Customized avatars for use with non-fungible tokens

Abstract

A customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-homogenized tokens (NTTs) associated with a user within the amusement park attraction. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured to adapt the NET-based virtual features in conjunction with the displayed avatar. The system also includes a display configured to display the avatar in combination with the virtual feature.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480038908.3 (22) Application Date 2024.06.07 (30) Priority Data 63 / 472502 2023.06.12 US 18 / 735894 2024.06.06 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.10 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 033088 2024.06.07 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 258745 EN 2024.12.19 (71) Applicant: Universal City Cinema LLC, Address: California, USA (72) Inventors: A. Pagliuca, J.L. Bender, A. Mello, R.A. Rodriguez (74) Patent Agency: China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited, 72001 Patent Attorneys: Wang Bin, Liu Chunyuan (51) Int.Cl. A63F 13 / 27 (2006.01) A63F 13 / 63 (2006.01) A63F 13 / 69 (2006.01) A63F 13 / 71 (2006.01) A63F 13 / 79 (2006.01) A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Title of Invention: Customizable Avatar for Non-Fungible Tokens (57) Abstract: A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NTTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured to adapt NET-based virtual features to be combined with a displayed avatar. The system also includes a display configured to display the avatar combined with the virtual features. Claims: 2 pages Description: 10 pages Drawings: 7 pages CN 121398886 A 2026.01.23 CN 1 21 39 88 86 A 1. A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions, the system comprising: one or more processors configured to: identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction; and adapt virtual features based on the NFTs to be combined with a displayed avatar; and a display configured to display the avatar combined with the virtual features. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to identify the NFT associated with the user via communication with a user device carried by the user at the amusement park attraction.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the NFT includes NFT association data, and wherein the NFT association data includes permission for public display, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to display the avatar on a public display. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the NFT includes NFT association data, and wherein the NFT association data includes permission for private display, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to display the avatar on a private display. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to access the user's digital wallet to identify the NFT. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual feature is a digital item, and wherein the display is configured to show the avatar holding, wearing, or interacting with the digital item. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the NFT is associated with ownership of digital items in experiences outside the amusement park attractions. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a user selection of the virtual feature to be associated with the avatar; and, in response to the user selection, adapt the virtual feature to be associated with the avatar. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of private displays, wherein each of the plurality of private displays is configured to display the avatar associated with the virtual feature. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is an augmented reality (AR) display. 11. A customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction, the system comprising: one or more processors configured to: identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with a user within the amusement park attraction; adapt a virtual feature based on the NFT to be associated with a displayed avatar; and instruct the display to display the avatar associated with the virtual feature. 12. A method of operating a display system for one or more amusement park attractions, the method comprising: using one or more processors to identify a non-fungible token (NFT) associated with a user within the amusement park attraction; using the one or more processors to adapt virtual features based on the NFT to be associated with a displayed avatar; and using a display to display the avatar associated with the virtual features. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising identifying the NFT associated with the user via communication with a user device carried by the user within the one or more amusement park attractions.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the NFT includes NFT-associated data, and wherein the NFT-associated data includes permission for public display, and wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on a public display. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the NFT includes NFT-associated data, and wherein the NFT-associated data includes permission for private display, and wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on a private display. 16. The method of claim 12, comprising displaying the avatar holding the virtual feature, wearing the virtual feature, or interacting with the virtual feature. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the NFT is associated with ownership of a digital item in the assisted environment of one or more amusement park attractions, and wherein the method includes importing the digital item from the assisted environment using the one or more processors. 18. The method of claim 12, comprising: receiving a user selection of the virtual feature to be associated with the avatar; and, in response to the user selection, adapting the virtual feature to be associated with the avatar. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the display is an augmented reality (AR) display. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the display is a holographic display or a Pepper illusion system. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121398886 A Customized Avatars for Non-Fungible Tokens

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to and benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 472,502, filed June 12, 2023, entitled “CUSTOMIZED AVATARS FOR USE WITH NON-FUNGIBLE TOKENS,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be associated with the aspects of this art, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, these statements should be understood to be read in this light, rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks may include a variety of entertainment attractions. Some attractions may allow customers to view animated characters via display systems. Furthermore, these animated characters may be visible as part of the attraction's theme, performances, souvenirs, etc. Therefore, to provide a more immersive experience, customers may wish to interact with these animated characters.

[0004] The following discusses certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the subject matter initially claimed. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with a user within the amusement park attraction. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured to adapt NFT-based virtual features to integration with the displayed avatar. The system also includes a display configured to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

[0006] In one embodiment, a customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with a user within the amusement park attraction. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured to adapt NFT-based virtual features to integration with the displayed avatar. Furthermore, one or more processors are configured to instruct a display to show an avatar associated with virtual features.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of operating a display system for one or more amusement park attractions includes using one or more processors to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. The method also includes using one or more processors to adapt NFT-based virtual features to be associated with a displayed avatar. Additionally, the method includes using a display to show an avatar associated with virtual features.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar characters throughout the drawings denote similar parts, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a customizable avatar associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) according to one aspect of this disclosure (page 1 / 10, CN 121398886 A); Figure 2 is an example of a user device displaying a customizable avatar according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a customizable avatar workflow according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 4 is an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen of a user device for a customizable avatar system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for generating and displaying a customizable avatar associated with an NFT according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for generating and displaying a customizable avatar associated with an NFT according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for displaying NFTs based on viewing permissions according to one aspect of this disclosure; and Figure 8 is an example of a marketplace GUI for trading NFTs according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Embodiments

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood 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. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist besides those listed. One or more specific embodiments of the current embodiments described herein will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be noted 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.Furthermore, it should be noted that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, it will be nothing more than a routine task of design, production, and manufacturing.

[0011] Amusement parks may provide visual media as part of an immersive environment for customers (e.g., users, viewers, audiences). Visual media may include virtual features presented using display systems (e.g., display devices, projectors, holograms, head-up or head-mounted displays, and the like). For example, virtual features may include animated characters that move and behave in a pre-configured or controllable manner. However, visual media may feel unappealing to customers who have limited personal involvement in virtual features.

[0012] Therefore, this embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for enhancing a user’s experience in an immersive environment by utilizing digital objects or tokens (such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs)). NFTs may refer to units of data that can be stored in a distributed ledger (e.g., a blockchain). In one embodiment, a data unit may be linked to or associated with digital assets such as image or video data, text data, model data, audio data, etc., and these digital assets may be stored off-chain. NFTs are unique and / or non-fungible, enabling unique identity and ownership to be confirmed (e.g., verified). This can impart a sense of ownership to NFTs in a manner similar to the sense of ownership of physical objects (e.g., physical photographs or collectible toys). However, unlike physical objects, NFTs may not be lost, destroyed, or cumbersome to carry. In practice, one or more NFTs (e.g., any number of NFTs, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, more than 10, more than 100) can be stored in a distributed ledger and accessible from a user's digital wallet. NFTs may also offer other advantages (e.g., compared to physical objects), such as the ease with which NFTs can be transferred to other users (e.g., via digital marketplaces; without requiring in-person interaction).

[0013] In one embodiment, the system and method create virtual features based on NFTs (e.g., converting NFTs or their associated information into virtual features) to enhance the user's experience in a visual environment. For example, NFTs can encompass a variety of digital artworks and / or digital collectibles, such as images (e.g., NFT images) or software-generated models of accessories (e.g., hats, capes, jewelry, toys, wands, tools, trails, or clouds representing superpowers) that can be used in immersive environments (such as amusement parks). A control system (e.g., a central control system, a computing system) can detect that the user possesses an NFT including images of accessories.The control system can then create or retrieve virtual features of the NFT (e.g., derived features; NFT-based features; modified or transformed versions). Virtual features can be images (e.g., 3D images), models, meshes, sounds, behaviors, abilities, visual filters, or other suitable adaptations to a part of the visual environment (e.g., an animated character). Virtual features and NFTs can share one or more elements, such as type (e.g., both are hats). However, virtual features and NFTs can also be different with respect to one or more elements, such as color (e.g., one is blue and the other is white).

[0014] Animated characters displayed in the visual environment can appear to adapt to or interact with virtual features (e.g., wear, carry, present). For example, if a user owns an NFT of a hat, the control system can generate the hat based on that NFT, and the animated character can wear the hat. In some embodiments, the animated character can be an avatar. As provided herein, an avatar can be a display character that can be associated with an immersive environment and / or with a user. That is, the animated character may include metadata (e.g., identifier, username) that identifies the animated character as an avatar associated with (e.g., belonging to, representing) the immersive environment and / or the user. In this way, the user can collect NFTs and see one or more avatars customized with virtual features displayed in the visual environment. Because the virtual features are generated based on NFTs, the user can feel a sense of ownership of the avatar based on the exclusivity or uniqueness of the virtual features.

[0015] In one example, the avatar may be a well-known character within the immersive environment (e.g., a video game character). When the character is customized with virtual features provided by a specific user (e.g., a baseball cap from the user's favorite team), the user feels a stronger connection to both the character and the immersive environment. In another example, the avatar may be an avatar representing the user, and the avatar may be customized using NFTs associated with the experience of the immersive environment. For example, the avatar may wear a brooch that reads "I rode the looping roller coaster!", which was generated based on NFTs collected by the user after experiencing the ride. In other words, by personalizing avatars with virtual features, users can experience entertainment from owning NFTs.

[0016] Furthermore, the entertainment provided by virtual features can incentivize users to participate in activities that enable them to buy, trade, earn, or otherwise acquire NFTs. For example, users can acquire NFTs from experiences outside of amusement parks, such as video games or rewards programs. Ownership of items in video games or rewards programs can correspond to ownership of the corresponding NFTs on a distributed ledger. In this way, users can maintain a collection of NFTs that can be brought (e.g., imported) to the amusement park and combined with the user's experience at the amusement park.

[0017] The scarcity of NFTs can drive a market in which users buy, sell, trade, or gift NFTs.For this purpose, amusement parks may include kiosks (e.g., trading stations, terminals) to facilitate such businesses within the park. For example, a kiosk may include a computer connected to a distributed ledger and a display showing a GUI. A first user (e.g., a seller, a first trader) may submit a first NFT or a first virtual feature associated with the first NFT to be sold or traded to the kiosk. The kiosk may display the first virtual feature (e.g., an avatar wearing the virtual feature) and indicate its availability, price, description, and / or any relevant meta-data. A second user (e.g., a buyer, a second trader), upon seeing the first virtual feature presented in the kiosk, may submit an offer to acquire the first NFT. This offer may be to trade the first NFT for a second NFT owned by the second user, or it may be a monetary value (e.g., one dollar, two bitcoins, three fungible tokens). If the first and second users agree to the business, the kiosk may then facilitate (e.g., act as a broker). That is, the computer can transfer ownership of the first NFT and / or the second NFT between the first user and the second user.

[0018] In some embodiments, animated characters and virtual features may be provided for public displays on one or more public display devices. For example, animated characters may be displayed or projected on a screen visible to an audience of customers. Additionally or alternatively, animated characters and virtual features may be provided for private displays on one or more private display devices. For example, a visual environment may be displayed on one or more personal display devices (e.g., mobile devices, head-mounted displays, etc.) of one or more users. Public or private displays of virtual features may be based on permissions associated with the NFT. For example, the NFT may include permissions to allow public displays and / or permissions to allow private displays. Users may configure these permissions to enable or disable certain display modes.

[0019] In view of the foregoing, FIG1 is a schematic diagram of viewing a customizable avatar system 10 using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) 12 within an amusement park attraction 14. As shown, the amusement park attraction 14 is a public display attraction configured to display images to a user's audience using a display system 11. However, it should be understood that the customizable avatar system 10 can be additionally or alternatively implemented in any type of amusement park attraction, such as ride attractions, walking attractions, conveyor belt attractions (e.g., having conveyor belts for carrying one or more users), motion simulator attractions (e.g., having fixed ride vehicles for carrying one or more users), leisure environments, restaurants, hotels, or the like.

[0020] The customizable avatar system 10 includes a control system 16, which includes one or more processors 18, one or more memory devices 20, and one or more communication devices 22.The customizable avatar system 10 also includes one or more databases 24 for storing data and one or more display devices 26 of a display system 11 for displaying images (e.g., animated characters). The one or more display devices 26 may be part of or coupled to a stage 28, which provides the physical or aesthetic context for the displayed images. As shown, the display device 26 is a screen (e.g., a projection screen, LCD display, etc.). However, it should be understood that the display device 26 may additionally or alternatively include any type of display system, such as a holographic projector, a Pepper's Ghost display system, a volumetric display, or a stereoscopic display. For example, the stage 28 may be a runway for animated characters displayed on the display device 26. The control system 16 may include or be communicatively coupled to one or more databases 24, and the control system 16 may be communicatively coupled to one or more display devices 26. The customizable avatar system 10 may also include one or more lamps 30 for providing lighting effects and / or one or more speakers 32 for providing sound effects. Additional or other special effects (e.g., haptic effects, special effects materials) are also considered. The control system 16 may be communicatively coupled to one or more lights 30 and / or one or more speakers 32. In another embodiment, the customizable avatar system 10 may include or be communicatively coupled to one or more private display devices (e.g., mobile devices, head-up displays, head-mounted displays) configured to display images for one or more authorized users.

[0021] At least some of the one or more users may own one or more NFTs 12, which are stored in a distributed ledger 34 (e.g., a blockchain) and are accessible via the respective digital wallets of the one or more users. In one embodiment, an application (e.g., a software application) on a respective user device 36 (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, watch, toy, wand, and / or bracelet) may include the respective digital wallets of the one or more users. Then, when a specific user device 36 is in the amusement park attraction 14, the control system 16 can communicate with the specific user device 36 (e.g., via a network, such as a wireless network) to access the corresponding digital wallet and identify that the user associated with the specific user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12 in the corresponding digital wallet. Identification of the NFTs 12 allows the control system 16 to directly access the NFT-related data. This data may be stored on the user's user device 36 and / or may be stored in one or more accessible databases 24.

[0022] In one embodiment, a specific user device 36 may store (e.g., in an RFID tag) the address of a corresponding digital wallet, and then the control system 16 may receive and use that address to access the corresponding digital wallet and identify that the user associated with the specific user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12 in the corresponding digital wallet. In one embodiment, one or more sensors 38 may collect sensor data and provide the sensor data to the control system 16. The control system 16 may then process the sensor data to identify a corresponding user profile (e.g., a user account) associated with one or more users. Each user profile may include a corresponding park visit history, business history, achievements and scores, a digital wallet address, and the like. The control system 16 may then use the digital wallet address to access the corresponding digital wallet and identify that the user owns one or more NFTs 12 in the corresponding digital wallet. In such cases, one or more sensors 38 may be a camera, a facial recognition camera, a motion characteristic sensor, an identity sensor, or the like. One or more sensors 38 may detect one or more identification characteristics of the user, such as body temperature, gait, posture, facial structure, skeletal structure, voice, or the like. One or more sensors 38 may capture images of one or more users, which can then be displayed for visualization of one or more users. One or more sensors 38 may be installed at various locations within the amusement park attraction 14.

[0023] Regardless of the technology used to identify that one or more users own one or more NFTs, the customizable avatar system 10 may use one or more NFTs 12 to provide entertainment to one or more users while they are within the amusement park attraction 14. In some embodiments, the customizable avatar system 10 may not be configured to directly display the NFT 12. For example, the NFT may be in a format unsuitable for combination with the customizable avatar system 10 or elements therein (e.g., animated character 42). Instead, the control system 16 may instruct the display device 26 to display one or more virtual features 40 associated with one or more NFTs 12. For example, an NFT 12 associated with a user (e.g., in the user's digital wallet) may include or refer to NFT-related data (e.g., image or video data, text data, model data, audio data, etc.) associated with a digital item (e.g., an accessory), a feature (e.g., color), a motion (e.g., a cartwheel), or another characteristic. The control system 16 can then generate a virtual feature 40 based on the NFT 12 (e.g., based on the NFT-related data). For example, the virtual feature 40 may be an adaptation (e.g., a derivative) of the NFT 12 for display by the customizable avatar system 10.In this way, the NFT 12—or the concept behind the NFT 12—is made visible as a virtual feature 40 via the display screen 26. For this purpose, the virtual feature 40 can be an image, model, mesh, sound, motion, visual filter, or other suitable adaptation of the NFT 12 to be displayed via the customizable avatar system 10. In some embodiments, the virtual feature 40 can be pre-generated and stored in association with the NFT 12 in a database 24, and the control system 16 can retrieve the virtual feature 40 from the database 24 to display the virtual feature 40.

[0024] In some embodiments, one or more virtual features 40 can be associated with one or more animated characters 42 (e.g., avatars), such that the display system 11 displays each animated character 42 appearing to display (e.g., wear, hold, interact with, or perform) one or more virtual features 40. The animated character 42 can be an avatar associated with a corresponding user or a different character, and each avatar can display one or more virtual features 40 associated with one or more NFTs 12 owned by the corresponding user of the avatar. For example, virtual feature 40 can be a mesh generated based on NFT 12 and adapted to be visually integrated with (e.g., scaled to) animated character 42, which acts as an avatar associated with the owner of NFT 12. The mesh can be a 3D object, image, or model dynamically incorporated with animated character 42. In one embodiment, animated character 42 may have specific available virtual features 40, such as a hat or shirt. If NFT 12 is used to customize animated character 42, the image associated with NFT 12 is used to generate virtual feature 40. Virtual feature 40 may have rule-based scaling and placement relative to the animated character, such that the image of NFT 12 is appropriately scaled to fit the shirt or hat. In this manner, as described on page 5 / 10 of this specification (CN 121398886 A), the image of NFT 12 does not necessarily need to be pre-rendered as part of the animation of animated character 42. However, the use of the customizable avatar system 10 allows images to be accessed by the control system 16 for combination with the display of the animated character 42. If the animated character 42 is not customized, its default animation may show a blank shirt or a blank hat (or no hat).

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, a first user 44 has a digital wallet containing an NFT 12 with a hat 46. Based on sensor data collected by one or more sensors 38, the control system 16 can identify the user profile of the first user 44 and access the digital wallet via the digital wallet address provided by the user profile. The control system 16 can then generate or retrieve a first virtual feature 40 associated with the NFT 12 of the hat 46.In some embodiments, a first virtual feature 40 may be generated or retrieved in response to a request received from a user device 36 of a first user 44 for displaying the first virtual feature 40. The control system 16 may adapt the first virtual feature 40 to be associated with a first animated character 42 of the first user 44. For example, the first virtual feature 40 may be a 3D model (e.g., a mesh) adapted to be worn by the first animated character 42 as a hat 46. In addition to the first virtual feature 40, additional virtual features (such as a magic wand) based on additional NFTs associated with the first user 44 may be adapted to be associated with the first animated character 42. Similarly, a second animated character 42 may be associated with a second user, and the display system 11 may display virtual features 40 (such as a sweater and a squash racket) adapted to be associated with the second animated character and associated with the second user's NFTs. As shown, for example, the virtual feature 40 may include an audio feature that allows the second animated character to sing.

[0026] The amusement park may include one or more kiosks 48 distributed throughout a geographical area where users may buy, sell, and / or trade NFTs. Each kiosk 48 may include a kiosk display 50 configured to display a GUI for users to view available NFTs and offer their own NFTs. Additionally, kiosk 48 may perform NFT transactions by writing to a distributed ledger 34. A control system 16 or another controller may communicate with kiosk 48 via a network, such as a wireless network, to facilitate the operation of an NFT marketplace within the amusement park.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a customizable avatar system 10 that uses a private display device 70 to provide a private viewing experience. For example, user device 36 may function as private display device 70, which displays virtual features 40 and animated characters 42 associated with NFTs 12 owned by the user of user device 36. Private display device 70 may provide an augmented reality (AR) experience by overlaying a virtual image of animated character 42 onto a camera view 72 of a real-world environment 74. Alternatively, private display device 70 may include wearable displays, such as augmented reality (AR) headsets, virtual reality (VR) headsets, transparent displays, electronic glasses, and the like.

[0028] To enhance the AR experience, the animated character 42 can be virtually mapped to a geographic location within the real-world environment 74. For example, the animated character 42 can be associated with a specific orientation and geographic location determined by the control system 16 or a central controller. The control system 16 can determine (e.g., via GPS) the location and / or orientation of the private display device 70 and coordinate the display of the animated character 42 to correspond to the virtual mapping. Thus, when viewed via the private display device 70, the animated character 42 can appear to be located in a specific orientation at a specific geographic location. As the animated character 42 “moves,” the specific orientation and geographic location can be updated.

[0029] In addition to or instead of being publicly displayed (such as shown in FIG. 1), in a private viewing experience, the animated character 42 and virtual feature 40 may be viewable to a user of a private display device. Furthermore, a user's avatar may be viewable by other users via their private display devices. For example, other users may see the animated character 42 in their associated geographic location. Additionally, a user may see other animated characters 42 sporting virtual features 40 belonging to other users. In some embodiments, viewing permissions for the animated character 42 may be restricted to exclude or include certain users or groups of users. For example, NFT 12 (e.g., based on NFT-related data such as smart contracts or metadata) may include permissions allowing viewing by selected users (e.g., friends) associated with the user, and the user may adjust these permissions to control who sees the animated character 42.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a user experience in which a user can collect, view, and trade NFT 12. User experience may include experience 90 (e.g., an experience outside of an amusement park or assisted environment), such as a video game or rewards program, through which the user can acquire NFT 12. For example, ownership of an item in a video game or rewards program may correspond to ownership of the corresponding NFT 12 on the distributed ledger 34 (see Figure 1). Additionally, the at-home experience may include customizing one or more avatars with items or acquired NFT 12. In this way, the user can maintain a collection of NFT 12 and / or avatars, which can be brought (e.g., imported) to the amusement park and combined with in-park experience 92 (e.g., amusement park attraction 14, an application on user device 36).

[0031] In some embodiments, items and / or avatars from the at-home experience 90 may be imported into the in-park experience 92 as virtual features 40 or as NFT 12. For example, an item from the Home Experience 90 could be a 3D model combined with an avatar from the Home Experience 90. The control system 16 could then import the item, avatar, or both for display in the Garden Experience 92. In this way, the virtual feature 40 could directly correspond to an item from the Home Experience 90.

[0032] The user experience could further include a transaction aspect 94, which could be part of the Home Experience 90 and / or the Garden Experience 92. In the transaction aspect 94, a user could trade, sell, or buy NFT 12 with other users via user device 36 (as shown) or via kiosk 48.

[0033] As noted herein, each user could be associated with one or more avatars (e.g., animated character 42). In one embodiment, a user could provide input via an application (e.g., a software application) on user device 36 to create one or more avatars.In light of the foregoing, Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of an avatar creation graphical user interface (GUI) 100 that can be presented on a display screen (such as the display screen of user device 36). As shown, the avatar creation GUI 100 includes a library of available elements 102 (e.g., head, body, body parts, clothing, accessories, colors, textures, letters, numbers; style guides) that can be used to create one or more avatars. At least some of the elements 102 may correspond to NFT 12. In particular, a user can open the application to access the library of available elements 102, and then the user can select from the library of available elements 102 to form a specific avatar. For example, a user can select a pink body, short blue hair, green eyes, and a blue dress to form an avatar. In one embodiment, the user can select objects (e.g., head, body, clothing) from the library of available elements 102, and also use a color palette or color wheel individually to select the appropriate color for each object. The avatar creation GUI 100 may include a library of available elements 102, which includes a color palette or color wheel. Additionally, the avatar creation GUI 100 may include a representation of the avatar, and the representation of the avatar may be updated in real time (e.g., substantially in real time; immediately following each selection of elements / objects / colors by the user), allowing the user to visualize the avatar as the user creates the avatar through the application. In some embodiments, the avatar may be intended and / or designed to represent the user (e.g., each avatar represents a corresponding user / creator). The objects, colors, and representations of the avatar may correspond to a corresponding NFT 12 associated with the user. Additionally, once created, the avatar may be minted as an NFT. Thus, an avatar consists of NFT 12 and can itself be minted as an NFT.

[0034] FIG5 is a flowchart of a method 120 for utilizing NFTs within an amusement park attraction 14 according to one aspect of the present disclosure and with reference to the features discussed in FIG1-4. Method 120 includes various steps indicated by boxes. It should be noted that method 120 may be executed as an automated procedure by a control system (such as control system 16 of FIG1). Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps can be performed in any suitable order, and some steps may be performed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, certain steps or portions of method 120 may be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0035] In block 122, the control system 16 may identify an NFT 12 owned by a user of the amusement park attraction. The NFT 12 may be stored in a distributed ledger 34 (e.g., a blockchain) and is accessible via the user's digital wallet. For example, an application (e.g., a software application) on a user device 36 associated with the user (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, watch, toy, wand, and / or bracelet) may include the user's digital wallet.In one embodiment, when a user device is brought to an amusement park attraction, the control system can communicate with the user device (e.g., via a network, such as a wireless network) to access a digital wallet and identify that the user associated with the user device owns the NFT 12. The control system can utilize various other technologies to identify NFT 12 owned by a user at the amusement park attraction. For example, in some cases, the user can present a code (e.g., a QR code, barcode, alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., an imager or camera) of the kiosk 48 to enable the system to retrieve the user's digital wallet.

[0036] The NFT 12 may be linked to or include data that is associated with features to be displayed or presented by the display system 11. Such data may include image data, video data, audio data, text data, 3D model data, codes, and the like. The NFT 12 may also include permissions configurable to enable public and / or private display of the NFT 12. That is, the user can choose to grant public permissions to NFT 12, thereby enabling the control system 16 to provide NFT 12 to one or more public display devices. The user can also choose to grant private permissions to NFT 12, thereby enabling the control system 16 to provide NFT 12 to one or more private display devices 70.

[0037] In some embodiments, the control system 16 can identify NFT 12 registered with amusement park attraction 14 as having corresponding virtual characteristics. That is, the user's digital wallet may include some NFTs compatible with amusement park attraction 14 and other incompatible NFTs. For example, the control system 16 can identify NFTs contained in the digital wallet in a list or database of compatible NFTs. In this way, each identified NFT may have a corresponding virtual characteristic 40.

[0038] In block 124, the control system 16 may generate virtual characteristics 40 based on NFT 12. Virtual feature 40 may be a 3D model or mesh of an object (e.g., an accessory), a programmed action (e.g., a handspring), a programmed attribute (e.g., color), audio (e.g., speech, sound effects, music), a visual filter (e.g., distortion), or other suitable features that can be combined with the animated character 42 and presented via the customizable avatar system 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, virtual feature 40 may have been pre-generated and stored in database 24 along with metadata that associates virtual feature 40 with NFT 12. That is, control system 16 may not generate virtual feature 40. Instead, control system 16 may refer to database 24 to select virtual feature 40 associated with NFT 12.

[0040] At block 126, control system 16 may adapt virtual feature 40 for combination with animated character 42 (such as an avatar of the user). Virtual feature 40 may be formatted to be compatible with combination with animated character 42.For example, virtual feature 40 may be a mesh dynamically incorporated into the model of animated character 42. In this way, virtual feature 40 may become part of animated character 42.

[0041] At block 128, control system 16 may instruct one or more display devices 26 to display animated character 42 having virtual feature 40. One or more display devices 26 may include public display devices as shown in FIG1 and / or one or more private display devices 70 as shown in FIG2. NFT 12 or avatar may include viewing permissions to regulate which display devices 26 are instructed to display virtual feature 40. For example, viewing permissions may enable other users (e.g., friends) associated with or near the user to view animated character 42 having virtual feature 40 via their private display devices 70.

[0042] FIG6 is a flowchart of a method 140 for utilizing NFTs within a theme park attraction 14 according to one aspect of the present disclosure and with reference to the features discussed in FIG1-4. Method 140 includes steps of generating, selecting, and displaying multiple virtual features 40 based on multiple NFTs associated with the user. It should be noted that method 140 can be executed as an automated procedure by a control system (such as control system 16 of FIG. 1). Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps can be performed in any suitable order, and some steps can be performed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, some steps or portions of method 140 can be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0043] At block 142, control system 16 can identify one or more NFTs 12 owned by a user of the amusement park attraction. As discussed above, NFTs 12 can be stored in a distributed ledger 34 and are accessible via the user's digital wallet. Control system 16 can access the digital wallet and identify that a user associated with user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12. For example, a user can present a code (e.g., QR code, barcode, alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., imager or camera) of kiosk 48 to enable the system to retrieve the user's digital wallet. At box 144, the control system 16 may generate or retrieve a corresponding virtual feature 40 based on each of one or more NFTs 12.

[0044] At box 146, the control system 16 may store the virtual features 40 in a list (e.g., library, collection, database) associated with the user. The user may access this list via an application (such as the Avatar Creation GUI 100) on the user device 36 to view the virtual features 40 or the corresponding NFTs 12. Additionally, the application may enable the user to select one or more of the virtual features 40 for display by the display system 11.

[0045] At box 148, the control system 16 may receive a selection of a subset of the virtual features 40 for association with the animated character 42.For example, a user may provide user input to the avatar creation GUI 100 to select a subset of virtual features 40 that they wish to be displayed by the display system 11. In some embodiments, the application's selection may not allow some virtual features 40 to be selected together with other virtual features 40. For example, if the subset of selected virtual features 40 includes a first virtual feature (e.g., a cowboy hat) that is mutually exclusive with a second virtual feature (e.g., a space helmet), the application may disable or reject the selection of the subset of virtual features 40.

[0046] At block 150, the control system 16 may adapt the subset of virtual features 40 for combination with the animated character 42 or avatar. For example, each virtual feature in the subset of virtual features 40 may be formatted to be compatible with the combination with the animated character 42. In this way, the animated character 42 may display a subset of virtual features 40 simultaneously. At block 152, the control system 16 may instruct one or more display devices 26 to display the animated character 42 with a subset of virtual features 40.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method 170 for displaying an animated character 42 based on viewing permissions of NFT 12 and with reference to the features discussed in Figures 1-4. It should be noted that method 170 can be executed as an automated procedure by a control system (such as control system 16 of Figure 1). Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps can be executed in any suitable order, and some steps can be executed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, some steps or portions of method 170 can be executed by a separate system or device.

[0048] At block 172, control system 16 can access one or more NFT 12 associated with a user. As discussed above, NFT 12 can be stored in distributed ledger 34 and is accessible via the user's digital wallet. Control system 16 can access the digital wallet and identify that the user associated with user device 36 owns one or more NFT 12. For example, the user can present a code (e.g., QR code, barcode, alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., imager or camera) of kiosk 48 so that the system can retrieve the user's digital wallet.

[0049] Each NFT 12 may include viewing permissions. For example, NFT 12 may include metadata indicating whether NFT 12 is intended for public display or private display (e.g., via private display device 70). Thus, viewing permissions may include public permissions, private permissions, or both. In boxes 174 and 176, control system 16 may identify one or more NFT 12s with public permissions and one or more NFT 12s with private permissions. In box 178, control system 16 may provide one or more NFT 12s with public permissions to a public display device. Similarly, in box 180, control system 16 may provide one or more NFT 12s with private permissions to a private display device.In some embodiments, one or more NFT 12s with public permissions may be made available to other private display devices. In this way, if one or more NFT 12s include public permissions, other users can view one or more NFT 12s via their private display devices.

[0050] In some embodiments, users may modify viewing permissions to change who can see their avatar or NFT 12. For example, a user may turn public permissions on or off. Additionally, a user may modify private permissions to expand or restrict the visibility of their NFT 12 to individual users (e.g., "Mom") or categories of users (e.g., friends).

[0051] FIG8 illustrates an example of a marketplace GUI 200 that may be presented on a kiosk 48 or on an application on a user device 36. The marketplace GUI 200 includes functionality that enables users to trade, buy, and sell NFT 12s with each other. This functionality may be distributed across pages 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 of the marketplace GUI 200.

[0052] Page 202 is a menu that includes options for users to trade, buy, sell, or access their digital wallets. The Marketplace GUI 200 may redirect to different pages upon receiving a user selection from these options. For example, if the user selects the trade option, the Marketplace GUI 200 may redirect to page 204.

[0053] Page 204 displays NFTs available for acquisition through trading. Users can browse available NFTs and submit one or more NFTs from their own NFTs as offers for one or more available NFTs. Available NFTs may have been posted by other users at the kiosk 48. For example, the kiosk 48 may receive a submission of a first NFT to be traded by a first user and display the first NFT on page 204 to solicit trade offers. Subsequently, the kiosk 48 may receive trade offers from a second user, whereby the second user offers to trade the second NFT in exchange for the first NFT. The kiosk 48, control system 16, or server may transmit a notification of a transaction offer to the first user (e.g., via an application on the first user's user device 36), which has the option to accept or reject the transaction offer. If the first user accepts the transaction offer, the marketplace GUI 200 may redirect to page 206 to indicate acceptance.

[0054] The marketplace GUI 200 may also include pages 208 and 210, where users can buy and sell NFTs, respectively. NFTs can be purchased from other users or from dedicated sellers. In some embodiments, NFTs may be sold via auction, through which users can submit bids for NFTs.

[0055] It should be understood that any features shown or described with reference to Figures 1-8 may be combined in any suitable manner.While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations as fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0056] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing]...[function]” or “step for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC § 112(f). Instruction manual, page 10 / 10, 13 CN 121398886 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 7, page 14 CN 121398886 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 7, page 15 CN 121398886 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 7, page 16 CN 121398886 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 7, page 17 CN 121398886 A, Figure 5; Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 7, page 18 CN 121398886 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 7, page 19 CN 121398886 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 7, page 20 CN 121398886 A.

Claims

1. A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions, the system comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attractions; as well as This adapts the virtual features based on the NFT to be combined with the displayed avatar; as well as A display configured to display the avatar combined with the virtual features.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to identify the NFT associated with the user via communication with a user device carried by the user at the amusement park attraction.

3. The system as described in claim 1, wherein, The NFT includes NFT-associated data, wherein the NFT-associated data includes permission for public display, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to display the avatar on a public display.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The NFT includes NFT-associated data, wherein the NFT-associated data includes permissions for private display, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to display the avatar on a private display.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to access the user's digital wallet to identify the NFT.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The virtual feature is a digital item, and the display is configured to show the avatar holding the digital item, wearing the digital item, or interacting with the digital item.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The NFT is associated with ownership of digital items in experiences outside the amusement park attractions.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Receive user selection of the virtual feature to be associated with the avatar; and In response to the user's selection, the virtual features are adapted to be combined with the avatar.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The display includes a plurality of private displays, wherein each of the plurality of private displays is configured to display the avatar in conjunction with the virtual features.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein, The display is an augmented reality (AR) display.

11. A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions, the system comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attractions; To adapt the virtual features based on the NFT to be combined with the displayed avatar; and The display shows the avatar combined with the virtual features.

12. A method of operating a display system for one or more amusement park attractions, the method comprising: Use one or more processors to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attractions. Use the one or more processors to adapt the NFT-based virtual features to be combined with the displayed avatar; and A display is used to show the avatar combined with the virtual features.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising identifying the NFT associated with the user via communication with a user device carried by the user at one or more amusement park attractions.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The NFT includes NFT-associated data, wherein the NFT-associated data includes permission for public display, and wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on a public display.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, The NFT includes NFT-associated data, wherein the NFT-associated data includes permission for private display, and wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on a private display.

16. The method of claim 12, comprising displaying the avatar holding the virtual feature, wearing the virtual feature, or interacting with the virtual feature.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein, The NFT is associated with ownership of digital items in the auxiliary environment of one or more amusement park attractions, and the method includes importing the digital items from the auxiliary environment using the one or more processors.

18. The method of claim 12, comprising: Receive user selection of the virtual features to be associated with the avatar; as well as In response to the user's selection, the virtual features are adapted to be combined with the avatar.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein, The display is an augmented reality (AR) display.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein, The display is a holographic display or a Pepper illusion system.

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