HK40103696A - Systems and methods for animated figure display - Google Patents

Description

Systems and methods for displaying animated characters

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/172951, filed April 9, 2021, entitled “SYSTEMSANDMETHODS FORIMATEDFIGURE DISPLAY,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

Background Technology

This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be associated with the present invention, which are described below and/or claimed. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read from this perspective and not as an endorsement of prior art.

Amusement parks typically contain attractions or experiences that use video and/or still images to provide enjoyment and entertainment for park patrons. For example, such attractions may include themed environments created using display devices that present media content (e.g., in the form of video, text, still images, motion graphics, or a combination thereof). For some attractions, it may be desirable to display media content with special visual effects to create a realistic and/or immersive viewing or playing experience for the audience. Amusement parks and other entertainment venues, among many other attractions, also contain animated characters that entertain park patrons queuing for or within the rides. Some animated characters can be brought to life through projection mapping that traditionally guides a predetermined appearance onto them. For example, a particular animated character may be visually supplemented by projections of a predefined set of images that can be aligned with the pre-programmed movements of the animated character. However, displaying media content via such projection mapping can be challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, equipment availability, viewing environment, and/or video (moving visual images) capabilities.

Summary of the Invention

The following outlines some embodiments commensurate with the scope of the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of the subject matter. In practice, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In one embodiment, an animated character display system includes an animated character having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated character display system also includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface is configured to move between a first position and a second position, and in the first position, the projection surface is at least partially obscured behind the animated character. The animated character display system further includes: a set of actuators configured to adjust the body of the animated character and the projection surface; and a tracking camera configured to detect the first tracker and the second tracker, and configured to generate location data based on the first tracker and the second tracker. In this embodiment, the animated character display system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the tracking camera. The controller is configured to receive the location data provided by the tracking camera and, based on the location data, generate control signals indicating image content to be projected onto the body of the animated character and the projection surface. The animated character display system also includes a projector communicatively coupled to the controller. The projector is configured to: receive a control signal from the controller indicating the image content; and project the image content onto the body of the animated character and the projection surface.

In one embodiment, an animated character display system includes an animated character having a body and a projection surface. The animated character display system further includes an character control system, the character control system comprising: a set of actuators configured to adjust the body and projection surface of the animated character; and an actuator controller communicatively coupled to the set of actuators. The actuator controller is configured to instruct the set of actuators to adjust the body and projection surface of the animated character, and to generate actuator control data indicating the position and orientation of each actuator in the set of actuators. In this embodiment, the animated character display system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator controller. The controller is configured to receive the actuator control data provided by the actuator controller, and to generate, based on the actuator control data, position data indicating the position and orientation of the body and projection surface of the animated character. The controller is further configured to generate, based on the position data, control signals indicating image content to be projected onto the body and projection surface of the animated character.

In one embodiment, a method of operating an animated character projection system includes instructing a set of actuators via a controller to initiate a motion sequence of the animated character and a projection surface. The method further includes receiving, via the controller, positional data indicating the current position and current orientation of the animated character and the projection surface, and, based on the current position and the current orientation, generating, via the controller, control signals indicating image content to be projected onto the body of the animated character and an exposed surface of the projection surface. The method further includes instructing a projector via the controller to project the image content onto the body of the animated character and the exposed surface of the projection surface.

The various improvements to the features specified above can be made to various aspects of this disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated into these aspects. These improvements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination.

Attached Figure Description

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar characters throughout the drawings denote similar portions, wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an animated character display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an animated character in an animated character display system incorporated in Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an animated display featuring the animated image of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another animated character in the animated character display system incorporated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an animated display featuring the animated image of Figure 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the projection surface of an animated character display system incorporated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 7 is an example of an animated display featuring the projection surface of Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Implementation

One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. Furthermore, with regard to certain terms such as parallel, perpendicular, etc., as used herein, it should be understood that these terms allow for certain deviations from strictly mathematical definitions, such as deviations associated with manufacturing defects and associated tolerances.

When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to encompass and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that are also incorporated into the described features.

This disclosure generally relates to animated character display systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to animated character display systems for amusement park attractions and experiences. The attractions may comprise any type of ride system designed to entertain passengers, such as attractions comprising rides that travel along a path, attractions comprising rooms or theaters with stationary or movable seats for passengers to sit while they watch media content, attractions comprising pathways for customers to walk along, rooms for customers to explore, or the like. Projection mapping involves projecting image content onto a mapped surface. The surface must first be mapped to determine the exact shape and location of different portions of the surface, and coordinates need to be defined based on the orientation and position from the projector. Furthermore, the image content must then be configured for use on the mapped surface, typically requiring specialized software and skilled technicians. However, displaying media content via such projection mapping can be challenging due to considerations such as cost, space, equipment availability, viewing environment, and/or video (moving visual image) capabilities. In contrast, the animated character display system of this disclosure may be equipped with a tracker that enables a tracking camera to identify the movement, position, and orientation of the projected surface (e.g., the animated character) in real time. Accordingly, the animated character display system provides customers with an immersive viewing experience without the challenges and/or costs associated with providing such an experience using projection mapping. Furthermore, while the disclosed embodiments generally discuss animated character display systems for entertainment purposes, some of the disclosed embodiments may also be applied to systems used for any other suitable purpose.

This embodiment pertains to an animated character display system for amusement park attractions and/or experiences. It is noteworthy that the animated character display system includes any number of projection surfaces, such as animated characters, parts of animated characters (e.g., branches, body parts), and/or additional projection surfaces that move independently of the animated characters, onto which various visual effects can be projected to depict movement, special effects (e.g., fire, lightning, smoke), backgrounds, etc. Accordingly, the animated character display system provides customers with a dynamic and immersive experience, where the animated characters are modeled as living characters and/or moving figures that react to image content projected onto additional projection surfaces. For example, imagery can be projected onto the body of the animated character (e.g., head, torso, legs, arms, or combinations thereof) to create illusions of action, energy, material, or the like. In some embodiments, to enhance the realism of the animated characters, the animated characters and/or any number of projection surfaces may be equipped with trackers that enable tracking cameras of a tracking and media control system to identify the movement, position, and orientation of the animated characters and/or projection surfaces in real time via optical performance capture or optical motion capture. Therefore, because the tracking and media control system can operate independently of the animated character (e.g., through position, velocity, and/or acceleration control of actuators not directly dependent on the animated character), it can dynamically generate and display projected images onto interactive animated characters and/or projection surfaces that mimic the movements and/or reactions to other effects (e.g., environmental effects, visual effects, pyrotechnic effects, fluid flow effects) associated with a theme park attraction or experience. In some embodiments, the character control system may include an actuator controller (e.g., a motor encoder) that controls the movement of the animated character and/or projection surface and generates and transmits actuator control data to the tracking and media control system. The tracking and media control system can process the actuator control data and generate position data for the animated character and/or projection surface based on the actuator control data. As will be understood, the tracking control system of some embodiments may generate and update position data containing the position (e.g., including x, y, and z coordinates), orientation, and scale of the animated character and/or projection surface. Accordingly, the tracking control system can use location data to control any number of projectors to generate images and display images (e.g., still images, video content) onto animated figures and/or projection surfaces to create an immersive and/or realistic viewing experience.

Referring to the foregoing, Figure 1 illustrates an animated character display system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a tracking and media control system 102, any number of tracking cameras 110, any number of projectors 112, an image control system 114, and a display 120. The animated character display system 100 can be used to provide visual effects to the display 120 during amusement park attractions and/or experiences. In some embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 may be provided in the form of a computing device such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), personal computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device (e.g., smartphone), server, or any other suitable computing device. The tracking and media control system 102 can control the operation of the tracking cameras 110 and projectors 112, and can process data received from the tracking cameras 110 and/or the image control system 114. The tracking and media control system 102 can be coupled to the tracking camera 110, projector 112, and/or image control system 114 via any suitable technology (such as wireless, optical, coaxial, or other suitable connection) for transmitting data and control signals between the tracking and media control system 102 and the tracking camera 110, projector 112, and/or image control system 114.

The tracking and media control system 102 may be a control system having multiple controllers (such as controller 104), each controller having at least one processor 106 and at least one memory 108. The tracking and media control system 102 may represent a monolithic hardware component or an assembly of separate components integrated via communication coupling (e.g., wired or wireless communication). It should be noted that in some embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 may include additional features as shown. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 may include a tracking camera 110 and/or a projector 112, and may be operable to communicate with a local display on a particular computing device. Regarding functional aspects of the tracking and media control system 102, controller 104 may use information from the tracking camera 110 (e.g., tracking data) and/or information from the image control system 114 (e.g., actuator control data) to generate and update position data of the animated image 122 and/or projection surface 124, and to control the operation of the projector 112 based on the position data. Furthermore, the tracking and media control system 102 may include communication features (e.g., wired or wireless communication ports) that facilitate communication with other devices (e.g., external sensors) to provide additional data for use by the tracking and media control system 102. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 may operate to communicate with local cameras and/or audio sensors to facilitate the detection of customers at amusement park attractions or experiences, customer interaction with the animated character 122 (e.g., waving, approaching within a threshold distance), and so on.

The tracking and media control system 102 may be a control system having multiple controllers (such as controller 104), each controller having at least one processor 106 and at least one memory 108. In some embodiments, the memory 108 may comprise one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the processor 106 (representing one or more processors) and/or data to be processed by the processor 106. For example, the memory 108 may comprise random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), hard disk drive, optical disk, and/or the like. Furthermore, the processor 106 may comprise one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the memory 108 may store tracking data acquired via the tracking camera 110, actuator control data acquired via the actuator controller 116, display data transmitted to and displayed via the projector 112, position data generated by the processor 106, and/or algorithms used by the processor 106 based on the position data and display data to aid in controlling the operation of the projector 112. Additionally, the processor 106 may process the tracking data and/or actuator control data to determine position data including the position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or the projection surface 124. In some embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 may include additional elements not shown in FIG. 1, such as additional data acquisition and processing controls, additional sensors and displays, user interfaces, etc.

Display 120 may be able to depict image content (e.g., still images, videos, visual effects) that will be viewed by one or more customers of an amusement park attraction and/or experience. In some embodiments, display 120 may include any number of projection surfaces 124, and each projection surface may be able to depict image content. For example, display 120 may include an animated character 122 and any number of additional projection surfaces 124. In some embodiments, animated character 122 may include any number of parts (e.g., a body and branches), and each part may be able to move independently of any other part. In some embodiments, display 120 may include more than one animated character 122 within a single amusement park attraction or experience. In some embodiments, display 120 may depict image content associated with an amusement park attraction and/or experience. For example, an amusement park ride may appear to take place in an active volcano, and display 120 may depict image content associated with an active volcano (e.g., flowing lava, fire).

In some embodiments, the display 120 may include trackers (e.g., trackable markers) located on the surface of the animated character 122 and/or any number of projection surfaces 124. The trackers may be located on or within any suitable surface of the display 120, allowing them to be obscured or shielded from view by the customer. In some embodiments, the trackers may be shaped as cylinders or light-emitting diodes, but it should be understood that the trackers may have any other suitable shape, including spherical shapes, rectangular prism shapes, etc. The trackers enable the tracking camera 110 to sense or distinguish the position and/or orientation of the animated character 122 and/or projection surfaces 124 within the amusement park attraction and/or experience (e.g., via optical performance capture or optical motion capture techniques). Optical performance capture or optical motion capture refers to techniques for recording the movement of an object or person by capturing data from an image sensor (e.g., tracking camera 110) and a tracker coupled to the surface. In some embodiments, the trackers may be active devices capable of emitting personalized signals to the tracking camera 110. For example, the trackers may emit infrared light, electromagnetic energy, or any other suitable signal that is undetectable by the customer but distinguishable by the tracking camera 110. Alternatively, the tracker may be a passive device (e.g., a reflector, a stained portion) that does not emit signals and enables the tracking camera 110 to accurately distinguish the passive device from other portions of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. In some embodiments, the tracker may be flush with or recessed within the outer surface of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. The type and/or configuration of the tracking camera 110 may be individually selected to correspond to the type of tracker. In some embodiments, the tracking camera 110 may be designed to receive signals from the tracker (e.g., an active device) to sense the position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. Additionally or alternatively, the tracking camera 110 may be designed to distinguish trackers (e.g., passive devices) on exposed surfaces of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124.

The image control system 114 can control the operation (e.g., movement, position, orientation) of the animated image 122 and projection surface 124 of the display 120. The image control system 114 may be provided in the form of a computing device (such as a PLC, personal computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device (e.g., smartphone), server, or any other suitable computing device). The image control system 114 may be a control system having multiple controllers (such as actuator controller 116) – each controller having at least one processor 126 and at least one memory 128 – and any number of actuators 118. In some embodiments, the memory 128 may comprise one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the processor 126 (representing one or more processors) and/or data to be processed by the processor 126. For example, the memory 128 may comprise random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), hard disk drive, optical disk, and/or the like. Furthermore, processor 126 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Further, memory 128 may store actuator control data obtained via actuator controller 116 and/or algorithms used by processor 126 to aid in controlling the operation of actuator 118. Additionally, processor 126 may process actuator control data to determine positional data including the position and/or orientation of animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. In some embodiments, the figure control system 114 may include additional elements not shown in FIG. 1, such as additional data acquisition and processing controls, additional sensors and displays, user interfaces, etc. Actuator controller 116 may instruct actuator 118 to adjust the position and/or orientation of any appropriate components of display 120, such as animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124.

In some embodiments, one or more actuators 118 may be physically coupled to a base of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 and may be capable of moving the display 120 laterally, longitudinally, and/or vertically. Additionally or alternatively, the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 may be fitted with any number of actuators 118 that enable the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 to move in a realistic and lifelike manner (e.g., walking, translating, rotating, pivoting, lip-synchronizing). The actuators 118 may include servo motors, hydraulic cylinders, linear actuators, etc., each positioned and coupled to generate relative motion between corresponding portions of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. For example, a corresponding set of actuators 118 may be positioned to move the arm of the animated figure 122, move the engaged jaw of the animated figure 122, manipulate the figure portion of the animated figure 122 (e.g., head portion, arm portion, torso portion, leg portion), move the projection surface 124 from an occluded position (e.g., inside or behind the animated figure 122) and/or move the animated figure 122 or the figure portion of the animated figure 122 from an occluded position (e.g., inside or behind any number of projection surfaces 124).

In some embodiments, actuator controller 116 may receive control signals from controller 104 to initiate a sequence of operations. For example, controller 104 may generate and transmit control signals in response to the detection of any number of customers in an amusement park attraction or experience and/or in response to a periodic timer (e.g., every five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, etc.). Accordingly, actuator controller 116 may generate actuator control signals and transmit actuator control signals to actuator 118 to initiate a sequence of motion for animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. In some embodiments, actuator controller 116 may generate and monitor actuator control data for any number of portions of actuator 118 for animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124, and may determine the position and/or orientation of any number of actuators 118. For example, actuator 118 may be a hydraulic cylinder, and actuator controller 116 may monitor the fluid level and/or hydraulic pressure in any number of hydraulic cylinders, the extension of the hydraulic cylinder, the position of the hydraulic cylinder, the orientation of the hydraulic cylinder, etc. Actuator controller 116 can generate actuator control data and transmit the actuator control data to controller 104 of tracking and media control system 102. Additionally or alternatively, actuator controller 116 can generate position data based on the actuator control data. For example, actuator controller 116 can determine the position and/or orientation of any number of portions of animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. In some embodiments, actuator controller 116 can transmit position data to controller 104. Additionally or alternatively, controller 104 can instruct actuator 118 to initiate a motion sequence of animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124.

The controller 104 can control the operation of the projector 112 based on various inputs. For example, based on positional data of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124, the controller 104 can cause the projector 112 to display an image of lightning. The processor 106 can generate control signals and transmit these control signals (e.g., via wired or wireless communication, via an antenna) to the projector 112 to initiate and/or modify the display of an image. The control signals can indicate what type of image to display on the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. In some embodiments, the displayed image can be associated with the movement of one or more portions of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 to provide an immersive and/or realistic viewing experience. For example, the controller 104 can generate control signals and transmit them to the actuator controller 116 to initiate a sequence of movements of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. The sequence of movements can include operating any number of actuators 118 any number of times to move corresponding portions of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. For example, a simulated explosion can be depicted by projecting an image of an explosion (e.g., fire, shock wave) onto the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 via a projector 112 as the actuator 118 moves one or more portions of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 away from the location of the simulated explosion. As another example, an electric shock can be depicted by projecting an image of lightning onto one or more projection surfaces 124 and/or the animated figure 122 as the actuator 118 moves one or more portions of the animated figure 122 to represent a muscle spasm.

The controller 104 may also control or coordinate with the tracking camera 110, which may be operated to detect positional information of the animated figure 122 and/or the projection surface 124. As a specific example, the tracking camera(s) 110 may be an infrared camera operated to detect infrared signals emitted from the tracker. The controller 104 may receive information based on such detection and process the information to determine and monitor the position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or the projection surface 124. The controller 104 may control the operation of the projector 112 based on the determined position and/or orientation. For example, the controller 104 may change the operating state of one or more projectors 112 (e.g., turn off, turn on, display image content) based on the determined position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or the projection surface 124. For example, the actuator 118 may move a portion of the animated figure 122 to expose a previously covered projection surface 124. The tracking camera 110 may detect the tracker on the newly exposed surface of the uncovered projection surface 124 and generate positional data based on the detection. The controller 104 can receive position data from the tracking camera 110 and can instruct the projector 112 to depict image content on a new, uncovered projection surface 124. Accordingly, the controller 104 can adjust the image content displayed by the projector 112 based on the position data of the animated image 122 and/or the projection surface 124.

Furthermore, controller 104 can determine the end of the motion sequence of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 based on position data. For example, controller 104 can receive position data via tracking camera 110, and processor 106 can process the position data to determine the position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124. Processor 106 can determine that the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 is in a standard or default pose indicating the completion of the motion sequence. In this example, controller 104 can generate and transmit control signals to one or more projectors 112 to stop the projected image content and/or turn it off. Additionally or alternatively, processor 106 can determine that the position and/or orientation of the animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 is stationary for a time period equal to or greater than a threshold time period (e.g., five seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, etc.). Controller 104 can generate and transmit control signals to one or more projectors 112 to stop the projected image content and/or turn it off. In some embodiments, controller 104 may generate and transmit control signals instructing actuator 118 to initiate a motion sequence based on position data. For example, processor 106 may determine that animated figure 122 and/or projection surface 124 are in a ready or standby posture indicating that a motion sequence can be initiated. In this example, controller 104 may generate and transmit a first control signal instructing actuator 118 to initiate a motion sequence, and a second control signal instructing projector 112 to change its operating state and/or initiate a display sequence of image content.

Considering the foregoing, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an animated character 122 of an animated character display system 100 incorporated in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more projectors 112A, 112B, 112C may receive control signals from a control system (such as the tracking and media control system 102 of FIG. 1). A first projector 112A may project a first portion 202 of image content, a second projector 112B may project a second portion 204 of image content, and a third projector 112C may project a third portion 206 of image content onto one or more projection surfaces 124 and/or portions of the animated character 122. A tracking camera 110 may be an infrared camera and may detect trackers on exposed surfaces of the animated character 122 and/or projection surfaces 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the projection surface 124 may be at least partially obscured from view by customers of amusement park attractions or experiences. For example, the projection surface 124 may be partially obscured from view in a first position by portions of the animated character 122.

Considering the foregoing, FIG3 shows a perspective view of an animated figure 122 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a projection surface 124 is in a second position. An actuator (such as actuator 118 in FIG1) can move the projection surface 124 between a first position depicted in FIG2 (e.g., at least partially obscured from view by customers and behind the animated figure 122) and a second position (e.g., visible to customers of an amusement park attraction or experience) during a portion of the motion sequence. In the second position, a tracker on the projection surface 124 can be detected by a tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can generate and transmit location data based on the detection. For example, a control system (such as tracking and media control system 102 of FIG1) can receive the location data and can control the operation of projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the location data. In some embodiments, the tracking and media control system 102 can adjust the operating state of one or more of the projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the detection of the projection surface 124. Accordingly, the tracking and media control system 102 can adjust the content of the animated figure 122 and/or the image displayed on the projection surface 124 based on the monitored location data received via the tracking camera 110.

Considering the foregoing, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another animated figure 402 (e.g., an egg breaking during operation) of the animated figure display system 100 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the projection surface 124 can be completely concealed from view by customers of amusement park attractions or experiences. For example, the projection surface 124 can be concealed within the animated figure 402 in a first position, as shown in Figure 4. Projectors 112A, 112B, and 112C can project a first portion 202, a second portion 204, and a third portion 206 of image content onto the exposed surface of the animated figure 402.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the animated figure 402 in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An actuator (such as actuator 118) can move one or more portions, such as first portion 402A and second portion 402B, between a first position (e.g., where the projection surface 124 is obscured within the animated figure 402, as depicted in Figure 4) and a second position depicted in Figure 5 (e.g., where the projection surface 124 is at least partially exposed and visible to customers of an amusement park attraction or experience). In the second position, a tracker on the projection surface 124 can be detected by a tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can generate and transmit location data based on the detection, and a tracking and media control system 102 (Figure 1) can receive the location data and control the operation of projectors 112A, 112B, 112C based on the location data. For example, the tracking and media control system 102 can instruct the projector 112 to depict a simulated interior of the animated figure 402.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another projection surface 602 of an animated character display system 100 incorporated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D may receive control signals from a control system (such as the tracking and media control system 102 of Figure 1). Projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D may each project portions 202, 204, 206, 208 of image content onto the projection surface 602. In this example, animated characters (such as animated character 122 of Figure 1) may be obscured within the projection surface 602.

Considering the foregoing, FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the projection surface 602 of FIG. 6 in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An actuator (such as actuator 118 in FIG. 1) can move one or more projection surfaces, such as first projection surface 602A and second projection surface 602B, between a first position (e.g., where the animated figure 122 is obscured and/or concealed behind projection surface 602) and a second position depicted in FIG. 7 (e.g., where the animated figure is visible to customers of an amusement park attraction or experience). In the second position, a tracker on the animated figure 122 can be detected by a tracking camera 110. The tracking camera 110 can transmit location data based on the detection, and a tracking and media control system 102 can receive the location data and control the operation of projectors 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D based on the location data. For example, projector 112 can depict image content on projection surface 602 and animated figure 122 such that animated figure 122 appears to emerge from the inside of projection surface 602 (e.g., an egg).

While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing]...[function]” or “step for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims (20)

1. An animated character display system, comprising: An animated character having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body; A projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface, wherein the projection surface is configured to move between a first position and a second position, and wherein the projection surface is at least partially obscured behind the animated image in the first position; A set of actuators configured to adjust the body and the projection surface of the animated character; A tracking camera configured to detect the first tracker and the second tracker, and configured to generate site data based on the first tracker and the second tracker; A controller, communicatively coupled to the tracking camera, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive the location data provided by the tracking camera; Based on the location data, a control signal is generated indicating the image content to be projected onto the body of the animated character and the projection surface; and A projector, communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the projector is configured to: Receive the control signal indicating the image content from the controller; and The image content is projected onto the body of the animated character and the projection surface. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the current position and current orientation of the projection surface based on the site data. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the current position and current orientation of the body of the animated character based on the location data. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the projector to change its operating state based on the site data. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the projector is configured to: Projecting the image content onto the body of the animated character at the first position; and The image content is projected onto the body of the animated character in the second position and onto the projection surface. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking camera is configured to determine the current position and current orientation of the projection surface based on the site data. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator controller communicatively coupled to the set of actuators, wherein the actuator controller is configured to: Receive a control signal to initiate the motion sequence of the animated character and the projection surface; and The set of actuators is instructed to initiate the motion sequence. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuator controller is configured to generate actuator control data based on the position and orientation of the set of actuators. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive the actuator control data; Based on the actuator control data, the first current position and first current orientation of the animated character's body are determined; and The second current position and the second current orientation of the projection surface are determined based on the actuator control data. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to generate a second control signal based on the actuator control data, indicating second image content to be projected onto the body of the animated figure and the projection surface. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tracker is one tracker in a first set of trackers, and the second tracker is one tracker in a second set of trackers, each tracker in the first and second sets of trackers is configured to emit an infrared signal, and wherein the tracking camera is an infrared camera configured to detect the infrared signal. 12. An animated character display system, comprising: Animated characters have a physical form; Projected surface; Image control system, including: A set of actuators configured to adjust the body and the projection surface of the animated character; An actuator controller, communicatively coupled to the set of actuators, wherein the actuator controller is configured to: The set of actuators indicates that the body of the animated figure and the projection surface are adjusted; and Generate actuator control data indicating the position and orientation of each actuator in the set of actuators; and A controller, communicatively coupled to the actuator controller, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive actuator control data provided by the actuator controller; Based on the actuator control data, positional data indicating the position and orientation of the body and the projection surface of the animated character are generated; and Based on the location data, control signals are generated to indicate the image content to be projected onto the body of the animated character and the projection surface. 13. The system of claim 12, comprising a projector communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the projector is configured to: Receive the control signal indicating the image content from the controller; and The image content is projected onto the body and the projection surface of the animated character, wherein the set of actuators is configured to adjust the body and the projection surface of the animated character during a motion sequence. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the animated image is at least partially obscured within a portion of the projection surface during a portion of the motion sequence. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the projection surface is at least partially obscured within a portion of the animated image during a portion of the motion sequence. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the projection surface is at least partially obscured behind the animated image during a portion of the motion sequence. 17. A method for operating an animated character projection system, the method comprising: The controller instructs the actuators to initiate a sequence of motion for the animated image and the projected surface. The controller receives position data indicating the current position and orientation of the animated character and the projection surface. Based on the current position and the current orientation, the controller generates control signals instructing the image content to be projected onto the body of the animated character and the exposed surface of the projection surface; and The controller instructs the projector to project the image content onto the body of the animated character and the exposed surface of the projection surface. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving actuator control data via the controller, indicating the current position and current orientation of each actuator in the set of actuators. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining, via the controller, the current position and the current orientation of the animated figure and the projection surface based on the actuator control data. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving tracking data from a tracking camera coupled to the controller via the controller, wherein the tracking camera is configured to detect a set of trackers coupled to the exposed surface of the projection surface and the body of the animated figure.