System and method for dress-up role interaction

Abstract

A system for controlling dress-up character interaction includes a character harness configured to be worn by a user. The character harness includes an electromagnet integrally incorporated into the character harness. The system also includes a stage item including a magnetic element integrally incorporated into the stage item. The system further includes a control interface coupled to the electromagnet. The control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnets via a control signal to control interaction between the character harness and the stage props via magnetic interaction between the electromagnets and the magnetic members.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing background information for the reader to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements will be understood in this light, rather than as a self-admission of the prior art.

[0002] In many entertainment venues and settings, there is a desire for entertainers to wear costumed and themed character outfits. These costumes can range from simple paper masks to fully customized themed performer suits that require prosthetics and extensions to the performer's limbs to similarly mimic the desired character. Many times, these costumes limit the performer's ability to realistically interact with their surroundings using the costumed or character's appendages (e.g., hands). Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a system to improve the interaction of costumed performers with their surroundings. Summary of the invention

[0003] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may comprise a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In an embodiment, a system for controlling the interaction of a costumed character includes a character costume, the character costume configured to be worn by a user. The character costume includes an electromagnet, the electromagnet is integrally incorporated into the character costume. The system also includes a stage prop (prop), which includes a magnetic piece integrally incorporated into the stage prop. The system further includes a control interface, which is coupled to the electromagnet. The control interface is configured to: activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

[0005] In an embodiment, a system for controlling the interaction of a costumed character includes a character costume, configured to be worn by a user. The character costume includes a magnetic member, which is integrally incorporated into the character costume. The system also includes a stage prop, which includes an electromagnet integrally incorporated into the stage prop. The system further includes a control interface, which is coupled to the electromagnet. The control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the stage prop and the character costume via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method for controlling the interaction of a costumed character includes: providing a control signal to an electromagnet via a control interface, the electromagnet being integrally incorporated into a character costume, the character costume being worn by a user. The method also includes: causing the electromagnet to activate or deactivate in response to the control signal to control the interaction between the character costume and a stage prop including a magnetic member via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling interactions of costumed characters (e.g., having a costume and a stage prop, the costume having an electromagnet, the stage prop having a magnetic piece) according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a system for controlling interactions of costumed characters (e.g., having a costume and a stage prop, the costume having magnetic pieces, the stage prop having an electromagnet) according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a system for controlling the interaction of a costumed character (e.g., having a costume and different stage props with various combinations of magnetic members and electromagnets) according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a character costume having an electromagnet according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a character costume interacting with a stage prop according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a character costume interacting with a stage prop in a scene according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a character costume interacting with a stage prop with a special effects generator according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling costumed character interactions according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present disclosure relates generally to costumes or themed character costumes for performers. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to utilizing electromagnetic locks for costume character interactions.

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but for ordinary technicians who benefit from the present disclosure, it will still be a routine task of design, construction and manufacturing.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method for controlling the interaction of costumed characters, specifically, using electromagnetic locking (e.g., formed between an electromagnet and a magnetic piece) for costumed character interaction. For example, a character costume worn by a person (e.g., a performer) may include an electromagnet that is integrally incorporated into the character costume. Complementary magnetic pieces (e.g., permanent magnets or ferromagnetic materials) are integrally incorporated into a stage prop (e.g., a theatrical property) or a show piece. In some embodiments, a stage prop or show piece (e.g., a gate of a fence, a door on a house, a piece of gear attached to a wall, etc.) may be part of a scene or stage. In response to a control signal from a control interface (e.g., a switch, a sensor, or a device having a circuit or other hardware that provides a control signal) that is communicatively connected (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to the electromagnet, the electromagnet can be activated or deactivated (e.g., turned on or off) to control the interaction between the character costume (e.g., an accessory of the character costume) and the stage prop or exhibit via the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece. In some embodiments, the arrangement can be reversed, wherein the stage prop or exhibit has an electromagnet and the character costume includes a complementary magnetic piece. When joined together, the electromagnet and the complementary magnetic piece form an electromagnetic lock. In some embodiments, the combination of the electromagnet and the complementary magnetic piece can enable interaction between multiple props and enable interaction between multiple props and the character costume. In some embodiments, the character costume and / or the stage prop or exhibit may include more than one of the electromagnet and / or the magnetic piece. In some embodiments, the character costume and / or the stage prop or exhibit may include at least one of each of the electromagnet and one magnetic piece. The disclosed system and method will make it easier for performers (e.g., in character costumes) to interact with their surroundings. In addition, the disclosed system and method broadens the types of interactions that performers can have with their surroundings.

[0012] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a system 10 (e.g., having a costume 12 and a stage prop 16, the costume 12 having an electromagnet 14, and the stage prop 16 having a magnetic piece 18) for controlling the interaction of dressed characters. The system 10 includes a character costume 12, and the character costume 12 is configured to be worn by a person (e.g., a performer or a performer). The person utilized in the following disclosure may include a creature (e.g., a human or an animal) or a robot. In certain embodiments, the character costume 12 may include a prosthesis and / or an extension, which is connected to the appendage or other body part of the person so that the character costume 12 can be very similar to the desired character. The character costume 12 may be configured to enable a person to interact with one or more stage props or exhibits 16 (e.g., hold, manipulate, etc.). In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 may be an integrally combined part of a scene or stage. For example, the stage prop 16 may be a gate of a fence, a door on a house, an apparatus attached to a wall, or some other items. In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 may be independent.

[0013] like Figure 1 , the stage prop 16 includes a magnetic member 18. The magnetic member 18 may be a permanent magnet or made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic member 18 may be in the form of a plate (e.g., an armature plate) or a strip that is integrally incorporated into the stage prop 16. The magnetic member 18 may be placed in a position on the stage prop 16 so that the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16 can interact normally (or appear to interact normally). For example, if the stage prop 16 is a fishing rod, the magnetic member 18 may be located in the handle of the fishing rod. In some embodiments, the stage prop 16 may include more than one magnetic member 18. In some embodiments, multiple stage props 16 may each include one or more corresponding magnetic members 18.

[0014] The electromagnet 14 is integrally incorporated into the character costume 12. The electromagnet 14 may be disposed in an appendage (e.g., a hand, foot, arm, leg) of the character costume 12 or in another portion (e.g., a torso, head, etc.) of the character costume 12. In some embodiments, the character costume 12 may include a plurality of electromagnets 14 located in different locations of the character costume 12.

[0015] As depicted, the electromagnet 14 is coupled to a control interface 20 (e.g., a switch). In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wired connection. As depicted, the control interface 20 (e.g., a switch, a sensor, or a device having a circuit or other hardware that provides a control signal) is disposed in the character costume 12. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 may be a switch or sensor integrally incorporated into a portion of the character costume 12, wherein a particular movement may cause the control interface 20 to provide a control signal to turn the electromagnet 14 on or off. For example, a switch or (one or more) sensors may be integrally incorporated into a grip of a finger or hand, wherein movement of the hand and / or fingers that mimics gripping (e.g., clenching) may trigger a control signal. In another embodiment, the switch or sensor may be integrally incorporated into a neck or head region and may be activated by a moment of the head. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 is located outside or away from the character costume 12. For example, the control interface 20 may be part of a device controlled by a performer's handler. The control interface 20 is configured to activate and deactivate (via control signals) the electromagnet 14 to control the interaction between the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16 via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic member 18. In some embodiments, when the electromagnet 14 is activated, the electromagnet 14 of the character costume 12 and the magnetic member 18 of the stage prop 16 engage with each other to form an electromagnetic lock (when deactivated, the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic member 18 are disengaged). In some embodiments, when the electromagnet 14 is activated, the electromagnet 14 of the character costume 12 and the magnetic member 18 of the stage prop 16 are disengaged from each other.

[0016] When disposed within the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may be located substantially in the same position as the electromagnet 14. For example, if the electromagnet 14 is located in the hand of the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may be located near the hand region in the arm. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 may be located in a different position from the electromagnet 14 in the character costume 12. For example, if the electromagnet 14 is located in the hand of the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may be located in the torso region or the neck region. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 may be directly manipulated by the hand or foot of the person within the character costume 12. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 may be manipulated by the performer pressing the portion of the character costume 12 (e.g., chest, forearm, etc.) where the control interface 20 is located from the outside. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 is located in a region where movement enables control signals to be sent to the electromagnet 14. For example, the control interface 20 may be located in the neck region of the character costume 12, and the rotation of the head or the nodding of the head may enable control signals to be sent from the control interface 20.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 for controlling the interaction of costumed characters having a reverse arrangement. Figure 2 , the character costume 12 includes a magnetic piece 18. As described above, the magnetic piece 18 may be a permanent magnet or made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic piece 18 may be in the form of a plate or strip that is integrally incorporated into the character costume 12. The magnetic piece 18 may be placed in a position of the character costume 12 so that the character costume 12 and the stage prop or exhibit 16 can interact normally (or appear to interact normally). For example, if the stage prop 16 is a baseball bat, the magnetic piece 18 may be located in the hand of the character costume 12. In some embodiments, the character costume 12 may include more than one magnetic piece 18. The magnetic piece 18 may be set in an appendage of the character costume 12 (e.g., a hand, foot, arm, leg) or in another part of the character costume 12 (e.g., a torso, head, etc.). In some embodiments, the character costume 12 may include multiple magnets located in different positions of the character costume 12.

[0018] The electromagnet 14 is integrally incorporated into the stage prop 16. The electromagnet 14 may be disposed in or at a location on the stage prop 16 so that the character costume 12 can interact normally (or appear to interact normally) with the stage prop or exhibit 16. For example, if the stage prop 16 is a baseball bat, the electromagnet 14 may be located in the handle of the baseball bat. In some embodiments, the stage prop 16 may include multiple electromagnets 14 located in different locations on the stage prop 16.

[0019] As depicted, the electromagnet 14 is coupled to a control interface 20 (e.g., a switch). In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wired connection. As depicted, the control interface 20 is disposed in the stage prop 16. In some embodiments, the control interface 20 is located outside or remote from the stage prop 16. For example, the control interface 20 may be part of a device controlled by a performer's processor. The control interface 20 is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet 14 (via a control signal) to control the interaction between the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16 via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic piece 18. In some embodiments, when the electromagnet 14 is activated, the electromagnet 14 of the stage prop 16 and the magnetic piece 18 of the character costume 12 engage with each other (e.g., forming an electromagnetic lock). In certain embodiments, when the electromagnet 14 is activated, the electromagnet 14 of the stage prop 16 and the magnetic piece 18 of the character costume are disengaged from each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the magnetic member 18 is made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., a ferromagnetic metal member, such as a plate). However, in some embodiments, the magnetic member 18 may be a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet may not be strong enough on its own to interact with the electromagnet 14 (e.g., in the character costume 12), and the activation of the electromagnet 14 will generate a greater attraction between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet to generate an electromagnetic lock. In some embodiments, since permanent magnets typically have two poles, the permanent magnets may be arranged in the costume and / or the stage prop 16 so that a specific pole is oriented to generate a specific effect (e.g., repulsion or attraction) between the stage prop 16 or between the stage prop 16 and the character costume 12. In some embodiments, due to the thickness of the character costume 12, a couple of electromagnets 14 may be used to form an electromagnetic lock 14 with the magnetic member 18. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 18 itself may be an electromagnet.

[0021] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 for controlling the interaction of a costumed character (e.g., having a costume 12 and various stage props 16 with various combinations of magnets 18 and electromagnets 14). Figure 3, some stage props 16 (e.g., stage props 22) include magnetic pieces 18, while other stage props 16 (e.g., stage props 23, 24) include electromagnets 14. Some stage props 16 (e.g., stage props 24) include electromagnets 14 coupled to switches 26. Switches 26 are coupled to special effect generators 28 (e.g., special effect devices). Special effect generators 28 may be activated via or based on magnetic coupling between electromagnets 14 and magnetic pieces 18 (e.g., magnetic coupling may be detected, or magnetic coupling otherwise causes an activation signal). In one embodiment, the control signal from the control interface 20 may increase in intensity to trigger the switch 26 to activate the special effect generator 28. This may occur after a controlled time delay. Special effect generators 28 may be rotating items (e.g., wheels of a pinwheel toy or saw blades on a saw), lighting effects (e.g., LED lights for flames on a torch), confetti ejected from stage props 16, or any other type of special effect generator 28. In certain embodiments, some stage props 16 may include one or more of the magnetic members 18 and one or more of the electromagnets 14. In certain embodiments, multiple stage props 16 may interact directly with each other, and the interaction may be controlled via one or more control interfaces 20 (via various combinations of various electromagnets 14 and magnetic members 18). Multiple interacting stage props 16 may also interact with character costumes 12. For example, an electromagnet 14 of a character costume 12 (e.g., located in the hand of the character costume 12) may be utilized to interact with a stage prop 22 (e.g., a fishing rod having a first magnetic member 18 and a second magnetic member 18, the first magnetic member 18 being located in the handle and the second magnetic member 18 being located in a hook on the end of the fishing line of the fishing rod). The stage prop 22 (e.g., the hook on the end of the fishing line of the fishing rod) may interact with a stage prop 23 (e.g., a fish) having an electromagnet 14.

[0022] like Figure 3 , character costume 12 includes magnetic member 18. In addition, character costume 12 includes electromagnet 14. Therefore, via electromagnet 14 within character costume 12, character costume 12 can interact with stage prop 16 (e.g., stage prop 22) that includes magnetic member 18. In addition, character costume 12 can also interact with stage prop 16 (e.g., stage prop 23, 24) that includes electromagnet 14.

[0023] The system 10 may include one or more control interfaces 20. Figure 3, the control interface 20 is located remotely from the stage prop 16 and the character costume 12. The electromagnets 14 each include a receiver 25 for receiving wireless control signals from the control interface 20. In some embodiments, each respective electromagnet 14 (in the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16) may be controlled by a respective control interface 20 (e.g., on a separate control device). In some embodiments, multiple electromagnets 14 may be controlled by a single control interface 20 that is part of a single control device. In some embodiments, one or more of the character costume 12 and / or the stage prop 16 may have a remote control interface 20, while others may have a control interface 20 disposed within the stage prop 16 and / or the character costume 12.

[0024] Figure 4 1 is a schematic view of a character costume 12 having an electromagnet 14. The character costume 12 has a person 29 (e.g., a performer) disposed within the costume 12. As depicted, the electromagnet 14 is disposed within a hand 30 of the character costume 12. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be disposed within another portion of the character costume 12 (e.g., a foot, an arm, a leg, a head, a torso, some extension of the costume 12, etc.). The electromagnet 14 is coupled to a control interface 20 (e.g., via a wired connection). The control interface 20 may be actuated via manipulation by the person 29 within the character costume 12 (e.g., via the person's hand). In some embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be wirelessly coupled to the control interface 20. For example, as Figure 4 As depicted in , the control interface 20 may be disposed in the head / neck region such that movement of the head (eg, rotational movement 32) may actuate the control interface 20 to send wireless control signals to control the electromagnet 14. Figure 4 , the electromagnet 14 is activated to engage with a stage prop 16 (eg, a book) such that the hand 30 of the character costume 12 is holding the stage prop 16.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a portion 34 of a character costume interacting with a stage prop 16. In some embodiments, activation of an electromagnet 14 may cause the stage prop 16 to be repelled away from the electromagnet 14 by opposing magnetic forces. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the electromagnet 14 is located in the foot 36 of the character costume 12, and the magnetic member 18 is located in contact with the stage prop 16 (e.g., a ball). Using a control signal (e.g., a wireless control signal) from the control interface 20 received by the receiver 25 connected to the electromagnet 14, the electromagnet 14 can be activated (e.g., provided with power) whenever the foot 36 approaches the stage prop 16, causing the stage prop 16 (e.g., the ball) to be repelled away from the foot 36 based on the opposite magnetic force, so that it looks as if the foot 36 is kicking the stage prop 16.

[0026] Figure 6 3 is a schematic view of a character costume 12 interacting with a stage prop 16 that is part of a scene 38 on a stage. The scene 38 includes a house set behind a fence 41. As depicted, a performer in the character costume 12 is able to open or close a door 42 (e.g., a stage prop 16) of the fence 41 via interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic member 18 as described above (e.g., via a control signal from the control interface 20). For example, the magnetic member 18 may be located in a handle 44 of the door 42, and the electromagnet 14 is located in a hand 46 of the character costume 12. Alternatively, the electromagnet 14 may be located in the handle 44, and the magnetic member 18 is located in the hand 46 of the character costume 12. The door 48 of the house 40 may be another stage prop 16. For example, a performer in the character costume 12 may be able to open or close the door 48 of the house 40 using a combination of the electromagnet 14 and the magnet.

[0027] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a character costume 12 interacting with a stage prop 16 with a special effects generator 28. Figure 7 , the hand 50 of the character costume 12 interacts with (e.g., grasps) a stage prop 16 (e.g., a sword) via a combination of the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic piece 18 interacting as described above. For example, the magnetic piece 18 may be located in the stage prop 16 (e.g., the handle of a sword) and the electromagnet 14 is located in the hand 50 of the character costume 12. Alternatively, the electromagnet 14 may be located in the stage prop 16 (e.g., the handle of a sword) and the magnetic piece 18 is located in the hand 50 of the character costume 12. An additional electromagnet 49 may be provided in or on the stage prop 16, the additional electromagnet 49 being coupled to a switch coupled to a special effect generator 28 (e.g., a spark emitting device) to generate a special effect 51. When the additional electromagnet 49 is activated to a certain intensity, the special effect generator 28 may be activated (e.g., emitting sparks). In some embodiments, switch 26 may be coupled to a component (eg, magnet 18 or electromagnet 14 ) disposed within stage prop 16 and may trigger special effect 51 when magnet 18 and electromagnet 14 of stage prop 16 and character costume 12 are coupled.

[0028] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method 52 for controlling the interaction of dressed characters. The method 52 may be performed by Figures 1 to 352 is performed by one of the systems 10 described in . Method 52 includes: obtaining or receiving input, input that affects the interaction of the costumed role (at a control interface or a device communicating with the control interface) (box 53). For example, an input may be obtained or received, indicating that the visitor present during the costumed role interaction has a certain standing or level, which may facilitate a specific costumed role interaction or how the costumed role interaction may occur. For example, if the visitor is an 8th-level warlock, this may enable the costumed character to successfully perform a costumed role interaction (e.g., pick up a prop sword). In another example, the input may cause the costumed role interaction (e.g., event / coupling) to occur once every five attempts, or randomly. Method 52 includes: providing a control signal to the electromagnet via the control interface (box 54). In some embodiments, the electromagnet may be integrally integrated into the character costume by a person (e.g., a performer). In some embodiments, the electromagnet is set in a stage prop or exhibit. The control interface may be located within the character costume or stage prop, or away from the character costume or stage prop. The character costume or stage prop carries an electromagnet. The control signal may be provided wirelessly or via a wired connection. Method 52 also includes: causing the electromagnet to activate or deactivate to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop via the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and a magnetic piece (e.g., a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material) (frame 56). In some embodiments, in the case where the character costume has an electromagnet, the magnetic piece is set in or on the stage prop. In some embodiments, in the case where the stage prop has an electromagnet, the magnetic piece is set in the character costume (e.g., in an appendage, torso, head or other member of the costume). Method 52 may include: repeating the steps in frames 54 and 56 to reverse the engagement or disengagement between the character costume and the stage prop. For example, if the first control signal causes the electromagnet to engage with the magnetic piece, the second control signal causes the electromagnet to disengage from the magnetic piece. If the first control signal causes the electromagnet to disengage from the magnetic member, the second control signal causes the electromagnet to engage with the magnet (e.g., to form an electromagnetic lock). In some embodiments, activation of the electromagnet causes attraction between the stage prop and the character costume (e.g., to form an electromagnetic lock). In some embodiments, activation of the electromagnet causes repulsion between the stage prop and the character costume.

[0029] In some embodiments, as described above, the special effect generator may be connected to an electromagnet (e.g., via a switch). In some embodiments, when the electromagnet forms a connection with the magnetic member, the connection or detection of the connection may provide a secondary activation of the special effect generator. For example, in the case of magnetic coupling, a near-field signal may be provided to cause the special effect generator to generate a special effect (e.g., ignite a flame effect or turn on a light). In another example, due to the power provided from the power supply side (i.e., the location of the electromagnet) (e.g., a character costume or a stage prop), induction may be used to power the generation of special effects (via the special effect generator). In another example, a pressure switch or some other sensor may be activated by the connection between the electromagnet and the magnetic member to start the special effect via the special effect generator. In some embodiments, a slight delay may occur before the special effect is generated (e.g., after the coupling between the electromagnet and the magnetic member). In some embodiments, a simple communication link may be powered or established, which enables a person in a character costume to activate the special effect when desired. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet may be directly coupled to the electromagnet (eg, via a switch), and activation of the electromagnet may cause the special effect to be generated by the special effect generator.

[0030] The technology presented and claimed herein is referenced and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties that significantly improve the art and are thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "steps for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (35 U.S.C. 112(f)). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements will not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0031] Although only certain features of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It will therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. A system for controlling interaction between costumed characters, the system comprising: a character costume configured to be worn by a user; an electromagnet integrally incorporated into said character costume; stage props; A magnetic piece, which is integrally integrated into the stage prop; as well as A control interface is coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The electromagnet is configured to cause a detachment between the character costume and the stage prop when the electromagnet is activated in response to the control signal.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The electromagnet is configured to cause engagement between the character costume and the stage prop when the electromagnet is activated in response to the control signal to form an electromagnetic lock between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The control interface is arranged in the character costume.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The control interface is physically coupled to the electromagnet.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the electromagnet by controlling power to the electromagnet.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The control interface is positioned remote from the character costume.

8. The system of claim 6, comprising additional stage props, the additional stage props comprising additional electromagnets, wherein: The stage prop includes an additional magnetic piece, wherein the control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the additional electromagnet to control interaction between the additional stage prop and the stage prop via magnetic interaction between the additional electromagnet and the additional magnetic piece.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The stage prop includes: an additional electromagnet, a special effect generator, and a switch, the switch is connected to the additional electromagnet and the special effect generator, and wherein the control interface is configured to: wirelessly control the additional electromagnet to control the special effect generator via the switch to generate a special effect.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The electromagnet is located in an appendage of the character costume.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The stage props are part of the scene on the stage.

12. A system for controlling interaction between costumed characters, the system comprising: a character costume configured to be worn by a user; a magnetic piece integrally incorporated into the character's costume; stage props; an electromagnet integrally incorporated into the stage prop; as well as A control interface is coupled to the electromagnet, wherein the control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the stage prop and the character costume via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The electromagnet is configured to cause a detachment between the character costume and the stage prop when the electromagnet is activated in response to the control signal.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The electromagnet is configured to cause engagement between the character costume and the stage prop when the electromagnet is activated in response to the control signal to form an electromagnetic lock between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein: The control interface is arranged in the stage prop.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein: The control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the electromagnet by controlling power to the electromagnet.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein: The stage prop includes: an additional electromagnet, a special effect generator, and a switch, the switch is connected to the additional electromagnet and the special effect generator, and wherein the control interface is configured to: wirelessly control the additional electromagnet to control the special effect generator via the switch to generate a special effect.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein: The magnetic piece is located in an appendage of the character costume.

19. A method for controlling interaction between costumed characters, the method comprising: providing, via a control interface, a control signal to an electromagnet, the electromagnet being integrally incorporated into a character costume, the character costume being worn by a user; and In response to the control signal, the electromagnet is caused to be activated or deactivated to control the interaction between the character costume and a stage prop including the magnetic member via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic member.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Providing the control signal via the control interface includes wirelessly providing the control signal to the electromagnet.

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