Electromagnetic Anime Figure Control System

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to an electromagnetic animated figure control system 10. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to techniques for activating a figure 17, such as a stuffed animal, using addressable control nodes 20 (e.g., electromagnetic coils) of an electromagnetic array. For example, an amusement park may include a control surface 18 implemented to include an electromagnetic array. Additionally, the animated figure 17 may include magnets 22 within one or more components. Thus, the animated figure 17 may lack a power source, yet still be controllable (e.g., activated) via controlled magnetic interaction between the control surface 18 and the magnets 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 858,677, entitled "ELECTROMAGNETIC ANIMATED FIGURE CONTROL SYSTEM," filed on June 7, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is considered useful in showing readers the background circumstances and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as admitting prior art, but should be understood as being read from the above perspective.

[0003] Animated figures or characters can be made to move or animate through robotics that can include internal motors, cables, pneumatic tubing, and mechanical actuators, etc. Such features generally require a power source to provide the starting force for operation and a control mechanism (e.g., an automation controller) to manage the operation. Since animated figures generally must be coupled to or include a power source and / or a control mechanism, their portability may be limited. For example, an animated figure can be left fixed to a rig or implemented with a certain range of motion. Further, the actuators used to control the figure are complex and may be costly to replace when worn. Thus, to avoid excessive wear of relatively expensive machinery, the interaction between a user (e.g., a guest or an operator) and the animated figure may be restricted.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following summarizes some embodiments within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but rather merely to outline some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an anime figure is provided. The method includes receiving a control signal at a control surface, generating a first magnetic field at least partially based on the received control signal using a first electromagnetic control node of the control surface, and generating a second magnetic field at least partially based on the received control signal using a second electromagnetic control node of the control surface. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are configured to operate the anime figure on the control surface from a first configuration to a second configuration based at least partially on an interaction between at least one magnet of the anime figure and the first magnetic field, the second magnetic field, or both the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field.

[0006] In one embodiment, an anime figure control system is provided. The control system includes an anime figure having one or more magnets disposed therein or thereon, a control surface including a plurality of individually addressable control nodes each configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a control signal, and an animation controller configured to generate a control signal. The control signal is configured to cause a first magnetic field to be generated by a first subset of the plurality of individually addressable control nodes and a second magnetic field to be generated by a second subset of the plurality of individually addressable control nodes, such that the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field interact with one or more magnets of the anime figure.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an anime figure includes detecting a position on a control surface of the anime figure in which one or more magnets are disposed inside or on top; controlling a first subset of electromagnetic control nodes of a plurality of electromagnetic control nodes on the control surface to generate a first magnetic field based at least in part on the position; after controlling the first subset of electromagnetic control nodes, detecting a latest position of the anime figure; and controlling a second subset of electromagnetic control nodes of the plurality of electromagnetic control nodes on the control surface based at least in part on the detected latest position.

[0008] 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 parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. For the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all implementation features may be described herein. In every such implementation development, as seen in any engineering or design project, it should be understood that numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the individual objectives of the developer, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, although such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that they are routine endeavors of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, articles such as "a", "an", and "the" are intended to mean that these elements are present in one or more. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. Also, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be construed as precluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the features described.

[0012] As will be described in detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an electromagnetic control system for an anime figure. The anime figure includes a character (e.g., a plush toy, a robot, a simulated human, a simulated animal) that animates / moves via actuatable features (e.g., hydraulics, inflatable / expandable cells, engines, levers). Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technique for operating an anime figure using addressable control nodes (e.g., electromagnetic coils) of an electromagnetic array. For example, an amusement park can include a control surface implemented to include an electromagnetic array. Further, the anime figure can include magnetized components such as magnets and / or metal pads at one or more of its locations (e.g., head, arms, legs, and / or tail, etc.). Thus, the anime figure can be controlled (e.g., actuated) via an external electromagnetic control surface that facilitates magnetic interaction between the control surface and the integral magnet of the anime figure, even though the anime figure can lack a connection to an internal power source and / or an external power source. In this way, expensive internal components of the anime figure are reduced or eliminated. Thus, the anime figure can be made inexpensive, portable, and attractive to guests (e.g., amusement park guests). Further, since the anime figure can lack expensive internal machinery that can be vulnerable or damaged by repeated guest interaction, the interaction between the anime figure and a guest or other anime figures can also be facilitated. Note that, throughout the present disclosure, the terms character, puppet, and / or figure are used synonymously to refer to a physical figure whose movement can be controlled to create an illusion of autonomous movement.

[0013] This specification also provides an electromagnetic control system for an anime figure that can be easily controlled by a user. To achieve improved movement or animation of the anime figure, a physical array, a virtual control set and physics-based constraints that mimic its capabilities and limits such as maximum magnetic attraction / rejection distance, real-time Hall effect sensor input to the system, and a creator-side animation tool that presents to the animator a method of interpolating magnets between adjacent electromagnets in the array are provided. In this way, the animation creator can input a desired movement pattern using input to a graphical user interface and / or input from a test anime figure that is physically manipulated to move in the desired movement pattern.

[0014] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electromagnetic control system 10 for an anime figure that can be included in an amusement park. The electromagnetic control system 10 can include a control environment 12 and a control device such as an animation controller 14 and / or a user device 16 communicatively coupled to the control environment 12. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the control environment 12 can include an anime figure 17 such as a plush toy, a character and / or a puppet. Further, the control environment 12 can include a control surface 18 that can be implemented to control (e.g., activate) the movement of the anime figure 17. Specifically, as will be described in more detail below, the control surface 18 can include an electromagnetic array that can exert a force on magnets 22 (e.g., permanent magnets, electromagnets) disposed on and / or within the anime figure 17 using individually addressable control nodes 20 (e.g., electromagnetic control nodes and / or electromagnetic coils) to move the anime figure 17. Further, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 and / or the user device 16 can be implemented to control the operation of the control surface 18 (e.g., via one or more control signals). For this purpose, the control surface 18 can be programmed to move the anime figure 17 from a first position to a second position and the like.

[0015] In some embodiments, the anime figure 17 can be a plush toy and / or a flexible object. For example, the anime figure 17 can be stuffed with cotton, beads and / or beans, etc. In addition to or instead of this, the anime figure 17 can also be made of another material such as plastic and / or silicone. Further, in some embodiments, the anime figure 17 can be a simple and / or inexpensive toy that can be attractive to guests. Also, as will be described in detail below, the anime figure 17 can include an identifier 24 that can uniquely identify the anime figure 17, associate the anime figure 17 with a specific guest (e.g., have an identifier related to the guest), and / or identify the anime figure 17 as a specific type or class of anime figure 17. The identifier 24 can be associated with a tag such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, a barcode, and / or a quick response (QR) code. The tag can be disposed on or within the anime figure 17.

[0016] Furthermore, the anime figure 17 can be made powerless or passive. For example, the anime figure 17 can lack an internal power source such as a battery and can also lack an external hard-wired connection (such as wiring, a power outlet, and / or a plug, etc.) coupled to an external power source. As described above, the anime figure 17 can include one or more magnets 22 and / or magnetized components such as a metal structure (e.g., an iron metal piece) that can be controlled by the control surface 18. For this purpose, the control surface 18 exerts a magnetic force on the magnet 22 to change the position of the magnet 22 to activate (such as dance, move, and / or slide, etc.) the anime figure 17. The movement of the anime figure 17 can also be emphasized and / or assisted by an actuator 26 such as a lever or an air bladder. For example, the anime figure 17 can include a first component such as a foot including the magnet 22 and a second component such as a head including one or more levers coupled to the magnet. In some embodiments, one or more levers can be implemented to rotate the second component of the anime figure 17 in response to the movement of the first component that can be caused by the magnet 22 repelling from or being attracted to a specific position on the control surface 18.

[0017] The control surface 18 can include an array of individually addressable control nodes 20, such as an addressable electromagnetic array. The control node 20 can include an electromagnetic coil and associated circuitry such as connecting wiring. Further, the control node 20 can be controlled to generate a magnetic field of a certain intensity and polarity. Specifically, in some embodiments, since the array can include individually addressable control nodes 20, the intensity and polarity of each local magnetic field can be controlled for each set of control nodes 20. For this purpose, while the first portion of the control surface 18 corresponding to the first set or first subset of control nodes 20 attracts the magnet 22 of the anime figure 17, the second portion of the control surface 18 corresponding to the second set or second subset of control nodes 20 repels the magnet of the anime figure 17, so that the anime figure 17 can be moved away from the second portion of the control surface 18 and towards the first portion of the control surface 18.

[0018] The control surface 18 can also include one or more control surface sensors 28 such as a Hall effect sensor and / or a pressure plate (e.g., a pressure sensor). In some embodiments, the control surface 18 can include respective control surface sensors 28 associated with each control node 20. In other embodiments, the control surface 18 can include respective surface sensors 28 for a subset of the control nodes 20. Also, the control surface 18 can be implemented to detect the presence and position of an object proximate to the control surface 18 based at least in part on the magnetic field strength. For example, the control surface 18 can be implemented to detect the presence and position of the anime figure 17 on the control surface 18 based at least in part on the magnetic field interaction between the control node 20 and the magnet 22 of the anime figure 17 using the control surface sensor 28. In addition to or instead of this, the presence and position of the anime figure 17 can also be determined based in part on the pressure exerted by the anime figure 17 on one or more pressure plates. In addition to or instead of this, the sensor 28 can also be an optical sensor or a camera. Further, the commands that can cause a particular movement or position (e.g., configuration) of the anime figure 17 on the control surface 18 can be determined (e.g., dynamically determined) based at least in part on the data captured by the control surface sensor 28. Based on the position of the anime figure 17 captured by the sensor 28, an appropriate control signal can be generated to generate a magnetic field in a particular control node 20 associated with that position. Further, the animation controller 14 can also dynamically adjust the control signal if the anime figure 17 does not respond as expected. That is, when a control signal is generated to move the anime figure 17 from a first position to a second position, the sensor 28 can acquire position data and determine whether the second position has been achieved by the anime figure 17. If not, the control signal (i.e., the operation of a particular control node 20) can be adjusted until the anime figure 17 achieves the second position. For example, the magnetic field strength of the node 20 can be increased or decreased.In another example, additional and / or different nodes can be actuated to adjust the position of the animated figure until a desired predetermined position (e.g., a second position) is achieved. When the second position is reached, a control signal that causes a subsequent portion of the movement pattern can be resumed. This movement pattern can be a pre-programmed movement pattern or a movement pattern based on identifier information from user identification and / or figure identifier 24 obtained from user device 16.

[0019] The user can place the animated figure 17 on any part of the control surface 18 to initiate a specific movement pattern regardless of the position of the animated figure 17 on the control surface 18. In another example, the control surface 18 can include one or more indicators indicating where the user should place the animated figure 17 on the control surface 18. Such an embodiment can be beneficial when many users have various different figures 17 placed on surface 18 and separation of the figures 17 is desirable to avoid magnetic fields overlapping.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control surface 18 can be implemented on a table surface, a fixed surface, a flexible strip, a wall, a scenery element, a prop, and / or wearable clothing (e.g., a shirt, a hat and / or a helmet, gloves). As will be described in more detail below, the control surface 18 can also include a communication circuit 30 implemented to facilitate wireless and / or wired communication between the control surface 18 and another device. For this purpose, the control surface 18 can be implemented to communicate with, for example, the animation controller 14 and / or the user device 16.

[0021] Furthermore, the control environment 12 can include a plurality of sensors 32 such as radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors, cameras, infrared (IR) sensors, and / or motion sensors. The sensors 32 can be implemented to capture additional information related to the control environment 12 and / or the anime figure 17. For example, in some embodiments, an RFID sensor can capture data corresponding to the identifier 24 of the anime figure 17 by reading an RFID chip included in the anime figure 17. Further, the sensors 32 can also capture information corresponding to a guest within the control environment, such as an identifier related to the guest and / or the position of the guest within the control environment 12. In some embodiments, the sensors 32 can be external to the control surface 18. However, in addition to or instead of this, the sensors 32 can also be implemented within and / or coupled to the control surface 18.

[0022] Furthermore, the control environment can include a plurality of input / output (I / O) devices 34 such as speakers, displays, lights, and / or controls (e.g., buttons, knobs, touchscreens, joysticks). Accordingly, the control environment 12 can produce a plurality of visual and / or acoustic effects. Further, as will be described in detail below, the input / output devices 34 can provide inputs to and / or receive control signals from the animation controller 14. For example, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can pair the movement sequences executed by the anime figure 17 with visual and / or acoustic effects. Also, the I / O devices 34 can supply input signals to the animation controller 14 to control the movement and / or configuration of the anime figure 17 (e.g., via the control surface 18). For example, the controls can be implemented such that turning a knob, pressing a button, or interacting with other controls can cause the control surface 18 to activate the anime figure 17.

[0023] In some embodiments, the animation controller 14 (e.g., an electronic controller) can include a processor 36, a memory 38, an input / output (I / O) port 40, a display 42, and / or a communication circuit 30, etc. In some embodiments, the memory 38 is configured to store instructions, data, and / or information such as a library of animations (e.g., a database or selectable available animation options) of the anime figure 17 or a group of anime figures 17. In addition to or instead of this, the memory 38 can also include a user-defined algorithm for response animations. For example, this algorithm can be implemented such that in response to receiving an input in the animation controller 14, the algorithm determines the configuration of the anime figure 17 related to the input, and based on the determined configuration, the animation controller 14 can update the configuration of the anime figure 17. Note that although the example shown in this specification may describe the animation library, the disclosed method can also use other animations or algorithms, or both.

[0024] The memory 38 and / or storage can be any suitable article of manufacture that can function as a medium for storing processor-executable code or data, etc. These articles of manufacture can represent a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that can store the processor-executable code used by the processor 36 to execute the technology of the present disclosure. The memory 38 and / or storage can also be used to store data and various other software applications, etc. For example, the memory 38 and / or storage can store not only the processor-executable code used by the processor 36 to execute the various technologies described herein, but also code for other technologies. Note that the term "non-transitory" merely indicates that the medium is tangible and not a signal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the processor 36 is configured to receive input signals from input devices such as the user device 16, the control surface 18, the sensor 32, and / or the I / O device 34 associated with the control environment 12. For example, the processor 36 can receive an input signal from the user device 16 to change the position (e.g., configuration) of the anime figure 17. In some embodiments, the control surface 18 can convey the position and / or location of the anime figure 17 on the control surface 18 based at least in part on sensor data captured by the control surface sensor 28. Further, the sensor 32 can provide sensor data captured by, for example, a camera, an RFID sensor, and / or an IR sensor. Specifically, the sensor data can provide identification information related to the anime figure 17, such as information related to the identifier 24, and / or information related to a guest within or near the control environment 12.

[0026] After receiving an input signal and / or input data, the animation controller 14 can facilitate the control of the animated figure 17 using the processor 36 to select an animation from an animation library that can be stored in the memory 38, based at least in part on this input. The animation library can include a list of available animations or animation patterns such as, for example, a first animation option (e.g., moving the animated figure 17 in a first direction), a second animation option (e.g., moving the animated figure 17 in a second direction), a third animation option (e.g., moving components of the animated figure 17 to a first configuration), a fourth animation option (e.g., moving components of the animated figure 17 to a second configuration), a fifth animation option (e.g., making the animated figure 17 dance), and a sixth animation option (e.g., making the animated figure 17 wave its hand). In some embodiments, the animation options can be stored in the memory 38. In some implementations, the processor 36 can be configured to select one or more animations (e.g., an animation sequence) to be executed in sequence. For example, the animation controller 14 can be configured to control the animated figure 17 using a predetermined sequence such as an execution sequence in response to a particular input or set of inputs. In one example, the animation option is selected based on information captured or read from the identifier 24. Thus, based on the identifier information, an animation option suitable for a particular animated figure 17 and / or the magnet position configuration of the animated figure 17 (e.g., four legs each including a magnet, wings each including one or more magnets) can be initiated.

[0027] As described above, the animation controller 14 can be used to control various components of the anime figure 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 36 of the animation controller 14 can execute operations such as selecting an animation (e.g., moving, rotating, dancing, waving, standing, sitting) to be executed on the anime figure 17 by executing instructions stored in the memory 38. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the processor 36 can be one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Also, the memory 38 can be a tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by the processor 36 and data to be processed by the processor 36. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the memory 38 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory, flash memory, hard drives, and optical disks, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, the animation controller 14 can enable the communication circuit 30 to interact with various other electronic devices such as the user device 16 and / or the control surface 18. For example, the communication circuit 30 can enable the animation controller 14 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). Thus, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can process data from the user device 16 and transmit this via the communication circuit 30 to the control surface 18 to control the anime figure 17. For example, after the processor 36 processes the sensor data input from the input device 53, it enables the communication circuit 30 to wirelessly transmit data to the control surface 18 (e.g., to the communication circuit 30 of the control surface 18), facilitating the control surface 18 to enable the anime figure 17 to output one or more animations (e.g., move, point, turn, rotate, change position, stand, sit, smile). In a further configuration, the communication circuit 30 can be connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to the control surface 18 and / or further components of the electromagnetic character control system 10 (e.g., the sensor 32, the user device 16). Also, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can include an input / output (I / O) port 40 that can be interfaced to other peripheral components such as an input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse), the sensor 32, and an input / output (I / O) device 34.

[0029] In some implementations, the animation controller 14 can also be configured to display, for visualization purposes, instructions for available animations (e.g., a list of animations or algorithms stored in a library within the memory 38), as well as selected movements, features, and / or instructions for the animation on the display 42 of the animation controller 14 (e.g., display of text, images, graphics). The display can also be used to monitor the animation controller 14 and / or the animated figure 17, or to make administrative changes to them (e.g., via the control surface 18). Thus, the operator can modify the available animation options, such as by expanding the animation option library to improve the interaction between the animated figure 17 and the guest. Further, the operator can use the display 42 to disable and assign one or more available animations to one or more guests (e.g., guest identifiers) and / or the figure 17. Thus, in some embodiments, the operator can change, modify, switch, delay, or delete a plurality of animations provided on the display 42 to enable animation updates. In some embodiments, the processor 36 can be configured to instruct the display 42 to display a list of previously executed animations, thereby facilitating the selection of future animations.

[0030] Note that the components described above with respect to the animation controller 14 are exemplary components, and the animation controller 14 can also include additional or fewer components compared to those shown in the figure. Also, it can be understood that the functional blocks described in this specification can be implemented in any suitable combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can be included in the control plane 18, implemented within the control environment, or implemented at a location remote from the control plane 18. Also, the user device 16 can include components similar to those described as part of the animation controller 14. For example, in some embodiments, the user device 16 can include the animation controller 14. In addition to or instead of this, the user device 16 can be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a remote control device, and / or a tablet that is implemented to communicate directly with the control plane 18 and / or to communicate with the control plane 18 via the animation controller 14. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation.

[0031] To assist in the description of the features described herein, FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the control environment 12. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows an example of the control environment 12 implemented within an amusement park. As shown, the control surface 18 is implemented on the table surface 100. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the anime figure 17 is a bear and can include a head 110, eyes 112, ears 114, a torso 116, legs 118, arms 119, and a tail (not shown). Further as shown, the anime figure 17 is positioned in a first configuration 120A (e.g., a first position). Specifically, the first arm 119A of the anime figure 17 is raised and the second arm 119B of the anime figure 17 is relaxed. In some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can command a set of control nodes 20 below the first arm 119A to exert a force of a certain polarity and strength on the magnet 22 within the first arm 119A to maintain the first arm 119A in the raised position of the first configuration 120A. That is, for example, the control node 20 can repel the magnet 22 within the first arm 119A so that the first arm 119A is raised and / or remains in the raised position.

[0032] As described herein, the animation controller 14 can issue commands to the control surface 18 in response to receiving an input. As further described herein, in some embodiments, this input can correspond to a series of animations (e.g., a series of configurations 120). Thus, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can issue commands to the control surface 18 to cause the animated figure 17 to move from a first configuration 120A to a second configuration 120B. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the control surface 18 can cause the animated figure 17 to move such that the first arm 119A is lowered and the second arm 119B is raised to reach the second configuration 120B. For this purpose, the control node 20 below the first arm 119A can attract the magnet 22 within the first arm 119A or can exert no force on the magnet 22, while a set of control nodes 20 below the second arm 119B can repel the magnet 22 within the second arm 119B such that the second arm 119B is raised. Further, in some embodiments, a series of animations can be looped or repeated. Thus, by issuing commands to the control surface 18 to cause the animated figure 17 to move between the first configuration 120A and the second configuration 120B, and optionally through further configurations, over a period of time or multiple instances, the animated figure 17 can appear to be dancing.

[0033] Furthermore, as described above, the animation controller 14 can receive an input to actuate the figure from the user device 16 and / or the I / O device 34. For example, in some embodiments, the control environment 12 can include a control assembly 130 that can be a component of the I / O device 34 and / or the animation controller 14. The control assembly can include a control pad 134, buttons 136, and / or a control wheel (e.g., a knob) 137. It should be appreciated that the control assembly 130 can include a plurality of control pads 134 and any suitable number of buttons (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 buttons). Further, each of the control pad 134, the buttons 136, and the control wheel 137 can actuate different movements, sounds, and / or other effects executed by the I / O device of the anime figure 17 and / or the control environment 12.

[0034] For example, in some embodiments, the control assembly 130 can be used to adjust the positions of the head 110, eyes 112, arms 119, legs 118, and / or torso 116 of the anime figure 17. The configuration of the one or more magnets 22 disposed on or within the anime figure 17 can be selected based on the form of the anime figure 17. In one embodiment, one or more magnets 22 can be disposed on or within the head 110, eyes 112, arms 119, legs 118, and / or torso 116 of the anime figure 17. For example, the magnet 22 can be disposed below one or more fabric layers (or one or more other materials forming the exterior of the anime figure 17) at the end of the leg 118 corresponding to an area configured to be in direct contact with the control surface 18 during walking actuation and to position the magnet 22 near the control surface 18 during a particular type of movement. That is, one or more magnets 22 can be disposed on or within the anime figure 17 to correspond to the limb termini of the limbs. The size, position, and / or type of the magnet 22 within or on the anime figure 17 can be selected based on the desired animation pattern of the anime figure 17. The control assembly 130 can be used to adjust the ears, fingers, wings, toes, tail, and / or further components of the anime figure 17. Specifically, the control assembly 130 can control some linear movements and / or some rotational movements of the anime figure 17. Further, in some embodiments, the button 136 can be used to activate the anime figure 17 according to a predetermined animation sequence (e.g., a dance sequence, a puppet show sequence). In addition to or instead of this, the control assembly can also be used to output audio or further effects from an I / O device 34 within a control environment such as the speaker 140. It should be recognized that the control pad 134, the button 136, and the control wheel 137 can be used to control any suitable movement of the anime figure 17.In one embodiment, a particular pairing or group of anime figures 17 can execute different coordinated movement patterns based on type. For example, a first type of anime figure 17 can execute a first movement pattern (e.g., a first type of dance) when present on the control surface 18 with a second type of anime figure 17. On the other hand, the first type of anime figure 17 can execute a different or second type of movement pattern (e.g., a second type of dance) when present on the control surface 18 with a different or third type of anime figure 17. These opposing pairs can either execute the same movement pattern as other anime figures 17 on the control surface 18 or execute unique characteristic movement patterns based on the pairing. In this way, the user can experience different movement patterns that appear to be different interactions between different anime figures 17.

[0035] In some embodiments, the anime figure 17 can include different features or components such as wings, tails, fingers, and / or accessories. For this purpose, the anime figure 17 can belong to different classes (e.g., types). For example, in some embodiments, the control surface 18 can control the operation of a bear as shown. In addition to or instead of this, the control surface 18 can also control the operation of a bird that can include wings. Further, in some embodiments, the available operations within the bear animation library can be different from the available operations within the bird animation library. For this purpose, the animation controller 14 can correspond to the physical and / or mechanical differences between different types of figures 17. Each different type of anime figure 17 can be identified via its respective identifier 24.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control surface 18 and / or the animation controller 14 can be implemented to control a plurality of figures 17 simultaneously. Thus, in some embodiments, the animation controller 14 can use the input from the sensor 32 and / or the control surface sensor 28 to arrange and identify different figures 17, and can distinguish the operation control between different figures 17. For example, in some embodiments, a camera and / or an RFID sensor, etc. can identify the animated figure 17 and / or identify the type (e.g., class) corresponding to the animated figure 17. Further, the control surface sensor 28 and / or the sensor 32 can identify the position of the animated figure 17 and its components. The animation controller 17 can, based on the identification of the animated figure 17 and its position, determine a set of control nodes 20 and a set of suitable control signals to be sent to the control nodes 20 to operate the animated figure 17 according to the animation corresponding to the animated figure 17.

[0037] Although the disclosed embodiments are described in relation to the control surface 18, in some embodiments, in addition to or instead of this, the animated figure 17 can also include one or more electromagnets that can interact with a metal (e.g., iron) surface.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of a method 250 for outputting an animation to the animated figure 17. Note that the method 250 can be executed as an automatic procedure by a system such as the electromagnetic character control system 10 having the animated figure 17 and / or the animation controller 14, etc. Although the steps are shown in a specific order in this flow diagram, it should be understood that these steps can be executed in any suitable order and, if necessary, several steps can also be executed simultaneously. Further, some steps or parts of the method 250 can be omitted and other steps can be added.

[0039] Method 250 can be initiated by receiving an input for controlling the anime figure 17 (process block 252). As described herein, in some embodiments, this input can be received in the animation controller 14 from an I / O device 34 such as the user device 16 and / or the control assembly 130. In addition to or instead of this, this input can also be received in the animation controller 14 via another input device communicatively coupled to the animation controller, such as a mouse, keyboard, and / or touch screen display. Further, in some embodiments, this input can correspond to data sensed by the sensor 32, such as an input for controlling the anime figure 17 in response to the detection of another factor present within the guest and / or control environment 12.

[0040] As shown, method 250 can continue by determining a control signal corresponding to the input (process block 254). For example, the animation controller 14 can identify an animation sequence that can be included in the animation library corresponding to the received input. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the input can correspond to a predetermined animation sequence such as an animation demonstration (e.g., puppet show) that the animation controller 14 can retrieve from the memory 38. Alternatively, the input can also correspond to a separate animation or configuration. For example, a first input that can be received in response to the button 136 being pressed in the animation controller 14 can correspond to a predetermined animation sequence, while a second input that can correspond to the input received in the control pad 134 can correspond to the real-time control and / or actuation of the anime figure 17. In some embodiments, this real-time control and / or actuation can also correspond to an animation within the animation library. However, in some embodiments, the animation can be separated from the animation sequence.

[0041] Furthermore, the animation controller 14 can map the animation sequence to a set of suitable control nodes 20 on the control surface in order to determine the control signal. For example, the animation controller 14 can determine (e.g., access from memory) the position and / or orientation of the components of the animated figure 17 (e.g., head 110, torso 116, arms 119, legs 118) based at least in part on the data received from the control surface sensor 28 and / or sensor 32, and can determine the position of the control node 20 suitable for actuating the animation sequence corresponding to the input. That is, for example, the animation controller 14 can determine the control node 20 within the array to which the control signal should be addressed. Further, the animation controller 14 can determine a control signal suitable for setting and / or adjusting the strength and / or polarity of the local magnetic field of the control node 20 to respective settings based at least in part on the animation sequence. Since a particular animated figure 17 can have different components and / or magnets 22 of different strengths, in some embodiments, for example, the polarity and / or strength set by the control signal can be different based on the type of animation and animated figure 17 being controlled.

[0042] After being determined, the control signal can be sent to the control surface 18 to activate the anime figure 17 (process block 256). Specifically, the control signal can be addressed to the control node 20 that has been determined to be suitable for activating the animation sequence. Therefore, the control node 20 can receive the control signal and activate the anime figure 17 based at least in part on the strength and / or polarity of the magnetic field generated as a result of the control signal. As described herein, when the anime figure 17 is activated, the anime figure 17 can dance, wave its hands, move, slide, walk, and / or change its position, etc. It should be understood that the anime figure 17 can include features such as an internal scaffolding or frame that helps maintain the desired position of the anime figure 17. Additionally, the anime figure 17 can also include support features that maintain the orientation of each magnet 22 with respect to the control surface 18 and prevent reversal of the magnet orientation. For example, the repelled magnet 22 can have a tendency to flip in the attracting direction. The internal support structure of the anime figure 17 can hold each magnet 22 and prevent reversal or unwanted orientation changes.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, this specification provides an animation creator 300 that includes a graphical user interface 302 that enables modeling of the movement of an animation. In one embodiment, a user's unique interaction with the animation figure 17 on the control surface 18 can be provided as an input to the animation controller 14. For example, this input can be a natural motion input training or part of a library in which the user moves or mechanically operates the animation figure 17 on the control surface 18, during which time the animation controller 14 can read and record over time the voltage present at each control node 20 based on its interaction with the integral magnet of the animation figure 17. After recording the desired motion pattern in this way, it can be used as a control signal for the control of the figure 17 generated by the animation creator 300. Thus, the animation creator 300 enables animation control in which a non-technical designer or user without knowledge of advanced control system programming can use only their own hands to guide the animation figure 17 to input, record, and perform real-time control of natural motion, gestures, and positioning in the system. In one embodiment, the animation creator 300 can provide a virtual model of the control surface 18 and the desired and / or detected animation figure 17 and render a virtual animation based on operator input of an animation pattern. In one embodiment, an interaction mediated by the user can be used as an input.

[0044] Although only some features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0045] The technology claimed in this specification refers to and is applicable to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that reliably improve this technical field, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended to the end of this specification includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing]... [function]" or "steps for [performing]... [function]", such elements shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other form, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0046] 12 Control environment 14 Animation controller 16 User device 17 Anime figure 32 (Single or plural) sensors 34 I / O device 100 Table surface 110 Head 112 Eyes 114 Ears 116 Torso 118 Legs 119A First arm 119B Second arm 120A First configuration 120B Second configuration 130 Control assembly 134 Control pad 136 Button 137 Control wheel 140 Speaker

Claims

A method for controlling one or more anime figures, executed by a control system, comprising: Receiving a first identifier associated with a first anime figure; Generating a first control signal associated with a first movement pattern for controlling the first anime figure based on the first identifier; Receiving, at a control surface, the first control signal; Generating a first magnetic field at least partially based on the received first control signal using a control node of the control surface; Including: When there are two or more anime figures, Receiving a second identifier associated with a second anime figure among the two or more anime figures; Generating a second control signal associated with a second movement pattern for controlling both the first anime figure and the second anime figure based on the first identifier and the second identifier; Receiving, at the control surface, the second control signal; Generating a second magnetic field at least partially based on the received second control signal using the control node of the control surface; Further including: The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are configured to operate at least one of the one or more anime figures on the control surface from a first configuration to a second configuration. A method. Claim 2 The interaction between at least one magnet of at least one of the one or more anime figures and the first magnetic field, the second magnetic field, or both the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field includes repulsion of the at least one magnet. The method according to claim 1. Claim 3 The method according to claim 2, wherein the interaction includes attracting at least one magnet of at least one of the one or more anime figures.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of using a controller to determine the first control signal or the second control signal based at least in part on an input received at the controller.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of using a controller to determine the first control signal or the second control signal based at least in part on an animation library including information related to a plurality of configurations including the first configuration and the second configuration.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of actuating at least one of the one or more anime figures from the first configuration to the second configuration further includes the step of inflating or deflating an airbag.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of receiving the first control signal or the second control signal in response to an input from a user device.

8. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of using one or more sensors to detect the position of one of the one or more anime figures and generating the first control signal or the second control signal based further on the detected position.

9. An anime figure control system, An anime figure associated with an identifier and having one or more magnets disposed therein or thereon, A control surface configured to receive a control signal and including a plurality of individually addressable control nodes each configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the control signal, An animation controller, comprising, wherein the animation controller records signals from one or more control nodes associated with the movement pattern of the anime figure among the plurality of individually addressable control nodes, receives an instruction to activate the movement pattern, generates the control signal associated with the movement pattern for controlling the anime figure based on the identifier, is configured such that the control signal causes a first magnetic field to be generated in a first subset of the plurality of individually addressable control nodes and a second magnetic field to be generated in a second subset of the plurality of individually addressable control nodes, and the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field interact with the one or more magnets of the anime figure to move the anime figure according to the movement pattern, An anime figure control system characterized by the above.

10. The one or more magnets are in direct contact with the control surface. The anime figure control system according to claim 9.

11. The one or more magnets are arranged within the anime figure and separated from the control surface by a material forming the exterior of the anime figure. The anime figure control system according to claim 9.

12. The animation controller is configured to generate the control signal that causes the anime figure to take a first position based on the influence of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field on the one or more magnets. The anime figure control system according to claim 9.

13. The animation controller is configured to generate a subsequent control signal that causes a third magnetic field to be generated in a third subset of the plurality of individually addressable control nodes. The anime figure control system according to claim 9.

14. The control surface is configured to simultaneously generate the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, the anime figure control system according to claim 9.

15. A method for controlling an anime figure, executed by a control system, comprising: receiving an identifier associated with the anime figure; generating a control signal associated with a first movement pattern for controlling the anime figure based on the identifier; receiving the control signal at a control surface; generating a first magnetic field based at least in part on the received control signal using a control node of the control surface; detecting the position of the anime figure on the control surface, where one or more magnets are disposed inside or on top; controlling a first subset of control nodes of the plurality of control nodes of the control surface to generate a second magnetic field based at least in part on the position; after controlling the first subset of control nodes, detecting the latest position of the anime figure; determining that the latest position is not part of a second movement pattern of the anime figure, and controlling one or more of the plurality of control nodes until the anime figure reaches a predetermined position in the second movement pattern; after the anime figure reaches the predetermined position, restarting the second movement pattern by controlling a second subset of control nodes of the plurality of control nodes of the control surface; including The first magnetic field is configured to operate the anime figure on the control surface from a first configuration to a second configuration. Method.

16. The step of controlling the first subset of the control nodes among the plurality of control nodes includes the step of increasing the intensity of the second magnetic field generated by the first subset of the control nodes, the method according to claim 15.

17. The method according to claim 15, comprising the step of detecting the identifier associated with the anime figure and controlling the first subset of the control nodes based on the detected identifier, wherein the second movement pattern is based on the detected identifier.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first subset of the control nodes overlaps with the second subset of the control nodes but is not identical to the second subset of the control nodes.

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