Directional Smoke and Light Integration for Portable 3D Visual Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generating 3D light patterns, particularly 'light saber' style effects, are either too large and non-portable or lack correlation between smoke and light projections, limiting their use in special effects and applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable apparatus that combines a controlled smoke generator with a directional smoke propeller and a controlled light generator, allowing precise manipulation of smoke density, propulsion, light color, intensity, and movement to create 3D visual effects, using a synthetic smoke space as a projection medium for one or more light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smoke generator is made large and non-portable, then smoke generation capability is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the smoke generator and light projector into a single integrated device, merging previously separate functions into one portable unit that maintains both smoke generation capability and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously - generating smoke, projecting light patterns, and creating 3D visual effects - making it a universal tool for various visual effect applications while remaining portable
2Device complexity
If smoke generator and light projector are used as distinct equipment, then device complexity is reduced, but visual effect quality and correlation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the smoke generator and light projector into a single integrated device with coordinated control, ensuring precise spatial and temporal correlation between smoke emission and light projection for high-quality 3D visual effects
3Illumination intensity
If smoke density is increased for better visibility, then visual effect quality improves, but smoke control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control of smoke generation parameters, allowing real-time adjustment of smoke density and flow rate to optimize both visibility and control precision during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor smoke density and adjust generation parameters accordingly, maintaining optimal visibility while preserving precise control over smoke characteristics
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 the creation of precise, highly visible 3D images and multi-colored visual effects, such as cylinders, cones, and flames, with the apparatus being compact and handheld, enhancing user experience through audio and force feedback systems.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle provided with a heating means, supplied with a liquid substance capable of forming a dense smoke when heating up
Implementation Method 2
the propelling means comprises a turbine
Implementation Method 3
the heating means comprises a resistive wire surrounding said fibrous tubular element
Implementation Method 4
a controlled light generator, capable of generating one or more light beams in the smoke beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes an apparatus for generating three-dimensional visual effects, characterised in that it comprises, in combination: a controlled smoke generator (10) comprising a synthetic smoke source and a means for directionally propelling the smoke produced by the generator in order to form a plume of smoke extending in a certain direction, and a controlled light generator (20), suitable for generating one or more light beams in the plume of smoke and in the direction in which it extends, the light beam or beams being essentially contained in said plume of smoke. Application in particular to the production of “lightsaber” visual effects, and more generally to varied three-dimensional light effects.