OPERATING SHOW OR RIDE ELEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO VISUAL OBJECT RECOGNITION AND TRACKING
First Claim
1. An apparatus of operating a ride or show element with enhanced interactivity with guests or visitors, comprising:
- a mechanized object with one or more movable components, wherein the mechanized object is positioned near a guest traffic area;
an image capture assembly operable to capture images of the traffic area and to output image data; and
a control system with a processor running an object recognition module to process the image data to determine an object is positioned in the traffic area and wherein, in response to the object being determined to be in the traffic area, the control system operates the mechanized object to move at least one of the components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A ride or show control apparatus using visual recognition to provide a more interactive experience to guests or participants. The apparatus is adapted for operating a ride or show element, such as a robotic character. The apparatus includes a mechanized or robotic element with movable components positioned near a guest traffic area. The apparatus includes an imaging assembly capturing images of the traffic area and outputting digital image data. A controller is provided that includes a processor using an object recognition module to process the image data to determine whether an object is in the traffic area In response to the object recognition, the control system operates movable components of the mechanized element such as to cause it to speak or move in the direction of the recognized object such as a visitor'"'"'s face or a badge, hat, or other item worn or carried by a guest or participant.
21 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus of operating a ride or show element with enhanced interactivity with guests or visitors, comprising:
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a mechanized object with one or more movable components, wherein the mechanized object is positioned near a guest traffic area; an image capture assembly operable to capture images of the traffic area and to output image data; and a control system with a processor running an object recognition module to process the image data to determine an object is positioned in the traffic area and wherein, in response to the object being determined to be in the traffic area, the control system operates the mechanized object to move at least one of the components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a robotic ride element positioned near a track defining a path for vehicles adapted for carrying one or more passengers, comprising:
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operating a camera positioned proximate to the robotic ride element to capture digital image data for vehicles traveling on the track near the robotic ride element; storing in memory a set of scripted actions for the robotic ride element; processing the image data using an object recognition module to determine whether a predefined object is present in or proximate to one of the vehicles on the track near the robotic ride element; and when the predefined object is determined to be present in the processing of the image data, operating the robotic ride element to perform the set of scripted actions. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A ride or show control system for controlling show equipment positioned proximate to a traffic area for participants of a ride or show, comprising:
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an image capture assembly targeting the traffic area and operating to capture digital image data including images of a plurality of objects in the traffic area; an object recognition module configured to process the digital image data, substantially concurrently with the operating of the image capture assembly to capture, to search for at least one search object among the object images from the traffic area; and a controller transmitting a control signal to cause the show equipment to operate when the at least one search object is recognized by the object recognition module in the digital image data. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification