Performance control system, method, program

Abstract

This technology provides an alternative means of controlling the show's production, thereby further enhancing the entertainment value of the show. [Solution] A performance control system is provided, comprising multiple mascot costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the multiple mascot costumes includes a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting part, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each mascot costume and transmits the performance pattern of each mascot costume to the identified wireless receiver. The control unit of the mascot costume, upon receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a production control system, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] Shows are held to represent the worldviews of contents such as games, comics, anime, novels, dramas, etc. For example, by presenting the costumes of characters appearing in a game and having performers wearing the costumes walk in an event venue, etc., the costumes are moved, etc.

[0003] In order to produce shows using these costumes, a light-emitting device may be attached to the costumes and made to emit light in a predefined pattern. For example, a performer wearing the costume operates a control device mounted on the costume to control the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting device of the costume. Since the performer's vision is often limited due to wearing the costume, while listening to the background music (BGM) played in the show, the light-emitting pattern is controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the performer controls the mascot costume's performance, there is a challenge in increasing the variety of performances. For example, if the performer's field of vision is limited while wearing the costume, the actor may be limited to switching performances while listening to sounds such as background music.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides a technology that further enhances the entertainment value of a show by providing an alternative means for controlling the show's production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a performance control system is provided, comprising a plurality of mascot costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the plurality of mascot costumes includes a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each mascot costume and transmits the performance pattern for each mascot costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control unit of the mascot costume operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a method of performance is provided using a performance control system comprising a plurality of costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the plurality of costumes includes a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. In the method, the wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the performance pattern for each costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control unit of the costume operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a wireless control device for a performance control system is provided, comprising a plurality of mascot costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the plurality of mascot costumes includes a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each mascot costume and transmits the performance pattern of each mascot costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control unit of the mascot costume operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the entertainment value can be further enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the details of the configuration for the wireless control device 20 to control the performance patterns of multiple mascot costumes 10. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the process by which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10. [Figure 5] This figure shows the overall configuration of the performance control system in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the data structure for various types of data used to maintain the location history of the mascot costume and the location history of the user. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the operation of each device when controlling the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10 by determining the reactions of the audience user 4. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0013] <First Embodiment> <1 Overall Configuration Diagram of the Performance Control System> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the performance control system 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the performance control system 1 is a system for controlling the performance of shows and events (hereinafter also referred to as "events, etc.") held at the event venue 3. The performance control system 1 consists of multiple mascot costumes 10 and a wireless control device 20.

[0015] Events, etc., express the worldview of content such as games, manga, anime, novels, dramas, etc. Events, etc., are held outdoors or indoors. As part of the performance of the event, etc., the appearance of a mascot costume 10 representing a character from the content is included. The mascot costume 10 has a structure that allows the performer to move the movable parts of the mascot costume 10, such as its arms and legs, from inside the costume 10. For example, when the performer puts on the mascot costume 10, the structure allows the performer to insert their arms and legs into the arms and legs of the mascot costume 10. If the mascot costume 10 has a tail, etc., the performer may also be able to operate these.

[0016] For the production of events and the like, as shown in the figure, a plurality of stuffed toys 10 (four stuffed toys 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are shown) appear, the plurality of stuffed toys 10 move on their own (that is, walk by the performer wearing the stuffed toy 10), move by boarding a moving object such as a ship or a vehicle, etc. are included. When a plurality of stuffed toys 10 are made to appear in an event or the like, it may be possible to make stuffed toys of various appearances appear, or it may be possible to make a plurality of stuffed toys of substantially the same appearance appear. For example, it may be possible to make a plurality of characters that mimic the appearance of virtual characters appearing in the content appear. Here, when a plurality of stuffed toys of substantially the same appearance appear, the production parts attached to each stuffed toy may be different from each other. Also, a stuffed toy that mimics the appearance of a virtual character and a stuffed toy that mimics the appearance of a character related to the said character (for example, a character that has evolved or transformed from the said character, or a character that has a human relationship with the said character, etc.) may be made to appear in an event or the like.

[0017] As an effect using the stuffed toy 10, a visual effect by light and an auditory effect by sound are included. For example, attaching a light-emitting member such as an LED to the stuffed toy 10 and controlling the light-emitting pattern according to the music is included. In the example shown in the figure, the stuffed toy 10 is equipped with production parts 16 (production parts 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D) as light-emitting members. For example, the production part 16 may be provided on the head, arms, legs, torso, and tail of the stuffed toy 10.

[0018] Note that as a method of light-based production, it is not limited to light emission by an LED (light emitting diode), and it may be possible to irradiate light with high straightness such as laser light. Also, as a method of production other than light, when producing an effect by sound, the stuffed toy 10 may dance or the like according to the BGM, and it may be possible to provide voice that can be heard at a specific position by a speaker with high directivity.

[0019] The wireless control device 20 is a device for controlling the performance by a plurality of dolls 10. The operator 2 operates the wireless control device 20. The operator 2 controls the performance by each of the plurality of dolls 10 by designating each of the plurality of dolls 10 and a performance pattern.

[0020] The spectator user 4 is a user who visits the event venue 3 and enjoys an event or the like held at the event venue 3. The event or the like may be held free of charge for entry and exit from the event venue 3, or may be held for a fee with restrictions on entry and exit from the event venue 3. For example, when the event or the like is held for a fee, the spectator user 4 can obtain a ticket for the event or the like in advance and undergo reception processing at the event venue 3 to view the event or the like held at the event venue 3. That is, the performance control system 1 may include a reception system for recording the visit of the spectator user 4.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. In the example of FIG. 2, as the plurality of dolls 10, doll 10A and doll 10B are shown.

[0022] The doll 10A includes a wireless receiver 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a storage unit 15, a performance unit 16, and a control unit 19.

[0023] The wireless receiver 12 performs demodulation processing and the like for receiving a signal via an antenna for the doll 10A to communicate with other wireless devices. The wireless receiver 12 may have a configuration for transmitting a wireless signal. The wireless receiver 12 is a communication module including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The wireless receiver 12 performs demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signal transmitted and received by the doll 10A, and supplies the received signal to the control unit 19 and the like.

[0024] The input device 13 is a device for receiving operations from the performer wearing the mascot costume 10A, and is, for example, a physical button.

[0025] The output device 14 is a device for outputting information to the performer wearing the mascot costume 10A or to the audience users 4. For example, it consists of a display, a speaker, etc. For example, when the performance pattern of the mascot costume 10A is changed by the control of the wireless control device 20, the output device 14 outputs an audio message from the speaker to the performer of the mascot costume 10A indicating that the performance pattern has been changed. Also, for example, the output device 14 displays predetermined information to the audience users 4 surrounding the mascot costume 10A via the display.

[0026] The memory unit 15 is composed of, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc., and stores data and programs used by the mascot costume 10A. In a given situation, the memory unit 15 stores various settings for performances by the performance unit 16. For example, the memory unit 15 stores the settings for the light emission patterns of the light emission units that make up the performance unit 16. The mascot costume 10A updates the light emission pattern settings each time it receives a specification for a light emission pattern from the wireless control device 20.

[0027] The control unit 19 controls the operation of the mascot costume 10A by reading the program stored in the memory unit 15 and executing the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 19 is, for example, a processor.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the mascot costume 10A holds a power source such as a battery and supplies power to the control unit 19, the performance unit 16, etc. For example, the performer wearing the mascot costume 10A may be able to switch the mode of power supply to these performance units 16, etc. by performing a predetermined operation. For example, the performer may be able to operate the mascot costume to be in power-saving mode before the performance of an event, etc. begins, and to deactivate the power-saving mode when the performance of the event, etc. begins. Alternatively, the power supply to the mascot costume 10A may be controlled by the wireless control device 20 without operation by the performer. For example, the mascot costume 10A may switch the power consumption mode in response to receiving a signal from the wireless control device 20.

[0029] The wireless control device 20 includes a wireless transmitter 22, an operating console 23, a storage unit 25, and a control unit 29.

[0030] The wireless transmitter 22 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., to enable the wireless control device 20 to communicate with other wireless devices by transmitting signals via an antenna. The wireless transmitter 22 may also have a configuration for receiving wireless signals. The wireless transmitter 22 is a communication module that includes a tuner, an RSSI calculation circuit, a CRC calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The wireless transmitter 22 modulates and demodulates the wireless signals transmitted and received by the wireless control device 20 and performs frequency conversion, and provides the received signal to the control unit 29, etc.

[0031] The control console 23 is a device for receiving commands from operator 2. As will be described in detail later, the control console 23 receives commands to control the performance patterns of each of the multiple mascot costumes 10. For example, when the wireless control device 20 assigns a wireless channel to each of the multiple mascot costumes 10 for use in transmitting wireless signals, operator 2 can specify which mascot costume 10's performance pattern to control by identifying the range of the wireless channel.

[0032] The memory unit 25 stores performance patterns for the performance unit 16 of the mascot costume 10. For example, if the performance unit 16 is composed of a light-emitting unit, the memory unit 25 stores information that defines the timing for illuminating the light-emitting unit as a performance pattern.

[0033] The control unit 29 controls the operation of the wireless control device 20 by reading the program stored in the memory unit 25 and executing the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 29 is, for example, a processor. In response to the input operations of the operator 2 to the control console 23, the control unit 29 generates wireless signals to control the performance of each of the multiple mascot costumes 10 and transmits them to each of the mascot costumes 10.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the details of the configuration for which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance patterns of multiple mascot costumes 10.

[0035] The mascot costume 10 and the wireless control device 20 have a device configuration that corresponds to a predetermined communication protocol in order to enable control by wireless signals. In this embodiment, 11 mascot costumes 10 will be introduced (mascot costumes 10A, 10B, ... 10K).

[0036] The wireless control device 20 has multiple wireless transmitters 22 (wireless transmitters 22A, 22B, ... 22K) corresponding to each of the mascot costumes 10. In this embodiment, the wireless control device 20 can use up to 512 channels, of which 363 channels are used.

[0037] The mascot costume 10A includes a wireless receiver 12A and a performance unit 16A. The performance unit 16A includes a plurality of light-emitting units (light-emitting units 16A1, 16A2, ...). Each light-emitting unit is composed of a plurality of monochromatic light-emitting members. For example, each light-emitting unit may be composed of a red-emitting LED, a blue-emitting LED, and a green-emitting LED so that any color can be expressed by mixing three colors (RGB). In the illustrated example, the mascot costume 10A has 11 systems of light-emitting units (light-emitting units 16A1, A2, ...A11) as the performance unit 16A. Each light-emitting unit has three light-emitting members, and three channels are assigned to each light-emitting member. Therefore, the mascot costume 10A is assigned 33 channels (11 systems of light-emitting units, and 3 channels for each light-emitting unit) (channels 1 to 33).

[0038] Similarly, the mascot costume 10B includes a wireless receiver 12B and a performance unit 16B. The performance unit 16B includes 11 light-emitting units. As with the mascot costume 10A, 33 channels are assigned to the mascot costume 10B (channels 34 to 66). Similarly, 33 channels are assigned to the mascot costume 10K (channels 331 to 363). The wireless receiver 12 receives wireless signals transmitted from the wireless control device 20 and acquires the signals for the channels assigned to itself.

[0039] In the wireless control device 20, the control console 23 and each of the multiple wireless transmitters 22 are connected by a daisy chain. Each of the control console 23 and each of the multiple wireless transmitters 22 has a connector that receives a signal input and a connector that outputs a signal, and these connectors are connected by cables.

[0040] The wireless control device 20 stores an 8-bit code corresponding to 512 channels in its memory unit 25. When the operator 2 operates the control console 23, the 8-bit code stored in the memory unit 25 is updated. The control unit 29 of the wireless control device 20 generates a transmission signal based on the 8-bit code stored in the memory unit 25. The transmission signal includes, for example, a start bit and a stop bit. Based on the code stored in the memory unit 25, the wireless control device 20 sequentially transmits wireless signals to multiple mascot costumes 10.

[0041] The wireless control device 20 may transmit the next signal before it has finished transmitting the signals on channel 512. In this embodiment, since 363 channels are used to control 11 mascot costumes 10 out of the 512 channels, the next signal may be transmitted in response to the completion of transmitting the signals on channel 363.

[0042] Furthermore, the period of the signal transmitted from the wireless control device 20 to the mascots 10 may be changed in accordance with changes in the number of mascots 10. For example, if the number of mascots 10 appearing at the event venue 3 decreases from 11 to 5, the number of channels required for the mascots 10's performance becomes 165 channels (for example, channels 1 to 165). The wireless control device 20 may also change the period of transmission of wireless signals to the mascots 10 in accordance with the operator 2's operation. This allows for switching between mascot performance patterns in a shorter period of time in accordance with the operator 2's operation.

[0043] <Operation> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process by which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10.

[0044] In step S405, the wireless control device 20 receives information corresponding to each mascot costume 10 and a specification of the LED display pattern constituting the display unit 16 from the operator 2 via the control console 23. The wireless control device 20 updates the code for generating wireless signals to be transmitted to the wireless receivers 12 of the multiple mascot costumes 10 according to the user's specification.

[0045] In step S409, the wireless control device 20 generates wireless signals according to the specified performance pattern for each mascot costume 10. The wireless control device 20 generates 363 channels of signals based on the code stored in the memory unit 25.

[0046] In step S413, the wireless control device 20 transmits wireless signals indicating the performance patterns of each costume 10 to the wireless receivers 12 (12A, 12B, ...) via each wireless transmitter 22 (22A, 22B, ...).

[0047] In step S455, each costume 10 receives a radio signal of the corresponding channel via the radio receiver 12.

[0048] In step S457, each mascot costume 10 illuminates the light-emitting part (LED) of the performance unit 16 according to the performance pattern indicated by the wireless signal.

[0049] For example, if the wireless control device 20 performs a performance pattern in which the light-emitting part of a specific mascot costume 10 flashes, it generates and transmits to the mascot costume 10, on the channel corresponding to the specific mascot costume 10, alternately a wireless signal that illuminates the light-emitting part of the specific mascot costume 10 and a wireless signal that does not illuminate the light-emitting part. The mascot costume 10 may then flash the light-emitting part by illuminating and not illuminating it based on the wireless signals.

[0050] Furthermore, if the mascot costume 10 stores a light-emitting pattern for each performance pattern, the wireless control device 20 may transmit information identifying the performance pattern to the mascot costume 10. This allows the mascot costume 10 to perform performances using the performance unit 16 based on the information identifying the performance pattern, and to control the light emission of each light-emitting part.

[0051] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, (i) an example is described in which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance patterns of the multiple mascot costumes 10 according to the position of each of the mascot costumes 10. This makes it possible to control the performance of an event, etc., without the operation of the operator 2.

[0052] (ii) We will also explain an example of controlling the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10 according to the position of the audience user 4 watching the event. By configuring it as described above, the performance can be controlled according to the reactions of the audience user at the event venue.

[0053] (iii) In addition to the mascot costume 10, the wireless control device 20 will also describe an example in which buildings surrounding the event venue 3 and flying objects flying around the event venue 3 are the targets of the performance control.

[0054] Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of the performance control system in the second embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, a structure 60 is arranged around the event venue 3. The structure 60 includes a performance unit 61. The performance unit 61 consists of, for example, a light-emitting unit, a display, a speaker, etc. Also, an aircraft 50 is flying above the event venue 3. The aircraft 50 is, for example, one or more drones. The aircraft 50 is equipped with a light-emitting unit that emits laser light, etc.

[0056] The wireless control device 20 can control the effects provided by the effects unit 61 of the building 60. That is, the effects unit 61 of the building 60 has a configuration equivalent to that of the wireless receiver 12 etc. described in Embodiment 1, and performs actions such as emitting light from the light-emitting unit in response to the wireless signal transmitted from the wireless control device 20.

[0057] The wireless control device 20 can control the effects performed by the performance unit of the aircraft 50. For example, the wireless control device 20 can control effects such as the projection of laser light from the aircraft 50 onto the event venue 3.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the performance control system includes a detection device that detects the positions of multiple mascots 10, the positions of audience users 4, and the reactions of audience users 4 watching the event, etc.

[0059] The positions of the mascot costume 10 and the audience user 4 may be obtained from camera images or location information sensors.

[0060] For example, the location of each costume 10 may be determined by equipping each costume with a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. Alternatively, if the terminals of the audience users 4 are equipped with location information sensors, the location of the audience users 4 may be determined based on the output of the location information sensors on these terminals.

[0061] For example, a camera 70 is installed on a building 60. The camera 70 can detect the positions of multiple mascots 10 in the event venue 3. Alternatively, the positions of the multiple mascots 10 may be detected by photographing the event venue 3 with a camera (not shown) on the flying object 50 and analyzing the captured images.

[0062] Furthermore, the camera 70 may be capable of detecting the location of a specific audience user 4 within the shooting area by photographing the audience user 4, or by detecting the number of unspecified audience users 4. This makes it possible to detect locations where audience users 4 gather in the event venue 3. For example, since the locations where audience users 4 gather can be said to be locations that are of high interest to audience users 4 at events, it is possible to identify the content of performances that elicit a high response from audience users 4 during or after the event in the event's structure.

[0063] The reactions of spectator users 4 watching events, etc., may be detected based on images or audio captured by the camera.

[0064] By photographing the audience users 4 with the camera 70, etc., the reactions of the audience users 4 watching the event can be detected. For example, based on the images captured by the camera 70, etc., the gaze and emotions of the audience users 4 can be determined, and the content of the event's performance that elicits a high reaction from the audience users 4 can be identified. Alternatively, the reactions of the audience users 4 may be detected by photographing the area including the event venue 3 with a camera (not shown) on the aircraft 50. In addition to the example using captured images, the reactions of the audience users 4 may also be detected by detecting their voices. For example, by installing microphones around the event venue 3, the cheers and other sounds of the audience users 4 can be detected.

[0065] <Data structure> The data structure of various data stored by the wireless control device 20, etc., according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the data structure of various data for maintaining the location history of the mascot costume and the location history of the user. For example, the wireless control device 20 stores the mascot costume location history 281 and the user location history 282 in the storage unit 25. Note that the location of the mascot costume 10 and the location of the audience user 4 may be detected by a device other than the wireless control device 20.

[0067] The mascot costume location history 281 shows the history of how multiple mascot costumes 10 moved during an event, etc. As shown in the figure, each record in the mascot costume location history 281 includes the fields "Mascot Costume Identification Information (ID)", "Date and Time", "Location", "Direction of Movement", and "Movement Speed".

[0068] The item "Costume Identification Information (ID)" is information used to identify each of the 10 costumes.

[0069] The "Date and Time" field indicates the timing when the position of costume 10 was detected.

[0070] The item "Location" indicates the position of the mascot costume 10 within event venue 3. For example, the position of the mascot costume 10 may be indicated by latitude and longitude.

[0071] The item "Direction of Movement" indicates the direction in which the mascot costume 10 is moving within the event venue 3. For example, the direction in which the mascot costume 10 is moving can be determined based on the time-series position information of the mascot costume 10.

[0072] The item "Movement Speed" indicates the movement speed of the mascot costume 10 while it is moving around the event venue 3. For example, the movement speed of the mascot costume 10 can be determined based on the time-series position information of the mascot costume 10 while it is moving.

[0073] The user location history 282 shows the history of where spectator user 4 was located at the event venue 3. The user location history 282 may maintain a location history for each user (for example, when obtaining location information from spectator user 4's terminal), or it may maintain a location history for multiple users located at the event venue 3 without specifying them.

[0074] Each record in the user location history 282 includes the fields "Date and Time", "Location", "Density", and "Reaction (Emotion)".

[0075] The "Date and Time" field indicates the timing when the location of audience user 4 was detected.

[0076] The item "Location" indicates the location of audience user 4.

[0077] The "Density" item indicates the density of audience users 4 at the location indicated in the "Location" item. For example, when detecting the location of audience users 4 based on images captured by camera 70 and aircraft 50, it is possible to estimate the density of people located within a certain range in the event venue 3. If there is an area with a relatively high density of people in the event venue 3, it can be estimated that audience users 4 have a high level of interest in the event's performance.

[0078] The item "Reaction (Emotion)" indicates the reaction of audience user 4 at the location indicated in the item "Location". The reactions of audience user 4 may be categorized as follows: "Good" indicating a positive reaction, "Normal" indicating a typical reaction, "Bad" indicating a subdued reaction, etc. For example, the emotion of audience user 4 can be determined based on the images captured by the camera. Alternatively, the reaction of audience user 4 can be determined based on the sound detection results at the event venue 3 (such as the volume of audience user 4's cheers). In other words, the wireless control device 20 may determine the emotion of audience user 4 based on captured images or sound data.

[0079] <Operation> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device when controlling the performance pattern of the mascot costume 10 by determining the reactions of the audience user 4.

[0080] In step S705, the wireless control device 20 acquires information about the position of the mascot costume 10 and images of the event venue 3.

[0081] In step S709, the wireless control device 20 determines the reactions of the audience users 4 at each location in the event venue 3 based on the captured images of the event venue 3. The wireless control device 20 identifies the performance pattern for each mascot costume 10 according to the determination result of the audience users 4's reactions. Based on this, the wireless control device 20 generates a wireless transmission signal to send to the mascot costume 10. For example, the performance pattern may be set for the mascot costume 10 near the location where the audience user 4's reaction determination result is a specific reaction (such as a "Good" reaction). This allows the operator 2 to know whether the audience users 4 are showing a specific reaction by observing the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10 in the event venue 3. Furthermore, the performance patterns of the mascot costume 10 can be controlled in response to the reactions of the audience users 4 watching the event, etc., without any operation by the operator 2. Furthermore, the wireless control device 20 may also identify the performance pattern of the mascot costume 10 near the location where the audience users 4 are concentrated, when the density of the audience users 4 meets predetermined conditions (when the audience users 4 are gathered together).

[0082] In step S713, the wireless control device 20 transmits a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern of each costume 10 to the wireless receiver of each costume 10 using each wireless transmitter of the wireless control device 20.

[0083] As described above, the wireless control device 20 detects the actions of the audience user 4 and identifies the mascot costume 10 to which the performance pattern will be transmitted, according to the detection result.

[0084] (1) Performance patterns according to the position of the 10 mascots: In addition, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern for each mascot costume 10 based on its position. For example, if a mascot costume 10 is located in a specific area at the event venue 3, the mascot costume 10 can be made to light up in a specific performance pattern. For example, suppose the world of the content includes areas where characters fight each other, areas where characters heal, etc., where predetermined effects are produced. Suppose that an object representing such an area is set up at the event venue 3. In this case, when a mascot costume 10 moves to the location of the object, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern for the mascot costume 10 to a specific performance pattern. Even when the wireless control device 20 detects the actions of audience users 4, it may determine the performance pattern for each mascot costume 10 based on its position, regardless of the actions of audience users 4.

[0085] (2) Direction of movement of the mascot costume 10, or performance patterns corresponding to the mascot costume 10 attempting to move within a predetermined range: In addition, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern for each mascot costume 10 based on the position history of each mascot costume 10. For example, if it detects that the mascot costume 10 is moving in a specific direction, it may perform a performance such as making the mascot costume 10 light up with a specific performance pattern. For example, when the mascot costume 10 is moving in a specific direction such as east, west, north, or south, different performance patterns for the mascot costume 10 may be determined for each direction.

[0086] Furthermore, the wireless control device 20 can perform special effects on the mascot costume 10, such as illuminating it in a specific pattern, when the mascot costume 10 is moving toward or away from a specific area within the event venue 3. For example, suppose the content includes a scene where mascot costumes 10A and 10B, modeled after virtual characters, battle in a specific location. Then, suppose an object is installed in the event venue 3 that indicates this specific location and can detect the approach of the mascot costume 10. The wireless control device 20 can perform special effects on the mascot costume 10 when it is moving toward the object, or when it is moving away from the object, in each case.

[0087] As described above, when controlling the performance pattern according to the position of the mascot costume 10, the output device 14 may be used to notify the performer of the mascot costume 10 in response to the performance being carried out by a specific performance pattern. This allows the performer of the mascot costume 10 to recognize that the performance has switched to a specific performance pattern.

[0088] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the terminal of audience user 4 accepts an operation to specify a performance pattern. In other words, audience user 4 can also participate in the performance of the event, etc.

[0089] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the third embodiment.

[0090] In step S805, the wireless control device 20 receives a specification of the performance pattern for the light-emitting part (LED) of the mascot costume 10 from the terminal of the audience user 4. The terminal of the audience user 4 may, for example, accept a specification of the performance pattern without specifying the mascot costume 10, or it may accept a specification of the performance pattern of the mascot costume 10 that is near the terminal of the audience user 4.

[0091] In step S809, the wireless control device 20 generates a wireless transmission signal according to the specification of the performance pattern for each mascot costume 10 received from the terminal of the audience user 4. For example, if the terminal of the audience user 4 has not received a specification for a mascot costume 10, the wireless control device 20 may use the performance patterns of multiple mascot costumes 10 as the performance pattern specified by the terminal of the mascot costume 10, or, based on the location of the terminal of the audience user 4, the wireless control device 20 may use the performance pattern of a mascot costume 10 that is in a predetermined positional relationship with the location of the terminal of the audience user 4 (for example, a mascot costume 10 that is within a certain distance from the location of the terminal of the audience user 4, or a mascot costume 10 that is closest to the location of the terminal of the audience user 4, etc.) as the specified performance pattern.

[0092] In step S813, the wireless control device 20 transmits a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern of each costume 10 to the wireless receiver of each costume 10 using each wireless transmitter of the wireless control device 20.

[0093] <Variation> In the terminal of spectator user 4, if the location of spectator user 4's terminal and the location of the mascot costume 10 satisfy predetermined conditions, it may be possible to execute a specific process on the terminal of spectator user 4. For example, the location of the mascot costume 10 may be obtained from the wireless control device 20 on the terminal of spectator user 4. Alternatively, the mascot costume 10 may be detected by taking a picture with the camera on the terminal of spectator user 4 and including it in the captured image. This allows the user to use a specific function in an application running on the terminal of spectator user 4 when the location of the terminal of spectator user 4 and the location of the mascot costume 10 are, for example, within a certain distance. For example, if the application running on the terminal of spectator user 4 is a game program, the user may be able to acquire game content corresponding to the character of the mascot costume 10 if the captured image taken by the camera of the terminal of spectator user 4 includes the mascot costume 10.

[0094] Furthermore, the game program may allow the use of specific functions, such as battles. For example, if the image captured by the camera of spectator user 4's terminal includes the mascot costume 10, it may be possible to battle a game character corresponding to the character of mascot costume 10 in the game program. In this case, the game character may be one of multiple users who have detected mascot costume 10 at the event venue 3, and all of them may participate in the battle. For example, the game program may manage the total number of users who can participate in the battle based on the location of mascot costume 10 and the location of the terminals of spectator user 4 that have detected mascot costume 10.

[0095] As described in each of the embodiments above, according to each embodiment, the operator 2 can control the performance pattern of each mascot 10 at any time while observing the reactions of the audience users 4 watching the event at the event venue 3, and while observing the movement of the multiple mascots 10 at the event venue 3, thereby further enhancing the entertainment value of the show or event.

[0096] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0097] (Note 1) According to one embodiment, a performance control system (1) is provided, which consists of a plurality of mascot costumes (10) and a wireless control device (20). Each of the plurality of mascot costumes includes a wireless receiver (12) that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit (16) including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit (19) for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each mascot costume and transmits the performance pattern of each mascot costume to the identified wireless receiver (22). The control unit of the mascot costume, in response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

[0098] (Note 2) The wireless control device includes a receiving unit (23) that receives input from an operator (2) who operates the wireless control device, and upon receiving an operation from the operator to specify a costume and a performance pattern, transmits a signal indicating the specified performance pattern to the wireless transmitter of the specified costume (22), the performance control system as described in (Appendix 1).

[0099] (Note 3) Each of the multiple mascot costumes has a wireless receiver configured for receiving wireless signals (22A, 22B, ...), and the wireless control device identifies the mascot costume to which the performance pattern is transmitted by the operator specifying the channel, as described in (Appendix 2).

[0100] (Note 4) The wireless control device is configured to control the performance patterns of performance units of structures (60) installed around a venue (3) where performances by multiple costumed characters are performed, or of flying objects (50) flying in the air above the venue, and transmits the performance patterns of the performance units or flying objects upon receiving an operation from an operator to specify the performance units or flying objects, as described in (Appendix 2) or (Appendix 3).

[0101] (Note 5) The wireless control device includes a receiving unit that receives an operation to specify a performance pattern from an audience user (4) who is watching a performance by a person in a costume, and transmits the performance pattern specified by the audience user to a wireless receiver (S805, S809, S813), the performance control system according to any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4).

[0102] (Note 6) The wireless control device detects the actions of audience users watching a performance by a costumed character (282), and identifies the costumed character to which the performance pattern will be transmitted according to the detection result (S709), a performance control system according to any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5).

[0103] (Note 7) The wireless control device acquires the position of each mascot and determines the performance pattern of each mascot based on the position of the mascot (281), as described in any of the performance control systems in (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6).

[0104] (Note 8) The wireless control device determines the performance pattern for each costume based on the position of each costume, regardless of the actions of audience users around the costume, as described in (Appendix 7).

[0105] (Note 9) The performance control system according to any one of the appendices (1) to (8), wherein the wireless control device identifies a costume that meets predetermined conditions based on the location history (281) of the costumes and transmits a performance pattern to the identified costume.

[0106] (Note 10) The performance control system according to any one of the notes (1) to (9), wherein the wireless control device detects audience users around the mascot costume (282), and transmits a specific performance pattern to the mascot costume without operation by the operator of the wireless control device (S709).

[0107] (Note 11) The performance control system according to (Appendix 10), wherein the wireless control device detects audience users based on at least one of the following: detecting the voices of audience users around the mascot costume, or capturing images (70) of the venue where the mascot costume performance is taking place.

[0108] (Note 12) The performance control system described in (Appendix 11), wherein the wireless control device determines the emotions of the audience user based on at least one of voice or captured images (282), and transmits a performance pattern to the wireless receiver of the mascot costume according to the determination result (S709).

[0109] (Note 13) The performance control system according to Appendix 8, wherein the wireless control device transmits a performance pattern to the costumes that satisfy a predetermined condition based on the position of each costume (282).

[0110] (Note 14) The performance control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the control unit of the mascot costume includes a notification unit (14) that notifies the performer of the mascot costume when the performance pattern of the performance unit is changed in response to control by a wireless control device.

[0111] (Note 15) The performance control system described in (Appendix 5), which enables a specific process to be executed on the customer user's terminal when the location of the customer user's terminal and the location of the mascot costume meet predetermined conditions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1 Performance control system, 2 Operator, 3 Event venue, 4 Audience users, 10 Mascot costume, 12 Wireless receiver, 16 Performance unit, 20 Wireless control device, 22 Wireless transmitter.

Claims

1. A performance control system consisting of multiple mascot costumes and a wireless control device, Each of the aforementioned multiple costumes comprises a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the performance pattern for each costume to the identified wireless receiver. The control unit of the costume is a performance control system that, in response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

2. The aforementioned wireless control device is The wireless control device is equipped with a receiving unit that receives input operations from the operator, The performance control system according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving an operation from the operator to specify the costume and the performance pattern, a signal indicating the specified performance pattern is transmitted to the wireless transmitter of the specified costume.

3. Each of the aforementioned multiple costumes has a wireless receiver that is configured to receive wireless signals on a specific channel. The performance control system according to claim 2, wherein the wireless control device identifies the mascot that transmits the performance pattern when the operator specifies the channel.

4. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance section of a building installed around the venue where the performance by the multiple costumed characters takes place, or the performance patterns of an aircraft flying above the venue, are configured to be controllable. The performance control system according to claim 2 or 3, which transmits the performance pattern of the performance unit or the aircraft when it receives an operation from the operator to specify the performance unit or the aircraft.

5. The aforementioned wireless control device is The system includes a receiving unit that receives an operation from an audience user watching the performance by the costumed character to specify the performance pattern. The performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the performance pattern specified by the audience user is transmitted to the wireless receiver.

6. The aforementioned wireless control device is A performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which detects the actions of audience users watching a performance by a costumed character, and identifies the costumed character to which the performance pattern is to be transmitted according to the detection result.

7. The performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless control device acquires the position of each costume and determines the performance pattern for each costume based on the position of the costume.

8. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance control system according to claim 7, which determines the performance pattern of each mascot based on the position of each mascot, regardless of the actions of audience users around the mascots.

9. The performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wireless control device identifies a mascot that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the location history of the mascot, and transmits the performance pattern to the identified mascot.

10. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which detects audience users around the costume and transmits a specific performance pattern to the costume without operation by the operator of the wireless control device.

11. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance control system according to claim 10, which detects audience users based on at least one of the following: detecting the voices of audience users around the mascot costume, or detecting the audience users based on images taken of the venue where the performance by the mascot costume is taking place.

12. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance control system according to claim 11, which determines the emotions of the audience user based on at least one of the aforementioned audio or the aforementioned captured image, and transmits the performance pattern to the wireless receiver of the mascot costume according to the determination result.

13. The aforementioned wireless control device is The performance control system according to claim 8, wherein, based on the position of each of the costumes, if the density of the costumes satisfies a predetermined condition, the performance pattern is transmitted to the costumes that satisfy the predetermined condition.

14. The control unit of the costume is The performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the performer of the costume when the performance pattern of the performance unit is changed in response to control by the wireless control device.

15. On the aforementioned spectator user's terminal, The performance control system according to claim 5, which enables the execution of a specific process on the customer user's terminal when the location of the audience user's terminal and the location of the mascot costume satisfy predetermined conditions.

16. A method of performance using a performance control system consisting of multiple costumes and a wireless control device, Each of the aforementioned multiple costumes comprises a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The aforementioned method, The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the performance pattern for each costume to the identified wireless receiver. A method comprising the control unit of the costume, which, in response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

17. A wireless control device for a performance control system, comprising multiple mascot costumes and a wireless control device, Each of the aforementioned multiple costumes comprises a wireless receiver that receives wireless signals from the wireless control device, a performance unit including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies each wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the performance pattern for each costume to the identified wireless receiver. The control unit of the costume is a wireless control device that, in response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, causes the performance unit to operate according to the performance pattern.

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