Retro-Reflective Show Elements for Discreet Hidden-Object Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement park attractions lack effective methods for guests to discover hidden objects without inadvertently alerting other guests to their location.

Innovation Solution

The use of retro-reflective objects with a retro-reflective layer, transparent layer, and translucent layer to create a glowing visual effect when illuminated by a light source, allowing guests to discover hidden objects while minimizing visibility to others.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a hidden object is made visible to all guests simultaneously, then the entertainment experience is enhanced through shared discovery, but the surprise and engagement for individual participants is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of hidden objectVSAvoidindividual guest engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retro-reflective object is designed to have directional reflectivity, creating different visual properties for different observers. The object appears visible only to guests positioned at specific locations where the reflected light reaches their eyes, while appearing invisible or non-glowing to guests at other locations. This local differentiation in visual quality enables individualized discovery experiences while maintaining overall entertainment value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If a light source is used to illuminate the retro-reflective object, then the visual effect is enhanced, but the risk of inadvertently alerting other guests increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual effect intensityVSAvoidvisibility to other guests

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retro-reflective layer is configured to reflect light directionally back toward the light source position. This creates a localized visual effect that is primarily visible to the guest holding the light source, while minimizing light scattering in other directions. The harmful effect of alerting other guests is reduced because the reflected light does not uniformly illuminate the object from all viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of light reflection into a beneficial directional reflection property. By designing the retro-reflective layer to specifically reflect light back toward the source, the system transforms what could be a general illumination problem into a controlled visual effect that enhances the experience for the active participant while minimizing distraction to others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the retro-reflective object is made opaque to block light, then the visibility control is improved, but the transparency required for light passage is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blocking capabilityVSAvoidtransparency of layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The retro-reflective object is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple layers with different optical properties: a transparent layer that allows light passage, a retro-reflective layer that directionally reflects light, and an opaque scrim layer that can be selectively positioned. This composite design enables the object to simultaneously provide light transmission for the retro-reflective effect and light blocking capabilities where needed, resolving the contradiction between transparency and opacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables guests to find hidden objects discreetly, enhancing the entertainment experience by maintaining surprise and engagement for all participants.

Implementation Method 1

a retro-reflective layer configured to receive light from a light source and directionally reflect the light back towards the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

a transparent layer configured to enable passage of the light towards the retro-reflective layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

a translucent layer overlaid onto the transparent layer and configured to provide the retro-reflective object with one or more light effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentUS20250294132A1Retro-reflective show element systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC

AI summary

An entertainment attraction for an entertainment venue includes a retro-reflective object including a retro-reflective layer configured to directionally reflect light, a transparent layer configured to enable passage of the light towards the retro-reflective layer, and a translucent layer overlaid onto the transparent layer and configured to provide the retro-reflective object with one or more light effects. The entertainment attraction also including a light source configured to direct the light to the retro-reflective object.