Interactive and responsive theme park system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive and responsive theme park system, which plays back images in a space and allows visitors to enter and enjoy same, the theme park system comprising: a space including a display unit provided at at least one side thereof; and a user terminal that interacts with an image displayed on the display unit, wherein the display unit can output a virtual ecosystem that includes movements of a plurality of objects.

Description

Interactive and responsive theme park system

[0001] The present invention relates to a theme park system that plays a video in a space and allows visitors to enter and watch it.

[0002]

[0003] Recently, exhibitions, museums, and theme parks have begun offering video playback for visitors to enjoy. Some of the videos played in exhibition halls can respond to touch. For example, objects in the video can move, or flowers can bloom or fall, depending on the viewer's touch.

[0004] However, these videos, which replay pre-produced footage, have drawbacks: they can be boring for viewers due to the repetition of the same footage, and they can also be monotonous, as they only elicit a few specific reactions. Consequently, visitors often lack the motivation to revisit these exhibitions, often ending up with only a single visit.

[0005]

[0006] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described conventional problems and to provide a system that outputs a virtual ecosystem like real nature that reacts to the user, rather than simply outputting a repeatedly played image.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a system that can induce continuous theme park visits by constructing a virtual ecosystem within a theme park through the above system and allowing interaction between objects in the virtual ecosystem and users.

[0008]

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, an interactive responsive theme park system is proposed, which is a theme park system that plays a video in a space and allows visitors to enter and enjoy the space, comprising: a space including a display unit provided on at least one side; and a user terminal that interacts with the video on the display unit; wherein the display unit may output a virtual ecosystem including the movements of a plurality of objects.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may each have a degree of freedom and may be output to the display unit through real-time rendering.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may be virtual creatures that each have an independent life cycle and live by interacting with other objects.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may be such that each movement can be controlled in real time through a program, and the user terminal may be connected to each object so that the object can be called up to the user terminal by the user's decision.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may not include objects of the same shape.

[0014] In one embodiment, a user may interact with an object brought into the user terminal, and the object may grow differently within the user terminal depending on the interaction with the user.

[0015] In one embodiment, an object called into the user terminal may be released back into the virtual ecosystem from the user terminal according to the user's intention, and the released object may become a member of the ecosystem again and live within the virtual ecosystem.

[0016] In one embodiment, the space may recognize the user's position, and when the user enters, the object released by the user and the cluster containing the object may be displayed together with other object groups on the display unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user may be able to enter the space and interact with the released object.

[0018] In one embodiment, the space may be recognizable to the user's location, and the object may move in response to the user's location.

[0019]

[0020] The present invention has the effect of providing a fresh and fun experience to users by outputting an ecosystem including a plurality of virtual creatures, each with its own degree of freedom of movement and each with its own life cycle.

[0021] The virtual creatures of the present invention can be raised on the user's terminal, allowing the user to experience various interactions with the virtual creatures, resulting in emotional stability. Furthermore, encountering a variety of creatures can also foster learning.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present invention, a user releases a virtual creature raised on a terminal into a virtual ecosystem within a theme park, and allows it to live there while interacting with other objects, and the user can continuously observe and support the creature by visiting the theme park, thereby strengthening the relationship between the object and the user and inducing continuous visits to the theme park.

[0023] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and include all effects naturally implemented due to the various configurations proposed in the present invention.

[0024]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual ecosystem that can be implemented by an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating user decision-making implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating user decision-making implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a virtual creature and a user implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 is a flowchart of interactions implemented in a responsive theme park system capable of interaction according to another embodiment.

[0030]

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustrating the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific descriptions of these embodiments.

[0032] All technical and scientific terms used in this invention, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All terms used in this invention have been selected for the purpose of more clearly explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights provided for in this invention.

[0033] Expressions such as “comprising,” “having,” and the like used in the present invention should be understood as open-ended terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence in which the expression is included.

[0034] The singular expressions described in the present invention may include plural meanings unless otherwise stated, and the same applies to the singular expressions described in the claims.

[0035]

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, an interactive responsive theme park system is proposed, which is a theme park system that plays a video in a space and allows visitors to enter and enjoy the space, comprising: a space including a display unit provided on at least one side; and a user terminal that interacts with the video on the display unit; wherein the display unit may output a virtual ecosystem including the movements of a plurality of objects.

[0037] The display unit may be installed to completely fill one side of the space. The larger the space and the higher the ceiling height, the more realistic the theme park system can be provided to the user. For example, the space may have an area of ​​at least 500 pyeong and a ceiling height of at least 5 meters. The space is preferably created indoors, but may also be implemented outdoors, and thus the present invention is not specifically limited to an indoor space. The space may be divided into spaces formed by side walls, and the display unit may be provided on the side walls.

[0038] The display unit (100) may output a virtual ecosystem on multiple side walls of the space. The display unit may output the virtual ecosystem not only on the side walls of the space, but also on the ceiling and floor. The display unit may include flat and curved surfaces, and may be installed in various ways to enable the virtual ecosystem to be expressed more realistically.

[0039] The display unit may output a realistic image produced with high-definition graphics of at least 4K, preferably 8K or higher. For example, the display unit may output a 3D image or a hologram.

[0040] The user terminal (200) may be any electronic device capable of being connected via communication, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, including mobile devices, laptops, PCs, and tablets. The present invention does not limit the type of user terminal. The user terminal may be a terminal normally used by the user, or may be a terminal manufactured and sold or distributed separately by the theme park. The user terminal may be connected to the display unit via a communication means.

[0041] The above-described plurality of objects (310) may be images representing various living organisms that constitute a virtual ecosystem (300). The virtual ecosystem embodies an ecosystem that exists or once existed in real nature, such as an ocean, jungle, safari, or Jurassic (dinosaur world) ecosystem. As an example, the theme park system may provide an aquarium containing an underwater ecosystem.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual ecosystem that can be implemented by an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The multiple objects that make up the above ecosystem are implemented in the space in their actual natural sizes and are accompanied by realistic sound, allowing users to experience a virtual ecosystem as if they were observing real life in nature. Therefore, users can experience and feel the ecosystem within a tank, the breath of a tropical rainforest, and the vibrant and rich jungle without having to visit an actual aquarium, safari, or jungle. Furthermore, users can safely and intimately interact with the multiple objects that make up the virtual ecosystem.

[0044] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may each have a degree of freedom and may be output to the display unit through real-time rendering.

[0045] The above multiple objects represent individual living organisms that make up the virtual ecosystem, and can represent the movements of each living organism seen in nature. For example, an object representing a tiger may exhibit the shape of a tiger, along with the movements characteristic of felines and tiger behavioral characteristics. The movements of each living organism may be learned and applied through artificial intelligence from images of various real animals.

[0046] The above multiple objects each possess unique characteristics and exhibit movements with varying degrees of freedom that do not overlap or repeat with other objects within the ecosystem, enabling the creation of diverse ecosystems similar to those in real nature. Consequently, a virtual ecosystem resembling real nature can be provided to users.

[0047] The movements of the plurality of objects may be output through real-time rendering as an executable file rather than a video file through the display unit. Conventional theme parks and exhibitions repeatedly play produced video files, repeating certain patterns and movements. A responsive theme park system according to one embodiment of the present invention may output a real-time image of a virtual ecosystem being implemented in real time through an executable file. Preferably, the executable file may be an EXE file.

[0048] Because this technology doesn't replay pre-produced videos like conventional technologies, the virtual ecosystem's appearance varies from moment to moment and can have non-repeating features. Therefore, by providing users with a diverse ecosystem experience at every moment, it can stimulate their interest and increase their return visits.

[0049] The current state of the virtual ecosystem may be displayed in real time on a display unit through real-time rendering. Because the virtual ecosystem is displayed in realistic graphics, a large executable file may be output, and real-time rendering may be performed using multiple PCs for efficient and effective real-time rendering.

[0050]

[0051] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may be virtual creatures that interact with other objects and have their own independent life cycles. The life cycle may include the life cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and death, and the plurality of objects may each live through their own life cycles. The plurality of objects may be capable of interbreeding and growing independently over time.

[0052] The multiple objects in the virtual ecosystem represent various life cycles, effectively presenting users with an ecosystem that closely resembles the natural world. Each time the user visits, the objects appear to grow or mature, giving users the experience of actually raising these objects.

[0053] The above-mentioned multiple objects may interact with each other within the ecosystem. These interactions may include relationships with other objects, friendly relationships, competitive relationships, and network relationships based on food chains. Through these interactions, the multiple objects can exhibit different appearances and movements at any given moment, creating a virtual ecosystem resembling nature.

[0054]

[0055] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may be such that each movement can be controlled in real time through a program, and the user terminal may be connected to each object so that the object can be called up to the user terminal by the user's decision.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating user decision-making implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0057] The above program can be implemented as an application, etc., on a user's terminal (200). The user terminal can be connected to the display unit (100) through communication and connected to each object (310) displayed on the display unit.

[0058] The user terminal may be connected to an object via a camera. For example, when an object displayed on a display unit is captured using the user terminal's camera, the user terminal may recognize the object. The user terminal may recognize an identification code, such as a QR code, of the object via the camera.

[0059] The user terminal may be connected to an object within a certain distance via a peripheral sensor. The user terminal may be connected through contact with the object. The contact may include eye contact with the object, physical contact with the object or the terminal, or calling the object's name.

[0060] A user terminal that recognizes the object may display a decision (320) that can interact with the object. The decision may include greeting, moving, feeding, petting, playing, dancing, giving, and sending the object away.

[0061] Through the above-described selected decision, the user can interact with the object, and the changes and movements of the object according to the interaction can be displayed in real time through real-time rendering. Since the user can check the changes and movements of the object according to the interaction in real time, the user can feel satisfaction with the interaction and increase intimacy with the object. For example, if the user selects to greet the object, the user can see the object responding with a greeting in response to the user's greeting. As another example, if the user selects to feed the object, the user can see the object happily eating the food, the object following the user, and the object growing healthily through this.

[0062] If the user chooses to distribute the object, the object can be loaded onto the user terminal from the display unit representing the virtual ecosystem. The object loaded onto the user terminal can interact with the user within the user terminal. The object loaded onto the user terminal may no longer be displayed on the display unit, but may be displayed only on the user terminal. Accordingly, only the user can interact with the object, forming an attachment through continuous interaction with the object, and preventing the same object from being interacted with multiple users repeatedly.

[0063]

[0064] In one embodiment, the decision (320) may include a purchase action, i.e., payment. The decision may include greeting, moving, feeding, petting, playing, dancing, adopting, and letting go, and at least one of the decisions may be implemented through payment. For example, feeding and adopting may be implemented through payment. The payment may be made through any of the following methods: in-app purchase, digital currency, cryptocurrency, bank transfer, credit card, VAN, PG, simple payment, and gift certificate. Through this, the theme park can establish another revenue model beyond simply generating admission revenue from visitors, based on the costs associated with the efforts invested by visitors to interact with and grow the objects they adopt.

[0065] When a decision is made on an object selected from a user terminal, a payment signal according to the selected decision is transmitted and received, payment is processed, and when a payment completion signal is transmitted and received, the selected decision may be executed.

[0066] The above payment may be for a multi-ticket decision, and the completed multi-ticket decision may be displayed on the user's terminal. For example, if payment for a 5-ticket feeding cycle is completed, a 5-ticket feeding icon may be displayed on the user's terminal, and the user's terminal may perform five feeding cycles. The price may vary for each food, and even for objects of the same species, each object may have different preferred foods. In other words, one embodiment of the present invention may aim to construct an ecosystem with objects with completely unique characteristics.

[0067]

[0068] In one embodiment, the plurality of objects may not include objects of the same shape.

[0069] In nature, various living creatures exhibit diverse forms within the same species. For example, even monkeys of the same species possess distinct features such as appearance, fur color, size, and personality. Similarly, dolphins can be distinguished by the size and curve of their dorsal fins.

[0070] Drawing on these natural characteristics, the multiple objects that make up the virtual ecosystem can each exhibit diverse shapes and characteristics. Accordingly, users can recognize specific objects with which they have developed a sense of intimacy, and through ongoing interaction with these objects, they can develop an attachment.

[0071]

[0072] In one embodiment, a user can interact with an object loaded onto the user terminal, and the object may grow differently within the user terminal based on the user's interaction. Additional interactions within the user terminal may affect the object's growth and life cycle. For example, if the user provides a large amount of food, the object may grow and mature more quickly within the user terminal than when it is displayed.

[0073] The object retrieved above may also interact with other objects contained in the user terminal. If the user terminal contains many objects of the same or similar species that are undergoing similar life cycles, the object may grow or mature rapidly, or may undergo a life cycle at a different rate than when it was displayed, depending on the interaction between the objects.

[0074] Since the user can observe the process of the object growing and maturing through interaction on the user terminal, a deeper sense of intimacy and attachment with the object can be formed.

[0075]

[0076] In one embodiment, an object called into the user terminal may be released back into the virtual ecosystem from the user terminal according to the user's intention, and the released object may become a member of the ecosystem again and live within the virtual ecosystem.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating user decision-making implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0078] Based on the user's decision to export from the terminal, the object may be released from the user terminal into the virtual ecosystem. The released object may be displayed again on the display and may no longer be displayed on the user terminal. The released object may interact with other objects on the display while being displayed on the display. For example, a user may release an object on the user terminal into the virtual ecosystem to allow it to interact with objects on other users' terminals.

[0079] The released object may still recognize the user and interact with the user on the display. The released object, which has formed an attachment with the user, may react differently to the user than other objects displayed on the display. For example, the released object may react more actively to the user and follow the user than other objects.

[0080] The released object may live in a group with other objects within the virtual ecosystem. Depending on its growth rate, the released object may possess a dominant force in interactions with other objects and act as a group leader. The opposite may also be true. This allows users to remind themselves of the need to grow the objects they release and to strive to further develop the objects they receive.

[0081] The above-described released object may be reloaded to the user terminal at the user's discretion. The reloaded object may no longer be displayed on the display unit, but may be displayed only on the user terminal.

[0082]

[0083] In one embodiment, the space may recognize the user's position, and when the user enters, the object released by the user and the cluster containing the object may be displayed together with other object groups on the display unit.

[0084] The above space may recognize not only the user's position but also the user's movements within the space. The space may include multiple sensors, and may recognize the user's position and movements through the sensors. The sensors may include one or more of a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, and a depth camera. The space may recognize the user's position and movements through communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

[0085] The display unit of the above space outputs an object released from a user terminal and an ecosystem containing the object, and the ecosystem can react to the user's position and movement.

[0086] In one embodiment, the user may be able to enter the space and interact with the released object.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a virtual creature and a user implemented in an interactive, responsive theme park system according to one embodiment.

[0088] The above interaction (320) includes greeting, moving, feeding, stroking, playing, dancing, giving, and sending out, and the interaction can be performed on the display unit according to the decision selected by the user on the user terminal. For example, if feeding the object is selected (330), the food (330) selected by the user is displayed on the display unit, and the object eating the food can be confirmed through the display unit.

[0089] In one embodiment, one or more of the above interactions may be performed via payment, and the payment may be performed at the user terminal.

[0090]

[0091] In one embodiment, the space may be recognizable to the user's location, and the object may move in response to the user's location.

[0092] The above space may recognize the user's location and movements, and multiple objects on the display portion of the space may respond to the user's location and movements. The multiple objects may follow the user's gaze or move with the user based on the user's location and movements. When the user touches the objects with their body or a terminal, the objects may react with surprise, etc.

[0093] The above space may recognize the size and movements of a large number of visitors through multiple sensors. The display unit of the above space may output a larger number of objects as the number of visitors increases. The multiple objects may exhibit various movements, such as following the visitors.

[0094] The above space may recognize the distance between the display unit and the user through a depth camera sensor, and the display unit may display the movements of multiple objects based on the distance. For example, when the user approaches an object within a certain distance, the object may make eye contact with the user or perform actions such as greeting.

[0095] In one embodiment, the space may have one or more photo zones. The photo zones are specific areas where users can take commemorative photos with multiple objects displayed on the display. When a user enters the photo zone, the multiple objects may gather behind the user in response to the user's camera. Alternatively, the multiple objects may perform specific actions, such as making eye contact with the user.

[0096] The above space may include multiple directional speakers. The directional speakers can provide a more realistic theme park system for users by outputting specific sounds appropriate for specific locations when the user reaches them. The directional speakers can also help foster attachment between users and objects by outputting sounds and sound effects based on user interactions with the objects.

[0097] The above space allows multiple people to enter and interact with objects within the ecosystem simultaneously. Therefore, a means may be needed to prevent the various sounds produced by various objects within the space from overlapping. For example, a sound-focusing device can be introduced into the space so that, when standing at a specific location, only the sounds of specific interactable objects can be clearly heard. For example, the roar of a lion can be clearly heard at location A, while the roar of a bear can be clearly heard at location B. This arrangement allows each person to interact with the ecosystem without being influenced by the viewing behavior of others.

[0098] The above space can be divided into several separate spaces, and soundproof walls, soundproof doors, etc. can be placed between the separated spaces to prevent sounds from the adjacent space from interfering with the observation of the ecosystem.

[0099] The above space may further include multiple special effects that can aid in user immersion. These special effects may include lighting, sound, smells, wind, fog, and raindrops, and may be expressed in accordance with the ecosystem displayed on the display unit of the space and the movements of multiple objects, thereby enhancing the user's sense of immersion. The above space may further include multiple terrain features and sculptures that can aid in user immersion.

[0100]

[0101] Figure 5 is a flowchart of interactions implemented in a responsive theme park system capable of interaction according to another embodiment.

[0102] An interaction method implemented in an interactive responsive theme park system according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a step of selecting one object from among a plurality of objects displayed on a display unit at a user terminal (S410); a step of selecting the selected object and a desired decision (S420); a step of transmitting and receiving a payment signal according to the selected decision (S430); a step of performing the payment (S440); a step of transmitting and receiving the payment completion signal (S450); and a step of performing the selected decision (S460).

[0103] The decision-making and payment related to selecting the above interaction are as described above.

[0104]

[0105] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a theme park system where a video is played in a space and visitors enter and enjoy it, a space including a display portion provided on at least one side; and A user terminal that interacts with the image of the above display unit; The above display unit outputs a virtual ecosystem that includes the movements of multiple objects. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple objects each have their own degree of freedom and are output to the display unit through real-time rendering. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

3. In paragraph 1, The above multiple objects are virtual creatures that have their own independent life cycles and live by interacting with other objects. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

4. In paragraph 1, The above multiple objects can each have their movements controlled in real time through a program, The above user terminal is connected to each of the above objects, and it is possible to call the object to the user terminal by the user's decision. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

5. In paragraph 4, The above multiple objects do not contain objects of the same shape, An interactive and responsive theme park system.

6. In paragraph 4, The user can interact with the object loaded into the user terminal, The above object grows differently within the user terminal depending on the interaction with the user. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

7. In paragraph 4, The object loaded into the above user terminal can be released back into the virtual ecosystem from the user terminal according to the user's intention. The above released objects become members of the ecosystem again and live within the virtual ecosystem. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

8. In paragraph 7, The above space recognizes the position of the above user, When the above user enters, the object released by the above user and the cluster containing the above object are displayed together with other object clusters. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

9. In paragraph 8, The above user can enter the above space and interact with the released object. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

10. In paragraph 1, The above space is one that can recognize the user's location, The above object moves in response to the user's location. An interactive and responsive theme park system.

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