Interactive Anime Character Headset and Method

Abstract

To provide more creative animated character head systems and methods to provide an interactive and personalized experience for a guest.SOLUTION: An interactive system includes one or more processors that are configured to receive a first signal indicative of an activity of a user within an environment and to receive a second signal indicative of the user approaching an animated character head. The one or more processors are also configured to provide information related to the activity of the user to a base station control system associated with the animated character head in response to receipt of the second signal to enable a personalized interaction between the animated character head and the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods used to provide an amusement park experience.

Background Art

[0002] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues include, among many other attractions, animated characters that interact with visitors. For example, an animated character may walk around the amusement park, provide entertainment, and talk to visitors. Certain animated characters may include performers wearing costumes with animated character heads that cover the performer's face. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of attractions, and the accompanying heightened expectations among visitors, more creative animated character head systems and methods are needed to provide visitors with interactive and personalized experiences.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Specific 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; rather, these embodiments are only intended to provide an overview of the specific embodiments disclosed. Indeed, the present disclosure can encompass various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0004] In one embodiment, the interactive system includes one or more processors configured to receive a first signal indicative of the user's activity in the environment and to receive a second signal indicative of the user approaching the anime character head. The one or more processors are also configured to provide information related to the user's activity to a base station control system associated with the anime character head in response to receiving the second signal, to effect a personalized dialogue between the anime character head and the user.

[0005] In one embodiment, the interactive system includes one or more identification devices configured to detect an identifier supported by the user's wearable device. The interactive system also includes one or more processors configured to monitor the user's activity in the environment based on individual signals received from the one or more identification devices. The one or more processors are further configured to output individual signals to the anime character head based on the user's activity, thereby causing the anime character head to present animations relevant to the user's activity and to effect a personalized dialogue between the anime character head and the user.

[0006] In one embodiment, the method includes, in one or more processors, receiving a signal indicative of the user approaching the anime character head. The method also includes accessing, using the one or more processors, information related to the user's previous activity. The method further includes, using the one or more processors, in response to receiving the signal, providing information related to the user's previous activity to a base station control system associated with the anime character head to effect a personalized dialogue between the anime character head and the user.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters represent like elements throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of actual implementations will be described herein. As with any technical or design project, in developing any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the particular goals of the developer, which may vary from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system- and business-related constraints. It should be understood that such development efforts are complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art having the advantages of the present disclosure, it should be understood that they are routine tasks in design, fabrication, and manufacturing without experimentation.

[0010] An amusement park features a variety of entertainments, such as amusement park rides, games, performance shows, and anime characters. However, many forms of entertainment do not change based on the previous activities (e.g., experiences and / or actions) of the visitors. For example, an anime character may greet each visitor in a similar way. Some visitors may prefer a unique or customized interaction with the anime character that is different for each visitor, different for each interaction, and / or indicates the recognition of the visitor's previous activities. Therefore, the present embodiment relates to an interactive system that monitors the activities of visitors in the amusement park and provides an output that controls or influences the interaction of the anime character with the visitors based at least in part on the previous activities of the visitors.

[0011] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an interactive system that uses an identification system, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, to monitor the activities of visitors in the amusement park. In one embodiment, a visitor can wear or carry a device that supports an identifier, such as an RFID tag. When the visitor brings the device within the range of a reader (e.g., an RFID transceiver) located within the amusement park, the reader detects the identifier and provides a signal to a computing system, enabling the computing system to monitor and record (e.g., in a database) the activities of the visitor in the amusement park. For example, the reader can be positioned at the exit of a ride (e.g., a roller coaster or other similar attraction), and the reader can detect the identifier within the device when the visitor exits the ride. The reader can provide a signal to the computing system indicating that the device has been detected near the exit of the ride, and then the computing can determine based on the signal that the visitor has completed the ride. Next, the computing system can store information (e.g., that the visitor has completed the ride) in the database.

[0012] After that, visitors may visit an anime character that may be located in another part of the amusement park. In one embodiment, the anime character includes an anime character head worn by a performer. An additional reader (e.g., an RFID transceiver) positioned proximate to the anime character (e.g., coupled to the anime character, carried by the performer, coupled to the base station control system, or coupled to a stationary structure or feature within the amusement park) can detect an identifier within the device when the visitor approaches the anime character. The additional reader provides a signal indicating that a device has been detected near the anime character to a computing system, which can determine based on that signal that the visitor is approaching the anime character. The computing system can then access information stored in a database and can also provide an output that controls or affects the interaction of the anime character with the visitor based on that information. For example, the computing system can communicate with a base station control system, which can be a tablet or other computing device (e.g., a mobile phone) operated by an operator who moves with and / or provides support to the performer wearing the anime character head. In some such cases, the computing system can provide an output to the base station control system that causes information (e.g., the visitor's score in a game, the rides the visitor has completed) to be displayed on the display screen of the base station control system and / or a recommended interaction (e.g., congratulating the visitor on winning a game). The operator can then select an appropriate expression and / or gesture for the anime character, such as by providing an input to the base station control system that causes the anime character to speak the appropriate expression and / or execute the gesture (e.g., selection on a touch screen).In one embodiment, the operator can propose appropriate expressions and / or gestures of the anime character to the performer wearing the anime character head, for example, by talking to the performer (e.g., via a two-way wireless communication system).

[0013] Each visitor may have different experiences and / or perform different actions in the amusement park. For example, one visitor can experience rides, play games to earn virtual points, and have meals at a restaurant, while another visitor can experience different rides, play games to earn a different number of virtual points, and have meals at a different restaurant. The disclosed interactive system can enable the anime character to conduct a unique personal conversation with each visitor by talking or gesturing based on the specific activities of each visitor. For the sake of facilitating the discussion, the user of the interactive system is described as a visitor in the amusement park, and the interactive system is described as being implemented in the amusement park. However, it should be understood that the interactive system can also be implemented in other environments. Furthermore, although the disclosed embodiments refer to the anime character head worn by the performer, it should be understood that the interactive system can, additionally or alternatively, involve and affect the operation of other components such as objects (e.g., capes, hats, glasses, armor, swords, buttons) held, worn, or carried by the performer.

[0014] With the above in mind, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive system 10 that can be used in an environment such as an amusement park. As shown in FIG. 1, the interactive system 10 includes an identification system 12 (e.g., an RFID system) and an anime character system 14. In one embodiment, the identification system 12 includes a computing system 16 (e.g., a cloud-based computing system), one or more databases 18, and one or more readers 20 (e.g., RFID readers or transceivers) configured to read an identifier 22 (e.g., an RFID tag) that can be worn or carried by a user 26 (e.g., a wearable device such as a bracelet, necklace, charm, pin, or toy wearable device or portable device). As will be described in more detail below, the identification system 12 can monitor the activities of the user 26 as the user 26 moves through the amusement park, and the identification system 12 provides an output indicating the user 26's previous activities to the anime character system 14, thereby facilitating a unique personalized interactive experience for the user 26.

[0015] In one embodiment, the anime character system 14 includes an anime character head 30 that can be worn by a performer and is configured to produce sound (e.g., speak an expression) and / or perform various gestures (e.g., blink, move the jaw, shape the lips). The anime character system 14 can also include a base station control system 32 (e.g., a remote control system), which can be operated by an operator who moves with and / or provides support to the performer wearing the anime character head 30. In one embodiment, the anime character head 30 and the base station control system 32 are communicatively coupled, and input by the operator at the base station control system 32 causes the anime character head 30 to produce a specific sound or perform a specific gesture.

[0016] More specifically, in one embodiment, the anime character head 30 can include a controller 34 (e.g., an electronic controller) having one or more processors 36 and one or more memory devices 38. In one embodiment, the memory 36 can be configured to store instructions, data, and / or information such as a library of animations for the anime character head 30 (e.g., a database of available animations including sounds and / or gestures and corresponding control instructions for performing the animations). In one embodiment, the processor 36 is configured to receive an input (e.g., a signal from the base station control system 32), identify an appropriate animation from the library of animations (e.g., a selected animation) based on the received input, and / or provide one or more appropriate control signals to the display 42, speaker 44, actuator 46, and / or light source 48 based on the received input and / or according to the selected animation. In this way, the anime character head 30 can enable an operator to control the speech and / or gestures of the anime character head 30. The library of animations can include individual sounds or small sound clips (e.g., words, beeps, buzzes), individual gestures (e.g., smiles, frowns, blinks), and / or combinations of multiple sounds and gestures (e.g., greetings including multiple words combined with a motion profile including a smile and eye movement). For example, the base station control system 32 can present a selection menu of available animations for the operator to the anime character head 30, and the operator can provide an input at the base station control system 32 to select a smile and then select a specific greeting. Thereafter, the processor 36 of the anime character head 30 receives a signal indicating the operator's input from the base station control system 32, accesses the selected animation from the library, and can control the actuator 46 to perform the smile and the specific greeting.

[0017] The anime character head 30 can include various features to facilitate the techniques disclosed herein. For example, the anime character head 30 can include one or more sensors 40 configured to monitor the performer and / or receive input from the performer. The one or more sensors 40 can include an eye-tracking sensor configured to monitor the eye movements of the performer, a machine vision sensor configured to monitor the face of the performer, a microphone or audio sensor configured to receive speech input or other audible input from the performer, a physical input sensor configured to receive physical or manual input from the performer (e.g., a switch, button, motion sensor, foot controller, or a wearable input device such as a muscle input, ring input, or gesture glove), or any combination thereof (e.g., a gesture glove). The input can be processed by a processor 36 and can be used to select an animation from a library of animations stored in a memory 38 or otherwise affect the animation presented via the anime character head 30. For example, a particular input via the one or more sensors 40 can be used to reject or cancel a selection made by an operator and / or a particular input can be used to initiate a particular animation.

[0018] The actuator 46 can be any suitable actuator such as an electromechanical actuator (e.g., a linear actuator, a rotary actuator). The actuator 46 is disposed inside the anime character head 30 and can be configured to adjust specific features or parts of the anime character head 30 (e.g., eyes, eyebrows, cheeks, mouth, lips, ears, subtle feature parts). For example, a rotary actuator is positioned inside the anime character head 30 along the tip outside the lips of the anime character head 30 and can cause the face of the anime character head 30 to smile in response to a control signal (e.g., from the processor 36). As a further example, the anime character head 30 can include an electric linear actuator that moves (e.g., furrows) the position of the eyebrows of the anime character head 30 in response to a control signal (e.g., from the processor 36).

[0019] As shown in the figure, the anime character head 30 can include a light source 48, and the duration, luminance, color, and / or polarity of the light emitted from the light source 48 can be controlled based on a control signal (e.g., from the processor 36). In one embodiment, the light source 48 can be configured to project light onto the screen or other surface of the anime character head 30, such as for displaying a still image, a video (e.g., a video), or other visible representations of facial features or gestures on the anime character head 30. In some embodiments, the actuator 46 and / or the light source 48 can enable the anime character head 30 to provide any of various projected facial features or gestures, animatronic facial features or gestures, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processor 36 can instruct the display 42 to show a display of available animations (e.g., a list of animations stored in a library within the memory 38), a display of a selected animation (e.g., selected by the processor 36 from a library within the memory 38 based on an input from the base station control system 32), and / or other information for visualization by the performer wearing the anime character head 30 (e.g., information about the user 26 such as previous activities; recommended animations). For example, during operation, the display 42 can provide a list of available animations, and one or more sensors 40 can obtain input from the performer (e.g., an eye-tracking sensor can enable the performer to provide a specific eye movement for the input), enabling the performer to scroll through the list of available animations and / or select an animation from the list of available animations. In one embodiment, the selected animation can be displayed on the display 42, and the selected animation can be confirmed, changed, modified, switched, delayed, or deleted by the performer via various inputs to one or more sensors 40 (e.g., by speaking towards a microphone or by activating a physical input sensor), thereby enabling efficient updates by the performer during interaction with park visitors. It should be understood that the performer cannot control the selection and thus may not be able to input or change the selection by the operator via, for example, one or more sensors 40.

[0021] The display 42 can be used to provide various other information. For example, in some embodiments, a camera 50 (e.g., coupled to the anime character head 30 or physically separated) can be provided to acquire images (e.g., still images or moving images such as videos) of the user 26, the surrounding environment, and / or the currently playing animation (e.g., the current movement or characteristics of the anime character head 30), and these can be relayed to the anime character head 30 for display via the display 42 (e.g., via a wireless communication device such as a transceiver) to provide information and / or feedback to the performer. In one embodiment, the display 42 can be part of augmented reality or virtual reality glasses worn by the performer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the anime character head 30 can include one or more status sensors 52 configured to monitor component status and / or system status (e.g., determine whether the executed animation corresponds to the selected animation), and the display of the status can be provided to the performer via the display 42 and / or to the operator via the base station control system 32. For example, the status sensor 52 can be associated with each actuator 46 and configured to detect the position and / or movement of each actuator 46, which can indicate whether the actuator 46 is functioning properly (e.g., moving as expected based on the selected animation).

[0023] Processor 36 can execute instructions stored in memory 38 to perform the operations disclosed herein. Thus, in one embodiment, processor 36 can include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Additionally, memory 38 can be a tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by processor 36 and data processed by processor 36. Accordingly, in some embodiments, memory 38 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory, flash memory, hard drives, optical disks, and the like.

[0024] Base station control system 32 can include various features to facilitate the techniques disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an operator can use input device 60 (e.g., a touch screen) at base station control system 32 to provide input and / or select an animation. In such a case, the operator's selection and / or other data can be transmitted to animation character head 30 via communication devices 62, 64 through a wireless or wired connection. In one embodiment, the operator receives system status information (e.g., indication of component failures detected by status sensor 52, completed animations, images from camera 50) from animation character head 30. In one embodiment, if a particular actuator 46 is not functioning properly, the selection of animations that depend on that particular actuator 46 can be removed from the list of available animations and / or otherwise made inaccessible to the operator.

[0025] In one embodiment, the anime character head 30 and the base station control system 32 can include voice communication devices 68, 70 (e.g., headsets or other devices having microphones and / or speakers) through which the performer and the operator communicate (e.g., verbal communication via one-way or two-way communication). In such a case, the operator can verbally inform the performer of the operator's current selection, the operator's next selection, information regarding the user 26, and the like. Additionally, the performer can request a specific animation, indicate a preference to cancel the selected animation, and do the like.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 72 of the base station control system 32 executes instructions stored in the memory 76 to receive, access, and / or display on the display 66 (which can also operate as the input device 60) a selection menu of animations available for the anime character head 30, and includes a processor 74 that can perform operations such as providing a signal indicating the selected animation to the anime character head 30. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the processor 74 can include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the memory 76 can be a tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by the processor and data processed by the processor 74. Thus, in some embodiments, the memory 76 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory, flash memory, hard drives, optical disks, and the like.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication devices 62, 64 can enable the controllers 34, 72 to be connected to each other and / or to various other electronic devices such as components of the identification system 12. For example, the communication devices 62, 64 can enable the controllers 34, 72 to be communicatively coupled to a network such as a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), and / or a Wide Area Network (WAN). As described above, the base station control system 32 can also include a display 66 that enables the display of information such as an animation selection menu, completed animations, system status detected by the status sensor 52, and / or external images acquired by the camera 50, or the like.

[0028] In one embodiment, the anime character system 14 is configured to operate independently of, or without, the identification system 12. For example, at least during certain time periods, the operator and / or performer can provide input to play various animations on the anime character head 30 and interact with the user 26 without information about the user 26's previous 26 activities in the amusement park. In one embodiment, at least during another certain time period, the operator and / or performer can receive information about the user 26's previous activities in the amusement park (e.g., information that the user 26 has completed a ride, earned points in a game, or visited an attraction) from the identification system 12 and use that information to provide the user 26 with a unique personalized interactive experience. For example, the identification system 12 can provide information for visualization to one or both of the displays 42, 66, or the identification system 12 can provide information for visualization by the operator on the display 66, and the operator can use the voice communication devices 68, 70 to communicate the information verbally to the performer. This information can enable the operator to select more appropriate animations for the user 26, such as a greeting from the anime character head 30 congratulating the user 26 on the outcome of a game, or a greeting from the character head 30 asking the user 26 whether the anime user 26 enjoyed the recent ride.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, another processing component of the identification system 12 and / or the interactive system 10 (e.g., the processor 74) can determine one or more relevant animations for the user 26 based on information regarding the user 26's previous activities within the amusement park. In some such instances, the identification system 12 and / or another processing component can provide a recommendation to select or play one or more relevant animations. The recommendation can be provided by highlighting (e.g., color, font size or style, position on the screen or menu) one or more relevant animations on one or both of the displays 42, 66, thereby facilitating the selection of one or more relevant animations. Additionally or alternatively, the identification system 12 enables the base station control system 32 to select a particular animation and / or enables the animated character head 30 to play a particular animation (e.g., when the user 26 has recently completed a ride, a signal from the identification system 12 received by the processor 74 can cause a selection of a greeting related to the ride, which selection can or may not be able to be overridden or changed by the operator and / or the performer).

[0030] More specifically, the identification system 12 operates to monitor the activities of the user 26 within the amusement park. In one embodiment, the user 26 can wear or carry a wearable device 24 that supports an identifier 22. When the user 26 brings the wearable device 24 into a region proximate to the reader 20 (e.g., within the reading range of the reader 20), the reader 20 detects the identifier 22 and provides a signal to the computing system 16, enabling the computing system 16 to monitor and record the activities of the user 26 within the amusement park (e.g., in one or more databases 18). For example, one reader 20 can be positioned at the exit of a ride (e.g., a roller coaster or other similar attraction), and the identifier 22 of the wearable device 24 can be detected when the user 26 exits the ride. The reader 20 can provide a signal to the computing system 16 indicating that the wearable device 24 has been detected in proximity to the exit of the ride. The computing system 16 can then determine, based on the signal, that the user has completed the ride. Next, the computing system 16 can store information (e.g., that the user has completed the ride) in one or more databases 18. In this way, the identification system 12 can monitor various activities of the user 26 as the user 26 moves through the amusement park.

[0031] Subsequently, user 26 can visit an anime character head 30 that can be placed in another part of the amusement park. Another reader 20 positioned proximate to the anime character head 30 (e.g., carried by a performer, coupled to the base station control system 32, or coupled to and / or internal to the anime character head 30 coupled to a stationary structure within the amusement park) can detect the identifier 22 within the wearable device 24 when the user 26 approaches the anime character head 30. The another reader 20 can provide a signal indicating that the wearable device 24 has been detected in proximity to the anime character head 30 to the computing system 16 (e.g., via a wireless or wired connection). Then, the computing system 16 can determine that the user 26 is approaching the anime character head 30 based on the signal. The computing system 16 can access information stored in one or more databases 18, and the computing system 16 can provide an output that controls or affects the interaction of the anime character head 30 with the user 26 based on the information. For example, the computing system 16 can communicate with the base station control system 32 (e.g., via communication devices 64, 80). In some such instances, the computing system 16 provides an output to the base station control system 32 that causes information and / or a recommended interaction to be displayed on the display 66 of the base station control system 32. Then, the operator can select an appropriate animation for the anime character head 30, such as by providing an input (e.g., related to information about the user 26) to the base station control system 32 to speak a particular expression and / or perform a particular gesture. In some such instances, the computing system 16 can provide an output to the anime character head 30 that causes information and / or a recommended interaction to be displayed on the display 42 of the anime character head 30.In one embodiment, the operator can communicate information to and / or provide recommendations to the performer, such as by speaking to the performer (e.g., via a two-way wireless communication system).

[0032] In this way, the interactive system 10 can provide a unique and personalized interactive experience between the user 26 and the anime character head 30. The interactive experience can be different for each user 26 and / or can be different each time the user 26 visits the anime character head 30. It should be understood that any of the features, functions, and techniques disclosed herein can be distributed in a suitable manner among the identification system 12, the anime character head 30, and the base station control system 32. As described above, the anime character system 14 can operate independently of or without the identification system 12. Similarly, in one embodiment, the anime character head 30 can operate independently of or without the base station control system 32. Thus, in some such cases, it should be understood that the identification system 12 can directly provide an output to the anime character head 30 (e.g., the processor 36 of the anime character head 30 can process a signal received directly from the identification system 12 and select and play an animation from a library).

[0033] Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to activities that include interaction with attractions (e.g., rides, restaurants, characters) within an amusement park. In one embodiment, the interactive system 10 can receive and utilize information about the user 26 other than activities within the amusement park to provide a unique personalized interaction. For example, the interactive system 10 can receive and utilize information regarding the user 26's performance in a video game at a remote location (e.g., outside the amusement park such as a home video console or computing system), the user 26's name, age, or other information provided by the user 26 (e.g., during a registration process or ticket purchase process). In one embodiment, the interactive system 10 can receive and utilize information regarding the user's preferred language, the user's unique conditions (e.g., movement restrictions, hearing restrictions, sensitive to loud noises), or the like. For example, the user 26 can have the opportunity to complete a registration process or enter preferences or other information related to the wearable device 14. When the user 26 approaches the anime character head 30, the preferences or other information can be presented to the operator and / or performer and used to select an animation and / or determine the recommended animation. In this way, the anime character head 30 can talk to the user 26 in a language the user 26 can understand and / or interact with the user 26 in an appropriate manner. Additionally, the illustrated interactive system 10 is for illustrative purposes only and certain features and components can be omitted and various other features and components can be added to enhance performance in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0034] As shown, computing system 16 can include a processor 82 configured to execute instructions stored in memory 84 to perform the operations disclosed herein. Thus, in one embodiment, processor 82 can include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Additionally, memory 84 can be a tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by processor 82 and data processed by processor 82. Accordingly, in some embodiments, memory 84 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory, flash memory, hard drives, optical disks, and the like.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of amusement park 100 including interactive system 10 according to one embodiment. As shown, a plurality of users 26A, 26B move through amusement park 100 and wear respective wearable devices 24A, 24B that support respective identifiers 22A, 22B. Identification system 12 monitors the plurality of users 26A, 26B in the manner discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. The anime character system 14 includes an anime character head 30 worn by a performer and a base station control system 32 operated by an operator, and the anime character system 14 can receive information from the identification system 12 and provide a personalized experience unique to each user 26A, 26B.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, during operation, the identification system 12 can detect a first user 26A of the restaurant 102 via the first reader 20A and detect a second user 26B of the vehicle 104 via the second reader 20B. More specifically, each reader 20A, 20B can read a unique identification code or number from the identifiers 22A, 22B supported in each wearable device 24A, 24B. The readers 20A, 20B can provide individual signals indicating the detection of the users 24A, 24B to the computing system 16, and the computing system 16 can determine the activity and record the activity in one or more databases 18.

[0037] At a subsequent point in time, each user 26A, 26B can approach the anime character head 30. When the first user 26A is within the range of the third reader 20C positioned adjacent to the anime character head 30, the third reader 20C can provide a signal indicating the detection of the first user 24A to the computing system 16. In response, the computing system 16 can provide information regarding the previous activities of the first user 26A within the amusement park 100 to the base station control system 32. For example, the computing system 16 can provide information indicating that the first user 26A has most recently visited the restaurant 102, and the base station control system 32 can provide the information on the display 66 for visualization by the operator. Thus, the operator can be guided to select an animation related to the first user 26A's visit to the restaurant, such as asking the first user 26A whether they enjoyed a meal at the restaurant 102. As described above, the information can be communicated and / or utilized in various other ways to provide a customized interactive experience unique to the first user 26A. For example, in one embodiment, the computing system 16 can alternatively or additionally determine recommended animations and provide them to the base station control system 32, or the base station control system 32 can determine one or more related animations to facilitate selection by the operator.

[0038] Similarly, when a second user 26B is within the range of a third reader 20C positioned proximate to the anime character head 30, the third reader 20C can provide a signal indicating the detection of the second user 24B to the computing system 16. In response, the computing system 16 can provide information regarding the previous activities of the second user 26B within the amusement park 100 to the base station control system 32. For example, the computing system 16 can provide information indicating that the second user 26B has most recently visited the ride 104, and the base station control system 32 can provide the information to the display 66 for visualization by the operator. Thus, the operator can be guided to select an animation related to the second user 26B's visit to the ride, such as asking the second user 26B whether they enjoyed the ride 104. As described above, the information can be communicated and / or utilized in various other ways to provide a customized interactive experience specific to the second user 26B. For example, in one embodiment, the computing system 16 can alternatively or additionally determine and provide recommended animations, or the base station control system 32 can determine one or more relevant animations to facilitate selection by the operator.

[0039] In addition, the third reading device 20C can provide the computing system 16 with individual signals indicating the detection of users 24A and 24B, and the computing system 16 determines the interaction with the anime character head 30 and records it in one or more databases 18. Therefore, subsequent activities (e.g., in a restaurant 102, a vehicle 104, or other attractions, including interactions with other anime character heads) may change based on the interaction of users 24A and 24B with the anime character head 30. For example, a game attraction can adjust game elements based on the achievements of users 24A and 24B, including their interaction with the anime character head 30. In one embodiment, another operator can be guided to select an animation for another anime character head based on the previous interaction of users 24A and 24B with the anime character head 30. Similarly, when users 24A and 24B revisit the anime character head 30 (e.g., on the same day or at any subsequent time including one or two years or more), the anime character system 14 can avoid repeating the same presentation, build from the previous interaction, or operate in a manner that indicates recognition of the user 26 (e.g., saying "Nice to see you again" or "Haven't seen you since last year"). For example, some or all of the previously spoken presentations may be deleted from the inventory (e.g., the operator is not given the option to reproduce that presentation), and when the user 26 approaches the anime character head 30, it will not be presented to the operator on the initial screen that the operator can view via the base station control system 32, and / or it will not be marked or highlighted as something previously spoken.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 110 for operating an interactive system 10 according to one embodiment. The method 110 includes various steps represented by the blocks and reference components shown in FIG. 1. Specific steps of the method 110 can be executed as automated procedures by a system such as a computing system 16 that can be used within the interactive system 10. Although the flowchart shows the steps in a particular order, the steps can be executed in any suitable order as needed, specific steps can be executed simultaneously, and / or specific steps can be omitted and other steps can be added. Further, specific steps or portions of the method 110 may be executed by separate devices.

[0041] In step 112, the computing system 16 tracks (e.g., detects and records) the activities of the user 26 within the amusement park. In one embodiment, the user 26 can wear or carry a wearable device 24 that supports an identifier 22. When the user 26 brings the wearable device 24 within the range of the reader 20, the reader 20 detects the identifier 22 and provides a signal to the computing system 16 so that the computing system 16 can detect and record (e.g., in one or more databases 18) the activities of the user 26 within the amusement park.

[0042] In step 114, the computing system 16 receives a signal indicating the detection of the identifier 22 in the wearable device 24 of the user 26 from one or more readers 20 proximate to the anime character head 30. Based on the signal, the computing system 16 can determine that the user 26 is approaching the anime character head 30.

[0043] In step 116, in response to receiving the signal in step 114, computing system 16 accesses information related to the user's activity and provides this information to base station control system 32, which can control or influence the interaction between anime character head 30 and user 26. For example, computing system 16 can provide an output to base station control system 32 that causes information and / or a recommended interaction to be displayed on display 66 of base station control system 32. Next, the operator can select an appropriate animation for anime character head 30, such as by providing an input to base station control system 32 that causes anime character head 30 to speak a particular expression and / or perform a particular gesture (e.g., relevant to the information about user 26). In this way, interactive system 10 can provide a unique, personalized interactive experience between user 26 and anime character head 30.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an anime character head 30 and a front view of a base station control system 32 that can be used in the interactive system 10 (FIG. 1) according to one embodiment. As shown, the anime character head 30 includes an opening 120 configured to receive and / or surround the head of the performer, and an outer surface 122 (e.g., a face) visible to the user 26 (FIG. 1). The outer surface 122 can support various features that can be actuated via respective actuators 46 based on control signals (e.g., received from the processor 36 of FIG. 1), such as eyebrows 124 and mustache 128. In one embodiment, the screen 130 is positioned around the anime character head 30 and can enable the display of specific gestures and / or features, such as eyes 132 and mouth 134, via light projection onto the screen 130. As discussed above, the light source 48 projects light onto the screen 130 and can be provided to display such gestures and / or features in response to receiving a control signal (e.g., received from the processor 36 of FIG. 1). As shown, the anime character head 30 can include, among other components, a display 42, one or more sensors 40, and an audio communication device 68.

[0045] The anime character head 30 can be used together with the base station control system 32. As shown in the figure, the display 66 of the base station control system 32 shows a selection menu of the animations available for the anime character head 30. In one embodiment, the animations are arranged in the order related to the user 26 (Figure 1) who is interacting with the anime character head 30, and / or certain relevant animations are highlighted to assist the operator in creating a unique personal dialogue for the user 26 (Figure 1). The display 66 can also present information related to the user 26 (Figure 1), such as the user 26's previous activities. The operator can make a selection (e.g., by touching the corresponding area of the display 66), and this selection is communicated to the anime character head 30 to enable the playback of a specific animation. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that the elements shown on the display 66 of the base station control system 32 in Figure 4 may also be shown on the display 42 of the anime character head 30.

[0046] The identification system is disclosed as a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to facilitate discussion, but it should be understood that the identification system can be any of various tracking or identification technologies, such as a Bluetooth system (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy [BLE] system), that enables identification devices (e.g., transceivers, receivers, sensors, scanners) located within an environment (e.g., an amusement park) to detect identifiers within the user's device, or can include such technologies. Additionally, although only specific features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will envision many modifications and variations. Further, it should be understood that the components of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with each other or exchanged. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to protect all such modifications and variations that are within the true technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0047] The technology presented and claimed in this specification is applied with reference to tangible things and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and is thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any of the claims appended at the end of this specification include one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]" or "steps for [performing] [function]", such elements are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. An interactive system comprising one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors receive data related to a user's previous activities within an amusement park, instruct a base station control system associated with an anime character head to display an inventory of expressions based on the user's previous activities, to bring about a personal interaction between the anime character head and the user, during the personal interaction with the user, delete from the inventory of expressions the expressions previously spoken by the anime character head in response to the expressions spoken by the anime character head during the personal interaction with the user, generate an updated inventory of expressions, and prevent the expressions previously spoken from being spoken by the anime character head during future personal interactions with the user, An interactive system configured as such.

2. The user's previous activities include the attractions visited by the user, The interactive system according to claim 1.

3. The one or more processors receive a signal indicating that the user is approaching the anime character head, in response to receiving the signal, instruct the base station control system to display the inventory of expressions, configured as such, The interactive system according to claim 1.

4. The data indicates that the user has exited an attraction in the amusement park, and the one or more processors after the user has exited the attraction in the amusement park, receive a signal indicating that the user is approaching the anime character head, in response to receiving the signal, instruct the base station control system to display the inventory of expressions, configured such that at least one representation in the inventory of representations is related to the attraction The interactive system according to claim 1. **Claim 5** Comprising an identification device located within the attraction of the amusement park The identification device is configured to generate the data in response to detection of an identifier supported by the user's wearable device The interactive system according to claim 1. **Claim 6** The identification device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and the identifier includes an RFID tag The interactive system according to claim 5. **Claim 7** The one or more processors Determine recommended representations in the inventory of representations based on the previous activity, and highlight the recommended representations in the display of the inventory of representations in the base station control system for visualization by the operator configured as such The interactive system according to claim 1. **Claim 8** Comprising the base station control system and the anime character head The base station control system and the anime character head are provided with individual audio communication devices that enable an operator operating the base station control system to communicate verbally with a performer wearing the anime character head The interactive system according to claim 1. **Claim 9** Comprising the base station control system The base station control system is configured to receive a selection input for selecting the representation from the operator, and the base station control system is configured to communicate the selection input to the anime character head The interactive system according to claim 1.

10. The selection input for selecting the expression is configured to output the expression as audio to a speaker of the anime character head. The interactive system according to claim 9.

11. An interactive system, One or more identification devices configured to detect an identifier supported by a user's wearable device, One or more processors, comprising, The one or more processors, monitor the user's activity in the amusement park based on each signal received from the one or more identification devices, and access an inventory of available expressions for the anime character head in response to each signal from at least one of the one or more identification devices indicating that the user is approaching the anime character head, identify one or more previously spoken expressions previously spoken to the user by the anime character head during one or more previous conversations between the anime character head and the user, modify the inventory of expressions by excluding the one or more previously spoken expressions based on the monitored activity of the user, update a personal inventory, instruct the display of the personal inventory of expressions on a display screen, resulting in a personal conversation between the anime character head and the user, is configured to, Interactive system.

12. The one or more processors, identify one or more previously spoken expressions previously spoken to the user by the anime character head during one or more previous conversations between the anime character head and the user, In the display screen, emphasizing the one or more previously spoken expressions to instruct the display of the personal inventory of expressions configured as The interactive system according to claim 11.

13. The one or more identification devices include one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, and the identifier includes an RFID tag The interactive system according to claim 11.

14. The monitored activity includes achievements within the attraction of the amusement park The interactive system according to claim 11.

15. The one or more processors are configured to instruct the display of information indicating the achievements within the attraction on the display screen The interactive system according to claim 14.

16. A method comprising Receiving, by one or more processors, a signal indicating that the user is approaching an anime character head Using the one or more processors to access data related to the user's previous activities Identifying, during one or more previous conversations between the anime character head and the user, one or more previously spoken expressions previously spoken to the user by the anime character head Based on the data related to the user's previous activities, excluding the one or more previously spoken expressions to update a list of expressions Instructing the display of the list of expressions via a display screen to bring about a personal conversation between the anime character head and the user A method including.

17. Receiving, from an identification device configured to detect an identifier supported by the user's wearable device, the signal indicating that the user is approaching the anime character head The method according to claim 16.

18. The previous activity of the user includes a vehicle attraction visited by the user The method according to claim 16.

19. Using the one or more processors to access the user's preferred language, the list of expressions including one or more expressions in the user's preferred language The method according to claim 16.

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