tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different colors to different interactive objects (e.g., blue for first guest, red for second guest). The photodiode array detects these color differences to identify which guest is holding which object, resolving the identification challenge in crowded settings where multiple objects are present simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of photodiode arrays and processing circuitry that mediates between the multiple interactive objects and the control system. This intermediary detects light emissions from objects, determines their positions, and provides identification data, enabling the system to track and respond to individual objects even when multiple guests are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If photodiode arrays are used to detect light from interactive objects, then object position can be determined, but light reflections from multiple objects may overlap and cause detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject position detectionVSAvoidlight reflection data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning unique color properties to different interactive objects. Each object emits light with a specific color characteristic, allowing the photodiode array to distinguish between objects based on their local color quality rather than treating all light reflections uniformly. This prevents data loss and maintains detection precision even when multiple objects are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength (color) for different objects. By having objects emit light at different wavelengths (e.g., different colors), the system can differentiate between objects based on spectral parameters. The processing circuitry analyzes these parameter differences to accurately identify and track each object independently, preventing confusion from overlapping light reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system efficiently identifies and tracks interactive objects even in crowded environments, enabling personalized special effects based on user profiles and accurate assignment of accomplishments.

Implementation Method 1

receive photodiode array data from one or more photodiode arrays, wherein the photodiode array data is indicative of detection of the light emitted by the one or more object emitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

identify the interactive object in the image data based on the position of the interactive object in the interactive environment and an indication of reflected light in the image data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250095163A1Systems and methods for tracking an interactive object

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC

AI summary

An interactive object control system includes processing circuitry with one or more processors and memory storing instructions, that when executed by the processing circuitry cause the processing circuitry to send instructions to an interactive object to cause one or more object emitters of the interactive object to emit light; receive photodiode array data from one or more photodiode arrays, wherein the photodiode array data is indicative of detection of the light emitted by the one or more object emitters of the interactive object; determine a position of the interactive object in an interactive environment based on the photodiode array data; receive image data from one or more cameras; identify the interactive object in the image data based on the position of the interactive object in the interactive environment and an indication of reflected light in the image data.