U.S. patent application number 11/379826 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for water slide audio visual entertainment system.
Invention is credited to Michael F. Werner.
Application Number | 20060252563 11/379826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37215326 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Werner; Michael F. |
November 9, 2006 |
WATER SLIDE AUDIO VISUAL ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
An interactive water slide includes a plurality of light and
sound sources synchronized with a theme chosen by the rider, the
lighting and sound changes as the rider travels down the slide.
Images are projected onto a screens of water that block the path of
the rider and as the rider travels down the slide the rider must go
through these projected images.
Inventors: |
Werner; Michael F.;
(Hawthorn Woods, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
2555 GRAND BLVD
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108-2613
US
|
Family ID: |
37215326 |
Appl. No.: |
11/379826 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60674560 |
Apr 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 21/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/117 |
International
Class: |
A63G 21/18 20060101
A63G021/18 |
Claims
1. A water slide system comprising: a water slide defining a slide
path; a user interface presenting a menu to a rider, said menu
including a first ride theme option and a second ride theme option,
said interface further adapted to enable said rider to make a
selection of one of said first and second ride theme options; and a
computing arrangement adapted to receive said selection and then
cause an effect to be created on or about said waterslide, said
effect being consistent with said selection of said first and
second ride theme options.
2. The system of claim 1 comprising: a water nozzle adapted to
generate a spray of water into said slide path; and a projection
device adapted to project an image into said spray of water for the
purpose of creating a special effect which is related to said
selection of one of said first and second ride theme options.
3. The system of claim 1 comprising: a sensor for sensing the
presence of a rider at a particular location on said slide,
transmitting a signal; and a process on said computing arrangement
for receiving said signal and then creating said effect at a time
and location at which said effect can be experienced by said
rider.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said effect is created using one
or more of: a nozzle to create a water spray; an illumination
device; and a sound generating device.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein said effect is created at least
using said sound generating device, and where said sound generating
device is a speaker which is located in a protective speaker
housing, said protective speaker housing being accessible from
inside the slide which is enclosed.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein said effect is created at least
using said illumination device, and where said illumination device
is located in a protective light housing, said protective light
housing being accessible from inside the slide which is
enclosed.
7. The system of claim 1 comprising: a sleep-mode process on said
computing arrangement, said sleep-mode process adapted to turn off
the power to the system when no riders are detected.
8. The system of claim 7 comprising: a sensor for detecting when
said rider is approaching said slide when said system has been in
said sleep mode, said sensor transmitting a signal to said
computing arrangement to return power to said system.
9. The system of claim 1 comprising: a data storage component in
said computing arrangement, said data storage component adapted to
store an audio or a video file; and a media player component in
said computing arrangement, said media player arrangement adapted
to play said audio or said video file.
10. The system of claim 9 comprising: a speaker on said slide
system, said speaker adapted to play said audio file.
11. The system of claim 9 comprising: a sensor for sensing the
presence of a rider at a particular location on said slide,
transmitting a signal; and a process on said computing arrangement
for receiving said signal and then playing said one of said audio
and said video file on a broadcasting device at a location
proximate said rider.
12. A water slide system comprising: a water slide defining a slide
path; a water-transmitting device adapted to generate a spray of
water into said slide path; and a projection arrangement, said
arrangement adapted to project an image into said spray of water
for the purpose of creating a special effect which may be seen by
said rider.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said slide is enclosed and said
projection arrangement comprises: a projector included in a
water-shielded housing; said enclosed slide defines one of a raised
splash guard portion and a transparent portion; and said projector
is oriented such that it projects through said one of said raised
splashguard portion and said transparent portion such that said
image can be produced into said spray of water.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein said water-transmitting device
is a nozzle, said nozzle adapted to project a pressurized
substantially flat spray.
15. The system of claim 12 wherein said projection arrangement
includes a projector which is accessible from inside the slide and
is adapted to generate one of a still and a moving picture.
16. The system of claim 12 wherein said slide is enclosed and said
projection arrangement comprises: a projector included in a
water-shielded housing, said housing being hinged such that a
person is able to lift it in order to service one of said projector
and another piece equipment.
17. A method of entertaining a rider on a water slide, said method
comprising: presenting a list of options to a rider, said list
including a first ride theme option and a second ride theme option;
accepting a selection made by said rider, said selection being of
one of said first and second ride theme options; and creating an
effect on or about said waterslide, said effect being consistent
with said selection of said first and second ride theme
options.
18. The method of claim 17 comprising: saving information related
to said selection made by said rider on a database so that it may
be retrieved at a later time.
19. The method of claim 17 comprising: providing a remote interface
arrangement which enables a technician to remotely monitor a
computing system, said computing system adapted to support said
method.
20. The method of claim 17 comprising: using a computer program to
accomplish said method; saving said computer program on to a
removable computer media for the purpose of allowing theme changes
to a location without having technical personnel present.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/674,560 filed Apr. 25, 2005.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to the field of
amusement park rides and, more specifically, to water slides.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Enclosed and other sorts of waterslides have been around for
quite some time. They are usually found in water parks owned and
operated by municipalities, resorts, amusement parks and private
individuals. The basic premise for a water slide is that the rider
enters a flume at the top, sometimes on a raft or other flotation
device, and proceeds down a variable decline until exiting into a
water-filled pool. The enjoyment comes from the speed and thrill of
the decline, as well as the turns encountered before exiting.
Conventionally some sound, lighting, and other effects have been
used to add to the amusement of the rider. The rider of these
conventional slides, however, must take the particular ride as it
comes to him or her and has no control over the experience. Thus,
there is a need in the art for a waterslide which affords the rider
the opportunity to participate in the experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention solves these shortcomings in the prior
art by providing a water slide system which in one embodiment
comprises a user interface which presents a menu to the operator.
The menu includes a number of ride theme options. The system is
also adapted to enable the operator (e.g., rider) to make a
selection of a ride theme options. Once this has occurred, a
computing arrangement receives the selection and causes one or more
special effects to be created on or about the waterslide (e.g.
audio, video, water sprays, fog). These effects, in the preferred
embodiment, are consistent with some kind of theme.
[0008] In another embodiment, the rider makes no selection and the
computer selects a random theme for them once a sliding rider
reaches and then trips the first sensor at the top of the slide.
This provides a random selection process with multiple theme
possibilities.
[0009] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a
water-spray device adapted to generate a spray of water into the
slide path in combination with a projection arrangement. The
projection arrangement is adapted to project images into the spray
of water for the purpose of creating a special effect which may be
seen by said rider, and then the rider passes through the
image.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a computer
controlled timing arrangement in which sensors detect a riders
position on the slide and play audio/visual content at an
appropriate time and location such that the rider is able to enjoy
a choreographed, themed experience as he or she descends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water slide system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram showing the processes of
one embodiment of the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3a-c show one embodiment of a lighting assembly for
system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 4a-c show one embodiment of a speaker assembly for
system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of an
image projection system for system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 9-10 show an alternative embodiment for the image
projection system; and
[0017] FIG. 11 shows a touch screen displaying an effect selection
menu which is presented to a user at the top of the slide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a water slide system 100 is
disclosed. System 100 includes audio/visual effects equipment.
Water slide system 100 has selectable themes, and includes an
interactive water slide special effects control and playback system
that will give the rider a choice of various themed experiences
which will be accomplished through the use of
electronically-controlled and synchronized sound effects, lighting
and lighting patterns, water spraying from nozzles, and images
projected from any number and variety of projection devices
directly or remotely via fiber optic fed optical devices.
[0019] Water slide system 100 includes water slide 120, a plurality
of lighting assemblies 200, a plurality of speaker assemblies 300,
and at least one projection system 400. Water slide 120, in one
embodiment, is at least partially enclosed. In one embodiment, the
entire slide is enclosed. In another embodiment, the water slide is
open at the beginning and end of the slide, the remainder of the
slide enclosed. In further alternative embodiments, all or portions
of the slide are open, and others or the entire slide are closed.
The broad aspects of the disclosed invention will work with any
arrangement.
[0020] Water slide system 100 further includes a plurality of
motion sensors spaced along the water slide. Water slide system 100
also includes hardware and software and combinations thereof for
operating lighting assemblies 200, speaker assemblies 300,
projection assemblies 400 and various other components of system
100 discussed in more detail below.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, at the top (beginning) of the
waterslide the user/rider 105 is presented with a control panel
110. Control panel 110 provides a user interface for allowing the
rider 105 to select a ride theme from a plurality of ride themes
available. Control panel 110 may include a push button, touch
sensitive, or computer touch screen interface. The rider 105 may
choose from several different labeled themes such as, for example,
an ocean theme, a jungle theme, an arctic theme and a space theme.
Once the rider makes the choice the rider begins their voyage down
the water slide. Upon entering the water slide, the rider notices
that the color of the interior of the water slide has changed to
represent the theme and the sounds inside the water slide also
represent the chosen theme.
[0022] In one embodiment, the rider can experience different sound
effects and see different lighting than the effects for the chosen
theme due to the theme selected by the preceding rider. The
lighting and sound change continuously in keeping with the chosen
theme as the rider 105 continues along the water slide. The light
emanates from the plurality of lighting assemblies 200 (see FIGS.
3a-c) and the sounds emanate from the plurality of speaker
assemblies 300 (see FIGS. 4a-c).
[0023] In one embodiment, motion sensors 130 located along the
water slide 120 detect the rider as the rider passes the sensor.
The motion sensor may then send a signal to a controller 140 which
is connected to the motion sensor 130. The signal may be a signal
to change the lighting or to begin playing a different audio file
to correspond with the theme and the location of the rider along
the water slide. In one embodiment, the progression of the theme
from one phase to the next is triggered by the rider passing a
particular motion sensor. The progression of the theme as the rider
travels along the water slide is coordinated with the detection of
the rider passing the plurality of motion sensors. In this way, the
ride can accommodate for the speed at which a rider traverses the
ride and a choreographed, themed, ride experience can be enjoyed by
the rider.
[0024] In another embodiment, more than one raft and rider can
occupy the slide at the same time and the theme that each has
selected will be choreographed for that rider.
[0025] Water slide system 100 further includes at least one water
spray unit 150. Water spray units 150 may be located at various
places along the water slide 120. In one embodiment, water spray
unit 150 sprays water across the rider's path forming a screen of
water the rider must pass through. In one embodiment, images are
projected onto the water screen. The image is projected from
projector system 400. The projected image may be in keeping with
the chosen theme. For example, where the theme is an ocean theme,
the projected images may be that of a shark. Those with skill in
the art will readily recognize that a myriad of images may be
projected such as for example, tigers, polar bears, aliens,
monsters etc, in order to provide the rider with a thrilling ride.
The number of water projection screens for projecting images may
vary depending on the theme and the length of the water slide or
the creative design.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one
embodiment of the operating system and method 160 for operating
water slide system 100. Computer arrangement/controller 140
includes software and hardware to control the various components of
water slide 100. In the preferred embodiment, controller 140 is a
server. It could instead be another kind of computing device, e.g.,
a personal computer, programmable logic controller (PLC), other
computing device, or a plurality of like or dissimilar computing
devices on a network and still fall within the scope of the
invention. Further, the FIG. 1 representation of computing device
140 shows it as proximate the top of the slide for the sake of
illustration. It should be noted, however, that in some embodiments
this device would be located at a considerable distance from the
top of the slide. It could alternatively be at another location in
the theme park, or even off site and still would be within the
scope of the broad contemplations of this invention.
[0027] At the beginning of the ride when the operator/rider selects
the theme in a step 162. If in a next step 162a, no selection is
made, the controller 140 will select a random theme once the first
sensor at the top of the slide 131 is tripped. Regardless, the
process will continue to a step 164 in which software on controller
140 identifies the requested selection, if one was made, and
locates the associated files that will playback that theme. The
associated files may be stored on controller 140. The files are of
different standard protocols, such as .AVI file for the video, a
DMX protocol for the lighting, RS232 commands to turn on and adjust
specific pieces of equipment, .WAV file to playback audio, PCM
files to playback digital audio files, USB commands etc. One
skilled in the art will be familiar with these different file types
as well as others which could be used to accomplish the objectives
of the present invention.
[0028] The synchronized playback begins as the rider passes by the
first motion sensor. The playback files are produced to present all
the effects in sync with where the riders are along their ride
path. This is accomplished with the help of the sensor devices 130.
For example, just before the rider turns a corner they pass through
a sensor that signals the software to begin to play a .WAV file,
for example a file that says "Who Goes There." These sensors are
placed throughout the ride to keep the software and playback in
sync with the riders speed (Block 163). One skilled in the art will
know how to prepare process which will be executed responsive to
the tripping of the sensors to ensure the proper timing.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, controller 140 sends command
signals to laser projectors (in a step 165), video projectors (in a
step 166), audio amplifiers/speakers (in a step 167), lighting
systems (in a step 168) and water control systems (in a step 169)
to cause their activation and deactivation.
[0030] Rider selections may be recorded to a data file in a step
170. In one embodiment, if the rider tries to repeat the same theme
the software will select a variation of that theme for playback. In
this way the rider can only make the theme selection and the
software makes the selection for the exact files to be played back.
This provides a different ride experience within the constraints of
the number of options presented to the user/rider every time the
water slide is used. In one embodiment, the rider is given a user
code that is input into the control unit via the user interface
110. The themes and variations of the theme that the rider chooses
may then be linked and stored to that user code. The user codes and
associated stored files may be stored for any length of time, for
example a day week or season. In this way, the user code may be
reused/recycled as needed. Data from a previous code user may then
be deleted as the user code is recycled. In one embodiment, the
data is recorded by the software located at controller 140 and
provided in a spreadsheet format for review. Alternatively the data
could be accessed remotely over the internet. The data may include
such things as, for example, which theme was selected by the user,
the date and time the selection was made, the time it took for the
rider to pass through each sensor as well as the total time the
rider took to complete the ride. Data may be gathered for the
purposes of managing high rider volume times, theme popularity,
return on investment, and the total number of riders to date.
[0031] In one embodiment, the software will also have an over ride
feature that will allow the lifeguard that is monitoring the rider
safety to press an emergency button that stops all the audio and
video playback as well as turns all the lighting to white. The
software also is monitoring all the equipment via the many
different interconnections. A ride technician may monitor the ride.
In this one embodiment the ride monitor monitors the status of the
playback system as well as all the connected hardware remotely in a
step 171. Further, and also a part of step 171, the ride technician
is able to administer software and media upgrades remotely over the
remote interface. As a practical matter, in one embodiment, the
ride system is monitored via the Internet. In another embodiment,
the ride system is monitored via an intranet arrangement. These
kinds of remote arrangements are very beneficial in some
circumstances. For example, ride staff (typically non
technically-minded persons) are completely eliminated from the ride
control system monitoring process. Therefore, they are more able to
devote themselves to park safety and other concerns and are not
distracted.
[0032] In one embodiment, a sleep function is designed into the
hardware and software of the playback system. In one example, after
10 minutes of no selections from the control panel the system sends
out commands to all the hardware to turn off. This feature will
save electrical energy as well as extend the life of the hardware.
In another or the same embodiment, the system may be turned on or
reawakened when a new rider begins to climb the stairs of the tower
leading to the beginning of the water slide. In this embodiment a
motion or pressure sensor strategically placed on the stairs or
elsewhere would send a signal to the control system and commands
are issued to turn on all the hardware when a rider is
approaching.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3a-c, an embodiment of a lighting
assembly for water ride system 100 is disclosed. Water ride system
100 includes a plurality of spaced apart lighting assemblies 200.
Lighting assemblies 200 are spaced along the length of the water
slide 120 and are shown in the disclosed embodiment to be at the
top of the slide. Lighting assembly 200 located at the top of the
water slide tube 122. Lighting assembly 200 includes at least one
light source 224 and light enclosure 226. In one embodiment, light
enclosure 226 is weatherproof to protect light source 224 and
associated components from damage due to such things as rain. Light
source 224 may be a fluorescent light source, LED light source,
strobe or any other light source. In one embodiment, light source
224 is a neon light as is known in the art. The lighting, in the
disclosed embodiment, is positioned on the upper most center of the
perimeter of the tube. It should be mentioned, however, that the
lights could be positioned off center as well and still fall within
the scope of the claimed invention. The lights are enclosed in a
weather proof housing that can be opened from either the inside or
outside of the slide for servicing. Servicing may be accomplished
through the removal of an exterior lid 228 covering the enclosure
226, or from inside the slide by removing an interior lid 229.
Because the interior lid is removable, technicians are able to
access it from inside the slide as well.
[0034] The light emitted from light source 224 may point in any
direction suitable for the chosen theme. The light may be emitted
to bathe the entire water chute with light or may be emitted in
directed beams of light. In one embodiment, the lights are pointing
downward to allow for the maximum foot candles desired.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4a-c, a speaker assembly 300 for water
ride system 100 is shown. Water ride system 100 includes a
plurality of spaced apart speaker assemblies 300. Speaker
assemblies 300 are spaced along the length of the water slide 120.
Speaker assemblies 300 and lighting assemblies 200 may be
positioned in an alternating manner along the length of the water
slide 120. In another embodiment, lighting fixtures 224 and
speakers 320 are located in the same enclosure. Speaker assembly
300 includes speaker 320 and speaker enclosure 322. The speakers
320 need to be of a waterproof nature and are positioned in the
upper most center of the perimeter 122 of the water slide tube 120.
But alternatively, the speakers could be positioned anywhere off
center as well and still fall within the scope of the present
invention. Regardless, the speakers should be positioned in a
manner making it hearable by a rider. In the preferred embodiment
the speakers are disclosed as facing downward so the sound exits
towards the riders and the bottom of the tube. The speakers 320 are
enclosed in a weather proof housing 322 that can be opened for
servicing. Servicing may be accomplished through the removal of a
lid 324 covering the enclosure 322 from outside the slide.
Alternatively technicians will be able to service the speakers by
removing an interior lid 325.
[0036] FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate one embodiment of a projection
system 400 for use in water ride system 100. Water ride system 100
includes at least one projection assembly. In one embodiment, water
ride system 100 includes a projection assembly for each water spray
unit 150.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an enclosure 410 for a projection
assembly in closed position. Projection enclosure 410 may be a
weatherproof enclosure for protecting projection assembly 420
located and mounted within enclosure 410. Alternatively, the
projector could be mounted outside the enclosure and mounted to the
slide itself. In the disclosed embodiment, projection enclosure 410
is curved to correspond with the curvature of the water slide tube.
In cross section, projection enclosure 410 is located on the upper
most center of the perimeter of the water slide tube 120. The
projection enclosure 410 encloses the projector 430 for projecting
images onto water spray 150. The projector 430 and associated
components are housed in a weather proof enclosure 410 that can be
opened from inside the tube for service. In one embodiment, gas
shocks 600 may be operably attached to projection enclosure 410 to
aid in the opening of the enclosure (see FIG. 6). In one
embodiment, projection enclosure 410 is attached to water slide
tube using a plurality of hinges 700 (see FIG. 7) about which the
lid is openable. The hinge arrangement makes the projection
assembly easily accessible if maintenance or repair of the
projector is necessary. In one embodiment, the projectors are
located behind, i.e. further down hill from, the water nozzle/s, at
a distance ratio of 2:1 (2 feet of distance for every 1 foot of
projected image size). The projected image passes through an
opening in the perimeter of the water slide tube 120. The water
slide tube includes an opening 460 located at the top perimeter of
the tube (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment the nozzle opening 460 is
located where it will be covered when the lid 410 is in closed
position.
[0038] Since the cover of opening 460 is transparent, the image is
clearly projected without substantial interference. The opening 460
that the projected images pass through must be covered with a clear
flexible barrier 440. This barrier must also prevent the rider from
entering or encountering the projection enclosure.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment nozzle 450 is the type having
single or multiple flat fan shaped spray patterns. Nozzle 450 is
received into a reciprocating aperture 451 so that it can spray
into the enclosed slide. This makes it ideal for use as a
projection screen.
[0040] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative embodiment for a
projection system 900 for use in water ride system 100. In this
embodiment, a projector 930 is mounted inside the enclosure 910 in
a waterproof projector housing 912. Box 912 is mounted directly
onto the slide itself. The projector housing 912 encloses projector
930 such that it is able to project images onto substantially flat
water spray 950. The weather proof housing 912 has a hole 916 cut
out of one side to enable the lens portion 918 to protrude
slightly. Because only the lens is exposed, the other
water-vulnerable components of the projector are protected by the
housing 912.
[0041] With this embodiment, there is no need for a transparent
cover like cover 440. This is because this embodiment includes a
splash guard 914 which is secured directly underneath the lid 910
and raises to an open truncated end 916. End 916 opens up to the
lens 918 of projector 930 so that projected images are allowed to
pass through an open area 920 defined into the top perimeter of the
water slide tube. The details of how opening 920 allows the passage
of the projected image are shown in FIG. 10.
[0042] The splashguard barrier 914, in addition to enabling the use
of the protector, also prevents the rider from entering or
encountering the projection enclosure. Because there is no need for
a transparent protective cover like cover 440 in this embodiment,
the projected image can be projected directly onto the water effect
through a small optical window (opening 920). Thus, there is not
interference by a cover. This enables better optical quality.
[0043] Another difference with the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 9
and 10 regards the positioning of the nozzle. In this embodiment,
nozzle 950 is located in advance of the housing/lid 910 (see FIGS.
9 and 10). Again, it is preferred but not necessary that nozzle 950
is the type having single or multiple flat fan shaped spray
patterns. Nozzle 950 is received into a reciprocating aperture in
the top of the enclosed slide. The nozzle position outside of lid
910 makes the nozzle substantially tamper proof by a slider,
because lid 910 is normally in closed position during operation and
will not appear to be liftable to the average slider. It is,
however, accessible to repair persons who are able to stand up from
inside the enclosed slide, stand up through opening 920, and access
the nozzle.
[0044] Access to projector 930 for repairs can also be gained from
inside the slide through opening 920. This may be necessary to
clean the lens, reposition the projector or correct projection
angle errors or other reasons.
[0045] Because the lights, speakers, projection devices nozzles,
and other features are accessible from inside the enclosed slide,
repair is made much easier. With conventional water slide
arrangements, the access of any fixed equipment is difficult and
dangerous where the equipment is located at high elevations. Thus,
the accessibility offered here are a substantial improvement.
[0046] In all the embodiments, the projection arrangement gives the
slider the thrill of passing through the water spray screen as
moving images are being displayed.
[0047] All current and future protocols are supported by the
software used. The associated files are produced in advance and are
copied on to a removable computer media which gets plugged into the
playback hardware. This allows for easy future theme changes
without technical personnel present. In one embodiment, the
electronic media is transferred directly to the computer via an
internet or intranet connection.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a touch pad arrangement which might comprise
control panel 110 in an embodiment. Referring to the figure, it may
be seen that the device displays a screen 1000 which has a
plurality of menu options, 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008. In the
preferred embodiment, panel 110 would be located at the top of the
slide as shown in FIG. 1, where it would be encountered by a rider.
Upon approaching the device, the rider would select one of the menu
options 1002, 1004, 1006, or 1008, depending on the ride theme
desired. Assuming the rider depresses menu option 1004 (which
depicts a shark), that rider would encounter amusements during the
ride consistent with a shark theme. This might, e.g., involve the
playing of dramatic music which corresponds to the shark images
projected. It also might involve still or moving images being
presented to the sliding rider once he or she reaches projection
assembly 400. In one embodiment, the moving or still images are
displayed continuously from the time the rider makes their
selection.
[0049] The touch pad interface 110 works together with the computer
arrangement 140 to accomplish these objectives. Once a selection is
made on touch screen 900, a signal relating to the selection made
is transmitted to computing device 140. Upon receipt, a process
running on computing device 140 will recognize the signal and begin
the process of cueing up the proper lighting, audio files, spray
sequencing, and video is prepared for the ride. Sensors 130 will
indicate to the computing device 140 the position of the ride on
the slide so that the lighting, sound, and other effects are
automatically manipulated to occur at the time the rider reaches
the proper position. The sensor information will also enable the
computing device 140 to begin play of the video file (e.g., an
MPEG) and begin spray from nozzle 450 when the rider is approaching
the projection assembly 400. As can be seen in FIG. 8, a shark
video is displayed which makes it appear to the rider that he or
she is encountering a shark. Similarly, audio files could be played
on speakers 300 all the way down the slide during the ride.
[0050] Thus, the rider is treated to a choreographed sequence of
special effects during the course of the ride which all relate back
to a common theme. And the next time down the slide, the rider is
able to select a different theme. For example, upon completion of
the shark ride, the rider could select the storm ride option 1002
(see FIG. 11) and be exposed to the sounds of high wind and thunder
from speakers 300, lightning imitating flashing lights from light
assemblies 200, and enter into a rotating tornado projected in
assembly 400.
[0051] As can be seen, the present invention and its equivalents
are well-adapted to provide a new and useful waterslide system and
method. Many different arrangements of the various components
depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0052] The present invention has been described in relation to
particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from
its scope. Many alternative embodiments exist but are not included
because of the nature of this invention. A skilled artisan may
develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned
improvements without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0053] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations and are
contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed
in the various figures need be carried out in the order
described.
* * * * *