Patent Publication Number: US-2006003301-A1

Title: Device for simulation of a human figure

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to the field of crown scene simulation. More particularly, in one embodiment, the device relates to a device for simulation of a human figure.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The motion picture and television industries frequently film scenes that are observed by a crowd of bystanders. For example, a scene filmed inside a stadium, such as a football stadium, is often focused on the field of play and generally include a crowd within the background. In the past, the filming of such crowd scenes has involved the hiring of motion picture extras, which are paid a per diem fee, as well as being supplied with food and drinks during filming.  
      Unfortunately, many of the scenes involving movie extras do not occur until the main scenes involving the main actors of the scene are filmed. As a result, movie extras generally spend a substantial amount of time waiting on the set for the filming of their scene. Yet, as the crowd scenes become larger, the need for motion picture extras also increases. The cost associated with the employment of potentially thousands of motion picture extras to fill a stadium to provide a crowd scene for the event that is occurring within the field of play is unduly costly.  
      As a cost-saving measure, cardboard cut-outs are frequently used within the stands of a sports stadium to simulate a crowd scene. Unfortunately, due to the two-dimensional characteristics of cardboard cut-outs, such cardboard cut-out crowd scenes can only be filmed from a certain angle; and therefore, often limit the authenticity of the crowd scene. Another potential solution to capture crowd scenes for a television or motion picture is the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Unfortunately, the costs associated with CGI for crowd scene simulation are quite costly; often exceeding the amounts required to employ the thousands of extras required to provide the spectators of a sporting event.  
      A device for simulation of a human figure is described. In one embodiment, the device includes a torso portion including at least one anchor member affixed to the surface of the torso portion. A head portion is also coupled to the torso portion. In one embodiment, the head portion includes at least one anchor member affixed to a surface of the head portion and adapted to couple to the anchor member of the torso portion to simulate posture of the human figure. In one embodiment, a base portion may be coupled to the torso portion distal from the head portion. In one embodiment, this base portion is adapted to maintain the device in an upright position.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a front view of a device for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a rear view of a device for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 3A  is a block diagram illustrating a base portion of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 3B  is a block diagram illustrating a chip including a mounting pin to mate with a mounting receptacle of the base of  FIG. 3A , in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a right-side view of a device for simulation of a human figure, including a removable mask to simulate a face of the human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram further illustrating the device of  FIG. 4  having adjoined anchors to simulate posture of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 6  is a block is a block diagram illustrating a right-side view of a device for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a left-side view of a device for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram further illustrating opposed shoulder portions of  FIGS. 6 and 7  to secure straps to the device, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram further illustrating the strap of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram further illustrating the strap of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram further illustrating the rear-side view of the device of  FIG. 1  having a removable mask secured to the head portion proximate the anchor members to enable simulation of a relaxed posture, in accordance with one embodiment.  
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram further illustrating a plurality of devices for simulation of a human figure, as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4-7 , joined together to simulate a crowd scene, in accordance with one embodiment.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      A device for simulation of a human figure is described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In addition, the following description provides examples, and the accompanying drawings show various examples for the purposes of illustration. However, these examples should not be construed in a limiting sense as they are merely intended to provide examples of the present invention rather than to provide an exhaustive list of all possible implementations of the present invention. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the details of the present invention.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a front view of device  100  for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment. References to front and rear are for convenience only and when dressed, either side of device  100  may be defined as “front” or “rear.” Representatively, device  100  includes torso portion  120  coupled to head portion  110 . In one embodiment, a removable mask (see  FIGS. 4-7 ) is secured to head portion  110  to further simulate a face of a human figure. As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , strap  130  and strap  140  may be coupled to torso portion  120 . In one embodiment, straps  130  and strap  140  secure device  100  according to a desired position, such as an upright position to stabilize device  100 .  
      In one embodiment, torso portion  120  comprises at least one panel of flexible material defining a first chamber that is filled with a fluid to define torso portion  120 . In one embodiment, head portion  110  comprises at least one panel of flexible material defining a second chamber that is filled with the fluid to define head portion  110 . Representatively, head portion  110  is coupled to torso portion  120 . In one embodiment, head portion  110  and torso portion  120  are in fluid communication.  
       FIG. 2  further illustrates a rear view of device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, torso portion  120  includes a plurality of anchor members  250  ( 250 - 1 , . . . ,  250 - 7 ) affixed to a surface of the torso portion. In one embodiment, the plurality of anchor members  250  are coupled to a selected one or more of the plurality of anchor members to simulate different postures of a human figure, for example, as illustrated with reference to  FIG. 5 . Representative elements for anchor members  250  include, but are not limited to, eyelets or other like elements that may be temporarily secured to one another to facilitate deformation of torso portion  120  and/or head portion  110  to simulate the different postures.  
      Representatively, anchor members  150 - 3  through  150 - 6  are affixed to torso portion in a vertical direction, such as, for example, along an imaginary spine of device  100 . In one embodiment, anchor member  150 - 7  is affixed to the surface of head portion along the vertical direction defined by anchor members  150 - 3  through  150 - 6 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , one or more anchor members may be secured to one another using, for example, a zip tie, an acrylic clip, a double-ended snap or other like element, for joining one or more of the selected anchor members  150 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, securing of anchor members  150  enables simulation of upright or arched postures by device  110  when, for example, a removable mask (see  FIGS. 4-7 ) is secured to head portion  110  distal from anchor member  150 - 7 . Representative materials for use as the flexible material of torso portion  120  or head portion  110  include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other like pliable material, which may be shaped to define torso or head portions to simulate the human figure, in accordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, the PVC has a thickness between 0.12 mm and 0.75 mm. In one embodiment, the PVC is in the range of 0.19 mm and 0.2 mm thick.  
      As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , torso portion includes rapid inflate/deflate valve  160  and safety valve  162 . In one embodiment, rapid inflate/deflate valve is sized to couple to, for example, a hose to quickly fill torso and/or head portions with a fluid, such as air. In one embodiment, safety valve  162  has reduced size to limit expulsion of air from torso and/or head portions. In one embodiment, safety valve  160 - 2  is used to slowly deflate torso and/or head portions to enable coupling of anchor members  150 - 3  through  150 - 7  to simulate different postures of the human figure. In other words, to alter or deform device  100  into a desired posture, safety valve  162  is used to increase the pliability of torso portion by reducing air pressure within device  100 . In the event that too much air is released, reinflation to a desired level may be performed through the safety valve  162 .  
       FIG. 3A  is a block diagram illustrating a weighted base portion  180  of device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, weighted base portion  180  is coupled to torso portion  120  distal from head portion  110  to maintain device  100  in an upright position by providing a gravitational low point of device  100  in an upright position.  
      Representatively, base portion  180  includes first mounting receptacle  182  and second mounting receptacle  184 . Although illustrated to include first and second mounting receptacles  182  and  184 , those skilled in the art will recognize that base portion may include any number of mounting receptacles while falling within the scope of a device for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one or more above-described embodiments. In an alternate embodiment, base portion  180  does not include mounting receptacles  182  and  184  and is simply weighted to provide a gravitational low point of device  100  in an upright position. In one embodiment, base portion  180  comprises at least one mounting receptacle to mate with a mounting pin to secure device  100  in a desired position. In one embodiment, base portion  180  is formed from a number of layers of cardboard, e.g., three, four or five, and plastic sleeves to define the mounting receptacles  182 ,  184 .  
      In one embodiment, anchor members  150 - 1 ,  150 - 2  and  150 - 3  are used to further secure device  100  according to a desired position. In one embodiment, clip  190  including at least one mounting pin  192  is secured to a seat to mate with a mounting receptacle of weighted base portion  180 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Representative materials for use as chip  190  include acrylic, thermoplastic or other semi-rigid material to enable securing clip  190  to a seat. Clip  190  may be used to secure device  100  to various seating types, such as bleachers or bench seats, in addition to conventional theatre style seating (i.e., where seat backs are armrests are present). In one embodiment, a mounting plate, including at least one mounting pin, is used to secure device  100  to, for example, a flat area, such as a grassy area that does not contain seats. Mounting plate may be a dish of suitable size to achieve stability based on the locale.  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a right-side view of device  200  for simulation of a human figure, in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, removable mask  270  is secured to head portion  210  of device  200 . Representatively, removable mask  270  is provided to further simulate a face of a human figure. In one embodiment, mask  270  is formed from a flexible material, such as, for example, a clear plastic, and painted to simulate the features of a human face, including complexion, eye color, facial hair, expression or the like. In one embodiment, removable mask  270  enables seamless transition of human figure simulation, including gender alteration, ethnicity alteration and other like alteration to simulate a human figure, for example, within a crowd scene of a television show, motion picture or print advertisement. Additionally, the mask may be placed on the head portion in substantially an arbitrary orientation. This permits a more natural crowd by permitting the gaze direction of the mask to vary as desired rather than always looking straight forward. For example, the mask may be rotated 30° to the right to simulate a crowd member looking to the right.  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram further illustrating device  200  of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, anchor member  250 - 6  of torso portion  220  and anchor member  250 - 7  of head portion  210  are adjoined to simulate posture of a human figure using, for example, a clip (or a zip tie). By changing the tightness of the zip tie, the appearance of different amounts of upward size may be created. Representatively, device  200  is shown simulating a human figure staring in an upward direction. Accordingly, using the various anchor members  250  attached to a surface of torso portion  220  and/or head portion  210 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , various postures of a human figure may be simulated to provide, for example, a life-like crowd scene for motion picture, television program or print advertisement.  
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a right-side view of device  200 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, torso portion  220  of device  200  is shown including shoulder portion  222 . Representatively, in one embodiment, shoulder portion  222  includes attachment sleeve  248  to secure strap  240  to shoulder portion  222  of device  200 . A suitable form of attachment sleeves  248  is a plastic sleeve or other panel of flexible material (e.g., polyvinyl chloride) to secure to shoulder portion  222  to provide an opening to secure clamp  238 / 248 . In one embodiment, a proximate portion of strap  230 / 240  is sewn over clamp  238 / 248  distal from attachment sleeve  226 / 228 , as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates a left-side view of device  200 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, torso portion  220  includes opposed shoulder portion  224 , which also includes attachment sleeve  232  to secure a proximate portion of strap  230  to torso portion  220  of device  200 . In one embodiment, straps  230  and  240  may be used to secure device  200  to a seat, the ground or other seating area to stabilize the device and possibly maintain the device in a desired position, such as an upright position. Representatively, proximal portions of straps  230  and  240  are attached to shoulder portions  220  and  224 , respectively, of torso  220 .  
      In one embodiment, distal portions of straps  230  and  240 , to secure the device or stabilize device  200  in a desired position, are further illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 9  is a block diagram further illustrating a distal portion of strap  230 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, a length of strap  230  is adjustable via adjustment member  232  to either lengthen or shorten strap  230 , depending on desired stabilization of device  200 . As further illustrated, attachment members  234  and  236  interlock with one another to secure distal portion of strap  230  to, for example, an armrest of a seat.  
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a distal portion of strap  240  of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, strap  240  includes length adjustment member  242 . Further illustrated attachment members  244  and  246  interlock with one another to secure distal portion of strap  240  to, for example, a seat, such as, for example, an armrest of a seat. Representative materials for straps  230  and  240  include nylon mesh, plastic or other like material. In one embodiment, the straps are between ½″ and 1″ wide and between 35″ and 45″ long. Representative materials for members  232 - 236  and  242 - 26  include any semi-rigid material, such as plastic  
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram further illustrating rear-side view of device  100  of  FIG. 1  having removable mask  370  secured to head portion  310 , in accordance with one embodiment. Representatively, removable mask  370  is coupled to head portion proximate anchor member  350 - 7  (not shown). In one embodiment, positioning of anchor members  350 - 3  through  350 - 6  along a vertical line following, for example, an imaginary spine of torso portion  320  enables deformation of torso portion  320  when one or more of anchor members  350 - 3  through  350 - 6  are secured to one another using, for example, a clip or zip tie. Representatively, device  300  would simulate a relaxed position, such as a slouched position often exhibited by fans viewing a sporting event. In such an embodiment, shoulder portions of device  300  could be relaxed to further simulate a relaxed or slouched posture. As described with reference to  FIG. 2 , safety valve  362  could be used to slowly deflate torso portion  320  to enable coupling of one or more anchor members  350  to simulate different postures, such as the slouched posture.  
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating crowd scene simulation using a plurality of devices for simulation of a human figure, for example, as illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4-9 . Representatively, devices  200  ( 200 - 1 , . . . ,  200 -N) may be arranged according to a desired configuration. Representatively, once closed, strap portions  230  and  240  (not shown) simulate arms of a human figure and aid in stabilizing a device  200  within, for example, an upright position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In one embodiment, attachment members secured to torso or head portions of devices  200  may be affixed to one another to simulate posture, such as, an upright stare, a slouched posture or other like human posture. Representatively, such devices as described herein may be arranged, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , including one or more extras to reduce the need for employing possibly thousands of extras to film a crowd scene within a television, motion picture or print advertisement.  
      Alternate Embodiments  
      Several aspects of one implementation of the device for simulating a human figure have been described. However, various implementations of the device provide numerous features including, complementing, supplementing, and/or replacing the features described above. In addition, the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required to practice the invention.  
      In addition, although an embodiment described herein is directed to a device for simulation of a human figure, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teaching of the present invention can be applied to other systems. In fact, the inclusion of extras (humans) along with the device to simulate a crowd scene are within the embodiments described, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments described above were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. These embodiment were chosen to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.  
      It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only. In some cases, certain subassemblies are only described in detail with one such embodiment. Nevertheless, it is recognized and intended that such subassemblies may be used in other embodiments of the invention. Changes may be made in detail, especially matters of structure and management of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.  
      Having disclosed various embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.