Application (pre-grant publication)
OPPORTUNISTIC PROJECTION ONTO DYNAMIC LIGHT REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
- Number
- 20260246909
- Published
- 2026-08-20
- Filed
- 2025-02-20
- Assignee
- DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
- Inventors
- Smoot; Lanny S., Wetherell; Jack, Ho; Samantha Cheuklum, Sotomayor; Richard Erik
- CPC
- H04N9/3194; H04N13/32; A63J5/025; G02F1/167; G03B21/608; G09F19/18; H04N9/3147; H04N9/3182; H04N9/3185; H04N13/122; H04N13/139; H04N13/351; H04N13/398
- Verdict
- High Hardware
- First reported
- 2026-W36 (2026-09-05)
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
The keeper's note
Camera-tracked projection onto light-reflective material that moves through a space (costumes, props, set pieces) — Smoot.
Abstract
A system may include a camera configured to capture an image of a light reflective material in an area, and a controller configured to detect, based on the captured image, a dynamic characteristic of the light reflective material, and determine, based on the detected dynamic characteristic, content to be projected onto the light reflective material. The system may include a light source configured to emit nonvisible light in the area and a projector configured to project content onto a dynamic light reflective material in the area. The system may include a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the light reflective material based on a reflection of the nonvisible light off the dynamic light reflective material. The controller may be configured to modify the content based on a change to the detected characteristic of the light reflective material.
Background
FIELD
The present application relates to projection systems, such as projecting animations, imagery, and other content onto changing materials or surfaces. BACKGROUND
Animations and imagery are often projected onto known surfaces, such as buildings, screens, and walls. These surfaces are often fixed with known characteristics (e.g., shape, size, orientation, reflectivity, etc.). Using the known characteristics, projections can be created to fit the known surfaces.
However, it may be desirable to project images on other surfaces where the size, shape, density and reflectivity of the surface may be changing dynamically, so as to provide a more immersive or tailored experience to guests or onlookers. BRIEF SUMMARY
In one example, a system includes a camera configured to capture an image of a light reflective material in an area, and a controller configured to detect, based on the captured image, a dynamic characteristic of the light reflective material, and determine, based on the detected dynamic characteristic, content to be projected onto the light reflective material.
Optionally, the controller is further configured to adjust the content to conform the content to the dynamic characteristic.
Optionally, the dynamic characteristic includes a continuously varying characteristic of the light reflective material.
Optionally, the dynamic characteristic includes a changing size and shape of a projectable area defined by the light ref