Audience interaction projection system

Tracks a handheld device via infrared and projects a targeted visible light beam through the air toward it, creating an illusion the beam originates from the device itself, for audience interaction effects.

A process and system capture infrared light that is reflected or emitted from a device to precisely locate the device. The process and system project visible light from a light source toward the device such that the light is precisely targeted at the device. Preferably the visible light passes through an atmosphere containing particulate matter rendering the visible light as a beam that appears to emanate from the device rather than fromthe light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS(1) The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:(2) FIG. 1A illustrates an audience interaction projection system.(3) FIG. 1B illustrates an audience interaction projection system that operates retroreflection without receiving invisible light from the invisible light source illustrated in FIG. 1A.(4) FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a theatrical performance configuration that uses the audience interaction projection system illustrated in FIG. 1.(5) FIG. 2B illustratesa mobile communication configuration.(6) FIG. 3 illustrates a projection system configuration that uses a beam splitter.(7) FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the audience interaction projection system configuration is used to provide a user with an entertainment experience.(8) FIG. 5 illustrates a process that provides audience member or user interaction with an entertainment experience.DETAILED DESCRIPTION(9) An audience interaction projection system provides a lighting feature that provides a new way for an audience member to participate in an entertainment experience, e.g., theatrical performance, theme park feature, concert, sporting event, movie, etc. The audience member may actually feel as if they are launching powerful beams of laser-like light towards objects on the st