Retroreflective Target Light Effects System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating immersive light effects for handheld devices in dynamic environments is challenging due to power consumption and simulating supernatural effects in real-world settings, especially in small and lightweight devices.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a moveable platform with a retroreflective target, location sensors, and a controller to adjust the light source's position based on the user's gaze direction, creating a halo or bloom effect by reflecting light from the retroreflective target, which enhances the light effect without significant power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light effects are integrated into handheld devices to create supernatural or unusual effects, then the light effects are highly visible and engaging, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retroreflective target as an intermediary element that reflects light from the light source back toward the user's eyes. This mediator enhances the perceived brightness and creates supernatural light effects without requiring the light source to emit extremely high intensity, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining visual impact
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the color of light emitted by the light source based on detected gaze direction and environmental conditions. By using color variation instead of solely relying on intensity increases, the system creates engaging supernatural effects while consuming less power, as color LED elements can be adjusted without proportionally increasing energy usage
2Illumination intensity
If the light source intensity is increased to create supernatural effects, then the effects are more visible, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective target serves as a passive intermediary that amplifies the appearance of light intensity without adding significant weight. The target reflects and concentrates light back toward the user, creating the perception of high-intensity supernatural effects while the actual light source remains lightweight and low-power
Solution Approach 2:
The system shifts from relying solely on light intensity (one dimension) to incorporating spatial and temporal dimensions through gaze tracking and dynamic positioning. By controlling when and where light is emitted based on user gaze, the system creates intense localized effects without needing continuously high power output, thereby reducing overall device weight requirements
3Illumination intensity
If the system continuously emits light to maintain visibility, then the light effects remain consistently visible, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic or on-demand light emission triggered by detected gaze direction rather than continuous emission. The light source activates only when the retroreflective target is positioned in the user's field of view, creating visible supernatural effects at specific moments while conserving energy during intervals when effects are not needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gaze detection feedback to control light emission timing and intensity. By continuously monitoring user gaze direction and adjusting light emission accordingly, the system ensures light effects are visible precisely when users are looking, eliminating energy waste from continuous or misplaced illumination while maintaining consistent visual engagement
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 achieves an enhanced light effect that is visible and engaging, reducing power consumption while providing an immersive experience by leveraging retroreflection to create a supernatural-like effect, adjustable in visibility and intensity.
Implementation Method 1
A system includes a moveable platform having a retroreflective target
Data Source
AI summary
A special effects system includes a retroreflective target, an object comprising one or more light sources disposed on an end of the object, where the end of the object is spatially oriented to face the retroreflective target such that light from the one or more light sources is emitted onto the retroreflective target, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more light sources, wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to adjust the light from the light source based in part on the on the one or more signals output by the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of a position of the object, or a condition of the one or more light sources.