Interactive pepper's ghost effect system and method

Abstract

The interactive Pepper's Ghost system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of an orientation of the handheld device. The Pepper's Ghost system also includes a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from the sensor corresponding to the parameter indicative of the orientation of the handheld device. The controller is configured to control a Pepper's Ghost visual effect based on the sensor feedback.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 147,973, filed February 10, 2021, and entitled "INTERACTIVE PEPPER'S GHOST EFFECT SYSTEM AND METHOD," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Theme parks, amusement parks, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, concert halls, and the like have been created to provide guests with a variety of immersive experiences. These entertainment venues can include show attractions (movies, plays, rides, games, and the like) that provide immersive experiences to guests. For example, traditional show attractions can utilize various combinations of physical show elements (or props), staging, and lighting to create various visual effects from the guest's perspective. One commonly utilized visual effect can be called the Pepper's Ghost illusion. For example, a traditional Pepper's Ghost system can employ a primary stage (first scene), a secondary stage (second scene), and an optical beam splitter (e.g., a piece of glass) positioned to essentially combine images from each scene when viewed from the audience's perspective. The image from the second scene can be reflected from the beam splitter (e.g., reflected from a glass surface) toward the audience, and the image from the first scene can be transmitted through the beam splitter (e.g., transmitted through the glass). The stage lighting can be controlled to illuminate the sides of the scene and not the beamsplitter, either to enhance visibility of desired scene features or to limit or prevent the audience from observing the beamsplitter itself, thus creating the illusion of a physical presence on the primary stage that is in fact merely a reflection of the secondary stage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although well-established effects such as the traditional Pepper's Ghost effect are effective optical illusions, it is now recognized that these traditional effects lack meaningful audience interaction. For example, the audience, which may include one or more guests, generally has no control over various aspects of the show built around such effects. In other words, the audience in such traditional systems is passive. In today's environment where guests are accustomed to more interaction (e.g., via video games, etc.), such passive interaction can result in loss of interest. Furthermore, it is now recognized that even in shows that employ audience interaction, technological limitations can make the audience interaction overly costly, inaccurate, inconsequential, or a combination of these. Thus, improved show attractions are desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide merely a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, an interactive Pepper's Ghost system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of an orientation of a handheld device. The Pepper's Ghost system also includes a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from the sensor corresponding to the parameter indicative of the orientation of the handheld device. The controller is configured to control a Pepper's Ghost visual effect based on the sensor feedback.

[0007] In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a transparent or translucent screen, a plurality of light emitters directed at the transparent or translucent screen, a handheld device, a sensor configured to monitor an orientation of the handheld device, and a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from the sensor indicative of an orientation of the handheld device, wherein the controller is configured to select at least one light emitter of the plurality of light emitters based on the sensor feedback and activate the at least one light emitter to emit light onto the transparent or translucent screen such that a Pepper's Ghost effect is created from a viewpoint on the handheld device.

[0008] In one embodiment, an interactive Pepper's Ghost system includes a handheld device configured to be held by an operator, a sensor configured to monitor an orientation of the handheld device, a microphone configured to detect voice audio from the operator, a transparent or semi-transparent screen, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first data feedback from the sensor indicative of an orientation of the handheld device and determine a location on the transparent or semi-transparent screen to which a wand is pointed based on the first data feedback. The controller is also configured to receive a second data feedback indicative of the voice audio from the operator and determine a voice command of a plurality of available voice commands based on the second data feedback. The controller is also configured to activate at least one light emitter of the plurality of light emitters based on the location determined by the controller and the voice command determined by the controller such that the at least one light emitter emits light at a location on the transparent or semi-transparent screen to generate a Pepper's Ghost effect.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead view of an interactive Pepper's Ghost system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the interactive Pepper's Ghost system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control scheme for controlling the interactive Pepper's Ghost system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a collapsible housing of the interactive Pepper's Ghost system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of operating the interactive Pepper's Ghost system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to concisely describe these embodiments, not all of the features of the implementations are described herein. It should be understood that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It should also be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates generally to interactive Pepper's Ghost systems and methods for entertainment venues (e.g., theme parks, amusement parks, theaters), and more particularly, to a system for controlling Pepper's Ghost effects based on interaction from guests.

[0014] Various entertainment venues can provide guests with numerous immersive and interactive experiences. For example, entertainment venues can include show attractions that utilize various combinations of physical show elements (or "props") and lighting to create a variety of visual effects. However, in some conventional embodiments, these show attractions may lack audience interaction. Furthermore, in conventional show attractions that do employ audience interaction, the audience interaction may not exercise or provide control over the show attraction. For example, the story told by the show attraction may be fixed, preventing the audience from meaningfully changing aspects of the story.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, an interactive Pepper's Ghost system can enable audience interaction that allows some control over aspects of a scene or story, for example. The audience control can be enabled by monitoring the movements of the guest (or the movements of devices controlled by the guest) and can be propagated or facilitated at least in part by the Pepper's Ghost visual effect. According to the present disclosure, "Pepper's Ghost" can refer to a visual effect enabled by various staging / lighting structures and techniques that include a primary stage (first scene), a secondary stage or darkroom (second scene), and an optical beam splitter (e.g., a piece of glass) positioned to essentially combine images from each scene when viewed from the guest's perspective. Images from the second scene (e.g., from the darkroom not directly visible to the audience) can be reflected from the beam splitter toward the audience (e.g., reflected from a glass surface), and images from the first scene can be transmitted through the beam splitter (e.g., transmitted through the glass). Stage lighting can be controlled to illuminate the sides of the scene and not illuminate the beam splitter. This can enhance the visibility of desired scene features, or limit or prevent the spectator from observing the beamsplitter itself, creating the illusion of a physical presence on the primary stage when in reality it is merely a reflection of the secondary stage.

[0016] An interactive Pepper's Ghost system according to the present disclosure includes a controller and a handheld device. The handheld device can be, for example, a confetti cannon, a wand, a key, a console controller, a mobile phone, or other handheld device. The controller can monitor the orientation of the handheld device (and, in some embodiments, the position of the handheld device). In some embodiments, infrared detection can be employed to enable monitoring of the orientation of the handheld device by the controller. For example, in some embodiments, the handheld device can include an infrared emitter, and the controller can be communicatively coupled to an infrared sensor (or an array of infrared sensors) configured to detect infrared radiation emitted from the infrared emitter of the handheld device. In another embodiment, the handheld device can include an infrared reflector, and another infrared emitter can emit infrared radiation toward the infrared reflector of the handheld device, and the controller can be communicatively coupled to an infrared sensor (or an array of infrared sensors) configured to detect infrared radiation reflected by the infrared reflector of the handheld device. In yet another embodiment, different aspects of the handheld device (e.g., shape, barcode, reflective coating) can be detected by a camera, etc. Additionally, gyroscopes and / or accelerometers located on the handheld device can also be employed to monitor the orientation and position of the handheld device.

[0017] The controller can determine the orientation of a handheld device, such as a toy magic sword, based on sensor feedback received from infrared sensors or other sensors (e.g., cameras, gyroscopes, accelerometers). For example, the controller can determine the direction in which the handheld device (e.g., a toy magic sword) is pointed or pointed. Infrared detection or other sensor devices can also be used to determine the position of the handheld device, but in some embodiments, the position of the handheld device is fixed (e.g., within a predefined zone) so that it is known relative to other components of the system. The controller can control a Pepper's Ghost effect based on the orientation and position of the handheld device, simulating a visual effect perceived by a guest as if it were caused by the handheld device. For example, if the handheld device is a toy magic sword as described above, the controller can control the Pepper's Ghost visual effect to simulate a spell cast by the magic sword. The Pepper's Ghost visual effect is described in more detail below, but the Pepper's Ghost visual effect can be defined as the illusion of the presence of a feature within a scene (e.g., an image, object, item or prop, etc.) reflected from another scene that is not actually directly visible to an audience member positioned to observe the Pepper's Ghost visual effect.

[0018] The interactive Pepper's Ghost system may include various features that enable the Pepper's Ghost effect. For example, the interactive Pepper's Ghost system may include a stage and a transparent or semi-transparent screen (e.g., a beam splitter) disposed between the handheld device and the stage. In general, a more transparent screen (e.g., a beam splitter) may enable a more authentic effect than a less transparent screen. For simplicity, in some cases below, the transparent or semi-transparent screen may be referred to as a "screen." In general, the screen is completely or barely visible from the perspective of the operator (e.g., guest) holding the handheld device. In some embodiments, the handheld device, the transparent or semi-transparent screen, and the stage may be disposed in a line or in a straight line. That is, a line of sight from the handheld device, or a guest operating the handheld device, may extend from the position of the handheld device through the transparent or semi-transparent screen into the stage. A darkroom may be disposed adjacent to the transparent or semi-transparent screen to offset the line of sight described above. The darkroom can include dark walls and a number of controllable lights configured to project or direct light toward a transparent or translucent screen. Additionally, the darkroom can be hidden from direct view of the operators of the handheld devices and other guests in the audience. In some embodiments, the controllable lights can be arranged in a grid, and a controller can trigger or activate some of the controllable lights to project or direct light toward specific areas of the transparent or translucent screen based on the sensor feedback described above. The transparent or translucent screen can be positioned at an angle, such as 45 degrees, to the line of sight described above, as well as at a further angle, such as 45 degrees, to the direction of light provided via the lights disposed within the darkroom.

[0019] By angling the screen as described above, from the guest's perspective at or adjacent to the handheld device, the light directed from the darkroom towards the screen appears to correspond to a visual effect occurring on the stage. That is, the light from the darkroom is projected onto the screen between the handheld device and the stage, while the light reflected off the screen appears to the guest as a visual effect occurring on the stage behind a screen that is not or barely visible to the guest. In some embodiments, physical items are placed in the darkroom, and the above-mentioned lights placed in the darkroom cause the physical items to be illuminated and reflected onto a corresponding transparent or semi-transparent screen, creating the impression that the physical items in the darkroom are also present on the stage behind the transparent or semi-transparent screen. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned lights can simulate a visual effect directly on the transparent or semi-transparent screen without any other physical items being placed in the darkroom.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, the handheld device can include a toy cannon that simulates firing confetti, water, smoke, etc. onto a stage behind a transparent or translucent screen. In some embodiments, the stage can include various show elements or props that interact with the Pepper's Ghost effect. For example, a visual effect can simulate a particular appearance or quality associated with one of the props (e.g., confetti landing on a chair). In some embodiments, the controller can cause a physical effect on the prop that corresponds to or works with the visual effect. For example, a visual effect caused by light from a dark room and corresponding to the orientation of the handheld device can simulate the appearance of fire, smoke, steam, electricity, lighting, water, snow, etc. emanating from the handheld device, and the controller can move the props (e.g., move forward, move backward, move left and right, rotate, break, split, join) to correspond to these visual effects. In general, the system described above allows a guest to manipulate a handheld device to cause a visual Pepper's Ghost effect that simulates the guest's interaction with the stage, the props on the stage, and the scene or story represented by the stage and the props.

[0021] In some embodiments, a microphone is employed to capture voice commands by an operator (e.g., a guest) of a handheld device (e.g., a confetti cannon). A controller is communicatively coupled to the microphone and configured to receive data feedback from the microphone. The voice command can correspond to a particular visual effect among many available visual effects stored in a memory of the controller. For example, a first voice command can trigger a first visual effect (e.g., a graphic of red, orange, and yellow lights or a light simulating fire), and a second voice command can trigger a second, different visual effect (e.g., a graphic of blue, white, and gray lights or a light simulating water). Thus, the system triggers a Pepper's Ghost visual effect having aesthetic characteristics (e.g., color) corresponding to the voice command at a position corresponding to the orientation of the handheld device. These and other features are described in more detail below.

[0022] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 is an overhead view of an embodiment of an interactive Pepper's Ghost system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes an audience compartment 12 in which handheld devices 14 (e.g., confetti cannons) are located, a stage compartment 16 in which show elements 18, 20 (or props) and at least one projector 21 are located, a central compartment 22 in which a transparent or translucent screen 24 (hereinafter referred to as a "screen") is located, and a darkroom compartment 26 in which effect lights 30 (e.g., LED lights, display screens, television screens) are located. As described in more detail below, the system 10 can utilize the above-mentioned compartments 12, 16, 22, 26 (hereinafter referred to as "rooms" in some instances) and corresponding components to simulate visual effects in the stage compartment 16 caused by the handheld devices 14. That is, the visual effect can be synchronized with the position and orientation of the handheld device 14 such that the position and orientation of the visual effect are aligned with the position and orientation of the handheld device 14, e.g., such that the effect appears to originate from the handheld device 14.

[0023] The system 10 may also include a controller 32 having a processor 34 (e.g., processing circuitry) and a memory 36 (e.g., memory circuitry), an infrared sensor 38 (e.g., a camera), an infrared emitter 40, and an infrared reflector 42. The memory 36 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 34, cause the controller 32 to perform various functions. Although the controller 32, the infrared sensor 38, and the infrared emitter 40 are shown in the central compartment 22 of the system 10 (i.e., adjacent to the screen 24), it should be understood that they may be located in other compartments of the system 10. Furthermore, when located in the central compartment 22, any one of the controller 32, the infrared sensor 38, or the infrared emitter 40 may be located in an area that does not substantially obstruct a line of sight from the handheld device 14 through the screen 24 to the stage compartment 16. In one embodiment, the controller 32, infrared sensor 38 and infrared emitter 40 can be small enough to be placed within the line of sight described above without substantially impairing the experience of the operator (e.g., guest) of the handheld device 14 or other guests located within the spectator compartment 12.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the infrared emitter 40 can be configured to emit infrared light toward the handheld device 14, which can be reflected by an infrared reflector 42 on the handheld device 14. The infrared reflector 42 can include a mechanism such as a filter that reflects light (e.g., infrared light) having a wavelength within a particular wavelength range (e.g., between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter). The infrared sensor 38 can be configured to detect the reflected infrared light. In some embodiments, the infrared sensor 38 can include a grid of sensors configured to detect the infrared light. In some embodiments, the handheld device 14 does not employ an infrared reflector, but instead an infrared emitter 40 is disposed on the handheld device 14 such that infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter 40 of the handheld device 14 is detected by the infrared sensor 38. In either case, the controller 32 can receive sensor feedback from the infrared sensor 38 that is indicative of the orientation of the handheld device 14. In some embodiments, the sensor feedback can also be indicative of the position of the handheld device 14 (e.g., including any combination of X, Y, and Z coordinates). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the handheld device 14 is located at or within a zone 37 whose coordinates are known to the controller 32 (e.g., because the zone 37 is located a predetermined known distance 39 from an infrared sensor 38), and therefore the approximate location of the handheld device 14 is known and does not need to be monitored. Other position and orientation monitoring is possible, such as via gyroscopes, accelerometers, shape recognition cameras, and communication signals (e.g., Bluetooth) employed in the controller 32 and / or handheld device 14.

[0025] The controller 32 can control the lights 30 arranged in the darkroom 26 that, based on the sensor feedback described above (e.g., infrared feedback, camera feedback, gyroscope feedback, accelerometer feedback), when pointed at the screen 24, simulate visual effects perceived by the guests in the audience compartment 12 as occurring in or interacting with the stage 16. For example, the lights 30 can be arranged in a grid (e.g., via an array of LED lights). Additionally, the lights 30 can include an array of screens or LED panels that can provide detailed graphic effects (e.g., animated explosions). The controller 32 can utilize the sensor feedback described above to trigger some of the lights 30 in the grid, such that the triggered ones of the lights 30 cause visual effects related to the position and orientation of the handheld device 14. For example, a guest can point the handheld device 14 towards a show element 18 in the stage compartment 16 of the system 10. The controller 32 can determine at least the orientation of the handheld device 14 based on the sensor feedback described above. The controller 32 can then trigger some of the lights 30 to direct light at specific areas of the screen 24. The screen can be positioned at an angle 41 (e.g., about 45 degrees ±2 degrees) with respect to a line of sight 43 through the audience compartment 23, the central compartment 22, and the stage compartment 16. The screen 24 can also be positioned at an angle 47 (e.g., about 45 degrees ±2 degrees) with respect to a line of sight 49 from the darkroom compartment 26 to the central compartment 22.

[0026] Light reflected onto the screen 24 from the lights 30 in the darkroom (e.g., triggered by the controller 32), due to the angles 41, 47 of the screen 24 described above, and the fact that the screen 24 comprises a transparent or translucent material, can produce a visual effect that appears to the operator of the handheld device 14 as if it were occurring within the stage compartment 16 aligned with the show element 18 at which the handheld device 14 is aimed. Thus, from the perspective of the operator of the handheld device 14, or any other guest located within the audience compartment 12 of the system 10, the visual effect is perceived as if it were occurring within the stage compartment 16 and emanating from the handheld device 14. As described above, a highly transparent screen 24 material can enhance the authenticity of the visual effect. In addition to the controlled operation of the light 30 within the darkroom compartment 26, the darkroom compartment 26 may include a dark (e.g., black) material that reduces any undesirable reflection of light onto the screen 24 (e.g., light other than light directed at the screen 24 via the light 30 within the darkroom compartment 26).

[0027] In some embodiments, visual effects can also be triggered using a microphone 56 communicatively coupled to the controller 32. For example, the microphone 56 can detect a voice command (e.g., from an operator of the handheld device 14) indicating a command to cause a visual effect. The microphone 56 and / or the controller 32 can include voice recognition software configured to determine the voice command and an effect type associated with the voice command. Multiple commands and corresponding different visual effects are possible. For example, if the handheld device 14 is an effect cannon, multiple voice or audio commands can correspond to multiple different types of virtual effect materials (e.g., water, confetti, fireworks) that the cannon can fire. Visual effects associated with various different types of visual effect materials can be simulated as if they were being directed from the handheld device 14 (e.g., the cannon) toward or onto various show elements 18, 20 or other areas of the stage compartment 16. Thus, the controller 32 can monitor the orientation of the handheld device 14 and trigger the appropriate lights 30 in the darkroom compartment 26 based on the voice commands detected by the microphone 56 and the orientation of the handheld device 14 to cause the appropriate visual effect (e.g., water) that the operator perceives as occurring in the appropriate show element 18, 20 or other area in the stage compartment 16. That is, the controller 32 can determine which lights 30 to trigger based on the orientation monitoring of the handheld device 14 (e.g., via the sensor 38) and can determine when to trigger the lights based on audio or voice commands (e.g., via feedback from the microphone 56). In some embodiments, each light 30 can include lights of different colors. For example, each light 30 can include multiple LED lights corresponding to multiple different colors. As described above, different types of different visual effects can be caused in response to different types of different audio or voice commands.A first audio command corresponding to a first spell can cause a first visual effect having a first color or combination of colors, and a second audio command corresponding to a second spell can cause a second visual effect having a second color or combination of colors. Thus, feedback from microphone 56 can be used to determine a spell (e.g., a desired visual effect), and controller 32 can control lights 30 such that the appropriate color(s) corresponding to the determined spell are directed toward screen 24.

[0028] As mentioned above, at least one projector 21 may be disposed within the stage compartment 16. Although two projectors 21 are shown in FIG. 1, any number of projectors are possible. The projectors 21 may be configured to illuminate the stage 16 and the corresponding show elements 18, 20 (e.g., at all times during a show or attraction). Additionally, actuation assemblies 50, 52 may be employed to cause movement of the show elements 18. For example, the actuation assembly 50 associated with the show elements 18 may include a motorized track-and-trolley that moves the show elements 18 laterally 51 across a track as shown. The actuation assembly 52 may include a motorized fastener that is pulled apart (e.g., via control by the controller 32) such that the corresponding show elements 20 are separated into two portions 53, 54. Other actuation assemblies are possible according to the present disclosure.

[0029] The control of the show elements 18, 20 (e.g., via the actuation assemblies 50, 52) can be synchronized with the control of the lights 30 in the darkroom 26 based on sensor feedback and / or voice commands related to the orientation of the handheld device 14. For example, the controller 32 can simulate visual effects via the lights 30 such that a visual effect appears to occur at the show element 18 when the show element 18 moves laterally 51 via the actuation assembly 50. In one example, a guest can point the handheld device 14 at the show element 18 and give a command intended to move the show element 18 as if the handheld device 14 could control gravity. The controller 32 can receive sensor feedback from an infrared sensor 38 (or some other orientation monitoring sensor) corresponding to the orientation of the handheld device 14 and feedback from a microphone 56 corresponding to commands by the guest. The controller 32 can cause visual effects, such as simulating electricity being emitted from the handheld device 14 towards the show element 18, via actuating some of the lights 30 to direct light at specific areas of the screen 24. The controller 32 can also instruct the movement of the show elements 18 to correspond to visual effects. Note that the above-mentioned information exchange components (e.g., at least the controller 32, the infrared sensor 38, the microphone 56, the light 30, and the show elements 18, 20) can be wirelessly connected via a network system 59 (e.g., an Internet system). Additionally or alternatively, some of these components can be wired.

[0030] 2 is an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the interactive Pepper's Ghost system 10 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lights 30 included in the darkroom compartment 26 of the system 10 may be arranged in a grid 61, as described above. It is noted that the lights 30 (e.g., individual lights, LED arrays or panels, display screens) are shown through the back of the darkroom compartment 26 dark walls 63 for clarity. However, it should be understood that the lights 30 are not visible through the back of the darkroom compartment 26 dark walls 63, but rather are positioned inside the darkroom compartment 26 and directed toward the screen 24. In general, the darkroom compartment 26 may include dark walls (e.g., dark walls 63, 84, and 86) that reduce undesirable light reflections onto the screen 24. The system 10 may also include a number of other walls 88, 90, 92, 94, 96 that define the various compartments 16, 22, 12 of the system 10. In some embodiments, the wall 92 may span the stage compartment 16, the central compartment 22 with the screen 24, and the spectator compartment 12. In other embodiments, the wall 92 may include three separate walls (or panels) for each of the compartments 16, 22, 12. The walls 63, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96 are described in more detail with reference to subsequent figures.

[0031] A grid 61 of lights 30 corresponding to the darkroom compartment 26 may include columns C1, C2, and C3 and rows R1, R2, and R3. A first light 60 may be located at C1, R1, a second light 62 may be located at C2, R1, a third light 64 may be located at C3, R1, a fourth light 66 may be located at C1, R2, a fifth light 68 may be located at C2, R2, a sixth light 70 may be located at C3, R2, a seventh light 72 may be located at C1, R3, an eighth light 74 may be located at C2, R3, and a ninth light 76 may be located at C3, R3. The lights 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 may be collectively referred to as lights 30. Additionally, each of the lights 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 may include multiple lights having multiple different colors or may include a single light capable of emitting multiple different colors, for example, light 60 may emit red, green and blue light, among others.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 24 may include a grid 80 that corresponds to the grid 61 of the lights 30 in the darkroom compartment 26. For example, controlling a first light 60 located at C1, R1 of the grid 61 may cause the first light 60 to direct light to a corresponding area of ​​the grid 80 associated with the screen 24. Of course, the grid 80 associated with the screen 24 is not visible and merely corresponds to the physical location of the various lights 30 in the darkroom compartment 26. Furthermore, a grid 82 in the stage compartment 16 may correspond to the grid 80 of the screen 24 and the grid 61 of the lights 30 in the darkroom compartment 26. Again, the grid 82 of the stage compartment 16 is not visible and merely corresponds to the physical location of the various lights 30 in the darkroom compartment 26. For example, controlling the first lights 60 at C1, R1 of grid 61 directs light onto corresponding areas of grid 80 of screen 24, which is reflected by screen 24 to simulate the visual effect occurring in corresponding areas of grid 82 of stage compartment 16 as viewed by guests in audience compartment 23. Control of the lights 30 in darkroom compartment 26 may be performed as described above with respect to FIG.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, only one controller 32 having one processor 34 and memory 36 is shown. However, it should be understood that multiple controllers in communication with each other may be employed to achieve the above-described effects. For example, the controller 32 of FIG. 1 may represent any number of controllers, such as a first controller configured to receive sensor feedback from an infrared sensor 38 and a microphone 56, a second controller communicatively coupled to the first controller and configured to activate various lights 30, and a third controller configured to control the operation of the stage compartment 16 and corresponding show elements 18, 20. Other control schemes are also contemplated according to the present disclosure.

[0034] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a control scheme 100 for controlling the interactive Pepper's Ghost system 10 of Figure 1. A single controller 32 is shown in Figure 1. However, the single controller 32 may represent multiple controllers working together to cause the various effects described with respect to Figure 1. For example, in Figure 3, "controller 32" may include four separate controller components including an input manager 102, an LED manager 104, a stage projector manager 106, and a physical object manager 108. Each of the control components (or managers) 102, 104, 106, 108 may include a dedicated processor and memory. That is, the processor 34 and memory 36 shown in Figure 1 may represent a dedicated processor and memory for each of the control components (or managers) 102, 104, 106, 108 shown in Figure 3.

[0035] The input manager 102 of FIG. 3 may be configured to receive device orientation input from the infrared sensor 38 (or some other input sensor such as a camera, gyroscope, or acceleration sensor) and audio input 112 from the microphone 56. The input manager 102 may determine various control functions based on the inputs 110, 112 as described above. The input manager 102 may include, for example, a video game console. The LED manager 104 may be configured to receive data from the input manager 102 based on the processing of the orientation input 110 and the audio spell input 112 by the input manager 102. For example, the input manager 102 may instruct the LED manager 104 via data communicated to the LED manager 104 of the orientation of the handheld device 14 of FIG. 1 and the action intended to be performed based on the audio spell input 112. As a result, the LED manager 104 may control appropriate lights (LEDs in the illustrated embodiment) of the lights 30 to simulate the Pepper's Ghost effect according to the orientation input 110 and the audio input 112 as described above. The LED manager 104 can also communicate data to the physical object manager 108 indicating which lights 30 will be or have been activated. The LED manager 104 can also indicate to the physical object manager 108 the type of effect to be activated. As a result, the physical object manager 108 can control the show elements 18, 20 (referred to as physical objects in FIG. 3 ) according to the data received from the LED manager 104. For example, if the effect corresponds to a high-pressure water spray, the object manager 108 can control the props to move in response to the impact with the virtual water current.

[0036] The input manager 102 may also communicate data to the stage projector manager 106. As mentioned above, one or more stage projectors 21 may be used to illuminate the stage as seen by the operator of the handheld device 14 (e.g., wand) of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the projector 21 may be controlled to increase or decrease the brightness of the light emitted from the projector 21. Controlling the projector 21 may enhance the authenticity of the Pepper's Ghost visual effect provided in accordance with the above description. Additionally, the projector 21 may be selectively controlled to correspond to different types of spells being simulated by the system. For example, certain spells may cause the stage as seen by the guest to become darker or dimmer by controlling the projector 21 to decrease the brightness of the light or to negate the light emitted from the projector 21. The control scheme described above is one example of various control components (e.g., input manager 102, LED manager 104, stage projector manager 106, physical object manager 108) that can communicate with each other to achieve the desired Pepper's Ghost effect as described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2, although other schemes are possible.

[0037] Figure 4 is an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of a collapsible housing 150 for the interactive Pepper's Ghost system 10 of Figure 1. The collapsible housing 150 can include the various walls 63, 84, 86, 90, 92, 96 shown in Figure 2 that define the various compartments 12, 16, 22, 26 (or rooms) shown in Figure 2. In Figure 4, the wall 94 shown in Figure 2 has been removed, although in some embodiments the collapsible housing 150 of Figure 4 can also include the wall 94 of Figure 2.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the various walls 63, 84, 86, 90, 92, 96 can be connected at joints 152. Additionally, the wall 92 can include three separate walls (or panels) 154, 156, 158 connected via joints 152. The joints 152 can include a hinge 160 (represented by a circle in the illustrated embodiment) configured to allow the walls 63, 84, 86, 90, 92, 96 (including the panels 154, 156, 158 of the wall 92) to fold relative to one another. In some embodiments, the screen 24 utilized to generate the pepper ghost effect can be removed from the collapsible housing 150 before the collapsible housing 150 is folded into a stack. In other embodiments, the screen 24 can be attached to one of the walls 63, 84, 86, 90, 92, 96 or the panels 154, 156, 158 and / or can be sized to be folded into a stack. Additionally, the sizes and dimensions of the features of the collapsible housing 150 and screen 24 in Figure 4 are illustrative only and should not be taken as exact. In some embodiments, all of the walls 63, 68, 86, 90, 92, 96 and panels 154, 156, 158 can include a similar width (e.g., distance 170 between two joints 152). The collapsible housing 150 (an example of which is shown in Figure 4) can allow for mobility and easy storage of the system.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 200 for operating the interactive Pepper's Ghost system 10 of FIG. 1. The method 200 includes detecting an orientation of a handheld device (block 202). For example, the orientation of a handheld device, such as a toy magic sword, can be monitored via an infrared assembly or other monitoring device (e.g., a shape-detecting camera) as described above with respect to FIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, other sensors employed in the handheld device, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, can be utilized to detect the orientation of the handheld device. The controller can receive data feedback from one or more of the sensors described above to determine the orientation of the handheld device (e.g., the direction in which the handheld device is pointed, or the location or object to which the handheld device is pointed).

[0040] The method 200 also includes detecting a voice command by an operator of the handheld device (block 204). For example, as described above, multiple voice commands are possible that correspond to different types of visual effects. The controller described above can include voice recognition software to determine the voice command from the multiple available voice commands. For example, a voice command for "fire" can cause a first visual effect (e.g., an effect that looks like fire or flowing fire), and a voice command for "water" can cause a second visual effect (e.g., an effect that looks like flowing water). The voice command can be detected by a microphone, and the controller can receive data feedback from the microphone indicative of the voice command.

[0041] The method 200 also includes selecting a visual effect from a plurality of available visual effects based on the orientation of the handheld device and the voice command (block 206). For example, as described above, the controller can utilize the voice command to determine the aesthetics of the visual effect (e.g., fire, smoke, steam, electricity, lighting, water, snow). The controller can utilize the orientation of the handheld device to determine the location at which to create the visual effect. For example, as described above, the system can include a handheld device, a stage facing a zone of the handheld device (e.g., an audience), and a transparent or semi-transparent screen disposed between the handheld device and the stage. An operator can point the handheld device toward the stage and / or the location of show elements or props (e.g., physical objects) disposed on the stage. The operator can speak instructions (e.g., spells). The controller can activate at least one light disposed within a dark room or compartment to direct light to an appropriate area of ​​the transparent or semi-transparent screen based on the detected orientation of the handheld device. Light reflected from a transparent or translucent screen can create a Pepper's Ghost effect that simulates a visual effect occurring at the location (or show element) in the stage area where the handheld device is pointed, as viewed by the operator of the handheld device.

[0042] The method 200 also includes controlling the above-mentioned show elements or props on the stage (block 210) to correspond to the selected visual effect caused by the activation of the at least one light in block 208. For example, the control of the show elements can be synchronized with the visual effects. In fact, the visual effects directed to the show elements can be synchronized with the movement of the show elements (e.g., side to side movement, back and forth movement, breaking, splitting, combining). The controller can coordinate the activation of the at least one light and the movement of the show elements to occur substantially simultaneously and / or in a sequence that gives the impression to the operator of the handheld device that the visual effects and the operation of the show elements are caused by the handheld device and a spell.

[0043] The interactive Pepper's Ghost system described above can enable improved audience interaction with show attractions at entertainment venues. Improved audience interaction that allows audience members (e.g., guests) to control various aspects of show attractions can increase guest attention and entertainment.

[0044] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0045] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, 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]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10. Pepper's Ghost System 12 Spectator Compartment 14 Handheld Devices 16 Stage Compartment 18 Show Elements 20 Show Elements 21 Projector 22 Central Compartment 24 Screens 26 Darkroom Compartment 30 Light 32 Controller 34 processors 36 Memory 38 Infrared Sensor 39 Distance from infrared sensor 40 Infrared Emitter 41 angle 42 Infrared reflector 43 Line of Sight 47 angle 49 Line of Sight 50 Actuation Assembly 51 Horizontal 52 Actuation Assembly 53 parts 54 parts 56 Mike

Claims

1. An interactive pepper's ghost system, comprising: A handheld device; Stage space and a transparent or semi-transparent screen disposed between the handheld device and the stage space; a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of an orientation of the handheld device; A controller; Equipped with The controller: receiving sensor feedback from the sensor corresponding to the parameter indicative of an orientation of the handheld device; determining a position within the stage space to which the handheld device is pointed based on the sensor feedback; Using said transparent or translucent screen to generate a Pepper's Ghost visual effect and simulate the effect at said location within said stage space. This is the interactive Pepper's Ghost System.

2. an infrared emitter configured to direct infrared light toward the handheld device, the handheld device including an infrared reflector configured to reflect the infrared light, and the sensor including an infrared sensor configured to detect the infrared light; 2. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 1.

3. a light source communicatively coupled to the controller, the controller configured to generate the Pepper's Ghost visual effect by controlling the light source to cause a projection of light onto the transparent or translucent screen.

2. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 1.

4. the stage space includes show elements disposed therein, and the controller is configured to generate the Pepper's Ghost visual effect such that the effect aesthetically interacts with the show elements from a vantage point at or adjacent to the handheld device.

2. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 1.

5. an actuator configured to cause movement of the show element, the controller configured to control the actuator based on the sensor feedback such that the movement of the show element is synchronized with the effect.

5. The interactive Pepper's Ghost system of claim 4.

6. a light source communicatively coupled to the controller, the light source including a plurality of LED lights arranged in a grid, the controller configured to determine rows and columns of the grid based on the location, and the controller configured to activate at least one LED light located within the row and column of the plurality of LED lights to cause the projection of light from the at least one LED light onto the transparent or translucent screen to generate the Pepper's Ghost visual effect.

2. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 1.

7. a first room configured to accommodate an audience member holding the handheld device, the first room being defined by at least one first wall; a second room connected to the first room and defined by at least one second wall, the second room being configured to accommodate a transparent or semi-transparent screen of the interactive Pepper's Ghost system; a third room configured to contain or define the stage space, connected to the second room so as to be disposed along a straight line with the first room and the second room, and defined by at least one third wall; a fourth chamber configured to house a light source, connected to the second chamber, offset from the straight line and defined by at least one fourth wall; The interactive Pepper's Ghost system of claim 1 , comprising:

8. the at least one first wall, the at least one second wall, the at least one third wall, and the at least one fourth wall are connected via hinges at joints such that the at least one first wall, the at least one second wall, the at least one third wall, and the at least one fourth wall are foldable into a stack; 8. The interactive Pepper's Ghost system of claim 7.

9. 1. An entertainment system comprising: Stage space and A handheld device; a transparent or semi-transparent screen disposed between the stage space and the handheld device; a plurality of light emitters directed at said transparent or translucent screen; a sensor configured to monitor an orientation of the handheld device; A controller; Equipped with The controller: receiving sensor feedback from the sensor indicative of an orientation of the handheld device; determining a position within the stage space to which the handheld device is pointed based on the sensor feedback; selecting at least one light emitter of the plurality of light emitters based on the location; configured to activate the at least one light emitter to emit light onto the transparent or translucent screen to simulate a Pepper's Ghost effect at the location; Entertainment system.

10. The plurality of light emitters are arranged in a grid pattern, and the controller determining rows and columns of the grid based on the positions; selecting the at least one light emitter located in the row and column; activating said at least one light emitter and emitting said light onto said transparent or translucent screen to simulate said Pepper's Ghost effect at said location; It is configured as follows:

10. The entertainment system of claim 9.

11. a microphone communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to detect audio or voice commands from an operator of the handheld device, the controller configured to receive data feedback from the microphone indicative of the audio or voice commands, and the controller configured to control the at least one light emitter in response to the data feedback from the microphone.

10. The entertainment system of claim 9.

12. a collapsible housing having a plurality of foldable walls defining an audience compartment in which the handheld device is disposed, a central compartment in which the transparent or translucent screen is disposed, a stage compartment in which the stage space is disposed or defined, and a darkroom compartment in which the plurality of lights are disposed, the audience compartment, the central compartment and the stage compartment being arranged in a straight line such that the central compartment is located between the audience compartment and the stage compartment, the darkroom compartment being connected to the central compartment and offset from the straight line, the plurality of foldable walls being foldable into a stack via hinged joints connecting the plurality of foldable walls; 12. The entertainment system of claim 11.

13. An interactive pepper's ghost system, comprising: Stage space and a handheld device configured to be held by an operator; a transparent or semi-transparent screen disposed between the stage space and the handheld device; a sensor configured to monitor an orientation of the handheld device; a microphone configured to detect voice audio from the operator; A controller; The controller comprises: receiving a first data feedback from the sensor indicative of an orientation of the handheld device; determining a location within the stage space to which the handheld device is pointed based on the first data feedback; receiving second data feedback indicative of the voice audio from the operator; determining a voice command among a plurality of available voice commands based on the second data feedback; activating at least one light emitter of a plurality of light emitters based on the location determined by the controller and the voice command determined by the controller, such that the at least one light emitter emits light onto the transparent or translucent screen to generate a pepper's ghost effect to simulate an effect at the location; It is configured as follows: Interactive Pepper's Ghost System.

14. a physical show object disposed within the stage space, the controller configured to control physical movement of the physical show object, the controller synchronizing the physical movement of the physical show object with the effect; 14. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 13.

15. The controller: receiving a third data feedback from the sensor indicative of an additional orientation of the handheld device different from the orientation; determining an additional location in the stage space to which the handheld device is pointed that is different from the location based on the third data feedback; activating at least one additional light emitter of the plurality of light emitters based on the additional location determined by the controller, such that the at least one additional light emitter emits additional light onto the transparent or translucent screen to generate an additional Pepper's Ghost effect to simulate an additional effect at the additional location. It is configured as follows:

14. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 13.

16. The plurality of light emitters are arranged in a grid pattern, and the controller determining rows and columns of the grid based on the first data feedback; selecting the at least one light emitter located in the row and column; activating the at least one light emitter, causing the at least one light emitter to emit the light at the location on the transparent or translucent screen to generate the Pepper's Ghost effect; It is configured as follows:

14. The interactive pepper's ghost system of claim 13.

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