External Projection Mapping for Reactive Animated Figures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animated figures in amusement parks lack realism and immersion, as they often rely on internal projection mapping which creates unnatural backlighting and limits the complexity of actuators due to the internal projector's fixed position, hindering dynamic interaction with their environment.
Innovation Solution
A reactive media system with an external projector and motion control system that uses optical performance capture to dynamically project images onto an animated figure's external surface, adjusting its movements and projections based on interactive data from various sources, including guest input, to create a more lifelike and immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If internal projection mapping is used, then the animated figure can display predetermined images, but it creates unnatural backlighting and limits actuator complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is extracted from the internal position and relocated to an external position. This removes the conflicting element (internal projector) that caused unnatural backlighting and spatial constraints, allowing the projection surface to be fully opaque and the actuators to be configured without interference from internal projection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of projecting from the inside out (internal projection), the system inverts the approach by projecting from the outside in (external projection onto external surface). This reversal eliminates the backlighting effect and allows for more flexible actuator placement and configuration within the figure.
2Device complexity
If internal projector is used, then the system structure is simplified, but it creates unrealistic lighting and reduces interactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors detect guest interactions and environmental conditions, the controller processes this information, and the animated figure responds in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic interactivity and realistic responses to guest actions, transforming the figure from a static display to an engaging interactive experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static predetermined images to dynamic real-time projection mapping. The projected images can now change dynamically based on guest interactions, environmental conditions, and figure movements, creating a versatile and adaptive experience that responds to external inputs rather than following fixed sequences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external projection is used, then realism and interactivity are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external projector and projection mapping system serve multiple functions: displaying images, creating realistic lighting effects, synchronizing with figure movements, and responding to guest interactions. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated solution that achieves multiple goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the projection system, motion control system, sensor system, and controller into an integrated reactive media system. By combining these previously separate components into a unified system with centralized control, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced realism and interactivity.
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
The system enhances the realism and interactivity of animated figures by eliminating unnatural backlighting and allowing for more complex actuator configurations, providing a dynamic and engaging experience that closely resembles a live character, with improved show quality and reduced latency.
Implementation Method 1
a tracking camera configured to generate signals indicative of a current position and a current orientation of the figure portion based on the set of trackers
Implementation Method 2
The projector is configured to receive the data indicative of the images from the media controller and project the images onto the external surface of the figure portion
Data Source
AI summary
A reactive media system includes a motion control system having an animated figure with a body and actuators configured to adjust a figure portion of the body in response to interactive data received from one or more interactive data sources. The reactive media system includes a media control system having a tracking camera configured to generate signals indicative of a current position and orientation of the figure portion based on a set of trackers coupled to the figure portion. The media control system includes a media controller configured to receive the signals, determine the current position and orientation based on the signals, and generate data indicative of images to be projected onto an external surface of the figure portion having the current position and orientation. The media control system also includes a projector configured to receive the data from the media controller and project the images onto the external surface.