Animated Figure Display System with Tracker-Based Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displaying media content via projection mapping in amusement parks is challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, equipment availability, and video capabilities, which limits the creation of immersive and realistic viewing experiences for guests.
Innovation Solution
An animated figure display system equipped with trackers that enable real-time tracking of movements, positions, and orientations of projection surfaces, allowing for dynamic image projection and actuator control to create immersive experiences without relying on traditional projection mapping methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional projection mapping is used to display media content on animated figures, then visual effects can be achieved, but cost and equipment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video capture to record the animated figure's movements and projections, then plays back the captured video content on displays. This copying approach replaces complex real-time projection mapping equipment with standard video recording and playback systems, significantly reducing equipment complexity while maintaining visual effect quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical projection mapping system with an electronic video-based system. Instead of using complex projection equipment to map images onto animated figures in real-time, the system captures video of the figures and displays it electronically, substituting mechanical/optical systems with electronic ones to reduce complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If projection mapping equipment is deployed to create immersive experiences, then viewing experience quality improves, but space requirements and equipment availability become limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard video capture and display equipment that can be deployed in various locations and configurations. The system is not limited to fixed projection mapping installations but can adapt to different spaces using portable cameras and displays, making the equipment versatile and space-efficient while maintaining immersive viewing experience quality
Solution Approach 2:
By capturing and replaying video content, the system can create immersive experiences in limited spaces without requiring large-scale projection infrastructure. The video copying approach allows the same content to be displayed on multiple devices in compact arrangements, reducing space requirements while maintaining adaptability
3Speed
If real-time projection mapping is implemented on moving animated figures, then dynamic visual effects are achieved, but tracking precision and synchronization become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures video of the animated figures' movements in advance and stores it for later playback. This preliminary action of recording eliminates the need for real-time tracking and synchronization during performance, as the pre-captured video already contains the synchronized motion and visual effects data, maintaining dynamic effects without tracking precision challenges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces real-time optical tracking systems with video playback technology. Instead of continuously tracking and calculating figure positions for real-time projection mapping, the system uses pre-recorded video that inherently contains the motion information, substituting complex real-time measurement systems with simpler playback mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated figure display system includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface moves between a first position and a second position and the projection surface is at least partially concealed behind the animated figure in the first position. The animated figure display system includes a tracking camera that detects the first tracker and the second tracker and generates location data. A controller receives the location data and generates a control signal based on the location data. A projector receives the control signal indicative of image content from the controller and projects the image content onto the body of the animated figure and the external surface of the projection surface.