TRACKING SYSTEM FOR VISUAL EFFECT TRIGGERING USING INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELD AND PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS

Number: 20210088688
Published: 2021-03-25
Filed: 2019-09-25
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: CHAPMAN; STEVEN M., HAGER; JOSEPH
CPC: G05B13/048; G01R33/10; A63F13/90; G01V3/081; G06T19/006; A63F13/24
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Magnetic-field-based tracking hardware triggering show visual effects.

Abstract

A system comprises active magnetic emitters positioned within an area, passive magnetic emitters configured to be moved within the area, a magnetic field detector configured to measure a strength and direction of a magnetic field within the area, and a processor in communication with the magnetic field detector. The passive magnetic emitters are configured to be integrated in, coupled to, or secured to at least one tracked object or tracked subject within the area. The processor is configured to evaluate at least one change in the measured strength and direction of the magnetic field end send a signal to a visual effect actuator or visual effects display to initiate a visual effect based on the at least one change. A method and computer program product relating to the system is also provided.

Background

BACKGROUND

In today's technological environment, visual effects can provide entertainment. For example, physical effects, such as fireworks and explosions can be engaging aspects of live shows and recorded content. In other examples, virtual content can be rendered and displayed in real-time to provide desired visuals. As such, visual effects immerse viewers into a content creators world and deliver an exciting and engaging experience. However, triggering events should be timed carefully to dive the proper effect, such as in the case of a fast-paced action sequence. Various systems and methods have been tested for use in detecting trigger events, but due to flaws inherent in such systems, including unacceptable degrees of latency, delay, inaccuracy, and unreliability in certain settings, they are unsuitable for achieving the level of realism desired.

Embodiments described herein address these problems and others, individually and, collectively. SUMMARY

In one aspect, a system is provided. The system may comprise one or more active magnetic emitters configured to be situated at predetermined positions within a predefined area, one or more passive magnetic emitters configured to be freely movable within the predefined area, a magnetic field detector configured to measure a strength and direction of a magnetic field within the predefined area, and a processor in communication with the magnetic field detector. The one or more passive magnetic emitters are con

Claims

1. A system for initiating a visual effect, the system comprising: one or more active magnetic emitters positioned within an area; one or more passive magnetic emitters configured to be movable within the area; a magnetic field detector configured to measure a strength and direction of a magnetic field within the area; and a processor in communication with the magnetic field detector, wherein the one or more passive magnetic emitters are configured to be integrated in, coupled to, or secured to at least one tracked object or tracked subject within the area, and wherein the processor is configured to evaluate at least one change in the measured strength and direction of the magnetic field and to send a signal to a visual effect actuator or visual effects display to initiate the visual effect based on the at least one change. || 11. A method of initiating a visual effect, the method comprising: positioning one or more active magnetic emitters within an area; introducing one or more passive magnetic emitters into the area, the one or more passive magnetic emitters being movable within the area and configured to be integrated in, coupled to, or secured to at least one tracked object or tracked subject within the area; obtaining one or more measurements relating to a strength and direction of a magnetic field within the area; evaluating at least one change in the one or more measurements relating to the strength and direction of the magnetic field; and sending a signal to a visual effects device to initiate the visual effect based on at least one change in the one or more measurements relating to the magnetic field within the area. || 16. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage device having a computer readable program stored thereon, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to: obtain one or more measurements relating to a strength and direction of a magnetic field within an area; evaluate at least one change in the one or more measurements relating to the strength and direction of the magnetic field; and send a signal to a visual effects device to initiate the visual effect based on the at least one change, wherein one or more active magnetic emitters are positioned within the area, and wherein one or more passive magnetic emitters are movable within the area and configured to be integrated in, coupled to, or secured to at least one tracked object or tracked subject within the area.