Interaction system for animation image

Abstract

An interactive system for an animated image is provided that includes an animated image equipped with a housing layer including a housing sensor. A housing sensor is embedded or adhered to the housing layer and is configured to detect the applied pressure via a capacitive touch technology device or a resistive touch technology device, or both. The interaction system further includes a compliance system including an automation controller, a housing layer, and a housing sensor. A housing sensor senses an applied pressure on a housing layer of the animated image and monitors movement of the animated image in response to the applied pressure. The automation controller determines whether the response movement exceeds a movement threshold associated with the animated image. If the movement exceeds the movement threshold, the automation controller returns the animated image to compliance with the movement threshold.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some entertainment settings (such as those in amusement parks) can include animated characters that interact with visitors at the amusement park. In addition, when interacting in an amusement park, the animated character may encounter objects in the form of visitor interactions or in the form of physical obstacles (such as walls or steps). Usually, no matter whether it is interaction with visitors or interaction with objects, interaction all involves the animated character moving, changing position, etc. Specifically, this movement can involve moving the limbs or other body features of the animated character to interact with the visitors. By way of example, the animated character can move an arm, elbow, hand, one or more fingers, etc. to make a gesture, such as waving to a visitor, and then retract these body features after completing the gesture.

[0002] However, moving these body features and / or retracting these body features can often cause the avatar to behave in unexpected ways. For example, a body feature can be retracted at an unexpected speed, causing it to collide with another body feature of the avatar. Similarly, the avatar can move a body feature at an unexpected speed or force, causing it to interact with surrounding features in an entertainment setting (e.g., amusement park features) in an unexpected manner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather are intended merely to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a wide variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an interactive system includes an animated character. The animated character includes one or more shell layers, the one or more shell layers including one or more shell sensors. The shell sensors are configured to sense applied pressure. The animated character also includes one or more actuators configured to move the animated character and a compliance system. The compliance system is configured to: receive first input data from the shell sensors; initiate a control routine to manipulate the one or more actuators in response to the first input data satisfying a first criterion; receive second input data after initiating the control routine; and adjust the control routine in response to the second input data falling outside of compliance with the control routine.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring compliance of an animated figure includes sensing forces on the animated figure based on input data received from one or more housing sensors disposed on the animated figure. The method also includes determining, via an automation controller, that the animated figure exceeds a movement threshold associated with the animated figure based at least in part on the input data from the one or more housing sensors. The method also includes sending compliance instructions from the automation controller to one or more actuators to bring the movement of the animated figure into compliance with the movement threshold. The compliance instructions include instructions to the actuators to pause, stop, reverse, accelerate, or any combination thereof.

[0006] In one embodiment, a compliance system includes one or more housings disposed on an animated avatar and comprising one or more housing sensors. The compliance system also includes one or more actuators and an automation controller. The automation controller is configured to monitor and control the animated avatar via the one or more actuators based on input data received from the one or more housings according to movement thresholds associated with the one or more housings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an animated character interacting with a visitor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 An animated image of a schematic diagram of one or more shells;

[0010] Figure 2B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 An animated image of a schematic diagram of one or more shells;

[0011] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring and operating Figure 1 An animated image of a block diagram of a compliance control system;

[0012] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring and operating Figure 1 An animated image of a block diagram of the compliance control system; and

[0013] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Animated image of a compliance methodology process flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated 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, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that certain terms such as parallel, perpendicular, etc. are used herein, it should be understood that these terms allow for certain deviations from strict mathematical definitions (as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art), for example to allow for deviations associated with manufacturing defects and associated tolerances.

[0015] 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 described. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Use of the terms "approximately" or "close to" should be understood to mean including approaching a target (e.g., a design, value, amount), such as within a tolerance of any suitable or conceivable error (e.g., within 0.1% of a target, within 1% of a target, within 5% of a target, within 10% of a target, within 25% of a target, etc.).

[0016] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for ensuring that interactive animated characters (e.g., animatronics) in an amusement park operate as expected and respond appropriately when encountering objects, whether guests or physical obstacles (such as walls or steps).

[0017] The entertainment setting can usually include an animated image as a part of the entertainment experience of the visitor. The animated image can interact with the visitor in various ways (for example, by making certain moves or gestures towards the visitor or by physically interacting with the visitor (such as, for example, responding to the visitor's touch with a suitable response)). That is, the animated image can move towards or away from the visitor (for example, walk or run towards or away from the visitor), perform the consistent movement with the theme associated with the entertainment setting, make gestures requiring the visitor's touch (such as shaking hands with the visitor or waving towards the visitor) to the visitor, or in addition move in the interactive mode with the visitor. For each movement, the animated image can actuate one or more components of the animated image. The components can correspond to extremities (such as limbs or appendages (for example, hands or feet), head, etc.) or parts of extremities or other parts of the animated image (for example, features on the trunk, the head).

[0018] The movement of components on the avatar in response to an encounter with a visitor or other object may be performed without regard to speed or force, and as such, the avatar may move in an unexpected manner. By way of example, the avatar may encounter an object (e.g., collide with a wall or fall down a staircase) while moving backward and away from a visitor at a particular speed. That is, the avatar may move in response to this encounter at an unexpected speed, force, direction, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the avatar's responsive movement speed may be relatively faster than the sensors associated with the avatar for detecting nearby objects, thereby preventing such collisions with physical objects.

[0019] Additionally, the avatar may encounter a visitor, and the visitor may interact with the avatar by touching the avatar (e.g., on the avatar's forearm) (e.g., to attempt to get the avatar to further interact with the visitor), touching the avatar on its hand (e.g., for a "high five"), or touching the avatar on top of its head (e.g., for a pat on the head). In such situations, it may be desirable to have the avatar respond to the visitor's touch to further enhance the sense of immersion experienced by the visitor. The response from the avatar may cause the avatar to move at an unexpected speed, force, direction, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the avatar's movement speed may be relatively faster than the sensors associated with the avatar for detecting nearby objects, preventing such collisions with physical objects.

[0020] In some examples, an animated character can include a torque sensor or the like on a component, such as an actuator or other mechanical linkage. The torque sensor can measure the reaction force generated by a component generating torque, such as by actuating to move in response to an encounter. The speed and / or force used to actuate the component in response can be reduced based on the measurement of the reaction force.

[0021] However, torque sensors can be large, typically resulting in an avatar having increased weight and increased surface area compared to an avatar without a torque sensor, and thus reducing weight and space that could otherwise be used for other components of the avatar. These other components can provide special effects or other entertainment as part of the entertainment provided by the avatar. As such, it is now recognized that improved methods and systems for verifying that an avatar meets movement expectations (e.g., moves in an expected manner) when responding to an encounter with an object (including a visitor or physical obstacle) are desirable. Such improved methods and systems can reduce the weight and / or space of an avatar that includes a torque sensor.

[0022] The improved method and system may include an interactive system that utilizes a pressure sensing technology device (including, for example, a resistive touch technology device or a capacitive sensing technology device) embedded in a shell on the animated image or adhered to the shell. The pressure sensing technology device embedded in the shell or adhered to the shell can detect the pressure (e.g., force) applied by contact with an object or a person (such as a visitor touching the shell on the animated image or the animated image hitting a physical obstacle (such as a wall)). For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "applied pressure" means pressure from physical engagement with the shell, including force applied by deformation of the shell, capacitive touch, resistive touch, or any combination thereof. For example, as described above, the animated image may encounter an object, which may be a physical obstacle or a visitor. In order to provide an enhanced interactive experience with visitors, visitors can act as "objects." That is, visitors can physically interact with the animated image as described above. The animated image can then sense human touch via the pressure sensing technology device embedded in the shell of the animated image or adhered to the shell. The applied pressure (e.g., force) generated by the sensed conductive force source (e.g., human touch) can be compared to a baseline. If it exceeds the baseline, the animated character is responding to human touch. The response and the force of the response can be selected from a menu of available options. The selected response can include, for example, responding with a high five, a hug, or a pat on the head, or avoiding a visitor. The choice of response can be based on the area in which the human touch is sensed. That is, the response selected when a human touch is sensed on the hand of the animated character can be different from the response selected when a human touch is sensed on the head of the animated character. In a similar manner, the force of the selected response can be based on the area in which the human touch is sensed or the selected response itself (e.g., the force of responding with a high five can be greater than the force of responding with a hug). The response of the animated character can be measured by a compliance system. As used in this disclosure, the term "compliance" means operating in an expected manner or redirecting movement in response to an encounter with a visitor or physical obstacle, such as compliance with a protocol that includes a control routine and movement threshold corresponding to the animation profile. For example, if an avatar responds to an encounter in an unexpected manner such that the avatar's movement is outside a predetermined movement threshold based on the animation profile, the avatar is considered non-compliant until the protocol corresponding to the animation profile causes the avatar to adjust or cease its movement until the avatar's movement is within the movement threshold. Thus, "compliant" means causing the avatar to operate in an expected manner, i.e., in compliance with the protocol (i.e., control routine and movement threshold), such as operating according to the animation profile and within the movement threshold and / or ceasing movement outside the movement threshold, and thereby changing or redirecting the avatar's movement based on additional information (such as input data) indicating the unexpected movement or the movement of an unexpected obstacle.For example, if the input data indicates an unexpected obstruction or error in the movement of the avatar that is outside the movement threshold but no correction, redirection, or stop command is issued, the avatar is out of compliance. The avatar can then be brought back into compliance by correcting the movement so that it is back within the movement threshold, such as by stopping, redirecting, or changing the movement of the avatar.

[0023] Alternatively, or in addition to capacitive sensing technology, the interactive system can utilize non-capacitive sensing technology, such as a depth-sensing camera or non-capacitive pressure sensing technology (e.g., resistive touch technology). Non-capacitive pressure sensing technology can enable an animated character to encounter and respond to pressure (e.g., force) sensed from non-conductive forces. For example, non-capacitive pressure sensing technology in an interactive system can allow an animated character to monitor its movement when it encounters an inanimate object (e.g., a wall, a ride vehicle, etc.) or non-capacitive human touch (e.g., a high-five from a wet hand or a hug from someone wearing long sleeves). In these situations, capacitive sensing technology may not be appropriate if the animated character encounters a force that is not a capacitor. In such situations, non-capacitive pressure sensing technology can be used to sense the encounter with the object or non-capacitive touch and compare the pressure (e.g., force) sensed from the encounter to a baseline. If the baseline is exceeded, the animated character can respond. The animated character's response and the force of the response can be selected from a menu of available options. The selection of a response can be based on the area where the non-conductive force is sensed and / or the nature of the non-conductive force (e.g., the temperature of the non-conductive force, whether it is encountered with a stationary object or from a "soft" non-capacitive touch, the amount of pressure sensed during the encounter with the non-conductive force, etc.). That is, the response selected when the non-conductive force is from a non-capacitive human touch on the hand of an animated figure can be different from the response selected when the non-conductive force is from an inanimate object striking the back of the animated figure's head. In a similar manner, the force of the selected response can be based on the area where the non-conductive force is sensed, the nature of the non-conductive force, or the selected response itself.

[0024] The selected response can be the movement of the animated figure accomplished by an actuator within the animated figure. The response from the animated figure can cause the animated figure to move at an unexpected speed, force, direction, or any combination thereof. In addition, the speed of movement of the animated figure can be relatively faster than the sensor associated with the animated figure used to detect nearby objects, and prevent such collisions with physical objects. Thus, the compliance system can be used to verify that the animated figure meets movement expectations (e.g., moves in an expected manner) in response to encounters with objects (including visitors or physical obstacles). If the compliance system determines that the animated figure is not compliant with movement expectations (e.g., does not move in an expected manner), for example based on the detection of an obstacle or other unexpected event, the compliance system will perform corrections, including stopping, redirecting, or changing the movement, until the animated figure complies.

[0025] In some examples, the housing of an avatar having pressure sensing technology disposed thereon can be modular and removable. In this way, a housing used on one avatar can be removed from the avatar and attached to another avatar that may be operating in a similar context, such that the housing will be adapted to cause both avatars to sense and respond to pressure and / or capacitive touch in a similar manner. In such a scenario, a single set of housings can be used on multiple avatars without having to recalibrate how the housings sense and respond to pressure or touch. Furthermore, making the housings modular and removable can reduce financial and time costs because the housings can be reused from existing avatars for new avatars.

[0026] It should be noted that although the examples provided herein may be specifically directed to particular features of animated characters for amusement parks, the technology in this disclosure may be applied to other conditions and / or situations. Thus, this example should be understood as reflecting a real-world example of an amusement park to provide a useful context for discussion and should not be viewed as limiting the further applicability of this approach. For example, this disclosure should be understood to be applicable to additional or alternative situations in which monitoring actuation (such as speed, force, pressure, and other measurable aspects of actuation) of components such as for electric vehicles, industrial equipment, mechanical equipment, air conditioning systems, etc. can be utilized. Furthermore, although this disclosure generally discusses systems and methods for animated characters, the systems and methods may be applicable to any animated character, such as a marionette, etc., such as a feature in an amusement park ride that can move as the ride vehicle advances along the ride track of the amusement park ride.

[0027] Considering the above, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an avatar 12 interacting with a visitor 14, wherein avatar 12 may be integrated with or communicate with the interactive system discussed herein. As part of the interaction, avatar 12 may move one or more of its extremities 16. In the depicted embodiment, extremities 16 may include a first extremity 16A, a second extremity 16B, and a third extremity 16C. First extremity 16A may include a head, which may move up and down, left and right, etc., when components of first extremity 16A are actuated to interact with visitor 14. Second extremity 16B may be an upper extremity including an upper arm, forearm, and / or hand. Second extremity 16B may extend from the shoulder of avatar 12 to the fingers. Second extremity 16B may also include components that actuate to provide movement at second extremity 16B (wherein movement may include bending an arm, raising an arm, moving a hand, etc.) to interact with visitor 14. Similarly, third extremity 16C may be a lower extremity including a hip, leg, knee, ankle, and / or foot. In addition, third limb 16C may also include components that are actuated to provide movement at third limb 16C (such as movement including bending at the knee, lifting the leg, moving the hip and / or ankle, etc.) to interact with visitor 14. In some embodiments, this movement may involve walking, running, sitting down, standing up, etc. As previously mentioned, such movement may occur at a specific speed, with a specific force, etc. Movement may occur at an unexpected speed and / or force, and as such may not conform to the animation profile or movement threshold of animated character 12, which may include predetermined speed and / or force thresholds associated with animated character 12 in order for animated character 12 to operate as intended.

[0028] To monitor and / or verify compliance with the intended movement of the avatar 12, the avatar 12 may include an interactive system 50 (e.g., Figure 3). The interactive system 50 may include one or more housings 18 disposed on the avatar 12. Specifically, the housings 18 may be disposed on the avatar 12 in a manner that allows for monitoring and / or control of components of the avatar 12 that facilitate movement of the avatar 12 (such as components disposed at or near the extremities 16). Generally, the housings 18 may be capable of detecting pressure at specific locations on the housings 18. The level of granularity of the location of the detected pressure is based on the technology in the housings 18. A single housing on a forearm, for example, may be capable of detecting pressure at any location on the housing 18 and may be capable of precisely determining the location of the pressure on the forearm housing. The housings 18 may also be disposed in a manner that may allow for sensing pressure at any location on the avatar 12, for example, so that the avatar 12 moves in response to the sensed pressure, and thus the housings 18 may facilitate ensuring that the avatar 12 is moving in an expected manner and / or within predetermined control routines and movement thresholds, for example, according to a protocol corresponding to the animation profile of the avatar 12. Furthermore, the threshold for compliance with movement in an expected manner may be the same for certain movements, or may differ based on the movement and the specific extremity covered by the shell 18, the area corresponding to one or more shells 18 (e.g., the entire leg), etc.

[0029] As such, the housing 18 may generally be positioned on the avatar 12 in a manner that facilitates monitoring of pressure on the avatar 12 (e.g., pressure due to encounters with guests or physical obstacles) and monitoring the avatar's 12 response to the pressure (e.g., movement of the avatar 12 in response to the pressure) to confirm compliance with the intended movement of the avatar 12. In some embodiments, and as Figure 1 As shown in FIG, , avatar 12 includes a first shell 18A, a second shell 18B, a third shell 18C, a fourth shell 18D, a fifth shell 18E, and a sixth shell 18F. Here, first shell 18A may surround the head of the frame of avatar 12, second shell 18B may surround the chest of the frame of avatar 12, third shell 18C may surround the upper arms of the frame of avatar 12, and fourth shell 18D may surround the forearms of the frame of avatar 12. Similarly, fifth shell 18E may surround the stomach of the frame of avatar 12, and sixth shell 18F may surround the legs of the frame of avatar 12. Determining compliance with the intended movement of avatar 12 is described in more detail below.

[0030] Additionally, the housing 18 may also provide structural support on internal components that serve as a skeleton for the avatar 12. Specifically, the avatar 12 may be constructed around an internal support frame or "skeleton" that may be made of steel, metal, plastic, and / or other suitable and / or similar materials. An elastic mesh may be attached for a mid-level support around the internal support frame or "skeleton" and / or "muscles." The framework (e.g., the internal support frame and / or mid-level support) may provide support for electronic and mechanical components, which, for example, facilitates movement and interaction between the avatar 12 and visitors 14.

[0031] The avatar 12 may also include motors and actuators to assist in the movement of the avatar 12 and the interaction of the avatar 12 with the visitor 14 or with physical obstacles. In some embodiments, material may be attached or placed on the frame to form a "skin" typically made of foam, rubber, silicone, urethane, other flexible or semi-flexible materials, etc. The frame and / or skin of the avatar 12 may be enclosed in a shell 18. The shell 18 may be made of a material similar to the skin, as well as a hard plastic material and / or a soft plastic or similar material. As will be described with respect to Figure 2A As discussed in detail, the material may be conductive or non-conductive to facilitate determining pressure (eg, force) applied to the animated figure 12 (eg, touch).

[0032] For illustration purposes, Figure 2A depiction Figure 1 Although the following discussion describes a single shell 18 on an avatar 12, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to one or more shells 18 as well as non-shell portions of the avatar 12. For example, the skin of the avatar 12 (beneath the shell 18) can additionally or alternatively include similar or corresponding sensing technology devices (e.g., a layer of conductive material and / or a layer of non-conductive material).

[0033] The structure of the shell 18 may include two or more shell layers 20. In one embodiment, as Figure 2A As shown in , the housing layer 20 includes a first layer 20A, a second layer 20B, and a third layer 20C. Generally, the first layer 20A and the third layer 20C may include conductive materials, while the second layer 20B may include non-conductive and / or dielectric materials. In some embodiments, the housing layer 20 may be 3D printed to embed the conductive or dielectric material into the housing 18. In another embodiment, the conductive or dielectric material on the housing layer 20 may be adhered to the housing 18. In some embodiments, the housing layer 20 may also include a housing sensor 70. Figure 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the housing sensor 70 may be located on the second layer 20B, however, it should be understood that the housing sensor 70 may be located on the first layer 20A and / or the third layer 20C or otherwise located on the housing 18. Additionally, the housing layer 20 may also include an optical sensor to detect the form of a visitor or object.

[0034] Housing sensors 70 on housing layer 20, alone or in combination with optical sensors, allow housing 18 to detect and / or measure pressure, displacement, fluid level, acceleration, force, the location of a force on housing 18, the proximity of housing 18 to a source of force, and the like. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "pressure sensing technology" includes technology that senses pressure, acceleration, displacement, force, the location of a force on housing 18, the proximity of housing 18 to a source of force, and the like. Pressure sensing technology includes, but is not limited to, capacitive sensing technology. That is, housing layer 20 can utilize capacitive sensing technology. While resistive touch technology is used to detect force applied by an object that is not a capacitor (e.g., a wall or strong wind) via a resistive touch sensor, capacitive sensing technology is used when the object generating the force acts as a capacitor (e.g., a human touch). More specifically, capacitive sensing technology is based on capacitive coupling that can detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric different from air. Specifically, capacitive sensing based on capacitive coupling can be facilitated using sensors and alternating or repeating layers of both conductive and non-conductive materials. Specifically, as described in more detail below, when a force is applied to the capacitive sensing technology device of the shell layer 20 (e.g., a human touch), the shell sensor 70 can detect and measure any force or movement that is conductive or has a different capacitance from the baseline when the force is applied. For example, a standard stylus cannot be used for capacitive sensing, but there are special capacitive styluses that are conductive for this purpose. One can even make a capacitive stylus by wrapping a conductive material (such as an antistatic conductive film) around a standard stylus or rolling the film into a tube. Some capacitive sensing materials cannot be used with gloves, and even a small amount of water between the touch source and the capacitive sensing material may not be sensed correctly.

[0035] Generally, a capacitive sensing technology device can include at least one capacitive touch sensor and at least two complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuit chips, an application-specific integrated circuit controller, a digital signal processor, or any combination thereof. The capacitive touch sensor can be constructed from many different media, such as copper, indium tin oxide, printed ink, or other suitable media.

[0036] There are two types of capacitive sensing technology devices: surface capacitive systems and projected capacitive systems. In both surface capacitive systems and projected capacitive systems, the system utilizes two or more layers. For example, in Figure 2A In one embodiment shown in FIG, housing 18 has three layers: a first conductive layer 20A, a non-conductive or dielectric second layer 20B, and a second conductive layer 20C. In a surface capacitive system, a small voltage can be applied to conductive layers 20A and 20C, resulting in a uniform electrostatic field F1 having a voltage V. When a conductor (e.g., a human touch, a wall, another component of animated figure 12) contacts layer 20A at touch point P1, a capacitor is dynamically formed, and a small current flows from touch point P1, causing a drop in voltage V. The voltage drop is sensed by the four corners of layer 20A, allowing sensor 70 to indirectly and precisely determine the exact location of touch point P1 based on the change in capacitance.

[0037] In another embodiment, the housing sensor 70 may utilize Figure 2B Similar to the surface capacitance system, the projected capacitance system utilizes Figure 2B , material layers 20A and 20B are shown in . However, in a projected capacitive system, one of the material layers (e.g., 20B) may include electrodes in an XY grid. Specifically, the XY grid is etched into layer 20B by etching a layer to form a grid pattern of electrodes or by etching two separate parallel layers of conductive material using vertical lines or tracks to form the grid. Like surface capacitance systems, projected capacitance systems include a uniform electrostatic field that results in a lower voltage when touched. Specifically, when a conductor (e.g., a human touch) or conductive material contacts the outer surface 20A, there is a change in the local electric field, which changes the capacitance at a specific location on the grid. In a projected capacitive system, the housing sensor 70 can utilize one of two types of projected capacitive systems: mutual capacitance technology devices or absolute capacitance technology devices. In either system, the location of the force can be determined based on the location of the change in capacitance.

[0038] While both surface capacitive and projected capacitive systems are capable of detecting granular information, such as a touch at a corresponding location, projected capacitive systems respond to touch commands more quickly than surface capacitive systems and can also support multi-touch commands.

[0039] As discussed above, capacitive sensing technology devices are one type of pressure sensing technology devices. Capacitive sensing technology devices are used when the object generating the pressure acts as a capacitor (e.g., a human touch). Other types of pressure sensing technology devices (such as resistive touch technology devices) can be used to detect pressure applied by objects that are not capacitors (e.g., a wall or strong wind). Resistive touch screens that react to any object applying pressure therefore do not require a capacitive pointer (e.g., a human touch). Other types of pressure sensing technology devices include force sensing films, which may include an elastomer having conductive particles positioned between two conductive contacts. Regardless of the specific type of pressure sensing technology device used, the overall structure of the housing 18 remains the same. One or more of the types of pressure sensing technology devices described herein can be used in combination and simultaneously to allow overlapping responses to various types of touch or force.

[0040] In particular, shell layer 20 may be associated with a baseline capacitance when no force is applied to shell 18. Baseline capacitance may be associated with a shell 18, a shell layer 20 comprising each shell 18, a group of multiple shells 18, a region including multiple shells 18 corresponding to an area of ​​avatar 12, and / or a body part of avatar 12, etc. That is, shell layer 20 may be associated with a baseline capacitance that includes capacitance when no force, or approximately no force, is applied to the various shells 18 of avatar 12.

[0041] The shell layer 20 containing the pressure sensing technology device can be embedded or otherwise integrated with the structural components of the animated character 12 (such as the shell 18 and / or skin). In additional or alternative embodiments, the pressure sensing technology device can be embedded or adhered to the shell 18. By way of example, the pressure sensing technology device can be placed within an adhesive material (such as neoprene, other synthetic rubber, etc.). The adhesive material including a conductive portion can be attached to the shell 18 to provide the capacitive sensing effect previously discussed. In this way, the animated character 12 can include 3D printed materials and neoprene with conductive portions. As previously mentioned, embedded and / or adhered pressure sensing via the material embedded or adhered to the shell 18 can facilitate monitoring the animated character 12's compliance with the expected movement and controlling the animated character 12 to ensure compliance with the expected movement.

[0042] The shell layer 20 can also be associated with a capacitance threshold that allows deviations from the baseline capacitance. In some cases, the threshold can vary, for example, based on the zone, and the expected pressure can be different (e.g., due to environmental factors or common interactions between the animated image 12 and the visitor 14). As such, the shell layer 20 can facilitate determining whether the animated image 12 is compliant (i.e., operating as expected) by using a pressure sensing technology device to sense at least the applied pressure, acceleration, displacement, force, the position of the force on the shell 18, or the proximity of the shell 18 to the source of the force associated with the movement of the animated image 12. In this way, when the capacitance exceeds the threshold, the animated image 12 can be controlled to pause, stop, reverse, accelerate (e.g., change speed and / or direction), etc., indicating that the animated image 12 is not operating as expected.

[0043] For illustration purposes, Figure 3 is a block diagram of an interactive system 50 for monitoring and operating the animated character 12 to interact with objects and respond to expected movement compliance. Figure 3 As shown in , the interactive system 50 includes an automation controller 60 (e.g., a programmable controller, an electronic controller, a control circuit, a cloud computing system) and an animated character 12. As previously discussed, the animated character 12 may include one or more housings 18, the housing 18 including a housing layer 20, the housing layer 20 including a housing sensor 70 for sensing pressure, touch, force, etc., and in some embodiments, an optical sensor for detecting form and / or movement. The animated character 12 may also include a character communication circuit 69, a character processor 62, an actuator 72, and a component 74. The automation controller 60 may include an automation controller communication circuit 68 and an automation controller memory 66. The automation controller 60 may monitor the animated character 12 based on input data from the housing sensor 70. The automation controller 60 may also control the animated character 12 to ensure compliance with the movement of the animated character 12, for example, based on specific thresholds associated with the housing 18. Based on input data received at housing 18 , automation controller 60 may instruct adjustment actuators 72 and / or other components 74 to issue compliance instructions to cause animated figure 12 to comply and operate as intended, for example, according to a protocol corresponding to the animation profile.

[0044] Specifically, automation controller 60 may include an automation controller processor 64, automation controller memory 66, and automation controller communication circuitry 68. In some embodiments, housing layer 20 may also include an optical sensor for the additional capability of detecting form and / or movement. Animated character 12 may also include character communication circuitry 69, which may be embedded in or adhered to housing layer 20. Animated character 12 may also include character memory 71, which may be utilized to store instructions. Alternatively, in other embodiments, animated character 12 may not include character memory 71.

[0045] refer to Figure 3 In general, actuator 72 may include a generator of force to move animated figure 12 itself. Specifically, actuator 72 may include a device that converts energy (e.g., electricity, air, or hydraulics, etc.) into mechanical or physical motion, and many actuators produce rotational or linear motion. Linear actuators can be defined by force, while rotary actuators can be defined by torque. That is, actuator 72 is capable of effecting movement of animated figure 12. Additionally, actuator 72 may work in conjunction with component 74, which may include the device or material of animated figure 12. That is, actuator 72 may work together with component 74 to cause animated figure 12 to move.

[0046] The housing layer 20 may provide input data from the housing 18 (e.g., including embedded or adhered sensors) to the automation controller 60, such as via automation controller communication circuitry 68 that enables communication between the automation controller 60 and the avatar 12. The input data may include data indicating pressure, acceleration, displacement, force, the location of the force on the housing 18, or the proximity of the housing 18 to the source of the force. In embodiments, based on the input data, the automation controller 60 may determine whether the movement of the avatar 12 is within a threshold corresponding to the housing 18. In embodiments, the movement of the avatar 12 may be in response to an encounter with an object. The automation controller 60 may determine that the avatar 12 may be currently non-compliant, e.g., the avatar 12's movement is outside a movement threshold based on the animation profile. Accordingly, the automation controller 60 may determine a correction for the avatar 12 based on the non-compliance by selecting a correction from a list of available corrections. Such corrections may include dynamically adjusting actuators 72 and / or components 74 to move the avatar 12 based on the input data, shutting down the avatar 12's power, and the like. The determination of the correction by automation controller 60 may depend on the amount of force sensed or other environmental factors. Automation controller 60 may provide the selected correction to animated figure 12 via compliance instructions delivered by automation controller communication circuitry 68 .

[0047] Specifically, the housing layer 20, which includes pressure sensing technology, can provide input data to the avatar communication circuitry 69 via the housing sensor 70. The avatar communication circuitry 69 transmits the input data to the automation controller communication circuitry 68 via a wired or wireless communication path (e.g., infrared wireless communication, radio frequency transmission, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB)). The automation controller communication circuitry 68 receives the input data from the avatar communication circuitry 69 and provides the input data to the automation controller processor 64. The automation controller processor 64 then processes the input data received from the avatar communication circuitry 69 and determines, based on threshold data stored in the automation controller memory 66, whether the input data exceeds a movement threshold, a force threshold, or both. If the automation controller processor 64 determines that the movement threshold, the force threshold, or both are exceeded, the automation controller processor 64 can then select a correction from a variety of corrections and transmit the selected correction to the avatar communication circuitry 69 using the automation controller communication circuitry 68. The avatar communication circuitry 69 transmits the correction to the avatar processor 62, which instructs the animated avatar 12 to perform the correction. This correction may help bring the movement of the avatar 12 back into compliance (eg, stepping backward, stepping forward, lowering the avatar's arms, completely powering down, etc.).

[0048] For example, while interacting with avatar 12, guest 14 touches fourth shell 18D, which surrounds the forearm of the frame of avatar 12, with their hand. Shell layer 20 in fourth shell 18D senses pressure using pressure sensing technology and provides first input data to automation controller 60, such as via avatar communication circuit 69 in communication with automation controller communication circuit 68. Avatar communication circuit 69 and automation controller communication circuit 68 enable communication between automation controller 60 and avatar 12. Based on the first input data and a first criterion (e.g., the baseline capacitance discussed previously), automation controller 60 can determine that pressure has been sensed and determine a response to the sensed pressure. Automation controller 60 can then provide instructions to avatar 12 regarding the response, such as instructions to dynamically adjust actuator 72 and / or component 74 to respond to the visitor's touch using the waving of avatar 12's hand. The movement associated with the response can be detected by pressure sensing technology within shell 18, and automation controller 60 can determine whether avatar 12's response is within a threshold corresponding to shell 18. In this example, the automation controller 60 receives second input data from the housing 18 and, based on the second input data, determines that the animated character 12 may be currently out of compliance because the pressure sensed as a result of the hand wave exceeds a movement threshold associated with the animation profile of the animated character 12. Accordingly, the automation controller 60 may determine a correction for the animated character 12 based on the out-of-compliance by selecting a correction from a correction list. Such a correction may include dynamically adjusting the actuator 72 and / or component 74 based on the input data, for example, such that the movement of the animated character 12 is corrected by waving the hand more slowly. The automation controller 60's determination of the correction may depend on the amount of sensed force or other factors, such as where the guest's touch occurred on the animated character 12, the animated character's 12's immediate environment (e.g., outside, in an enclosed space, inside a dark ride), whether the force was capacitive or resistive, etc. The automation controller 60 may provide a compliance instruction containing the selected correction (here, waving slower) to the animated character 12 via the automation controller communication circuit 68.

[0049] In another example, while interacting with avatar 12, visitor 14 raises her hand to high-five avatar 12. In embodiments where housing layer 20 includes an optical sensor, housing layer 20 can sense the visitor's raised hand and, in response to the detected hand, provide first input data to automation controller 60, such as via automation controller communication circuitry 68 that enables communication between automation controller 60 and avatar 12. Based on the first input data, automation controller 60 can determine that a gesture initiating a high-five has been detected and determine a response to the detected gesture. Automation controller 60 can then provide instructions to avatar 12 regarding the response, such as instructions to dynamically adjust actuator 72 and / or component 74 to respond to the visitor's gesture with a return high-five from avatar 12's hand. The movement associated with the response can be detected by pressure sensing technology within housing 18, and automation controller 60 can determine whether avatar 12's response is within a threshold corresponding to housing 18. In this example, the automation controller 60 receives second input data from the housing 18 and, based on the second input data, determines that the avatar 12 may be currently noncompliant because, for example, the pressure sensed as a result of the response to the high-five indicates that the avatar 12 did not make contact, touched something before it was expected to touch something, or made contact at the expected time but with an unexpected source or pressure (e.g., sensing contact with an inanimate object instead of the visitor's hand, sensing contact with a capacitive source at an unexpected contact point, or sensing contact indicating a high-five but with a detected force that was too high or too low). In this case, the second input data indicates that the response to the touch (or its lack thereof) does not match the expected movement threshold associated with the animation profile of the avatar 12. As such, the automation controller 60 can determine a correction for the avatar 12 based on the noncompliant state by selecting a correction from a correction list. Such corrections can include those previously mentioned and / or stepping back away from the visitor, lowering the avatar 12's arms, or completely ceasing movement. The automation controller 60's determination of a correction can depend on the amount of force sensed or other environmental factors. As previously mentioned, the automation controller 60 can provide compliance instructions that include the selected corrections. In this way, the movement of the animated character 12 in response to the encounter is monitored to ensure that the response of the animated character 12 complies with the expected movement of the animated character 12, that is, the animated character remains within a predetermined movement threshold (e.g., an animation profile).

[0050] In an embodiment, the movement of the avatar 12 that is not in response to an encounter with a guest or physical obstacle may be monitored to ensure that the movement of the avatar 12 complies with the expected movement of the avatar 12. The automation controller 60 may be configured to monitor and control the avatar 12 based on movement thresholds associated with one or more housings 18 on the avatar 12.

[0051] The automation controller communication circuit 68 and the image communication circuit 69 may include a transceiver, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a radio transceiver circuit, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, analog / digital converters, multiplexer amplifiers), or a combination thereof, which may be powered by a power supply and configured to communicate via a wired (e.g., via optical fiber, metal wire) or wireless communication path (e.g., via infrared wireless communication, radio frequency transmission, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), etc.), or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0052] In some embodiments, the automation controller communication circuitry 68 and the avatar communication circuitry 69 can establish a communication connection with the housing sensor 70 using a wireless network (e.g., a wireless communication path via IR wireless communication, radio frequency transmission, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), etc.). That is, the housing 18 can be equipped with a device including the housing sensor 70 that enables communication between the automation controller 60 and the animated avatar 12. For example, the automation controller 60 and the animated avatar 12 can include the automation controller communication circuitry 68 and the avatar communication circuitry 69, such as a transmitter and a receiver.

[0053] As provided herein, automation controller communication circuitry 68 can communicate with animated figure 12 by sending signals that are received by character communication circuitry 69. Housing sensor 70, embedded in or adhered to housing 18, can sense the force and transmit it to character communication circuitry 69. Character communication circuitry 69 can then transmit proximity information back to automation controller 60 via automation controller communication circuitry 68. The proximity information can include information regarding the distance from the location of housing 18 and the orientation of the force relative to the location of housing 18. Automation controller processor 64 then receives the proximity information and can trigger a response based on the received proximity information, including updating the position of animated figure 12 or activating corrections to animated figure 12. Updating the position of animated figure 12 or activating corrections to animated figure 12 can be accomplished by sending instructions via automation controller communication circuitry 68 and character communication circuitry 69, which are then processed by character processor 62 and implemented by actuator 72, as discussed above.

[0054] Generally, the automation controller 60 can enable the automation controller communication circuit 68 to interface with various other electronic devices of the amusement park, such as an external monitoring system, a service desk, etc. The monitoring system and / or the service desk can communicate with the automation controller 60 to receive and / or send information to ensure compliance of the interactive system 50, the animated character 12, and / or the characteristics of the animated character 12.

[0055] By way of example, the automation controller communication circuitry 68 can allow the automation controller 60 to be communicatively coupled to a network, such as a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), and / or a wide area network (WAN). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the automation controller 60 can process data from the housing 18, determine compliance of the animated figure 12, and transmit adjustments to the actuators 72 and / or components 74. For example, after processing sensor data from the housing 18, the automation controller processor 64 can determine a control signal that enables the automation controller communication circuitry 68 to wirelessly transmit control data to the animated figure 12 to correct the animated figure 12 and / or confirm that the animated figure 12 is functioning as if it is operating within thresholds.

[0056] The automation controller processor 64 may include one or more processing devices that receive input signals related to the compliance of the animated character 12 from the housing 18 via the housing sensors 70 and / or the character communication circuitry 69. These input signals may then be used to determine possible adjustments to the actuators 72 and / or components 74 using the techniques described herein. The automation controller memory 66 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media capable of carrying or storing desired algorithms (e.g., program code) in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and accessible to the automation controller processor 64 or other processor-based device. In particular, the automation controller processor 64 may include a processing core to execute the machine-executable instruction algorithms stored in the automation controller memory 66. The automation controller processor 64 may also include a processor-side interface for software applications running on the processing core to interact with the animated character 12. By way of example, the stored algorithms may include, but are not limited to, algorithms for processing feedback from the housing sensors 70. The algorithm may also cause the automation controller processor 64 to process the feedback, compare it to the baseline capacitance, and issue compliance instructions from the automation controller memory 66 to the animated figure 12 to cause the animated figure 12 to operate accordingly.

[0057] Compliance instructions are stored in the automation controller memory 66 and include instructions for the avatar 12 to correct the avatar 12 if the avatar 12 is determined to be non-compliant. The compliance instructions can include corrections for the avatar 12, including, for example, instructions for the avatar 12 to move away from the sensed force / pressure by moving in the opposite direction of the sensed force / pressure, or can be associated with a response to sensing a capacitive touch from the guest 14, such as a high five in response to sensing a capacitive touch on the arm of the avatar 12 or a hug in response to sensing a capacitive touch on the torso of the avatar 12, as previously discussed.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In FIG, another embodiment of the interactive system 50 is illustrated. Figure 4 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG, the automation controller 60 is integrated with the housing 18 or animated character 12. In one embodiment, the animated character 12 can receive input data from the character communication circuit 69, such as from the housing sensor 70 in the housing layer 20. In such an embodiment, the input data is passed from the housing sensor 70 to the character processor 62. The data is then passed to the character communication circuit 69 and transmitted to the automation controller communication circuit 68, as described above with respect to FIG. Figure 3 In an embodiment, the automation controller 60 may include the image processor 62. In an embodiment, the image processor 62 may include the automation controller 60. Furthermore, it should be understood that the illustrated system is intended to be exemplary only, and that certain features and components may be omitted, and various other features and components may be added to facilitate performance, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0059] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of process 100 of compliance system 55, which is a component of interactive system 50. Although process 100 describes the flow of data and conditions in a particular order, which represents a particular embodiment, the data and conditions may occur in any order.

[0060] Process 100 includes the step of monitoring a system including an animated avatar for pressure (block 102). If pressure (e.g., force) is sensed (block 104) via pressure sensing technology in housing 18 of animated avatar 12, which may be capacitive or other pressure sensing technology. If pressure is sensed, avatar processor 62 determines whether the pressure exceeds a threshold (block 106). Determining whether the pressure exceeds the threshold depends on input data from housing 18 and housing sensor 70, which is communicated to automation controller 60 via avatar communication circuitry 69 and may include proximity information indicating the location (e.g., area) of the pressure, as described above. Automation controller 60 receives input data from animated avatar 12 via avatar communication circuitry 69, which communicates with automation controller communication circuitry 68. The input data is processed via automation controller processor 64. The automation controller processor may determine whether the force or movement exceeds the threshold based on threshold data stored in automation controller memory 66. The pressure may, for example, result from a response executed by the animated avatar in response to an encounter with a visitor or a physical obstacle.

[0061] If the character processor 62 determines that the threshold is exceeded, a compliance instruction (e.g., an actuation instruction regarding the movement of the animated character (e.g., pause, stop, retract, clap, etc.)) is determined based on the type, location, and amount of pressure to correct the animated character (block 108). The compliance instruction is then transmitted to the animated character and executed on the animated character (block 110). The automation controller 60 transmits the compliance instruction to the character communication circuit 69, which is processed by the character processor 62 and executed by the actuator 72 on the animated character 12.

[0062] Regarding box 104, if no pressure (eg, force) is sensed, the process returns to box 102 to continue monitoring for pressure. Regarding box 106, if the sensed pressure does not exceed the threshold, the process returns to box 102 to continue monitoring for pressure.

[0063] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood, therefore, that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that any of the features illustrated or described with respect to the drawings discussed above may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0064] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to substantial objects and specific examples of a practical nature that arguably improve the art and, as such, are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended 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 be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. An interactive system comprising: Animated image, wherein the animated image includes: one or more housing layers including one or more housing sensors configured to sense applied pressure; and one or more actuators configured to move one or more features of the animated figure; and A compliance system comprising an automated controller configured to: receiving first input data from the one or more housing sensors; initiating a control routine to direct manipulation of the one or more actuators in response to the first input data satisfying a first criterion; After initiating the control routine, receiving second input data from the one or more housing sensors; and The control routine is adjusted in response to the second input data being noncompliant with the control routine.

2. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more housing layers including the one or more housing sensors are modular and configured to couple to at least one of the one or more features of the animated figure.

3. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more housing sensors include one or more capacitive touch sensors, one or more resistive touch sensors, or a combination thereof.

4. The interactive system according to claim 3, wherein: The one or more capacitive touch sensors include mutual capacitance technology devices, absolute capacitance technology devices, or a combination thereof.

5. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more housing sensors are disposed on at least one of the one or more features of the animated figure.

6. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more housing layers including the one or more housing sensors are disposed on the animated figure such that the housing layers provide structural support on the skeleton of the animated figure.

7. The interactive system according to claim 1, wherein: The animated image includes the compliance system.

8. A method for monitoring compliance of an animated character, the method comprising: sensing a force on the animated figure based on input data received from one or more housing sensors disposed on one or more features of the animated figure; determining, via an automation controller, whether the animated figure exceeds a movement threshold associated with the animated figure based at least in part on the input data from the one or more housing sensors; as well as If the animated figure is determined to have exceeded the movement threshold, compliance instructions from the automation controller are sent to one or more actuators to bring the animated figure into compliance with the movement threshold.

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising: determining whether the animated character does not exceed the movement threshold based on additional input data from the one or more housing sensors; as well as Upon determining that the animated figure does not exceed the movement threshold, the one or more housing sensors are monitored to confirm that the additional input data from the one or more housings indicates compliance with the movement threshold.

10. The method of claim 8, comprising sensing the force via the one or more housing sensors based on capacitive sensing.

11. The method according to claim 9, comprising: identifying, with the automation controller, a first force on the animated figure based on first input data received from a first housing sensor disposed on the animated figure; determining, with the automated controller, a response to the first force, wherein the response is determined based on a position associated with the first force; Determining whether the response includes movement of the animated figure, wherein the movement exceeds the movement threshold associated with the animated figure based on additional input data received from the first shell sensor and / or at least one other shell sensor of the one or more shell sensors disposed on the animated figure.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The response includes instructing the animated character to stop, pause, speed up, high-five the visitor, hug the visitor, move in a direction different from the direction of the force, or any combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 8, comprising providing structural support on a skeleton of the animated figure via the one or more housing sensors.

14. A compliance system comprising: One or more housings disposed on the animated character, the one or more housings comprising one or more housing sensors; one or more actuators; as well as An automation controller is configured to monitor and control the animated figure via the one or more actuators based on input data received from the one or more housings.

15. The compliance system of claim 14, wherein: The one or more housing sensors detect force applied to the animated figure via pressure sensing technology embedded in or adhered to the one or more housings.

16. The compliance system of claim 15, wherein: The pressure sensing technology device includes a capacitive sensing material capable of sensing capacitive touch.

17. The compliance system of claim 16, wherein: The capacitive sensing material is configured to sense capacitive touch via a projected capacitance system, a surface capacitance system, or a combination thereof.

18. The compliance system of claim 15, wherein: The automation controller is configured to select a correction from a list of corrections stored on a memory of the automation controller and communicate the selected correction to the animated figure via the communication circuit.

19. The compliance system of claim 18, wherein: The automation controller determines the correction based on the region of the one or more housings where the force is sensed.

20. The compliance system of claim 18, wherein: The correction includes pausing, stopping, reversing, accelerating, or any combination thereof.

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