Customized avatars used with non-fungible tokens

Abstract

A customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. Furthermore, one or more processors are configured to adapt virtual features based on the NFTs to integrate with a displayed avatar. The system also includes a display configured to show the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 472,502, filed on June 12, 2023, entitled "CUSTOMIZED AVATARS FOR USE WITH NON - FUNGIBLE TOKENS", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. The discussions here are thought to be helpful in providing the reader with background information that facilitates a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these descriptions should be read in light of this point and it should be understood that they are not an admission of prior art.

[0003] An amusement park can include various entertainment attractions. Some of the entertainment attractions allow park visitors to view animated characters through a display system. Further, these animated characters can be made visible as part of the theme setting, shows, souvenirs, etc. of the attraction. Thus, in order to provide a more immersive experience, park visitors may wish to interact with these animated characters.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments within the scope of the present invention as initially claimed are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure can encompass various forms that can be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. Furthermore, one or more processors are configured to adapt virtual features based on the NFTs to integrate with a displayed avatar. The system also includes a display configured to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

[0006] In one embodiment, a customizable avatar system for an amusement park attraction includes one or more processors configured to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. Furthermore, one or more processors are configured to adapt virtual features based on the NFTs to integrate with a displayed avatar. Furthermore, one or more processors are configured to instruct a display to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for operating a display system for one or more amusement park attractions includes using one or more processors to identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction. The method further includes using one or more processors to adapt virtual features based on the NFTs to integrate with a displayed avatar. The method further includes using a display to show the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be further understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an amusement park attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, that shows a customizable avatar associated with a non-fungible token (NFT). [Figure 2] This is an example of a user device that displays a customizable avatar, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a customizable avatar workflow according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4] An example of a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display screen of a user device for use with a customizable avatar system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating and displaying a customizable avatar associated with an NFT, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating and displaying a customizable avatar associated with an NFT, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for displaying an NFT based on viewing permission, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is an example of a marketplace GUI for trading NFTs, according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments are described herein. As with any technical or design project, it should be understood that in developing any such actual implementation, a number of implementation-specific decisions will need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, which may differ from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms "equip," "include," and "have" are comprehensive and indicate that additional elements beyond those described may exist. One or more specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments are described herein. It should be noted that, as with any technical or design project, the development of any such actual implementation requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may differ from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be noted that while such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0012] Amusement parks can provide viewable media as part of an immersive environment for visitors (e.g., users, viewers, or spectators). Viewable media may include virtual features presented using display systems (e.g., display devices, projectors, holograms, head-up displays, or head-mounted displays). For example, virtual features may include animated characters that move and act in a pre-configured or controllable manner. However, viewable media may be unappealing to visitors who have limited personal investment in virtual features.

[0013] Accordingly, this embodiment relates to a system and method for utilizing digital objects or tokens, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), to enhance the user experience in immersive environments. An NFT can mean a unit of data that can be stored on a distributed ledger (e.g., a blockchain). In one embodiment, the data unit can be linked to or associated with digital assets such as image or video data, text data, model data, or audio data, and these digital assets can be stored off-chain. Because NFTs are unique and / or non-fungible, their unique identity and ownership can be verified (e.g., confirmed). This can give NFTs a sense of ownership similar to that of physical objects (e.g., physical photographs or collectible toys), but unlike physical objects, NFTs cannot be lost, damaged, and / or are cumbersome to carry around. In fact, one or more NFTs (e.g., any number of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or more, or 100 or more) can be stored on a distributed ledger and accessed from a user's digital wallet. Furthermore, NFTs may have other advantages (compared to physical objects, for example), such as being easily transferable to other users (for example, via digital marketplaces; without meeting in person).

[0014] In embodiments, the system and method create virtual features based on an NFT (e.g., converting an NFT or its associated information into a virtual feature) to enhance the user experience in a viewable environment. For example, an NFT may include various digital artworks and / or digital collectible items, such as images (e.g., NFT images) or software-generated models of accessories (e.g., hats, cloaks, jewels, toys, wands, tools, trails, or clouds) that can be used in an immersive environment such as an amusement park. A control system (e.g., a central control system, a computing system) can detect that a user possesses an NFT containing an image of an accessory. The control system then creates or retrieves virtual features of the NFT (e.g., derivatives, NFT-based features, modified or altered versions). The virtual features may be images (e.g., 3D images), models, meshes, sounds, actions, abilities, visual filters, or other appropriate adaptations to a part of the viewable environment (e.g., animated characters). The virtual features and the NFT may share one or more elements (e.g., both being hats). However, virtual features and NFTs may also differ in terms of one or more elements, such as color (for example, one being blue and the other white).

[0015] Animated characters displayed in a viewable environment may appear to adapt to or interact with (e.g., wear, carry, assume) virtual features. For example, if a user owns an NFT of a hat, the control system can generate the hat based on the NFT, and the animated character can wear the hat. In some embodiments, the animated character may be an avatar. The avatar may be a displayed character that can be associated with an immersive environment and / or a user, as provided herein. That is, the animated character may include metadata (e.g., identification number, username) that identifies the animated character as an avatar associated with (e.g., belongs to, represents) an immersive environment and / or a user. In this way, a user can collect NFTs and see an avatar customized with virtual features displayed in a viewable environment. Because the virtual features are generated based on the NFTs, the user can feel a sense of ownership of the avatar based on the exclusivity or uniqueness of the virtual features.

[0016] For example, an avatar can be a well-known character within an immersive environment (such as a video game character). If this character is customized with virtual features provided by a specific user (for example, a baseball cap of the user's favorite team), the user will feel a greater sense of familiarity with both the character and the immersive environment. In another example, the avatar could represent the user and be customized using NFTs related to the immersive environment experience. For instance, the avatar could wear a pin that says "I rode the loop coaster!", generated based on NFTs collected by the user after the ride. In short, personalizing the avatar with virtual features allows the user to experience the entertainment of owning NFTs.

[0017] Furthermore, entertainment based on virtual features can incentivize users to participate in activities that enable them to purchase, trade, earn, or otherwise acquire NFTs. For example, users can acquire NFTs from experiences outside of amusement parks, such as video games or reward programs. Ownership of items in video games or reward programs may correspond to ownership of the respective NFTs on a distributed ledger. In this way, users can hold collections of NFTs and bring them into the amusement park (for example, by importing them) and integrate them with their experience at the amusement park.

[0018] The scarcity of NFTs could create a market where users buy, sell, trade, or gift NFTs. Therefore, amusement parks may be equipped with kiosk terminals (trading posts, terminals, etc.) to facilitate transactions within the park. For example, a kiosk could include a computer connected to a distributed ledger and a display showing a GUI. A first user (e.g., a seller, a first trader) can submit a first NFT or a first virtual feature associated with the first NFT to the kiosk for sale or trade. The kiosk can display the first virtual feature (e.g., an avatar wearing the virtual feature) and show its availability, price, description, and / or associated metadata. A second user (e.g., a buyer, a second trader) can view the first virtual feature presented on the kiosk terminal and bid to acquire the first NFT. The bid may be an exchange of the first NFT for a second NFT owned by the second user, or the bid may be in monetary value (e.g., $1, 2 Bitcoins, 3 Candidable Tokens). If the first and second users agree to the transaction, the kiosk can facilitate (e.g., mediate) the transaction. That is, the computer can transfer ownership of the first NFT and / or the second NFT between the first and second users.

[0019] In some embodiments, animated characters and virtual features can be provided for public display on one or more public display devices. For example, animated characters can be displayed or projected onto display screens visible to visitors. Alternatively or additionally, animated characters and virtual features may be provided for private display on one or more private display devices. For example, the viewable environment can be displayed on one or more personal display devices (e.g., mobile devices, head-mounted displays, etc.) of one or more users. Public or private display of virtual features can be based on permissions associated with the NFT. For example, the NFT may include permissions to allow public display and / or private display. Users can set these permissions to enable or disable specific display modes.

[0020] With the above in mind, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing how a customizable avatar system 10 utilizing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) 12 is viewed within an amusement park attraction 14. As shown in the figure, the amusement park attraction 14 is a public display attraction configured to display images to a user audience using a display system 11. However, it should be understood that the customizable avatar system 10 can be implemented additionally or alternatively in any type of amusement park attraction, such as ride attractions, walk-through attractions, conveyor attractions (e.g., those with conveyors carrying one or more users), motion simulator attractions (e.g., those with stationary vehicles carrying one or more users), recreational environments, restaurants, hotels, etc.

[0021] The customizable avatar system 10 includes a control system 16 that includes a processor 18, a memory device 20, and a communication device 22. The customizable avatar system 10 also includes one or more databases 24 for storing data and one or more display devices 26 of a display system 11 for displaying images (e.g., animated characters). The one or more display devices 26 may be part of a stage 28 that provides a physical or aesthetic context for the displayed image or may be coupled to the stage 28. As shown, the display device 26 is a display screen (e.g., a projector screen, an LCD display, etc.), but it should be understood that the display device 26 may additionally or alternatively include any type of display system such as a holographic projector, a Pepper's Ghost display system, a volumetric display, a stereoscopic display, etc. For example, the stage 28 may be a runway for an animated character displayed on the display device 26. The control system 16 may include one or more databases 24 or may be communicatively coupled to one or more databases 24, and the control system 16 may be communicatively coupled to one or more display devices 26. The customizable avatar system 10 can also include one or more lights 30 for providing lighting effects and / or one or more speakers 32 for providing sound effects. Additional or other special effects (e.g., tactile effects, special effect materials) are also contemplated. The control system 16 may be communicatively coupled to one or more lights 30 and / or one or more speakers 32. In another embodiment, the customizable avatar system 10 may include or be communicatively coupled to one or more private display devices (e.g., mobile devices, head-up displays, head-mounted displays) configured to display images for one or more authorized users.

[0022] At least some of one or more users may own one or more NFTs 12 that are stored in a distributed ledger 34 (e.g., a blockchain) and accessible through the respective digital wallets of one or more users. In one embodiment, an application (e.g., a software application) on each user device 36 (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, watch, toy, wand, and / or band) may include the respective digital wallets of one or more users. Then, if a particular user device 36 is located in an amusement park attraction 14, the control system 16 may communicate with the particular user device 36 (e.g., via a network such as a wireless network) to access its respective digital wallet and identify that the user associated with the particular user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12 in its respective digital wallet. Identification of the NFTs 12 may allow the control system 16 to directly access NFT-related data. This data may be stored in the user's user device 36 and / or in one or more accessible databases 24.

[0023] In one embodiment, a particular user device 36 may store the address of each digital wallet (e.g., within an RFID tag), and then the control system 16 may access each digital wallet and receive and utilize the address to identify that the user associated with the particular user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12 within each digital wallet. In one embodiment, one or more sensors 38 may collect sensor data and provide the sensor data to the control system 16. Next, the control system 16 may process the sensor data to identify each user profile (e.g., user account) associated with one or more users. Each user profile may include each park visit history, transaction history, achievements and scores, the address of the digital wallet, etc. Next, the control system 16 may utilize the address for the digital wallet to access each digital wallet and identify that the user owns one or more NFTs 12 within each digital wallet. In such a case, the one or more sensors 38 may be a camera, a face recognition camera, a motion characteristic sensor, an identity sensor, etc. The one or more sensors 38 may detect one or more specific characteristics of the user, such as body temperature, walking, posture, facial structure, skeletal structure, speech, etc. The one or more sensors 38 may capture an image of the user, and this image is displayed for visualization by the user. Also, the one or more sensors 38 may be installed at various locations within the amusement park attraction 14.

[0024] Regardless of the technology used to identify that one or more users own one or more NFTs, the customizable avatar system 10 can use one or more NFTs 12 to provide entertainment to one or more users while they are inside the amusement park attraction 14. In some embodiments, the customizable avatar system 10 may not be configured to directly display the NFTs 12. For example, the NFTs may be in a format unsuitable for integration with the customizable avatar system 10 or its elements (e.g., animated characters 42). Instead, the control system 16 can instruct the display device 26 to display one or more virtual features 40 associated with one or more NFTs 12. For example, an NFT 12 associated with a user (e.g., in the user's digital wallet) may include or reference NFT-related data (e.g., image or video data, text data, model data, audio data, etc.) associated with a digital item (e.g., accessory), feature (e.g., color), action (e.g., cart wheel), or other feature. Next, the control system 16 can generate virtual features 40 based on the NFT 12 (for example, based on NFT-related data). For example, the virtual features 40 may be an adaptation (e.g., a derivative) of the NFT 12 for display by the customizable avatar system 10. In this way, the NFT 12 or the concept behind the NFT 12 becomes viewable via the display screen 26 as a virtual feature 40. For this reason, the virtual features 40 may be an image, model, mesh, sound, action, visual filter, or any other suitable adaptation of the NFT 12 displayed via the customizable avatar system 10. In some embodiments, the virtual features 40 are pre-generated and stored in a database 24 in association with the NFT 12, and the control system 16 can retrieve the virtual features 40 from the database 24 for display.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more virtual features 40 may be integrated with one or more animated characters 42 (e.g., avatars), and the display system 11 may display each of the animated characters 42 that appear to represent (e.g., wear, hold, interact with, or perform) one or more virtual features 40. The animated characters 42 may be avatars associated with each user, or different characters, and each avatar may represent one or more virtual features 40 associated with one or more NFTs 12 owned by each user of the avatar. For example, the virtual features 40 may be meshes generated based on the NFTs 12 and adapted to visually integrate (e.g., scale) with the animated characters 42 that act as avatars associated with the owner of the NFTs 12. The meshes may be 3D objects, images, or models that are dynamically incorporated into the animated characters 42. In one embodiment, the animated characters 42 may have certain available virtual features 40, such as a hat or a shirt. When NFT12 is used to customize the animated character 42, the image associated with NFT12 is used to generate virtual features 40. The virtual features 40 may have rule-based scaling and positioning for the animated character such that the image in NFT12 is appropriately scaled to fit the shirt or hat. Thus, the image in NFT12 does not necessarily need to be pre-rendered as part of the animation of the animated character 42. However, by using a customizable avatar system 10, the image can be accessed by the control system 16 for integration with the display of the animated character 42. If the animated character 42 is not customized, its default animation may show a blank shirt or a blank hat (or no hat).

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, a first user 44 has a digital wallet containing an NFT 12 of a hat 46. Based on sensor data collected by one or more sensors 38, a control system 16 can identify the user profile of the first user 44 and access the digital wallet via the digital wallet address provided by the user profile. The control system 16 can then generate or retrieve a first virtual feature 40 associated with the NFT 12 of the hat 46. In some embodiments, the first virtual feature 40 may be generated or retrieved in response to a request received from the first user 44's user device 36 to display the first virtual feature 40. The control system 16 can adapt the first virtual feature 40 to integrate with a first animated character 42 associated with the first user 44. For example, the first virtual feature 40 may be a 3D model (e.g., a mesh) of the hat 46 adapted to be worn by the first animated character 42. In addition to the first virtual feature 40, additional virtual features based on additional NFTs related to the first user 44, such as a wand, can be adapted for integration with the first animated character 42. Similarly, the second animated character 42 can be associated with the second user, and the display system 11 can display virtual features 40 associated with the second user's NFTs, such as a sweater or a squash racket, which have been adapted for integration with the second animated character. As shown, the virtual features 40 may include, for example, a voice feature that causes the second animated character to sing a song.

[0027] The amusement park may include one or more kiosks 48 distributed throughout a geographical area where users can buy, sell, and / or trade NFTs. Each kiosk 48 may include a kiosk display 50 configured to display a GUI for users to view available NFTs and offer their own NFTs. Furthermore, the kiosk 48 may execute NFT transactions by writing to a distributed ledger 34. A control system 16 or other controller may communicate with the kiosks 48 via a network such as a wireless network to facilitate the operation of the NFT marketplace within the amusement park.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a customizable avatar system 10 that provides a private viewing experience using a private display device 70. For example, a user device 36 can function as a private display device 70 that displays an animated character 42 and virtual features 40 associated with an NFT 12 owned by the user of the user device 36. The private display device 70 can provide an augmented reality (AR) experience by overlaying a virtual image of the animated character 42 onto a camera view 72 of the real-world environment 74. Alternatively, the private display device 70 may include wearable displays such as augmented reality (AR) headsets, virtual reality (VR) headsets, transparent displays, or electronic glasses.

[0029] To enhance the AR experience, the animated character 42 can be virtually mapped to a geographical location in the real-world environment 74. For example, the animated character 42 can be associated with a specific orientation and a specific geographical location determined by a control system 16 or a central control unit. The control system 16 can determine the position and / or orientation of the private display device 70 (e.g., via GPS) and cooperate to display the animated character 42 in accordance with the virtual mapping. Thus, when displayed via the private display device 70, the animated character 42 may appear to be located in a specific orientation at a specific geographical location. The specific orientation and geographical location can be updated as the animated character 42 "moves".

[0030] In a private viewing experience, the animated character 42 and virtual features 40 can be made viewable by users of a private display device, in addition to or instead of being publicly displayed as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, a user's avatar may be viewable by other users via a private display device. For example, another user can view the animated character 42 at its associated geographical location. Furthermore, a user can view other animated characters 42 sporting virtual features 40 belonging to other users. In some embodiments, viewing permissions for the animated character 42 can be restricted to exclude or include specific users or groups of users. For example, the NFT 12 (based on NFT-related data such as smart contracts or metadata, for example) may include permissions to allow viewing by selected users associated with the user (e.g., friends), and the user can adjust these permissions to control who can view the animated character 42.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a user experience in which a user can collect, view, and trade NFTs 12. The user experience may include an at-home experience 90 (e.g., an experience outside the amusement park, an auxiliary environment) such as a video game or rewards program in which the user can acquire NFTs 12. For example, ownership of items in a video game or rewards program may correspond to ownership of each NFT 12 in the distributed ledger 34 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, the at-home experience may include customizing one or more avatars with items or acquired NFTs 12. In this way, the user can maintain a collection of NFTs 12 and / or avatars that can be brought into the amusement park (e.g., imported) and integrated with in-park experiences 92 (e.g., amusement park attractions 14, applications on the user device 36).

[0032] In some embodiments, items and / or avatars from the at-home experience 90 can be imported into the amusement park experience 92 as virtual feature elements 40 or as NFTs 12. For example, items from the at-home experience 90 may be 3D models integrated with avatars from the at-home experience 90. The control system 16 can then import the items, avatars, or both for display in the amusement park experience 92. In this way, the virtual features 40 can directly correspond to items from the at-home experience 90.

[0033] The user experience may further include a transaction mode 94 which may be part of the at-home experience 90 and / or the in-park experience 92. In the transaction mode 94, a user can buy, sell, or trade NFTs 12 with other users via a user device 36 or via a kiosk 48, as shown in the figure.

[0034] As described herein, each user can associate with one or more avatars (e.g., animated characters 42). In one embodiment, a user can create one or more avatars by providing input through an application (e.g., a software application) on a user device 36. With the above in mind, Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an avatar creation graphical user interface (GUI) 100 that may be presented on a display screen, such as the display screen of the user device 36. As shown, the avatar creation GUI 100 includes a library of available elements 102 (e.g., head, torso, torso parts, clothing, accessories, color, texture, characters, numbers; style guide) that can be used to create one or more avatars. At least some of the elements 102 may correspond to NFTs 12. In particular, a user can open an application to access the library of available elements 102, and the user can select from the library of available elements 102 to form a specific avatar. For example, a user may select a pink body, short blue hair, green eyes, and a blue dress to form an avatar. In one embodiment, the user can select objects (e.g., head, body, clothing) from a library of available elements 102, and separately select the respective colors for each object using a color palette or wheel. The avatar creation GUI 100 may include a library of available elements 102, including a color palette or wheel. Furthermore, the avatar creation GUI 100 may include a representation of the avatar, which can be updated in real time (e.g., substantially real time; following each selection of elements / objects / colors by the user) so that the user can visualize the avatar as they build it in the application. In some embodiments, the avatar may be intended and / or designed to represent a user (e.g., each avatar represents a corresponding user / creator). The objects, colors, and representation of the avatar may correspond to the respective NFTs 12 associated with the user. Once created, the avatar can be created as an NFT.Thus, avatars are composed of NFT12 and can themselves be created as NFTs.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method 120 for using NFTs within an amusement park attraction 14, according to one aspect of the present disclosure and with reference to the feature elements described in Figures 1-4. Method 120 includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that Method 120 can be performed as an automated procedure by a control system, such as the control system 16 in Figure 1. While the flowchart shows steps in a specific order, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any appropriate order, and that certain steps may be performed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, certain steps or parts of Method 120 may be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0036] In block 122, the control system 16 can identify an NFT 12 owned by a user of an amusement park attraction. The NFT 12 may be stored on a distributed ledger 34 (e.g., a blockchain) and accessible via the user's digital wallet. For example, an application (e.g., a software application) on a user device 36 (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, watch, toy, wand, and / or band) associated with the user may include the user's digital wallet. In one embodiment, when a user device is brought into an amusement park attraction, the control system can communicate with the user device (e.g., via a network such as a wireless network) to access the digital wallet and identify that the user associated with the user device owns the NFT 12. The control system can utilize various other techniques to identify an NFT 12 owned by a user of an amusement park attraction. For example, in some cases, the user may present a code (e.g., a QR code, barcode, or alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., an imaging device or camera) at a kiosk 48 so that the system can retrieve the user's digital wallet.

[0037] NFT12 may link to or include data related to features displayed or presented by the display system 11. Such data may include image data, video data, audio data, text data, 3D model data, code, etc. NFT12 may also include configurable permissions to enable public and / or private display of NFT12. That is, the user may choose to grant NFT12 a public permission that enables the control system 16 to provide NFT12 to one or more public display devices. The user may also choose to grant NFT12 a private permission that enables the control system 16 to provide NFT12 to one or more private display devices 70.

[0038] In some embodiments, the control system 16 can identify NFTs 12 registered with the amusement park attraction 14 as having corresponding virtual features. That is, a user's digital wallet may include several NFTs compatible with the amusement park attraction 14 and other NFTs that are not compatible. For example, the control system 16 can identify NFTs in the digital wallet that are included in a list or database of compatible NFTs. In this way, each identified NFT may have corresponding virtual features 40.

[0039] In block 124, the control system 16 can generate virtual features 40 based on the NFT 12. The virtual features 40 may be a 3D model or mesh of an object (e.g., an accessory), a programmed action (e.g., a cart wheel), a programmed attribute (e.g., color), audio (e.g., speech, sound effects, music), a visual filter (e.g., distortion), or other suitable features that can be integrated with an animated character 42 and presented via a customizable avatar system 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, the virtual features 40 can be pre-generated and stored in the database 24 along with metadata that associates the virtual features 40 with the NFT 12. That is, the control system 16 does not need to generate the virtual features 40. Instead, the control system 16 can refer to the database 24 and select the virtual features 40 associated with the NFT 12.

[0041] In block 126, the control system 16 can adapt the virtual features 40 for integration with an animated character 42, such as a user avatar. The virtual features 40 can be formatted to be compatible with integration with the animated character 42. For example, the virtual features 40 can be a mesh that is dynamically incorporated into the model of the animated character 42. In this way, the virtual features 40 can become part of the animated character 42.

[0042] In block 128, the control system 16 can instruct one or more display devices 26 to display an animated character 42 having virtual features 40. The one or more display devices 26 may include a public display device as shown in Figure 1 and / or a private display device 70 as shown in Figure 2. The NFT 12 or avatar may include viewing permissions to regulate which display device 26 is instructed to display the virtual features 40. For example, viewing permissions may allow other users associated with or near the user (e.g., friends) to view the animated character 42 having virtual features 40 via the user's private display device 70.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method 140 for using NFTs within an amusement park attraction 14, with reference to the feature elements described in Figures 1-4, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Method 140 includes the steps of generating, selecting, and displaying a plurality of virtual features 40 based on a plurality of NFTs associated with a user. Note that Method 140 may be performed as an automated procedure by a control system, such as the control system 16 in Figure 1. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a fixed order, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order, and that certain steps may be performed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, certain steps or parts of Method 140 may be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0044] In block 142, the control system 16 can identify one or more NFTs 12 owned by users of the amusement park attraction. As described above, the NFTs 12 may be stored in the distributed ledger 34 and accessible via the user's digital wallet. The control system 16 can access the digital wallet and identify that a user associated with the user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12. For example, a user may present a code (e.g., a QR code, barcode, or alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., an imaging device or camera) in the kiosk 48 so that the system can retrieve the user's digital wallet. In block 144, the control system 16 can generate or retrieve a virtual feature 40 for each of the one or more NFTs 12.

[0045] In block 146, the control system 16 can store virtual features 40 in an inventory associated with the user (e.g., a library, collection, or database). The user can access the inventory via an application on the user device 36, such as an avatar creation GUI 100, and view the virtual features 40 or their corresponding NFTs 12. Furthermore, the application can allow the user to select one or more virtual features 40 for display by the display system 11.

[0046] In block 148, the control system 16 can receive a selection of a subset of virtual features 40 for integration with the animated character 42. For example, a user can provide user input to the avatar creation GUI 100 to select a subset of virtual features 40 that they wish to be displayed by the display system 11. In some embodiments, the application's selection may be made to prevent certain virtual features 40 from being selected together with other virtual features 40. For example, if a selected subset of virtual features 40 includes a first virtual feature (e.g., a cowboy hat) that is mutually exclusive with a second virtual feature (e.g., a space helmet), the application may disable or reject the selection of the subset of virtual features 40.

[0047] In block 150, the control system 16 can adapt a subset of virtual features 40 for integration with an animated character 42 or avatar. For example, each virtual feature of the subset of virtual features 40 can be formatted to suit integration with the animated character 42. In this way, the animated character 42 can simultaneously display a subset of virtual features 40. In block 152, the control system 16 can instruct one or more display devices 26 to display the animated character 42 having a subset of virtual features 40.

[0048] Figure 7 is a flowchart of Method 170 for displaying an animated character 42 based on viewing permission for NFT 12 and referencing the features discussed in Figures 1-4. Note that Method 170 can be performed as an automated procedure by a control system such as the control system 16 in Figure 1. Although the flowchart illustrates the steps in a fixed order, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any appropriate order, and that certain steps may be performed simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, certain steps or parts of Method 170 may be performed by separate systems or devices.

[0049] In block 172, the control system 16 can access one or more NFTs 12 associated with a user. As described above, the NFTs 12 may be stored in the distributed ledger 34 and accessible via the user's digital wallet. The control system 16 can access the digital wallet and identify that a user associated with the user device 36 owns one or more NFTs 12. For example, a user may present a code (e.g., a QR code, barcode, or alphanumeric code) to a scanner (e.g., an imaging device or camera) in the kiosk 48 so that the system can retrieve the user's digital wallet.

[0050] Each NFT12 may include viewing permission. For example, an NFT12 may include metadata indicating whether it is for public display or for private display (e.g., via a private display device 70). Thus, viewing permission may include public permission, private permission, or both. In blocks 174 and 176, the control system 16 can identify one or more NFT12 having public permission and one or more NFT12 having private permission. In block 178, the control system 16 may provide one or more NFT12 having public permission to a public display device. Similarly, in block 180, the control system 16 may provide one or more NFT12 having private permission to a private display device. In some embodiments, one or more NFT12 having public permission may be provided to other private display devices. In this way, if one or more NFT12 includes public permission, other users can view one or more NFT12 through a private display device.

[0051] In some embodiments, a user can change viewing permissions to change who can see their avatar or NFT12. For example, a user can toggle public permissions on and off. Furthermore, a user can change private permissions to extend or restrict the visibility of their NFT12 to individual users (e.g., "Mom") or user categories (e.g., friends).

[0052] Figure 8 shows an example of a marketplace GUI 200 that may be presented on a kiosk 48 or on an application on a user device 36. The marketplace GUI 200 includes functions that allow users to trade and buy / sell NFTs 12 with each other. These functions may be distributed across pages 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 of the marketplace GUI 200.

[0053] Page 202 is a menu containing optional options for the user to trade, buy, sell, or access a digital wallet. The Marketplace GUI 200 can redirect the user to another page after receiving their selection from these options. For example, if the user selects the trading option, the Marketplace GUI 200 can redirect them to page 204.

[0054] Page 204 displays NFTs that can be obtained through trading. Users can view available NFTs and submit one or more of their own NFTs as an offer for one or more of the available NFTs. Available NFTs may also be those posted on kiosk 48 by other users. For example, kiosk 48 may receive a submission of a first NFT to be traded from a first user and display the first NFT on page 204 to solicit trade offers. Subsequently, kiosk 48 may receive a trade offer from a second user, who offers to trade a second NFT in exchange for the first NFT. Kiosk 48, control system 16, or server may send a notification of the trade offer to the first user (for example, via an application on the first user's user device 36), allowing the first user to optionally accept or reject the trade offer. If the first user accepts the trade offer, the marketplace GUI 200 may direct the user to page 206 to indicate acceptance.

[0055] Marketplace GUI200 also includes pages 208 and 210 where users can buy and sell NFTs. NFTs can be purchased from other users or from dedicated sellers. In some embodiments, NFTs are sold by auction, and users can bid on NFTs.

[0056] It should be understood that any feature illustrated or described with reference to Figures 1-8 can be combined in any appropriate manner. While this specification has illustrated and described only specific features of the present disclosure, many modifications and changes will be conceivable to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to protect all such modifications and changes that fall within the true technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0057] The methods presented and described in the claims herein are referenced to and applied to substantial purposes and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improves the art of the invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or truly theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for performing a function" or "steps for performing a function," such elements shall be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. However, with respect to any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act.

Claims

1. A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions, One or more processors, Identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the aforementioned amusement park attraction, The virtual features are adapted based on the NFT to integrate with the displayed avatar. One or more processors configured as such, A display configured to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features, A customizable avatar system equipped with [features / features].

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to identify the NFT associated with the user via communication with a user device carried by the user within the amusement park attraction.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the NFT includes NFT-related data, the NFT-related data includes permission to enable public display, and the one or more processors are configured to cause the avatar to be displayed on the public display.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the NFT includes NFT-related data, the NFT-related data includes permission to access a private display, and the one or more processors are configured to cause the avatar to be displayed on the private display.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are configured to access the user's digital wallet and identify the NFT.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual feature is a digital item, and the display is configured to show the avatar holding, wearing, or interacting with the digital item.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the NFT relates to the ownership of a digital item in an experience outside of the amusement park attraction.

8. The one or more processors described above are: The user selection of the virtual features to be integrated with the avatar is received, In response to the user selection, the virtual features are adapted to integrate with the avatar. The system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of private displays, and each of the plurality of private displays is configured to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display is an augmented reality (AR) display.

11. A customizable avatar system for amusement park attractions, Equipped with one or more processors, The one or more processors described above Identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the aforementioned amusement park attraction, In order to integrate with the displayed avatar, virtual features are adapted based on the NFT, The system instructs the display to display the avatar integrated with the virtual features. A system configured in such a way.

12. A method for operating a display system for one or more amusement park attractions, Using one or more processors, identify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) associated with users within the amusement park attraction, Using the one or more processors described above, the virtual features based on the NFT are adapted to be integrated with the displayed avatar. Using a display, the avatar integrated with the virtual features is shown, Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising identifying the NFT associated with a user via communication with a user device carried by the user in one or more amusement park attractions.

14. The aforementioned NFT includes NFT-related data, and the aforementioned NFT-related data includes permission to publicly display, The method according to claim 12, wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on the public display.

15. The NFT includes NFT-related data, and the NFT-related data includes permission to enable private display. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method includes displaying the avatar on the private display.

16. The method according to claim 12, comprising displaying that the avatar holds, wears, or interacts with virtual features.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the NFT is associated with ownership of a digital item in the auxiliary environment of the one or more amusement park attractions, and the method comprises importing the digital item from the auxiliary environment using one or more processors.

18. Receiving the user selection of the virtual features to be integrated with the avatar, In response to the user selection, the virtual features are adapted for integration with the avatar, The method according to claim 12, including the method described in claim 12.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein the display is an augmented reality (AR) display.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein the display is a holographic display or a Pepper's Ghost system.

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