System and method for displaying animated figures - Patents.com

Abstract

In one embodiment, the animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated figure display system includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface moves between a first position and a second position, the projection surface being at least partially hidden behind the animated figure in the first position. The animated figure display system includes a tracking camera that detects the first tracker and the second tracker and generates position data. A controller receives the position data and generates a control signal based on the position data. A projector receives a control signal indicative of image content from the controller and projects the image content onto the body of the animated figure and onto an exterior surface of the projection surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 172,951, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANIMATED FIGURE DISPLAY," filed April 9, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. (Technical field) TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to a system and method for displaying animated figures. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Amusement parks often include attractions or experiences that use video and / or still images to provide fun and entertainment to park patrons. For example, attractions may include a themed environment established using displays that present media content (e.g., in the form of video, text, still images, motion graphics, or a combination thereof). For some attractions, it may be desirable to display media content using special visual effects to give patrons a realistic and / or immersive viewing or playing experience. Amusement parks or other entertainment facilities include animated figures, among many attractions, to entertain park patrons queuing for or within a ride experience. Certain animated figures may be figuratively brought to life by projection mapping, which traditionally creates a predetermined appearance on the animated figures. For example, certain animated figures may be visually complemented by the projection of a pre-set sequence of images, which may match the pre-programmed movements of the animated figures. However, displaying media content using such projection mapping can be challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, equipment availability, viewing environment, and / or video (dynamic visual imagery) capabilities. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated figure display system also includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface is configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the projection surface is at least partially hidden behind the animated figure in the first position. The animated figure display system also includes a set of actuators configured to adjust the body of the animated figure and the projection surface, and a tracking camera configured to detect the first tracker and the second tracker and configured to generate position data based on the first tracker and the second tracker. In an embodiment, the animated figure display system includes a controller communicatively connected to the tracking camera. The controller is configured to receive position data provided by the tracking camera and generate control signals indicative of image content to be projected onto the body of the animated figure and onto the projection surface based on the position data. The animated figure display system also includes a projector communicatively connected to the controller. The projector is configured to receive control signals indicative of image content from the controller and to project the image content onto the body of the animated figure and onto the projection surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, the animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a projection surface. The animated figure display system also includes a figure control system including a set of actuators configured to adjust the animated figure's body and the projection surface, and an actuator controller communicatively connected to the set of actuators. The actuator controller is configured to instruct the set of actuators to adjust the animated figure's body and the projection surface and generate actuator control data indicative of a position and orientation of each actuator of the set of actuators. In an embodiment, the animated figure display system also includes a controller communicatively connected to the actuator controllers. The controller is configured to receive the actuator control data provided by the actuator controllers and generate position data indicative of a position and orientation of the animated figure's body and the projection surface based on the actuator control data. The controller is also configured to generate control signals indicative of image content to be projected onto the animated figure's body and the projection surface based on the position data.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of operating an animation figure projection system includes a controller directing a set of actuators to initiate a movement sequence of the animation figure and the projection surface. The method also includes the controller receiving position data indicative of a current position and a current orientation of the animation figure and the projection surface, and the controller generating control signals indicative of image content to be projected onto the body of the animation figure and the exposed surface of the projection surface based on the current position and the current orientation. The method also includes the controller directing a projector to project the image content onto the body of the animation figure and the exposed surface of the projection surface.

[0008] Various refinements of the features described above may be implemented in relation to the various aspects of the disclosure, and additional features may be incorporated into these various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an animated figure display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an animated figure incorporating the animated figure display system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an animated display featuring the animated figure of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of another animated figure incorporating the animated figure display system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of an animated display featuring the animated figure of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of a projection surface incorporating the animated figure display system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is an example of an animation display featuring the projection surface of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. As with any industrial design or design project, it is to be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developers, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary between implementations. It is further to be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that certain terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, etc., are used herein, it is to be understood that these terms permit certain deviations from the strict mathematical definitions, for example, to permit deviations associated with manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0012] When describing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are 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. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate the referenced features.

[0013] The present disclosure generally relates to animated figure display systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to animated figure display systems for amusement park attractions and experiences. The attractions can include any type of ride system designed to entertain passengers, such as attractions including rides where passengers move along a path, attractions including rooms or theaters with fixed or moving seats for passengers to sit on while they view media content, attractions including paths for guests to move along, rooms for guests to explore, and the like. Projection mapping involves projecting image content onto a mapping surface. First, the surface needs to be mapped to determine the exact shape and location of various parts of the surface, and coordinates need to be defined based on the direction and position from the projector. In addition, the image content then needs to be set for the mapping surface, often requiring dedicated software and skilled technicians to perform. However, displaying media content by such projection mapping can be challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, availability of equipment, viewing environment, and / or video (dynamic visual image) capabilities. Instead, the animated figure display system of the present disclosure may be provided with a tracker that enables a tracking camera to identify the movement, position, and orientation of the projection surface (e.g., the animated figure) in real time. In this manner, the animated figure display system provides an immersive viewing experience for guests, but without the challenges and / or costs associated with providing such an experience using projection mapping. Additionally, although the disclosed embodiments generally discuss animated figure display systems used for entertainment purposes, some disclosed embodiments may also be applied to systems used for any other suitable purposes.

[0014] The present embodiment is directed to an animated figure display system for an amusement park attraction and / or experience. In particular, the animated figure display system includes any number of projection surfaces, such as an animated figure, a part of the animated figure (e.g., a limb, a body part), and / or additional projection surfaces that move independently of the animated figure, onto which various visual effects can be projected to depict movement, special effects (e.g., fire, lightning, smoke), backgrounds, and the like. In this manner, the animated figure display system provides a dynamic and immersive experience for guests, where the animated figure resembles a living character and / or a moving figure that reacts with image content projected onto the additional projection surfaces. For example, images can be projected onto the body of the animated figure (e.g., head, torso, legs, arms, or a combination thereof) to create the illusion of activity, vitality, matter, and the like. In certain embodiments, to enhance the authenticity of the animated figure, the animated figure and / or any number of projection surfaces may be equipped with a tracker that allows a tracking camera of the tracking and media control system to identify the movement, position, and orientation of the animated figure and / or projection surface in real time via optical performance capture or optical motion capture. Thus, because the tracking and media control system can operate independently of the animated figure (e.g., by not relying directly on the position, velocity, and / or acceleration control of the actuators of the animated figure), the tracking and media control system can dynamically generate and display projected images on the interactive animated figure and / or projection surface that mimic the live characters, movements, and / or reactions to other effects (e.g., environmental effects, visual effects, pyrotechnic effects, fluid flow effects) associated with an amusement park attraction or experience. In some embodiments, the figure control system may include an actuator controller (e.g., a motor encoder) that controls the movement of the animated figure and / or projection surface and generates and sends actuator control data to the tracking and media control system.The tracking and media control system can process the actuator control data and generate position data for the animation figure and / or the projection surface based on the actuator control data. As will be appreciated, the tracking and control system of certain embodiments can generate and update position data including position (e.g., including x, y, z coordinates), orientation, and scale of the animation figure and / or the projection surface. In this manner, the tracking and control system can utilize the position data to control any number of projectors to generate and display images (e.g., still images, video content) on the animation figure and / or the projection surface to create an immersive and / or realistic viewing experience.

[0015] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 illustrates an animated figure display system 100 including a tracking and media control system 102, a number of tracking cameras 110, a number of projectors 112, a figure control system 114, and a display 120, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The animated figure display system 100 can be used to present visual effects on the display 120 during an amusement park attraction and / or experience. In certain embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 can be provided in the form of a computing device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), a server, or any other suitable computing device. The tracking and media control system 102 can control the operation of the projector 112 and the tracking camera 110, and can process data received from the tracking camera 110 and / or the figure control system 114. The tracking and media control system 102 may be connected to the tracked camera 110, the projector 112, and / or the figure control system 114 by any suitable technique, such as wireless, optical, coaxial cable, or other suitable connection, for communicating data and control signals between the tracking and media control system 102 and the tracked camera 110, the projector 112, and / or the figure control system 114.

[0016] The tracking and media control system 102 can be a control system having multiple controllers, such as the controller 104, each having at least one processor 106 and at least one memory 108. The tracking and media control system 102 can represent an integrated hardware component or an assembly of separate components integrated via a communication connection (e.g., wired or wireless communication). It is noted that in some embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 can include additional exemplary features. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 can include a tracking camera 110 and / or a projector 112 and can be operable to communicate with a local display on a particular computing device. With respect to the functional aspects of the tracking and media control system 102, the controller 104 can use information from the tracking camera 110 (e.g., tracking data) and / or the figure control system 114 (e.g., actuator control data) to generate and update position data for the animation figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124, and control the operation of the projector 112 based on the position data. Additionally, the tracking and media control system 102 may include communications capabilities (e.g., wired or wireless communication ports) to facilitate communication with other devices (e.g., external sensors) to provide additional data for use by the tracking and media control system 102. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 may operate to communicate with local cameras and / or acoustic sensors to facilitate guest detection for an amusement park attraction or experience, guest interaction with the animated figures 122 (e.g., waving, approaching within a threshold distance), etc.

[0017] The tracking and media control system 102 can be a control system having multiple controllers, such as controller 104, each having at least one processor 106 and at least one memory 108. In some embodiments, memory 108 can include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media that store instructions executable by processor 106 (representing one or more processors) and / or data processed by processor 106. For example, memory 108 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewriteable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, optical disks, and / or the like. Additionally, processor 106 can include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Further, the memory 108 may store tracking data obtained via the tracking camera 110, actuator control data obtained via the actuator controller 116, display data sent to and displayed via the projector 112, position data generated by the processor 106, and / or algorithms utilized by the processor 106 to help control the operation of the projector 112 based on the position data and the display data. Additionally, the processor 106 may process the tracking data and / or the actuator control data to determine position data including the position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. In certain embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 may include additional elements not shown in FIG. 1 , such as additional data acquisition and processing controls, additional sensors and displays, user interfaces, etc.

[0018] The display 120 can depict image content (e.g., still images, video, visual effects) for viewing by one or more guests of the amusement park attractions and / or experiences. In some embodiments, the display 120 can include any number of projection surfaces 124, each capable of depicting image content. For example, the display 120 can include an animated figure 122 and any number of additional projection surfaces 124. In some embodiments, the animated figure 122 can include any number of parts (e.g., torso and limbs), each part capable of moving independently of any other part. In some embodiments, the display 120 can include more than one animated figure 122 within a single amusement park attraction or experience. In certain embodiments, the display 120 can depict image content related to the amusement park attractions and / or experiences. For example, an amusement park ride may appear to take place in an active volcano, and the display 120 can depict image content related to the active volcano (e.g., flowing lava, fire).

[0019] In certain embodiments, the display 120 may include trackers (e.g., trackable markers) disposed on the surface of the animated figure 122 and / or any number of projection surfaces 124. The trackers may be disposed on or within any suitable surface of the display 120, which may hide or render the trackers invisible to the line of sight of guests. In some embodiments, the trackers may be in the shape of a circular cylinder or a light emitting diode, although it should be understood that the trackers may have any suitable shape, including a spherical shape, a rectangular prism shape, and the like. The trackers enable the tracking camera 110 to sense or determine the position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 within the amusement park attraction and / or experience, for example, via optical performance capture or optical motion capture techniques. Optical performance capture or optical motion capture refers to a technique for recording the movement of an object or person by capturing data from an image sensor (e.g., the tracking camera 110) and a tracker coupled to a surface. In some embodiments, the trackers may be active devices and may emit individualized signals to the tracking camera 110. For example, the tracker may emit infrared light, electromagnetic energy, or some other suitable signal that is discernible to the tracking camera 110 but undetectable to the visitor. Alternatively, the tracker may be a passive device (e.g., a reflector, a pigmented portion) that does not emit a signal and allows the tracking camera 110 to accurately distinguish the passive device from other parts of the animation figure 122 and / or projection surface 124. In certain embodiments, the tracker may be flush with or embedded within an outer surface of the animation figure 122 and / or projection surface 124. The type and / or configuration of the tracking camera 110 may be individually selected to correspond to the type of tracker. In certain embodiments, the tracking camera 110 may be designed to receive a signal from the tracker (e.g., an active device) to sense the position and / or orientation of the animation figure 122 and / or projection surface 124.Additionally or alternatively, tracking camera 110 can be designed to identify trackers (eg, passive devices) on animated figure 122 and / or the exposed surface of projection surface 124.

[0020] The figure control system 114 can control the behavior (e.g., movement, position, orientation) of the animated figure 122 and the projection surface 124 of the display 120. The figure control system 114 can be provided in the form of a computing device, such as a PLC, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), a server, or any other suitable computing device. The figure control system 114 can be a control system having multiple controllers, such as actuator controllers 116, each having at least one processor 126 and at least one memory 128, and any number of actuators 118. In some embodiments, the memory 128 can include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media that store instructions executable by the processor 126 (representing one or more processors) and / or data processed by the processor 126. For example, the memory 128 can include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rewriteable non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard drive, an optical disk, and / or the like. Additionally, processor 126 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Further, memory 128 may store actuator control data obtained via actuator controller 116 and / or algorithms utilized by processor 126 to aid in controlling the motion of actuator 118. Additionally, processor 126 may process actuator control data to determine position data including position and / or orientation of animation figure 122 and / or projection surface 124. In certain embodiments, figure control system 114 may include additional elements not shown in FIG. 1, such as additional data acquisition and processing controls, additional sensors and displays, user interfaces, etc.Actuator controller 116 can direct actuator 118 to adjust the position and / or orientation of any suitable components of display 120 , such as animated figure 122 and / or projection surface 124 .

[0021] In certain embodiments, one or more actuators 118 are physically coupled to a base of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 and can move the display 120 laterally, longitudinally, and / or vertically. Additionally or alternatively, the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 can include any number of actuators 118 that enable the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 to move in a realistic, lifelike manner (e.g., move, translate, rotate, pivot, lip-sync, etc.). The actuators 118 can include servo motors, hydraulic cylinders, linear actuators, etc., each positioned and coupled to produce relative movement between respective portions of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. For example, each set of actuators 118 can be positioned to move the arms of the animated figure 122, move the jaw joints of the animated figure 122, manipulate a geometric portion of the animated figure 122 (e.g., a head portion, an arm portion, a torso portion, a leg portion), move the projection surface 124 from a hidden position (e.g., inside or behind the animated figure 122), and / or move the animated figure 122 or a geometric portion of the animated figure 122 from a hidden position (e.g., inside or behind any number of projection surfaces 124) during a portion of a movement sequence.

[0022] In some embodiments, the actuator controller 116 can receive control signals from the controller 104 to initiate a motion sequence. For example, the controller 104 can generate and send control signals in response to detection of a number of guests at an amusement park attraction or experience and / or in response to a periodic timer (e.g., every 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). In this manner, the actuator controller 116 can generate and send actuator control signals to the actuators 118 to initiate a motion sequence of the animation figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. In certain embodiments, the actuator controller 116 can generate and monitor actuator control data for the actuators 118 of the number of portions of the animation figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 and can further determine the position and / or orientation of the number of actuators 118. For example, the actuators 118 can be hydraulic cylinders and the actuator controller 116 can monitor the fluid level and / or fluid pressure in the number of hydraulic cylinders, the extension of the hydraulic cylinders, the position of the hydraulic cylinders, the orientation of the hydraulic cylinders, etc. The actuator controller 116 can generate actuator control data and send it to the controller 104 of the tracking and media control system 102. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator controller 116 can generate position data based on the actuator control data. For example, the actuator controller 116 can determine the position and / or orientation of any number of portions of the animation figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. In some embodiments, the actuator controller 116 can send the position data to the controller 104. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 104 can instruct the actuator 118 to initiate a movement sequence of the animation figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124.

[0023] The controller 104 can control the operation of the projector 112 based on various inputs. For example, based on position data of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124, the controller 104 can cause the projector 112 to present an image of a lightning bolt. The processor 106 can generate and send control signals to the projector 112 (e.g., via wired or wireless communication, via an antenna) to initiate and / or change the display of the image. The control signals can indicate the type of image to display on the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. In certain embodiments, the displayed image can be associated with a movement of one or more portions of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 to provide an immersive and / or realistic viewing experience. For example, the controller 104 can generate and send control signals to the actuator controller 116 to initiate a movement sequence of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. The movement sequence can include operating any number of the actuators 118 multiple times to move corresponding portions of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. For example, a simulated explosion may be depicted by projecting an image of an explosion (e.g., a fire, a shock wave) onto the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 via the projector 112 when the actuator 118 moves one or more portions of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 away from the location of the simulated explosion. As another example, an electric shock may be depicted by projecting an image of a lightning bolt onto one or more projection surfaces 124 and / or the animated figure 122 when the actuator 118 moves one or more portions of the animated figure 122 to appear as a muscle twitch.

[0024] The controller 104 can also control or adjust the tracking camera 110, which can operate to ascertain position information of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. As a specific example, the tracking camera(s) 110 can be an infrared camera that operates to detect infrared signals emitted from a tracker. The controller 104 can receive information based on such detection and process the information to determine and monitor the position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. The controller 104 can control the operation of the projector 112 based on the determined position and / or orientation. For example, the controller 104 can change the operational state (e.g., off, on, displaying image content) of one or more projectors 112 based on the determined position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. For example, the actuator 118 can move a portion of the animated figure 122 to expose a previously covered projection surface 124. The tracking camera 110 can detect the tracker on the exposed surface of the newly uncovered projection surface 124 and generate position data based on that detection. The controller 104 can receive the position data from the tracking camera 110 and instruct the projector 112 to render image content onto the newly uncovered projection surface 124. In this manner, the controller 104 can adjust the image content displayed by the projector 112 based on the position data of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124.

[0025] Additionally, the controller 104 can determine the end of a motion sequence of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 based on the position data. For example, the controller 104 can receive the position data via the tracking camera 110, and the processor 106 can process the position data to determine the position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. The processor 106 can determine that the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 are in a standard or default pose indicating the completion of the motion sequence. In this example, the controller 104 can generate and send a control signal to the one or more projectors 112 to stop projecting and / or power down the image content. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 106 can determine that the position and / or orientation of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 are stationary for a time period equal to or exceeding a threshold time (e.g., 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). The controller 104 can generate and send control signals to one or more projectors 112 to stop projecting image content and / or power down. In some embodiments, the controller 104 can generate and send control signals to instruct the actuators 118 to initiate a motion sequence based on the position data. For example, the processor 106 can determine that the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 are in a ready or standby pose indicating that a motion sequence can be initiated. In this example, the controller 104 can generate and send a first control signal to instruct the actuators 118 to initiate a motion sequence and can further generate and send a second control signal to instruct the projector 112 to change operating states and / or initiate a display sequence of image content.

[0026] With the above in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an animated figure 122 incorporating the animated figure display system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more projectors 112A, 112B, 112C can receive control signals from a control system, such as the tracking and media control system 102 of FIG. 1. The first projector 112A can project a first portion 202 of image content, the second projector 112B can project a second portion 204 of image content, and the third projector 112C can project a third portion 206 of image content onto one or more projection surfaces 124 and / or a portion of the animated figure 122. The tracking camera 110 can be an infrared camera and can detect a tracker on the exposed surface of the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the projection surface 124 can be at least partially hidden from view by guests of the amusement park attraction or experience. For example, the projection surface 124 may be obscured by a portion of the animated figure 122 in a first position.

[0027] With the above in mind, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an animated figure 122 with a projection surface 124 in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An actuator, such as actuator 118 of FIG. 1, can move the projection surface 124 between a first position depicted in FIG. 2 (e.g., at least partially hidden from view by guests and behind the animated figure 122) and a second position (e.g., visible to guests of an amusement park attraction or experience) during a portion of a movement sequence. In the second position, a tracker on the projection surface 124 can be detected by the tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can generate and send position data based on this detection. For example, a control system, such as the tracking and media control system 102 of FIG. 1, can receive the position data and control the operation of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the position data. In certain embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 can adjust one or more operational states of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the detection of the projection surface 124. In this manner, the tracking and media control system 102 can adjust the image content displayed on the animated figure 122 and / or the projection surface 124 based on the monitored position data received via the tracking camera 110 .

[0028] With the above in mind, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another animated figure 402 (e.g., an egg that operates to fragment) incorporating the animated figure display system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the projection surface 124 can be completely hidden from view of guests of the amusement park attraction or experience. For example, the projection surface 124 can be hidden within the animated figure 402 in a first position as shown in FIG. 4. The projectors 112A, 112B, 112C can project the first portion 202, the second portion 204, and the third portion 206 of the image content onto the exposed surface of the animated figure 402.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the animated figure 402 in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An actuator, such as actuator 118, can move one or more portions, such as first portion 402A and second portion 402B, between a first position (e.g., a position where the projection surface 124 is hidden within the animated figure 402 as depicted in FIG. 4) and a second position (e.g., a position where the projection surface 124 is at least partially exposed and visible to guests of an amusement park attraction or experience) as depicted in FIG. 5. In the second position, the tracker on the projection surface 124 can be detected by the tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can generate and send position data based on the detection, and the tracking and media control system 102 (FIG. 1) can receive the position data and further control the operation of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the position data. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 can instruct the projector 112 to render a simulated interior of the animated figure 402.

[0030] 6 shows a perspective view of another projection surface 602 incorporating the animated figure display system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D can receive control signals from a control system, such as the tracking and media control system 102 of FIG. 1. Each of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D can project a portion of the image content 202, 204, 206, 208 onto the projection surface 602. In this example, an animated figure, such as the animated figure 122 of FIG. 1, can be hidden within the projection surface 602.

[0031] With the above in mind, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the projection surface 602 of FIG. 6 in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An actuator, such as the actuator 118 of FIG. 1, can move one or more projection surfaces, such as the first projection surface 602A and the second projection surface 602B, between a first position (e.g., a position where the animated figure 122 is hidden and / or not visible behind the projection surface 602) and a second position as depicted in FIG. 7 (e.g., a position where the animated figure is visible to guests of an amusement park attraction or experience). In the second position, the tracker on the animated figure 122 can be detected by the tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can send position data based on this detection, and the tracking and media control system 102 can receive this position data and further control the operation of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D based on this position data. For example, the projector 112 can render image content onto the projection surface 602 and the animated figure 122 such that the animated figure 122 appears to emerge from within the projection surface 602 (eg, an egg).

[0032] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, 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 present disclosure.

[0033] The technology shown 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, when 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). However, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100 Animation Figure Display System 110 Tracking Camera 112 Projector 120 Display 122 Animated Figures 124 Projection plane 202 First part of image content 204 Second part of image content 206 Third part of image content

Claims

1. 1. An animation figure display system, comprising: an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body; a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface, the projection surface configured to move between a first position and a second position, the projection surface being at least partially hidden behind the animated figure in the first position; a set of actuators configured to adjust the body of the animation figure and the projection surface; a tracking camera configured to detect the first tracker and the second tracker and configured to generate position data based on the first tracker and the second tracker; A control device communicatively connected to the tracking camera; Equipped with The control device includes: receiving the position data provided by the tracking camera; generating a control signal indicative of image content to be projected onto the body of the animation figure and onto the projection surface based on the position data; It is structured as follows: The system further comprises a projector communicatively connected to the controller; The projector includes: receiving the control signal from the controller indicative of the image content; projecting the image content onto the body of the animation figure and onto the projection surface; The system is configured as follows:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a current position and a current orientation of the projection surface based on the position data.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a current position and a current orientation of the body of the animated figure based on the position data.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to instruct the projector to change an operational state based on the position data.

5. The projector includes: projecting the image content onto the body of the animated figure at the first position; projecting the image content onto the body of the animated figure and onto the projection surface at the second position; The system of claim 1 , configured as follows:

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tracking camera is configured to determine a current position and a current orientation of the projection surface based on the position data.

7. an actuator controller communicatively connected to the set of actuators, the actuator controller comprising: receiving a control signal to initiate a movement sequence of the animation figure and the projection surface; instructing the set of actuators to initiate the movement sequence; The system of claim 1 , configured as follows:

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the actuator controller is configured to generate actuator control data based on positions and orientations of the set of actuators.

9. The control device includes: receiving the actuator control data; determining a first current position and a first current orientation of the body of the animated figure based on the actuator control data; determining a second current position and a second current orientation of the projection plane based on the actuator control data; The system of claim 8 , configured to:

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to generate a second control signal based on the actuator control data, the second control signal indicating a second image content to be projected onto the body of the animated figure and onto the projection surface.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tracker is one of a first set of trackers and the second tracker is one of a second set of trackers, each tracker in the first set of trackers and the second set of trackers configured to emit an infrared signal, and the tracking camera is an infrared camera configured to detect infrared signals.

12. 1. An animation figure display system, comprising: an animated figure having a body; A projection surface; A figure control system; Equipped with The figure control system includes: a set of actuators configured to adjust the body of the animation figure and the projection surface; an actuator controller communicatively connected to the set of actuators; The actuator control device includes: directing a set of actuators to adjust the body of the animation figure and the projection surface; generating actuator control data indicative of a position and orientation of each actuator of the set of actuators; It is structured as follows: The animation figure display system further comprises a controller communicatively connected to the actuator controller; The control device includes: receiving the actuator control data provided by the actuator controller; generating position data indicating a position and an orientation of the body of the animation figure and the projection surface based on the actuator control data; generating a control signal indicative of image content to be projected onto the body of the animation figure and onto the projection surface based on the position data; The system is configured as follows:

13. a projector communicatively connected to the control device, the projector comprising: receiving the control signal from the controller indicative of the image content; projecting the image content onto the body of the animation figure and onto the projection surface; It is structured as follows: The system of claim 12 , wherein the set of actuators is configured to adjust the body of the animated figure and the projection surface during a movement sequence.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the animated figure is at least partially obscured within a portion of the projection surface during a portion of the movement sequence.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the projection surface is at least partially obscured within a portion of the animated figure during a portion of the movement sequence.

16. The system of claim 13 , wherein the projection surface is at least partially hidden behind the animated figure during a portion of the movement sequence.

17. 1. A method of operating an animation figure projection system, comprising: a controller directing a set of actuators to initiate a movement sequence of the animation figure and the projection surface; receiving, by the controller, first actuator control data from a portion of the set of actuators configured to control a position of the animation figure; receiving, by the controller, second actuator control data from a further portion of the set of actuators configured to control a position of the projection surface; generating position data indicating a first current position and a first current orientation of the animation figure based on the first actuator control data, and indicating a second current position and a second current orientation of the projection surface based on the second actuator control data; generating, based on the position data, a control signal from the controller indicative of image content to be projected onto the body of the animation figure and onto the exposed surface of the projection surface; the controller instructing a projector to project the image content onto the body of the animation figure and the exposed surface of the projection surface; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising the controller receiving actuator control data indicative of a current actuator position and a current actuator orientation for each actuator of the set of actuators, the actuator control signals comprising the first actuator control data and the second actuator control data.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of: the control device determining, based on the actuator control data, the first current position and the first current orientation of the animation figure and the second current position and the second current orientation of the projection surface.

20. the control device receiving tracking data from a tracking camera connected to the control device, the tracking camera configured to detect an exposed surface of the projection surface and a set of trackers coupled to the body of the animation figure; 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of the control device generating position data based on the tracking data, the position data being indicative of the first current position and the first current orientation of the animation figure and the second current position and the second current orientation of the projection surface.

Images