U.S. patent application number 15/878219 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for interactive tower attraction systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Universal City Studios LLC. Invention is credited to Gregory S. Hall, Keith Michael McVeen, Michael Tresaugue.
Application Number | 20190224579 15/878219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65279644 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190224579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Gregory S. ; et
al. |
July 25, 2019 |
INTERACTIVE TOWER ATTRACTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A ride attraction system includes a tower track and a ride
vehicle configured to accommodate one or more riders. The ride
vehicle is coupled to and configured to move relative to the tower
track and the ride vehicle includes one or more user input devices.
The ride attraction system further includes an image system
configured to display a ride environment, wherein the user input
devices are configured to enable the one or more riders to interact
with elements of the ride environment via the one or more user
input devices. The ride attraction system further includes a
controller communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle and the
image system and configured to control movement of the ride vehicle
relative to the tower track based on signals from the one or more
user input devices.
Inventors: |
Hall; Gregory S.; (Orlando,
FL) ; McVeen; Keith Michael; (Winter Garden, FL)
; Tresaugue; Michael; (Windermere, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Universal City Studios LLC |
Universal City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65279644 |
Appl. No.: |
15/878219 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 31/00 20130101;
A63G 33/00 20130101; A63G 31/16 20130101; A63G 31/02 20130101; A63G
2031/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63G 31/02 20060101
A63G031/02; A63G 31/16 20060101 A63G031/16 |
Claims
1. A ride attraction system, comprising: a first tower track and a
second tower track; a first ride vehicle and second ride vehicle
configured to accommodate one or more riders, wherein the first
ride vehicle is coupled to and configured to move relative to the
first tower track and the second ride vehicle is coupled to and
configured to move relative to the second tower track, and wherein
the first ride vehicle comprises one or more user input devices; an
image system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the
one or more user input devices are configured to enable the one or
more riders to interact with elements of the displayed ride
environment via the one or more user input devices; and a
controller communicatively coupled to the first ride vehicle, the
second ride vehicle, and the image system, wherein the controller
is configured to control movement of the first ride vehicle
relative to the first tower track and the second vehicle relative
to the second tower track based on signals from the one or more
user input devices, and wherein, in response to the signals, the
controller is configured to cause the first ride vehicle to move
downward along the first tower track while the second ride vehicle
moves upward along the second tower track.
2. The ride attraction system of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of visualization devices configured to display the ride
environment to the one or more riders.
3. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the image system
comprises an augmented reality (AR) system, a virtual reality (VR)
system, a projection system, or a combination thereof, and wherein
the elements of the displayed ride environment comprise images of
characters, targets, or a combination thereof.
4. The ride attraction system of claim 3, wherein the one or more
input devices of the first ride vehicle provide the signals based
on interaction with the elements of the displayed ride environment,
wherein the first ride vehicle earns or accumulates points based on
the interaction with the displayed ride environment, and wherein
the controller is configured to calculate the points earned or
accumulated for the first ride vehicle and to control the movement
of the second ride vehicle based on the calculated points.
5. The ride attraction system of claim 4, wherein the controller is
configured to trigger the movement of the first ride vehicle when
the points exceed a point threshold for the first ride vehicle or
the second ride vehicle.
6. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
user input devices comprise shooting devices configured to
virtually shoot at the elements of the ride environment, steering
devices to dodge incoming interactions, or a combination
thereof.
7. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride
vehicle comprises a ride vehicle controller configured to receive
signals from the controller and to cause movement of the first ride
vehicle based on the signals received from the controller.
8. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride
vehicle is configured to move about two or more axes relative to
the tower track.
9. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride
vehicle is configured to move in three or more degrees of
freedom.
10. (canceled)
11. A ride attraction system, comprising: a tower; a plurality of
tower tracks disposed within the tower and extending along vertical
walls of the tower; a plurality of ride vehicles, each ride vehicle
of the plurality of ride vehicles coupled to a respective tower
track of the plurality of tower tracks and configured to move in
three or more degrees of freedom relative to the respective tower
track of the plurality of tower tracks and independently of other
ride vehicles of the plurality of ride vehicles; at least one user
input device associated with each ride vehicle of the plurality of
ride vehicles, each user input device of the at least one user
input device configured to receive user inputs and provide user
input signals; and a controller configured to receive the user
input signals from each user input device of the at least one user
input device and provide instructions to a ride vehicle controller
of an individual ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles to
initiate a motion pattern of the individual ride vehicle based on
the received user input signals, wherein the motion pattern of the
individual ride vehicle comprises a falling movement relative to
the respective tower track followed by a rising movement along the
respective tower track and wherein the individual ride vehicle
moves independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of ride
vehicles such that at least one of the other vehicles of the
plurality of ride vehicles rises during the falling movement.
12. The ride attraction system of claim 11, comprising an image
system, the image system comprising an augmented reality (AR)
system, a virtual reality (VR) system, a projection system, or a
combination thereof, and wherein the controller is configured to
receive the user inputs signals as indicative of user interaction
with the image system via the at least one user input device.
13. The ride attraction system of claim 11, wherein the controller
is configured to cause the individual ride vehicle to pitch, yaw,
roll or a combination thereof according to the motion pattern based
on the received user input signals.
14. The ride attraction system of claim 11, wherein the controller
is configured to cause the individual ride vehicle to experience
the motion pattern while other ride vehicles of the plurality of
ride vehicles are not experiencing the motion pattern.
15. The ride attraction system of claim 11, wherein the controller
is configured to determine a point total accumulated by each ride
vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles, wherein the point total
is based on the interaction between the one or more riders of each
ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles and the ride
environment, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the
motion pattern of the individual ride vehicle based on a
determination that an accumulated point total of the individual
ride vehicle is greater or less than a point threshold.
16. The ride attraction system of claim 15, wherein the motion
pattern causes the individual ride vehicle to move upwards on the
respective tower track and higher relative to other ride vehicles
of the plurality of ride vehicles.
17. A method, comprising; receiving user input signals, at a
controller, from user input devices associated with respective ride
vehicles of a plurality of ride vehicles; determining, via the
controller, a point total of each ride vehicle of the plurality of
ride vehicles based on the received user input signals; and
triggering, via the controller, one or more motions of an
individual ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles
independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of ride
vehicles based on the point total accumulated by each ride vehicle
of the plurality of ride vehicles such that the individual ride
vehicle moves downward along a tower track towards a start position
while another individual ride vehicle rises upward along another
tower track.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving the
individual ride vehicle higher relative to the other ride
vehicles.
19. (canceled)
20. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the point total of
the individual ride vehicle is based at least in part on user input
signals from user input devices not associated with the individual
ride vehicle, and wherein the point total of the individual ride
vehicle drops based on user input signals from the user input
devices not associated with the individual ride vehicle and that
are indicative of a successful targeting of the individual ride
vehicle.
21. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first
vehicle moves downward in a falling or dropping motion.
22. The ride attraction system of claim 3, wherein the displayed
targets comprise a first subset of dedicated targets of the first
ride vehicle and a second subset of dedicated targets of the second
ride vehicle.
Description
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to interactive tower attractions systems and
methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Theme or amusement park ride attractions have become
increasingly popular. One type of amusement park attraction may
consist of a tower ride that gives a rider the feeling of dropping
toward the ground. In such rides, a motion of a passenger vehicle
typically consists of a rise to the top of the tower followed by a
free-falling motion during a descent. Tower rides may vary from one
another with respect to a height of the tower, a configuration of
the ride vehicle, and the incorporation of narrative-based effects
and scenery (e.g., the surrounding props and audio/visual effects).
However, in contrast to other types of rides, it is now recognized
that tower rides typically offer fewer opportunities for variable
ride experiences. For example, while roller coasters can be
configured to incorporate different loops, drops, rises, and turns
such that each roller coaster provides a different ride experience,
different types of tower rides may provide generally similar ride
experiences.
SUMMARY
[0003] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the
originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These
embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure,
but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief
summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present
disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to
or different from the embodiments set forth below.
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, a ride attraction system
includes a tower track and a ride vehicle configured to accommodate
one or more riders. The ride vehicle is coupled to and configured
to move relative to the tower track and the ride vehicle includes
one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system further
includes an image system configured to display a ride environment,
wherein the user input devices are configured to enable the one or
more riders to interact with elements of the ride environment via
the one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system
further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ride
vehicle and the image system and configured to control movement of
the ride vehicle relative to the tower track based on signals from
the one or more user input devices.
[0005] In another embodiment, a ride attraction system includes a
tower, a plurality of tower tracks disposed within the tower and
extending along vertical walls of the tower, and a plurality of
ride vehicles. Each ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles
is coupled to a respective tower track of the plurality of tower
tracks and configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom
relative to the respective tower track of the plurality of tower
tracks and independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of
ride vehicles. The ride attraction system further includes at least
one user input device associated with each ride vehicle of the
plurality of ride vehicles, each user input device configured to
receive user inputs and provide user input signals. The ride
attraction system further includes a controller configured to
receive the user input signals from each user input device and
provide instructions to a ride vehicle controller of an individual
ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles to initiate a motion
pattern of the individual ride vehicle based on the received user
input signals.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method includes receiving user
input signals, at a controller, from user input devices associated
with respective ride vehicles of a plurality of ride vehicles,
determining, via the controller, a point total of each ride vehicle
of the plurality of ride vehicles based on the received user input
signals, and triggering, via the controller, one or more motions of
an individual ride vehicle of the plurality of ride vehicles
independently of other ride vehicles of the plurality of ride
vehicles based on the point total accumulated by each ride vehicle
of the plurality of ride vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front view of an embodiment of
an interactive tower attraction, in accordance with present
techniques;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the
interactive tower attraction of FIG. 1, in accordance with the
present techniques;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride
vehicle of the interactive tower attraction of FIG. 1, in
accordance with the present techniques;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an interior perspective view of an embodiment of
the interactive tower attraction of FIG. 1, in accordance with the
present techniques;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for
triggering motion of another vehicle of the interactive tower
attraction of FIG. 4, in accordance with present techniques;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for
triggering motion of your own vehicle of the interactive tower
attraction of FIG. 4, in accordance with present techniques;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control
system that may be employed within the interactive tower attraction
of FIG. 4, in accordance with the present techniques;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a loading
and unloading system of the interactive tower attraction of FIG. 1,
in accordance with present techniques; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the
interactive tower attraction employing single passenger vehicles,
in accordance with present techniques.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present disclosure is directed to an interactive tower
attraction for a theme park or an amusement park. The present
techniques provide an interactive tower attraction that facilitates
interaction of the riders with the ride environment as well as with
each other. For example, user input or user-driven selections may
trigger changes in the motion of one or more vehicles and/or the
ride effects. In this manner, repeat riders may have different
experiences during each ride. In addition, the ride experience may
be tied to a ride narrative or a ride goal.
[0018] Such interaction with the environment and/or the other
riders may permit the riders to affect the motion of other ride
vehicles, as well as, in some embodiments, the motion of their own
ride vehicle. The interactive tower attraction may include an
augmented reality (AR) system, a virtual reality (VR) system, a
special effects (SFX) system, and/or a projection system that may
provide an immersive environment with which the riders may
interact. Further, the AR, VR, and/or projection systems permit
interaction of the riders and/or ride vehicles of the interactive
tower attraction. Motion of the ride vehicles of the interactive
tower attraction may be triggered by the interaction of one or more
riders within each ride vehicle with the environment provided by
the AR, VR, and/or projection systems. The triggering of certain
motions of the ride vehicles may provide experiences that may vary
for each ride vehicle during the course of the ride. Interaction of
the riders with the ride environment may further trigger other
special effects, such as air blasts, cold wind, heat, water spray,
smoke, fog, sound, and lighting effects via the SFX system.
[0019] While the present techniques are disclosed in conjunction
with a tower ride, other embodiments may involve other attraction
types. For example, the interactive gaming type environment as
provided herein may be incorporated into attractions, e.g.,
track-based rides,
[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front view of an embodiment of
an interactive tower attraction 10 in accordance with the disclosed
techniques that includes at least two ride vehicles 12. The
interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more of the ride
vehicles 12 used to hold and carry one or more riders 14 during
operation of the ride. The interactive tower attraction 10 includes
a tower 16 that supports the ride vehicles and that provides a
generally vertical vehicle path along which each vehicle 12 can
move up or down. The ride vehicles 12 may be coupled to supports,
e.g., each vehicle 12 may be coupled to a corresponding tower track
20. To facilitate discussion, the interactive tower attraction 10
and its components may be described with reference to an axial axis
or axial direction 22, a radial axis or radial direction 24, and a
circumferential axis or circumferential direction 26.
[0021] Each tower track 20 may be disposed adjacent to or within
the interior walls 18 of the tower 16 and aligned with the axial
axis 22 of the tower 16. While, in certain embodiments, the
interactive tower attraction 10 may be implemented with
freestanding or exterior tower tracks 20, the interior walls 18 may
provide a generally controlled environment to facilitate AR, VR,
and/or SFX effects. The tower tracks 20 may be disposed along the
tower 16, and each ride vehicle 12 may move along and relative to
the corresponding tower track 20. The tower tracks 20 may enable
movement of the ride vehicles 12 in the axial direction 22 within
the tower 16. Further, the ride vehicles 12 may move in other
directions relative to the corresponding tower track 20, as
discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3. In operation,
each ride vehicle 12 holding one or more riders 14 may move along
the corresponding tower track 20 and may move in other directions
relative to the corresponding tower track 20 during the duration of
the ride. In some embodiments, the tower tracks 20 may include
different directional components (e.g., curves). For example, the
tower tracks 20 may spiral up and down the tower 16.
[0022] In the depicted embodiment, each ride vehicle 12 may be
positioned along the corresponding tower track 20 such that the
riders 14 within each ride vehicle 12 face away from the
corresponding tower track 20 and towards a center 23 and as such
the riders 14 of each ride vehicle 12 face in a direction generally
toward other riders 14 in opposing and/or adjacent vehicles 12 of
the interactive tower attraction 10. This configuration may enable
the riders 14 to interact with and affect the experience of the
riders 14 of other ride vehicles 12, as discussed in greater detail
with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the
interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more screens in
the center 23, such that the position of the ride vehicle 12 may
enable the riders 14 to face away from the corresponding tower
track 20 and toward the one or more screens. In such embodiments,
this configuration may enable the riders 14 to interact with the
screen and the ride environment. The individual tower tracks 20,
each coupled to a corresponding ride vehicle 12, may enable axial
movement of the ride vehicles 12 together or individually, and as
such, some of the movements of the ride vehicles 12 throughout the
duration of the ride may be shared movements (e.g., in which all
vehicles move together) and some movements may be individual
movements experienced by the riders 14 in only certain ride
vehicles 12 and not experience by other ride vehicles 12.
[0023] In operation, the ride vehicles 12 accommodating the riders
14 may be raised along the corresponding tower tracks to a
particular height within the tower 16. At this starting height, the
riders 14 may interact with one another and/or the ride
environment, as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG.
4. Such interaction may enable the riders 14 to affect the movement
of the other ride vehicles 12 relative to their respective tower
tracks 20 and/or the movement of their own ride vehicle 12 relative
to the corresponding tower track 20 to which their ride vehicle 12
is coupled.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the
interactive tower attraction 10 illustrating the multiple ride
vehicles 12 disposed within the tower 16. In the illustrated
embodiment, the tower 16 includes four ride vehicles 12 and four
corresponding tower tracks 20 disposed with interior walls
configured as an eight-sided space (e.g., eight interior walls 18)
forming an octagonal cross-sectional shape. However, in some
embodiments, the tower 16 may include any number of walls (e.g., 4,
6, 10, 12) forming various polygonal cross-sectional shapes. In
some embodiments, the tower 16 may include one or more curved
interior walls 18, for example, the tower 16 may be implemented as
a silo or with an annular cross-sectional shape. As previously
discussed, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or
more of the ride vehicles 12 used to hold and carry one or more
riders 14 during operation of the ride. Each ride vehicle 12 is
coupled to the corresponding tower track 20 and, as such, is
coupled to, positioned adjacent to, or at a location within the
space formed by the interior walls 18. Further, the number of ride
vehicles 12 and corresponding tower tracks 20 may be one, two, or
more. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicles 12 may be
spaced apart within the interior walls 18. The eight interior walls
18 may hold fewer than eight ride vehicles 12 and corresponding
tower tracks 20.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride
vehicle 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10. As discussed,
each ride vehicle 12 may hold and carry one or more riders 14, and
may move relative to its respective tower track 20 during operation
of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the
ride vehicle 12 may move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to
its respective tower track 20, as discussed in detail herein.
Further, the ride vehicle 12 may include a seat 36 and a harness,
support, or set of straps 38 for each rider 14. As in the
illustrated embodiment, in ride vehicles 12 made for more than one
rider 14, the seats 36 may be slanted or arranged to elevate the
rear seats such that each rider 14 may be able to fully visualize
the ride and interaction area forward of the ride vehicle 12.
[0026] In some embodiments, each ride vehicle 12 may include a
support frame 40 and a stepped platform 41, which may be coupled to
the top of the support frame 40. The support frame 40 may be
coupled to the corresponding tower track 20. Movement of the
support frame 40 via a control system may enable movement of the
ride vehicle 12 and the riders 14 relative to the tower track 20.
The control system may cause the ride vehicle 12 to move in
multiple degrees of freedom relative to the tower track 20. In some
embodiments, such motion may include axial motion along the tower
track 20 including controlled and free fall motion. Motion of the
ride vehicle 12 may further include such movement as pitch, yaw,
and roll, either alone or in combination with one another. To
facilitate discussion of the movement and degrees of freedom of
such movement of the ride vehicle 12, movement of the ride vehicle
12 may be described with reference to an x axis 42, a Y axis 44,
and a Z axis 46 of the ride vehicle 12. The Y axis 44 is an axis of
the ride vehicle 12 that is parallel to the axial axis 22 of the
tower 16 and the tower track 20. The X axis 42 is an axis
perpendicular the to the Y axis 44 and perpendicular to the axial
axis 22 and the tower track 20. The Z axis 46 is an axis coming out
of the interior wall 18 toward the center of the tower 16 in the
direction that the ride vehicle 12 extends into the interior of the
tower 16. Further, the movement of the ride vehicle 12 relative to
the tower track 20 may be described with reference to an angle a
between the Y axis 44 and the Z axis 46, and an angle .sub.R
between the X axis 42 and the Z axis 46.
[0027] Each ride vehicle 12 may move in two or more degrees of
freedom (e.g., 2, 3, 4) relative to the corresponding tower track
20, as discussed in greater detail below. Each ride vehicle 12 may
move in a direction 48 vertically up and down along, for example,
relative to, the corresponding tower track 20. This movement may be
parallel to the tower track 20, the interior wall 18, and the axial
axis 22. This motion may, in some embodiments, be a controlled rise
or fall of the ride vehicle 12 along the tower track controlled via
the control system. In some embodiments, motion along the tower
track 20 and the Y axis 44 may include a free fall (e.g., an
uncontrolled fall) motion, such that speed of the fall is not
controlled creating a feeling of being dropped or falling toward
the ground. One or more motions as provided herein of the ride
vehicle 12 executed in sequence or in parallel may be referred to
as a motion pattern. A motion pattern may be initiated in response
to user-driven ride events, as provided herein. Further, an
individual motion pattern may be applied to only one ride vehicle
12 of the plurality of ride vehicles 12 within the attraction
10.
[0028] Motion in the direction 48 along the tower track 20 may be
used at the beginning of the ride to lift the ride vehicles 12 and
the riders 14 from the ground to a starting height or starting
position 56 of the ride within the tower 16. Motion in the
direction 48 along the tower track 20, either controlled, free
fall, or both, may occur during the duration of the ride as the
riders 14 interact with the other ride vehicles 12 and/or the ride
environment. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may move up
and down from the starting position 56 along the tower track 20
during the duration of ride. In such embodiments, the starting
position 56 may be near the top of the tower 16 and/or near the top
of the tower track 20. However, in some embodiments, the ride
vehicle 12 may only be raised along the tower track 20 to position
the ride vehicle 12 in the starting position 56 or to return the
ride vehicle 12 to the starting positon 56 after a controlled or
free fall during the duration of the ride. In such embodiments, the
starting position 56 may be a distance away from the top of the
tower 16 and/or the top of the tower track 20 such that the ride
vehicle 12 may move upward from the starting position 56 during the
ride. Further, such motion 48 along the tower track 20 during the
duration of the ride may be triggered by interaction of the riders
14 of the ride vehicle 12 with other ride vehicles 12 and/or the
ride environment, as discussed in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6, and/or such motion 48 may be programmed to occur
through the control system.
[0029] Further, each ride vehicle 12 may move or roll in a
circumferential direction 50 about the Z axis 46 relative to the
tower track 20. Such rolling motion may be clockwise and/or
counterclockwise about the Z axis 46. The ride vehicle 12 may
rotate 360.degree. clockwise and/or counterclockwise about the Z
axis 46. As such, the ride vehicle 12 may rotate through complete
clockwise and counterclockwise barrel rolls (e.g., 360.degree.
rotation) and may rotate to any degree within the barrel roll. The
circumferential motion 50 may occur during the duration of the ride
to flip and/or roll the ride vehicle 12 and the riders upside down
and may be triggered by interaction of the riders 14 of the ride
vehicle 12 with other ride vehicles 12 and/or the ride environment,
as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,
and/or such circumferential motion 50 (e.g., rolling motion) may be
programmed to occur through the control system. In some
embodiments, the rolling motion in the direction 50 about the Z
axis 46 may occur subsequent to or in combination with one or more
different motions, such as the linear motion in the direction
48.
[0030] Additionally, each ride vehicle 12 may twist or tilt (e.g.,
pitch) in the direction 52 about the X axis 42. Such pitching
motion 52 may cause the front of the ride vehicle 12 that is
directed away from the tower track 20 and the interior wall 18 to
tilt upward or downward, and thus may decrease or increase the
angle a between the Y axis 44 and the Z axis 46. For example, the
angle .alpha. may be 90.degree. when the ride vehicle 12 is in the
starting positon 56, and the front of the ride vehicle 12 may be
tilted upward, thus decreasing the angle .alpha. by the degree of
tilt. The front of the ride vehicle 12 may be tilted up to
90.degree. up and 90.degree. down about the X axis 42, and thus may
be tilted up to 180.degree. about the X axis 42. The upward and
downward tilt (e.g., pitch) about the X axis 42 may occur during
the duration of the ride and may be triggered by interaction of the
riders 14 of the ride vehicle 12 with other ride vehicles 12 and/or
the ride environment, as discussed in greater detail with reference
to FIGS. 5 and 6, and/or such tilting may be programmed to occur
through the control system. In some embodiments, the tilting (e.g.,
pitching) in the direction 52 about the X axis 42 may occur
subsequent to or in combination with one or more different motions
of the ride vehicle 12, such as the linear motion in the direction
48 and/or the circumferential rolling motion in the direction 50
about the Z axis 46.
[0031] Additionally, each ride vehicle 12 may twist or tilt (e.g.,
yaw) in the direction 54 about the Y axis 44. Such yawing motion 54
may cause the front of the ride vehicle 12 that is directed away
from the tower track 20 and the interior wall 18 to tilt to either
side (e.g., left or right), and thus may decrease or increase the
angle .beta. between the X axis 42 and the Z axis 46. For example,
the angle .beta. may be 90.degree. when the ride vehicle 12 is in
the starting position 56, and the front of the ride vehicle 12 may
be tilted to the right, thus decreasing the angle .beta. by the
degree of tilt. The front of the ride vehicle 12 may be tilted up
to 90.degree. to the left and 90.degree. to the right, and thus may
be tilted up to 180.degree. about the Y axis 44. The side to side
tilt (e.g., yaw) about the Y axis 44 may occur during the duration
of the ride and may be triggered by interaction of the riders 14 of
the ride vehicle 12 with other ride vehicles 12 and/or the ride
environment, as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS.
5 and 6, and/or such tilting may be programmed to occur through the
control system. In some embodiments, the tilting (e.g., yawing) in
the direction 54 about the Y axis 44 may occur subsequent to or in
combination with one or more different motions of the ride vehicle
12, such as the linear motion in the direction 48, the
circumferential rolling motion in the direction 50 about the Z axis
46, and/or the tilting (e.g., pitching) motion in the direction 52
about the X axis 42.
[0032] The motions or movements or the ride vehicles 12 described
herein may be triggered by interaction of the riders 14 with the
other ride vehicles 12, may be pre-programmed motions that occur at
particular points during the operation of the interactive tower
attraction 10, or a combination thereof.
[0033] To initiate motion patterns of one or more ride vehicles 12
during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10, the riders
14 may interact with the other ride vehicles 12 and/or the ride
environment. Such interaction with the other ride vehicles 12
and/or riders 14 may provide signals that trigger the interactive
tower attraction 10 to offer a different experience to each ride
vehicle 12 and a different experience each time the interactive
gaming attraction 10 is visited. In some embodiments, such
interaction with the other ride vehicles 12 and/or the ride
environment may further trigger other special effects, such as air
blasts, cold wind, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, and
lighting effects, via the SFX system. FIG. 4 illustrates an
interior perspective view of an embodiment of the interactive tower
attraction 10 showing an augmented reality (AR) ride environment 64
that may be visualized and interacted with by the riders 14. Each
of the riders 14 may wear a visualization device 66 that may enable
the riders 14 to visualize the AR ride environment 64 during
operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. As illustrated,
FIG. 4 depicts the AR ride environment 64 as visualized from the
perspective of a particular rider 65.
[0034] During the ride, each rider 14 may wear the visualization
device 66 and may visualize the same AR ride environment 64 as
visualized by the particular rider 65 from their perspective within
the interactive tower attraction 10. The visualization devices 66
may be communicatively coupled to an AR system, as discussed in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 7, which may enable the
AR images within the AR ride environment 64 to be visualized by the
riders 14 through the visualization devices 66. In some
embodiments, the riders 14 may purchase or otherwise be provided
with the visualization device 66, such as electronic goggles,
eyeglasses, or headsets, to be worn throughout the duration of the
ride. The visualization device may be used to display the AR ride
environment 64, such that the riders 14 may visualize and interact
with elements of the AR ride environment 64. Although the ride
environment of the interactive tower attraction 10 is discussed as
being an AR ride environment, it should be understood that, in some
embodiments, the elements of the ride environment may include
projection elements or virtual reality (VR) elements alone, or in
combination with AR elements.
[0035] Elements of the AR ride environment 64 may include targets
68 and/or characters 70, shown in the illustrated embodiment as
animals. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10
may include a particular theme to which the elements (e.g., the
targets 68 and the characters 70) of the AR ride environment 64 may
be aligned. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction
10 may be part of a larger theme, such as a theme of an amusement
park or section of an amusement part. As such, the characters 70
may be any type of characters or elements that fit the theme of the
interactive tower attraction 10. The riders 14 may interact with
the targets 68 and/or the characters 70 of the AR ride environment
64 using input devices 72, which may be weapons, selection tools,
joy sticks, etc., and that receive user input and generate user
input signals representative of the input. Each rider 14 may have
an input device 72 associated with their seat of the ride vehicle
12. In the illustrated embodiment, the input devices 72 include
devices used to shoot, by way of example, AR shells 74 at the
targets 68 and/or the characters 70. In such embodiments, the AR
shells 74 shot using the input devices 72 may be visualized by the
riders 14 through the visualization devices 66 as part of the AR
ride environment 64, creating a more interactive and immersive
experience for the riders 14. Further, any explosions or other AR
effects (e.g., feedback indicating a selection of the target 68)
associated with hitting or otherwise interacting with the targets
68, the characters 70, or other elements of the AR ride experience
may be visualized by the riders 14 through the visualization
devices 66 as part of the AR ride environment, further enhancing
the ride experience. In some embodiments, the input devices 72 may
cause or control other interactions with the AR ride environment
64, such as cause movement of a mechanical arm, or other such
interactions that may involve other types of simulated weapons.
[0036] The targets 68 of the AR ride environment 64 may be
dedicated targets 68 for each ride vehicle 12 (and, for example,
only visible to their associated ride vehicle 12) or may be global
targets 68 that are available and/or visible to all of the ride
vehicles 12. In certain embodiments, the AR environment may
indicate through visual cues (e.g., particular colors) that a
subset of the targets 68 are available to only a subset of the ride
vehicles 12 for interaction. When the target 68 is available for
interaction, the user input device 72 is capable of generating an
interaction signal associated with a successful interaction. In
certain embodiments, the attraction 10 may be configured to present
targets 68 that, when viewed in the AR environment, are overlaid or
adjacent to each ride vehicle 12 and that serve as visible targets
68 with which riders 14 in other ride vehicles 12 may interact to
target competitor ride vehicles 12. For example, the riders 14 may
shoot AR shells 74 at the targets 68 above other ride vehicles 12
to cause the associated ride vehicles 12 to move in a motion
pattern as provided herein with reference to FIG. 3. In some
embodiments, some or all of the riders 14 of each ride vehicle 12
may be considered a team. In such embodiments, each team may be
indicated by a different color on the target 68 above their ride
vehicle 12, or through any other indication, such as an AR image or
text on the target 68 or the ride vehicle 12, or a color of the
ride vehicle 12. The riders 14 of each team may shoot at, or
otherwise interact with, the targets 68 of the other teams and may
cumulatively cause movement of the other teams and ride vehicles
12, as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. For
example, the riders 14 of each team (e.g., ride vehicle 12) may
accumulate points as a team against each other team by shooting the
target 68 of each other team. Accumulating a particular threshold
of points may trigger particular movements of the ride vehicle 12
against which the points were accumulated (e.g., the ride vehicle
12 associated with the target 68 that was hit). As another example,
all of the riders 14 of other teams may accumulate points against a
particular team as a whole, and movement of that particular ride
vehicle 12 may be triggered when a particular point threshold is
reached.
[0037] Further, in some embodiments, the input devices 72 may
include devices for steering the ride vehicle 12 such that the ride
vehicle 12 may be moved to dodge or avoid incoming AR shells 74
from hitting the target associated with the ride vehicle 12. As
such, in some embodiments, one or more rider 14 of the ride vehicle
12 may control motion of the ride vehicle 12 to dodge incoming
interaction from other ride vehicles 12, while the other riders 14
of the ride vehicle 12 may control input devices 72 that shoot or
otherwise actively interact with the targets 68 of the other ride
vehicles 12 and/or the character 70 of the AR ride environment 64.
In such embodiments, control of the steering of the ride vehicle 12
may be transferred between riders 14 such that each rider 14 of the
ride vehicle 12 may have a turn to steer and a turn to actively
interact with the AR ride environment 64, such as shooting AR
shells 74 at the targets 68 of the other ride vehicles 12.
[0038] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments,
interacting with the elements of the AR ride environment 64 of the
interactive tower attraction 10 may also include an individual
element. For example, the visualization device 66 may depict
arrows, or other indications, of elements of the AR ride
environment 64 (e.g., targets 68, characters 70) to aim for and/or
interact with. In such cases, hitting the indicated elements may
earn individual points toward particular thresholds which may
trigger movement of other ride vehicles 12 or the ride vehicle 12
which that particular rider 14 is in. As another example, a
particular rider 14 may earn points for dodging incoming AR shells
74 that have been shot at their associated target 68 by other ride
vehicles 12. In some embodiments, such individual interaction with
the AR ride environment 64 may trigger movement of ride vehicles 12
in addition to the movement triggered by reaching team point
thresholds. However, in some embodiments, the riders 14 may not be
on teams, and individual interaction with the elements of the AR
ride environment 64 may be the only factor for triggering movement
of the ride vehicles 12.
[0039] Interaction with the targets 68 and the characters 70 of the
AR ride environment 64 by the riders 14 of one ride vehicle 12 may
trigger movement of the other ride vehicles 12 that the riders 14
are shooting at or otherwise interacting with, and may also trigger
movement of the ride vehicle 12 which the riders 14 are in. To
illustrate, FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 84
for triggering movement of another ride vehicle 12 of the
interactive tower attraction 10 through interaction with the AR
ride environment 64. Further, FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an
embodiment of a method for triggering movement of an individual
ride vehicle 12 by the riders 14 in the individual ride vehicle
12.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 5, the method 84 may include riders 14 of
the ride vehicles 12 interacting with the targets 68 of the AR ride
environment 64 to increase a damage point total of the other ride
vehicles 12 and/or teams. Based on interaction with the targets
(via the user input devices 72), signals are received that are
indicative of the interaction (block 86). A score for each vehicle
12 is updated based on the interaction. The score may be a total
score, or may be a separate penalty score and/or reward score. In
one embodiment, the score is a penalty score indicative of
successful hits of targets 68 located at or near a particular ride
vehicle 12. For example, when riders 14 of another ride vehicle 12
hit the target 68 of one of the ride vehicles, the signal is
indicative of a successful interaction (a hit), and a damage point
total with that ride vehicle 12 may increase. Each ride vehicle 12
and/or team may accumulate damage points for their target 68 being
hit by riders 14 of other ride vehicles 12. In some embodiments,
the damage point total may be indicated by a number, symbol, color,
or other indication that may be visualized by the visualization
devices 66 on or near the target 68, such that the riders 14 in
other ride vehicles 12 may see how many damage points have been
accumulated for each other ride vehicle 12. Further, in some
embodiments, a damage point total (i.e., a penalty score) for the
ride vehicle 12 which the rider 14 is in may be displayed to the
rider 14 via the visualization device such that each rider 14 may
see how many damage points have been accumulated against their ride
vehicle 12.
[0041] Next, a control system of the interactive tower attraction
10 and/or an AR system may calculate the damage points accumulated
against each ride vehicle 12 or team based on the signals (block
88). The control system may then compare the damage points
accumulated against each ride vehicle 12 to a motion threshold
value (block 90). If the control system determines that the damage
points accumulated against the ride vehicles 12 are not greater
than the motion threshold value, the method 84 may begin again at
block 86 with riders 14 interacting with the targets 68. If the
control system determines that the damage points accumulated
against one of the ride vehicles 12 is greater than the motion
threshold value, the control system may trigger motion of that ride
vehicle 12 with the penalty score associated with penalty motion
(block 92). For example, if the control system determines that the
damage points accumulated against a particular ride vehicle 12 is
greater than the motion threshold value, because the riders 14 of
the other ride vehicles 12 have hit the target 68 of that ride
vehicle 12 enough times, the control system may trigger a barrel
roll motion in the direction 50, or any of the other motions
previously discussed with reference to FIG. 3.
[0042] In some embodiments, the accumulated damage points may clear
each time the motion threshold value is exceeded. There may be a
particular motion pattern that is triggered each time the motion
threshold is exceeded, or different motion patterns may be
triggered randomly each time the motion threshold is exceeded. In
other embodiments, there may be multiple motion thresholds, each
corresponding to a different triggered motion pattern. In such
embodiments, the motion threshold values may increase in value such
that different motion patterns are triggered as the damage points
accumulated against the ride vehicles 12 increases throughout the
duration of the ride. Each increasing motion threshold value may
correspond to a particular motion pattern, or the control system
may randomly assign motion patterns to each motion threshold value.
In some embodiments, the motions may be triggered in the same order
for each ride vehicle 12 and/or correspond to the same increasing
motion threshold value for each ride vehicle 12. However, in other
embodiments, different motions may be triggered for each exceeded
motion threshold between the ride vehicles 12. Triggering of
motions of the ride vehicles 12 when motion threshold values are
exceeded may increase the variation of ride experiences for the
riders 14.
[0043] It should be understood that the method 84 may be an
iterative or repeating process that is performed throughout the
duration of the ride to trigger motion of the ride vehicles 12. As
such, the control system may continuously calculate damage point
totals for the ride vehicles 12 and determine whether the motion
threshold value has been exceeded to trigger motion of the ride
vehicles 12.
[0044] Further, the riders 14 may trigger motion of their own ride
vehicle 12. To illustrate, FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment
of a method 100 for triggering motion of the ride vehicle 12
carrying the rider 14. The method 100 may include riders 14
actively and/or passively interacting with the targets 68
associated with other ride vehicles 12 and/or the characters 70 of
the AR ride environment 64 to generate signals indicative of
successful interactions to earn reward points individually and/or
as a team (e.g., the ride vehicle 12) (block 102). For example,
when the riders 14 of a ride vehicle 12 actively shoot AR shells 74
that hit the targets 68 of other ride vehicles 12 or the characters
70, the shooting riders 14 earn reward points individually and/or
as a team for their ride vehicle 12. As another example, if one or
more riders 14 of a ride vehicle 12 steers the ride vehicle 12
using the input device 72, those riders 14 may passively earn
reward points individually and/or for their team (e.g., ride
vehicle 12) by dodging incoming AR shells 74 such that they do not
hit the target 68 of the ride vehicle 12. In some embodiments, an
individual and/or team reward point total may be displayed to the
riders 14 via the visualization device such that each rider 14 may
see how many reward points they or their team has accumulated.
[0045] Next, the control system of the interactive tower attraction
10 and/or the AR system may calculate the amount of reward points
each rider 14 and/or each team or ride vehicle 12 has earned based
on the signals (block 104). The control system may then compare the
reward points earned by each rider 14 and/or each ride vehicle 12
with a reward motion threshold value (block 106). If the control
system determines that the reward points earned by riders 14 or the
ride vehicles 12 are not greater than the reward motion threshold
value, the method 100 may begin again at block 102 with riders
actively and/or passively interacting with the elements of the AR
ride environment 64. If the control system determines that the
reward points earned by a rider 14 or a ride vehicle 12 is greater
than the reward motion threshold value, the control system may
trigger motion of that ride vehicle 12 or the ride vehicle 12 in
which that rider 14 is seated. For example, if the control system
determines that one of the ride vehicles 12 has earned an amount of
reward points that exceeds the reward motion threshold value,
because the riders 14 of the ride vehicle 12 have successfully hit
other targets 68 and/or characters 70 and/or have successfully
dodged incoming AR shells 74 from other ride vehicles 12, the
control system may trigger motion in an upward direction 48, or any
of the other motions previously discussed with reference to FIG. 3.
In some embodiments, such motion triggered by exceeding the reward
motion threshold may positon the ride vehicle 12 in a positon that
increases the difficulty for riders 14 of other ride vehicles 12 to
hit the target 68 of the ride vehicle 12, and/or may increase the
variable ride experience.
[0046] The earned reward points may clear after each time the
reward motion threshold value is exceeded. There may be a
particular order that motion patterns are triggered each time the
reward motion threshold is exceeded, or different motion patterns
discussed previously may be triggered randomly each time the reward
motion threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, there may be
multiple reward motion thresholds, each corresponding to a
different triggered motion or combination of motions. In such
embodiments, the reward motion threshold values may increase in
value such that different motions or combinations of motions are
triggered as the earned reward points for the riders 14 and/or the
ride vehicles 12 increase throughout the duration of the ride. Each
increasing reward motion threshold value may correspond to a motion
pattern, or the control system may randomly assign motion patterns
to each reward motion threshold value. In some embodiments, the
motions may be triggered in the same order for each rider 14 or
ride vehicle 12 and/or correspond to the same increasing reward
motion threshold value for each rider 14 or ride vehicle 12.
However, in other embodiments, different motions may be triggered
for each exceeded reward motion threshold between the riders 14
and/or the ride vehicles 12. Triggering of motions of the ride
vehicles 12 when reward motion threshold values are exceeded may
increase the variation of ride experiences for the riders 14.
[0047] It should be understood that the method 100 may be an
iterative or repeating process that is performed throughout the
duration of the ride to trigger motion of the ride vehicles 12. As
such, the control system may be continuously calculating earned
reward point totals for the riders 14 and/or the ride vehicles 12
and determining whether the reward motion threshold value has been
exceeded to trigger motion of the ride vehicles 12. Further, the
method 84 and the method 100 may be performed simultaneously during
operation of the interactive tower attraction 10 to trigger motion
of the ride vehicles 12 and to generate a total combined score for
each ride vehicle 12. That is, the total score may be a reward
score with a penalty score subtracted. In some embodiments, the
control system may trigger precarious tilting or leaning of the
ride vehicles 12 during the method 84 and/or the method 100 as the
accumulated damage point totals and/or the earned reward point
totals near the motion threshold or the reward motion threshold,
thus creating a more suspenseful and entertaining ride
experience.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a control system 118
that may be employed within the interactive tower attraction 10 to
control movement of the ride vehicles and the AR ride environment
64 displayed to the riders 14. The control system 118 may include
an attraction system controller 120 that may be communicatively
coupled to the other elements of the interactive tower attraction
10. The attraction system controller 120 may include a memory 122
and a processor 124. In some embodiments, the memory 122 may
include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable
media that store instructions executable by the processor 124
and/or data to be processed by the processor 124. For example, the
memory 122 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory
(ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard
drives, optical discs, and/or the like. Additionally, the processor
124 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or
more application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field
programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof.
Further, the memory 122 may store instructions executable by the
processor 124 to perform the methods and control actions described
herein for the interactive tower attraction 10.
[0049] The attraction system controller 120 may further include one
or more input/output (I/O) devices 126 that may facilitate
communication between the attraction system controller 120 and a
user (e.g., operator). For example, the I/O devices may include a
button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, and/or the like to enable
user interaction with the attraction system controller 120 and the
control system 118. Additionally, the I/O devices 126 may include
an electronic display to facilitate providing a visual
representation of information, for example, via a graphical user
interface (GUI), and application interface, text, a still image,
and/or video content. Further, the attraction system controller 120
may be configured to communicate with other elements of the
interactive tower attraction 10 over wired or wireless
communication paths. In some embodiments, the attractions system
controller 120 may include a communication module 128 that may
facilitate transmission of information between the attraction
system controller 120 and the other elements of the control system
118 and the interactive tower attraction 10, such as an augmented
reality (AR) system 130.
[0050] The AR system 130 may be communicatively coupled to the
attraction system controller 120. The AR system 130 may enable
display of the AR ride environment 64, including the targets 68,
the characters 70, and the AR shells 74, displayed to the riders 14
of the interactive tower attraction 10 via the visualization
devices 66. The AR system 130 may include an AR controller 132 that
may be configured to cause display of the elements of the AR ride
environment 64. The AR controller 132 may include a memory 134 and
a processor 136. In some embodiments, the memory 134 may include
one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media that
store instructions executable by the processor 136 and/or data to
be processed by the processor 136. For example, the memory 134 may
include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives,
optical discs, and/or the like. Additionally, the processor 136 may
include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more
application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field
programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof.
[0051] The AR system 130 may further include a display module 138
and a sound module 140. The display module 138 may be
communicatively coupled to the AR controller 132 and the
visualization devices 66 worn by the riders 14. The display module
138 may generate the AR ride environment 64 and cause display of
the elements of the AR ride environment 64 via the visualization
devices 66. Further, the display module 138 may be communicatively
coupled to the sound module 140 that may cause production of the
sounds corresponding to the displayed AR ride environment 64. The
processor 136 of the AR controller 132 may be configured to
determine the correct viewing angle for each rider 14 of the
interactive tower attraction 10 and transmit signals indicative of
the viewing angles to the display module 138. Thus, the elements of
the AR ride environment 64 may be displayed to each rider 14 as it
should be viewed from their position of the interactive tower
attraction 10. Further, the processor 136 of the AR controller 132
and/or the processor 124 of the attraction system controller 120
may be configured to calculate the damage points accumulated and
the reward points earned, as previously discussed with reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6. The AR controller 132 may be configured to store in
the memory 134 a model of the attraction 10 based on image data,
location data, and/or other data relating to the attraction 10 and
upon which the AR images are overlaid.
[0052] The attraction system controller 120 and the AR system
controller 132 may each be communicatively coupled to a ride
vehicle controller 142 of each ride vehicle 12. Each ride vehicle
12 may include the ride vehicle controller 142. The ride vehicle
controller 142 may include a memory 144 and a processor 146. In
some embodiments, the memory 144 may include one or more tangible,
non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructions
executable by the processor 146 and/or data to be processed by the
processor 146. For example, the memory 144 may include random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), rewritable
non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, optical
discs, and/or the like. Additionally, the processor 146 may include
one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more
application specific processors (ASICs), one or more field
programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof.
[0053] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle controller 142 may
receive signals (e.g., inputs, feedback, etc.) from the input
devices 72 associated with that particular ride vehicle 12 and
process the received signals to control operation of the respective
ride vehicle 12. For example, if the input devices 72 include one
or more devices used to steer or dodge, the ride vehicle controller
142 may process the signals from those input devices to control
certain movements of the ride vehicle. Further, the ride vehicle
controller 142 may send the signals received from the input devices
72 to the AR controller 132 and/or the attraction system controller
120, which may use the received signals to calculate the
accumulated damage points and/or the earned reward points for the
respective rider 14 and/or the respective ride vehicle 12. The
attraction system controller 120 or the AR controller 132 may
calculate the accumulated damage points and the earned reward
points and may compare them to the respective motion threshold
value or the reward motion threshold value. Alternatively, such
comparison may be performed by the ride vehicle controller 142.
Further, signals received from the input devices 72 may be used by
the AR system 130 to modify the displayed AR ride environment 64
based on the received inputs.
[0054] The motion threshold value(s) and the reward threshold
value(s) may be stored in the memory 122, the memory 134, and/or
the memory 144. Further, the motions triggered by exceeding each
motion threshold value or each reward motion threshold value may
also be stored in the memory 122, the memory 134, and/or the memory
144. In some embodiments, the triggered motions may be random each
time the motion threshold or the reward motion threshold is
exceeded. In such embodiments, the processor 124, the processor
136, or the processor 146 may randomly select a motion, from the
motions described above with reference to FIG. 3, each time a
threshold is exceeded. However, in some embodiments, particular
motions or combinations of motions may correspond to each threshold
exceeded.
[0055] To provide the movement to the ride vehicles 12 to perform
the motions triggered when the motion threshold and/or the reward
motion threshold is exceeded, and to lift the ride vehicles 12 to
the starting position 56 at the beginning of the ride, the ride
vehicles 12 may each include a motor 148 and a brake 150. When the
attraction system controller 120 or the AR controller 132
determines that one of the threshold values has been exceeded, a
signal to trigger one of the associated motions may be sent to the
respective ride vehicle controller 142. The ride vehicle controller
142 may then send a signal indicative of the triggered motion to
the motor 148 and the brake 150 of the ride vehicle 12 to produce
the triggered motion. It should be understood that the processes
described as being performed by a particular controller of the
control system 118 may additionally or alternatively be performed
by any of the other controllers of the control system 118 to
display the AR ride environment 64 and produce the motions of the
ride vehicles 12 creating an varied, competitive, and interactive
experience for the riders 14.
[0056] In order to ride the interactive tower attraction 10, the
riders 14 must load into the ride vehicles 12. In some embodiments,
a traditional method of loading and unloading of the ride vehicles
12 may be used, such as entering the tower 16 on foot and loading
and unloading the ride vehicles 12 within the tower 16. However,
FIG. 8 illustrates a system of loading and unloading the ride
vehicles 12 that may enable a greater throughput of riders 14
and/or may enable extension of the ride time of the interactive
tower attraction 10 by decreasing the time required to load and
unload the riders 14. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of one
wall of the tower 16.
[0057] As illustrated, the interactive tower attraction 10 may
include two ride vehicles 12 disposed on opposite sides of each
wall of the tower 16, such that one ride vehicle 12 is disposed
inside 160 of the tower 16 while the other ride vehicle 12 is
disposed outside 162 of the tower 16 at a particular time. As such,
there may be an inner ring of ride vehicles 12 inside 160 the
tower, while another ring of ride vehicles 12 may be outside 162 of
the tower. In some embodiments, a lower portion 164 of the length
166 of the tower track 20 and the interior wall 18 may be rotatable
in the direction 168 about a central vertical axis 170 of the wall
18. The lower portions 164 of the tower track 20 and the interior
wall 18 may be rotatable 180.degree. or 360.degree. to enable one
ride vehicle 12 to enable each ride vehicle 12 to be rotated from
inside 160 the tower 16 to outside 162 the tower, and back again.
Each ride vehicle 12 disposed about each wall of the tower 16 may
be coupled to a section of the tower track 20 corresponding to the
lower portion 164. As such, when the lower portions 164 of the
tower track 20 and the wall 18 are rotated in the direction 168,
the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 that is currently
disposed inside 160 of the tower 16 may be coupled via a track
switch 171 to an upper portion 172 of the tower track 20 to create
the whole length 166 of the tower track 20 for operation of the
interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the upper
portion 172 may be larger than the lower portion 164.
[0058] With this configuration, while the riders 14 inside 160 of
the tower are riding the interactive tower attraction 10, new
riders 174 may be loading the ride vehicles currently outside 162
of the tower. Therefore, when the current interactive tower
attraction 10 ride comes to an end, the ride vehicles 12 may be
lowered along the tower track 20 to the lower portion 164 where the
lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 may be decoupled from the
upper portion 172 of the tower track 20 via the track switch 171.
The lower portion 164 of the interior wall 18 and the tower track
20 may be rotated in the direction 168 about the axis 170 to
transfer the ride vehicle 12 that just finished the ride from
inside 160 to outside 162 the tower. Such rotation will
simultaneously transfer the newly boarded ride vehicle 12 that was
outside 162 of the tower 16 to inside 160 of the tower 16 to begin
their ride. The riders 14 that just finished their ride may then
unload from the ride vehicles 12 outside 162 of the tower 16 and
those ride vehicles 12 may be loaded with new riders 174.
Therefore, the loading and unloading system illustrated in FIG. 8
may increase the efficiency and loading and unloading and may
decrease time between rides of the interactive tower attraction 10
and, thus, may increase the throughput of riders 14 and may
increase ride time of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some
embodiments, more than two ride vehicles 12 and positions may be
employed (e.g., loading vehicle, unloading vehicle, active ride
vehicle, each in a respective location about an axis or
rotation).
[0059] While the ride vehicles 12 are depicted as holding multiple
riders 14, as previously discussed, in some embodiments, the ride
vehicles 12 may be single rider ride vehicles 12. To illustrate,
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the
interactive tower attraction 10 having multiple single passenger
ride vehicles 12 disposed within the tower 16. The interactive
tower attraction 10 includes multiple single passenger ride
vehicles 12 each coupled to a corresponding tower track 20 and
positioned adjacent to separate interior walls 18 of the tower 16.
As such, the ride vehicles 12 of the interactive tower attraction
10 may be disposed circumferentially 26 about the interior of the
tower 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicles 12 are
positioned adjacent to half of the interior walls 18 of the tower
16, in such a configuration that there is a ride vehicle 12
adjacent to every other interior wall 18. In other embodiments, any
quantity of the ride vehicles 12 may each be positioned adjacent to
a corresponding quantity of interior walls 18 in any position that
may enable the riders 14 to interact with the ride environment
and/or the other ride vehicles 12 of the interactive tower
attraction 10. In some embodiments, with single passenger ride
vehicles 12, each rider 14 may interact with the AR ride
environment 64 and the other riders 14 to earn reward points and
accumulate damage points individually. However, in other single
passenger ride vehicle 12 embodiments, the riders 14 may be on
teams indicated by colors or other indications, as discussed above
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0060] While only certain features of present embodiments have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes
will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the
disclosure.
[0061] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced
and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a
practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical
field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely
theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this
specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for
[perform]ing [a function] . . . " or "step for [perform]ing [a
function] . . . ", it is intended that such elements are to be
interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims
containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended
that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
112(f).
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