Tangible / virtual design system and method for amusement park scenic spot design

Abstract

An amusement park spot design system may include an object token having a first tracker coupled to a first projection surface, a visualization tool having a second tracker, and an image sensor that generates positioning data based on the first tracker and the second tracker. The amusement park spot design system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor, and a projector. The controller may receive positioning data from the image sensor to determine an object token and a visualization tool based on the first and second trackers, respectively. The controller may also receive image content based on an interaction between the object token and the visualization tool, and send an indication that the image content is to be projected. The projector may receive an indication of image content and project the image content onto the first projection surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 403,981, filed on September 6, 2022, entitled “TANGIBLE / VIRTUAL DESIGN SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTION DESIGN,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,954, filed on April 13, 2023, entitled “TANGIBLE / VIRTUAL DESIGN SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTION DESIGN,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be understood in this light, rather than as an admission of the prior art.

[0003] Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects can be used to help visitors immerse themselves in the experience of rides or attractions. An immersive environment may include three-dimensional (3D) props and scenery, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or display surfaces that present media. In addition, an immersive environment may include audio effects, smoke effects, and / or motion effects. Thus, an immersive environment may include a combination of dynamic elements and static elements. However, the design, implementation, and operation of special effects may be complex. For example, it may be difficult to operate certain special effects elements in a consistent and desired manner to create an immersive environment. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern ride attractions and experiences, and the corresponding increase in expectations of theme park or amusement park visitors, current technology for designing attractions may be time-consuming and costly. Thus, it may be desirable to efficiently design and ensure consistent operation of technology. Summary of the invention

[0004] The following presents an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented only to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may cover a variety of aspects that may not be presented below.

[0005] In an embodiment, an amusement park attraction design system may include an object token having a first tracker coupled to a first projection surface, a visualization tool having a second tracker coupled to a second projection surface, and an image sensor configured to detect the first tracker and the second tracker and generate positioning data based on the first tracker and the second tracker. The amusement park attraction design system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor, and a projector. The controller may receive the positioning data provided by the image sensor, determine the object token based on the first tracker, and determine the visualization tool based on the second tracker. The controller may also receive image content based on an interaction between the object token and the visualization tool, and send an indication to project the image content onto the first projection surface based on the positioning data. The projector may receive an indication of the image content from the controller and project the image content onto the first projection surface.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method may include receiving, via processing circuitry, positioning data and configuration data associated with an object token and a visualization tool, identifying the object token and the visualization tool based on the configuration data, and receiving an indication of an interaction between the visualization tool and the object token. The method may then receive, via the processing circuitry, image content based on the interaction and the configuration data, and cause projection of the image content based on the positioning data.

[0007] In another embodiment, an amusement park attraction design system may include a display surface configured to receive one or more object tokens, a timeline tool coupled to the display surface and a motion sensor, and an image sensor configured to generate image data indicating the display surface and the object tokens. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor and the motion sensor. The controller may receive image content based on the object token, receive an indication from the motion sensor indicating movement of the timeline tool, adjust the image content based on the indication to generate adjusted image content, and cause the adjusted image content to be projected onto the display surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a tangible / virtual design system including a display surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is used to detect object tokens on the display surface Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0011] Figure 3It is used to design amusement park experience attractions Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0012] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Flowchart of a process for generating object visualizations by a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0013] Figure 5 is used to detect object tokens on the display surface Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0014] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an object token of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0015] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an object token of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0016] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Flowchart of a process for generating object visualizations by a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0017] Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for adjusting object token attributes of a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0018] Fig. 9 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Flowchart of the process of designing an amusement park illusion for a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0019] Fig.10 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A flow chart of a process for adjusting the position of an object token in a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0020] Fig.11 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Flowchart of the process for troubleshooting an amusement park attraction design using a tangible / virtual environment system.

[0021] Fig. 12A It is a brush tool Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0022] Fig. 12BIt is a magnifying tool Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0023] Fig. 12C It is in the form of a scissors tool Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0024] Fig.12D It is a ruler tool Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0025] Fig.12E According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool for a tangible / virtual design system.

[0026] Fig.13 is in the form of one or more filter tiles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool of a tangible / virtual design system.

[0027] Fig.14A is based on Fig.13 The visualization tool is provided by Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an object visualization generated by a tangible / virtual design system as a projection view.

[0028] Fig. 14B is based on Fig.13 The visualization tool is provided by Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an object visualization effect generated by the tangible / virtual design system as a projection view; and.

[0029] Fig. 14C is based on Fig.13 The visualization tool is provided by Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an object visualization generated by a tangible / virtual design system as a projection view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0031] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0032] Theme parks and other such entertainment venues are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, the demand for immersive experiences within such entertainment venues is high. In order to provide novel and exciting experiences, attractions such as ride experiences and scenes (e.g., visual performances including live performances, animated images, computer-generated images, etc.) are becoming increasingly complex, involving the integration of lighting, sound, movement, interactive elements, visual media, etc. Conventional attraction design software can provide low-cost attraction updates and changes, but may require expertise and training to utilize the design software. Alternatively, small-scale design models may not accurately represent all aspects of complex attractions, and thus may not provide effective troubleshooting.

[0033] Instead, the tangible / virtual design system of the present disclosure may display media content via projection mapping to more accurately visually represent the texture, color, and surface of the attraction, and may also allow modifications and updates to troubleshoot different designs. In addition, the tangible / virtual design system of the present disclosure may utilize objects (e.g., ride vehicles, buildings, structures, animated characters, visitors, paths, etc.) corresponding to the virtual model. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system of the present disclosure may display the virtual model on a display surface, an electronic display, etc. The object may be equipped with a tracking object that enables the tracking camera to discern the movement, position, and orientation of the corresponding virtual model. In addition, the tangible / virtual design system may include signs and / or tools that interact with the object to modify or update the texture, color, surface, and other features of the corresponding model. Thus, the tangible / virtual system provides an interactive experience for attraction design that includes customizable functionality and combines tangible and virtual elements, but without the challenges and / or costs associated with conventional technologies.

[0034] In view of the above, the present disclosure generally relates to a combined tangible / virtual design system for amusement park attractions and / or experiences. Notably, the tangible / virtual design system includes any number of object tokens, such as small-scale models (e.g., ride vehicles, buildings, structures, scenery, animated characters, visitors, paths, etc.) or other tangible objects that can represent corresponding virtual models. For example, the object token may include a machine-readable mark (e.g., a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, a dot pattern, an identification number, a radio frequency (RF) tag, etc.), which can enable a camera or other scanning device to detect the object token and capture image data including the QR code. The tangible / virtual design system can identify the corresponding virtual model based on the QR code. The tangible / virtual design system can then generate a model visualization based on the virtual model and can display the visualization via a projector, an electronic display, etc. For example, the object token may correspond to a virtual model of a building, and the tangible / virtual design system can project an image of the building on a display surface.

[0035] In some embodiments, the object token may include a tracking object, such as a retroreflective marker, a machine-readable mark, etc., which enables a camera to discern the movement, position, and orientation of the object token and / or projection surface in real time via optical performance capture or optical motion capture. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system can dynamically generate and display a projected image onto the object token and / or display surface, which simulates the corresponding structure, image, character, movement, and / or reaction to other effects (e.g., environmental effects, visual effects, pyrotechnic effects, fluid flow effects) associated with the amusement park attraction or experience. In some embodiments, the object token may take the shape of a corresponding virtual model. Additionally or alternatively, the object token may include a marker identifying the corresponding virtual model. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system can allow efficient design and troubleshooting of amusement park attractions or experiences by detecting the object token and accurately representing the amusement park attractions or experiences with a corresponding position and / or orientation projected image.

[0036] Additionally, images may be projected onto display surfaces and / or object tokens to create the illusion of structure, texture, material, color, and the like. For example, to enhance the realism and visual presentation of an amusement park attraction or experience, any number of projection surfaces may display the texture (e.g., smooth, rough, bumpy, sharp, wavy, etc.) and / or material (e.g., brick, stone, wood, metal, glass, etc.) of a virtual model of an object. In certain embodiments, the tangible / virtual design system includes any number of visualization tools that may represent corresponding attributes (e.g., structure, texture, material, color, length, width, viewing angle, angle, etc.). The visualization tool includes a machine-readable indicia that enables a camera or other scanning device to detect the visualization tool and capture image data. The tangible / virtual design system may identify the corresponding attribute based on the captured image data, and may generate and / or update a projected image based on the identified attribute. For example, the tangible / virtual design system may detect and identify a visualization tool corresponding to a brick material. Thus, the physical / virtual design system may operate and control the projector to project an image corresponding to the brick material onto the display surface, the object token, and / or a designated area corresponding to the object token.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the tangible / virtual design system can detect interactions between the object token and the visualization tool. For example, a camera can determine the proximity between the visualization tool and the object token, and / or can determine the object token closest to the visualization tool. Thus, a visualization of the object token can be generated and / or updated based on the nearby visualization tool. In some cases, a projector can project an image based on the visualization tool onto a display surface and / or the object token.

[0038] For example, a visualization tool may interact with an object token to change, update, or determine one or more properties of a virtual model corresponding to the object token. For example, a brush tool may change the color of a virtual model or apply a color to a virtual model based on the interaction between the visualization tool and the object token. The tangible / virtual design system may detect the interaction between the brush tool and the object token, and may control a projector to update the visualization effect (e.g., model virtualization effect) of the object token. For example, the brush tool may correspond to a color, and the interaction between the brush tool and the object token may cause the tangible / virtual design system to operate and control a projector to project an image corresponding to the color on a display surface, an object token, and / or a designated area corresponding to the object token. In another example, a magnification tool may achieve visualization effects of a virtual model at different perspectives (e.g., a bird's-eye view, a close-up or magnified view, a reduced view, a perspective view) by interacting with the object token. The tangible / virtual design system may detect the interaction between the magnification tool and the object token, and may control a projector to update the visualization effect of the object token. Additionally or alternatively, the tangible / virtual design system may determine physical properties (e.g., length, width, surface area, angle, shape, mass, density, specific heat, smell, color) of the virtual model corresponding to the object token based on the interaction between the visualization tool and the object token. For example, the measurement tool may enable measurement of the virtual model, such as height, length, width, surface area, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement tool may measure brightness (e.g., light, illumination), volume, temperature, etc. within a specified area of ​​the virtual model and / or the tangible / virtual design system corresponding to the object token.

[0039] Still in another example, one or more filter tools may enable display of properties associated with a virtual model corresponding to an object token. Properties may include cost, brightness, volume, viewing time, user input, etc. For example, a cost filter tile may cause the tangible / virtual design system to control a projector to project an image corresponding to the cost associated with each part of the virtual model. In addition, multiple filter tools may be combined or stacked to provide a visualization indicating multiple properties of the virtual model. For example, a first filter tool may correspond to the cost of building a virtual model, and a second filter tool may correspond to the amount of time that a visitor can view the virtual model (e.g., when passing the object while traveling in a vehicle). By combining filters (e.g., stacking the first filter tool on top of the second filter tool), the tangible / virtual design system may determine the amount of time that each part of the virtual model that can be viewed by a visitor (e.g., when on a ride, when walking in an attraction system) is divided by the cost associated with each corresponding part of the virtual model. When the filter tools are combined in the opposite manner (e.g., the second filter tool is on top of the first filter tool), the tangible / virtual design system may determine the cost divided by the amount of time that each part of the virtual model that can be viewed by a visitor. Thus, the visualization tool may change, alter, or measure one or more properties of the virtual model for efficient design and troubleshooting of a theme park attraction or experience.

[0040] In an embodiment, the tangible / virtual design system includes effect tiles corresponding to environmental effects, visual effects, pyrotechnic effects, fluid flow effects, and the like. The effect tiles may include machine-readable indicia that enables the tangible / virtual design system to determine the corresponding effect, and / or a marker that enables a camera to determine the position and / or orientation of the effect tiles. For example, a clock tile may correspond to a time of day, and a lighting effect may be adjusted based on a determined sun position. The tangible / virtual design system may determine the time of day based on the orientation and / or position of the clock tile. A projector may project an image corresponding to a virtual light source based on the time of day and the determined sun position and angle. As another example, a weather tile may correspond to selected weather, and lighting effects, environmental effects, and the like may be adjusted for any number of objects. Environmental effects may include wind speed, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, fog, and the like. Environmental effects may change the visualization of one or more objects. For example, a projector projects an image of branches and leaves moving in the wind as a landscape object. In this way, the effect tiles may change the visualization of one or more objects.

[0041] In some cases, the effect tile may include a timeline tool to advance, rewind, stop or pause time within the system. For example, the timeline tool may include a physical device coupled to a display surface, and the physical device may be pushed, pulled or otherwise adjusted relative to the display surface. The display surface may also be coupled to a sensor that may receive an indication of movement of the physical device. In some cases, the tangible / virtual design system may receive an indication of movement and adjust the simulated time of the day within the tangible / virtual design system. For example, the tangible / virtual design system may advance the simulated time of the day from morning to afternoon based on the indication of movement. In other cases, the tangible / virtual design system may receive an indication of movement and adjust the actual project time. For example, the tangible / virtual design system may receive a user input indicating the start of a project or the continuation of a project, and control a camera to capture and store an image of the display surface with an object token, a projected image, or both over a period of time. In response to receiving an indication of movement, the tangible / virtual design system may play back the captured image. In other words, the actual time of the project may be reversed. Additionally or alternatively, the tangible / virtual design system may pause or stop playback in response to receiving an indication of movement.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tangible / virtual design system includes a camera object that enables perspective visualization based on the position and / or orientation of the camera object. The tangible / virtual design system can generate perspective visualizations for display on an electronic display and / or display surface. Additionally or alternatively, the tangible / virtual design system can detect interactions between the camera object and other object tokens, such as ride vehicles. For example, an interaction between the camera object and another object token can indicate selection of another object token, such as a ride vehicle, for use in generating perspective visualizations. Thus, as the ride vehicle travels along the track, the tangible / virtual design system generates visualizations for the perspective of the rider. Additionally, any number of object tokens can include actuators, such as motors, to move the object tokens along or across the display surface.

[0043] The tangible / virtual design system facilitates the design of various attractions or experiences, such as illusions generated by lighting effects. One such illusion is often referred to as "Pepper's Ghost". The Pepper's Ghost illusion utilizes the reflective properties of translucent or transparent materials (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.) to virtually project an image into a scene for viewing by visitors. For example, an angled sheet of glass may be positioned in front of a stage, and then an image may be projected toward the glass from outside the view of the audience, and then the image is partially reflected toward the audience by the sheet of glass. Thus, the audience perceives the reflected image while viewing the scene presented behind the glass and within the audience's view. Depending on the lighting, the effect may give the reflected image a ghostly appearance, as the light behind the glass may still be observed through the reflected image. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system may determine the position and / or orientation of an object token corresponding to the reflective material and the projected image. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system determines the position and / or orientation of the reflected image and generates a visualization of the reflected image. Additionally or alternatively, the tangible / virtual design system may include an object token corresponding to the reflected image. The tangible / virtual design system can determine the position and / or orientation of both the projected image, the reflected image, and the reflective material, and can identify the position and / or orientation of the remaining object tokens to complete the visual effect. In some embodiments, the object token may include an actuator, and the tangible / virtual design system can transmit a signal to control the actuator and move the object token to the identified position and / or orientation.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the tangible / virtual design system may include constraints associated with an amusement park attraction or experience. For example, the constraints may include speed constraints (e.g., threshold speed constraints, maximum speed constraints, minimum speed constraints, etc.), turning constraints, space constraints, etc. In another example, the constraints may include brightness constraints (e.g., minimum brightness constraints, maximum brightness constraints), volume constraints (e.g., minimum volume constraints, maximum volume constraints), temperature constraints, etc. The tangible / virtual design system may compare the determined position and / or orientation of the object token with any number of constraints and identify any conflicts or errors in the design based on the comparison results. The tangible / virtual design system may also capture image data and record the configuration of different object tokens, tools, etc. Thus, the projector may project an image based on the recorded configuration to allow for quick setup of an amusement park attraction or experience.

[0045] In some embodiments, object tokens, tools, etc. may be disposed on and detectable on the same display surface as the projected image is displayed. Alternatively, a second stage surface may be used for object detection and position and / or orientation determination, and the display surface may be used to display the projected image. Thus, a camera or other image capture device captures image data of an object on the stage surface, and a projector projects an image based on the image data onto the display surface.

[0046] In this way, the techniques described in this disclosure may facilitate coordinating the combined tangible and virtual representations of an amusement park attraction or experience based on identified objects corresponding to virtual models, which may facilitate design and troubleshooting of the amusement park attraction or experience in at least some circumstances.

[0047] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 1 An example of a tangible / virtual design system 100 is shown, which includes a controller 102, a display surface 108, and a secondary display 126. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may be used for designing and troubleshooting various elements of an amusement park attraction and / or experience. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may include a control system having multiple controllers, such as an automation controller 102, each controller having at least one processor 104 and at least one memory 106. The automation controller 102 may control the operation of any number of image sensors 120 and / or any number of projectors 122, and may process data received from the image sensors 120. The automation controller 102 may be communicatively coupled to the image sensors 120 and projectors 122 by any suitable technology for transmitting data and control signals (e.g., indications of image content) between the automation controller 102, the image sensors 120, and the projectors 122, such as wireless, optical, coaxial, or other suitable connections. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102, the image sensor 120, the projector 122, or any combination thereof may include corresponding communication circuits, such as antennas, radio transceiver circuits, radio transmitters, radio receivers, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog converters, multiplexers, amplifiers), or any combination thereof, and may be configured to communicate over wired or wireless communication paths via radio frequency communications, infrared communications, Ethernet, satellite communications, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband communications, near-field communications, etc.

[0048] The tangible / virtual design system 100 may also include a display surface 108 capable of displaying image content. The display surface 108 may correspond to the background of the amusement park attraction or experience. For example, the display surface 108 may be used to design an amusement park attraction or experience using various object tokens 110, visualization tools 112, and effect tiles 114 set (e.g., placed) on the display surface 108 or the stage surface. Additionally or alternatively, the display surface 108 may include a first portion for placing various objects and tools and a second portion for receiving projected image content (e.g., object visualization effects 116) from a projector 122. In some embodiments, the display surface 108 may include any number of projection surfaces, and each projection surface may depict image content associated with the background of the amusement park attraction and / or experience. For example, an amusement park ride may appear to be taking place in an active volcano, and the display surface 108 may depict image content associated with the active volcano (e.g., flowing lava, flames, etc.). The image content may include ride vehicles, ride tracks, visitors, roads, buildings, landscapes, structures, natural features, and any other suitable components of an amusement park attraction or experience. In certain embodiments, the display surface 108 may include machine-readable indicia (e.g., a barcode, QR code, etc.) and / or may include tracking objects (e.g., trackable markers) positioned on the display surface 108. The machine-readable indicia and / or tracking objects may be positioned on or within any suitable portion of the display surface 108 that enables the machine-readable indicia and / or tracking objects to be hidden or obscured from view and / or interfere with the projected image.

[0049] The tracking object may be shaped as a cylinder or a light emitting diode, but it should be understood that the tracking object may have any suitable shape, including a spherical shape, a cuboid shape, etc. The tracking object enables the image sensor 120 to sense or resolve the position and / or orientation of the display surface 108, such as via optical performance capture or optical motion capture technology. Optical performance capture or optical motion capture refers to a technology that records an object by capturing data from an image sensor (such as the image sensor 120) and a tracking object coupled to the surface. In some embodiments, the tracking object may be an active device that can emit an individualized signal to the image sensor 120. For example, the tracking object may emit infrared light, electromagnetic energy, or any other suitable signal that is not perceptible to an individual but can be distinguished by the image sensor 120. Alternatively, the tracking object may be a passive device (e.g., a reflector, a colored portion) that does not emit a signal and enables the image sensor 120 to accurately distinguish the passive device from other portions of the display surface 108. In some embodiments, the tracking object may be flush with the outer surface of the display surface 108 or recessed into the outer surface of the display surface 108. The type and / or configuration of the image sensor 120 may be individually selected to correspond to the type of tracking object. The image sensor 120 may be designed to receive signals from a tracking object (e.g., an active device) to sense the position and / or orientation of the display surface 108. Additionally or alternatively, the image sensor 120 may be designed to discern a tracking object (e.g., a passive device) on the display surface 108.

[0050] The machine-readable indicia and / or tracking object may correspond to a background of an amusement park attraction or experience, such as a particular landscape (e.g., a forest, a volcano, a mountain range, a desert, etc.), a particular terrain (e.g., a plateau, a body of water, etc.), a particular section of an amusement park (e.g., a themed section, a path through an amusement park), a particular portion of an amusement park attraction or experience (e.g., a queue, a loading area, an unloading area, an effect area, etc.), or any other suitable location that may be depicted by image content projected onto the display surface 108. The image sensor 120 may generate and transmit image data including an image of the machine-readable indicia and / or tracking object. The processor 104 may receive the image data via the image sensor 120 by scanning a barcode, a QR code, or any other suitable machine-readable indicia. The machine-readable indicia may serve as an identifier of the landscape, terrain, etc., of the amusement park attraction or experience. For example, the processor 104 may process the image data to detect the machine-readable indicia and identify the corresponding image content to project onto the display surface 108. Processor 104 may receive and / or retrieve corresponding image content from memory 106 based on the detected machine-readable indicia, and may control operation of projector 122 to project the image content onto display surface 108 .

[0051] The tangible / virtual design system 100 may also include any number of object tokens 110 that may be disposed (e.g., placed) on the display surface 108 or any other suitable surface. The object token 110 may include machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects located on one or more surfaces of the object token 110. In certain embodiments, the machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects may be located on or within any suitable portion of the object token 110, which enables the machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects to be hidden or obscured from view and / or interfere with the projected image. The object token 110 may be captured in image data by the image sensor 120, and the automation controller 102 may detect the object token 110 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may also identify the visualization tool 112 based on the image data. For example, the image sensor 120 may detect the location, orientation, and / or configuration of the tracking object on the exposed surface of the object token 110, and / or may detect the machine-readable markings on the exposed surface of the object token 110. The image sensor 120 may generate tracking object data (e.g., positioning data, orientation data, configuration data) and / or scan data based on the detected tracking objects and / or machine-readable marks. As used herein, positioning data may include the current position, current orientation, current configuration, etc. of one or more tracking objects. The automation controller 102 may receive the tracking object data and / or scan data, and may identify corresponding image content based on the tracking object data and / or scan data. In some embodiments, the object token 110 may correspond to various components of an amusement park attraction or experience, such as a building, a ride vehicle, a portion of a ride track, a visitor, a path for a visitor, a natural feature, an obstacle, etc. For example, an object token 110 disposed on the display surface 108 may correspond to a ride vehicle. The automation controller 102 may identify the corresponding ride vehicle based on the tracking object data and / or scan data. In addition, the object token 110 may correspond to a camera or a visitor. In some cases, amusement park attraction designers may use camera object tokens to visualize the perspective or angle of view of a visitor viewing an attraction or experience. For example, the image sensor 120 may detect a camera object token and may generate position data and / or orientation data based on the detection. The automation controller 102 may determine the viewing angle or perspective angle of the captured camera object based on the position data and / or orientation data, and may instruct the projector 122 based on the viewing angle. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine whether the viewing angle of the camera object token is pointing to another object token on the display surface 108 based on the orientation data. Thus, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to project image content including a visual representation of the view from the camera object token. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may provide a visual representation of the perspective angle of a guest when viewing an amusement park attraction or experience.

[0052] The automation controller 102 may determine a configuration of a tracking object on the object token 110 and may compare the configuration to a tracking object configuration stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may determine a correlation between the configuration on the object token 110 and one or more stored tracking object configurations. Thus, the automation controller 102 may identify and / or retrieve image content corresponding to the object token and may control the operation of the projector 122 to display the image content. For example, the automation controller 102 may control the operation of the projector 122 to generate one or more object visualization effects 116 on the display surface 108. The object visualization effect 116 may be an image content representing the identified object token 110. For example, the projector 122 may project the object visualization effect 116 onto the display surface 108. The automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to adjust the object visualization effect 116 based on the image data from the image sensor 120. For example, the image data may include updated positions of object tokens 110, updated orientations of object tokens 110, additional object tokens 110, removed object tokens 110, updated properties (e.g., color, texture, material, etc.) about object tokens 110, etc. In certain embodiments, the object visualization 116 may include projection mapping of image content onto the object token 110. Additionally or alternatively, the object visualization 116 may correspond to a virtual model displayed on the display 126. Thus, the automation controller 102 may control the display 126 to generate and / or update the visual model on the display 126.

[0053] The tangible / virtual design system 100 may include any number of visualization tools 112 that may interact with object tokens 110 disposed on the display surface 108 or any other suitable surface. The visualization tools 112 may include machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects located on one or more surfaces of the visualization tools 112. In certain embodiments, the machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects may be located on or within any suitable portion of the visualization tools 112, which enables the machine-readable markings and / or tracking objects to be hidden or obscured from view. The visualization tools 112 may be captured in image data by the image sensor 120, and the automation controller 102 may detect the visualization tools 112 based on the image data. The visualization tools 112 may interact with the object tokens 110 to update any number of object properties, such as color, material, texture, etc. For example, a texture tool and / or a brush tool may be disposed adjacent to and / or in contact with the object token 110. The image sensor 120 may detect the brush tool and / or the object token 110, and may generate image data based on the detection. The automation controller 102 may receive the image data and may determine, based on the image data, that the visualization tool 112 satisfies the interaction criteria (eg, is within a threshold distance from, in contact with, the object token 110 ).

[0054] The automation controller 102 may also identify the visualization tool 112 based on the image data. For example, the image sensor 120 may detect the location, orientation, and / or configuration of the tracking object on the exposed surface of the visualization tool 112, and / or may detect a machine-readable mark on the exposed surface of the visualization tool 112. The image sensor 120 may generate tracking object data (e.g., location data, orientation data, configuration data) and / or scan data based on the detected tracking object and / or machine-readable mark. The automation controller 102 may receive the tracking object data and / or scan data, and may identify corresponding image content based on the tracking object data and / or scan data. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the configuration of the tracking object on the visualization tool 112, and may compare the configuration with the tracking object configuration stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may retrieve the image content based on the comparison, and may control the projector 122 based on the image content. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine that the visualization tool 112 corresponds to a brush tool that adjusts the color properties of the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may retrieve and / or update color properties about the object token 110, and may control the projector 122 to display the object visualization 116 based on the adjusted color properties. Thus, the automation controller 102 may generate and / or adjust image content (e.g., the object visualization 116) displayed by the projector 122 based on the tracked object data, the scan data, and / or the interaction criteria. In another example, the filter tool may correspond to a property of the object token 110, such as cost, brightness, volume, etc. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may update the visualization of the object token 110 based on the filter tool. In addition, multiple filter tools may be positioned (e.g., stacked) to provide combined properties of the object token 110. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may determine the combined properties based on the position of each of the filter effect tiles.

[0055] The tangible / virtual design system 100 may include any number of effect tiles 114 corresponding to various visual effects that may be displayed on the display surface 108 and / or any object token 110 on the display surface 108. The effect tiles 114 may include machine-readable marks and / or tracking objects located on one or more surfaces of the effect tiles 114. In certain embodiments, the machine-readable marks and / or tracking objects may be located on or inside any suitable portion of the effect tiles 114, which enables the machine-readable marks and / or tracking objects to be hidden or obscured from view. The effect tiles 114 may be captured in image data by the image sensor 120, and the automation controller 102 may detect the effect tiles 114 based on the image data. The effect tiles 114 may interact with the display surface 108 and / or the object token 110 to adjust the projected image content. For example, a clock effect tile may correspond to a time of day, and a lighting effect may be adjusted based on a determined sun position. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may determine the time of day based on the orientation and / or position of the clock tile. For example, the image sensor 120 may detect the position, orientation, and / or configuration of a tracking object on an exposed surface of the effect tile 114 , and / or may detect machine-readable markings on an exposed surface of the effect tile 114 .

[0056] The image sensor 120 may generate tracking object data (e.g., positioning data, orientation data, configuration data) and / or scan data based on the detected tracking objects and / or machine-readable marks. The automation controller 102 may receive the tracking object data and / or scan data, and may identify corresponding image content based on the tracking object data and / or scan data. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the orientation of the tracking object on the clock tile, and may compare the orientation with the tracking object orientation associated with the clock tile stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may determine the associated time of day based on the comparison, and may control the projector 122 based on the time of day. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine that the time of day is sunset, and may adjust the lighting effect to depict shadows, lower brightness, movement of virtual light sources, etc. The automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to adjust the image content based on the lighting effect. As another example, the weather tile may correspond to a selected weather, and may adjust lighting effects, environmental effects, etc. for any number of objects. Environmental effects may include wind speed, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, fog, etc. Environmental effects may change the object visualization effects 116. For example, the automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to adjust the image content of branches and leaves moving in the wind for a landscape object.

[0057] In an embodiment, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may include a timeline tool 118 coupled to the display surface 108 and / or the motion sensor 124. The timeline tool 118 may include a physical device, such as a rope, pulley, rod, slider, crank with or without chain, wire, gear, sliding magnet, cam on a timeline track, etc., and / or a software tool, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) integrated with the display surface 108. For example, the timeline tool 118 may associate a start time (e.g., time=t0) with a first end of the timeline track, and an end time (e.g., time t=t1) with a second end of the timeline track. In another example, the timeline tool 118 may associate a first point (e.g., location, point, marker) of the timeline track with rewinding time (e.g., within the tangible / virtual design system 100), a second point of the timeline track with pausing time, and a third point of the timeline track with advancing time. The area between the first end, the second end, and / or the third end may be associated with a speed at which time can be adjusted. In still another example, the timeline tool 118 may include a rope that can be pulled, pushed, or otherwise moved relative to the display surface 108. The movement sensor 124 may receive an indication of the movement, and the automation controller 102 may adjust the simulation time or project time based on the indication. In another example, the timeline tool 118 may be integrally integrated with the GUI and the display surface 108, and the GUI may receive user input to adjust the time. For example, the automation controller 102 may advance the simulation time, rewind the simulation time, stop the simulation time, or pause the simulation time within the simulation presented by the tangible / virtual design system 100. The automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to adjust the image content based on the simulation time. As an example, the throughput of the ride facility may be simulated by advancing the simulation time within the tangible / virtual design system 100. In another example, the automation controller 102 may rewind the project time, stop the project time, or pause the project time. The automation controller 102 may control the image sensor 120 to capture images of the display surface 108 of the object token 110, the visualization tool(s) 112, the effect tile 114, and / or the timeline tool 118 over a period of time and store the captured images in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may also control the projector 122 to store the object visualization 116 in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may store the images and / or object visualizations and the time and / or date of generation (e.g., project time). In this manner, the automation controller 102 may playback the stored images by controlling the projector 122 and / or the display 126 in response to receiving an indication of movement.

[0058] In some embodiments, the display 126 may be provided in the form of a computing device, such as a head mounted display device, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), or any other suitable computing device. The automation controller 102 may control the operation of the display 126 based on various objects detected on the display surface 108 to display the generated image content. In some embodiments, the display 126 may be an electronic display, such as a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a projector, or any other suitable electronic display. Additionally or alternatively, the display 126 may be a head mounted display that may be worn on the user's head, and the display 126 may be disposed in front of one or both eyes of the user. The display 126 may display computer generated images, real-time images, virtual reality images, augmented reality images, mixed reality images, etc. In some embodiments, the display surface 108 and / or the display 126 may be viewed by any number of users. Thus, multiple users may view the display 126 and / or the display surface 108 and may collaborate during the design of an amusement park attraction or experience using the tangible / virtual design system 100.

[0059] The automation controller 102 may represent a unified hardware component or an assembly of separate components integrally coupled by a communication link (e.g., wired or wireless communication). The automation controller 102 may be provided in the form of a computing device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a server, or any other suitable computing device. The memory 106 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media that stores instructions executable by the processor 104 (representing one or more processors) and / or data to be processed by the processor 104. For example, the memory 106 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rewritable non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. In addition, the processor 104 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), any suitable processing circuits, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In addition, the memory 106 may store image data obtained via the image sensor 120 and / or algorithms used by the processor 104 to facilitate controlling the operation of the image sensor 120 and / or the projector 122. For example, the memory 106 may store image data of one or more users interacting with the display surface 108, the object tokens 110, the visualization tools 112, the effect tiles 114, and / or the timeline tool 118 over a period of time. In other cases, the memory 106 may store image data of the object visualization 116. The processor 104 may control the generation of the object visualization 116 via the projector 122. In addition, the processor 104 may process the image data to generate control signals for the projector 122 and / or the image sensor 120, may control and / or monitor the operation of the display 126, and / or may detect and determine the position, orientation, motion attributes, etc., of any number of the object tokens 110, the visualization tools 112, and the effect tiles 114.

[0061] In an embodiment, additional data may be accessed, input, and / or output by the tangible / virtual design system 100. For example, the additional data may include measured data and / or data derived from measurements and / or predictions. The predictions may include mathematical predictions and / or statistical predictions. The additional data may include temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, cloud, and / or celestial data (e.g., rise and fall times, altitude, angle, position), and the additional data may be relative to a location (e.g., the location of the object token 110, the location of a data collection site located near the object token 110 (e.g., the data collection site closest to the object token 110)). The additional data may come from an internal source (e.g., measured, derived, and / or predicted by the tangible / virtual design system 100 and / or a user) or an external source. The external source may include one or more scientific databases, government databases, research databases, and / or other relevant databases. The additional data may be displayed by the tangible / virtual design system 100 and / or utilized by the tangible / virtual design system 100 to derive output displayed by the tangible / virtual design system 100. This may allow conditions (e.g., environmental conditions, astronomical conditions) for a particular time of day and / or a particular time of year to be displayed by the tangible / virtual design system 100. The conditions may be associated with a particular location (e.g., the location of the object token 110, the location of a data collection site located near the object token 110 (e.g., the data collection site closest to the object token 110)). For example, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may display the brightness of light reflected from at least a portion of a feature represented by the object token 110. For example, the brightness of light reflected from at least a portion of a feature represented by the object token 110 may be derived from solar position data relative to a particular coordinate position and / or altitude on the earth, and may be specific to a particular time of day and / or a particular time of year. Another example may include using historical temperature and humidity data for a particular location on the earth to predict certain temperatures of one or more features represented by the object token over a period of time (e.g., a particular time of day and / or a particular time of year), and displaying the predicted certain temperatures by, for example, a color scale of a particular output of the tangible / virtual design system 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may be incorporated into the automation controller 102 and may be capable of capturing images and / or videos of the display surface 108, the object token 110, the visualization tool 112, the effect tile 114, etc. The image sensor 120 may generate image data corresponding to the captured image and / or may transmit the image data to the automation controller 102. The image sensor 120 may include any number of cameras, such as any number of video cameras, any number of depth cameras capable of determining the depth and distance to the display surface 108 or the object, any number of infrared cameras, any number of digital cameras, etc. In certain embodiments, the image sensor 120 may process the image data before transmitting the image data to the automation controller 102. Alternatively, the image sensor 120 may transmit the raw image data to the automation controller 102. As a specific example, the image sensor 120 may be an infrared camera that operates to detect infrared signals emitted from a tracked object. The automation controller 102 may receive information based on such detection and process the information to determine and monitor the position and / or orientation of the display surface 108 and / or objects on the display surface 108. The automation controller 102 may control the operation of the projector 122 based on the detection, position, and / or orientation. For example, the image sensor 120 may detect a tracking object on the exposed surface of the display surface 108 and / or any number of objects on the display surface 108, and may generate positioning data and / or orientation data based on the detection. The automation controller 102 may receive the positioning data and / or orientation data from the image sensor 120, and may instruct the projector 122 to depict image content on the display surface 108 and / or the projection surface of the object on the display surface 108. Thus, the automation controller 102 may generate and / or adjust the image content displayed by the projector 122 based on the positioning data and / or orientation data.

[0063] In addition, the image sensor 120 may generate image data based on the detection. The automation controller 102 may receive the image data from the image sensor 120 and may process the image data to identify corresponding image content on the display surface 108 and / or the object on the display surface 108. For example, the image data may include one or more images of the object token 110 corresponding to the ride vehicle. The image sensor 120 may detect the position, orientation, and / or configuration of the tracking object on the exposed surface of the object token 110, and / or may detect the machine-readable mark on the exposed surface of the object token 110. The image sensor 120 may generate tracking object data (e.g., positioning data, orientation data, configuration data) and / or scanning data based on the detected tracking object and / or machine-readable mark. The automation controller 102 may receive the tracking object data and / or scanning data and may identify corresponding image content based on the tracking object data and / or scanning data. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the configuration of the tracking object on the object token 110 and may compare the configuration with the tracking object configuration stored in the memory 106. Automation controller 102 may retrieve image content based on the comparison, and may control projector 122 based on the image content. Thus, automation controller 102 may generate and / or adjust image content displayed by projector 122 based on tracked object data and / or scan data regarding display surface 108 and / or any number of objects on display surface 108.

[0064] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 2 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment 200 of a tangible / virtual design system 100 in FIG. 1 , which includes a display surface 108, an image sensor 120, a projector 122, and a display 126. In particular, the display 126 may be a head mounted display worn by one or more users to provide computer generated images, real-time images, virtual reality images, augmented reality images, mixed reality images, etc. The image sensor 120 may be received from a control system (such as a Figure 1The image sensor 120 may capture an image 202 of the display surface 108 and any number of object tokens 110, visualization tools 112, and / or effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108. The image sensor 120 may include a camera (e.g., an infrared camera) and may detect tracking objects on exposed (e.g., upper) surfaces of the display surface 108, object tokens 110 (referred to herein as first object tokens 110A, second object tokens 110B, third object tokens 110C, and fourth object tokens 110D), visualization tools 112, effect tiles 114 (referred to herein as first effect tiles 114, 114A and second effect tiles 114, 114B), etc. The image sensor 120 may detect the display surface 108, the object tokens 110, the visualization tools 112, the effect tiles 114, etc. The image sensor 120 may transmit image data to the control system based on the detection.

[0065] The projector 122 may receive control signals (e.g., indications of image content) from the control system. The projector 122 may project the image content 204 onto any number of projection surfaces, such as the display surface 108, the object tokens 110, and the like. For example, the projector 122 may receive control signals to project the image content 204 onto the display surface 108 corresponding to a background about an amusement park attraction or experience. Additionally or alternatively, the display 126 may receive control signals and display the image content 204. For example, a user may wear the display 126 (e.g., a head mounted display) and view the tangible / virtual design system 100 as an augmented reality, a mixed reality, a virtual reality, and the like. For example, the display 126 may update the imagery using augmented reality, and / or update the imagery using projection mapping for a mixed reality system. The user may interact with the tangible / virtual design system 100 by adjusting the timeline tool 118, adjusting the position of the object token 110, and / or the visualization tool 112, and the controller may cause the display 126 to update the viewed imagery. Additionally, additional users may wear the display 126 and view the updated imagery. For example, multiple users may wear displays 126, and the control signal may cause the projected image content within each display 126 to update in response to an action taken by one user. In other cases, the control signal may cause a first set of displays 126 to update, but may not cause a second set of displays 126 to update, such as if a first set of users may be designing a first area of ​​an amusement park attraction, and a second set of users may be designing a second area of ​​an amusement park attraction. The image content 204 may include scenery, buildings, structures, landscapes, natural features, terrain, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the image content may include representations of ride vehicles, guests, animated characters, etc. With the above in mind, Figure 3 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11, which includes a display surface 108, a timeline tool 118, an image sensor 120, and a display 126. In the illustrated embodiment 250, the display 126 includes an electronic display, such as an LED display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or any other suitable electronic display. In some cases, the display 126 may include a projector (e.g., referring to Figure 2 1 ) that projects image content 204 onto a screen for viewing by multiple users. Display 126 may project image content 204 to visually represent components and features of a real-world location or structure, such as an amusement park attraction or experience. Display 126 may also project image content 204 (e.g., stored image content captured or sensed by image sensor 120) of one or more users interacting with display surface 108, object tokens 110, visualization tools 112, effect tiles 114, timeline tools 118, and the like. In this manner, one or more users may collaborate within tangible / virtual design system 100 and view object visualization effects 116 on display 126 in real time or near real time.

[0066] In addition, the display surface 108 may be coupled to a timeline tool 118 and a motion sensor 124, both of which may enable adjustment of time within the tangible / virtual design system 100. The timeline tool 118 may include a physical device, and the motion sensor 124 may generate sensor data indicating movement of the physical device. As shown, the timeline tool 118 includes a pulley system having a rope 252 and a wheel 254 located below the display surface 108. The pulley system may be a fixed pulley system, a movable pulley system, a compound pulley system, etc. The rope 252 may be arranged along the length and width of the display surface 108 so that multiple users may interact with the rope 252. For example, the rope 252 may be pulled in a clockwise direction (e.g., relative to the display surface 108), a counterclockwise direction (e.g., relative to the display surface 108), upward toward the display surface 108, downward away from the display surface 108, etc. The rope 252 may be coupled to a wheel 254, which facilitates movement of the rope 252. Although one wheel 254 is shown in the exemplary embodiment 250 , any suitable number of wheels may be coupled to the display surface 108 to move the rope 252 .

[0067] In an embodiment, the timeline tool 118 may include an actuator coupled to the automation controller 102, which may control the actuator to move the rope 252. The actuator may include a mechanical linear actuator, an electric actuator, etc. For example, the actuator may receive a control signal from the automation controller 102 and adjust the position of the rope 252 based on the signal. Although the timeline tool 118 is shown to include a pulley system, in other embodiments, the timeline tool 118 may include a lever, a dial, a slider, a GUI integrally integrated with the display 126, etc. For example, the timeline tool 118 may include a GUI integrally integrated with the display surface 108, which may include one or more inputs (e.g., buttons) associated with adjusting time. Thus, the GUI may receive user input indicating forward time, reverse time, and / or pause time.

[0068] The movement sensor 124 may generate sensor data indicating the movement of the rope 252 relative to the display surface 108. For example, the movement sensor 124 may include a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a touch switch, a force sensor, etc. The movement sensor 124 may detect the movement speed, movement direction, and / or position of the rope 252 relative to the display surface 108. For example, the movement sensor 124 may generate sensor data indicating that the rope 252 is in a top position, a middle position, and / or a bottom position, and transmit the sensor data to the control system based on the detected position. In another example, the movement sensor 124 may generate sensor data indicating the movement of the rope 252 (such as in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction, upward, downward, etc.). The movement sensor 124 may transmit the sensor data to the control system.

[0069] The control system can receive sensor data and adjust the simulation time or the actual project time. For example, the clockwise movement of rope 252 can correspond to advancing the simulation time, and the counterclockwise movement of rope 252 can correspond to reversing the simulation time. In another example, the top position of rope 252 can correspond to the advancing time, the middle position of rope 252 can correspond to the stopping or pausing time, and the bottom position of rope 252 can correspond to the reversing time. In some cases, the adjustment of time can be associated with the speed of movement. For example, compared with the fast moving rope, slowly moving the rope in the clockwise direction can make the time increase more slowly. The control system can output a control signal based on the sensor data.

[0070] The display 126 may receive a control signal (e.g., an indication of the image content) from the control system and project the image content 204. In some cases, the image content 204 may include object visualizations 116 within the tangible / virtual design system 100. For example, as the rope 252 moves in a clockwise direction (e.g., as simulation time advances), the display 126 may show the image content 204 of the ride vehicle progressing through the ride. In another example, the image content 204 may include the throughput of guests at a point of sale as simulation time advances, and the image content 204 may pause if the rope 252 stops moving (e.g., stops or pauses simulation time).

[0071] In other cases, the image content 204 may include image data of one or more users interacting with the tangible / virtual design system 100, and the display 126 may project a playback of the interactions. For example, the image sensor 120 may generate image data of multiple users interacting with the object token 110, the visualization tool 112, the effect tile 114, etc. over a period of time. The display 126 may project (e.g., playback) the image data at a playback speed that may be based on the indication of the movement.

[0072] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 4 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 Flowchart of a method or process 270 for adjusting time (e.g., simulation time, actual project time) within a tangible / virtual design system 100 of the present invention. Although the process 270 is described as being performed by the automation controller 102, it should be understood that the process 270 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as the processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system 100. In addition, although the process 270 is described using a particular sequence of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in a different order than shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, the process 270 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as the processor 104).

[0073] At block 272, the automation controller 102 receives an indication of movement of a device (e.g., the timeline tool 118). For example, the timeline tool 118 may move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the movement sensor 124 may generate sensor data indicative of the movement. Additionally, the sensor data may include a speed and / or position of the movement of the timeline tool 118. For example, the timeline tool 118 may move slowly (e.g., a small amount over a period of time) to cause time to advance or rewind at a first, slower rate, or move faster (e.g., a larger amount over a period of time) to cause time to advance or rewind at a second, faster rate.

[0074] At block 274, the automation controller 102 determines whether the indication is in a first direction. For example, the timeline tool 118 may be moved in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction relative to the display surface 108. In one case, movement in a clockwise direction may be associated with advancing time in the tangible / virtual design system 100, while movement in a counterclockwise direction may be associated with reversing time, or vice versa. In another example, the timeline tool 118 may be moved to a top position, a bottom position, and / or a middle position (e.g., relative to the display surface 108). The top position may be adjacent to the display surface 108, the middle position may be adjacent to the top position and / or below the top position, and the bottom position may be adjacent to the middle position and / or below the middle position. In some cases, the top position may be associated with advancing time, the bottom position may be associated with reversing time, and the middle position may be associated with pausing time. In other cases, the top position may be associated with reversing time, and the bottom position may be associated with advancing time.

[0075] If the automation controller 102 determines that the indication is in the first direction, then at block 276, the automation controller 102 advances time in the tangible / virtual design system 100. The controller 102 may adjust the image data based on the advancement of time and control the display surface 108 to project the object visualization 116. For example, the image data may include the throughput of visitors throughout the day at the attraction. The controller 102 may simulate the throughput of visitors under the simulated advancement of time based on the timeline tool 118 moving in the first direction. In another example, the image data may include a user interacting with the object token 110, and the controller 102 may advance the project time based on the timeline tool 118 moving in the first direction. The process 270 may return to block 272 to receive another indication of movement of the device.

[0076] If the automation controller 102 determines that the indication is not in the first direction, then at block 278, the automation controller determines whether the indication is in a second direction. For example, if the first direction is a clockwise movement, the second direction may be a counterclockwise movement. In another example, the second direction may be a movement to a bottom position.

[0077] If the automation controller 102 determines that the indication is in the second direction, then at block 280, the automation controller 102 rewinds time in the tangible / virtual design system 100. The controller 102 may adjust the image data based on the rewinding of time within the tangible / virtual design system 100 and transmit the image data to the display 126. For example, the image data may include a ride vehicle moving backward through the ride. In another example, the image data may include a playback of a user's interaction with an object token 110 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 over a period of time. The process 270 may return to block 272 to receive another indication of movement of the device.

[0078] If the automation controller 102 determines that the indication is not in the second direction, then at block 282, the automation controller 102 stops or pauses time in the tangible / virtual design system 100. For example, pulling the cord 252 in a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction relative to the display 126 may be associated with a stop or pause time within the tangible / virtual design system 100. In another example, positioning the cord 252 in an intermediate position may be associated with a stop or pause time. Thus, the controller 102 may determine whether the movement is not in the first direction or the second direction, and the controller 102 may update the image data to stop or pause at a certain point. The process 270 may return to block 272 to receive an indication of movement of the device.

[0079] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 5 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment 300 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 in FIG. 1 , which includes a display surface 108 and a projector 122. The projector 122 can project image content 204 onto the display surface 108 to visually represent the components and features of an amusement park attraction or experience. For example, Figure 1 The tangible / virtual design system 100 in FIG. 1 can be used to design a Pepper's Ghost illusion. The Pepper's Ghost illusion utilizes the reflective properties of translucent or transparent materials (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.) to virtually project an image into a scene for viewing by visitors. For example, an angled glass sheet may be positioned in front of a stage, and an image is then projected toward the glass from out of view of the audience, and the image is then partially reflected toward the audience by the glass sheet.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown in , a first object token 110, 110A may represent an image designed to be projected toward a second object token 110, 110B, which represents a reflective material, such as an angled glass sheet. A third object token 110, 110C may represent one or more visitors viewing the illusion. Figure 1The image sensor 120 in the controller 102 may capture image data of the object token 110 and determine position data, orientation data, configuration data, etc. for each of the object tokens 110. Additionally or alternatively, the image sensor 120 may capture image data and may detect tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia about the object token 110. The image sensor 120 may identify the object token based on the detected tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may receive the image data and may identify the object token based on the tracking object data and / or scanning data generated by the image sensor 120. The automation controller 102 may determine that the first object token 110, 110A corresponds to a device that projects an image to provide a visual effect, the second object token 110, 110B corresponds to a reflective material or surface, and the third object token 110, 110C corresponds to one or more visitors. The automation controller 102 may determine the position and orientation of the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B, and may generate position data and orientation data about the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may utilize the position data and the orientation data to determine the position and orientation of the reflected image perceived by the audience. Thus, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to generate the object visualization 116 corresponding to the reflected image. The projector 122 may project the image content 204 onto the display surface 108 at the corresponding position and orientation based on the instructions from the automation controller 102. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may accurately represent the visual effects to provide a better understanding of the amusement park attraction or experience.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, any number of object tokens 110 may include an actuator, such as a motor, that is capable of moving the object token to different positions along and around the display surface 108. For example, a user may input a desired position and / or desired orientation of a reflected image in the Pepper's Ghost image via a user input interface of the control system or any other suitable input device (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a fourth object token may correspond to the reflected image and may be disposed on the display surface 108. The image sensor 120 may detect the position and / or orientation of the fourth object token, and may generate position and / or orientation data based on the detection. Additionally or alternatively, a user may place a third object token 110, 110C corresponding to one or more visitors of the amusement park in a second desired position and / or a second desired orientation. The image sensor 120 may detect the positioning and / or orientation of the third object token 110, 110C, and may generate or update positioning and / or orientation data based on the detection. The automation controller 102 may receive the positioning and / or orientation data and may determine the position and / or orientation of the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B. In one case, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to project image content corresponding to the determined position and / or orientation. Thus, the projector 122 may project a sign or indicator onto the display surface 108, which indicates the position and / or orientation of the projected image and / or reflective material. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may control the actuators of the first object token 110, 110A and / or the second object token 110, 110B to move to the determined position and / or orientation. The tangible / virtual design system 100 may also monitor the display surface and the object token 110 for updates of its position and / or orientation. Therefore, the adjustment of the position of any one of the object tokens 110, 110A, 110B, 110C may result in adjusting the remaining object tokens 110 and / or object visualization effects 116.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the automation controller 102 may compare the orientation data and / or the position data to constraint criteria (e.g., line-of-sight criteria, threshold angles, brightness thresholds, etc.). The automation controller 102 may determine that a reflected image may not be produced based on one or more of the constraint criteria. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine that another object is disposed between the projected image object token 110, 110A and the reflective material object token 110, 110B. Thus, the projected image may not be reflected by the reflective material. The automation controller 102 may instruct one or more components of the tangible / virtual design system 100 based on the constraint criteria. For example, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to project image content that identifies one or more incorrectly disposed object tokens 110. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 and / or the display 126 to display a notification indicating the constraint criteria.

[0083] In some embodiments, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may capture image data including the configuration, position, and / or orientation of the object token 110, the visualization tool 112, and / or the effect tile 114. The image sensor 120 may generate configuration data, position data, and / or orientation data based on the detected object. The automation controller 102 may receive the configuration data, position data, and / or orientation data, and may store the data as a specific design. For example, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may receive an input that instructs the automation controller to store data as a design for an amusement park attraction or experience. The automation controller 102 may store the data and images in the memory 106. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may store a database of any number of amusement park attraction designs. In addition, the automation controller 102 may retrieve the stored designs, and may control components of the tangible / virtual design system 100 based on the stored designs. For example, the automation controller 102 may retrieve the configuration data, position data, orientation data, image data, etc. The automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 based on the stored designs. For example, the projector 122 may project image content including indicators for placing object tokens 110, visualization tools 112, effect tiles, etc. on the display surface 108 and / or stage surface. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may instruct the actuators of the object to move the object to a desired position and / or orientation based on a stored design.

[0084] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 6Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of an object token 110 having one or more tracking objects 330 (referred to herein individually as a first tracking object 330A and a second tracking object 330B). As shown, the object token 110 includes a block having a first tracking object 330, 330A and a second tracking object 330, 330B on a surface of the object token 110. The object token 110 may include any suitable shape, size, or color. The automation controller 102 may identify an object visualization 116 (e.g., a virtual model) associated with the object token 110 based on the one or more tracking objects 330. For example, the first tracking object 330, 330A includes an identifier (e.g., a number, a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, a radio frequency (RF) tag) that may be associated with the object visualization 116 stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may identify a first tracking object 330, 330A on the object token 110 and compare the first tracking object 330, 330A to a tracking object configuration (e.g., a number, a barcode, a QR code, an RF tag) stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may determine a match between the first tracking object 330, 330A and one or more stored tracking object configurations and identify and / or retrieve image content (e.g., the object visualization 116) corresponding to the object token 110, and may control the operation of the projector 122 to display the image content. For example, the first tracking object 330, 330A may correspond to a building, and the automation controller 102 may identify the corresponding building based on the first tracking object 330, 330A. The automation controller 102 may control the operation of the projector 122 to generate a visualization of the building on the display surface 108.

[0085] Additionally or alternatively, the configuration (e.g., position, orientation) of the second tracking object 330, 330B may be utilized by the automation controller 102 to identify the corresponding object visualization effect 116. The second tracking object 330, 330B may have a unique configuration that may be mapped to a corresponding object virtualization effect 116 stored in a database (such as the memory 106). As shown, the second tracking object 330, 330B may be four points in a rectangular configuration. The automation controller 102 may identify the object token 110 based on the rectangular configuration of the second tracking object 330, 330B, and may identify the corresponding object virtualization effect 116. For example, the second tracking object 330, 330B may be associated with a building.

[0086] In addition, the second tracking object 330, 330B can be used to determine the position and / or orientation of the object token 110 within the tangible / virtual design system 100. As shown, the second tracking object 330, 330B includes four points, however the second tracking object 330, 330B may include any suitable number of points. The image sensor 120 may generate image data, and the automation controller 102 may determine the tracking object data (e.g., positioning data, orientation data, configuration data) based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may also determine the configuration of the second tracking object 330, 330B on the surface of the object token 110 to determine the position, orientation and / or configuration of the corresponding object virtualization effect 116. For example, the corresponding object virtualization effect 116 may be a building, and the layout of the building (e.g., windows, doors, rooms) may be determined based on the configuration of the second tracking object 330, 330B. In practice, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to generate the object visualization effect 116 based on the configuration of the second tracking object 330, 330B on the object token 110.

[0087] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 6B is a perspective view of an object token 110 with a tracking object 330 and a machine-readable mark 332. As shown, the object token 110 includes a train model with the tracking object 330 and the machine-readable mark 332 on an exposed surface (e.g., a projection surface). As shown, the tracking object 330 includes four points that are located on the exposed surface and are used by the automation controller 102 to determine the position and / or orientation of the object token 110 within the physical / virtual design system 100.

[0088] The object token 110 may also include a machine-readable indicia 332, such as a barcode, a QR code, an RF tag, etc. The illustrated machine-readable indicia 332 includes a QR code that may be captured as image data by the image sensor 120. The automation controller 102 may identify the QR code within the image data and compare the QR code to the machine-readable indicia stored in the memory 106. The automation controller 102 may determine a match between the machine-readable indicia 332 and the stored machine-readable indicia to determine an associated object visualization 116. For example, the automation controller 102 may identify one or more attributes of the object token 110, such as color, texture, material, speed of movement, number of passengers, cost, etc. The automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to adjust the object visualization 116 (e.g., display color, texture, material, indication of speed of movement, number of passengers, indication of cost, etc.) based on the attributes of the object token 110.

[0089] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 7 The method for operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11. A flowchart of a process 400 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 of the present invention. Although the process is described as being performed by the automation controller 102, it should be understood that the process 400 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as the processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system 100. In addition, although the process 400 is described using a particular order of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, the process 400 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as the processor 104).

[0090] At block 402, the automation controller 102 receives image data via the image sensor 120. The image sensor 120 may detect one or more object tokens 110 on the display surface 108 and may capture image data based on the detection. In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may detect image data in the form of tracking objects 330 and / or machine-readable indicia 332 displayed on the object token 110. At block 404, the automation controller 102 may identify the object token 110 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect the tracking objects 330 and / or the machine-readable indicia 332. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may scan the machine-readable indicia 332 to identify a corresponding object (e.g., a building, a ride vehicle, a ride path, a guest, a landscape, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine a configuration of the tracking objects 330 displayed on the surface of the object token 110. Each object token 110 may have a unique configuration of tracking objects, which may be mapped to a corresponding object stored in a database (such as the memory 106). Thus, the configuration of the tracking object 330 may serve as an identifier for the object token 110 .

[0091] The automation controller 102 may determine properties associated with the identified object token 110 (block 406). For example, the automation controller 102 may retrieve physical properties (e.g., size, color, texture, material, etc.) about the identified object token. For example, the object token 110 may correspond to a ride vehicle. The automation controller 102 may receive and / or retrieve properties of the ride vehicle, such as design, shape, color, size, number of seats, number of wheels, restraints, presence of one or more riders, number of riders, etc.

[0092] The automation controller 102 may also determine position data about the object token 110 based on the image data (block 408). For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the position of the object token 110 on the display surface 108. The automation controller 102 may also determine the position of the object token 110 relative to one or more other object tokens 110, one or more visualizers 112, and / or one or more effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108. At block 410, the automation controller 102 may determine orientation data about the object token 110 based on the image data. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the orientation of the tracking object 330 displayed on the surface of the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may determine that the tracking object is located on the front surface, top surface, back surface, bottom surface, side surface, etc. of the object token 110. Thus, the automation controller 102 may utilize the orientation of the tracking object 330 to generate orientation data about the object token 110.

[0093] The automation controller 102 may generate (block 412) the object visualization 116 based at least in part on the object properties, the position data, and / or the orientation data. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine whether the ride vehicle object token 110 is oriented with the top surface facing up toward the image sensor 120 and / or the projector 122. Thus, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to project image content including a visualization of the top surface of the ride vehicle onto the object token 110 and / or the display surface 108. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may provide visualizations to accurately represent features and aspects of an amusement park attraction or experience.

[0094] Taking the above into consideration, Figure 8 The method for operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 1. Although the process is described as being performed by the automation controller 102, it should be understood that the process 500 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as the processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system. In addition, although the process 500 is described using a particular order of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, the process 500 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as the processor 104).

[0095] At block 502, the automation controller 102 receives image data via the image sensor 120. The image sensor 120 may detect one or more object tokens 110, one or more visualization tools 112, and one or more effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108, and may capture image data based on the detection. In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may detect the tracking object 330 and / or the machine-readable mark 332 displayed on the object token 110, the visualization tool 112, and the effect tile 114. At block 504, the automation controller 102 may identify the object token 110 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect the tracking object 330 and / or the machine-readable mark 332. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may scan the machine-readable mark 332 to identify the corresponding object (e.g., a building, a ride vehicle, a ride path, a guest, a landscape, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine the configuration of the tracking object 330 displayed on the surface of the object token 110. Each object token 110 may have a unique configuration of a tracking object 330 , which may be mapped to a corresponding object stored in a database, such as memory 106 . Thus, the configuration of the tracking object 330 may serve as an identifier for the object token 110 .

[0096] At block 506, the automation controller 102 may identify the visualization tool 112 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect a logo and / or machine-readable indicia displayed on a surface of the visualization tool 112. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may control the image sensor 120 to scan the machine-readable indicia to identify a corresponding visualization tool 112 (e.g., a brush tool, a texture tool, a material tool, a magnification tool, a measurement tool, a filter tool, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine a configuration of a tracking object displayed on a surface of the visualization tool 112. Each visualization tool may have a unique configuration of a tracking object, which may be mapped to a corresponding visualization tool stored in a database (such as the memory 106). Thus, the configuration of the tracking object may serve as an identifier for the visualization tool 112.

[0097] At block 508, the automation controller 102 may identify an interaction between the object token 110 and the visualization tool 112 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to determine position data and / or orientation data regarding the object token 110 and / or the visualization tool 112. The automation controller 102 may utilize the position data and / or orientation data to determine that the visualization tool 112 satisfies the interaction criteria (e.g., is within a threshold distance from, in contact with, the object token 110) based on the image data.

[0098] The automation controller may adjust (block 510) one or more properties of the object token 110 based on the identified interaction. For example, the visualization tool 112 may correspond to a material tool that updates material properties, texture properties, color properties, etc., with respect to the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may store the adjusted properties in the memory 106. At block 512, the automation controller 102 may generate an object visualization 116 with respect to the object token 110 based on the adjusted object properties, and may control the projector 122 to project image content based on the adjusted object properties. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may generate and / or adjust the object visualization 116 to reflect the interaction between the object token 110 and the various visualization tools 112.

[0099] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 9 The method for operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Flowchart of process 600 of tangible / virtual design system 100 of the present invention. Although the process is described as being performed by automation controller 102, it should be understood that process 600 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system. In addition, although process 600 is described using a particular order of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, process 600 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as processor 104).

[0100] At block 602, the automation controller 102 receives image data via the image sensor 120. The image sensor 120 may detect one or more object tokens 110, one or more visualization tools 112, and one or more effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108, and may capture image data based on the detection. In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may detect the tracking objects 330 and / or machine-readable indicia 332 displayed on the object tokens 110, the visualization tools 112, and the effect tiles 114. At block 604, the automation controller 102 may identify a plurality of object tokens 110, such as a first object token 110, 110A, a second object token 110, 110B, and a third object token 110, 110C, based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect the tracking objects 330 and / or the machine-readable indicia 332. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may scan the machine-readable indicia 332 to identify the corresponding object (e.g., a building, a ride vehicle, a ride path, a guest, a landscape, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine the configuration of the tracking object 330 displayed on the surface of the object token 110. Each object token 110 may have a unique configuration of the tracking object, which may be mapped to a corresponding object stored in a database, such as the memory 106. Thus, the configuration of the tracking object may serve as an identifier for the object token 110.

[0101] At block 606, the automation controller 102 may generate position data and / or orientation data for one or more of the object tokens 110. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may determine distances between the object tokens 110 and angles between the object tokens 110. The automation controller 102 may generate (block 608) visualization position data and / or visualization orientation data for the object visualization 116 based on the image data. For example, Figure 3 As shown in , position data and / or orientation data about the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B may be used to determine visualization position data and / or visualization orientation data about the object visualization 116. The visualization position data may include a relative position of the object visualization 116 relative to one or more object tokens 110 and / or an absolute position of the object visualization 116 on the display surface 108. The visualization orientation data may include a relative orientation of the object visualization 116 relative to one or more object tokens 110 and / or an absolute orientation relative to the display surface 108.

[0102] At block 610, the automation controller 102 may generate an object visualization 116 based at least in part on the visualization position data, the visualization orientation data, the identified object token 110, or any combination thereof. The automation controller 102 may detect the first object token 110, 110A, and may identify the first object token 110, 110A corresponding to the projected image. The automation controller 102 may receive image content based on the identified first object token 110, 110A, and may instruct the projector 122 to project the object visualization 116 including the reflected image. Thus, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may provide for the display of visual effects and phantom representations, such as Pepper's Ghost.

[0103] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.10 The method for operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Flowchart of process 700 of tangible / virtual design system 100 of the present invention. Although the process is described as being performed by automation controller 102, it should be understood that process 700 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system. In addition, although process 700 is described using a particular order of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, process 700 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as processor 104).

[0104] At block 702, the automation controller 102 receives image data via the image sensor 120. The image sensor 120 may detect one or more object tokens 110, one or more visualization tools 112, and one or more effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108, and may capture image data based on the detection. In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may detect tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia displayed on the object token 110, the visualization tools 112, and the effect tiles 114. At block 704, the automation controller 102 may identify the object token 110 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect the tracking object 330 and / or the machine-readable indicia 332. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may scan the machine-readable indicia 332 to identify the corresponding object (e.g., a building, a ride vehicle, a ride path, a visitor, a landscape, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine the configuration of the tracking object displayed on the surface of the object token 110. Each object token 110 may have a unique configuration of a tracking object 330 , which may be mapped to a corresponding object stored in a database, such as memory 106 . Thus, the configuration of the tracking object 330 may serve as an identifier for the object token 110 .

[0105] At block 706, the automation controller 102 may determine a position and / or orientation of at least one of the object tokens 110 corresponding to the object visualization effect 116. For example, the object token 110 may correspond to a position and / or orientation of a reflected image with respect to a Pepper's Ghost illusion. The automation controller 102 may determine (block 708) positioning data (e.g., position data and / or orientation data) with respect to any number of the object tokens 110 based on the position and / or orientation of the reflected image. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine position data and / or orientation data with respect to a reflective material object token and / or a projected image object token to facilitate the design of an illusion.

[0106] At block 710, the automation controller 102 may adjust the position and / or orientation of the reflective material object token and / or the projected image object token based on the position data and / or the orientation data. The automation controller 102 may instruct the actuators of the display surface 108 and / or the object token 110 to move the object token to the adjusted position and / or the adjusted orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may instruct the projector 122 to project a sign or indicator corresponding to the adjusted position and / or the adjusted orientation on the display surface 108.

[0107] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.11 The method for operating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1800 for a tangible / virtual design system 100. Although the process is described as being performed by the automation controller 102, it should be understood that the process 800 may be performed by any suitable device or processing circuit (such as the processor 104, etc.) that can control and / or communicate with components of the tangible / virtual design system. In addition, although the process 800 is described using a particular order of steps, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and that certain described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. In some embodiments, the process 800 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the memory 106) using any suitable processing circuit (such as the processor 104).

[0108] At block 802, the automation controller 102 receives image data via the image sensor 120. The image sensor 120 may detect one or more object tokens 110, one or more visualization tools 112, and one or more effect tiles 114 on the display surface 108, and may capture image data based on the detection. In some embodiments, the image sensor 120 may detect tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia displayed on the object token 110, the visualization tool 112, and the effect tile 114. At block 804, the automation controller 102 may identify the object token 110 based on the image data. The automation controller 102 may process the image data to detect the indicia and / or the machine-readable indicia. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may scan the machine-readable indicia to identify the corresponding object (e.g., a building, a ride vehicle, a ride path, a visitor, a landscape, etc.). The automation controller 102 may also determine the configuration of the tracking objects displayed on the surface of the object token 110. Each object token 110 may have a unique configuration of the tracking objects 330, which may be mapped to a corresponding object stored in a database (such as the memory 106). Thus, the configuration of the tracking object may serve as an identifier for the object token 110 .

[0109] The automation controller 102 may determine properties associated with the identified object token 110 (block 806). For example, the automation controller 102 may retrieve physical properties (e.g., size, color, texture, material, etc.) about the identified object token. For example, the object token 110 may correspond to a ride vehicle. The automation controller 102 may receive and / or retrieve properties of the ride vehicle, such as design, shape, color, size, number of seats, number of wheels, constraints, etc. At block 808, the automation controller 102 may generate position data and / or orientation data about one or more of the object tokens 110. In some embodiments, the automation controller 102 may determine the distance and orientation between the object token 110, the visualizer 112, and the effect tile 114. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may determine the speed or velocity associated with the object token 110, the visualizer 112, and the effect tile 114. In some embodiments, the movement of the object token 110 may be scaled relative to the full-scale model. For example, a guest object token may move at a fraction of the speed of an actual guest of an amusement park attraction or experience (e.g., one-fifth, one-tenth, one-twentieth, etc.), a ride vehicle object token may move at a fraction of the speed of a full-sized ride vehicle, a ride vehicle object token may move a fraction of the distance a full-sized ride vehicle, etc.

[0110] At block 810, the automation controller 102 may determine whether any of the object tokens satisfies at least one constraint criterion. For example, the constraint criterion may include a maximum speed criterion for the ride vehicle. The automation controller 102 may compare the determined speed of the ride vehicle object token to the maximum speed criterion. If the determined speed exceeds the maximum speed criterion (the "No" path of block 810), the automation controller 102 may generate (block 814) a notification based on the failed constraint criterion and may instruct the projector 122 and / or display 126 to display the notification. If the determined speed is within the maximum speed criterion (the "Yes" path of block 810), the automation controller 102 may generate and / or adjust (block 812) the object visualization effect 116 based on the movement of the object token 110.

[0111] Figures 12A-12D It is shown Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool 112 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 of FIG. The visualization tool 112 may include one or more tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia positioned on one or more surfaces that may be captured by the image sensor 120. Thus, the automation controller 102 may identify the type of the visualization tool 112 based on the one or more tracking objects and / or machine-readable indicia in the image data. In addition, the automation controller 102 may identify an interaction between the visualization tool 112 and the object token 110 and control the projector 122 to update the object visualization 116 based on the interaction. For example, the interaction may cause an update of an object property (e.g., color, material, texture) or a measurement (e.g., length, width, angle, angular motion, brightness, volume, temperature).

[0112] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 12A The brush tools 112 and 112A are shown as Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool 112 of a tangible / virtual design system 100. As shown, a brush tool 112, 112A includes a tracking object 850, and the tracking object 850 includes two points configured in a line. The automation controller 102 can identify the brush tool 112, 112A by comparing the configuration of the tracking object 850 with the tracking object configuration stored in the memory 106. In some cases, the automation controller 102 can use the tracking object 850 and image processing techniques to identify the brush tool 112, 112A.

[0113] The brush tool 112, 112A may update one or more object properties of the object token 110. In particular, the user may move the brush tool 112, 112A so that it is disposed adjacent to and / or in contact with the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may determine that the visualization tool 112 corresponds to the brush tool 112, 112A adjusting a color property with respect to the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may retrieve and / or update the color property with respect to the object token 110, and may control the projector 122 to display the object visualization effect 116 based on the adjusted color property. For example, the user may select a color property to be applied by the brush tool 112, 112A (e.g., via a GUI or input on the brush tool 112, 112A), or the brush tool 112, 112A may be associated with a color property. Causing the brush tool 112, 112A to be disposed adjacent to and / or in contact with the object token 110 may cause the projector 122 to project an image of a color having a color attribute onto the object token 110 such that the object token 110 appears to be that color. In another example, the brush tool 112, 112A may adjust the texture attribute, material attribute, and any other suitable visual attribute of the object token 110. Thus, the automation controller 102 may generate and / or adjust image content (e.g., the object visualization effect 116) displayed by the projector 122 based on the tracked object data, the scan data, and / or the interaction criteria.

[0114] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 12B The magnification tools 112 and 112B are shown as Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool 112 of a tangible / virtual design system 100. As shown, the magnification tool 112, 112B includes a tracking object 850, which includes three points on the lateral edge of the magnification tool 112, 112B. The automation controller 102 can determine the configuration of the tracking object 850 on the visualization tool 112 and compare the configuration with the tracking object configuration stored in the memory 106 to identify the magnification tool 112, 112B.

[0115] The magnification tool 112B may adjust the viewing angle of a portion of the object token 110 and / or the tangible / virtual design system 100, such as the image content 204 viewed by the user via the projector 122 and / or the display 126. For example, the user may want to display a close-up or magnified view of a 10 centimeter (cm) by 10 cm area on the surface 108 and point the magnification tool 112, 112B in the direction of the area and / or hover the magnification tool 112, 112B over the area. The automation controller 102 may determine the position of the magnification tool 112, 112B and may control the projector 122 and / or the display 126 to display a close-up view of the 10 cm by 10 cm area. In another example, the user may want a bird's eye view (e.g., a top perspective view) of the object token 110 and hover the magnification tool 112, 112B over the object token 110. The automation controller 102 may recognize the interaction between the magnification tool 112, 112B and the object token 110, and may control the projector 122 and / or the display 126 to display a bird's-eye view of the object token 110. In some cases, the user may move the magnification tool 112, 112B to obtain a side perspective view of the object token 110, and the automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to update the projection to the side perspective view, and / or control the display 126 to update the displayed image content 204 to the side perspective view. In this way, the user may adjust the position or orientation of the magnification tool 112, 112B to adjust the perspective view of the object token 110 (e.g., as projected by the projector 122 or the display 126).

[0116] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 12C The angle measuring tools 112 and 112C are shown. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool 112 of a tangible / virtual design system 100. An angle measurement tool 112, 112C may include a machine-readable mark 852 (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, an RF tag) located on an exposed surface. The image sensor 120 may generate image data including the machine-readable mark 852, and the automation controller 102 may identify the corresponding visualization tool based on the image data.

[0117] The angle measurement tool 112, 112C can measure angles within the tangible / virtual design system 100. As shown, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C includes a first wing 854, 854A, a second wing 854, 854B, and a hinge 856 between the two wings 854. In order to extend the length of the first wing 854, 854A and the second wing 854B, one or more laser emitting devices (e.g., laser pointers) can be integrated along one or more longitudinal edges of the wing 854. In this way, light 860 from the laser emitting device can be emitted from the first wing 854A and the second wing 854, 854B, respectively. In order to measure the angle (e.g., between object tokens 110 (e.g., structures on the display surface 108 representing a building, or other structures)), the first wing 854, 854A can be aligned with a first point (e.g., the first object token 110, 110A), and the second wing 854, 854B can be aligned with a second point (e.g., the second object token 110, 110B). In some cases, the light 860 may be emitted from the first wing 854, 854A, the second wing 854, 854B, or both, and intersect the object token 110. The image sensor 120 may capture image data of the angle measurement tool 112, 112C including the first wing 854, 854A, the second wing 854, 854B, and the hinge 856, as well as the first object token 110 and the second object token 110. The automation controller 102 may receive the image data and determine the angle 858 between the first wing 854, 854A and the second wing 854, 854B, thereby determining the angle between the first point and the second point. For example, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C may determine the angle between the object virtualization effect 116 and the wall of the tangible / virtual design system 100. The first wing 854, 854A may be aligned with the corresponding object token 110, and the second wing 854, 854B may be aligned with the second object token 110. The automation controller 102 may receive an indication of the interaction and determine an angle 858 between the object virtualization effect 116 and the wall.

[0118] In another example, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C can be used to detect angular motion of the object token 110 and / or the corresponding object virtualization effect 116. In other examples, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C can be used to determine the surface area of ​​the object token 110. In still another example, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C can determine the amount and / or angle of light within the tangible / virtual design system 100. For example, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C can measure light from a first direction. In practice, the first wing 854, 854A can point in the direction of incident light, and the second wing 854, 854B can point in a reference or viewing direction to measure ambient light in the reference or viewing direction within the tangible / virtual design system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the angle measurement tool 112, 112C can measure light within an angle 858 between the first wing 854, 854A and the second wing 854, 854B.

[0119] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.12D The ruler tools 112 and 112D are shown. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a visualization tool 112 of a tangible / virtual design system 100. As shown, the ruler tool 112, 112D may include a machine-readable indicia 852 (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, an RF tag) located on an exposed surface, and the automation controller 102 may receive sensor data including the machine-readable indicia 852 to identify the ruler tool 112, 112D.

[0120] The ruler tool 112, 112D can measure physical properties of the object visualization 116, the object token 110, and / or other structures within the tangible / virtual design system 100. For example, the ruler tool 112, 112D can interact with the object token 110 to cause the automation controller 102 to determine the physical properties of the corresponding object visualization 116. In some cases, the range of the ruler tool 112D can be extended to improve measurement. Thus, the first end and the second end of the ruler tool 112, 112D can each include a laser emitting device (e.g., a laser pointer) that generates (e.g., emits) light 860 along a straight line. This can allow the range of the ruler tool 112, 112D to extend beyond the length of the ruler tool 112, 112D.

[0121] The automation controller 102 determines physical properties of the object token 110. For example, a user may select a physical property (e.g., length, width, surface area) to be determined via an input on the GUI and / or the ruler tool 112, 112D. Interactions between the ruler tool 112, 112D and one or more object tokens 110 may cause the automation controller 102 to determine physical properties associated with the object visualization 116 corresponding to the object token 110 and control the projector 122 to project the physical properties. For example, the automation controller 102 may determine the length of an edge of the object visualization 116 in response to the ruler tool 112, 112D being placed near an edge of the object token 110. In another example, the automation controller 102 may determine a distance between two object visualizations 116. For example, the ruler tool 112, 112D may be disposed between two object tokens 110 to cause the automation controller 102 to determine the distance between the two corresponding object visualizations 116. In some cases, the length of the ruler tool 112, 112D may not extend from the first object token 110, 110A to the second object token 110. Thus, the light 860 may be emitted from the first end, the second end, or both to extend the length of the ruler tool 112, 112D. The light 860 emitted from the first end may intersect the first object token 110, 110B, and the light 860 emitted from the second end may intersect the second object token 110, 110B. In this way, the user can visually confirm that the measurement may be located between the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may receive image data indicating the first object token 110, 110A, the second object token 110, 110B, and the light 860, and determine the measurement value in response to receiving the image data. For example, the first object token 110, 110A may correspond to a building, and the second object token 110, 110B may correspond to a ride attraction. Thus, the measurement determined by the automation controller 102 may correspond to the distance between the building and the ride attraction. Additionally or alternatively, the ruler tools 112 , 112D may be utilized to obtain room dimensions (eg, length and width) within the physical / virtual design system 100 .

[0122] The visualization tool 112 may include reference Figures 12A-12DOne or more of the described embodiments, but not limited to other tools, such as pens, pencils, input devices (e.g., mice, displays), AR / VR control devices, laser pointers, presentation clickers, and / or any combination thereof. Any of the tools, object tokens, sensors, or other parts of the system may include controls that can make determinations and / or send instructions. These controllers may be communicatively coupled to the automation controller 102, receivers, transceivers, and / or transmitters to send and / or receive instructions. Any controller and / or combination of controllers in the present disclosure may perform the controller functions described in the present disclosure.

[0123] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.12E 866, such as an image, text, color, number, and / or pattern, to provide the identification information 866 to the user. For example, the identification information 866 may be used by the user to distinguish between each of the above-mentioned visualization tools 112. Additionally or alternatively, the identification information 866 may be used by the system (e.g., the automation controller 102) to identify the corresponding visualization tool 112. For example, the automation controller 102 may identify the visualization tool 112 based on the tracking object 850. In another example, the automation controller 102 may identify the visualization tool 112 based on the machine-readable mark 852. The machine-readable mark 852 may include a QR code, a barcode, an RFID, a light pulse, etc. The automation controller 102 may use a sensor 853 (such as an RFID reader, a QR reader, a barcode reader, a light detector, a camera, etc.) to identify the visualization tool 112. Additionally or alternatively, the visualization tool 112 may include sensor(s) 853, such as a distance sensor (e.g., a distance sensor utilizing light (e.g., laser) and / or sound), an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a LiDAR sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, etc., which may be used to identify the type of visualization tool 112, measure and / or track the position and / or orientation of the visualization tool within the tangible / virtual design system 100, and / or measure and / or identify parameters within the tangible / virtual design system 100 (e.g., the distance between two or more object tokens 110).

[0124] The visualizer 112 may include (one or more) input devices 868, such as buttons, a touch screen, a dial, a touchpad, a microphone, etc. The visualizer 112 may receive input (e.g., from a user) and determine the type of the visualizer 112 and / or the parameters to be measured. For example, the user may select the type of the visualizer 112 using (one or more) input devices 868. In another example, gesture recognition may be used to adjust the parameters when the user interacts with the visualizer 112. For example, the automation controller 102 may receive sensor data from the image sensor 120 and recognize a gesture (e.g., a motion) of the user, such as the user's free hand when the user interacts with the visualizer 112. In some embodiments, the type of the visualizer 112 and / or the measured parameters may be set by default. The automation controller 102 may dynamically update the type of the visualizer 112 and / or the parameters measured by the visualizer 112. To this end, the visualizer 112 may include (one or more) output devices 870, such as a light emitter (e.g., LED, laser) and / or a sound emitter. The visualizer 112 may dynamically update from emitting light to emitting sound. Additionally or alternatively, the automation controller 102 may receive voice commands from the user. For example, the visualization tool 112 may generate an audio recording via a sensor 853 (such as a microphone), which may be partially integrated and / or coupled with the visualization tool. In another example, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may include one or more voice input devices (e.g., microphones). Thus, fewer steps may be performed by the user, which may improve the efficiency of the tangible / virtual design system 100.

[0125] In an embodiment, the visualization tool 112 may include a brightness tool, a volume tool, a temperature tool, a smell tool, and / or other tools that measure properties of the object token 110 and the corresponding object visualization effect 116. In one case, the brightness tool may interact with at least a portion of the object token 110 to cause the automation controller 102 to determine the brightness (e.g., illumination) level of the corresponding object visualization effect 116. For example, the first end 862 of the brightness tool may interact with the object token 110, 110A, and may measure and / or determine the corresponding brightness value. In addition, the brightness tool may measure the change in brightness level from the first end 862 of the visualization tool and the second end 864 of the visualization tool. For example, the brightness tool may measure and / or determine the brightness level difference between the brightness associated with the first object token 110, 110A and the brightness associated with the second object token 110, 110B. For example, the brightness tool may measure and / or determine the brightness associated with at least a portion of a first object token 110, 110A located at, near, or in front of the first end 862 of the brightness tool, the brightness tool may measure and / or determine the brightness associated with at least a portion of a second object token 110, 110B, and then the brightness tool and / or the automation controller 102 may determine the brightness difference associated with at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A and at least a portion of the second object token 110, 110B. Additionally or alternatively, the brightness tool may indicate to the automation controller 102 where (e.g., relative to the location of the token indicated by the tool) the brightness level associated with at least a portion (e.g., a portion, an end) of the token is measured and / or determined. The brightness tool may include light emitted from the first end 862, the second end 864, or both to extend the range of the brightness tool. For example, light emitted from the first end may intersect with the first object token 110, 110A, and light emitted from the second end 864 may intersect with the second object token 110, 110B. The brightness tool and / or automation controller 102 may then determine and / or compare (e.g., determine a difference therebetween) the brightness associated with at least a portion of any object token 110 that intersects light emitted from either end of the brightness tool (e.g., at least a portion of a first object token 110, 110A that intersects light emitted from the first end 862 of the brightness tool, and at least a portion of a second object token 110, 110B that intersects light emitted from the second end 864 of the brightness tool).

[0126] In another case, the volume tool may interact with the object token 110 to cause the automation controller 102 to determine the volume at, near, and / or at least partially output by the corresponding object virtualization effect 116, and / or the volume change between two corresponding object virtualization effects 116. For example, the volume tool may measure and / or determine the volume level associated with (e.g., occurring in its area) and / or at least partially output by the first object token 110, 110A located at, near, or in front of the first end 862 of the volume tool. Additionally or alternatively, the second object token 110, 110B may be located at the second end 864 of the volume tool, and the volume tool may determine the volume difference between the volume at, around, and / or output by the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B, or the volume difference between the first end 862 and the second end 864 of the volume tool. Additionally or alternatively, the volume tool may indicate to the automation controller 102 where (e.g., relative to the location of the token indicated by the tool) to measure and / or determine the volume associated with at least a portion (e.g., a portion, an end) of the token. To extend the range of the volume tool, light may be emitted from the first end 862, the second end 864, or both. Thus, the volume tool and / or the automation controller 102 may determine the volume associated with at least a portion of any object token 110 intersecting with light emitted from either end of the volume tool (e.g., at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A intersecting with light emitted from the first end 862 of the brightness tool), and / or measure and / or derive the volume difference between at least a portion of any two object tokens 110 intersecting with light emitted from either end of the volume tool (e.g., at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A intersecting with light emitted from the first end 862 of the brightness tool, and at least a portion of the second object token 110, 110B intersecting with light emitted from the second end 864 of the brightness tool). The light may intersect the object token 110 to provide a visual indication to the user that a measurement and / or determination is being made.

[0127] In still another case, the interaction between the temperature tool and the object token 110 may cause the automation controller 102 to determine the temperature of the corresponding object virtualization effect 116. For example, the temperature tool may measure and / or determine a temperature associated with at least a portion of a first object token 110, 110A located at, near, or in front of a first end 862 of the temperature tool. Additionally, the temperature tool may measure a temperature difference associated with at least a first object token 110, 110A located at the first end 862 of the temperature tool and a temperature difference associated with at least a portion of a second object token 110, 110B located at, near, or in front of a second end of the temperature tool, and / or the automation controller 102 may determine a temperature difference between a temperature associated with at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A and a temperature associated with at least a portion of the second object token 110, 110B. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature tool may indicate to the automation controller 102 where (e.g., relative to the location of the token indicated by the tool) the temperature associated with at least a portion (e.g., a portion, an end) of the token is measured and / or determined. Additionally or alternatively, the range of the temperature tool may be extended by light emitted from the first end, the second end, or both. For example, the temperature tool and / or the automation controller 102 may determine a temperature associated with at least a portion of any object token 110 intersected by light emitted from either end of the temperature tool, and / or compare (e.g., determine a difference therebetween) two or more temperatures associated with at least a portion of any two object tokens 110 intersected by light emitted from either end of the temperature tool.

[0128] In another case, the smell tool may measure the smell level (e.g., smell intensity) of the corresponding object virtualization effect 116. The smell tool may measure and / or determine the smell level associated with at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A located at, near or in front of the first end 862 of the smell tool. The smell tool and / or the automation controller 102 may determine the difference in the smell level associated with at least a portion of the first object token 110, 110A and at least a portion of the second object token 110, 110B located at, near or in front of the second end of the smell tool. Additionally or alternatively, the smell tool may indicate to the automation controller 102 where (e.g., relative to the position of the token indicated by the tool) to measure and / or determine the smell associated with at least a portion (e.g., a portion, an end) of the token. In some cases, the length of the smell tool may be less than the distance between the first object token 110, 110A and the second object token 110, 110B. To this end, the range of the smell tool can be extended by light emitted from the first end, the second end, or both. For example, light emitted from the first end 862 may intersect with the first object token 110, 110A, and / or light emitted from the second end 864 may intersect with the second object token 110, 110B. The smell tool and / or the automation controller 102 may determine and / or compare the smell level associated with at least a portion of any object token 110 intersected by the light emitted from either end of the smell tool. Additionally or alternatively, the smell tool may measure and / or determine the type of smell associated with the object token 110 (e.g., banana, rose, bread). Certain features of certain visualization tools 112 may be combined with certain additional features of other visualization tools. For example, range extension may be combined with the brush tool 112, 112A so that the light emitted from one end of the brush tool may be directed to the object token 110 to identify changes in the properties (e.g., color, texture) of the object token, rather than bringing the brush tool 112, 112A close to or in contact with the object token 110. Thus, the visualization tool 112 may provide for measurement and / or determination of physical properties of the object token 110 and the corresponding object visualization. In this manner, the tangible / virtual design system 100 may allow for efficient design and / or troubleshooting of amusement park attractions or experiences.

[0129] Fig.13 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 1, which includes a display surface 108, an image sensor 120, and a projector 122. The exemplary embodiment 900 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 is similar to the exemplary embodiment of the tangible / virtual design system 100 of FIG. Figure 2The exemplary embodiment 200 of the tangible / virtual design system 100 described is similar, with the addition of a filter tool 902 (e.g., the visualization tool 112 described with reference to FIG. 12 ). The filter tool 902 may be used to provide a visual representation of one or more attributes of the object token 110. The filter tool 902 may include a cost filter, a brightness filter, a volume filter, a water usage filter, a viewing time filter, a sound level filter, a user input filter, etc. The filter tool 902 may include a flag and / or a machine-readable mark that may enable the automation controller 102 to detect the filter tool 902 based on the image data captured by the image sensor 120. The automation controller 102 may detect the type of the filter tool 902 based on the tracking object and / or the machine-readable mark, and update the object visualization 116 based on the type of the filter tool 902. For example, the automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to generate an updated object visualization 116 for display. In this way, the heuristic data of the object token 110 may be displayed by the projector 122.

[0130] For example, the automation controller 102 may receive image data with a cost filter located on the display surface 108. The cost filter may be used to generate a cost associated with the object token 110 (e.g., a portion of the object token 110). The automation controller 102 may retrieve the cost associated with the object token 110 from a data structure (such as a database) stored in the memory 106 and update the visualization of the object token 110 using the cost. For example, a color may be associated with each price range, such as red for high prices, yellow for medium prices, and green for low prices. In another example, a legend with a sliding scale may be provided for each price. In another example, the cost may be displayed in text form next to the object token 110.

[0131] In another example, a brightness filter may be used to provide a visualization indicating the brightness of an object token 110 and / or a surface within a room. For example, a user may design a haunted house and may want to know the amount of light shining on a horror mirror (e.g., a mirror that displays an illusion intended to scare a viewer). The automation controller 102 may generate a combined image of both the object token 110 and the amount of light shining on the surface of the horror mirror. In another example, a room may include one or more object tokens 110 representing light sources, and a brightness filter may be set to a threshold amount (e.g., due to brightness constraints, building codes, amusement park codes, etc.). The automation controller 102 may generate a visualization of the room showing brightness above and / or below a threshold amount. For example, the visualization of the room may include portions of the room whose brightness is below a threshold that may be colored by a first color or pattern, and portions of the room whose brightness is above a threshold that may be colored by a second color or pattern.

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, the user may adjust the object token 110 to adjust the brightness within the visualization. For example, the automation controller 102 may update the visualization and / or brightness calculation in response to identifying the movement of the object token 110. In practice, the updated room visualization may include portions of the room colored by a first color or pattern where the brightness is below a threshold, and portions of the room colored by a second color or pattern where the brightness is above the threshold. In some cases, the adjustment may result in a visualization of the room colored by one color or pattern, which may indicate that the brightness is below a threshold or above a threshold.

[0133] Additionally or alternatively, a volume filter may be used to provide a visualization indicating the sound level on the surface of the object visualization 116 and / or within the room visualization. The volume filter may be set to a threshold amount (e.g., a volume constraint, a building code constraint). The automation controller 102 may generate a visualization of a room with one or more object visualizations 116 (e.g., corresponding to one or more identified object tokens 110) and show volume levels above or below a threshold level. For example, an object token 110 may correspond to a speaker and / or any suitable sound system. Based on the configuration of the object tokens 110, the automation controller 102 may determine the volume output by each of the corresponding objects and generate a visualization of the room. In practice, the visualization of the room may include portions where the volume is below the threshold, which may be colored by a first color or pattern, and portions where the volume is above the threshold, which may be colored by a second color or pattern.

[0134] In addition, the automation controller 102 may provide a suggested configuration of the object tokens 110 to satisfy the constraints. In some cases, the filter tool 902 may receive input (e.g., via a GUI, via input of the filter tool 902) of the constraints (e.g., brightness threshold, volume threshold, energy usage threshold). Returning to the brightness example, a user may use the GUI to set a brightness constraint of 30 lumens within a visualization of a room. The user may place two object tokens 110 corresponding to light sources on the display surface 108. The automation controller 102 may determine the properties (e.g., light output, position, orientation, configuration, location) of the corresponding object virtualization effects 116 of the object tokens 110 to determine the brightness levels in different areas of the room. In response to determining that the brightness may be below the threshold, the automation controller 102 may adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more object visualization effects 116 to adjust the brightness within the room to achieve the brightness of 30 lumens at that position and / or orientation.

[0135] In another example, the filter tool 902 may include a physical property filter. The physical property filter may provide geometric properties of the object visualization 116, such as height, length, width, surface area, volume, etc. For example, the object visualization 116 may represent a rock, and the physical property filter may be used to provide physical properties of the rock, such as the material of the rock, the size of the rock, the weight of the rock, etc. In another example, the object visualization 116 may represent a waterfall attraction, and the physical property filter may be used to determine the area of ​​calcium deposits formed over a period of time due to flowing water. In still another example, the object visualization 116 may represent a building, and the physical property filter may be used to determine the wind load on different parts of the building. In some cases, the physical property filter may simulate the throughput of visitors to attractions (such as stores, rides, restaurants, etc.). For example, when designing an amusement park, a physical property filter may be used to map the movement of visitors in a crowd flow simulation. The object token 110 may correspond to an object visualization 116, such as a store, a restaurant, a ride, or a walkway, and the addition of the physical property filter may cause the automation controller 102 to generate a visualization of the movement of visitors to and from the object visualization 116. For example, the automation controller 102 can generate a visualization of visitors walking on the aisles during peak traffic hours to arrive or leave the store. Based on the visualization, the user can determine whether the size of the aisles is wide enough to accommodate the visitors.

[0136] In still another example, the filter tool 902 may include a user input tool that causes the automation controller 102 to generate image data with an object visualization 116 and a label (e.g., a badge, notification, text marker, color). The label may indicate the user who most recently edited the object visualization 116, the date or time of the edit, the number of edits, and other suitable edit properties of the item. For example, the object visualization 116 may be an animated image that multiple users can create. The head of the animated image may be edited three times by one user. Thus, the object visualization 116 may include a label on the head that indicates the user's name and the number of edits. In this way, the object visualization 116 may be accompanied by an editor note associated with the item for reference.

[0137] In another example, the filter tool 902 may include a viewing time filter. For example, certain portions of the object visualization 116 may be viewed more frequently by guests than other portions. For example, guests may only view a portion of an object (such as an image) from a ride vehicle. The automation controller 102 may update the object visualization 116 to show the viewing time. Fig. 14BAs further described, the object visualization 116 may be updated using a color gradient to show viewing time. For example, portions of the object visualization 116 may be colored with a first color or pattern to show high viewing time, and other portions of the object visualization 116 may be colored with a second color or pattern to show low viewing time.

[0138] The filter tool 902 may be placed in a designated area 904 of the display surface 108. For example, the designated area 904 may be a corner of the display surface 108, however, the designated area 904 may also be any suitable area on the display surface 108. The image sensor 120 may generate image data including the filter tool 902 in the designated area 904, and the automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to update the object visualization effect 116 based on the filter tool 902. In some cases, two or more filter tools 902 may be used to display the relationship between the properties of the filter tools 902. For example, a cost filter may be combined with or stacked on a viewing time filter, and the resulting projection map may indicate the relationship between the cost associated with building and / or maintaining the object visualization effect 116 divided by the viewing time of the visitor. In another example, a brightness filter may be combined with or stacked on a cost filter, and the resulting projection map may indicate the relationship between the brightness in the room and the cost associated with generating the brightness. Additionally or alternatively, the object tokens 110 may be moved or displaced within the tangible / virtual design system 100, and the automation controller 102 may update the object visualization 116 in real time or near real time based on the applied filter tool 902. For example, the object tokens 110 may correspond to one or more light sources within the scenic spot. The automation controller 102 may determine the operating cost associated with each light source and the brightness (e.g., luminous flux, illuminance) of each light source and control the projector 122 to project the visualization. The user may adjust the configuration of the light sources (e.g., by moving one or more object tokens 110), and the automation controller 102 may update the visualization based on the adjusted configuration. For example, adjusting the position of one light source may cause the overall brightness to change and / or the operating cost to change.

[0139] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.14A , 14B and 14C shows the Figure 1100. For example, a user may place two object tokens 110 on a display surface 108 for projection mapping. The first object token 110 may correspond to an animated image 1000, and the second object token 110 may correspond to a ride attraction. For example, the ride attraction may include a track passing by the animated image 1000, and the visitor may view certain portions of the animated image 1000 over a period of time. In addition, the animated image 1000 may include movable components, which may be more expensive than non-movable components. To determine such attributes, the user may place one or more filter tools 902 on the display surface 108, and the automation controller 102 may update and / or adjust the object visualization effect 116 based on the identified filter tools 902. For example, the automation controller 102 may control the projector 122 to project a projection map of the animated image 1000 based on the filter tools 902.

[0140] Taking the above into consideration, Fig.14A The cost projection map of the animated avatar 1000 (e.g., associated with the object tokens 110 on the display surface 108). In particular, the display surface 108 may include one or more object tokens 110, including the object token 110 associated with the animated avatar 1000 and the object tokens 110 representing the attractions of the ride, and the user may place one or more filter tools 902 (e.g., including a cost filter) on the display surface 108 to cause the projection map to be displayed. Fig.14A 1000 may include a monkey having animated eyes 1002 and an animated mouth 1004. For example, both the animated eyes 1002 and the animated mouth 1004 may appear to blink, change color, make sounds, and / or emit light. The rest of the animated image 1000, such as the head, ears, nose, etc., may remain stationary. Thus, the costs associated with the animated eyes 1002 and the animated mouth 1004 may be higher than the stationary parts (e.g., the head, ears, nose).

[0141] The projection mapping of the animated image 1000 may show the relative cost associated with each part of the animated image 1000. As shown, the animated eyes 1002 are white, the animated mouth 1004 is gray, and the rest of the image is dark gray or black. In some cases, darker colors may represent low costs, while lighter colors represent high costs. For example, the projection mapping shows that the animated eyes 1002 may cost more to make and / or maintain over time than the animated mouth 1004. In addition, the projection mapping shows that the cost of the animated mouth 1004 may be higher than the rest of the animated image 1000 (e.g., the static part). Thus, the user can visually understand the relative cost associated with each part of the animated image 1000. In some cases, a legend may be displayed next to the projection mapping to provide the cost corresponding to each color. For example, white may correspond to five thousand dollars, while black may correspond to five hundred dollars. In other embodiments, the color scale may start with white (indicating low cost) and go to black (indicating high cost), the color scale may include red, green, and blue, or the color scale may include any suitable color selected by user input.

[0142] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 14B 1000. For example, a user may want to know how often each portion of the avatar 1000 may be viewed by a visitor. In one case, a first object token 110 may be adjacent to a second object token 110, which may correspond to the avatar 1000 being adjacent to a ride attraction. Thus, a first lateral side 1010 of the avatar 1000 may face the track of the ride attraction, and the visitor may view the first lateral side 1010 more frequently (e.g., for a longer period of time) than the second lateral side 1012. In fact, the second lateral side 1012 may face away from the track. To this end, the projection mapping of the avatar 1000 may provide a visualization indicating the amount of time that the visitor may view each portion of the avatar 1000 during the ride attraction. For example, the first lateral side 1010 may be generally white or light gray to represent that the visitor views it for a longer period of time, while the second lateral side 1012 may be generally black or dark gray.

[0143] In some cases, the ride attraction associated with the second object token 110 may surround a bottom portion of the animated figure 1000. Thus, the projection mapping may show that the first longitudinal edge 1014 of the animated figure 1000 is generally black or dark gray, while the second longitudinal edge 1016 of the animated figure 1000 may be generally white or light gray. In other words, the first longitudinal edge 1014 may be viewed for a shorter period of time than the second longitudinal edge 1016. In some cases, the user may use the viewing time projection to determine the properties of each portion of the animated figure 1000. For example, the user may select a relatively cheaper material for the second lateral side 1012 and a relatively more expensive material for the first lateral side 1010 because the visitor may view the first lateral side 1010 for a longer period of time than the second lateral side 1012. In another example, the user may spend less time designing the second lateral side 1012 than the first lateral side 1010.

[0144] Taking the above into consideration, Fig. 14C is a projection of the cost by viewing time of the animated image 1000. In some cases, the user may want to understand the relationship between two attributes of the object token 110. Thus, the user can combine or stack multiple filter tools 902 to overlay multiple attributes on the object visualization effect 116. For example, a first filter tool 902, 902A may include a cost filter, which may be combined or stacked on top of a second filter tool 902, 902B that may include a viewing time filter. The automation controller 102 can identify the combined or stacked configuration of the first filter tool 902, 902A and the second filter tool 902, 902B and determine the relationship. For example, the automation controller 102 can determine the relationship of the cost by viewing time associated with each part of the animated image 1000.

[0145] As shown in the projection mapping, the animated eye 1002 of the animated character 1000 may be lighter in color than the rest (e.g., static portion) of the animated character 1000, such as the head or ears. Thus, the projection mapping may indicate that the animated eye 1002 may have a higher cost per viewing time than the static portion of the animated character 1000. Additionally, the first lateral side 1010 of the animated character 1000 may be lighter in color than the second lateral side 1012, which may indicate that the cost per viewing time may be higher than the second lateral side 1012. Based on the visualization, the user may invest more resources into the first lateral side 1010 than into the second lateral side 1012 because visitors may spend more time viewing the first lateral side 1010.

[0146] In an embodiment, the automation controller 102 may generate a brightness projection map by cost in response to identifying a brightness filter combined or stacked on top of a cost filter. For example, the eyes 1002 of the animated image 1000 may emit an amount of light associated with the cost. In some cases, each eye 1002 may emit light at different times and / or for different lengths. Thus, the projection map may visualize the difference between the two eyes 1002. In addition, the user may be interested in the viewing time 1002 of each eye. Thus, the user may place the brightness filter, the cost filter, and the viewing time filter in a combined or stacked configuration on the display surface 108 to cause the automation controller 102 to project map the brightness of the animated image 1000 by cost and viewing time. In an embodiment, the eyes 1002 of the animated image 1000 may emit a sound. The filter tool 902 may include a volume filter, a cost filter, and a viewing time filter in a combined or stacked configuration. Thus, the automation controller 102 may determine the volume by cost and viewing time for each part of the animated image 1000, and control the projector 122 to project a projection map of the volume by cost and viewing time.

[0147] Although only certain features of the present invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0148] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties, which significantly improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim attached at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) (function) ..." or "step for (performing) (function) ...", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. An amusement park attraction design system, comprising: a display surface having a first projection surface and a first tracking object coupled to the first projection surface; an object token having a second projection surface and a second tracking object coupled to the second projection surface; an image sensor configured to detect the first tracked object and the second tracked object, and generate positioning data based on the detected first tracked object and the second tracked object; a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor, wherein the controller is configured to: receiving positioning data provided by the image sensor; identifying the object token based on the second tracking object; receiving image content based on the identified object token; and sending an indication that the image content is to be projected onto the second projection surface based on the positioning data; as well as a projector communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the projector is configured to: receiving an indication of the image content from the controller; and The image content is projected onto the second projection surface. 2 . The amusement park attraction design system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a current position and a current orientation of the second projection surface based on the positioning data.

3. The amusement park attraction design system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: identifying the display surface based on the first tracking object; receiving second image content based on the identified display surface; and A second indication is generated based on the positioning data that the second image content is to be projected onto the first projection surface.

4. The amusement park attraction design system according to claim 3, wherein the projector is configured to: receiving from the controller a second indication of the second image content; and The second image content is projected onto the first projection surface. 5 . The amusement park attraction design system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a current position and a current orientation of a first projection surface of the display surface based on the positioning data.

6. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 1, wherein the object token is disposed on the display surface.

7. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 1, wherein the object token is disposed on the first projection surface.

8. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 1 , wherein the first tracking object is one of a first group of tracking objects and the second tracking object is one of a second group of tracking objects, each tracking object in the first group of tracking objects and the second group of tracking objects being configured to emit an infrared signal.

9. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 8, wherein the image sensor comprises an infrared camera configured to detect the infrared signal.

10. A method for displaying image content, comprising: receiving, via the processing circuit, positioning data and configuration data associated with a first object token and a second object token located on a display surface; identifying, via the processing circuitry, the first object token and the second object token based on the configuration data; receiving, via the processing circuit, image content based on the identified first object token; generating, via the processing circuitry, position data associated with the image content based on the positioning data; as well as An indication is generated, via the processing circuitry, based on the position data that the image content is to be projected onto the display surface.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising: receiving, via the processing circuit, updated positioning data associated with the first object token, the second object token, or both; generating, via the processing circuitry, updated position data associated with the image content based on the updated positioning data; as well as A second indication that the image content is to be projected onto the display surface is generated, via the processing circuitry, based on the updated position data.

12. The method according to claim 10, comprising: receiving, via the processing circuit, updated positioning data associated with the first object token; generating, via the processing circuit, second position data associated with the second object token based on the updated positioning data; as well as Instructions to actuate the second object token are generated, via the processing circuit, based on the second position data.

13. The method according to claim 10, comprising: receiving second positioning data and second configuration data associated with a third object token located on the display surface; identifying the third object token based on the second configuration data; receiving second image content based on the identified third object token; as well as A second indication is generated based on the second positioning data that the second image content is to be displayed on the electronic display. The method of claim 13 , wherein the third object token corresponds to a camera object token.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first object token corresponds to a projector object token and the second object token corresponds to a reflective material object token.

16. An amusement park attraction design system, comprising: an object token having a projection surface and a set of tracking objects coupled to the projection surface; a display surface configured to receive the object token; an image sensor configured to detect the set of tracking objects and configured to generate positioning data and configuration data based on the set of tracking objects; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor, wherein the controller is configured to: receiving the positioning data and the configuration data from the image sensor; identifying the object token based on the configuration data; receiving image content based on the recognized object token, wherein the image content corresponds to a feature of an amusement park attraction; and An indication is generated based on the positioning data that the image content is to be projected onto the projection surface.

17. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 16, wherein the features of the amusement park attraction include at least one of a ride vehicle, a structure, scenery, a ride track, guests, a path, or any combination thereof.

18. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 16, comprising a visualization tool having a second set of tracking objects, wherein the image sensor is configured to detect the second set of tracking objects and generate second positioning data based on the second set of tracking objects, and wherein the controller is configured to: determining an interaction between the object token and the visualization tool based on the positioning data and the second positioning data; changing a property associated with the object token based on the interaction; and A second indication is generated based on the changed attribute that second image content is to be projected onto the projection surface.

19. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 16, comprising an effect tile having a second set of tracking objects, wherein the image sensor is configured to detect the second set of tracking objects, and configured to generate second configuration data based on the second set of tracking objects, and wherein the controller is configured to: receiving the second configuration data from the image sensor; identifying the effect block based on the configuration data; Receiving second image content based on the effect tile; as well as A second indication is generated that second image content is to be projected onto the display surface.

20. The amusement park attraction design system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to generate a second indication that the graphical content is to be displayed on an electronic display based on the positioning data.

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