HYBRID APPROACH TO PERFORM DYNAMIC PROJECTION MAPPING ONTO ROBOTIC FIGURES IN REAL-TIME

Number: 20260225256
Published: 2026-08-06
Filed: 2026-01-14
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Ayala; Alfredo Medina, Peavy; Joel Jason, Jiarathanakul; Prutsdom, Goldberg; David Powell, Tye; Bryan S.
CPC: B25J11/0015; H04N9/3194; B25J11/003; G06T7/246; B25J9/1085; B25J9/142; G06T2207/10028; G06T2207/10048; G06T2207/30204; H04N9/3182; H04N9/3185
Verdict: High Hardware
First reported: 2026-W32 (2026-08-07)
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Systems, methods and apparatuses for a hybrid approach to perform dynamic projection mapping onto robotic figures in real-time are discussed herein.

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatuses for a hybrid approach to perform dynamic projection mapping onto robotic figures in real-time are discussed herein. For example, a robotic system may include a continuous projection surface coupled to a structure. The robotic system may further include an actuator coupled to the structure that is configured to change a topography of a portion of the continuous projection surface. The robotic system may further include a projector positioned relative to the continuous projection surface that is configured to project content onto the continuous projection surface. In some cases, the robotic system may align a projection surface with a projector, wherein the projection surface defines a continuous projection screen over the robotic structure, actuate a mechanical movement of the projection surface to change a topographical shape of the projection surface, and project a content specific to the change of the topographical shape.

Background

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for controlling and implementing robotic devices, such as animatronics. BACKGROUND

Amusement parks, theme parks, carnivals, arcades, and various attractions use robotic devices, such as animatronics, to produce an interactive effect for guests. For example, animatronics mimic the movement, look, and emotion of characters sharing the theme of the rides, shows, and games, and can interact with guests to provide a truly immersive experience. Additionally, other types of robotic devices appear in everyday life such as in food service environments, manufacturing environments, and social interaction environments, interacting with users and the environment.

Traditional animatronics use mechanical actuators to animate or move different portions of the robotic device, e.g., an animation including movement of an arm includes mechanically moving an appendage of the animatronics. However, such mechanical motions are limited by mechanical constraints, space constraints, and wear rapidly over time. Further, such motions look unrealistic as they are often large and slow motions that are not realistic in appearance. SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a robotic system is disclosed. The robotic system includes a a continuous projection surface coupled to a structure. The robotic system further includes an actuator coupled to the structure and configured to change a topography of a portion of the continuou

Claims

1. A robotic system comprising: a continuous projection surface coupled to a structure; an actuator coupled to the structure and configured to change a topography of a portion of the continuous projection surface; and a projector positioned relative to the continuous projection surface and configured to project content onto the continuous projection surface. || 13. A method of activating a robot comprising: actuating a mechanical movement of a projection surface positioned over an robotic structure to change a topographical shape of a portion of the projection surface, wherein the projection surface defines a continuous projection surface over the robotic structure; projecting, by a projector, a content specific to the change of the topographical shape on the projection surface; detecting a position of the mechanical movement of the projection surface, a position of the projection surface, or a combination thereof; providing feedback to a controller regarding the position of the mechanical movement of the projection surface, the position of the projection surface, or the combination thereof, the change of the topographical shape, and the content; and modifying the content based on the feedback. || 17. A non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause a robot to: actuate a mechanical movement of a mouth feature of a projection surface positioned over a robotic structure to change a topographical shape of the mouth feature of the projection surface, wherein the projection surface defines a continuous projection surface over the robotic structure; project, by a projector, a content specific to the change of the topographical shape on the mouth feature of the projection surface; detect a position of the mouth feature of the projection surface; provide feedback to a controller regarding the position of the mouth feature of the projection surface, the change of the topographical shape and the content; and modify the content based on the feedback.