System and method to simulate anatomical features in an entertainment figure

Abstract

A system includes an animated image. The system also includes a set of tubes disposed in a portion of the animated image. The system also includes at least one membrane defining at least one chamber. At least one chamber is disposed around a set of tubes. The system also includes a first pump fluidly coupled to the set of tubes. The first pump is configured to inflate each tube of the set of tubes, bleed each tube of the set of tubes, or a combination thereof. The system also includes a second pump fluidly coupled to the at least one chamber. The second pump is configured to inflate each of the at least one chambers, bleed each of the at least one chambers, or a combination thereof.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480045180.7 (22) Application Date 2024.07.22 (30) Priority Data 63 / 528584 2023.07.24 US 18 / 369666 2023.09.18 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.31 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 039055 2024.07.22 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 024398 EN 2025.01.30 (71) Applicant: Universal City Cinema LLC Address: California, USA (72) Inventors: G. Hall, G. Rae, A. Cabona (74) Patent Agency: China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorneys: Wang Wei, Song Yifan (51) Int.Cl. A63G 31 / 12 (2006.01) A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) A63H 3 / 06 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: System and Method for Simulating Anatomical Features in Animated Characters (57) Abstract: A system includes an animated character. The system also includes a set of tubes disposed in a portion of the animated character. The system also includes at least one membrane defining at least one chamber. The at least one chamber is disposed around the set of tubes. The system also includes a first pump fluidly connected to the set of tubes. The first pump is configured to inflate each of the set of tubes, depress each of the set of tubes, or a combination thereof. The system also includes a second pump fluidly connected to at least one chamber. The second pump is configured to inflate each of at least one chamber, depress each of at least one chamber, or a combination thereof. Claims 3 pages, Description 11 pages, Drawings 5 ​​pages, CN 121463982 A 2026.02.03 CN 1 21 46 39 82 A 1. A system comprising: an animated character; a set of tubes disposed in a portion of the animated character; at least one membrane defining at least one chamber disposed around the set of tubes; a first pump fluidly coupled to the set of tubes, the first pump being configured to inflate each of the set of tubes, depress each of the set of tubes, or a combination thereof; and a second pump fluidly coupled to the at least one chamber, the second pump being configured to inflate each of the at least one chamber, depress each of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the profile of the set of tubes is configured to appear below the at least one chamber at the outer surface of the portion of the animated figure in response to the inflation of the set of tubes, the deflation of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one tube in the set of tubes is configured to be actuated independently of one or more other tubes in the set of tubes. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or a combination thereof are coupled to an actuator configured to generate movement of the outer portion of the animated figure. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, and the system comprises: a first manifold fluidly coupled to the first pump and the set of tubes; a second manifold fluidly coupled to the second pump and the set of chambers; or a combination thereof. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each chamber in the set of chambers is configured to be actuated independently of one or more other chambers in the set of chambers. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or combination thereof are configured to be inflated by gas. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or combination thereof are configured to be inflated by hydraulic fluid. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the animated character includes a neck portion. 10. A system comprising: an animated character; at least one tube disposed in a portion of the animated character; at least one membrane defining at least one chamber disposed around the at least one tube; a first pump system fluidly coupled to the at least one tube, the first pump system being configured to inflate the at least one tube and deflat the at least one tube, or combination thereof; a second pump system fluidly coupled to the at least one chamber, the second pump system being configured to inflate the at least one chamber and deflat the at least one chamber, or combination thereof; and a control system comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to control the first pump system, the second pump system, or combination thereof. Claims 1 / 3 Page 2 CN 121463982 A 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the outline of the at least one tube is configured to appear from below the at least one chamber at the outer surface of the portion of the animated image in response to the inflation of the at least one tube, the deflation of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.12. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the at least one tube is configured to expand in response to a first operation of the first pump system, and each of the at least one chamber is configured to expand via the at least one membrane in response to a second operation of the second pump system. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive one or more images from a camera, wherein the one or more images indicate the effect of a corresponding portion of an actor; and generate the instructions based on the one or more images, the instructions including a commanded state associated with the at least one tube, the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one tube comprises a set of tubes, and the at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to: control a first pump, a first manifold, and / or a first set of valves of the first pump system; and control a second pump, a second manifold, and / or a second set of valves of the second pump system. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one tube comprises a set of tubes, and the at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cooperatively control the first pump system and the second pump system to: at a first time, synchronously cause the expansion of a first tube in the set of tubes and the deflation of a first chamber in the set of chambers, wherein the first chamber is disposed around the first tube; and at a second time, synchronously cause the expansion of a second tube in the set of tubes and the deflation of a second chamber in the set of chambers, wherein the second chamber is disposed around the second tube. 16. A method for providing an effect to a portion of an animated character, the method comprising: receiving via a processor instructions for adding the effect to the portion of the animated character; controlling via the processor, based on the instructions, a first pump system to adjust a set of tubes disposed in the portion; and controlling via the processor, based on the instructions, a second pump system to adjust a set of chambers disposed around the set of tubes. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, via the processor, the instructions including a state of a first command associated with the set of tubes, the set of chambers, or a combination thereof; and controlling, via the processor, the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof based on the instructions.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving sensor data associated with the first pump system and the second pump system from one or more sensors via the processor; receiving the instruction via the processor, the instruction including a second commanded state associated with the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof; receiving sensor data associated with the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof from one or more sensors via the processor; and controlling the first pump system and the second pump system, or a combination thereof, via the processor based on the instruction and the sensor data. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein controlling the set of tubes, the set of chambers, or a combination thereof based on the instruction comprises: controlling at least one tube in the set of tubes independently of the remaining tubes in the set of tubes via the processor; controlling at least one chamber in the set of chambers independently of the remaining chambers in the set of chambers via the processor; or a combination thereof. 20. The method of claim 16, comprising: coordinatingly controlling the first pump system via the processor to adjust the set of tubes based on the instructions and controlling the second pump system via the processor to adjust the set of chambers arranged around the set of tubes to mimic changes in anatomical features in said portion of the animated character during performance of the animated character. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121463982 A System and method for simulating anatomical features in an entertainment character

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 528,584, filed July 24, 2023, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SIMULATE ANATOMICAL FEATURES IN AN ENTERTAINMENT FIGURE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the art that may relate to various aspects of this disclosure. This discussion is believed to help provide readers with background information to better understand the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these statements should be read in this light, and not as an admission of prior art.

[0003] An amusement park may include various features designed to provide visitors with a unique experience. For example, an amusement park may have various rides and shows to entertain visitors. Furthermore, an amusement park may have performance effects and props that create a desired environment or atmosphere for visitors.Such features may include entertaining characters (e.g., animated characters, animated figures) that can interact with visitors. For example, the entertaining character may speak, wave, walk, express emotions, or perform any other suitable action. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following sets forth an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be noted that these aspects are presented only to provide the reader with a brief overview of these certain embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover various aspects that are not set forth below.

[0005] In an embodiment, a system includes an animated figure. The system also includes a set of tubes disposed in a portion of the animated figure. The system also includes at least one membrane defining at least one chamber. At least one chamber is disposed around the set of tubes. The system also includes a first pump fluidly coupled to the set of tubes. The first pump is configured to inflate each of the set of tubes, depress each of the set of tubes, or a combination thereof. The system also includes a second pump fluidly coupled to at least one chamber. The second pump is configured to inflate each of the at least one chamber, depress each of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.

[0006] In an embodiment, a system includes an animated figure. The system also includes at least one tube disposed in a portion of the animated figure. The system also includes at least one membrane defining at least one chamber disposed around at least one tube. The system also includes a first pump system fluidly coupled to the at least one tube. The first pump system is configured to inflate at least one tube, depress at least one tube, or a combination thereof. The system also includes a second pump system fluidly coupled to the at least one chamber. The second pump system is configured to inflate at least one chamber, depress at least one chamber, or a combination thereof. The system also includes a control system. The control system includes a memory configured to store instructions. The control system also includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions to control the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof.

[0007] In an embodiment, a method for providing an effect to a portion of an animated character includes receiving instructions for adding an effect to the portion of the animated character. The method also includes controlling the first pump system based on the instructions to adjust a set of tubes disposed in the portion. The method also includes controlling the second pump system based on the instructions to adjust a set of chambers disposed around the set of tubes.Specification 1 / 11 pages 5 CN 121463982 A Description of Drawings

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein: FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an amusement park with amusement figures according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an amusement figure system according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be used to operate the amusement figure of FIG1; FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the amusement figure system of FIG2 according to aspects of the present disclosure, which can be used to operate the amusement figure to provide anatomical features in the neck portion of the amusement figure; FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the amusement figure system of FIG2 according to aspects of the present disclosure, which can be used to operate the amusement figure to provide anatomical features in various parts of the body of the amusement figure; and FIG5 is a flowchart of a method for operating the amusement figure system of FIG2 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments are described in the specification. It should be noted that in the development of any such practical implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be noted that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements besides those listed may be present.

[0011] This disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be implemented in any of a variety of locations (e.g., environments). For ease of discussion, certain examples are described in the context of an amusement park; however, it should be appreciated that the systems and methods described herein can be implemented in theaters, stadiums, hotels, restaurants, any indoor entertainment facilities, any outdoor entertainment facilities, etc. As will be appreciated, an amusement park may include various features for entertaining visitors. For example, an amusement park may include attractions such as rides or shows. An amusement park may also include props and performance effects used to provide a unique experience for visitors. Such props and performance effects may include entertainment figures (e.g., animated characters, animated figures). As used herein, an entertainment figure refers to any suitable physical prop that uses mechanical features to move or alter a surface visible to at least one of the visitors.In one example, the entertainment mascot may include an automated or remotely controlled machine (e.g., a robot). In another example, the entertainment mascot may include clothing that can be worn by a person and equipped with mechanical features. In any case, the mechanical features of the entertainment mascot may perform unique functions, such as automated actions. The entertainment mascot may interact with visitors to provide them with an interactive entertainment experience, and the mechanical features may enhance the experience for visitors.

[0012] Without the disclosed embodiments, it may be difficult to control certain aspects of the entertainment mascot and / or to mimic a realistic presentation, thereby limiting the experience provided by the entertainment mascot. It is now recognized that it would be desirable to mimic the movement and / or protrusions of anatomical features (e.g., muscles and / or blood vessels) in one or more parts of the entertainment mascot (such as the neck portion of the entertainment mascot) to represent a more realistic presentation (e.g., emotions). Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to systems and methods for controlling the appearance of one or more parts of an entertainment mascot (such as the neck portion of the entertainment mascot).

[0013] In an embodiment, a set of expandable tubes (e.g., pneumatic tubes) is disposed in the neck portion of the entertainment figure, the set of expandable tubes being configured to mimic the muscles and / or blood vessels in the neck portion of a human or other organism (e.g., a dog, horse, dinosaur). The neck portion of the entertainment figure may also include one or more chambers encapsulated by a flexible membrane, wherein the one or more chambers are disposed around the expandable tubes (e.g., disposed outside the expandable tubes). The one or more chambers are configured to contact (e.g., tension) against the expandable tubes, thereby creating the appearance of a taut neck (e.g., taut skin). The entertainment figure may include one or more manifolds and valves configured to selectively expand and / or contract the expandable tubes and / or one or more chambers. Commands sent to the manifolds and / or valves may be generated based on video recordings of the muscles in the neck portion of a human or other organism. In this way, the entertainment figure can approximately mimic the appearance of the neck of a human or other organism, thereby making the entertainment figure appear more realistic. It should be recognized that entertainment characters can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, in addition to or alternatively to entertainment, entertainment characters can be used in advertising campaigns, as educational tools, as greeters, and / or for other non-entertainment purposes.

[0014] Turning now to the drawings, FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park 50 including features for entertaining visitors 52. The amusement park 50 may include rides 54, which may be roller coasters, water rides, drop towers, motion simulators, etc. The amusement park 50 may additionally or alternatively include performances 56, such as theatrical performances, shows, concerts, etc. In addition, the amusement park 50 may include additional venues 58, which may be food stalls (e.g., restaurants), merchandise stores, hotels, or any other suitable venues 58.Visitor 52 can move throughout the amusement park 50 (e.g., via path 60) to tour any location within the amusement park 50, including to rides 54, shows 56, and / or other areas 58. Furthermore, the amusement park 50 may include an entertainment character 62 (e.g., an animated character, an animated figure) that can interact with visitors 52. It should be noted that the entertainment character 62 may also be located at any suitable location within or outside the amusement park 50.

[0015] In one embodiment, the entertainment character 62 may be fully electromechanical, such as a robot programmed to move automatically or via remote control (e.g., not worn by a user or operator or moved manually via contact with a user or operator). In another or alternative embodiment, the entertainment character 62 may be partially electromechanical, and some functions of the entertainment character 62 may be manually activated via contact with a user or operator. For example, the entertainment character 62 may include clothing (e.g., a headgear with mechanically driven facial features) that can be worn by a person and has electromechanical components, wherein the electromechanical components can perform certain functions (e.g., movement of facial features), but the person can manually orient or position the mechanical components (e.g., by moving their head). In this way, the entertainment character 62 may include various features and / or be able to perform at least some functions without human assistance, such as to present a character that may not be enabled by movement of the person alone.

[0016] In embodiments, the entertainment character 62 may include a control system 64 (e.g., an electronic controller; an automatic controller, such as a programmable logic controller [PLC]) or be communicatively coupled to the control system 64, which may operate the entertainment character 62, for example, by causing movement of at least some parts of the entertainment character 62. The control system 64 may include a memory 66 and a processor 68 (such as a microprocessor). Memory 66 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for operating the entertainment image 62). Processor 68 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof, configured to execute instructions stored in memory 66 to cause the entertainment image 62 to operate accordingly. By way of example, control system 64 may cause a portion of the entertainment image 62 to move relative to another portion of the entertainment image 62. It should be appreciated that processor 68 may represent one or more processors, and control system 64 may represent one or more computing systems.For example, control system 64 may represent a distributed computing system comprising multiple computing systems, each including one or more processors programmed to perform the various functions and operations described herein (e.g., control of the entertainment character 62, image processing, model generation).

[0017] Entertainment character 62 may interact with visitor 52 to provide a unique experience. As an example, entertainment character 62 specification 3 / 11 pages 7 CN 121463982 A may provide a lifelike representation of the character, such as by speaking to visitor 52. For example, as visitor 52 explores various locations within amusement park 50, entertainment character 62 may provide entertainment to visitor 52 outside of rides 54, shows 56, or other venues 58. Alternatively or additionally, entertainment character 62 may interact with visitor 52 within rides 54, shows 56, and / or other venues 58 to provide further entertainment to visitor 52. In practice, entertainment character 62 may be positioned at any suitable location and / or movable to a specific location 50 to entertain visitor 52 (and other visitors).

[0018] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an entertainment character system 100 that can be used to operate the entertainment character 62. The entertainment character system 100 includes an entertainment character 62, a control system 64, and an entertainment character model 102 (e.g., a database containing entertainment character models). As shown, the entertainment character 62 may include pumps 104 and 106 (e.g., air compressors; a first pump and a second pump), manifolds 108 and 110 (e.g., a first manifold and a second manifold), a chamber 112, a membrane 113, an expandable tube 114 (e.g., a pneumatic tube), a sensor 116, and valves 117 and 119 (e.g., pressure control valves, flow rate control valves; a first valve and a second valve).

[0019] As shown, the membrane 113 includes (e.g., disposed around it; defined) a chamber 112 (e.g., each of the membranes 113 includes a corresponding one of the chambers 112). The manifold 108 is coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the pump 104, the valve 117, and the chamber 112. Together, any combination of manifold 108, pump 104, valve 117, and / or chamber 112 can be considered or referred to as a chamber pump assembly or chamber pump system. Additionally, manifold 110 is connected to pump 106, valve 119, and expandable tubing 114. Together, any combination of manifold 110, pump 106, valve 119, and / or expandable tubing 114 can be considered or referred to as a pneumatic tubing pump assembly or pneumatic tubing pump system. In an embodiment, membrane 113 is composed of a flexible (e.g., elastomer) material (e.g., silicone, rubber, latex). In this way, membrane 113 can be configured to expand and / or contract in response to a corresponding increase and / or decrease in the pressure of the fluid disposed in chamber 112.In an embodiment, the expandable tube 114 is composed of a flexible and semi-rigid material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride [PVC], nylon) configured to expand and / or contract radially in response to a corresponding increase and / or decrease in the pressure of the fluid disposed in the expandable tube 114.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 64 is communicatively coupled to the entertainment figure model 102, pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, sensor 116, and valves 117 and 119. In an embodiment, pumps 104 and 106 may be fluidly coupled to manifolds 108 and 110, respectively. In an embodiment, chamber 112 and / or membrane 113 may be coupled (e.g., mechanically coupled) to expandable tube 114. For example, expandable tube 114 may be disposed within one or more channels of chamber 112, and / or expandable tube 114 may be disposed abutting against membrane 113 (e.g., covered by chamber 112 and membrane 113 relative to the outer surface of entertainment figure 62).

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the entertainment avatar system 100 may further include a sensor 118 disposed outside the entertainment avatar 62. The sensor 118 may be configured to sense passive properties (e.g., height, hair color, presence), active properties (e.g., posture, movement), or combinations thereof of one or more visitors (e.g., visitor 52 of FIG. 1) entering the sensing area (e.g., field of vision) of the sensor 118. In an embodiment, the sensor 118 may be configured to sense corresponding devices (e.g., mobile phones, wearable straps, toys; via radio frequency communication) carried by one or more visitors within the sensing area of ​​the sensor 118 to thereby detect one or more visitors. In response to the sensor 118 detecting one or more visitors, the sensor 118 may be configured to send a signal to the control system 64. In response to receiving a signal from the sensor 118, the control system 64 may be configured to send one or more commands to the pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof, to cause these components to operate in a coordinated manner to mimic anatomical features (e.g., muscles and / or blood vessels) of humans or other organisms.

[0022] In addition, the control system 64 may send one or more commands to pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119 or combinations thereof to cause these components to operate in a coordinated manner, and send additional commands to various other components of the entertainment image 62 (e.g., actuators, speakers, displays, projectors).In this manner, the control system 64 can cause the entertainment character 62 to perform actions for one or more guests (e.g., a series of visual and / or audible effects; a performance) via one or more commands, which cause changes in the chamber 112 and the expandable tube 114 to simulate changes in the muscles and / or blood vessels of the entertainment character 62, movement of the mouth of the entertainment character 62, and corresponding audio effects of the speech spoken by the entertainment character 62.

[0023] In an embodiment, the outlet of the pump 104 is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the manifold 108. The manifold 108 may include one or more outlets fluidly coupled to the inlet of the manifold 108. The manifold 108 may be configured to direct fluid (e.g., air, hydraulic fluid) supplied by the pump 104 from the inlet of the manifold 108 to one or more outlets of the manifold 108. One or more outlets of manifold 108 may each be fluidly connected to chamber 112, such that chamber 112 expands in response to receiving fluid from manifold 108. It should be appreciated that the fluid may be any compressible fluid, including air or hydraulic fluid. Chamber 112 is discussed in more detail herein.

[0024] In an embodiment, the outlet of pump 106 is fluidly connected to the inlet of manifold 110. Manifold 110 may include one or more outlets fluidly connected to the inlet of manifold 110. Manifold 110 may be configured to direct fluid (e.g., air, hydraulic fluid) supplied by pump 106 from the inlet of manifold 110 to one or more outlets of manifold 110. One or more outlets of manifold 110 may each be fluidly connected to expandable conduit 114, such that expandable conduit 114 expands in response to receiving fluid from manifold 110. Expandable conduit 114 is discussed in more detail herein. It should be appreciated that the entertainment character system 100 may have any suitable number, combination and / or arrangement of components to supply fluid to and withdraw fluid from the chambers 112 and the expandable tubes 114 in a synergistic manner to provide the various visual effects described herein.

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the entertainment character system 100 that can be used to operate the entertainment character 62. As shown, the entertainment character 62 includes chambers 112 (e.g., chambers 150, 152, 154), expandable tubes 114 (e.g., expandable tubes 156, 158, 160), valves 117 (e.g., valves 162, 164, 166), and valves 119 (e.g., valves 168, 170, 172) disposed within the neck portion 174 (e.g., below the head portion; between the head portion and the torso portion) of the entertainment character 62.The expandable tube 114 may be disposed within the chamber 112 (e.g., within an internal passage), disposed behind the chamber 112 (e.g., within an inner cavity relative to the outer surface of the entertainment figure 62), or a combination thereof, such that the chamber 112 is disposed around the expandable tube 114 (e.g., surrounding the expandable tube 114 and / or positioned on the expandable tube relative to the outer surface of the entertainment figure 62). In embodiments, there may be more or fewer chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 than shown in the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 may be located at any of the various orientations and / or positions within the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62.

[0026] As shown, the entertainment figure 62 also includes pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and valves 117 and 119 disposed within the inner portion 163 (e.g., the body) of the entertainment figure 62. In an embodiment, pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and / or valves 117 and 119 may be located outside (e.g., below, rear) of the entertainment figure 62. The entertainment figure 62 also includes a sensor 116 located in an internal portion 163 of the entertainment figure 62. As discussed herein, sensor 116 may be configured to send one or more signals to control system 64 indicating the pressure of fluid in chamber 112 and / or the pressure of fluid in expandable tube 114. Sensor 116 may also include a sensor configured to send signals to control system 64 indicating the state of pumps 104 and 106 and / or manifolds 108 and 110 and / or valves 117 and 119.

[0027] In an embodiment, pumps 106 and manifolds 110 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to each pneumatic tube of expandable tube 114. Pump 106 may be configured to increase the pressure of expandable tube 114 (e.g., inflate), decrease the pressure of expandable tube 114 (e.g., vent), or a combination thereof. In this manner, the expandable tube 114 can be configured to expand and / or contract in response to the operation of the pump 106. In an embodiment, one or more pumps 106 may be used to inflate and deflate the expandable tube 114. For example, one pump may be used to inflate the expandable tube 114, and another pump may be used to deflate the expandable tube 114. It should be appreciated that various other techniques are contemplated, such as a release valve for allowing fluid to be released from the expandable tube 114 when the pressure in the chamber 112 increases and fluid is expelled from the expandable tube 114.

[0028] In an embodiment, the pump 106 and manifold 110 are configured to inflate at least one pneumatic tube in the expandable tube 114. For example, the pump 106 and manifold 110 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) inflate multiple expandable tubes in the expandable tube 114. The pump 106 and manifold 110 may be configured to deflate at least one pneumatic tube in the expandable tube 114.For example, pump 106 and manifold 110 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) vent multiple expandable tubes in expandable tube 114. Pump 106 and manifold 110 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) inflate at least one pneumatic tube in expandable tube 114 and vent at least one pneumatic tube in expandable tube 114. In another embodiment, pump 106 may provide a substantially constant positive or negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) such that valve 119 is configured to control the pressure of fluid disposed in expandable tube 114. For example, control system 64 may be configured to control valve 119 to control the pressure of fluid disposed in expandable tube 114.

[0029] In an embodiment, pump 104, manifold 108, and valve 117 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to each chamber in chamber 112. Pump 104 and / or valve 117 may be configured to increase the pressure of chamber 112 (e.g., inflate), decrease the pressure of chamber 112 (e.g., vent), or a combination thereof. In this manner, chamber 112 is configured to expand and / or contract in response to operation of pump 104. In an embodiment, one or more pumps 104 may be used to inflate and deflate chamber 112. For example, one pump may be used to inflate chamber 112, and another pump may be used to deflate chamber 112.

[0030] In an embodiment, pump 104 and manifold 108 are configured to inflate at least one chamber in chamber 112. For example, pump 104 and manifold 108 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) inflate multiple chambers in chamber 112. Pump 104 and manifold 108 may be configured to deflate at least one chamber in chamber 112. For example, pump 103 and manifold 108 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) deflate multiple chambers in chamber 112. Pump 104 and manifold 108 may be configured to (e.g., synchronously) deflate at least one chamber in chamber 112 and deflate at least one chamber in chamber 112. In another embodiment, pump 104 may provide a constant positive or negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) such that valve 117 is configured to control the pressure of fluid disposed in chamber 112. For example, control system 64 may be configured to control valve 117 to control the pressure of fluid disposed in chamber 112.

[0031] In an embodiment, control system 64 may be configured to control pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof, to control the pressure of fluid disposed within chamber 112 and / or expandable tube 114, respectively. For example, control system 64 may be configured to decrease the pressure in chamber 112 (e.g., vent) while increasing the pressure in expandable tube 114 (e.g., inflate). In this way, in response to the inflation of the expandable tube 114, the deflation of the chamber 112, or a combination thereof, the outline (e.g., shape, profile) of the expandable tube 114 may become visible (e.g., appear) from below the chamber 112 at the outer surface 167 of the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62.

[0032] In an embodiment, the entertainment image system 100 includes a camera 176 configured to capture one or more images of the neck portion 178 of a person 180 (e.g., an actor) and transmit the one or more images to a control system 64 (or another device, such as a computing device or system). In response to receiving one or more images of the neck portion 178 from the camera 176, the control system 64 may be configured to detect one or more anatomical features, such as muscles, arteries, and / or blood vessels, in the neck portion 178 of the person 180 via a machine learning algorithm. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to determine one or more characteristics (e.g., position, velocity, orientation) of one or more anatomical features via a machine learning algorithm (e.g., a neural network, a support vector machine). In an embodiment, the one or more images captured by the camera 176 may first be converted into a data type readable by the control system 64 and / or stored in a separate database, and then read by the control system 64. Alternatively or additionally, the camera 176 may be configured to transmit one or more images to the control system 64 or a separate database in near real-time.

[0033] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to control pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof, based on one or more images (e.g., image data) captured by camera 176. For example, camera 176 may sense the front portion 172 of the neck portion 178 of person 180, generate one or more images, and send the one or more images to the control system 64. Specification 6 / 11 pages 10 CN 121463982 A

[0034] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to generate instructions (e.g., models) for pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and / or valves 117 and 119, and timestamps in which the detected characteristics occur, based on the detection (e.g., via captured images) of one or more characteristics of the neck portion 178 of person 180. In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to send instructions to pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and / or valves 117 and 119 while the camera 176 synchronously captures one or more images. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to store the instructions in a database and / or memory 66 and send the instructions at a later time.

[0035] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive one or more images from the camera 176, which may include effects on the person 180 (e.g., muscle tension, bulging neck muscles). The control system 64 may be configured to generate instructions (e.g., models, actions) based on one or more images, which may include commanded states associated with the expandable tube 114, chamber 112, or combinations thereof.For example, the commanded state of the expandable tube 114 may include commanded characteristics (e.g., radius, pressure) associated with the expandable tube 114. The commanded state of the chamber 112 may include commanded characteristics (e.g., size, pressure) of the chamber 112 such that the chamber 112 reflects the size and / or shape of the neck portion 178 of the person 180.

[0036] The control system 64 may then be configured to control the expandable tube 114, the chamber 112, or a combination thereof based on the generated instructions. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to command the pump 104 and / or the valve 117 to inflate the chamber 112 to the commanded pressure. Alternatively, the control system 64 may be configured to command the pump 106 and / or the valve 119 to inflate the chamber 112 and / or the expandable tube 114 to provide the commanded characteristics. In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive feedback signals indicating monitored characteristics of the chamber 112 and / or the expandable tube 114. The control system 64 may be configured to use the feedback signal to control the monitored characteristics of chamber 112 and / or expandable tube 114 via a control algorithm.

[0037] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to generate instructions that may include commanded states associated with expandable tube 114, chamber 112, or combinations thereof. The control system 64 may be configured to control pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof, based on the instructions. In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to inflate / deflate a portion of chamber 112. For example, the instructions may include reducing the size of chamber 150 while simultaneously maintaining the sizes of chambers 152 and 154 to create the appearance of the side of the taut neck portion 174. To execute these instructions, the control system 64 may be configured to control manifold 108 and / or valve 117 to block fluid flow to chambers 152 and 154 while maintaining fluid flow to chamber 150. Alternatively or concurrently, the control system 64 may be configured to inflate / deflate a portion of the expandable tube 114. For example, instructions may include reducing the size of the pneumatic tube 156 while simultaneously increasing the size of pneumatic tubes 158 and 160. To execute these instructions, the control system 64 may be configured to control manifold 110 and / or valve 119 to block fluid flow to expandable tubes 158 and 160 while maintaining fluid flow to pneumatic tube 156.

[0038] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to generate instructions that may include a commanded state associated with expandable tube 114, chamber 112, or a combination thereof. The control system 64 may be configured to control valve 117, valve 119, or a combination thereof based on instructions. For example, instructions may include reducing the size of pneumatic tube 156 for a period of time while simultaneously increasing the size of pneumatic tubes 158 and 160.To execute these instructions, control system 64 may be configured to control valve 162 to reduce the flow rate of fluid to pneumatic line 156, while simultaneously controlling valves 164 and 166 to increase the flow rate of fluid to expandable lines 158 and 160, respectively. In an embodiment, valves 117 and 119 may include flow control valves, pressure relief valves, or combinations thereof.

[0039] In an embodiment, control system 64 may be configured to control pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof, to reduce the pressure in chamber 112 (e.g., vent), while simultaneously increasing the pressure in expandable line 114 (e.g., inflate). In this manner, in response to the inflation of the expandable tube 114, the deflation of the chamber 112, or a combination thereof, the outline (e.g., shape, contour) of the expandable tube 114 can become visible (e.g., revealed) from the outer surface 167 of the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62 below the chamber 112, in order to mimic the anatomical features (e.g., muscles, blood vessels) of one or more protrusions in the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62. In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to deflate the chamber 112 based on an image captured from the camera 176, while simultaneously inflating the expandable tube 114. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to deflate the chamber 112 disposed in a first portion of the neck portion 174, while simultaneously inflating the expandable tube 114 disposed in the first portion of the neck portion 174. The control system 64 may be configured to subsequently release the chamber 112 disposed in the second portion of the neck portion 174 while simultaneously inflating the expandable tube 114 disposed in the second portion of the neck portion 174.

[0040] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive signals from the sensor 118, which may include passive properties associated with the visitor (e.g., height, hair color), active properties associated with the visitor (e.g., movement, posture), the presence of devices associated with the visitor, or a combination thereof. The control system 64 may be configured to control the expandable tube 114, the chamber 112, or a combination thereof based on the signals. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to detect audible sounds produced by one or more visitors via the sensor 118. Specifically, the control system 64 may be configured to detect one or more utterances (e.g., keywords, phrases) spoken by one or more visitors. In response to one or more utterances spoken by visitors, the control system 64 may be configured to control the expandable tube 114, the chamber 112, or a combination thereof to provide effects (e.g., visual, emotional effects) to the neck portion 174 of the entertainment mascot 62.As described herein, the effects on the neck portion 174 of the entertainment character 62 can be performed in conjunction with other visual and / or audible effects to provide, in a synergistic manner, actions for entertaining one or more visitors and / or to provide overall movement of the body of the entertainment character 62, movement of the face of the entertainment character 62, audio played via speakers associated with the animated character 62, background effects (e.g., displays, other animated characters, vehicles), etc.

[0041] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an entertainment character system 100 that can be used to operate the entertainment character 62. As shown, the entertainment character 62 includes one or more chambers 112 and one or more expandable tubes 114 disposed at various locations of one or more body portions 220 of the entertainment character 62. As shown, the chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 may be disposed within the entertainment character 62 in arm portions 222 (e.g., arm portions 224 and 226), leg portions 228 (e.g., leg portions 230 and 232), chest portions 234 (e.g., chest portions 236 and 238), or combinations thereof. As discussed herein, chamber 112 and expandable tube 114 are fluidly connected to pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and valves 117 and 119, respectively. As shown, pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and valves 117 and 119 are located outside the entertainment figure 62, but they may also be located in the internal portion 163 of the entertainment figure 62.

[0042] In an embodiment, membrane 113 and / or expandable tube 114 may be coupled to mechanical actuator 240. Mechanical actuator 240 may be coupled to the external portion 242 of the entertainment figure 62 (e.g., an external surface; a limb, such as an arm or leg; an extension, such as a tail or wing). In response to and / or in conjunction with (e.g., simultaneously) the inflation and / or deflation of membrane 113 and / or expandable tube 114, mechanical actuator 240 may be (e.g., mechanically, electrically) actuated to cause movement of the outer portion 242 of the entertainment figure 62. In this way, in response to and / or in conjunction with the inflation and / or deflation of membrane 113 and / or expandable tube 114, the outer portion 242 of the entertainment figure 62 may be moved (e.g., slide, bulge, twist, pivot; relative to other portions of the entertainment figure 62 and / or the environment).

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, camera 176 is configured to capture images of one or more body parts 220 of person 180. As discussed herein, camera 176 may be configured to send the captured images to control system 64 (or another device, such as a computing device or system). In an embodiment, control system 64 may be configured to detect a particular characteristic (e.g., protruding blood vessels) of a specific body part 220 based on the captured images via a machine learning algorithm. In this embodiment, training data can be used to iteratively train a machine learning algorithm.For example, training data may include images of body parts 220 (e.g., randomly generated images), one or more metrics associated with each specific body part (e.g., position, size measurements), and / or types of body parts 220 (e.g., arm part 222, leg part 228, chest part 236).

[0044] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to generate instructions (e.g., models) for pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and / or valves 117 and 119 based on the detection (e.g., via captured images) of one or more characteristics of one or more body parts 220 of the person 180. In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to send instructions to pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, and / or valves 117 and 119 while the camera 176 synchronously captures one or more images. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to store instructions in a database and / or memory 66 and send the instructions at a later time.

[0045] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to control one or more types of body parts 220 based on instructions and synchronously. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to control chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 disposed in arm parts 222, while synchronously controlling chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 disposed in leg parts 228. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to synchronously control one or more individual body parts 220 of the same type (e.g., or different types). For example, the control system 64 may be configured to control chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 disposed in arm parts 224, while synchronously controlling chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 disposed in arm parts 226.

[0046] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive signals from the sensor 118, which may include passive properties associated with the tourist (e.g., height, hair color), active properties associated with the tourist (e.g., movement, posture), the presence of devices associated with the tourist, or a combination thereof. The control system 64 may be configured to control, based on signals, expandable tubes 114, chambers 112, or combinations thereof disposed in one or more body parts 220 (e.g., of the same or different types). For example, the control system 64 may be configured to detect, via the sensor 118, one or more utterances (e.g., keywords, phrases) spoken by one or more tourists and / or one or more postures and / or movements performed by one or more tourists.In response to the detection of one or more words and / or one or more gestures and / or movements of one or more visitors, the control system 64 may be configured to control the chambers 112, inflatable tubes 114, or combinations thereof of the arm portion 226, leg portion 230, and chest portion 236. It should be appreciated that any combination of chambers 112 and / or inflatable tubes 114 of the body portion 220 may be controlled (e.g., activated) in response to receiving a signal from sensor 118.

[0047] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to control at least one pneumatic tube 114 independently of the remaining inflatable tubes 114. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to inflate pneumatic tube 156 while simultaneously contracting inflatable tubes 158 and 160. In this way, the control system 64 may be configured to move a portion of the inflatable tube 114, thereby creating the appearance that a portion of an anatomical feature (e.g., muscle) disposed in one or more body portions 220 of the entertainment figure 62 is in motion.

[0048] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to control at least one chamber 112 independently of the other chambers 112. For example, the control system 64 may be configured to inflate chamber 150 while simultaneously contracting chambers 152 and 154. In this way, the control system 64 may be configured to move a portion of chamber 112, thereby producing the appearance that a portion (e.g., segment) of the skin (e.g., outer layer) of one or more body parts 220 of the entertainment figure 62 is taut (e.g., stretched).

[0049] FIG5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 250 that can be used to operate the entertainment figure system 100 of FIG2. In block 252 of method 250, the control system 64 may be configured to receive instructions for adding effects to the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62. For example, control system 64 may receive instructions (e.g., model, commanded state, trajectory) associated with pumps 104 and 106 (e.g., commanded pump speed), instructions associated with manifolds 108 and 110 (e.g., commanded open / closed manifold outlets), and / or instructions associated with valves 117 and 119 (e.g., commanded flow rate, commanded valve position).

[0050] In block 254, control system 64 may be configured to control pump 106 based on instructions to adjust expandable tubing 114. For example, control system 64 may be configured to send a signal to pump 106 including instructions for changing one or more operations of pump 106. For example, instructions may include changing pump speed, flow rate of the fluid being pumped, etc. In an embodiment, instructions may include the direction of the pump impeller of pump 106. In response to receiving an instruction, pump 106 may adjust expandable tubing 114. For example, pump 106 can increase the flow rate of fluid into expandable tube 114, thereby causing radial expansion of expandable tube 114. (Page 9 / 11, CN 121463982 A)

[0051] In block 256, control system 64 may be configured to control pump 104 based on instructions to regulate chamber 112 disposed around expandable tube 114. For example, control system 64 may be configured to send a signal to pump 104 including instructions for changing one or more operations of pump 104. For example, instructions may include changing pump speed, flow rate of liquid being pumped, etc. In an embodiment, instructions may include the direction of pump impeller of pump 104. In response to receiving instructions, pump 104 may regulate chamber 112. For example, pump 104 may apply vacuum pressure to the fluid in chamber 112, thereby causing chamber 112 to vent. As described herein, the inflation of expandable tube 114 and the venting of chamber 112 synchronously provide an enhanced profile along the neck portion 174 of entertainment figure 162. However, various sequences and / or combinations of inflation and deflation of the expandable tube 114 and chamber 112 can be executed (e.g., according to instructions, based on one or more images) to (e.g., as part of an action) mimic various anatomical features (e.g., muscles and / or blood vessels) of the entertainment figure 62.

[0052] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive instructions including a commanded state associated with the expandable tube 114, chamber 112, or a combination thereof. For example, the commanded state may include one or more parameters (e.g., size, Euclidean position) associated with the chamber 112 and / or expandable tube 114. The control system 64 may be configured to control the chamber 112 and / or expandable tube 114 based on instructions (e.g., the commanded state). For example, the control system 64 may be configured to control the chamber 112 and / or expandable tube 114 to inflate and / or contract to a commanded shape (e.g., size). The control system 64 may be configured to receive feedback on the monitored state of the chamber 112 and / or the expandable tube 114 via a sensor 116 (e.g., a camera, a distance sensor). Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to use the feedback in a control algorithm (e.g., a proportional-integral-derivative controller, an adaptive controller, a visual servo) to determine an error value that can be used to determine the controlled variable (e.g., pump speed, valve position).

[0053] In an embodiment, the control system 64 may be configured to receive instructions including commanded states associated with pumps 104 and 106, manifolds 108 and 110, valves 117 and 119, or combinations thereof. For example, the commanded states may include one or more parameters associated with manifolds 108 and 110 and / or valves 117 and 119 (e.g., an open / close command for the manifold, a commanded valve position). The control system 64 can be configured to control manifolds 108 and 110 and / or valves 117 and 119 based on instructions (e.g., the commanded state).For example, control system 64 may be configured to control manifolds 108 and 110 by selecting which outlets of each manifold in the manifold are open or closed (e.g., via valves inside manifolds 108 and 110). Alternatively, control system 64 may be configured to control valves 117 and 119, which controls the position of the valves, thereby regulating the flow rate of fluid through each valve. In an embodiment, control system 64 may be configured to control valves 117 and 119 to regulate which outlets of each manifold in the manifold are open or closed (e.g., valves 117 and 119 may represent or may be valves inside manifolds 108 and 110; valves 117 and 119 may be outside manifolds 108 and 110, but operate in conjunction with manifolds 108 and 110 to selectively open and close the outlets of each manifold in manifolds 108 and 110). The control system 64 may be configured to receive feedback on the monitored states of manifolds 108 and 110 and / or valves 117 and 119 via sensors 116 (e.g., encoders, switches). Alternatively or additionally, the control system 64 may be configured to use the feedback in a control algorithm (e.g., a proportional-integral-derivative controller, an adaptive controller, an optimization controller) to determine an error value that can be used to determine the controlled variable (e.g., valve position).

[0054] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the features shown and described with reference to Figures 1 through 5 may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, method 250 of Figure 5 may be used to adjust chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 in the body parts of the entertainment figure 62 (e.g., body parts 222, 228, 234 in Figure 4) other than the neck portion 174 of the entertainment figure 62. Furthermore, the control system 64 can generate instructions to adjust the chambers 112 and / or expandable tubes 114 in the body parts of the entertainment figure 62 (e.g., body part 222 in FIG. 4, 228, 234, page 14 of specification 10 / 11 CN 121463982 A 174) and the neck part 174 of the entertainment figure 62 (e.g., synchronously; in a coordinated manner; as part of an action). Additionally, capturing one or more images of a person 180 (e.g., an actor) can be used to generate instructions to control the entertainment figure representing another type of creature (e.g., a dog, a horse, a dinosaur), and / or the camera 176 can be operated to capture one or more images of another type of creature (e.g., an actor; a dog, a horse) to generate instructions to control the entertainment figure representing the other type of creature.

[0055] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “device for [performing]...[function]” or “steps for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). Instruction manual 11 / 11 page 15 CN 121463982 A Figure 1 Instruction manual figure 1 / 5 page 16 CN 121463982 A Figure 2 Instruction manual figure 2 / 5 page 17 CN 121463982 A Figure 3 Instruction manual figure 3 / 5 page 18 CN 121463982 A Figure 4 Instruction manual figure 4 / 5 page 19 CN 121463982 A Figure 5 Instruction manual figure 5 / 5 page 20 CN 121463982 A.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Animated characters; A set of tubes, which are disposed within a portion of the animated character; At least one membrane defining at least one chamber, the at least one chamber being disposed around the set of tubes; A first pump, fluidly connected to the set of pipes, is configured to inflate each of the set of pipes, vent each of the set of pipes, or a combination thereof; as well as A second pump, fluidly connected to the at least one chamber, is configured to inflate each of the at least one chamber, vent each of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The outline of the set of tubes is configured to appear from below the at least one chamber on the outer surface of the portion of the animated figure in response to the inflation of the set of tubes, the deflation of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the tubes in the group is configured to be actuated independently of one or more of the other tubes in the group.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or a combination thereof are connected to an actuator configured to generate movement of the outer portion of the animated image.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, and the system includes: A first manifold, which is fluidly connected to the first pump and the set of pipes; A second manifold, which is fluidly connected to the second pump and the set of chambers; Or a combination thereof.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the set of chambers is configured to be actuated independently of one or more of the other chambers in the set of chambers.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or the combination thereof are configured to be inflated by gas.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one chamber, the set of tubes, or the combination thereof are configured to be inflated by hydraulic fluid.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The animated character's part includes the neck area.

10. A system comprising: Animated characters; At least one tube is disposed in a portion of the animated character; At least one membrane defining at least one chamber, the at least one chamber being disposed around the at least one tube; A first pump system fluidly connected to the at least one pipe, the first pump system being configured to inflate the at least one pipe, vent the at least one pipe, or a combination thereof; A second pump system fluidly connected to the at least one chamber, the second pump system being configured to inflate the at least one chamber, vent the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof; as well as The control system includes: Memory, configured to store instructions; as well as One or more processors configured to execute the instructions to control the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The outline of the at least one tube is configured to appear from below the at least one chamber on the outer surface of the portion of the animated figure in response to the inflation of the at least one tube, the deflation of the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the at least one tube is configured to expand in response to a first operation of the first pump system, wherein each of the at least one chamber is configured to expand via the at least one membrane in response to a second operation of the second pump system.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Receive one or more images from a camera, wherein the one or more images indicate the effect of corresponding parts of an actor; and The instructions are generated based on the one or more images, and the instructions include a commanded state associated with the at least one tube, the at least one chamber, or a combination thereof.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one tube comprises a set of tubes, and the at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to: The first pump, first manifold, and / or first set of valves of the first pump system; and Control the second pump, second manifold, and / or second set of valves of the second pump system.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one tube comprises a set of tubes, and the at least one chamber comprises a set of chambers, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cooperatively control the first pump system and the second pump system to: At the first moment, simultaneously, the expansion of the first tube in the set of tubes and the venting of the first chamber in the set of chambers are caused, wherein the first chamber is arranged around the first tube; and At a second time, the expansion of the second tube in the set of tubes and the venting of the second chamber in the set of chambers are simultaneously caused, wherein the second chamber is arranged around the second tube.

16. A method for providing effects to a portion of an animated character, the method comprising: The processor receives instructions to add the effect to the part of the animated character. The processor controls the first pump system based on the instructions to adjust a set of pipes disposed in the portion; as well as The processor controls the second pump system based on the instructions to regulate a set of chambers arranged around the set of tubes.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising: The processor receives the instruction, which includes the status of a first command associated with the set of tubes, the set of chambers, or a combination thereof; as well as The processor controls the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof based on the instructions.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising: The processor receives sensor data associated with the first pump system and the second pump system from one or more sensors. The processor receives the instruction, which includes the status of a second command associated with the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof; The processor receives sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the first pump system, the second pump system, or a combination thereof. as well as The processor controls the first pump system and the second pump system, or a combination thereof, based on the instructions and the sensor data.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Controlling the set of tubes, the set of chambers, or a combination thereof based on the instructions includes: The processor controls at least one transistor in the group of transistors independently of the other transistors in the group of transistors. The processor controls at least one chamber in the group of chambers independently of the other chambers in the group of chambers; Or a combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 16, comprising: Based on the instructions, the first pump system is controlled in a coordinated manner via the processor to adjust the set of tubes, and the second pump system is controlled via the processor to adjust the set of chambers arranged around the set of tubes, in order to mimic changes in anatomical features of the portion of the animated character during the performance of the animated character.

Images