US20050130556A1

US20050130556A1 - Inflatable humanoid forms

Info

Publication number: US20050130556A1
Application number: US11/048,468
Authority: US
Inventors: John Stanier; Mark Woolpert
Original assignee: CROWD IN A BOX Inc
Current assignee: CROWD IN A BOX Inc
Priority date: 2001-08-27
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2005-06-16

Abstract

Inflatable three-dimensional humanoid forms are disclosed that resemble human beings and are constructed of lightweight plastic or similar elastomeric materials to simulate large numbers of people typically required in crowd scenes in film, video and still photography. Separately inflatable chambers are built into or otherwise attached to the inflatable humanoid figures to simulate the natural variations in human forms as viewed from the front or side. For example, in an inflatable humanoid form without legs designed to be supported in stadium or auditorium seating, a separately inflatable chamber at the bottom of the torso can be inflated to varying degrees to variably adjust the overall height of individual inflatable humanoid figures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,667 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/368,501 filed on Feb. 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,933; which is a divisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/940,301, filed on Aug. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,940; and is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,666 filed on Oct. 29, 2003, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/940,301 filed on Aug. 27, 2001, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method, system and an apparatus for use in filming or photographing crowd scenes typically in stadium type settings. The apparatus consists of one or more inflatable humanoid figures, which are configured to fit into stadium type seating in varying locations so as to provide the illusion of a filled stadium or equivalent to a camera or video recorder. Other non-seated embodiments of the invention are included as well.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The current art involving the filming of background crowd scenes for example, inside stadium or auditorium type seating requires that two-dimensional figures be placed as props in or near the seats. These props are generally constructed of cardboard or other similar materials, which are heavy, relatively inflexible, difficult to transport, time consuming to install and remove and are susceptible to wet or windy weather conditions.
Another disadvantage in using the cardboard props concerns the limited field of view provided by the two dimensional shapes. Movie and photographic scenes need to be reconfigured to avoid exposing the unfinished sides or rear of the props to the camera, thus incurring lost time and increasing production costs.
A further disadvantage concerns the amount of storage space required for the props. The cardboard cutout figures used in the current art are generally constructed of one or two life-sized components requiring multiple large storage boxes and correspondingly large amounts of storage space when not in use.
In other applications, inflatable mannequins are known in the art for use in modeling apparel as is disclosed by Miller U.S. Pat. No. 2,698,496, Wolf U.S. Pat. No. 3,028,058 and Gross U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,729; as a toy or doll as is disclosed by Hornsby U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,805 and Pietrafesa U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,271 and as motor vehicle security device Brown U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,294. However, none of the prior art teaches or suggests an inflatable humanoid figure for use as a prop in background scenes associated with motion picture, video, television or still photography.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a method and an apparatus which is used to provide three-dimensional human-like shapes as props to enhance the visual effect of large numbers of people typically required in crowd scenes in film, video and still photography. The invention comprises life-sized inflatable humanoid figures that resemble human beings and are constructed of lightweight plastic or similar elastomeric materials. The inflatable props include at least one rapid fill and relief valve situated in an inconspicuous location on the humanoid figure.
The use of life-sized inflatable humanoid figures allows the use of existing wardrobes, makeup and other accoutrements necessary for rendering a realistic visual effect. Other human attributes including apparel, facial, gender and racial characteristics may be incorporated into the invention at time of manufacture. Lastly, the humanoid figures may be manufactured in varying sizes and shapes to simulate the natural variations in human forms.
In addition, separately inflatable chambers may be built into or otherwise attached to the inflatable humanoid figures to simulate the natural variations in human forms. For example, in embodiments of the present invention without legs wherein the inflatable humanoid figures are designed to be supported in stadium or auditorium seating, a separately inflatable chamber at the bottom of the torso can be inflated to varying degrees to variably adjust the overall height of individual inflatable humanoid figures. Other examples include separately inflatable chambers formed in the head area to create the appearance of different head sizes or different hairstyles, or separately inflatable chambers formed in the torso or shoulder area to create the appearance of different body types (e.g. slim, muscular, and the like). In general, separately inflatable chambers may be built into the inflatable humanoid figure to create the appearance of variations in human forms as viewed from the front or side.
In the preferred embodiment, groupings of about four life-sized humanoid figures each comprising torso members, arm members, neck members and head members are contiguously connected together by narrow tubular sections located on one or more sides of the forms. The tubular sections permits inflation gas to flow into and out of each internal cavity of the props and also provides a means of anchoring the props in their proper seated positions.
The tubular sections are fabricated on the lower sides of the humanoid figures so as to be invisible to a camera when placed in a seated position. In situations where a smaller number of humanoid figures are required, it is envisioned that individual humanoid figures will be manufactured allowing selected placement between the multi-body forms and single body forms. Alternately, excess humanoid figures may be removed from the desired humanoid figures by cutting the interconnecting tubular sections and sealing the open end with a bonding agent, tape or clamp. The flexible nature of the invention allows installation in both standard and non-standard seating arrangements. In windy locations, it is envisioned that the props may be held in place by tape, adhesive, Velcro, weights, tie downs or other similar means.
In a second embodiment of the invention, life-sized humanoid figures each complete with feet, legs, torso, arms, neck and head are intended to be employed in background situations requiring human forms in non-seated backgrounds scenes. Other attributes of this embodiment of the invention are equivalent to those described in the preferred embodiment.
In a third embodiment of the invention, life-sized humanoid figures each complete with feet, legs and lower torso are intended to be employed in background situations requiring the lower portions of human forms in backgrounds scenes. Other attributes of this embodiment of the invention are equivalent to those described in the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the invention where a plurality of humanoid figures configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 2—FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3—FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4—FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5—FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the invention including a fill valve.
FIG. 6—FIG. 6 depicts a prospective view of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 7—FIG. 7 depicts filling of a plurality of humanoid figures through a fill valve.
FIG. 8—FIG. 8 depicts a frontal view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 9—FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the single humanoid figure configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 10—FIG. 10 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 11—FIG. 11 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 12—FIG. 12 depicts a bottom view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure configured for use in stadium type seating.
FIG. 13—FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the preferred embodiment where a plurality of humanoid figures configured for use where standing forms are desired.
FIG. 14—FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment where a plurality of humanoid figures configured for use where standing forms are desired.
FIG. 15—FIG. 15 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment where a plurality of humanoid figures configured for use where standing forms are desired.
FIG. 16—FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of the preferred embodiment where a plurality of humanoid figures configured for use where standing forms are desired.
FIG. 17—FIG. 17 depicts a front view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure is configured for use where a standing form is desired.
FIG. 18—FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment where a single humanoid figure is configured for use where a standing form is desired.
FIG. 19—FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment where a lower torso including legs is desired.
FIG. 20—FIG. 20 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment where a lower torso including legs is desired.
FIG. 21—FIG. 21 depicts an example placement arrangement in auditorium style setting for using the invention.
FIG. 22—FIG. 22 depicts a front, side and rear view of an inflatable humanoid figure with uninflated chambers for simulating the natural variations in human forms according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 23—FIG. 23 depicts a front, side and rear view of an inflatable humanoid figure with inflated chambers for simulating the natural variations in human forms according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 24—FIG. 24 depicts a front view of two inflatable humanoid forms, one with uninflated chambers and one with inflated chambers according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This invention comprises one or more life-sized inflatable humanoid figures that resemble human forms. The humanoid figures are constructed of lightweight plastic or similar elastomeric materials. The inflatable props include at least one rapid fill and relief valve situated on the underside, side or rear of the humanoid figure assembly. In the preferred embodiment, single humanoid figures or groupings of about four life-sized humanoid figures each comprising torso members, arm members, neck members and head members are contiguously connected together by narrow tubular sections located on one or more sides of the forms. The tubular sections permits inflation gas to flow into and out of each internal cavity of the props and also provides a means of anchoring the props in their proper seated positions. The props are placed in background scenes and inflated. Additional wardrobe and other accoutrements may be included as necessary to conform to set requirements and to provide realistic background motion. The humanoid figures are placed into their seats with the necessary wardrobe typically intermingled with live actors or extras to provide a more realistic background setting. Filming of the humanoid figures occurs generally outside the focal range of the camera. Thus, the humanoid figures appear life-like to the camera and resulting viewing media.
Reviewing this specification in conjunction with the drawings facilitates a better understanding of the invention. Drawing tag reference numbers are replicated in the various views and embodiments of the invention. To the extent possible, drawing tag references numbers are discussed only once to limit prolixity of the specification.
Referring to FIG. 1, a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown including about four humanoid FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d for use in crowd scenes in which a seated position is advantageous. The humanoid figures in this embodiment are configured such that the consecutive arm sections 18 a, 20 a, 18 b, 20 b, 18 c, 20 d and gaps between each humanoid figure's waist section fit over the armrests of stadium type seating. The trunk portion of each humanoid FIGS. 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d rests in the actual seat portion of the seat.
In this embodiment of the invention, each humanoid figure is manufactured to include a contiguous gas- tight cavities 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d between adjacent humanoid figures, which allows inflating gas to fill the entire line of humanoid figures including the head members 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, neck members 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d, left arm members 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d and right arm members 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d and torso members 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d.
Human characteristics such as hair, eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, ears, breasts and skin color may be included during the manufacturing process by applying a painting, pigmenting, silk screening or other coloring process. Alternately or in combination therewith, human characteristics and natural body contours may be included during the molding process to improve the human likeness.
Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the preferred embodiment 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d is depicted illustrating the three dimensional aspect of the invention 24 a, possible apparel designs and various human characteristics 12 a. This view also illustrates the contiguous gas- tight cavities 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d between adjacent humanoid figures, which allows inflating gas to fill the entire line of humanoid figures.
Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of the preferred embodiment 10 a is depicted which again illustrates the three dimensional aspect of the invention 24 a, possible apparel designs and various human characteristics 12 a.
Referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the preferred embodiment is depicted which illustrates the unit torso base member 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d and arm member spacing along with the contiguous gas- tight cavities 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d.
Referring to FIG. 5, a rear view of the preferred embodiment is depicted which illustrates the possible apparel and human characteristics 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d along with the contiguous gas- tight cavities 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d and a fill valve 28. A single fill valve 28 is depicted on the right most form for convenience only.
Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment is depicted which illustrates the three dimensional nature 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d of the invention, possible apparel designs and various human characteristics 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d.
Referring to FIG. 7, a diagrammatic view depicting the filling of contiguous internal chambers 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d through a fill valve 28, which inflates the humanoid FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d. A single fill valve 28 is depicted on the rear of the right most form for convenience only. A fill valve 28 may be located on any of the forms in any inconspicuous location. Additional fill valves may be provided to allow faster inflation and deflation of the humanoid figures. The fill valves used for this invention are similar in design to those employed in camping style air mattresses which allows high volumes of air to flow into and out of the internal cavities of the humanoid figures.
Referring to FIG. 8, a front view of the single humanoid figure embodiment of the invention is depicted comprising a head member 110 a, neck member 114 a, left arm member 120 a and right arm member 118 a and a torso member 122 a. This embodiment of the invention allows individual humanoid figures to be placed in background scenes where it is desirable to employ one or more single humanoid figures, for example on a park bench that is visible in a background scene which may include an extra seated next to the humanoid figure. The single humanoid figure design is equivalent in all aspects to the multi-figure design other than the number of humanoid figures and contiguous gas-tight cavities.
Referring to FIG. 9, a side view of the single humanoid figure embodiment of the invention is depicted which again illustrates the three dimensional aspect of the invention 124 a. As discussed in FIG. 8, the single humanoid figure design is equivalent in all aspects to the multi-figure design other than the number of humanoid figures.
Referring to FIG. 10, a rear view 124 a of the single humanoid figure embodiment of the invention is depicted. A fill valve 128 is shown on the rear of the individual humanoid figure for convenience only. The fill valve 128 may be located on any part of the humanoid figure, which would not be visible to a camera. All other aspects of the single humanoid figure are equivalent to the multi-figure units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 11, a top view 110 a of the single humanoid figure embodiment of the invention is depicted. The single humanoid figure embodiment lack the contiguous gas-tight cavities included in the multi-figure units. All other aspects of the single humanoid figure are equivalent to the multi-figure units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 12, a bottom view 122 a of the single humanoid figure embodiment of the invention is depicted. The single humanoid figure embodiment is designed to fit into stadium and/or auditorium style seating in a loose fit arrangement. The flexible nature of the humanoid figure's construction material allows use of the humanoid figure in non-standard seating arrangements. All other aspects of the single humanoid figure are equivalent to the multi-figure units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 13, a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown including about four humanoid figures for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This embodiment comprises head members 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d, neck members 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, 214 d, left arm members 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d and right arm members 218 a, 218 b, 218 c, 218 d, torso members 222 a, 222 b, 222 c, 222 d and left leg members 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d and right 230 a, 230 b, 230 c, 230 d leg members.
Human characteristics 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, 212 d such as hair, eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, ears, breasts and skin color may be included during the manufacturing process by applying paint, adding pigments to the polymers, silk screening or other coloring process. The humanoid figures may be supported by tape, adhesive, Velcro, weights, tie downs or other similar means. All other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure seated units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 14, a perspective view of the another embodiment of the invention is shown including about four complete humanoid forms for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This view again illustrates the three dimensional nature 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d of the invention, which allows a greater range for viewing by a camera over the prior art cardboard cutout figures. A side view of this embodiment of the invention is omitted since its appearance is similar to the views shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9 with the inclusion of legs 230 a, 232 a, 230 b, 232 b, 230 c, 232 c, 230 d, 232 d and possible shoe and apparel designs. All other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure seated units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 15, a rear view 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown including about four complete humanoid forms for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This view again illustrates the three dimensional nature of the invention which allows a greater range for viewing by a camera over the prior art cardboard cutout figures. All other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure seated units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 16, a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown including about four complete humanoid forms for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This view illustrates the base of each humanoid figure included in this embodiment of the invention, which allows the humanoid figures to be configured in standing positions by anchoring the base of one or more of the humanoid figures using the methods previously described. Also shown is the contiguous gas- tight cavities 226 a, 226 b, 226 c, 226 d.
Referring to FIG. 17, a frontal view of another embodiment of the invention is shown including a single complete form for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This embodiment of the invention comprises a head member 310 a a neck member 314 a left 320 a and right arm members 318 a a torso member 322 a and left 332 a and right 330 a leg members.
Human characteristics 312 a such as hair, eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, ears, breasts and skin color may be included during the manufacturing process by applying paint, pigmenting, silk screening or other coloring process. Other than the lack of adjoining contiguous gas-tight cavities and adjacent humanoid figures, all other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure standing humanoid figures previously described.
Referring to FIG. 18, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown including a single form for use in crowd scenes in which a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. This view again illustrates the three dimensional nature 324 a of the invention, which allows a greater range for viewing by a camera over the prior art cardboard cutout figures. Other than the lack of adjoining contiguous gas-tight cavities and adjacent humanoid figures, all other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure standing units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 19, a frontal view of another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown comprising a single lower torso member 422 a, left 430 a and right leg 432 a members. This embodiment of the invention is used in situations where only the lower portions of a human body are advantageous. All other aspects of the lower portions of this embodiment are equivalent to the single standing humanoid figure unit previously described. Top, perspective, side and bottom and multiple grouping views of this embodiment of the invention have been omitted as previously described views adequately cover the features associated with inventive embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 20, a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown illustrating the location of a fill valve 428. As previously discussed, the fill valve may be located on other inconspicuous parts of the humanoid figure. All other aspects of the standing humanoid figures are equivalent to the multi-figure seated units previously described.
Referring to FIG. 21, an example arrangement of how the invention may be used in an auditorium style setting is depicted. Live actors or extras 436 are shown intermingled with a plurality of inflated props 434 a-d. The props 434 a-d are placed in a background scene 442 and inflated. Additional wardrobe and other accoutrements may be included to conform to set requirements and to provide realistic background motion. Filming of the humanoid figures occurs generally outside the focal range of the camera. Thus, the humanoid figures appear life-like to the camera and resulting viewing media.
The visual recording media productions includes visual recordings of a corporate training session, a lecture, a video media production, television programs, motion pictures, still photography, advertising, corporate conventions or cinematographic productions video productions, television programs, motion pictures, still photography, advertising, corporate conventions or cinematographic productions.
For the seated version, the inflatable humanoid FIGS. 434 a-d are placed into one or more seats in a background scene. The seats include a park bench, stadium and/or auditorium style seating. In windy locations, it is envisioned that the inflatable humanoid figures may be held in place by tape, adhesive, Velcro, weights, tie downs or other similar means.
For the standing version of the life-sized humanoid figures, each complete with feet, legs, torso, arms, neck and head are placed in background scenes where a standing position and/or a full frontal view is advantageous. The humanoid figures are supported in standing positions by anchoring the base of one or more of the humanoid figures using tape, adhesive, Velcro, weights, tie downs or other similar means.
Excess humanoid figures may be removed from the desired humanoid figures by cutting the interconnecting tubular sections and sealing the open end with a bonding agent, tape or clamp.
In addition to the embodiments described above, separately inflatable chambers may be built into or otherwise attached to the inflatable humanoid figures to simulate the natural variations in human forms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, in embodiments of the present invention without legs wherein the inflatable humanoid FIG. 500 is designed to be supported in stadium- or auditorium seating, a separately inflatable chamber 502 at the bottom of the torso can be inflated to varying degrees to variably adjust the overall height of individual inflatable humanoid FIG. 500. Although chamber 502, when partially or fully uninflated, may not resemble a natural part of a humanoid form, this portion of the inflatable humanoid form will likely be obscured from view by other seats, inflatable humanoid forms, or real actors when used during crowd scenes.
Other examples include separately inflatable chambers 504 formed in the head area to create the appearance of different head sizes or different hairstyles, or separately inflatable chambers 506 formed in the shoulder area to create the appearance of different body types (e.g. stocky or slim). In particular, the chamber 504 may contain a pattern and color that resembles hair, and may be connected to the inflatable humanoid figure only at the head area and perhaps along the spine area, so that the uninflated or partially inflated chamber 504 hangs down from the head like an uninflated or partially inflated bag. The chamber 504 may be inflated to varying degrees to change the apparent volume of hair or hairstyle. The chamber 504 may also be left mostly uninflated and tied in the back to simulate short hair. Although a partially inflated or uninflated chamber 504 may contain wrinkles, it may appear to be the natural waviness of hair. Similarly, the wrinkles in uninflated chambers 506 may appear to be the wrinkles in a shirt. In general, any number of inflatable chambers may be used to adjust the profile of the inflatable humanoid figure as viewed from the front. By variably adjusting the chambers, a group of inflatable humanoid figures can be configured to have a number of different body types, heights and hairstyles.
Additionally, to the extent that partial or full side views of the inflatable humanoid forms may be filmed, separately inflatable chambers may be built into the inflatable humanoid FIG. 500 to change to profile of the inflatable human FIG. 500, such as a separately inflatable chamber 508 to create the appearance of a large stomach. Other separately inflatable chambers built into the inflatable humanoid FIG. 500 to create the appearance of variations in human forms as viewed from the front or side fall within the scope of embodiments of the present invention, such as breasts, noses and the like.
FIG. 22 illustrates front, side and rear views of these separately inflatable chambers uninflated, while FIG. 23 illustrates front, side and rear views of these separately inflatable chambers inflated. Although FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an inflatable humanoid figure having all of the separately inflatable chambers described above for purposes of illustration only, not all of these chambers will be utilized on all inflatable humanoid figures. For example, a female inflatable humanoid figure may be fabricated with only a separately inflatable chamber formed in the head area and at the bottom of the torso, while a male inflatable humanoid figure may be fabricated with a separately inflatable chamber formed in the shoulder area and at the bottom of the torso.
FIG. 24 illustrates two such male inflatable humanoid FIGS. 600 and 602 in stadium or auditorium style seating. However, FIG. 600 has uninflated shoulder and bottom torso chambers, while FIG. 602 has inflated shoulder and bottom torso chambers. The result is that the same basic inflatable humanoid figure can be utilized to create a shorter, more slender male and also a taller, wider male.
Although FIGS. 22-24 illustrate individual inflatable humanoid forms without legs, embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to inflatable humanoid forms with legs, without tops, and connected in groups, as described above.
Note that although these chambers may not appear completely lifelike when partially inflated or uninflated, when the inflatable humanoid forms are utilized in background crowd scenes and filmed such that they are blurred, in the dark, or otherwise not sharp or clear, they will nevertheless appear to be real people. In general, the inflatable humanoid figures described herein need not be fabricated to look completely realistic. Instead, they may be fabricated using cost-effective manufacturing techniques that do not look completely realistic, but nevertheless give the general appearance of a real human when filmed as part of a background crowd in an out-of-focus, low-light, or blurred manner.
The foregoing described embodiments of the invention are provided as illustrations and descriptions. They are not intended to limit the invention to precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that functional implementation of the invention described herein may be implemented in any visual recording media requiring simulated participants including corporate training session, lectures, video media and film media productions and still photography. Other variations and embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the scope of invention.

Claims

1. A method for generating a simulated real humanoid for use in creating an appearance of a crowd of real people with different body types, comprising:

forming an inflatable life-sized humanoid figure with features that represent a general shape of all or part of a real humanoid; and

forming one or more inflatable chambers on the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure, the one or more inflatable chambers for simulating different body types when inflated to varying degrees.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising forming the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure with features that represent a general shape of a torso and head of a real humanoid.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a bottom of the torso of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a height of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a head area of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a hairstyle of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a shoulder area of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a width of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.

6. A method for enabling a simulation of a crowd of real people with different body types to be recorded in a visual recording media production, comprising:

forming a plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures with features that represent a general shape of all or part of a real humanoid;

forming one or more inflatable chambers on one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures for simulating different body types when inflated to varying degrees; and

providing the plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures to the visual recording media production so that the plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures and their one or more inflatable chambers can be inflated to varying degrees to simulate different body types, placed in close proximity to each other, and visually recorded.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, further comprising forming the plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures with features that represent a general shape of a torso and head of a real humanoid.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a bottom of the torso of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures for adjusting a height of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures when inflated to varying degrees.

9. The method as recited in claim 6, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a head area of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures for adjusting a hairstyle of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures when inflated to varying degrees.

10. The method as recited in claim 6, further comprising forming an inflatable chamber at a shoulder area of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures for adjusting a width of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures when inflated to varying degrees.

11. A method for simulating a crowd of real people with different body types to be recorded in a visual recording media production, comprising:

inflating a plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures having features that represent a general shape of all or part of a real humanoid;

inflating one or more inflatable chambers on one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures to varying degrees to simulate different body types; and

situating the inflated plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures in the background scene in close proximity to each other such that the inflated plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures simulates a crowd of real people with different body types when the background scene is visually recorded.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, the plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures having features that represent a general shape of a torso and head of a real humanoid.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising inflating a chamber connected to a bottom of the torso of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures to varying degrees to adjust a height of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures.

14. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising inflating a chamber connected to a head area of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures to varying degrees to adjust a hairstyle of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures.

15. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising inflating a chamber connected to a shoulder area of one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures to varying degrees to adjust a width of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures.

16. A method for simulating a crowd of real people with different body types in a visual recording media production, comprising:

visually recording an inflated plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures having features that represent a general shape of all or part of a real humanoid, with one or more of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figures having one or more inflatable chambers inflated to varying degrees to simulate different body types;

wherein the inflated plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures are situated in close proximity to each other such that the inflated plurality of inflatable life-sized humanoid figures simulates a crowd of real people with different body types when the background scene is visually recorded.

17. An apparatus that simulates a real humanoid for use in creating an appearance of a crowd of real people with different body types, comprising:

an inflatable life-sized humanoid figure formed with features that represent a general shape of all or part of a real humanoid; and

one or more inflatable chambers formed on the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure, the one or more inflatable chambers for simulating different body types when inflated to varying degrees.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure formed with features that represent a general shape of a torso and head of a real humanoid.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, further comprising an inflatable chamber formed at a bottom of the torso of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a height of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising an inflatable chamber formed at a head area of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a hairstyle of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising an inflatable chamber formed at a shoulder area of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure for adjusting a width of the inflatable life-sized humanoid figure when inflated to varying degrees.