Interactive Objects With Optical Power Harvesting for Special Effects
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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 require frequent battery replacements, hindering immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
The use of passively powered interactive objects that harness electromagnetic radiation, specifically infrared light, to power on-board special effect systems through optical power harvesting, eliminating the need for visible power buttons or internal power supplies and allowing for controlled activation of effects within the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If handheld objects are used to interact with immersive environments, then users can generate special effects, but the objects have limited power capacity and require frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the handheld object by introducing an external power source (laser emitter) that wirelessly transmits energy to the object. This eliminates the need for internal batteries and power management systems within the handheld device, effectively removing the power supply subsystem from the moving object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical battery system with an optical wireless power transmission system. Instead of using chemical energy storage (batteries), the system uses optical energy (laser) to wirelessly power the handheld object, substituting a mechanical power supply with an optical field-based power delivery mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If internal power supplies are installed in interactive objects, then effects can be powered, but visible power buttons and internal power supplies are required which reduce immersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all visible power buttons, switches, and internal power supply components from the handheld object. The power delivery function is extracted and relocated to an external stationary source, leaving the handheld object as a clean, immersion-friendly device with no visible power management interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external laser emitter as an intermediary device that mediates the power delivery between the power source and the handheld object. This intermediary enables wireless power transfer through optical energy, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections or visible power components on the handheld device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interactive objects are deployed in the environment, then variety of effects can be generated, but tracking and controlling which objects are powered becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each handheld object contains a retroreflective marker that reflects laser light back to detectors. This passive optical feedback allows the system to automatically track the location and orientation of multiple objects in real-time, enabling the controller to selectively power specific objects based on their detected positions without requiring manual input or complex active transmitters on each object.
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 interactive objects to generate variable special effects independently, enhancing user immersion by providing power without user intervention and reducing maintenance needs, while allowing precise control over which objects are powered and when, thus improving the overall experience.
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.