An interactive system includes one or more processors that are configured to receive a first signal indicative of an activity of a user within an environment and to receive a second signal indicative of the user approaching an animated character head. The one or more processors are also configured to provide information related to the activity of the user to a base station control system associated with the animated character head in response to receipt of the second signal to facilitate a personalized interaction between the animated character head and the user.

A toy kit and components for a floating illusion is presented in which a manipulator releaseably engages via a coupling element with a composite structure. Preferred composite structures include first and second, sheet-like portions in which at least one portion has a face or head feature in registration with a coupling element.

Systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide a costume of a puppet or a character having customizable mixed technology interactive components that enables the wearer of the costume to interact with stimuli in the costume's or wearer's surrounding environment as the puppet or character.

We generally describe a winch (100) comprising: a plurality of ropes (130, 140) coupleable to a first load (200) or to different respective second loads (200, 210); a support frame (110); and a first roller (150) moveably coupled to the support frame (110), wherein a first rope (150) of the plurality of ropes (130, 140) is moveable over the first roller (150); wherein a movement of the first roller (150) is configured to shorten and/or lengthen a usable length of the first rope (140) of the plurality of ropes (130, 140), and wherein the shortening and/or lengthening of the usable length of the first rope (140) is configured to raise and/or lower the first load (200) or one of the second loads (200, 210) to which the first roller (150) is coupleable via the first rope (140).

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a conical-shaped articulated member. The conical-shaped articulated member includes a conical-shaped structure including an inner surface and an outer surface. The conical-shaped articulated member further includes a plurality of rotary actuation units disposed along a length of the conical-shaped structure, where at least two rotary actuation units of the plurality of rotary actuation units are coupled together. The plurality of rotary actuation units are configured to perform one or more motions.

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.

An apparatus for the use of controlling a puppet to obtain a desired position or display, with a mounting plate defining at least one aperture; at least one rod having a first and second end; a ball brace configured to engage a ball and the rod, engaging the rod between the first and second end; wherein the ball brace may be locked and unlocked; wherein the rod further comprises a coating on the second end to engage with the inside of a puppet; and wherein the rod, when engaged with the inside of the puppet, moves the inside of the puppet when moved.

Systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide a costume of a puppet or a character having customizable mixed technology interactive components that enables the wearer of the costume to interact with stimuli in the costume's or wearer's surrounding environment as the puppet or character.

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 apparatus for controlling a puppet to obtain a desired position or expression, with a mounting plate having a plurality of rod apertures. A plurality of ball braces are secured to the mounting plate, each having a pair of ball apertures. A plurality of balls and rods are provided. Each ball is positioned between one of the ball apertures and rod apertures. Each rod extending through one of the balls and through one of the ball apertures and one of the rod apertures. Each rod contacting an action point on a puppet for manipulating the puppet through rotating and twisting of the ball, and longitudinal movement of the rod. The ball braces may be locked and unlocked, such that when locked, the associated ball and rod are held in position to maintain a facial expression at the action point.