JP7583866B2 - Production control system, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a performance control system, method, and program.

Shows are being held that express the worldview of content such as games, manga, anime, novels, and dramas. For example, costumed characters from games are used, and the costumed performers walk around the event venue, causing the costumed characters to move.

To stage these costumed shows, the costumes may be fitted with light-emitting devices that light up in predefined patterns. For example, the performer wearing the costume controls the light-emitting pattern of the costume's light-emitting devices by operating a control device installed in the costume. Because the performer's field of vision is often limited by wearing the costume, the performer controls the light-emitting pattern while listening to the background music (BGM) played in the show.

"Pikachu Outbreak 2018 Pikachu Parade Night Dance", [online], August 11, 2018, [Retrieved July 27, 2019], Internet <URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ps4LGoiZ-M>

However, when an actor controls the costume's performance, it is difficult to increase the variety of performances. For example, if the actor wearing the costume has limited visibility, he or she may be limited to switching performances while listening to background music or other audio.

Therefore, this disclosure provides a technology that further enhances the entertainment value of a show by providing another means of controlling the show's production.

According to one embodiment, a performance control system is provided that is composed of multiple costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the multiple costumes is equipped with a wireless receiver that receives a wireless signal from the wireless control device, a performance section that includes a light-emitting section, and a control section for controlling the performance pattern of the performance section. The wireless control device identifies the wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the performance pattern of each costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control section of the costume operates the performance section according to the performance pattern.

According to one embodiment, a method of directing using a directing control system composed of multiple costumes and a wireless control device is provided. Each of the multiple costumes is equipped with a wireless receiver that receives a wireless signal from the wireless control device, a directing section that includes a light-emitting section, and a control section that controls the directing pattern of the directing section. In the method, the wireless control device identifies the wireless receiver of each costume and transmits the directing pattern of each costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating the directing pattern from the wireless control device, the control section of the costume operates the directing section according to the directing pattern.

According to one embodiment, a wireless control device of a performance control system is provided, which is composed of multiple costumes and a wireless control device. Each of the multiple costumes is equipped with a wireless receiver that receives a wireless signal from the wireless control device, a performance section that includes a light-emitting section, and a control section for controlling the performance pattern of the performance section. The wireless control device identifies the wireless receiver of each costume, and transmits the performance pattern of each costume to the identified wireless receiver. In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating a performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control section of the costume operates the performance section according to the performance pattern.

This disclosure can further improve entertainment value.

A diagram showing the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. A diagram showing the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. A diagram showing details of the configuration for the wireless control device 20 to control the performance patterns of multiple costumes 10. 13 is a flowchart showing a process in which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance pattern of the costume 10. A diagram showing the overall configuration of the performance control system in the second embodiment. A diagram showing the data structures of various data for storing the history of the costume's position and the user's position. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device when controlling the performance pattern of the costumed person 10 by determining the reaction of the audience users 4. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment
<1. Overall configuration of the production control system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a performance control system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the performance control system 1 is a system for controlling the performance of a show or event (hereinafter also referred to as "event, etc.") held at an event venue 3. The performance control system 1 is composed of multiple costumes 10 and a wireless control device 20.

Events, etc., express the worldview of content such as games, manga, anime, novels, dramas, etc. Events, etc. are held outdoors or indoors. The production that constitutes the event, etc., includes the appearance of a costume 10 that represents a character that appears in the content. The costume 10 has a structure that allows an actor to move movable parts such as the limbs of the costume 10 from inside the costume 10. For example, the costume 10 is structured so that when the actor puts on the costume 10, the actor's limbs can be inserted into the limbs of the costume 10. If the costume 10 has a tail, etc., the actor may be able to operate these.

As shown in the figure, the production of an event or the like includes the appearance of multiple costumes 10 (four costumes 10 are shown: 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D), the multiple costumes 10 moving on their own (i.e., walking by performers wearing the costumes 10), and moving by riding on a moving object such as a boat or vehicle. When multiple costumes 10 are to appear at an event or the like, costumes with various appearances may be made to appear, or multiple costumes with approximately the same appearance may be made to appear. For example, multiple characters that mimic the appearance of a virtual character that appears in the content may be made to appear. Here, when multiple costumes with approximately the same appearance are to appear, the production units fitted to each costume may be different. Also, a costume that imitates the appearance of a virtual character and a costume that imitates the appearance of a character related to that character (for example, a costume that imitates the appearance of a character that is an evolved or transformed version of that character, or a character that has a personal relationship with that character) may appear at an event, etc.

The effects produced using the costume 10 include visual effects using light and auditory effects using sound. For example, this includes equipping the costume 10 with light-emitting components such as LEDs and controlling the light emission pattern in sync with music. In the example shown, the costume 10 is equipped with effect units 16 (effect units 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D) as light-emitting components. For example, the effect units 16 may be attached to the head, arms, legs, torso, and tail of the costume 10.

The method of using light to produce the effect is not limited to light emitted by LEDs (light emitting diodes), and light with high directivity, such as laser light, may also be used. As a method of producing the effect using sound other than light, the costumed costume 10 may dance or perform other actions in time with background music, or a highly directional speaker may be used to produce sound that can be heard at a specific position.

The wireless control device 20 is a device for controlling the performances by the multiple costumes 10. The operator 2 operates the wireless control device 20. The operator 2 controls the performances by each of the multiple costumes 10 by specifying each of the multiple costumes 10 and a performance pattern.

Spectator users 4 are users who visit the event venue 3 to enjoy events held at the event venue 3. Events may be held free of charge for entry and exit to the event venue 3, or may be held for a fee with restrictions placed on entry and exit to the event venue 3. For example, if an event is held for a fee, spectator users 4 can view the event held at the event venue 3 by obtaining a ticket for the event in advance and completing a reception process at the event venue 3. In other words, the production control system 1 may include a reception system for recording the visit of spectator users 4.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the performance control system 1. In the example of Figure 2, multiple costumes 10 are shown, including costume 10A and costume 10B.

The costume 10A includes a wireless receiver 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory unit 15, a performance unit 16, and a control unit 19.

The wireless receiver 12 performs modulation and demodulation processing and the like to receive signals via an antenna so that the costume 10A can communicate with other wireless devices. The wireless receiver 12 may also have a configuration for transmitting wireless signals. The wireless receiver 12 is a communication module that includes a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The wireless receiver 12 performs modulation and demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the costume 10A, and provides the received signals to the control unit 19, etc.

The input device 13 is a device for accepting operations from the performer wearing the costume 10A, and is, for example, a physical button.

The output device 14 is a device for outputting information to the performer wearing the costume 10A or to the audience users 4. For example, it is composed of a display, a speaker, etc. For example, when the performance pattern of the costume 10A is changed under the control of the wireless control device 20, a sound is output from the speaker to the performer in the costume 10A informing them that the performance pattern has been changed. In addition, for example, predetermined information is presented on a display to the audience users 4 around the costume 10A.

The memory unit 15 is composed of, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, etc., and stores data and programs used by the costume 10A. In one aspect, the memory unit 15 stores various settings for the performance by the performance unit 16. The memory unit 15 stores, for example, the settings of the light emission patterns of the light-emitting units that make up the performance unit 16. The costume 10A updates the settings of the light emission pattern each time it receives a specification of a light emission pattern from the wireless control device 20.

The control unit 19 reads the program stored in the memory unit 15 and executes the instructions contained in the program to control the operation of the costume 10A. The control unit 19 is, for example, a processor.

Although not shown, the costume 10A has a power supply source such as a battery, which supplies power to the control unit 19, the performance unit 16, etc. For example, the performer wearing the costume 10A may be able to switch the mode of power supply to the performance unit 16, etc. by performing a specified operation. For example, the performer may be able to operate the costume to set the costume to a power saving mode before the performance of an event or the like begins, and to cancel the power saving mode when the performance of the event or the like begins. Also, the power supply to the costume 10A may be controlled by the wireless control device 20 without the performer's operation. For example, the costume 10A may be able to switch power consumption modes in response to receiving a signal from the wireless control device 20.

The wireless control device 20 includes a wireless transmitter 22, an operation console 23, a memory unit 25, and a control unit 29.

The wireless transmitter 22 performs modulation and demodulation processing and the like to transmit signals via an antenna so that the wireless control device 20 can communicate with other wireless devices. The wireless transmitter 22 may have a configuration for receiving wireless signals. The wireless transmitter 22 is a communication module that includes a tuner, an RSSI calculation circuit, a CRC calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The wireless transmitter 22 performs modulation and demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the wireless control device 20, and provides the received signals to the control unit 29, etc.

The operation console 23 is a device for accepting operations from the operator 2. As will be described in detail later, the operation console 23 accepts operations for controlling the performance patterns of each of the multiple costumes 10. For example, when the wireless control device 20 assigns wireless channels that can be used to transmit wireless signals to each of the multiple costumes 10, the operator 2 can specify the range of wireless channels and thereby specify which costume 10's performance pattern is to be controlled.

The memory unit 25 stores performance patterns for the performance unit 16 of the costume 10. For example, if the performance unit 16 is composed of a light-emitting unit, the memory unit 25 stores, as the performance pattern, information that specifies the timing for causing the light-emitting unit to emit light.

The control unit 29 controls the operation of the wireless control device 20 by reading the program stored in the memory unit 25 and executing the commands contained in the program. The control unit 29 is, for example, a processor. In response to input operations by the operator 2 on the operation console 23, the control unit 29 generates wireless signals for controlling the performance of each of the multiple costumes 10 and performs processing to transmit the signals to each of the costumes 10.

Figure 3 shows the details of the configuration for the wireless control device 20 to control the performance patterns of multiple costumes 10.

The costumes 10 and the wireless control device 20 have a device configuration that supports a specific communication protocol to enable control by wireless signals. In this embodiment, 11 costumes 10 will appear (costumes 10A, 10B, ... 10K).

The wireless control device 20 has multiple wireless transmitters 22 (wireless transmitters 22A, 22B, ... 22K) corresponding to each costume 10. In this embodiment, the wireless control device 20 can use a maximum of 512 channels, of which 363 channels are used.

The costume 10A includes a wireless receiver 12A and a performance unit 16A. The performance unit 16A includes multiple light-emitting units (light-emitting units 16A1, 16A2, ...). Each light-emitting unit is composed of multiple single-color light-emitting members. For example, each light-emitting unit may be composed of an LED that emits red light, an LED that emits blue light, and an LED that emits green light, so that any color can be expressed by mixing three colors (RGB). In the example shown, the costume 10A includes 11 systems of light-emitting units (light-emitting units 16A1, A2, ... A11) as the performance unit 16A. Each light-emitting unit includes three light-emitting members, and three channels are assigned to each light-emitting member. Therefore, 33 channels (11 systems of light-emitting units and three channels for each light-emitting unit) are assigned to the costume 10A (channel 1 to channel 33).

Similarly, costume 10B is equipped with a wireless receiver 12B and a performance unit 16B. Performance unit 16B is equipped with 11 systems of light-emitting units. As with costume 10A, costume 10B is assigned 33 channels (channels 34 to 66). Similarly, costume 10K is assigned 33 channels (channels 331 to 363). Wireless receiver 12 receives wireless signals transmitted from wireless control device 20 and acquires the signal of the channel assigned to its own device.

In the wireless control device 20, the operation console 23 and each of the multiple wireless transmitters 22 are connected by a daisy chain. The operation console 23 and each of the multiple wireless transmitters 22 have a connector that accepts signal input and a connector that outputs signals, and each connector is connected by a cable.

The wireless control device 20 stores an 8-bit code corresponding to the 512 channel in the memory unit 25. The 8-bit code stored in the memory unit 25 is updated when the operator 2 operates the console 23. The control unit 29 of the wireless control device 20 generates a transmission signal based on the 8-bit code stored in the memory unit 25. The transmission signal includes, for example, a start bit and a stop bit. The wireless control device 20 sequentially transmits wireless signals to the multiple costumes 10 based on the codes stored in the memory unit 25.

The wireless control device 20 may transmit the next signal before completing transmission of the signal on channel 512. In this embodiment, of the 512 channels, channel 363 is used to control eleven costumes 10, so the wireless control device 20 may transmit the next signal in response to completing transmission of the signal on channel 363.

The period of the signal transmitted from the wireless control device 20 to the costumes 10 may also be changed in response to an increase or decrease in the number of costumes 10. For example, if the number of costumes 10 appearing at the event venue 3 decreases from 11 to 5, the number of channels required for the performance of the costumes 10 will be 165 channels (e.g., channel 1 to channel 165). The wireless control device 20 may change the period of the signal transmitted to the costumes 10 in response to the operation of the operator 2. This allows the performance pattern of the costumes 10 to be switched in a shorter period of time when switching in response to the operation of the operator 2.

<Operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance pattern of the costume 10.

In step S405, the wireless control device 20 receives from the operator 2, via the console 23, information corresponding to each costume 10 and a designation of the performance pattern of the LEDs constituting the performance section 16. In response to the user's designation, the wireless control device 20 updates the code for generating wireless signals to be transmitted to the wireless receivers 12 of the multiple costumes 10.

In step S409, the wireless control device 20 generates a wireless signal according to the specified performance pattern for each costume 10. The wireless control device 20 generates a signal on channel 363 based on the code stored in the memory unit 25.

In step S413, the wireless control device 20 transmits wireless signals indicating the performance patterns of each costume 10 to the wireless receiver 12 (12A, 12B, ...) via each wireless transmitter 22 (22A, 22B, ...).

In step S455, each costume 10 receives a wireless signal on the corresponding channel via the wireless receiver 12.

In step S457, each costume 10 illuminates the light-emitting unit (LED) of the performance unit 16 according to the performance pattern indicated in the wireless signal.

For example, when the wireless control device 20 performs an effect pattern in which the light-emitting part of a specific costume 10 blinks, it alternately generates a wireless signal that causes the light-emitting part of the specific costume 10 to light up and a wireless signal that does not cause the light-emitting part to light up on the channel corresponding to the specific costume 10, and transmits these to the specific costume 10. The costume 10 may blink the light-emitting part by making it light up and not making it light up based on the wireless signal.

In addition, when the costume 10 holds the light emission pattern of the light-emitting unit for each performance pattern, the wireless control device 20 may transmit information identifying the performance pattern to the costume 10. This allows the costume 10 to perform a performance using the performance unit 16 based on the information identifying the performance pattern, and to control the light emission of each light-emitting unit.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, (i) an example will be described in which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance pattern of the costumes 10 according to the position of each of the multiple costumes 10. This makes it possible to control the performance of an event or the like without relying on the operation of the operator 2.

(ii) We will also explain an example of controlling the performance pattern of the costumed person 10 depending on the position of the audience user 4 watching the event, etc. By configuring it as described above, it is possible to control the performance depending on the reaction of the audience user at the venue of the event, etc.

(iii) We will also explain examples of objects for which the wireless control device 20 controls the performance, including, in addition to the costume 10, buildings around the event venue 3 and flying objects flying around the event venue 3.

Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of the performance control system in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, a structure 60 is arranged around the event venue 3. The structure 60 has a performance unit 61. The performance unit 61 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting unit, a display, a speaker, etc. In addition, an aircraft 50 is flying in the sky above the event venue 3. The aircraft 50 is, for example, one or more drones. The aircraft 50 has, for example, a light-emitting unit that irradiates laser light, etc.

The wireless control device 20 can control the performance by the performance unit 61 of the structure 60. In other words, the performance unit 61 of the structure 60 has a configuration equivalent to the wireless receiver 12 etc. described in the first embodiment, and performs light emission of the light emitting unit etc. in response to the wireless signal transmitted from the wireless control device 20.

The wireless control device 20 can control the effects produced by the production section of the flying object 50. For example, the wireless control device 20 controls effects such as the projection of laser light from the flying object 50 to the event venue 3.

In the second embodiment, the performance control system includes a detection device that detects the positions of multiple costumed characters 10, the positions of audience users 4, and the reactions of audience users 4 watching an event, etc.

The positions of the costumed person 10 and the audience user 4 may be obtained from images captured by a camera or a position information sensor.

For example, the position of the costume 10 may be determined by equipping each costume 10 with a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. In addition, if the terminals of the spectator users 4 are equipped with position information sensors, the position of the spectator users 4 may be determined based on the output of the position information sensors of these terminals.

For example, a camera 70 is installed on a building 60. The camera 70 can detect the positions of multiple costumed characters 10 in the event venue 3. Note that the event venue 3 may be photographed by a camera (not shown) possessed by the flying object 50, and the positions of the multiple costumed characters 10 may be detected by analyzing the photographed image.

The camera 70 may also be capable of detecting the positions of specific spectator users 4 included in the photographing area, or detecting the number of an unspecified number of spectator users 4, by photographing the spectator users 4. This makes it possible to detect the positions at the event venue 3 where spectator users 4 gather. For example, the positions at which spectator users 4 gather can be considered to be positions at an event or the like that are of high interest to spectator users 4, and therefore it is possible to identify the content of the performance that receives a high response from spectator users 4 during or after the event.

The reactions of spectator users 4 watching an event may be detected based on images captured by a camera or audio.

By photographing the spectator users 4 with the camera 70 or the like, it is possible to detect the reactions of the spectator users 4 watching an event or the like. For example, based on the images captured by the camera 70 or the like, it is possible to determine the gaze direction of the spectator users 4 and the emotions of the spectator users 4, and it is possible to identify the content of the performance of the event or the like that elicits a high reaction from the spectator users 4. The reactions of the spectator users 4 may be detected by photographing the area including the event venue 3 with a camera (not shown) possessed by the flying object 50. In addition to the example of using photographed images, the reactions of the spectator users 4 may also be detected by detecting the voices of the spectator users 4. For example, by installing microphones or the like in the area surrounding the event venue 3, the cheers of the spectator users 4 may be detected.

<Data structure>
The data structures of various data stored in the radio control device 20 and the like according to the second embodiment will be described.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structures of various data for storing the costume position history and the user position history. For example, the wireless control device 20 stores the costume position history 281 and the user position history 282 in the memory unit 25. Note that the position of the costume 10 and the position of the spectator user 4 may be detected by a device other than the wireless control device 20.

The costume position history 281 shows the history of movements of multiple costumes 10 during events, etc. As shown in the figure, each record in the costume position history 281 includes the items "Costume identification information (ID)", "Date and time", "Position", "Movement direction", and "Movement speed".

The item "Costume Identification Information (ID)" is information for identifying each costume 10.

The "Date and Time" item indicates the time when the position of the costume 10 was detected.

The "Position" item indicates the position of the costume 10 in the event venue 3. For example, the position of the costume 10 may be indicated by latitude and longitude.

The item "Movement direction" indicates the direction in which the costume 10 is moving within the event venue 3. For example, the direction in which the costume 10 is moving can be identified based on information on the time-series position of the costume 10.

The "movement speed" item indicates the movement speed of the costume 10 when it is moving within the event venue 3. For example, the movement speed of the costume 10 when it is moving can be determined based on information on the time series position of the costume 10.

The user location history 282 indicates the history of where the spectator user 4 is located in the event venue 3. The user location history 282 may store a location history for each user (for example, when location information is acquired from the terminal of the spectator user 4), or may store a location history for multiple users located in the event venue 3 without identifying them.

Each record in the user location history 282 includes the items "date and time", "location", "degree of crowding", and "reaction (emotion)".

The "Date and Time" item indicates the timing when the position of spectator user 4 was detected.

The "Position" item indicates the position of the spectator user 4.

The "Density" item indicates the density of spectator users 4 at the location indicated in the "Location" item. For example, when detecting the location of spectator users 4 based on images captured by camera 70 and flying object 50, the density of people located within a certain range in the event venue 3 can be estimated. If there is an area within the event venue 3 where the density of people is relatively high, it can be estimated that spectator users 4 are highly interested in the production of the event, etc.

The item "Reaction (Emotion)" indicates the reaction of the spectator user 4 at the position indicated in the item "Position". The reaction of the spectator user 4 may be set as "Good", which indicates that the reaction of the spectator user 4 is good, "Normal", which indicates that the reaction of the spectator user 4 is normal, or "Bad", which indicates that the reaction of the spectator user 4 is poor. For example, the emotion of the spectator user 4 may be determined based on an image captured by a camera. The emotion of the spectator user 4 may also be determined based on the detection results of the sound at the event venue 3 (such as the volume of the cheers of the spectator users 4). That is, the wireless control device 20 may determine the emotion of the spectator user 4 based on the captured image or sound data.

<Operation>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device when controlling the performance pattern of the costumed suit 10 by determining the reaction of the audience users 4.

In step S705, the wireless control device 20 acquires information on the position of the costume 10 and captured images of the event venue 3.

In step S709, the wireless control device 20 judges the reaction of the audience users 4 at each position of the event venue 3 based on the captured image of the event venue 3. The wireless control device 20 specifies the performance pattern of each costume 10 according to the judgment result of the reaction of the audience users 4. As a result, the wireless control device 20 generates a wireless transmission signal to be transmitted to the costume 10. For example, a performance pattern according to the judgment result of the reaction of the audience users 4 may be set for the costume 10 near the position where the judgment result of the reaction of the audience users 4 is a specific reaction (such as the reaction "Good"). As a result, the operator 2 can know whether the audience users 4 are showing a specific reaction by looking at the performance pattern of the costume 10 at the event venue 3. In addition, the performance pattern of the costume 10 can be controlled according to the reaction of the audience users 4 watching the event, etc., without the operation of the operator 2. Furthermore, when the density of spectator users 4 satisfies a predetermined condition (when spectator users 4 are gathered), the wireless control device 20 may identify a performance pattern for the mascots 10 near the position where the spectator users 4 are crowded together.

In step S713, the wireless control device 20 transmits a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern of each costume 10 to the wireless receiver of the costume 10 via each wireless transmitter of the wireless control device 20.

As described above, the wireless control device 20 detects the movements of the audience users 4 and, based on the detection results, identifies the target costume 10 to which the performance pattern is to be transmitted.

(1) Presentation patterns according to the position of the costume 10:
In addition, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern of each costume 10 based on the position of the costume 10. For example, when the costume 10 is located in a specific area in the event venue 3, the costume 10 may be made to emit light in a specific performance pattern. For example, it is assumed that the world view of the content includes a scene where a predetermined effect is exerted, such as a scene where characters fight each other or a scene where a character recovers. It is assumed that an installation representing the scene where the predetermined effect is exerted is installed in the event venue 3. In this case, the costume 10 moves to the position of the installation, and the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern of the costume 10 to a specific performance pattern. Even when detecting the movement of the spectator user 4, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern of each costume 10 based on the position of the costume 10, regardless of the movement of the spectator user 4.

(2) A performance pattern according to the direction of movement of the costume 10 or according to the costume 10 attempting to move within a predetermined range:
In addition, the wireless control device 20 may determine the performance pattern of each costume 10 based on the position history of the costume 10. For example, when it is detected that the costume 10 is moving in a specific direction, it may perform a performance such as making the costume 10 emit light in a specific performance pattern. For example, when the costume 10 is moving in a specific direction such as east-west-north-south, a different performance pattern for the costume 10 may be determined for each direction.

Furthermore, when the costumed suit 10 is moving toward or away from a specific range in the event venue 3, the wireless control device 20 can perform effects such as making the costumed suit 10 emit light in a specific performance pattern. For example, let us say that the world view of the content includes an effect in which costumed suit 10A, which imitates a virtual character, and costumed suit 10B battle in a specific location. Then, let us say that an object indicating the specific location that can detect the approach of the costumed suit 10 is installed in the event venue 3. The wireless control device 20 can perform a specific performance pattern for the costumed suit 10 moving toward the object or for the costumed suit 10 moving away from the object.

As described above, when controlling the performance pattern according to the position of the costume 10, the output device 14 may notify the performer in the costume 10 in response to the performance being performed according to a specific performance pattern. This allows the performer in the costume 10 to recognize that the performance has switched to a specific performance pattern.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, an operation for designating a performance pattern is accepted from the terminal of the spectator user 4. That is, the spectator user 4 can also participate in the performance of an event or the like.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device in the third embodiment.

In step S805, the wireless control device 20 accepts a designation of a performance pattern for the light-emitting parts (LEDs) of the costume 10 from the terminal of the spectator user 4. The terminal of the spectator user 4 may, for example, accept the designation of a performance pattern without designating a costume 10, or may accept the designation of a performance pattern for a costume 10 near the terminal of the spectator user 4.

In step S809, the wireless control device 20 generates a wireless transmission signal in response to the designation of the performance pattern of each costume 10 received from the terminal of the spectator user 4. For example, if the designation of a costume 10 is not accepted at the terminal of the spectator user 4, the wireless control device 20 may set the performance patterns of the multiple costumes 10 to the performance pattern designated by the terminal of the costume 10, or may set the performance pattern of a costume 10 that is in a predetermined positional relationship with the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4 based on the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4 (for example, a costume 10 within a certain distance from the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4, or a costume 10 that is closest to the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4, etc.) as the designated performance pattern.

In step S813, the wireless control device 20 transmits a wireless signal indicating the performance pattern of each costume 10 to the wireless receiver of the costume 10 via each wireless transmitter of the wireless control device 20.

<Modification>
A specific process may be executed on the terminal of the spectator user 4 when the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4 and the position of the costume 10 satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, the position of the costume 10 may be acquired from the wireless control device 20 on the terminal of the spectator user 4. Also, an image may be captured by a camera on the terminal of the spectator user 4, and the costume 10 included in the captured image may be detected. In this way, when the position of the terminal of the spectator user 4 and the position of the costume 10 are within a certain distance, for example, a specific function may be available to the user in an application running on the terminal of the spectator user 4. For example, when the application running on the terminal of the spectator user 4 is a game program, the costume 10 may be included in an image captured by the camera on the terminal of the spectator user 4, so that the user may obtain game content corresponding to the character of the costume 10.

In addition, a specific function such as a battle may be available in the game program. For example, suppose that a costume suit 10 is included in an image captured by the camera of the spectator user's 4 terminal, and thus the game program allows a battle with a game character corresponding to the character in the costume suit 10. In this case, multiple users who detect the costume suit 10 at the event venue 3 may be able to participate in the battle with the game character. For example, the game program may manage the total number of users who can participate in the battle based on the position of the costume suit 10 and the position of the terminal of the spectator user's 4 that detects the costume suit 10.

As described in each of the above embodiments, in each embodiment, the operator 2 can control the performance pattern of each costume 10 at any time while observing the reactions of the audience users 4 watching the event at the event venue 3 and while observing the movements of multiple costumes 10 at the event venue 3, thereby further improving the entertainment value of the show or event.

<Additional Notes>
The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

(Appendix 1)
According to one embodiment, a performance control system (1) is provided that is composed of a plurality of costumes (10) and a wireless control device (20). Each of the plurality of costumes includes a wireless receiver (12) that receives a wireless signal from the wireless control device, a performance unit (16) including a light-emitting unit, and a control unit (19) for controlling the performance pattern of the performance unit. The wireless control device identifies the wireless receiver of each costume, and transmits the performance pattern of each costume to the identified wireless receiver (22). In response to receiving a wireless signal indicating a performance pattern from the wireless control device, the control unit of the costume operates the performance unit according to the performance pattern.

(Appendix 2)
The wireless control device has a reception unit (23) that receives input operations from an operator (2) who operates the wireless control device, and by receiving operations from the operator to specify a costume and a performance pattern, transmits a signal indicating the specified performance pattern to the wireless transmitter of the specified costume (22), forming a performance control system as described in (Appendix 1).

(Appendix 3)
A performance control system as described in (Appendix 2), in which a channel capable of receiving wireless signals is set for each of the wireless receivers of multiple costumes (22A, 22B, ...), and the wireless control device identifies the costume that will transmit a performance pattern when the operator specifies a channel.

(Appendix 4)
The wireless control device is configured to be capable of controlling the performance pattern of a performance unit of a building (60) installed in the surrounding area including a venue (3) where a performance featuring multiple costumed characters is performed, or an aircraft (50) flying above the venue, and transmits the performance pattern of the performance unit or the aircraft by receiving an operation from an operator to specify the performance unit or the aircraft. (Appendix 2) or (Appendix 3) of the performance control system.

(Appendix 5)
The wireless control device has a receiving unit that receives operations specifying a performance pattern from an audience user (4) watching the performance using the costumed costume, and transmits the performance pattern specified by the audience user to the wireless receiver (S805, S809, S813).A performance control system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4).

(Appendix 6)
The wireless control device detects the movements of spectator users watching a performance performed by a costumed person (282), and, based on the detection results, identifies the costumed person to which a performance pattern is to be sent (S709).A performance control system described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5).

(Appendix 7)
A performance control system described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6), in which a wireless control device obtains the position of each costume and determines a performance pattern for each costume based on the position (281) of the costume.

(Appendix 8)
A performance control system as described in (Appendix 7), in which the wireless control device determines the performance pattern of each costume based on the position of each costume, regardless of the movements of spectator users around the costume.

(Appendix 9)
A performance control system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), in which the wireless control device identifies a costume that meets specified conditions based on the costume's position history (281) and transmits a performance pattern to the identified costume.

(Appendix 10)
A performance control system described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix) 9, in which the wireless control device detects audience users around the costume (282) and transmits a specific performance pattern to the costume (S709) regardless of operation by the operator of the wireless control device.

(Appendix 11)
The performance control system described in (Appendix 10) detects audience users by detecting the voices of audience users around the costumed person, or based on at least one of images (70) taken of the venue where the performance using the costumed person is being performed.

(Appendix 12)
The wireless control device determines the emotions of the audience users based on at least one of the audio or the captured images (282), and transmits a performance pattern to the wireless receiver of the costume depending on the determination result (S709).

(Appendix 13)
A performance control system as described in (Appendix 8), in which, when the degree of crowding of the costumes satisfies a predetermined condition based on the position of each costume (282), the wireless control device transmits a performance pattern to the costumes that satisfy the predetermined condition.

(Appendix 14)
A performance control system as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 13), wherein the control unit of the costumed person is equipped with a notification unit (14) that notifies the costumed person when the performance pattern of the performance unit is changed in accordance with control by a wireless control device.

(Appendix 15)
A performance control system as described in (Appendix 5), which enables a specific process to be executed on a customer user's terminal when the position of the spectator user's terminal and the position of the costumed person satisfy specified conditions.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Production control system, 2 Operator, 3 Event venue, 4 Spectator user, 10 Costume, 12 Wireless receiver, 16 Production section, 20 Wireless control device, 22 Wireless transmitter

Claims (11)

A method for an event in which an audience is entertained by watching a performance by a costumed person, the method comprising:
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
a step of causing a plurality of light-emitting units attached to the mascot to emit light in a specific performance pattern when the mascot is at a specific position in the event based on the specified position of the mascot;
A method for performing. A method for an event in which an audience is entertained by watching a performance by a costumed person, the method comprising:
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
A step of causing a plurality of light emitting units attached to the costume to emit light in a specific performance pattern based on the history of the specified costume position;
A method for performing. In the step of performing the performance,
The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of: causing the costume to emit light in a specific pattern when the costume is moving in a specific direction based on a history of the costume's position. In the step of performing the performance,
The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of causing the costume to emit light in a specific pattern when the costume is about to move within or move away from a specified range during the event, based on the history of the costume's position. In the step of performing the performance,
The method according to claim 4, wherein when the specified range is an object capable of detecting the approach of the costumed person being moved into or away from a certain range, the costumed person is made to emit light in a specific performance pattern. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the performance is performed at the event without requiring spectators of the event to carry a portable item that performs the performance related to the event. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which allows spectators at the event to watch the performance by the costumed person without entering a specific area where the costumed person is positioned and performing the performance. A program for causing a computer having a processor and a memory to cause a costumed person to perform a performance at an event where the audience is entertained by watching the performance, the program comprising:
The program causes the processor to:
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
a step of causing a plurality of light-emitting units attached to the mascot to emit light in a specific performance pattern when the mascot is at a specific position in the event based on the specified position of the mascot;
A program to execute. In an event where an audience is entertained by watching a performance by a costumed person, an information processing device having a processor and a memory causes the costumed person to perform a performance,
The information processing device,
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
a step of causing a plurality of light-emitting units attached to the mascot to emit light in a specific performance pattern when the mascot is at a specific position in the event based on the specified position of the mascot;
An information processing device that executes the above. A program for causing a computer having a processor and a memory to cause a costumed person to perform a performance at an event where the audience is entertained by watching the performance, the program comprising:
The program causes the processor to:
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
A step of causing a plurality of light emitting units attached to the costume to emit light in a specific performance pattern based on the history of the specified costume position;
A program to execute. In an event where an audience is entertained by watching a performance by a costumed person, an information processing device having a processor and a memory causes the costumed person to perform a performance,
The information processing device,
A step of acquiring detection information by a position information sensor mounted on the costume , or an image captured by a photographing device that photographs the event;
Identifying a position of the costume based on the detection information or the captured image;
A step of causing a plurality of light emitting units attached to the costume to emit light in a specific performance pattern based on the history of the specified costume position;
An information processing device that executes the above.