Systems and methods for costumed character interaction

Abstract

A system for controlling costumed character interaction includes a character costume configured to be worn by a user, the character costume including an electromagnet integrated into the character costume, and a stage prop including a magnetic piece integrated therein. The system further includes a control interface coupled to the electromagnet, the control interface configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop through magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for costumed character interaction. [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 / or 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] Many entertainment venues and stage sets desire costumed and themed character outfits for entertainers. These costumes can range from simple paper masks to fully customized themed performer suits that require prosthetics and extensions to the performer's limbs to faithfully mimic the desired character. Often, these costumes limit the entertainer's ability to utilize the costume's or character's appendages (e.g., hands) to realistically interact with their surroundings. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a system that improves the interaction of costumed entertainers with their surroundings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter is set forth below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather are presented to provide a brief summary of certain embodiments. Indeed, the present subject matter may encompass a variety of aspects that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system for controlling costumed character interaction includes a character costume configured to be worn by a user, the character costume including an electromagnet integrated into the character costume, and a stage prop including a magnetic piece integrated therein. The system further includes a control interface coupled to the electromagnet, the control interface configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop through magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

[0006] In one embodiment, a system for controlling costumed character interaction includes a character costume configured to be worn by a user, the character costume including magnetic pieces integrated into the character costume, and a stage prop including an electromagnet integrated therein. The system further includes a control interface coupled to the electromagnet, the control interface configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control the interaction between the stage prop and the character costume through magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic pieces.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for controlling costumed character interaction includes providing a control signal via a control interface to an electromagnet incorporated into a character costume worn by a user, and in response to the control signal, activating or deactivating the electromagnet to control interaction between the character costume and a stage prop including the magnetic piece via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

[0008] 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 characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling costumed character interactions (e.g., having a costume with electromagnets and a stage prop with magnetic pieces) according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the interaction of costumed characters (e.g., having a costume with magnetic pieces and a stage prop with electromagnets) according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of a system for controlling the interaction of costumed characters (e.g., with costumes having various combinations of magnetic pieces and electromagnets and different stage props) according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a character costume having an electromagnet, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a character costume interacting with a stage prop, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a costume for a character interacting with stage props in a scene, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a character costume interacting with a stage prop having a special effects generator, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling costumed character interactions according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure relates generally to costumed or themed character outfits for entertainers. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to utilizing electromagnetic locks for costumed character interaction.

[0011] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless represent a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the 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. Additionally, 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 also incorporate the recited features.

[0013]

[0003] The present embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for controlling costumed character interactions, and particularly to systems and methods that utilize an electromagnetic lock (e.g., formed between an electromagnet and a magnetic piece) for costumed character interactions. For example, a character costume worn by a person (e.g., an entertainer) can include an electromagnet incorporated into the character costume. A complementary magnetic piece (e.g., a permanent magnet or ferromagnetic material) is incorporated into a stage prop (e.g., a theater property) or showpiece. In certain embodiments, the stage prop or showpiece (e.g., a fence gate, a house door, a gear attached to a wall, etc.) can be part of the scenery or stage. In response to a control signal from a control interface (e.g., a device having a switch, sensor, or circuitry or other hardware that provides a control signal) communicatively connected (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to the electromagnet, the electromagnet can be activated or deactivated (e.g., on or off), such that the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece controls the interaction between the character costume (e.g., an appendage of the character costume) and the stage prop or showpiece. In certain embodiments, this arrangement can be reversed, with the stage prop or showpiece having an electromagnet and the character costume including a complementary magnetic piece. When engaged, the electromagnet and the complementary magnetic piece form an electromagnetic lock. In certain embodiments, the combination of the electromagnet and the complementary magnetic piece can enable interaction between multiple props and between multiple props and character costumes. In certain embodiments, the character costume and / or the stage prop or showpiece can include two or more of the electromagnet and / or magnetic piece. In certain embodiments, the character costume and / or the stage prop or showpiece can include at least one each of the electromagnet and the magnetic piece. The disclosed systems and methods will facilitate an entertainer (e.g., in a character costume) to interact with their surroundings.Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods expand the types of interactions that an entertainer can have with their surroundings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 for controlling costumed character interactions (e.g., having a costume 12 with electromagnets 14 and a stage prop 16 with magnetic pieces 18). The system 10 includes a character costume 12 configured to be worn by a person (e.g., an entertainer or performer). The person utilized in the following disclosure may include a living being (e.g., a human or animal) or a robot. In certain embodiments, the character costume 12 may include prosthetics and / or augmentations coupled to the person's appendages or other body parts to enable the character costume 12 to closely resemble the desired character. The character costume 12 may be configured to allow the person to interact with (e.g., hold, manipulate, etc.) one or more stage props or showpieces 16. In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 may be an integral part of a scenery or setting. For example, the stage prop 16 may be a gate on a fence, a door on a house, a gear attached to a wall, or other item. In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 may be freestanding.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the stage prop 16 includes magnetic pieces 18. The magnetic pieces 18 can be permanent magnets or made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic pieces 18 can be in the form of plates (e.g., armature plates) or strips incorporated within the stage prop 16. The magnetic pieces 18 can be positioned on the stage prop 16 in locations that allow for normal interaction (or the appearance of normal interaction) between the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16. For example, if the stage prop 16 is a fishing rod, the magnetic pieces 18 can be positioned on the handle of the fishing rod. In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 can include two or more magnetic pieces 18. In certain embodiments, each of multiple stage props 16 can include one or more respective magnetic pieces 18.

[0016] The electromagnets 14 are incorporated into the character costume 12. The electromagnets 14 may be located on appendages (e.g., hands, feet, arms, legs) of the character costume 12 or on other portions (e.g., torso, head, etc.) of the character costume 12. In certain embodiments, the character costume 12 may include multiple electromagnets 14 positioned at various locations on the character costume 12.

[0017] As shown, the electromagnet 14 is coupled to a control interface 20 (e.g., a switch). In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 can be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wireless connection. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 can be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wired connection. As shown, the control interface 20 (e.g., a switch, a sensor, or a device having circuitry or other hardware that provides a control signal) is located within the character costume 12. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 can be a switch or sensor integrated into a portion of the character costume 12, where a specific movement may cause the control interface 20 to provide a control signal that turns the electromagnet 14 on or off. For example, the switch or sensor(s) can be integrated into the fingers or grip of a hand, where a movement of the hand and / or fingers that mimics a grip (e.g., a squeeze) can trigger a control signal. In another embodiment, the switch or sensor can be integrated into the neck or head region and can be activated by a moment of the head. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 is located external to or remote from the character costume 12. For example, the control interface 20 can be part of a device controlled by an entertainer's handler. The control interface 20 is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet 14 (via a control signal) to control the interaction between the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16 via the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic piece 18. In certain embodiments, activation of the electromagnet 14 causes the electromagnet 14 of the character costume 12 and the magnetic piece 18 of the stage prop 16 to engage with each other, forming an electromagnetic lock (while deactivation disengages the electromagnet 14 from the magnetic piece 18). In certain embodiments, activation of the electromagnet 14 causes the electromagnet 14 of the character costume 12 and the magnetic piece 18 of the stage prop 16 to move away from each other.

[0018] When disposed within the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may generally be disposed in the same location as the electromagnet 14. For example, if the electromagnet 14 is disposed in the hand of the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may be disposed near the hand on the arm. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 may be disposed in a different location on the character costume 12 from the electromagnet 14. For example, if the electromagnet 14 is located in the hand of the character costume 12, the control interface 20 may be disposed in the torso or neck area. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 may be directly operated by the hands or feet of a person within the character costume 12. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 may be operated by an entertainer externally pressing on the portion of the character costume 12 where the control interface 20 is disposed (e.g., the chest, forearm, etc.). In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 is disposed in a location that allows movement to send a control signal to the electromagnet 14. For example, the control interface 20 may be disposed in the neck area of ​​the character costume 12, and a head turn or head nod may allow a control signal to be sent from the control interface 20.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 having an inverse configuration for controlling costumed character interactions. As shown in FIG. 2, the character costume 12 includes magnetic pieces 18. As mentioned above, the magnetic pieces 18 can be permanent magnets or made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic pieces 18 can be in the form of plates or strips incorporated within the character costume 12. The magnetic pieces 18 can be positioned on the character costume 12 in locations that allow for normal interaction (or the appearance of normal interaction) between the character costume 12 and a stage prop or showpiece 16. For example, if the stage prop 16 is a baseball bat, the magnetic pieces 18 can be positioned on the hands of the character costume 12. In certain embodiments, the character costume 12 can include more than one magnetic piece 18. The magnetic pieces 18 can be positioned on appendages (e.g., hands, feet, arms, legs) of the character costume 12 or on other portions of the character costume 12 (e.g., torso, head, etc.). In certain embodiments, the character costume 12 can include multiple magnets positioned at different locations on the character costume 12.

[0020] The electromagnet 14 is incorporated into the stage prop 16. The electromagnet 14 may be positioned in or on a location on the stage prop 16 that allows for normal interaction (or the appearance of normal interaction) between the character costume 12 and the stage prop or showpiece 16. For example, if the stage prop 16 is a baseball bat, the electromagnet 14 may be located on the handle of the baseball bat. In certain embodiments, the stage prop 16 may include multiple electromagnets 14 positioned at different locations on the stage prop 16.

[0021] As shown, the electromagnet 14 is coupled to a control interface 20 (e.g., a switch). In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wireless connection. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be coupled to the control interface 20 via a wired connection. As shown, the control interface 20 is located within the stage prop 16. In certain embodiments, the control interface 20 is located external to or remote from the stage prop 16. For example, the control interface 20 may be part of a device controlled by an entertainer's handler. The control interface 20 is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet 14 (via a control signal) to control the interaction between the character costume 12 and the stage prop 16 via the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic pieces 18. In certain embodiments, activating the electromagnet 14 causes the electromagnet 14 of the stage prop 16 and the magnetic pieces 18 of the character costume 12 to engage with each other (e.g., forming an electromagnetic lock). In certain embodiments, when the electromagnet 14 is activated, the electromagnet 14 on the stage prop 16 and the magnetic piece 18 on the character's costume move away from each other.

[0022] In certain embodiments, it may be preferable to have magnetic pieces 18 made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., metal pieces such as ferromagnetic plates). However, in certain embodiments, magnetic pieces 18 may be permanent magnets. In certain embodiments, permanent magnets may not be strong enough by themselves to interact with electromagnets 14 (e.g., within character costume 12), and activation of electromagnets 14 will create a greater attractive force between the electromagnet and the permanent magnet, resulting in an electromagnetic lock. In certain embodiments, because permanent magnets generally have two poles, permanent magnets may be positioned on the costume and / or stage props 16 such that particular poles are oriented to create a particular effect (e.g., repulsion or attraction) between stage props 16 or between stage props 16 and character costume 12. In certain embodiments, due to the thickness of character costume 12, several electromagnets 14 may be utilized to form magnetic pieces 18 and electromagnetic lock 14. In certain embodiments, magnetic pieces 18 may themselves be electromagnets.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 for controlling costumed character interactions (e.g., having costumes 12 and different stage props 16 with various combinations of magnetic pieces 18 and electromagnets 14). As shown in FIG. 3, some stage props 16 (e.g., stage prop 22) include magnetic pieces 18, while other stage props 16 (e.g., stage props 23, 24) include electromagnets 14. A particular stage prop 16 (e.g., stage prop 24) includes an electromagnet 14 coupled to a switch 26. The switch 26 is coupled to a special effects generator 28 (e.g., a special effects device). The special effects generator 28 can be activated through or based on the magnetic coupling between the electromagnets 14 and the magnetic pieces 18 (e.g., the magnetic coupling can be detected or can result in an activation signal). In one embodiment, a control signal from the control interface 20 can increase in intensity to trigger the switch 26 to activate the special effects generator 28. This can occur after a controlled time delay. The special effects generator 28 may be a spinning object (e.g., the wheel of a pinwheel toy or the saw blade of a saw), a lighting effect (e.g., the LED light of a torch flame), confetti flying from the stage prop 16, or some other type of special effects generator 28. In certain embodiments, some stage props 16 may include one or more magnetic pieces 18 and one or more electromagnets 14. In certain embodiments, multiple stage props 16 may interact directly with one another, and the interaction may be controlled (via various combinations of various electromagnets 14 and magnetic pieces 18) through one or more control interfaces 20. Multiple interacting stage props 16 may also interact with a character costume 12. For example, an electromagnet 14 of a character costume 12 (e.g., located in the hand of the character costume 12) may be utilized to interact with a stage prop 22 (e.g., a fishing rod having a first magnetic piece 18 located at the handle and a second magnetic piece 18 located at the hook at the end of the fishing line). A stage prop 22 (eg, a hook on the end of a fishing line on a fishing rod) can interact with a stage prop 23 having an electromagnet 14 (eg, a fish).

[0024] 3, the character costume 12 includes magnetic pieces 18. In addition, the character costume 12 includes electromagnets 14. Therefore, the character costume 12 can interact with stage props 16 (e.g., stage prop 22) that include magnetic pieces 18 via the electromagnets 14 within the character costume 12. In addition, the character costume 12 can also interact with stage props 16 (e.g., stage props 23, 24) that include the electromagnets 14.

[0025] System 10 may include one or more control interfaces 20. As shown in FIG. 3 , control interface 20 is located remotely from stage prop 16 and character costume 12. Each of electromagnets 14 includes a receiver 25 for receiving wireless control signals from control interface 20. In certain embodiments, each electromagnet 14 (in character costume 12 and stage prop 16) may be controlled by its own control interface 20 (e.g., on a separate controller). In certain embodiments, multiple electromagnets 14 may be controlled by a single control interface 20 as part of a single controller. In certain embodiments, one or more of character costume 12 and / or stage prop 16 may have remote control interfaces 20, while others may have control interfaces 20 located within stage prop 16 and / or character costume 12.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a character costume 12 having an electromagnet 14. The character costume 12 has a person 29 (e.g., an entertainer) disposed within the costume 12. As shown, the electromagnet 14 is disposed within a hand 30 of the character costume 12. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be disposed within another portion of the character costume 12 (e.g., the foot, arm, leg, head, torso, some extension of the costume 12, etc.). The electromagnet 14 may be connected to a control interface 20 (e.g., via a wired connection). The control interface 20 may be activated by manipulation by the person 29 within the character costume 12 (e.g., by the person's hand). In certain embodiments, the electromagnet 14 may be wirelessly connected to the control interface 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control interface 20 may be disposed in the head / neck region such that head movement (e.g., rotational movement 32) may activate the control interface 20 to send a wireless control signal to control the electromagnet 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the electromagnet 14 is activated to engage a stage prop 16 (eg, a book) such that the hand 30 of the character costume 12 holds the stage prop 16 .

[0027] 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion 34 of a character costume interacting with a stage prop 16. In certain embodiments, activation of an electromagnet 14 can cause the stage prop 16 to be repelled from the electromagnet 14 by an opposing magnetic force. In FIG. 5, the electromagnet 14 is disposed within a foot 36 of the character costume 12, and the magnetic piece 18 is disposed within the stage prop 16 (e.g., a ball). A control signal (e.g., a wireless control signal) from control interface 20 received by a receiver 25 coupled to the electromagnet 14 can activate (e.g., power) the electromagnet 14 whenever the foot 36 approaches the stage prop 16, causing the stage prop 16 (e.g., the ball) to be repelled from the foot 36 based on the opposing magnetic force, creating the appearance of the foot 36 kicking the stage prop 16.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a character costume 12 interacting with a stage prop 16 that is part of a stage scenery 38. The scenery 38 includes a house positioned behind a fence 41. As shown, an entertainer wearing the character costume 12 can open and close a gate 42 (e.g., a stage prop 16) on the fence 41 through the interaction between the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic piece 18 (e.g., via a control signal from the control interface 20) as described above. For example, the magnetic piece 18 can be located on a handle 44 of the gate 42, and the electromagnet 14 can be located on a hand 46 of the character costume 12. Alternatively, the electromagnet 14 can be located on the handle 44, and the magnetic piece 18 can be located on a hand 46 of the character costume 12. A door 48 on the house 40 can be another stage prop 16. For example, an entertainer wearing the character costume 12 can open and close the door 48 on the house 40 using a combination of the electromagnet 14 and a magnet.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a character costume 12 interacting with a stage prop 16 using a special effects generator 28. As shown in FIG. 7, a hand 50 of the character costume 12 interacts with (e.g., holds) a stage prop 16 (e.g., a sword) through a combination of the interaction of the electromagnet 14 and the magnetic piece 18, as described above. For example, the magnetic piece 18 can be located on the stage prop 16 (e.g., the hilt of the sword), and the electromagnet 14 can be located on the hand 50 of the character costume 12. Alternatively, the electromagnet 14 can be located on the stage prop 16 (e.g., the hilt of the sword), and the magnetic piece 18 can be located on the hand 50 of the character costume 12. An additional electromagnet 49 can be located in or on the stage prop 16, and this electromagnet 49 can be coupled to a switch that is coupled to the special effects generator 28 (e.g., a spark-emitting device) to generate a special effect 51. Activating the additional electromagnet 49 with a particular intensity can activate the special effects generator 28 (e.g., emitting sparks). In certain embodiments, the switch 26 is coupled to a component (e.g., a magnetic piece 18 or an electromagnet 14) located within the stage prop 16 and can trigger a special effect 51 when the magnetic piece 18 and electromagnet 14 of the stage prop 16 couple with the character costume 12.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 52 for controlling costumed character interactions. Method 52 may be performed by one of the systems 10 described in FIGS. 1-3. Method 52 includes obtaining or receiving (at a control interface or a device in communication with the control interface) an input that affects the costumed character interaction (block 53). For example, an input may be obtained or received indicating that a guest present during a costumed character interaction has a particular position or level that can facilitate a particular costumed character interaction, or indicating how the costumed character interaction can occur. For example, if the guest is a Warlock level 8, this may enable the costumed character to successfully perform the costumed character interaction (e.g., pick up a prop sword). In another example, the input may cause the costumed character interaction (e.g., an event / pairing) to occur every fifth attempt or randomly. Method 52 includes providing, by the control interface, a control signal to an electromagnet (block 54). In certain embodiments, the electromagnet may be incorporated into a character costume by a person (e.g., an entertainer). In certain embodiments, the electromagnet is located in a stage prop or showpiece. The control interface can be located within or remote from the character costume or stage prop that includes the electromagnet. The control signal can be provided wirelessly or via a wired connection. The method 52 also includes activating or deactivating the electromagnet to control the interaction between the character costume and the stage prop via magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and a magnetic piece (e.g., a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material) (block 56). In certain embodiments, if the character costume includes an electromagnet, the magnetic piece is located within or on the stage prop.In certain embodiments, if the stage prop has an electromagnet, the magnetic piece is disposed within the character costume (e.g., within an appendage, torso, head, or other component of the costume). Method 52 may include repeating the steps of blocks 54 and 56 to reverse the engagement or disengagement between the character costume and the stage prop. For example, if a first control signal engages the electromagnet with the magnetic piece, a second control signal disengages the electromagnet from the magnetic piece. If the first control signal disengages the electromagnet from the magnetic piece, a second control signal engages the electromagnet with the magnetic piece (e.g., forming an electromagnetic lock). In certain embodiments, activation of the electromagnet causes an attractive force between the stage prop and the character costume (e.g., forming an electromagnetic lock). In certain embodiments, activation of the electromagnet causes a repulsive force between the stage prop and the character costume.

[0031] In certain embodiments, as described above, the special effect generator may be coupled to the electromagnet (e.g., via a switch). In certain embodiments, when the electromagnet forms a coupling with the magnetic piece, the coupling or detection of the coupling may result in secondary activation of the special effect generator. For example, upon magnetic coupling, a near-field signal may be provided, causing the special effect generator to generate a special effect (e.g., creating a flame effect or turning on a light). In another example, induction may facilitate the generation of a special effect (via the special effect generator) due to electricity provided from a power source (i.e., where the electromagnet is located) (e.g., either a character costume or a stage prop). In a further example, a pressure switch or some other sensor may be activated by the coupling between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece to initiate the special effect via the special effect generator. In certain embodiments, there may be a slight delay (e.g., after the electromagnet and the magnetic piece couple) before the special effect occurs. In certain embodiments, a person in the character costume may provide power or establish a simple communications link to activate the special effect when desired. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet is directly coupled (eg, via a switch) to an electromagnet, and activation of the electromagnet can cause a special effect to be generated by a special effects generator.

[0032] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where 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). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0033] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 12 Costumes 14 Electromagnet 16 Stage Props 18 Magnetic piece 20 Control Interface 29 People 30 moves 32 Rotational Motion

Claims

1. 1. A system for controlling costumed character interactions, comprising: a character costume configured to be worn by a user; an electromagnet incorporated into the character costume; Stage props and a magnetic piece incorporated into the stage prop; a control interface coupled to the electromagnet; Equipped with The control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control an interaction between the character costume and the stage prop via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnet is configured such that activation of the electromagnet in response to the control signal causes disengagement between the character costume and the stage prop.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnet is configured such that, upon activation of the electromagnet in response to the control signal, an engagement is caused between the character costume and the stage prop, forming an electromagnetic lock between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control interface is located within the character costume.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control interface is physically coupled to the electromagnet.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the electromagnet by controlling power to the electromagnet.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the control interface is located remotely from the character costume.

8. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system includes an additional stage prop including an additional electromagnet, the stage prop including an additional magnetic piece, and the control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the additional electromagnet to control interaction between the additional stage prop and the stage prop via magnetic interaction between the additional electromagnet and the additional magnetic piece.

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the stage prop comprises an additional electromagnet, a special effect generator, and a switch coupled to the additional electromagnet and the special effect generator, and the control interface is configured to wirelessly control the additional electromagnet and, via the switch, control the special effect generator to generate the special effect.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnet is disposed in an appendage of the character costume.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the stage prop is part of a scenery on a stage.

12. 1. A system for controlling costumed character interactions, comprising: a character costume configured to be worn by a user; a magnetic piece incorporated into the character costume; Stage props and an electromagnet incorporated into the stage prop; a control interface coupled to the electromagnet; Equipped with The control interface is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnet via a control signal to control an interaction between the stage prop and the character costume via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the electromagnet is configured such that activation of the electromagnet in response to the control signal causes disengagement between the character costume and the stage prop.

14. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the electromagnet is configured such that, upon activation of the electromagnet in response to the control signal, it causes engagement between the character costume and the stage prop, forming an electromagnetic lock between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece.

15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control interface is located within the stage prop.

16. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control interface is configured to wirelessly control activation and deactivation of the electromagnet by controlling power to the electromagnet.

17. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stage prop comprises an additional electromagnet, a special effects generator, and a switch coupled to the additional electromagnet and the special effects generator, and the control interface is configured to wirelessly control the additional electromagnet to control the special effects generator via the switch to generate the special effect.

18. The system of claim 12 , wherein the magnetic pieces are disposed on appendages of the character costume.

19. 1. A method for controlling costumed character interactions, comprising: providing control signals via a control interface to electromagnets incorporated into a character costume worn by a user; activating or deactivating the electromagnet in response to the control signal to control an interaction between the character costume and a stage prop comprising the magnetic piece via a magnetic interaction between the electromagnet and the magnetic piece; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the control signal via the control interface comprises wirelessly providing the control signal to the electromagnet.

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