A mobile character control system includes a platform, a character assembly, a control system, and a transportation assembly. The platform is configured to support an operator. The character assembly is engaged with the platform and includes actuatable features configured to simulate movement of a creature. The control system is configured to control activation of the actuatable features of the character assembly in response to signals received from control features controlled by the operator. The transportation assembly is configured to direct movement of the platform and to support the character assembly.

A virtual puppeteering system includes a portable device including a camera, a display, a hardware processor, and a system memory storing an object animation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the object animation software code to, using the camera, generate an image in response to receiving an activation input, using the display, display the image, and receive a selection input selecting an object shown in the image. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the object animation software code to determine a distance separating the selected object from the portable device, receive an animation input, identify, based on the selected object and the received animation input, a movement for animating the selected object, generate an animation of the selected object using the determined distance and the identified movement, and render the animation of the selected object.

A conveyor system for an attraction in an amusement park includes a bus bar configured to provide power, a conveyor configured to move relative to the bus bar, and an animated element assembly configured to be transported by the conveyor to move relative to the bus bar. The animated element assembly includes a bus bar arm that is configured to contact and move along the bus bar as the animated element assembly is transported by the conveyor and a powered component that is configured to receive the power from the bus bar via the bus bar arm.

In an embodiment, an animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated figure display system includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface moves between a first position and a second position and the projection surface is at least partially concealed behind the animated figure in the first position. The animated figure display system includes a tracking camera that detects the first tracker and the second tracker and generates location data. A controller receives the location data and generates a control signal based on the location data. A projector receives the control signal indicative of image content from the controller and projects the image content onto the body of the animated figure and the external surface of the projection surface.

An unfolding springing apparatus comprises a base, an apparatus linkage comprising cranks and coupler links connected to the base, a biasing element, a drive motor, a transmission, and a prop mount. The apparatus linkage includes one or a plurality of opposed pairs of cranks, each pair of cranks being connected to each other at their respective ends by a pair of pivotally connected coupler links. The biasing element is operative to bias the apparatus linkage to fold or unfold. The drive motor is operative to unfold or fold the apparatus and to reenergize the biasing element. The transmission includes a linear extension module. When engaged, the transmission transmits displacement of the drive motor to the apparatus linkage to unfold or fold the linkage. When disengaged, the transmission releases the apparatus linkage to be folded or unfolded by the biasing element. The transmission includes a motorized clutch module.

An unfolding springing apparatus comprises a base, an apparatus linkage comprising cranks and coupler links connected to the base, a biasing element, a drive motor, a transmission, and a prop mount. The apparatus linkage includes one or a plurality of opposed pairs of cranks, each pair of cranks being connected to each other at their respective ends by a pair of pivotally connected coupler links. The biasing element is operative to bias the apparatus linkage to fold or unfold. The drive motor is operative to unfold or fold the apparatus and to reenergize the biasing element. The transmission includes a linear extension module. When engaged, the transmission transmits displacement of the drive motor to the apparatus linkage to unfold or fold the linkage. When disengaged, the transmission releases the apparatus linkage to be folded or unfolded by the biasing element. The transmission includes a motorized clutch module.

A lunging prop apparatus with a stationary base, a linkage, an automation system, and prop mounts for attaching prop head and hand members. The linkage articulates in a lunging direction so that the prop head and hand members are carried in a forward linear direction from home positions to lunged positions, while at the same time being separately tipped back/up from face/palms down to face/palms forward orientations. The automation system suddenly springs the linkage forward in the lunging direction and then to produce gradual controlled movement of the linkage in a return direction back to the home position.

A portable system is provided for engaging users during play by presenting one or more images provided by a mobile computing device. The system includes a projector configured to visually output the one or more images delivered by the computing device. The system also includes a mount for supporting the projector, and at least one lens that is coupled to the projector. The system further includes a housing having at least a first and second illuminable surface that can receive images projected by the projector. The surfaces can be moved between a collapsed condition and an operative condition.

A portable system is provided for engaging users during play by presenting one or more images provided by a mobile computing device. The system includes a projector configured to visually output the one or more images delivered by the computing device. The system also includes a mount for supporting the projector, and at least one lens that is coupled to the projector. The system further includes a housing having at least a first and second illuminable surface that can receive images projected by the projector. The surfaces can be moved between a collapsed condition and an operative condition.

Aspects of the present disclosure are related to a flexible shell structure. The flexible shell structure includes a plurality of rigid support strips that collectively define a three-dimensional shape of at least one part of a character form. The flexible shell structure further includes at least one coupling member configured to couple two or more rigid support strips of the plurality of rigid support strips. The at least one coupling member enables the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a first direction, and enables the flexible shell structure to resist flexing when a second force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a second direction.