U.S. patent application number 15/362132 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for immersive mobile theater.
The applicant listed for this patent is S&S Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Quin Reeding Checketts, Stuart Andrew Hetherington, Paul Daniel Lattin, Nyles Todd Snyder.
Application Number | 20170225084 15/362132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59496053 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170225084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Nyles Todd ; et
al. |
August 10, 2017 |
IMMERSIVE MOBILE THEATER
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for moving
a ride vehicle in an immersive mobile theater. A ride vehicle is
received in an enclosure. The ride vehicle is received from a first
track to a track segment within the enclosure. The movement of the
ride vehicle is restricted to the track segment within the
enclosure. The enclosure, with the ride vehicle inside, is moved
from a first physical location to a second physical location while
the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. An immersive
media presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving
the enclosure from the first physical location to the second
physical location and while the ride vehicle is located within the
enclosure. The ride vehicle is released from the track segment
within the enclosure to a second track.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Nyles Todd; (Nibley,
UT) ; Checketts; Quin Reeding; (River Heights,
UT) ; Lattin; Paul Daniel; (Smithfield, UT) ;
Hetherington; Stuart Andrew; (Yelvertoft, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S&S Worldwide, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59496053 |
Appl. No.: |
15/362132 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62292052 |
Feb 5, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 7/00 20130101; A63G
31/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63G 31/02 20060101
A63G031/02; A63G 7/00 20060101 A63G007/00; B61B 3/00 20060101
B61B003/00; B61B 1/00 20060101 B61B001/00; B61B 13/00 20060101
B61B013/00; B61B 5/02 20060101 B61B005/02 |
Claims
1. A method for moving a ride vehicle, comprising: receiving the
ride vehicle in an enclosure, wherein the ride vehicle is received
from a first track to a track segment within the enclosure;
restricting movement of the ride vehicle to the track segment
within the enclosure; moving the enclosure from a first physical
location to a second physical location while the ride vehicle is
located within the enclosure; providing an immersive media
presentation within the enclosure, wherein the immersive media
presentation is provided within the enclosure while moving the
enclosure from the first physical location to the second physical
location while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure,
and wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the
enclosure comprises projecting a video presentation portion of the
immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the
enclosure; and releasing the ride vehicle from the track segment
within the enclosure to a second track.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the immersive media
presentation within the enclosure comprises: generating a sound
presentation portion of the immersive media presentation within the
enclosure.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the enclosure from the
first physical location to the second physical location results in
at least one change in velocity.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing the immersive media
presentation within the enclosure comprises: coordinating the at
least one change in velocity with a thematic moment in the
immersive media presentation.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the enclosure from the
first physical location to the second physical location comprises:
moving the enclosure along a third track that is separate from the
first track and the second track.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the third track provides at least
one change in motion during the movement of the enclosure, and
wherein providing the immersive media presentation within the
enclosure comprises: coordinating the at least one change in motion
with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. The
method of claim 1, further comprising: rotating the track segment
while the ride vehicle is located within the enclosure.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the immersive media
presentation within the enclosure comprises: coordinating rotation
of the track segment with a thematic moment in the immersive media
presentation.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a
reflective dome.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the ride vehicle has a first
potential energy at the first physical location and has a second
potential energy at the second physical location, the second
potential energy being different from the first potential
energy.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second track is coupled to
the first track to form a circuit for the ride vehicle, and wherein
the movement of the enclosure from the first physical location to
the second physical location completes the circuit between the
first track and the second track.
12. A system for enhanced amusement, comprising: a ride vehicle
track having an exit track section and an entry track section; an
enclosure track that is separate from the ride vehicle track; an
enclosure that is moveable along the enclosure track, wherein the
enclosure includes a track segment, and wherein the track segment
aligns with the exit track section at a first position along the
enclosure track and aligns with the entry track section at a second
position along the enclosure track, and wherein the enclosure
includes at least one projector that projects a video portion of an
immersive media presentation on an interior surface of the
enclosure; and a ride vehicle that is moveable along the ride
vehicle track and to and from the track segment, wherein the
immersive media presentation is provided within the enclosure while
the enclosure is moving between the first position along the
enclosure track and the second position along the enclosure
track.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first position along the
enclosure track is physically different from the second position
along the enclosure track.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes:
means for receiving the ride vehicle on the track segment from the
exit track section of the ride vehicle track; means for restricting
the movement of the ride vehicle to the track segment within the
enclosure; and means for releasing the ride vehicle from the track
segment to the entry track section of the ride vehicle track.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes:
means for rotating at least a portion of the track segment within
the enclosure.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure further includes:
one or more speakers that generate an audio portion of the
immersive media presentation within the enclosure.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure comprises a
reflective dome.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure track extends
vertically.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosure track includes a
variation that changes a course of the enclosure as it moves along
the enclosure track, wherein the change in the course is
synchronized with a thematic moment in the immersive media
presentation.
20. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of
enclosure tracks, the plurality of enclosure tracks including the
enclosure track; a plurality of enclosures, the plurality of
enclosures including the enclosure, wherein each enclosure is
associated with one of the plurality of enclosure tracks, each
enclosure having a track segment that aligns with the exit track
section at a first position along a respective enclosure track and
aligns with the entry track section at a second position along the
respective enclosure track; and a plurality ride vehicles, the
plurality of ride vehicles including the ride vehicle, wherein each
of the plurality of ride vehicles operates simultaneously and
completes a circuit comprising the ride vehicle track between the
entry track section and the exit track section and a track segment
in one of the plurality of enclosures between the exit track
section and the entry track section.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/292,052 filed
Feb. 5, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to amusement park
rides. Many amusement park rides include ride vehicles which often
complete some form of circuit. The present disclosure provides
systems and methods for moving a ride vehicle between two different
locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an environment in which
the present systems and methods may be practiced.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates one example of an enclosure that may be
used in connection with the present systems and methods.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a ride vehicle as it is
entering into an enclosure.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a traditional ride vehicle
on the track segment within the enclosure.
[0007] FIG. 5 is one example of a suspended ride vehicle on the
track segment within the enclosure.
[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle entering
the enclosure from an exit track section of the track.
[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle within the
enclosure as the enclosure is being moved from a first physical
location (e.g., the bottom of the tower, in line with the exit
track section) to a second physical location (e.g., the top of the
tower, in line with the entry track section).
[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the ride vehicle exiting
the enclosure to an entry track section of the track.
[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an enclosure with a ride
vehicle inside traversing along an enclosure track.
[0012] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for moving a ride
vehicle.
[0013] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for moving a ride
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Amusement rides, also known as amusement park rides,
carnival rides, theme park rides, attractions, and the like, come
in all shapes and sizes. In general, amusement rides use movement
to amuse (e.g., please, charm, entertain, delight, thrill) guests
(e.g., riders). Examples of amusement rides include roller
coasters, water rides (e.g., log flume), bumper cars, bumper boats,
drop towers, and the like. In some cases, amusement rides include
ride vehicles (e.g., a roller coaster car for a roller coaster, a
"log" boat for a log flume, a gondola for a drop tower, a bumper
car). The present systems and methods are applicable to any
amusement ride that includes a ride vehicle. While the discussion
herein is focused on the use of the present systems and methods in
the context of amusement rides, it is appreciated that the present
systems and methods may be used in a variety of circumstances,
where enhanced amusement is desirable. Thus, ride vehicles are not
limited to just amusement ride vehicles. For example an automobile
or a bicycle could also be a ride vehicle.
[0015] The present systems and methods are directed to receiving a
ride vehicle that includes one or more riders, for example, into an
enclosure (e.g., theater) at a first location, immersing the riders
(in the ride vehicle) in a media event, moving the entire enclosure
(with the ride vehicle inside) to a second location that is
different from the first location, and sending the ride vehicle out
of the enclosure at the second location.
[0016] For example, a roller coaster car is received into a theater
at the bottom of a tower where the riders in the roller coaster car
are immersed in a story-telling media event. In this example, the
riders in the roller coaster car are immersed in the story-telling
media event as they enter the theater, as the theater is moved, and
as the roller coaster car exits the theater. The roller coaster car
exits the theater at the top of the tower, which is a different
location from where the roller coaster car entered the theater. At
the top of the tower the traditional gravity-driven thrill ride
associated with a roller coaster may begin. For instance, the
roller coaster car my follow the roller coaster track back to the
bottom of the tower where the process may repeat.
[0017] In one example, the movement of the theater may be
constrained to the vertical axis so the theater moves up and down
(functions as an elevator, for example). In another example the
movement of the theater may be vertical, lateral, longitudinal,
and/or rotational, including any combination of the foregoing. In
some cases, the theater may move along a track or course that is
separate from the track or course of the ride vehicle. This track
or course of the enclosure may define the movement of the enclosure
as it moves along the track or course. In some examples, the
theater may move along any shape of track or course (with any
combination of twists, turns, tilts, rotations, hills, bumps,
and/or drops, for example). In yet another example, the movement of
the theater may be rotary as with a turret-style switch track.
[0018] In some embodiments, the motion of the entire theater
including the projection equipment and the ride vehicle may be
synchronized with the motion shown in the media. For example, the
immersive story-telling media is coordinated with the movement of
the theater to add to the effect of the immersive experience.
[0019] It is noted that the theater with the ride vehicle inside
moves from one physical location to a new physical location. This
movement that results in a change in physical location is different
from the movement of a ride simulator in which the ride simulator
or passenger seats move (in sync with the media, for example), but
the physical location of the ride simulator is fixed.
[0020] The ride vehicle may be any type of amusement vehicle such
as a conventional sit-down vehicle (e.g., sit-down roller coaster),
an inverted vehicle, a prone position flying vehicle, a stand-up
vehicle, or any variant of an amusement vehicle. As a ride vehicle,
the ride vehicle may have its own track or course that it travels
when not in the theater. In one example, the ride vehicle may enter
the theater at a low point in its track or course and may exit the
theater at an elevated point in its track or course, where it will
descend through its track or course to the low point again, so as
to create a circuit (where the present systems and methods are used
to complete one or more portions of the circuit).
[0021] The theater includes one or more screens/displays for
displaying movie-like media. Examples of screens include reflective
domes and reflective screens, which reflect the image(s) produced
by one or more projectors. Examples of displays include large
format displays and borderless displays. Examples of display
technologies for both displays and projectors include
light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED),
laser, liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing
(DLP), liquid crystal on Silicon (LCoS), and the like. Depending
upon the orientation of the ride vehicle (the primary field of view
of the riders, for example), the display may be mainly overhead or
underneath the ride vehicle.
[0022] In some cases, the theater may include a single
entrance/exit. The single entrance/exit may be in the back of the
theater so as to allow for an uninterrupted viewing surface at the
front of the theater. In some embodiments the track segment within
the theater or a portion of the track segment within the theater
may be rotatable so that the ride vehicle may ingress and egress in
the forward direction. As noted herein, this rotatable portion of
the track segment may also be incorporated into the immersive
experience to enhance the immersive/alternate reality
experience.
[0023] The theater may also include one or more speakers (e.g.,
surround speakers) for providing a complete video and audio
immersive experience. In addition, the immerse experience may be
augmented (with movement) by coordinating the visual/audio
experience with the movements that result from the course of the
theater's movements.
[0024] The theater may provide this immersive experience to the
riders that are in the ride vehicle. This immersive experience may
be curated to engage some or all of the riders' senses (e.g.,
sight, hearing, movement, smell, etc.) so as to whisk the riders
away into an alternate reality (e.g., virtual reality). This
alternate reality may begin as (or even slightly before) the ride
vehicle enters the theater and may continue until (or even slightly
after) the ride vehicle exits the theater.
[0025] In some cases, the present systems and methods may be used
to add a new component of amusement to an amusement ride. In one
example, the present systems and methods may be used to
contextualize the amusement ride so that the track or course of the
ride vehicle has added meaning, and thus provides greater
amusement.
[0026] For instance, the immerse experience may immerse riders who
are in a prone position ride vehicle in a virtual reality
experience of being in a hang glider and being carried in the back
of a truck up to the edge of a cliff. The prone position ride
vehicle may exit (at the top of roller coaster) where the ride
vehicle begins the thrilling course down the track. Except now,
with the context of hang gliding from the immersive experience, the
thrilling course down the track may not just be a thrilling ride of
acceleration, but in the minds of the now contextualized riders,
the course becomes an experience of flying the hang glider, with
real wind through the swoops, dives, loops, and turns, etc., of the
course. In this way the immersive experience may have a
transforming effect on amusement rides.
[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the present systems and
methods may enhance the amusement associated with less amusing
portions/components of the amusement rides. For example, the
present systems and methods may enhance the amusement associated
with getting the ride vehicle to a location where the thrilling
part of the ride starts.
[0028] Roller coasters, for instance, have long had exciting (or to
some, fear wrenching) methods for getting ride vehicles elevated
(to the top of a hill, for example). These methods include long,
chain-driven lift hills, winches, pneumatic-powered launchers,
electric-powered launchers, and the like. Each of these mechanisms
creates its own unique flavor of excitement and/or anticipation. As
such, these mechanisms add to the overall amusement of the ride.
Each of these mechanisms, however, comes at a cost, whether in
terms of land use, operating costs, and/or maintenance cost. These
costs have led to the use of alternative lift mechanisms, such as
elevators. Elevators, however, may not provide the same level of
amusement as the views and anticipation brought on by a tall lift
hill or the thrill of being accelerated by an electric or pneumatic
launcher. The present systems and methods may be applied to the
elevator experience and similar experiences to enhance the
amusement associated with these experiences.
[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the present systems and
methods allow for a whole new class of ride elements, that is, a
whole new class of amusement experiences. For example, the present
systems and methods may be associated with movement in any
direction (e.g., vertically, laterally, longitudinally, and/or any
combination of the foregoing). In other words, the present systems
and methods may be used in connection with movement in any
direction, resulting in a whole new class of rides, for example,
rides where the present systems and methods provide a mini ride
within the overall amusement ride.
[0030] While specific applications vary, the present systems and
methods are directed to an amusement ride that transports a ride
vehicle from one location to another location in an immersive
theater (e.g., an enclosure). The ride vehicle travels on a track
or course into the immersive theater. Although the immersive
theater is depicted herein as a dome, it is understood that the
immersive theater may be any suitable enclosure (e.g., of any
shape), including partial enclosure. The immersive theater provides
visual and/or audio entertainment while both the immersive theater
and the ride vehicle are moved from one physical location to
another. For example, the immersive theater with the ride vehicle
inside may travel vertically up a tower. At the destination
physical location (e.g., the top of the tower), the ride vehicle
exits the immersive theater and travels on a track or course (that
is connected to the track or course that the ride vehicle entered
the immersive theater from, for example). In one example, the ride
vehicle may be at a point of highest potential energy at the
destination physical location, whereupon the ride vehicle may begin
a thrilling ride down the track or course (a roller coaster track,
for example). The immersive theater may travel back to the first
physical location (e.g., the bottom of the tower) to pick up the
next ride vehicle.
[0031] It is appreciated that the present systems and methods may
allow for the use of multiple ride vehicles and/or multiple
immersive theaters in connection with a single track or course.
[0032] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers may be used in
different drawings to identify the same or similar elements. In the
following description, for purposes of explanation and not
limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular
structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc., in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the
various aspects of the invention claimed may be practiced in other
examples that depart from these specific details. In certain
instances, descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and
methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the
present invention with unnecessary detail.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an environment 100 in
which the present systems and methods may be practiced. A ride
vehicle 105 (e.g., ride vehicles 105A-C) may be configured for
traveling on a track 110. The track 110, which includes an entry
track 110A (that leads into the main gravity-driven track, for
example) and the exit track 110B (that comes from the main
gravity-driven track, via the loading/unloading zone 135, for
example), may form a partial circuit that is completed via the
elevators, for example. In one example, as illustrated, the track
110 may be a roller coaster track. In alternative embodiments, the
track 110 may be any track that at least partially uses gravity for
locomotion of the ride vehicle 105. The track 110 may utilize one
or more elevators 115 to elevate the ride vehicle 105 from the
bottom of the track 110 (e.g., the exit track 110B, the point of
lowest potential energy, for example) to the start of the track 110
(e.g., the entry track 110A, the point of highest potential energy,
for example). As illustrated in FIG. 1, three elevators 115A, 115B,
and 115C may be used to accommodate the desired throughput rate of
ride vehicles 105 through the elevator portion of the ride.
[0034] Although, three ride vehicles 105 are illustrated, it is
appreciated that more or less ride vehicles may be used without
departing from the scope of the present systems and methods. While
not illustrated, in one example, the loading/unloading zone 135 may
include a turntable or switching system that enables the ride
vehicle 105 to enter any one of the elevators 115A-C (via a
respective exit track 110B, for example). The various stages of the
elevator experience are illustrated in the elevators 115A-C.
[0035] In the elevator 115A, the ride vehicle 105A is entering an
enclosure 120A (e.g., immersive theater) from the exit track 110B.
Each enclosure 120A-C may be a partial enclosure (e.g., a screen,
such as an arc extending a quarter, third, or semicircle, partial
sphere, or similar) or a complete enclosure (e.g., with some sort
of walls, floor, and roof to form a room, enclosed space, or
similar). In some embodiments there may be an entry/exit area 130
in the enclosures 120A-C. The entry/exit area 130 may remain open
or may be closed with a door (a rollup door, for example). The ride
vehicle 105A may enter the enclosure 120A via a track segment
(e.g., track segment 125) that is affixed to at least a portion of
the enclosure 120A.
[0036] The immersive experience may begin as the ride vehicle 105B
enters the enclosure 120B. For example, riders in the ride vehicle
105B may have the experience of traveling through a dark tunnel
into an illuminated virtual reality. In the enclosure (e.g., the
enclosures 120A-C), a combination of video projectors and speakers
creates an immersive alternate reality for amusing the riders
during the elevator portion of the ride. The enclosures 120A-C may
move from the bottom of the tower 150 (that includes elevators
115A-C, for example) to the top of the tower 150 with a ride
vehicle 105 inside. Accordingly, riders in the ride vehicle 105 may
enjoy an immersive experience throughout (or through some selected
portions of) the elevator portion of the ride.
[0037] In the elevator 115B, the ride vehicle 105B is within the
enclosure 120B with the riders enjoying an immersive experience as
the entire enclosure 120B is moving (e.g., movement 140) from its
first physical location at the bottom of the tower 150 to the
second physical location at the top of the tower 150. The ride
vehicle 1056 may be affixed, using brakes and/or some latching
mechanism, to the track segment 125 within the enclosure 120B. In
some embodiments, the ride vehicle 105B is moveable within some
limited bounds on the track segment 125 to further enhance the
immersive experience.
[0038] Once the enclosure 120C has reached its destination, such as
the top of the tower 150, as illustrated in the elevator 115C, the
enclosure 120C stops and the ride vehicle 105C exits the enclosure
120C. In one example, as illustrated, the at least a portion of the
track segment 125 may be rotatable so that the ride vehicle 105C
may turn around within the enclosure 120C and exit the enclosure
120C in a forward orientation. During the exit from the enclosure
120C the ride vehicle 105C may transition from the track segment
125 within the enclosure 120C to the entry track 110A at the top of
the tower 150. The entry track 110A may be the main track 110 or
may lead to the main track 110. In one example, a turntable (e.g.,
turntable 145) or alternative switching system may be used to allow
each of the entry tracks 110A to be able to connect to a single
main line track 110. Once the ride vehicle 105C has exited the
enclosure 120C, the enclosure 120C may return to the first physical
location at the bottom of the tower 150 to pick up another ride
vehicle 105.
[0039] The riders, having enjoyed an immersive experience
throughout the elevator experience, may now begin a thrilling ride
down the track 110. At the end of the track 110, the ride vehicle
105 may stop at the loading/unloading zone 135 to unload the riders
who have completed the amusement ride experience and to load new
riders for the amusement ride experience, whereupon the process may
be repeated. In some cases, multiple elevators 115 may be used to
accommodate a particular throughput rate of ride vehicles 105. In
some embodiments, the elevator experience is extended or prolonged
(the speed of the elevator experience is changed, for example) to
coordinate with the length of time required for the immersive media
presentation.
[0040] Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the enclosures
120 operate on a vertical track like an elevator, it is appreciated
that the present systems and methods are applicable to a variety of
scenarios, including those in which the enclosure 120 operates on
any shape of enclosure track.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates one example 200 of an enclosure 120 that
may be used in connection with the present systems and methods. The
enclosure 120 may be an example of the enclosures 120A-C
illustrated with respect to FIG. 1. In one example, as illustrated,
the enclosure 120 may be a dome with an entry/exit area 130 (e.g.,
doorway) for entering into and/or exiting out of the enclosure 120.
In some cases, the entry/exit area 130 may be closeable (with a
rollup door, for example) to block out any unwanted light (that
might interrupt the immersive experience, for example). Although
not shown, the enclosure 120 may optionally include a floor (below
a track segment 125, for example).
[0042] The track segment 125 may be affixed to the enclosure 120.
In some cases, at least a portion of the track segment 125 may be
rotatable so as to allow the ride vehicle to enter and exit in
different orientations. The track segment 125 may correspond with
the track 110 that the ride vehicle 105 is configured to travel
on.
[0043] Although the enclosure 120 is illustrated as being a dome
with the internal surface being defined by the external surface,
the internal structure and the external structure of the enclosure
120 may differ and may take on any number of shapes. The dome shape
may be beneficial for covering the interior surface with projected
images that surround and immerse the viewer in an alternative
reality.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates one example 300 of a ride vehicle 105 as
it is entering into an enclosure 120. The enclosure 120 is an
example of the enclosure 120 illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1
and/or 2. The ride vehicle 105 is an example of the ride vehicles
105A-C illustrated with respect to FIG. 1.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ride vehicle 105 may include a
plurality of seats for riders (e.g., a rider 310). The ride vehicle
105 may be configured to maximize the field of view of the various
riders 310. In this example, the ride vehicle 105 includes a
minimal platform for the feet of the riders 310 and seats for the
riders 310 (including rider restraints, which are not shown) but
little to obstruct the view to the sides, to the front, or above.
As illustrated the seats may be tiered, as well, to maximize the
viewing field of riders 310 in subsequent rows. Maximizing the
viewable field enhances the immersive experience as well as
enhances the thrill of the entire amusement ride. It is appreciated
that the illustrated ride vehicle 105 is one example of a ride
vehicle 105 and that alternative designs (e.g., stand-up, prone
position, etc.) and styles (e.g., suspension) of ride vehicles 105
may be used without departing from the scope of the present systems
and methods.
[0046] The enclosure 120 may be in a position that allows a track
segment 125 to align with an exit track 110B so that the ride
vehicle 105 may seamlessly move from the exit track 110B to the
track segment 125. In some cases, the immersive experience may have
already begun so as the ride vehicle 105 enters the enclosure 120
the riders 310 have the illusion of entering an alternative
reality.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates one example 400 of a traditional ride
vehicle 105 on a track segment 125 within an enclosure 120. As
illustrated, the track segment 125 is isolated from the track 110.
The ride vehicle 105 may be attached (using brakes, a latching
mechanism, or the like) to the track segment 125. In some cases,
the ride vehicle 105 may be immovably fixed to the track segment
125. In other cases, the ride vehicle 105 may have limited motion
(e.g., forward and backward motion) along the track segment 125. In
either case, the ride vehicle 105 and the track segment 125 may
move together as a single unit. In this manner the enclosure 120
with the ride vehicle 105 inside (on the track segment 125) may be
moved to a new location.
[0048] The enclosure 120 includes one or more projectors 405 (e.g.,
projectors 405A-B) for projecting a video component of an immersive
media presentation on the interior surface of the enclosure 120. In
one example, the dome structure of the enclosure 120 may allow for
the entire internal surface of the enclosure 120 to be a projection
screen. The combination of the immersive dome-shaped screen and the
multiple projectors 405 may allow for seamless coverage of the
entire screen. Although the illustrated enclosure 120 is
illustrated as a dome (e.g., a hemisphere, some portion of sphere),
it is appreciated that the enclosure 120 may be more bubble like to
further enhance the visual immersion. The one or more projectors
405 may be strategically placed to provide seamless coverage of the
screen.
[0049] Although not shown, the enclosure 120 may additionally
include one or more speakers for providing an audio portion of the
immersive media presentation. The immersive video portion and the
immersive audio portion of the immersive experience may be
synchronized to envelop the ride vehicle 105 (and any riders 310
thereon) in a complete immersive alternative reality. In some
cases, this immersive alternative reality may be a story-telling
immersive experience that contextualizes or otherwise prepares the
riders 310 for the amusement associated with the remainder of the
ride along the track 110.
[0050] In some cases, an entry/exit area 130 may have a covering
that acts as a screen so that the immersive experience may continue
even if the track segment 125 (and thus the ride vehicle 105) is
rotated within the enclosure 120.
[0051] FIG. 5 is one example 500 of a suspended ride vehicle 105 on
a track segment 125 within an enclosure 120. The perspective of a
rider 310 is different in the ride vehicle 105. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, the enclosure 120 may be designed to maximize the visual
component of the immersive media presentation. In this case, the
enclosure 120 is an upside down dome (a bowl, for example). Thus,
the design of the enclosure 120 may be selected based on the type
and style of the ride vehicle 105 that will be within the enclosure
120. The enclosure 120 may include a plurality of projectors 405
(e.g., projectors 405C-D), which may be placed in different
strategic locations to optimize the viewing experience of the
riders 310.
[0052] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the use of the present systems and
methods in the context of an elevator 115. While, in this example,
an enclosure 120 travels along a vertical track (in an elevator
shaft, for example), it is appreciated that the track or course
that the enclosure 120 travels on may take any form (e.g., have
bumps, hills, turns, twists, drops, vibrations, etc.) to enhance
the thrill and/or enhance the immersive media presentation (by
adding a complementary motion portion of the experience that
coincides with one or more thematic elements of the immersive media
presentation, for example).
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates an example 600 of a ride vehicle 105
entering an enclosure 120 from an exit track section 110B of a
track 110. In one example, the ride vehicle 105 may have traveled
the track 110, unloaded a set of riders (e.g., riders 310), and
loaded a new set of riders prior to proceeding on the exit track
section 110B. The ride vehicle 105 may move onto a track segment
125 using traditional locomotion techniques. In some cases, the
immersive media presentation, including the immersive video portion
of the immersive media presentation, may have already started or
may start upon the entrance of the ride vehicle 105 into the
enclosure 120.
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates an example 700 of a ride vehicle 105
within an enclosure 120 as the enclosure 120 is being moved from a
first physical location (e.g., the bottom of the tower 150, in line
with an exit track section 110B) to a second physical location
(e.g., the top of the tower 150, in line with an entry track
section 110A). While the ride vehicle 105 is within the enclosure
120 and/or while the enclosure 120 is being moved from the first
location to a second location, an immersive media presentation is
provided within the enclosure 120. This immersive media
presentation may entertain, tell a story, and/or contextualize the
riders to enhance the amusement associated with the amusement ride.
During the movement of the enclosure 120 with the ride vehicle 105
inside, a track segment 125 is isolated from a track 110. The ride
vehicle 105 instead is coupled to the track segment 125, which is
coupled to the enclosure 120, with the enclosure 120 being carried
along a track or course that is separate from the track 110. In
some cases, at least a portion of the track segment 125 may be
rotated while the ride vehicle 105 is located within the enclosure
120 so that the ride vehicle 105 may exit through an entry/exit
area 130 that it entered through.
[0055] In addition to the video and audio components of the
immersive media presentation, the movement (motion induced by the
enclosure track, twists, turns, and features of the track), change
in motion (e.g., starting and stopping of the motion along the
enclosure track, changing of speed along the enclosure track, and
the like), and/or added motion (e.g., vibrators, rotation, movement
along the track segment 125, and the like) may each be synchronized
to correspond with thematic elements in the immersive media
presentation. In this way, the immersive media presentation may
incorporate sight, sound, and motion to enhance the immersive
experience.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates an example 800 of a ride vehicle 105
exiting an enclosure 120 to an entry track section 110A of a track
110. The ride vehicle 105, which may have been rotated previously,
may exit from a track segment 125 to the entry track section 110A
of the track 110. In some cases, the enclosure 120 may include a
mechanism for allowing the ride vehicle 105 to exit. In one
example, the track segment 125 may tip slightly or may be at an
angle to allow the exit from the enclosure 120 to be gravity
driven. In another example, the enclosure 120 may include an
alternative driving means (e.g., electric motors, electromagnetic
propulsion, pneumatic propulsion, and the like) for moving the ride
vehicle 105 out of the enclosure 120 onto the entry track section
110A of the track 110.
[0057] In some cases, the ride vehicle 105 may exit to begin a
different phase of the amusement ride experience. For example, the
ride vehicle 105 may begin a thrilling descent down the track 110.
Once the ride vehicle 105 has exited the enclosure 120, the
enclosure 120 may traverse the enclosure track (backwards, for
example) so that the enclosure 120 is once again lined up with an
exit track section 110B of the track 110 and ready to receive
another ride vehicle 105.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates an example 900 of an enclosure 120 with a
ride vehicle 105 inside traversing along an enclosure track 905. As
illustrated, the enclosure 120 may include a cart 910 that
interfaces with the enclosure track 905. The cart 910 enables the
enclosure 120 to travel along the enclosure track 905 in a similar
way as the ride vehicle 105 travels along its track (e.g., track
110). The enclosure track 905 may be vertical as in the case of an
elevator, may be substantially horizontal (as illustrated), and/or
may have any combination of vertical components, lateral
components, and/or longitudinal components (including hills, drops,
turns, spirals, and twists, for example).
[0059] It is appreciated that the enclosure track 905 may be
selected so as to enhance the immersive media presentation and/or
to enhance the overall amusement of the ride. As noted above, the
combination of the immersive media presentation and the movement of
the enclosure 120, with the ride vehicle 105 inside, may enable a
whole new category of amusement park rides and/or experiences.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for moving a ride
vehicle. The method 1000 may be performed by the enclosure 120
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In particular, the method 1000 may be
performed by one or more control circuits (e.g., programmable logic
controller (PLC), special-purpose processor and memory, and the
like). Although the steps of the method 1000 are illustrated as
being performed in a particular order, it is understood that the
steps of the method 1000 may be reordered without departing from
the scope of the method 1000.
[0061] At step 1005, a ride vehicle is received in an enclosure.
The ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment
within the enclosure. At step 1010, movement of the ride vehicle is
restricted to the track segment within the enclosure. At step 1015,
the enclosure is moved from a first physical location to a second
physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the
enclosure. At step 1020, an immersive media presentation is
provided within the enclosure. The immersive media presentation is
provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the
first physical location to the second physical location while the
ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. Providing the
immersive media presentation within the enclosure includes
projecting a video presentation portion of the immersive media
presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure. At step 1025,
the ride vehicle is released from the track segment within the
enclosure to a second track.
[0062] The steps of the method 1000 may be performed by an
application specific processor, a programmable logic controller
(PLC), a programmable application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.
[0063] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 for moving a ride
vehicle. The method 1100 may be performed by the enclosure 120
illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In particular, the method 1100 may be
performed by one or more control circuits. Although the steps of
the method 1100 are illustrated as being performed in a particular
order, it is understood that the steps of the method 1100 may be
reordered without departing from the scope of the method 1100.
[0064] At step 1105, a ride vehicle is received in an enclosure.
The ride vehicle is received from a first track to a track segment
within the enclosure. At step 1110, movement of the ride vehicle is
restricted to the track segment within the enclosure. At step 1115,
the enclosure is moved from a first physical location to a second
physical location while the ride vehicle is located within the
enclosure. At step 1120, an immersive media presentation is
provided within the enclosure. The immersive media presentation is
provided within the enclosure while moving the enclosure from the
first physical location to the second physical location while the
ride vehicle is located within the enclosure. Providing the
immersive media presentation within the enclosure includes
projecting a video presentation portion of the immersive media
presentation on an interior surface of the enclosure. At step 1125,
at least one change in velocity of the enclosure is coordinated
with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. At step
1130, at least one change in motion of the enclosure is coordinated
with a thematic moment in the immersive media presentation. At step
1135, the ride vehicle is released from the track segment within
the enclosure to a second track.
[0065] The steps of the method 1100 may be performed by an
application specific processor, a programmable logic controller
(PLC), a programmable application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.
[0066] Some of the infrastructure that can be used with embodiments
disclosed herein is already available, such as general-purpose
computers, mobile phones, computer programming tools and
techniques, digital storage media, and communications networks. A
computing device may include a processor such as a microprocessor,
microcontroller, logic circuitry, or the like. The computing device
may include a computer-readable storage device such as non-volatile
memory, static random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM, read-only
memory (ROM), disk, tape, magnetic memory, optical memory, flash
memory, or other computer-readable storage medium.
[0067] Various aspects of certain embodiments may be implemented
using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. A
component or module may refer to, be part of, or include an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic
circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory
(shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or
firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other
suitable components that provide the described functionality. As
used herein, a software module or component may include any type of
computer instruction or computer-executable code located within or
on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. A software
module or component may, for instance, comprise one or more
physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be
organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure,
etc., which performs one or more tasks or implements particular
abstract data types.
[0068] In certain embodiments, a particular software module or
component may comprise disparate instructions stored in different
locations of a computer-readable storage medium, which together
implement the described functionality of the module or component.
Indeed, a module or component may comprise a single instruction or
many instructions, and may be distributed over several different
code segments, among different programs, and across several
computer-readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced
in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by
a remote processing device linked through a communications
network.
[0069] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for
purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the principles
thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein.
Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered
illustrative and not restrictive, and the disclosure is not to be
limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the
scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
[0070] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many
changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the
disclosure. The scope should, therefore, be determined only by the
following claims.
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