System and method for tea service special effects
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images
Figure CN122228537A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 601556, filed November 21, 2023, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REFRESHMENTS SPECIAL EFFECTS”, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Background Technology
[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be associated with this technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light and not as an admission of prior art.
[0003] The topics disclosed herein relate to the fields of interactive and visual customer experience. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for generating special effects on or near food and beverage containers.
[0004] Various rides, exhibits, and demonstrations have been created to offer customers unique interactive, dynamic, and visual experiences. These experiences can be designed to enhance everyday activities, creating fantastical environments. Within these rides and exhibits, the customer experience can be enhanced by incorporating certain interactive visual features. However, some interactive visual features may be expensive and unsuitable for integration into personalized interactions that customers can directly see, touch, smell, and taste. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The following describes an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these certain embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover many aspects that may not be set forth below.
[0006] In one embodiment, a refreshment special effects system includes a special effects system. The special effects system includes: one or more displays configured to generate an image; and a beam splitter positioned between the one or more displays and a container, wherein the beam splitter is configured to receive the image to generate an artifact on or around the container, wherein the container is configured to hold food or beverage, and wherein the container is at least partially transparent to visible light. The special effects system also includes a control system, wherein the control system includes: one or more sensors configured to monitor a viewing area, wherein the sensors are configured to provide sensor data relating to the container in the viewing area; and a processor configured to activate the special effects system based on the sensor data.
[0007] In one embodiment, a method of operating a tea and beverage special effects system is provided. The method includes receiving sensor data indicating the presence of a container within the special effects system, wherein the container is configured to hold food or beverage, and wherein the container is at least partially transparent to visible light. The method further includes tracking the movement of liquid from an outlet of the special effects system into the container, and, in response to receiving the sensor data and tracking the movement, activating the special effects system to project an image. The image is projected toward a beamsplitter positioned between a reflector and the container. The beamsplitter receives the image from one or more displays and reflects the image toward the reflector to generate an artifact on or around the container.
[0008] In one embodiment, a special effects system for tea and snacks is provided, comprising: a container that is at least partially transparent to visible light and holds food or beverage. The system further includes a special effects system comprising one or more displays for generating a three-dimensional illusion on or around the container. The container is positioned between a viewing area of the three-dimensional illusion and the one or more displays. Additionally, the system includes a control system. The control system includes one or more sensors for sensing one or both of the presence or orientation of the container relative to the one or more displays and generating sensor data. The control system further includes a processor for activating the special effects system based on the sensor data. Attached Figure Description
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same characters throughout the drawings denote the same parts, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a food and beverage establishment including a tea and beverage special effects system according to embodiments described herein; Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a tea snack special effects system according to embodiments described herein; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a container interacting with a tea and snack special effects system according to an embodiment described herein; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a container interacting with a tea and snack special effects system according to an embodiment described herein; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a container interacting with a tea and snack special effects system according to an embodiment described herein; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a container interacting with a tea and snack special effects system according to embodiments described herein; and Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling a special effects system for tea snacks according to an embodiment described herein. Detailed Implementation
[0010] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.
[0011] It is now recognized that food and beverage areas in amusement parks may lack interactive components that provide enjoyment for customers. For example, food and beverage areas could offer customers themed drinks (e.g., beverages, drinks, alcoholic beverages) that are pre-made or prepared before service. However, if certain types of food and beverage effects are part of a cooking or mixing experience (e.g., potions, secret recipes, magic spells), the effect could be more immersive. Incorporating an effect into a food and beverage preparation experience can be challenging. For example, incorporating displayed or projected media onto transparent food and beverage containers (such as glassware) is challenging. Detecting and / or tracking transparent containers in a space using conventional sensors can be challenging. Furthermore, these containers may constitute poor surfaces for direct projection to create realistic illusions. Additionally, placing a transparent display in front of the container does not allow the effect to be placed inside or behind the container, which may reduce the range of available illusions. Traditional Pepper's Ghost effects involve reflective surfaces positioned at an angle to reflect media or actual lighting effects, thereby creating an image that appears to float behind the reflective surface. When used with a traditional display, this can result in a flat, two-dimensional floating image that may not convey realistic results or the appearance of a three-dimensional volumetric effect within or around the container.
[0012] This paper provides a tea and beverage special effects system that facilitates the generation of visual illusions on or around food and beverage containers (e.g., transparent glassware or containers). The tea and beverage special effects system can create visual effects (e.g., Pepper's Illusion, projection) to enhance the customer experience, create enjoyment, or strengthen narrative elements within an immersive environment. In this way, amusement park or other narrative experiences can be extended to include visual experiences related to ordering, purchasing, and / or receiving themed tea and beverages. For example, the tea and beverage special effects system can enable the visual preparation of tea and beverages (e.g., food and / or beverages) in front of the customer to provide system information, thereby generating visual effects for customer enjoyment. Therefore, visual and audio effects are superimposed on or near objects (e.g., glassware, plates, rotating skewers of meat, dessert cups, food display cases, glass-doored refrigerated units, food items) to generate a realistic depiction of special effects (e.g., media, audio, and / or auxiliary effects) on or near objects visible to the customer. In one example, the special effects may include or enhance dynamic elements, such as pouring liquid into an object. In one embodiment, the refreshment special effects system may be incorporated into a shape or volume display combined with the Pepper Illusion effect to display a more realistic 3D effect on or near the refreshment container.
[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of environment 10 in an entertainment venue. It should be understood that environment 10 is an example, and other contexts for use in conjunction with the refreshment special effects system are also envisioned. Environment 10 may be part of an amusement park or other narrative experience that promotes customer interaction by including visual experiences. Environment 10 may be any restaurant, bar, or other food and beverage establishment. Environment 10 may be part of a retail experience, attraction experience, educational experience, tourism experience, etc. Environment 10 includes one or more refreshment special effects systems 12 that can be used to generate refreshment (e.g., food and / or beverage) effects.
[0014] In the illustrated example, an observer 14 (e.g., a customer) can order, purchase, or receive refreshments from a staff member 16. Therefore, the staff member 16 can prepare refreshments in conjunction with a refreshment special effects system 12 (e.g., using container 18 as an empty or available container for beverages and / or food). The refreshment special effects system 12 can recognize the presence of container 18 (e.g., a transparent object, glassware) in the viewing area 20 (e.g., an area observable by the customer) and signal to the special effects system to generate special effects 22 (e.g., one or more special effects, one or more illusions, visual effects, image projections, Pepper's Illusion effects) on or near container 18. Additionally, the refreshment special effects system 12 can activate one or more additional special effects 24 (e.g., one or more additional illusions, projections, audio effects, light effects) around container 18 (e.g., near container 18, behind container 18). Special effects 22 and / or additional special effects 24 can enhance the immersive experience of the observer 14 within the food and beverage establishment environment 10.
[0015] Considering the foregoing content, in some embodiments, the tea snack special effects system 12 may include, as referenced... Figure 1The discussed components include one or more special effects housings 26 (e.g., a stand), faucet handles 28, outlets 30 (e.g., nozzles, dispensers), bases 32, light sources (e.g., one or more light sources), speakers (e.g., one or more speakers), microphones (e.g., one or more microphones), projectors (e.g., one or more projectors), displays (e.g., one or more displays), and sensors (e.g., one or more sensors) for detecting container 18 and activating the special effects system. The special effects housing 26 may be positioned on a surface 34 (e.g., a bar, table, trolley, stand) and may be positioned near the point-of-sale terminal 36. For example, an observer 14 may order refreshments from staff 16 at the point-of-sale terminal 36. The staff may select the container 18 associated with the refreshment ordered by the observer 14. In this way, the observer 14 may order refreshments associated with different cups or glassware 38, 40, 42 of the illustrated embodiment. It should be noted that glassware 38, 40, and 42 are used as examples, and additional or other beverage and / or food storage container shapes may be used in conjunction with the tea and snack special effects system 12. Furthermore, certain elements may be combined or excluded. For example, the special effects system 12 may not include the special effects housing 26 (e.g., a stand) and may be filled from the base 32. Additionally, environmental features (such as light sources or audio elements) are used as examples, and additional or other thematic components may be present.
[0016] In normal operation, staff member 16 may select a container 18 (illustrated as glassware 38) associated with the refreshments ordered by observer 14. Glassware 38 may then be supported by a base 32 within the viewing area 20 of the refreshment special effects system 12. When container 18 is detected on base 32 and / or within the viewing area 20, the refreshment special effects system 12 may activate a special effects system. The special effects system may generate a special effect 22 (e.g., overlay media or a holographic image corresponding to the appropriate shape of glassware 38). In some instances, it may be advantageous for special effect 22 to be generated above container 18 to ensure that observer 14 has a clear view of container 18 during the presentation of special effect 22. In one embodiment, special effect 22 may be generated within a special effects housing 26 and projected from above onto or near container 18.
[0017] Considering the foregoing, in some embodiments, the special effects system 12 generates one or more illusions to provide a more immersive environment because staff 16 can operate naturally to select a specific container suitable for the ordered beverage and position the selected object within the viewing area 20 (shown here as including one or more tap handles 28). Thus, the viewing area 20 can be an unobstructed view, allowing observer 14 to experience realistic special effects during the pouring and / or mixing of the ordered beverage. Furthermore, the special effects system 12 is capable of generating instructions to activate special effects 22 and / or additional special effects 24, which may include illusions on and / or near the container 18. In some cases, the special effects system 12 can generate illusions by displaying (e.g., projecting) images (e.g., moving images, videos) of various ingredients (e.g., the ingredients of a medicine) in the container 18 to create the effect of mixing (e.g., stirring a medicine). In one example, an image of fire may be projected to provide the illusion that the liquid inside the container 18 is burning. In another example, the liquid level of the beverage can be tracked based on the amount of liquid poured into container 18 from outlet 30 of the special effects system and / or sensor data from special effects system 12 indicating real-time changes in the liquid level in container 18. In this way, special effects 22 (e.g., illusions) generated on or near container 18 can be dynamically altered to match the liquid level of the beverage, thereby creating dynamic illusions to enhance the immersive experience viewed by observer 14.
[0018] Figure 2 It is for reference. Figure 1 The block diagram discussed here refers to certain features of the tea special effects system 12, which can be implemented to generate special effects 22 on or near container 18 in the environment of this embodiment. The tea special effects system 12 includes a control system 52 and a special effects system 54. The control system 52 may include one or more sensors 56, a communication circuitry 58, a processor 60, a memory 62, input / output (I / O) ports 64, a power supply 66 (e.g., wired power, battery), etc. The control system 52 may receive sensor data from one or more sensors 56 (e.g., orientation sensors, tracking sensors, cameras, lasers, infrared sensors, etc.) to activate the special effects system 54. Sensors may be decoupled from and communicatively coupled to the control system 52.
[0019] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 56 of the control system 52 may be used to monitor the viewing area 20 (see Figure 1The sensor 56 can detect the presence and / or orientation of the container 18 relative to the special effects housing 26 and generate sensor data. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 56 may include one or more cameras. The one or more cameras may include various cameras (e.g., thermal imagers, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, charge-coupled devices (CCDs)) and may be positioned on or within the special effects housing 26. The sensors may also include photodiodes, photodetectors, and / or other suitable detectors for acquiring sensor data.
[0020] In some embodiments, sensor 56 may be pointed to an area associated with container 18 (e.g., Figure 1 The surface 34, bar counter, viewing area 20, etc.). Sensor 56 can detect container 18 or its surrounding environment (e.g., the presence of customers, viewing area 20, etc.) to generate sensor data. The sensor data can indicate the presence and / or absence of container 18, and can be provided to processor 60 of control system 52. Processor 60 can then transmit a signal to special effects system 54 based on the sensor data to activate special effects 22. For example, sensor data (e.g., positioning data, tracking data, recognition data, object detection data) can provide information about the orientation of container 18. In some cases, container 18 may be in a static orientation. In this way, container 18 can be positioned in a static orientation substantially parallel to the source of special effects system 54 (e.g., projector, display, light source, reflector). Therefore, control system 52 can activate special effects system 54 based on the orientation of container 18 extracted from sensor data. In other cases, container 18 may not be present, thus prompting special effects system 54 to remain inactive.
[0021] Communication circuit system 58 facilitates communication between various components of control system 52 and with external devices (such as point-of-sale terminal 36, see below). Figure 1The processor 60 can be a wired or wireless communication device between one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or a central or local controller of an immersive experience or amusement park located on or near container 18. The processor 60 can be any suitable type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. Furthermore, the processor 60 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 60 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) or Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors. In some embodiments, the processor 60 may receive input from an RFID tag located on container 18 and communicate with the RFID tag using communication circuitry 58. For example, an observer 14 may order refreshments associated with a specific refreshment effect associated with container 18. Container 18 may include an RFID tag, and base 32 (see...) Figure 1 This may include an RFID reader associated with the processor 60. Therefore, the control system 52 may receive a signal indicating that the container 18 is located on the base 32. In some instances, the control system 52 may control the special effects system 54 to activate special effects 22 based on identification of the container 18 from the RFID tag.
[0022] The memory 62 of the control system 52 can also be used to store data executed by the processor 60, various other software applications, etc. The memory 62 may represent a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage device) that stores processor-executable code used by the processor 60 to perform the various techniques described herein. The I / O port 64 may be an interface that can be coupled to other peripheral components, such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, input / output (I / O) modules, etc. The power supply 66 may power one or more components of the control system 52. Components of the special effects system 54 and / or the control system 52 may be integrated within the food and restaurant setting, including the point-of-sale terminal 36, the special effects housing 26, the surface 34, or any other suitable component of the refreshment special effects system 12. Therefore, the control system 52 may be at least partially obscured from the view of the observer 14.
[0023] Figure 2The control system 52 can send signals to activate the special effects system 54, thereby generating a special effect 22 on or near the container 18. Therefore, the special effects system 54 may include one or more light sources 68 (e.g., LEDs, LED strips, multiple LED strips, one or more lasers, etc.), one or more microphones 70, one or more speakers 72, and / or one or more projectors 74 for generating the special effect 22 and / or adding special effects 24. The special effects system 54 may also include one or more displays 76, one or more reflectors 78, one or more beam splitters 80, and / or one or more controllers 82 for generating the special effect 22 on or near the surface of the container 18, the special effect 22 including illusions (e.g., Pepper's Illusion effect).
[0024] In some embodiments, one of the controllers 82 of the special effects system 54 may include an audio and video (A / V) controller. For example, the special effects system 54 may generate A / V effects under the control of the controller 82 to provide theme sounds, background effects, projections, etc., to enhance the customer experience. The controller 82 may control a light source 68, a microphone 70, a speaker 72, and / or one or more visual output devices (e.g., a display 76, a projector 74, etc.). For example, the controller 82 may control the activation of visual displays and / or audio recordings to enhance the special effects 22 produced by the special effects system 54. Thus, additional special effects 24, including audio recordings corresponding to special effects 22, may be generated to enhance the customer experience in the themed environment. In some instances, the controller 82 may activate sounds associated with characters in the themed environment from a speaker 72 positioned near the container 18. In this way, the additional special effects 24 surrounding the container 18 may appear to the observer 14 as being caused by the casting of a magic spell (e.g., projected from a speaker). Furthermore, an image of a character may be projected by the controller 82 of the special effects system 54 in conjunction with sound. In this way, the projector 74 can present various images at various times controlled by the special effects system 54, such as simulating certain movements by combining with additional special effects 24. Therefore, the projector 74 can be an external projector, an optical projector with a lens, etc.
[0025] In some embodiments, one or more displays 76 project an image toward a beamsplitter 80, causing the beamsplitter 80 to reflect the image toward a reflector 78 to create an artifact (e.g., special effect 22) on or near the container 18. The one or more displays 76 may include a lens display (e.g., a lens volume display), a light field display, one or more two-dimensional (2D) media displays (e.g., 2D pixel displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays), a persistence of vision display, one or more projectors, one or more three-dimensional displays, a transparent vision display (e.g., a transparent liquid crystal display, a see-through display), a sparse LED display, etc. The displays 76 may be invisible to the observer 14 within the viewing area 20. Therefore, the displays 76 may be at least partially disposed within the special effects housing 26. It should be noted that any suitable combination of displays 76 can be used to generate an artifact that is volumetrically correct superposition of the media on the container 18. In other words, a combination of displays 76 can be selected to produce special effects 22 on or near container 18 that can be viewed from multiple angles (e.g., a 3D illusion viewable from various angles by observer 14). For example, an image can be projected onto the surface of beam splitter 80 by a light field display and a sparse LED display to generate a realistic effect. Furthermore, the light field display can project an image of the slime onto reflector 78. In some instances, the sparse LED display can simultaneously project an image of text (e.g., the observer's name) onto reflector 78. In this way, reflector 78 can simultaneously transmit an illusion of slime (e.g., appearing as 3D) within container 18 and text (e.g., appearing as 2D) on container 18 (e.g., appearing as 2D) to create a realistic special effect 22 on and within container 18.
[0026] In some embodiments, a beam splitter 80 for reflecting an image projected from the display 76 may be positioned between the container 18 and the display 76. Furthermore, the beam splitter 80 may intersect with and / or form an acute angle with the reflector 78. In this manner, the beam splitter 80 (e.g., an optical beam splitter) may comprise a glass panel, a screen, a partially reflective film (e.g., plastic, foil, translucent mirror), or any suitable material having both transmission and reflection properties. In this manner, the beam splitter 80 may be able to achieve the reflection of an image, and / or the transmission of an image reflected by the reflector 78 through the beam splitter 80. The reflector 78 may act as a proxy display 76 such that the reflector, beam splitter 80, and container 18 are aligned on the same axis, and the display 76 may be off-axis to allow flexibility in display positioning or to conceal the display 76 from the viewer's line of sight. Reflection to and from the reflector 78 may cause the image to illuminate. In some instances, beam splitter 80 can directly reflect the image projected by display 76 to generate an illusion without the reflector 78 being present.
[0027] In some embodiments, reflector 78 may include a mirror, a retroreflector, or any other suitable reflective surface. Reflector 78 can transmit an image through beam splitter 80 to generate a virtual image. Thus, a virtual image can be generated on or near container 18 positioned at a virtual image plane (e.g., a geometrically defined distance), in which the virtual image reflected from reflector 78 is formed (e.g., at the location of container 18). Furthermore, the virtual image is an illusion because the image projected by display 76 on or near container 18 exhibits a Pepper's Illusion effect, said container 18 being positioned at the virtual image plane of the image transmitted by reflector 78. In this way, the generation of an illusion (e.g., special effect 22) by special effects system 54 can provide observer 14 with an unobstructed view of viewing area 20, enhancing the immersive experience.
[0028] Figure 3-6 This is an example of the arrangement of the tea and refreshment special effects system 12 or its individual components. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may include... Figure 2 All or some of the tea snack special effects system 12 disclosed by the company.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a tea and snack special effects system 12. In some embodiments, the tea and snack special effects system 12 includes a special effects housing 26, a faucet handle 28, an outlet 30 (e.g., a nozzle, dispenser), and / or a base 32. A container 18 can be positioned on the base 32, sustainably parallel to the outlet 30. In this way, a special effect 22 can be formed in a region 92 of the special effects housing 26 (outside the viewer's field of vision 14) and then projected into the container 18. Furthermore, Figure 2At least a portion of the special effects system 54 and control system 52 may be disposed within region 92 of the special effects shell 26. Therefore, the special effects 22 generated by the special effects system 54 may appear to the observer 14 as being generated in a fantastical or magical manner.
[0030] In some embodiments, the container 18 is positioned on the base 32 in a plane 94 aligned with the exit 30 of the special effects shell 26. Therefore, special effects 22 can be generated to project from the exit 30 along the plane 94, thereby generating a virtual image of a refreshment effect on the container 18 when it is positioned on the base 32. For example, an image including a depiction of a character can be generated by the special effects system 54 and transmitted through the exit 30 to create the illusion of a character on or within the container 18. Thus, when the virtual image is formed on or near the container 18, the observer 14 can observe the illusion of a character in the viewing area 20.
[0031] In some embodiments, the special effects shell 26 may include a refreshment system that can provide physical refreshments to container 18 in conjunction with the illusions generated by special effects system 54. Furthermore, the refreshment system may be housed within special effects shell 26 and may be supplied with liquid via outlet 30 and / or additional outlets to fill container 18 before, during, and / or after the generation of special effects 22. For example, an observer 14 may actively watch as an illusion of a character is generated on or near container 18, followed by the pouring of liquid (e.g., a physical liquid, such as beer) to eliminate the illusion of the character (e.g., communicating with special effects system 54 to end the projection of the image), creating an immersive experience that combines virtual and physical effects, thereby enhancing the customer experience. In this way, the control system 52 of refreshment special effects system 12 can facilitate communication between special effects system 54 and the refreshment system.
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a tea and snack special effects system 12, which includes generating special effects 22 on or near a container 18 positioned on or near a base 32 located on a surface 34 (e.g., a bar counter). In some embodiments, additional special effects 24 may be generated around (e.g., at the back, in front, or on the side) the container 18. Thus, additional special effects 24 may include one or more auxiliary displays 102 and / or one or more auxiliary artifacts 104 used by the special effects system 54 to enhance the special effects 22 generated on or around the container 18. Furthermore, additional special effects 24 may include one or more light sources 68. For example, light sources 68, 106 may be positioned within the surface 34 (e.g., a bar counter) to illuminate the container 18. In this way, the container 18 may be illuminated by the special effects system 54 using light effects 108.
[0033] Considering the foregoing, the special effects system 54 can be activated to project special effects 22 and / or add special effects 24 based on sensor data. In this manner, one or more sensors 56 are used to monitor the viewing area 20. Therefore, the sensors provide sensor data related to the container 18 within the viewing area 20, which may include container positioning data and / or container detection data. In some embodiments, the sensors 56 are arranged on the special effects housing 26, outside the field of view of the observer 14 (e.g., behind the viewing area 20). The sensors 56 may include one or more cameras 56, 110, which may be positioned above, diagonally, or in any other suitable orientation related to the container 18, thereby allowing the cameras 56, 110 to monitor the presence and / or absence of the container 18 within the viewing area 20. In some embodiments, the sensors 56 may include an RFID tag 114 detectable by an RFID reader within the base 32. Furthermore, the sensors 56, 112 may also be arranged around the container 18 to provide sensor data. It should be noted that... Figure 4 This demonstrates a specific embodiment of the tea and snack special effects system 12, and various configurations of the sensor 56 may be suitable for detecting the container 18.
[0034] In some embodiments, sensor 56 transmits sensor data to processor 60 of control system 52 to determine the presence and / or location of container 18 based on the sensor data. The sensor data may indicate extractable patterns and / or identifiable features of container 18. In one embodiment, control system 52 may determine the orientation and identity of container 18 based on characteristics including at least the size, height, and / or shape of container 18 (as captured by sensor 56). In this way, tea special effects system 12 may directly use sensor data to determine the orientation and / or identity of container 18 and transmit signals to activate special effects system 54. For example, sensor 56 may directly detect an identification mark located on container 18 itself and provide sensor data encoding identification information of container 18 to the control device. In some instances, the identification mark may be an RFID tag 114 of container 18. In other instances, cameras 56, 110 may send sensor data including image detection or recognition to provide control system 52 with information about the presence and / or absence of container 18. In some embodiments, sensor data can determine that container 18 is not positioned substantially parallel to outlet 30, and can therefore provide staff 16 with notification that container 18 may not be properly aligned for the proper generation of the illusion.
[0035] In some embodiments, activating the additional special effects 24 may include generating one or more additional images to create an auxiliary illusion surrounding the container 18. Thus, the additional special effects 24 may be timed to visually match the special effects 22 on or near the container 18 (e.g., overlaid virtual images). In this way, the special effects 22 of the container 18 may be associated with the environment 10 (e.g., matching a theme, associating with the surrounding area). For example, if a fireworks effect is shown on the container 18, the additional special effects 24, 104 may be projected onto the surface 34 (e.g., a bar counter), the special effects housing 26, and / or the displays 76, 102. In some instances, the additional special effects 24 and the special effects 22 may be activated simultaneously. Thus, when the special effects 22 (e.g., fireworks effects) are generated in and / or on the container 18, the container 18 may be illuminated by an additional light source 68 (e.g., such as an LED, a projector, or a display). In this way, container 18 can also be illuminated by light source 68 that produces light effect 108, and / or displays 76, 102 can be activated to further convey the special effects 22 of container 18 in relation to environment 10, thereby providing observer 14 with an immersive experience (e.g., a fireworks display). In some instances, additional special effects 24 may include audio effects played on speaker 72 or projected through microphone 70 of special effects system 54 (e.g., fireworks sounds) to enhance the customer experience.
[0036] In some embodiments, container 18 may respond to special effects 22. Container 18 may be actuated (e.g., rocking back and forth, flipping over, etc.) to further enhance special effects 22 and thus increase the immersive experience. For example, when generating a fireworks effect, container 18 may rock back and forth to give observer 14 the illusion that container 18 is enhanced by special effects 22.
[0037] In some embodiments, sensors 56, 112 may provide sensor data about the liquid level 116 of container 18 to control system 52. For example, sensors 56, 112 may track the movement of liquid (e.g., physical liquid) from outlet 30 of special effects system 54 into container 18. Control system 52 may determine the liquid level 116 based on the tracked movement of liquid from outlet 30 of special effects system 54 (e.g., positioned on special effects housing 26) into container 18. For example, outlet 30 may be coupled to a flow meter that estimates the volume / time of liquid entering the container within a time window when outlet 30 is active or open. In one embodiment, a camera may be used to track the liquid level, capturing image data of container 18 and identifying changes in the image data indicating liquid filling container 18. Thus, special effects system 54 may control images (e.g., images generated to form special effects 22) to dynamically match the liquid level 116 of container 18. For example, as by Figure 5(Schematic diagram of the tea and snack special effects system 12) As illustrated, the special effects system 54 can generate specific special effects (such as fire illusion 122) on or around the container 18 positioned on the base 32. Therefore, the fire illusions 22, 122 can be dynamically updated to match the liquid level 116 provided by the control system 52 based on sensor data.
[0038] In some embodiments, the refreshment special effects system 12 may include interactions between a container 18 or a staff member 16 and special effects 22 and / or additional special effects 24 to enhance the immersive experience of the environment 10. In some instances, the container 18 may not be positioned on the base 32 for special effects 22 to be activated. In this way, the sensor 56 can actively track the orientation of the container 18. For example, the staff member 16's hand can be tracked by the sensor 56 in real time so that special effects 22 are correctly positioned on or around the container 18 when the container 18 is in the viewing area 20. Thus, dynamic effects can be rendered in real time, such as the splashing of virtual liquid, the fanning of flames, etc., which can respond to the movement of the staff member 16's hand. In this way, special effects 22 appear to occur in a random manner, which can create a realistic depiction of a bartender preparing refreshments.
[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between container 18 and the refreshment special effects system 12. In some embodiments, the generation of special effects 22 (e.g., refreshment effects) may be achieved using the Pepper Illusion effect. For the sake of discussion, a set of coordinate axes will be referenced. For example, 3D coordinate axes may include an x-axis 132, a y-axis 134, and a z-axis 136. The x-axis 132 may extend along surface 34 (e.g., a bar counter). The y-axis 134 may extend from the top of the special effects housing 26 to container 18. The z-axis 136 may extend from container 18 through viewing area 20 to observer 14.
[0040] In some embodiments, beam splitter 80 is used to generate an image to create an artifact (e.g., special effect 22) on or near container 18. In this manner, special effects system 54 is activated by control system 52 based on sensor data to generate special effect 22. Controller 82 activates display 76 to generate image 138 onto beam splitter 80. Image 138 is then reflected from beam splitter 80, and reflected image 140 is transmitted through beam splitter 80. From the viewpoint of observer 14, reflected image 140 generates artifact 142 at a virtual image plane 144 with artifact center or focus 143, the artifact being generated centered on or within container 18. Therefore, observer 14 can view artifact 142 along z-axis 136 without obstructed view. It should be noted that in some embodiments, controller 82, display 76, and beam splitter 80 may be partially or fully housed within special effects housing 26 or external to special effects housing 26.
[0041] In some embodiments, the display 76 may include a specific type of display that allows viewing from multiple angles, including a lens display, a 3D display, a light field display, etc. A specific type of display allows the observer 14 to view the artifact 142 from multiple viewing angles within the viewing area 20. Thus, a lens display allows perspective viewing of the artifact 142, providing an illusion that appears 3D to the observer 14 and precisely fills the volume of the container 18 (e.g., fills the volume of the container 18). Alternatively, a 2D display can be used to generate the artifact 142. Therefore, it may be advantageous to mount multiple 2D displays at various depths (e.g., along the y-axis 134) within the special effects housing 26. In this way, depth control of the artifact 142 can be achieved through a combination of multiple images and reflected images. Furthermore, the artifact 142 can be formed from multiple 2D displays to appear 3D to the observer 14. In some instances, a combination of 2D and 3D displays can be used to generate realistic artifacts.
[0042] In some embodiments, the outlet 30 of the special effects system 54 may include a transparent display or a persistence of vision display. This transparent display or persistence of vision display may be positioned within the outlet 30, pointing towards the container 18. Thus, the outlet 30 may be covered by transparent glass to allow the transparent display or persistence of vision display to project the illusion directly onto the container 18, while being at least partially hidden from the viewer 14's line of sight. In this way, the illusion 142 generated by the transparent display or persistence of vision display can appear magical because the outlet 30 obfuscates the transparent display or persistence of vision display towards the viewer 14.
[0043] Figure 7 This is the illustrated operation of the tea and snack special effects system 12 (see...) Figure 1 (and refer to) Figure 1-6 A process flow diagram of one embodiment of method 160, which includes certain features. The steps of method 160 can be performed by elements of special effects system 12 (as discussed herein). Method 160 includes, at block 162, a control system 52 (see...) Figure 2 ) Receive instructions in Special Effects System 54 (see Figure 2 Viewing area 20 (see) Figure 1 The sensor data for the presence of the inner container 18. In box 164, sensor 56 (see...) Figure 2 Tracking liquids from Special Effects System 54 (see...) Figure 2 ) exports 30 (see Figure 1 ) to container 18 (see Figure 1 Movement within the frame. Additionally, in box 166, the special effects system 54 is activated to generate special effects 22 based on sensor data (see...). Figure 1 ) and / or additional special effects 24 (see Figure 1 In box 168, Special Effects System 54 (see...) Figure 2 ) Towards beam splitter 80 (see Figure 2 The beam splitter 80 projects an image and generates an artifact by transmitting the image through the beam splitter 80 to a virtual image plane that corresponds to the container 18. The image can be from the display 76 (see [link to display]). Figure 2 The image, or the image reflected from reflector 76. Therefore, the artifact is on or near container 18 (see...). Figure 1 A special effect 22 is generated. In some embodiments, the control system 52 uses sensor data to select a special effect 22 associated with the container 18 detected by the sensor 56 and / or the liquid level of the container 18 as determined by the control system 52. Thus, the special effect 22 generates an image on or near the object to enhance the customer experience in food and beverage establishments.
[0044] While only certain features of the disclosed technology have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, although the steps of one or more of the disclosed flowcharts are shown in a given order, in some embodiments, the depicted steps may be reordered, altered, deleted, and / or occur simultaneously.
[0045] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments incorporating the described features.
[0046] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to concrete examples and substantial objects that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing]...[function]” or “step for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).
Claims
1. A special effects system for tea snacks, comprising: Special effects system, including: One or more displays configured to generate images; and A beam splitter, positioned between the one or more displays and a container, wherein the beam splitter is configured to receive the image to generate an artifact on or around the container, wherein the container is configured to hold food or beverage, and wherein the container is at least partially transparent to visible light; and Control system, wherein the control system includes: One or more sensors configured to monitor a viewing area, wherein the sensors are configured to provide sensor data relating to the container in the viewing area; and A processor configured to activate the special effects system based on the sensor data.
2. The tea special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays are invisible to an observer in the viewing area.
3. The tea special effects system of claim 1, wherein the beam splitter is positioned between the container and the reflector.
4. The tea snack special effects system of claim 3, wherein the container is supported by a base, and wherein the reflector is substantially parallel to the base.
5. The tea snack special effects system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the beam splitter forms an acute angle with the reflector.
6. The tea and snack special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays include lens displays.
7. The tea and snack special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays include one or more two-dimensional pixel displays.
8. The tea and snack special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays include light field displays.
9. The tea and snack special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays include a persistence of vision display.
10. The tea and snack special effects system of claim 1, wherein the one or more displays include a projector.
11. A special effects method, comprising: Receive sensor data indicating the presence of a container in a special effects system, wherein the container is configured to hold food or beverage and wherein the container is at least partially transparent to visible light; Track the movement of liquid from the outlet of the special effects system into the container; as well as In response to receiving the sensor data and tracking the movement, the special effects system is activated to project an image, wherein the image is projected toward a beam splitter positioned between the reflector and the container, wherein the beam splitter is configured to receive the image from one or more displays and reflect the image toward the reflector, the reflector being configured to reflect the image back toward the beam splitter and through the beam splitter to create an illusion on or around the container.
12. The method of claim 11, comprising: The liquid level is determined based on the tracked movement of the liquid from the outlet of the special effects system to the container; The special effects system controls the image to dynamically match the liquid level in the container; and The illusion is created on or around the container as the liquid level changes.
13. The method of claim 11, comprising: Activate one or more additional images to generate one or more additional artifacts around the container.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the reflector is a retroreflector.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the sensor data includes container positioning data and / or container detection data.
16. A special effects system for tea snacks, comprising: A container configured to hold food or beverage, wherein the container is at least partially transparent to visible light; A special effects system comprising one or more displays configured to generate a three-dimensional illusion on or around the container, wherein the container is positioned between the viewing area of the three-dimensional illusion and the one or more displays; as well as Control system, wherein the control system includes: One or more sensors configured to sense one or both of the presence or orientation of the container relative to the one or more displays and generate sensor data; as well as A processor configured to activate the special effects system based on the sensor data.
17. The tea special effects system of claim 16, wherein the container includes an RFID tag that generates at least a portion of the sensor data.
18. The tea special effects system of claim 16, wherein the three-dimensional illusion on or around the container is the Pepper illusion effect.
19. The tea special effects system of claim 16, wherein the one or more displays are arranged outside the virtual image plane, and wherein the generated image is reflected into the container.
20. The tea special effects system of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors generate data indicating the liquid level in the container, wherein the processor is configured to alter the three-dimensional artifact to match the change in the liquid level.