Chin Strap Sensor for Silent Walk-Around Character Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current walk-around character control systems require either a backstage operator or visible finger paddles to trigger audio and animation, which can disrupt the illusion and are not practical in all scenarios, necessitating a more discreet and efficient method for performers to control audio and animation.
Innovation Solution
A chin movement sensor assembly integrated into the character costume, utilizing a deflection monitoring sensor such as a string potentiometer or force sensor, allows performers to trigger audio and animation with small jaw movements, processing sensor signals to generate control signals for sound and robotics systems, enabling silent and non-visible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If finger paddles are used to trigger audio and animation, then control capability is provided, but the illusion is ruined because the paddles are visible to visitors
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extracted from the visible exterior and placed inside the costume head, where it becomes invisible to visitors. The chin movement sensor assembly is integrated within the head structure, allowing the performer to control audio and animation through internal jaw movements rather than external finger paddles.
Solution Approach 2:
The chin movement sensor acts as an intermediary between the performer's natural jaw movement and the control signals. Instead of directly manipulating visible controls, the performer's jaw movement is converted into sensor signals that trigger the desired effects, providing an invisible mediation layer.
2Reliability
If backstage operators are used to control audio and animation, then precise control is achieved, but it is not practical to provide operators for each character
Solution Approach 1:
The performer becomes self-sufficient by using their own jaw movements to control the character's audio and animation. The chin movement sensor assembly enables the performer to independently trigger effects without requiring external operators, making the system self-contained and scalable to multiple characters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual control system (operators or finger paddles) is replaced with an automated sensor-based system. The chin movement sensor automatically detects jaw movements and converts them into control signals, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining reliable control.
3Ease of operation
If sensitive triggers are used to respond to performer movements, then ease of operation is improved, but false triggers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predefined trigger conditions and thresholds before operation begins. The chin movement sensor is calibrated to recognize specific jaw movement patterns that correspond to intentional performer actions, distinguishing them from accidental movements or natural speech patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify trigger conditions before activation. By monitoring the characteristics of jaw movements and comparing them against predefined criteria, the system can confirm intentional triggers while filtering out false signals from natural speaking or breathing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows performers to control audio and animation without visible aids, reducing false triggers and maintaining the illusion by using predefined chin movements to initiate audio playback and synchronization with pre-recorded tracks, enhancing interaction effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A deflection monitoring sensor such as a string potentiometer or force sensor
Implementation Method 2
A deflection monitoring sensor such as a string potentiometer or force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A walk-around character assembly or system with enhanced control functionality to provide a performer of a walk-around character the ability to silently and non-visibly trigger audio, animation, and/or special effects. A deflection monitoring (or chin movement) sensor is provided in the head portion of the character costume to detect predefined chin movements, e.g., a performer opening their mouth once or twice within a time period to limit false negatives/triggers. For example, a potentiometer or force sensor may be provided in the chin strap of a character head. The performer is able to trigger an audio response or to animate the mouth of the character head with relatively small movements of their jaw as a controller processes the sensor signals to determine when to generate control signals to operate sound equipment on the character costume.