Image analysis – Applications – Motion or velocity measuring
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-03
2001-10-23
Johns, Andrew W. (Department: 2621)
Image analysis
Applications
Motion or velocity measuring
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307952
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of entertainment installations, and, more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting guest interactions, and method therefore, in an entertainment installation. Although the present invention is subject to a wide range of applications, it is especially suited for use in an interactive entertainment installation, and will be particularly described in that connection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus for detecting guest interactions in an entertainment installation provide individual guests, either alone or in a group, the ability to interact with the entertainment installation. In response to the detection of the guest interaction, the entertainment installation can react to the individual guest that indicated a need for specific attention.
Conventional apparatus for detecting guest interactions are known. For example, television game shows typically have button-operated devices installed near the contestant or each audience seat. The contestant or audience member can depress one or more buttons to register their answer or preference. This allows the game show host to single out the individual who may have been first to solve a question posed by the game show host or to quickly collate the responses of an audience and obtain a majority view on a question having multiple choice answers. Although suitable for some game shows, such button-operated devices are not a natural way to get attention and require some instruction for their use. This can be a problem especially with younger guests, such as, children. A simpler and more natural way to interact or get attention is hand raising, which is usually learned at a young age when a child enters kindergarten or preschool.
A need therefore exists for an apparatus for detecting guest interactions, and method therefore, in an entertainment installation that detects guest interactions in the form of body motions of individual guests and can distinguish the individuals in the group who initiate the guest interaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, which tends to address this need, resides in an apparatus for detecting guest interactions, and method therefore. The entertainment installation described herein provides advantages over known apparatus for detecting guest interactions in that it detects guest interactions in the form of body motions and can distinguish the individuals in the group who initiate the guest interaction.
According to the present invention, the interaction of each guest is detected. This can be accomplished by providing motion sensors to monitor each guest and generating a guest-interaction signal. The motion sensors can be directional and velocity dependent. Thus, whenever a guest makes an appropriate gesture, the guest interaction of each guest is detected.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, detecting the guest interaction by a vertical movement of the guest, such as, a hand-raising gesture or a hand-lowering gesture. This can be accomplished by arranging the directional, velocity-dependent motion sensor directly above the guest. Thus, a horizontal movement, such as, walking or swaying, would not cause detection of a guest interaction.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, detecting the guest interaction by a horizontal movement of the guest, such as, a forward-thrown punch or kick. This can be accomplished by arranging the motion sensors directly in front of the guests. Thus, other gross gestures, beyond hand raising, can be detected. In general, guest motions that have unique velocities in some direction can be detected.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, generating the guest-interaction signal in response to a received reflected ultrasonic signal. This can be accomplished by using transmitters and receivers to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal, and a detection circuit for generating the guest-interaction signal in response to the received reflected ultrasonic signal. Thus, the use of ultrasound signal instead of a radio-frequency or light signal makes the apparatus insensitive to environmental radio-frequency emissions and light. Analogous systems could be implemented using electromagnetic signals or light. These extensions are apparent to those skilled in the art.
In a detailed aspect of the present invention, the guest-interaction signal is generated when the power of the received reflected signal in a predetermined frequency band exceeds a threshold. This can be accomplished by the detection circuit. Thus, through selection of the predetermined frequency and the threshold, certain unwanted movements can be “filtered out” so as to not generate a false guest-interaction signal.
In further accordance with the present invention, a plurality of guest interfaces can be manipulated in response to each generated guest-interaction signal. This can be accomplished by a controller that receives the guest-interaction signals and is programmed to take the appropriate action. Thus, an environment is created that allows the guests to interact with the entertainment installation through the guests' movements.
In accordance with the method of this invention, for each of the plurality of guests, emitting a signal of a predetermined frequency in the direction of the guest, receiving the signal reflected from the guest, and generating, in response to the received reflected signal, a guest-interaction signal.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and accompanying drawings, wherein the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described and shown, and in part become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Johns Andrew W.
Nakhjavan Shervin
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