SKIN EMBEDDED MARKERS FOR DYNAMIC PROJECTION MAPPING OF ANIMATRONIC FIGURES

Number: 20260225258
Published: 2026-08-06
Filed: 2026-02-06
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Peavy; Joel Jason, Goldberg; David Powell, Ayala; Alfredo Medina, Rose; David Robert Wyatt, Jiarathanakul; Prutsdom, Engle; Robert B.
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

Abstract

A system includes an animatronic skin having one or more embedded markers configured to provide a light signature, a camera configured to detect the light signature, a projector configured to project content onto the animatronic skin, and a controller configured to determine positions of the markers based on the light signature and modify the projected content based on the positions of the markers. A light source may generate an invisible light, and the light signature may be produced or resulting from the invisible light interacting with the markers. The light signature may be the result of UV or IR pigment of the markers. The markers may be defined by LEDs or fiber optics. To manufacture the skin, the markers may be defined within a mold, and a material may be poured within the mold, wherein the material defines the skin when cured with the markers embedded therein.

Background

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for controlling and implementing robotic devices, such as animatronic figures, and more specifically to dynamic projection mapping of animatronic figures. BACKGROUND

Dynamic projection mapping of animatronic figures relies on accurately aligning projected visuals with physical objects in a real-time render system. This requires a virtual camera in the rendering engine to match the real-world location and orientation of the object being projected onto. Traditionally, this is achieved using quick response (QR) code fiducials attached to the object, structured lighting to assist in spatial recognition, and the use of Multiple Projection Common Data Interchange (MPCDI) to set the virtual camera to match the real-world projector.

This method, however, presents several limitations. For example, this method requires the use of manual human intervention that is time-consuming and prone to error, such as manual placement and removal of fiducials each time the system is used. The frequent manual intervention slows down deployment and increases labor costs. The fiducials can also interfere with the aesthetic or immersive quality of the object being project onto. This traditional method also does not support automatic calibration or setup, limiting scalability and responsiveness. In addition, this method requires syncing real-world mechanical rotational data with virtual nodal point that mimic the

Claims

1. A system comprising: an animatronic skin comprising a plurality of markers configured to provide a light signature, wherein the plurality of markers is embedded at least partially within the animatronic skin; a camera configured to detect the light signature; a projector configured to project content onto the animatronic skin; and a controller configured to: determine positions of the plurality of markers based on the light signature; and modify the projected content based on the positions of the plurality of markers. || 7. A system comprising: a light source configured to generate an invisible light; a camera configured to detect a characteristic of the invisible light; and a controller configured to: determine positions of markers associated with a skin of an animatronic based on the characteristic of the invisible light; and modify a projected content of a projector based on the positions of the markers. || 14. A method for projecting content onto a skin of an animatronic, the method comprising: generating, by a light source, an invisible light; detecting, by a camera, a light resulting from the invisible light interacting with markers embedded at least partially within the skin of the animatronic; determining, based on the light detected by the camera, positions of the markers; and modifying a projected content of a projector based on the positions of the markers. || 19. A method of manufacturing a skin of an animatronic, the method comprising: defining one or more markers within a mold, wherein the one or more markers are configured to provide a light signature; and pouring a material within the mold, wherein the material defines the skin of the animatronic when cured with the one or more markers embedded therein.