DYNAMIC AUGMENTED PROJECTED SHOW ELEMENTS

Number: 20250278879
Published: 2025-09-04
Filed: 2024-03-01
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Ayala, JR.; Alfredo Medina et al.
CPC: G06T13/20; H04N9/3194; A63G31/00; G03B21/562; G03B21/606; H04N5/74; H04N9/3185
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Dynamic augmented-projection show-element hardware.

Abstract

A method includes determining an orientation of a mechanically animated surface relative to one or more projectors configured to project content onto the mechanically animated surface, dynamically rendering the content based on one or more parameters derived from the orientation of the mechanically animated surface relative to the one or more projectors, and presenting the content on the mechanically animated surface using the one or more projectors.

Background

FIELD

The present application relates to systems and methods of presenting content using projections and animatronic figures. BACKGROUND

In amusement park rides, integrated audio and visual effects can be implemented to enhance attractions or scenes within the ride. In some applications, head, face, and other components of animatronic figures have been developed that combine one or more projection systems with silicone or other appropriate skin materials to implement animated, still, coordinated, and/or sequential visual effects. However, applying projection onto an animatronic or other robotic systems typically requires a tedious manual calibration and approach to allow the projection to be aligned with the animatronic. Further, many animatronics rely on mechanical actuators to generate animation or other movements, which can wear the skin or other covering materials over time, causing costly repairs. BRIEF SUMMARY

An example method disclosed herein includes determining an orientation of a mechanically animated surface relative to one or more projectors configured to project content onto the mechanically animated surface, dynamically rendering the content based on one or more parameters derived from the orientation of the mechanically animated surface relative to the one or more projectors, and presenting the content on the mechanically animated surface using the one or more projectors.

In some examples, the method may further include dynamically

Claims

1. A method comprising: determining an orientation of a mechanically animated surface relative to one or more projectors configured to project content onto the mechanically animated surface; dynamically rendering the content based on one or more parameters derived from the orientation of the mechanically animated surface relative to the one or more projectors; and presenting the content on the mechanically animated surface using the one or more projectors. || 7. A method comprising: receiving input from at least one animatronic sensor associated with an animatronic, the animatronic including a mechanically animated surface; deriving positional information for the mechanically animated surface from the input; dynamically rendering a next frame of content projected onto the mechanically animated surface based on the positional information; and providing the next frame of content to at least one projector projecting the content onto the mechanically animated surface. || 14. A system comprising: one or more projectors; an animatronic comprising a mechanically animated surface; and a performance system in communication with the one or more projectors and the animatronic, the performance system being configured to dynamically render a projection of content from the one or more projectors onto the mechanically animated surface and one or more movements of the mechanically animated surface, wherein the projection is synchronized with the one or more movements of the mechanically animated surface.