Interactive tower attraction system and method

Abstract

A ride attraction system includes a tower track (20) and a ride vehicle (12) configured to accommodate one or more riders (14). The ride vehicle (12) is coupled to the tower track (20) and configured to move relative to the tower track (20), and the ride vehicle (12) includes one or more user input devices (72). The ride attraction system also includes an image system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the user input devices (72) 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 (72). The ride attraction system further includes a controller (120) communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle (12) and the image system and configured to control movement of the ride vehicle (12) relative to the tower track (20) based on signals from the one or more user input devices (72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to interactive tower attraction systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] Theme parks or amusement park rides have become increasingly popular. One type of amusement park attraction can be made of a tower ride that gives the rider a sensation of descending toward the ground. In such a ride, the motion of the passenger conveyor typically consists of a rise to the top of the tower, followed by a free-fall motion during descent. Tower rides can differ from one another in terms of the height of the tower, the configuration of the ride conveyor, and the combination of effects and scenes (e.g., surrounding props and audio / visual effects) based on narration. However, compared to other types of rides, it is now recognized that tower rides typically provide fewer opportunities for variable ride experiences. For example, although roller coasters can be configured to combine different loops, descents, ascents, and turns so that each roller coaster provides a different ride experience, different types of tower rides can provide roughly similar ride experiences. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a ride attraction system includes a tower track and a ride conveyor configured to accommodate one or more riders. The ride conveyor is coupled to the tower track and configured to move relative to the tower track, and the ride conveyor includes one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system also includes an image system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the user input device is configured to enable one or more riders to interact with elements of the ride environment via the one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ride conveyor and the image system and configured to control movement of the ride conveyor 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 of the plurality of ride vehicles is coupled to a corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and is configured to move with three or more degrees of freedom relative to the corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and independently of other ride vehicles in the plurality of ride vehicles. The ride attraction system also includes at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride vehicles, each user input device configured to receive user input and provide a user input signal. The ride attraction system also includes a controller configured to receive the user input signal from each user input device and, based on the received user input signal, provide instructions to a ride vehicle controller of a respective ride vehicle in the plurality of ride vehicles to initiate a motion mode for the respective ride vehicle.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method includes: receiving a user input signal at a controller from a user input device associated with a corresponding ride conveyance in a plurality of ride conveyances; determining, via the controller, a sum of scores for each of the plurality of ride conveyances based on the received user input signal; and triggering, via the controller, one or more movements of an individual ride conveyance in the plurality of ride conveyances, independent of other ride conveyances in the plurality of ride conveyances, based on the sum of scores accumulated by each of the plurality of ride conveyances. 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, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction according to the present technology;

[0009] Figure 2 According to this technology Figure 1 A cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction;

[0010] Figure 3 According to this technology Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a ride transport device of an interactive tower attraction;

[0011] Figure 4 According to this technology Figure 1 An interior perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction;

[0012] Figure 5The present technology is used to trigger Figure 4 A flow chart of an embodiment of a method for moving another conveyor device of an interactive tower attraction;

[0013] Figure 6 The present technology is used to trigger Figure 4 A flow chart of an embodiment of a method of moving your own conveyor in an interactive tower attraction;

[0014] Figure 7 According to this technology, Figure 4 A block diagram of an embodiment of a control system employed within an interactive tower attraction;

[0015] Figure 8 According to this technology Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a loading and unloading system for an interactive tower attraction; and

[0016] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction employing a single rider transporter in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure relates to interactive tower attractions for theme parks or amusement parks. This technology provides an interactive tower attraction that facilitates rider interaction with the ride environment and with each other. For example, user input or user-driven selections can trigger movement of one or more conveyances and / or changes in ride effects. In this way, repeat riders can have a different experience during each ride. Furthermore, the ride experience can be tailored to the ride narrative or purpose.

[0018] This interaction with the environment and / or other riders can allow riders to influence the movement of other ride vehicles and, in some embodiments, their own ride vehicles. Interactive tower attractions can include augmented reality (AR) systems, virtual reality (VR) systems, special effects (SFX) systems, and / or projection systems to provide an immersive environment with which riders can interact. Furthermore, the AR, VR, and / or projection systems allow for interaction between riders and / or ride vehicles within the interactive tower attraction. The movement of the ride vehicles within the interactive tower attraction can be triggered by one or more riders within each ride vehicle interacting with the environment provided by the AR, VR, and / or projection systems. Triggering certain movements of the ride vehicles can provide experiences that can vary for each ride vehicle during the ride. Rider interaction with the ride environment can also trigger other special effects via the SFX systems, such as air blasts, cold air, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, and lighting effects.

[0019] While the present technology is disclosed in conjunction with a tower ride, other embodiments may relate to other attraction types. For example, an interactive game-type environment as provided herein may be incorporated into an attraction (e.g., a track-based ride).

[0020] Figure 1 FIG2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction 10 according to the disclosed technology, which includes at least two ride conveyors 12. The interactive tower attraction 10 can include one or more of the ride conveyors 12 for accommodating and carrying one or more riders 14 during operation of the ride. The interactive tower attraction 10 includes a tower 16 that supports the ride conveyors and provides a generally vertical conveyor path along which each conveyor 12 can move upward or downward. The ride conveyors 12 can be coupled to supports, for example, each conveyor 12 can be coupled to a corresponding tower track 20. For ease of discussion, the interactive tower attraction 10 and its components may be described with reference to an axial axis or direction 22, a radial axis or direction 24, and a circumferential axis or direction 26.

[0021] Each tower track 20 can be positioned adjacent to or within the interior wall 18 of the tower 16 and aligned with the axial axis 22 of the tower 16. While in some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 can be implemented using a freestanding or external tower track 20, the interior wall 18 can provide a generally controlled environment to facilitate AR, VR, and / or SFX effects. The tower tracks 20 can be positioned along the tower 16, and each ride conveyance 12 can move along and relative to a corresponding tower track 20. The tower tracks 20 can enable movement of the ride conveyance 12 in the axial direction 22 within the tower 16. Additionally, the ride conveyance 12 can move in other directions relative to the corresponding tower track 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In operation, each ride conveyance 12 accommodating one or more riders 14 can move along a corresponding tower track 20 and can move in other directions relative to the corresponding tower track 20 during the duration of the ride. In some embodiments, the tower track 20 can include different directional features (e.g., curves). For example, the tower track 20 can spiral up and down the tower 16.

[0022] In the depicted embodiment, each ride vehicle 12 can be positioned along a corresponding tower track 20 such that riders 14 within each ride vehicle 12 face away from the corresponding tower track 20 and toward the center 23, and thus riders 14 of each ride vehicle 12 face generally toward other riders 14 in opposite and / or adjacent ride vehicles 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10. This configuration can enable riders 14 to interact with and influence the experiences of riders 14 of other ride vehicles 12, as discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 4 and 5 In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 can include one or more screens in the center 23 such that the position of the ride vehicles 12 can enable riders 14 to face away from the corresponding tower track 20 and toward the one or more screens. In such embodiments, this configuration can enable riders 14 to interact with the screens and the ride environment. The individual tower tracks 20 that are each coupled to a corresponding ride vehicle 12 can together or individually effect axial movement of the ride vehicles 12, and thus, some of the movement of the ride vehicles 12 can be shared movement (e.g., where all ride vehicles move together) and some movement can be individual movement experienced by riders 14 in only certain ride vehicles 12 without being experienced by other ride vehicles 12 throughout the duration of the ride.

[0023] In operation, the ride vehicles 12 containing riders 14 can be elevated along the corresponding tower tracks to a particular height within the tower 16. At this starting height, the riders 14 can interact with each other and / or the ride environment, as discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 4 Such interaction can enable riders 14 to influence the movement of other ride vehicles 12 relative to their respective tower tracks 20 and / or the movement of their own ride vehicles 12 relative to the corresponding tower track 20 to which their ride vehicles 12 are coupled.

[0024] Figure 2FIG2 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction 10, illustrating a plurality of ride conveyors 12 disposed within a tower 16. In the illustrated embodiment, tower 16 includes four ride conveyors 12 and four corresponding tower tracks 20, each provided with interior walls (e.g., eight interior walls 18) configured to form an eight-sided space with an octagonal cross-sectional shape. However, in some embodiments, tower 16 may include any number of walls (e.g., four, six, ten, or twelve) forming various polygonal cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, tower 16 may include one or more curved interior walls 18; for example, tower 16 may be implemented as a vertical shaft or have a circular cross-sectional shape. As previously discussed, interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more ride conveyors 12 for accommodating and carrying one or more riders 14 during operation of the ride. Each ride conveyor 12 is coupled to a corresponding tower track 20 and is therefore coupled to, positioned adjacent to, or located within the space formed by the interior walls 18. Furthermore, the number of ride conveyors 12 and corresponding tower tracks 20 may be one, two, or more. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride conveyances 12 may be spaced apart within the interior walls 18. Eight interior walls 18 may accommodate fewer than eight ride conveyances 12 and corresponding tower tracks 20.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride conveyance 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10. As discussed, each ride conveyance 12 can accommodate and carry one or more riders 14 and can move relative to its corresponding tower track 20 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the ride conveyance 12 can move with multiple degrees of freedom relative to its corresponding tower track 20, as discussed in detail herein. Additionally, the ride conveyance 12 can include a seat 36 and a set of safety belts, supports, or straps 38 for each rider 14. As in the illustrated embodiment, in a ride conveyance 12 made for more than one rider 14, the seats 36 can be tilted or arranged to elevate the rear seats so that each rider 14 can fully see the ride and interactive area in front of the ride conveyance 12.

[0026] In some embodiments, each ride conveyor 12 may include a support frame 40 and a stepped platform 41 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 conveyor 12 and the riders 14 relative to the tower track 20. The control system may enable movement of the ride conveyor 12 with multiple degrees of freedom relative to the tower track 20. In some embodiments, such movement may include axial movement along the tower track 20, including both controlled and free-fall motion. Movement of the ride conveyor 12 may also include movement such as pitching, rocking, and rolling, either alone or in combination. To facilitate discussion of the movement of the ride conveyor 12 and the degrees of freedom of such movement, the movement of the ride conveyor 12 may be described with reference to the x-axis 42, y-axis 44, and z-axis 46 of the ride conveyor 12. The y-axis 44 is an axis of the ride conveyor 12 parallel to the axial axis 22 of the tower 16 and the tower track 20. The X-axis 42 is an axis perpendicular to the Y-axis 44 and to the axial axis 22 and the tower track 20. The Z-axis 46 is an axis extending from the interior wall 18 toward the center of the tower 16 in a direction in which the ride conveyor 12 extends into the interior of the tower 16. Additionally, the movement of the ride conveyor 12 relative to the tower track 20 can be described with reference to the angle α between the Y-axis 44 and the Z-axis 46, and the angle β between the X-axis 42 and the Z-axis 46.

[0027] Each ride vehicle 12 can move with two or more degrees of freedom (e.g., two, three, or four degrees of freedom) relative to the corresponding tower track 20, as discussed in more detail below. Each ride vehicle 12 can move vertically, for example, upward and downward, along a direction 48 relative to the corresponding tower track 20. This movement can be parallel to the tower track 20, the interior wall 18, and the axial axis 22. In some embodiments, this movement can be a controlled ascent or descent of the ride vehicle 12 along the tower track, controlled by a control system. In some embodiments, the movement along the tower track 20 and the Y-axis 44 can include a free-fall (e.g., uncontrolled fall) movement, where the speed of descent is uncontrolled, thereby creating the sensation of falling or dropping toward the ground. As provided herein, one or more movements of the ride vehicle 12, performed sequentially or in parallel, can be referred to as a motion mode. As provided herein, a motion mode can be initiated in response to a user-driven ride event. Furthermore, a separate motion mode can apply to only one of the multiple ride vehicles 12 within the attraction 10.

[0028] Movement along the tower track 20 in direction 48 may be used at the start of a ride to lift the ride vehicle 12 and riders 14 from the ground to the ride's starting height or starting location 56 within the tower 16. Movement along the tower track 20 in direction 48, which may be a controlled fall, a free fall, or both, may occur during the duration of the ride as riders 14 interact with other ride vehicles 12 and / or the ride environment. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may move up and down along the tower track 20 from the starting location 56 during the duration of the ride. In such embodiments, the starting location 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 during the duration of the ride to position the ride vehicle 12 in the starting location 56 or to return the ride vehicle 12 to the starting location 56 after a controlled or free fall. In such an embodiment, the starting location 56 may be a distance away from the top of the tower 16 and / or the top of the tower track 20 so that the ride conveyance 12 may move upward from the starting location 56 during the ride. Furthermore, such movement 48 along the tower track 20 during the duration of the ride may be triggered by the interaction of the riders 14 of the ride conveyance 12 with other ride conveyances 12 and / or the ride environment (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. Figure 5 and 6 ), and / or such movement 48 can be programmed to occur via a control system.

[0029] Furthermore, each ride conveyance 12 can move or tumble in a circumferential direction 50 about the Z-axis 46 relative to the tower rail 20. This tumbling motion can be clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the Z-axis 46. The ride conveyance 12 can rotate 360° clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the Z-axis 46. Thus, the ride conveyance 12 can rotate through full clockwise and counterclockwise barrel rolls (e.g., 360° rotations) and can rotate to any angle within a barrel roll. The circumferential motion 50 can occur during the duration of the ride to flip and / or tumble the ride conveyance 12 and riders upside down and can be triggered by interactions of the riders 14 of the ride conveyance 12 with other ride conveyances 12 and / or the ride environment (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 2 ). Figure 5 and 6 4. In some embodiments, the circumferential motion 50 (e.g., a tumbling motion) may be programmed to occur by the control system. In some embodiments, the tumbling motion about the Z-axis 46 in the direction 50 may occur after or in combination with one or more different motions, such as the linear motion in the direction 48.

[0030] Additionally, each ride vehicle 12 can twist or tilt (e.g., pitch) about the X-axis 42 in the direction 52. This pitch motion 52 can 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 can decrease or increase the angle a between the Y-axis 44 and the Z-axis 46. For example, the angle a can be 90° when the ride vehicle 12 is in the starting position 56, and the front of the ride vehicle 12 can tilt upward, thus decreasing the angle a by the angle of the tilt. The front of the ride vehicle 12 can tilt upward up to 90° and downward up to 90° about the X-axis 42, and thus can tilt upward to 180° about the X-axis 42. The upward and downward tilting (e.g., pitching) about the X-axis 42 can occur during the duration of the ride and can be triggered by the rider 14 of the ride vehicle 12 interacting with other ride vehicles 12 and / or the ride environment (as referenced above with respect to the ride vehicle 12), and / or this tilting can be programmed to occur by the control system (as discussed in more detail below with respect to the ride vehicle 12 and the control system). Figure 5 and 6 discussed in more detail), and / or this tilting can be programmed to occur by the control system. In some embodiments, the tilting (e.g., pitching) about the X-axis 42 in the direction 52 can occur after 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 roll motion in the direction 50 about the Z-axis 46.

[0031] Additionally, each ride vehicle 12 can twist or tilt (e.g., rock) about the Y-axis 44 in the direction 54. This rock motion 54 can 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 can decrease or increase the angle b between the X-axis 42 and the Z-axis 46. For example, the angle b can be 90° when the ride vehicle 12 is in the starting position 56, and the front of the ride vehicle 12 can tilt to the right, thus decreasing the angle b by the angle of the tilt. The front of the ride vehicle 12 can tilt to the left up to 90° and to the right up to 90°, and thus can tilt up to 180° about the Y-axis 44. The left and right tilting (e.g., rocking) about the Y-axis 44 can occur during the duration of the ride and can be triggered by the rider 14 of the ride vehicle 12 interacting with other ride vehicles 12 and / or the ride environment (as referenced above with respect to the ride vehicle 12), and / or this tilting can be programmed to occur by the control system (as discussed in more detail below with respect to the ride vehicle 12 and the control system). Figure 5 and 6In some embodiments, tilting (e.g., pitching) about the Y-axis 44 in direction 54 may occur after or in combination with one or more different motions of the ride conveyance 12, such as linear motion in direction 48, circumferential rolling motion about the Z-axis 46 in direction 50, and / or tilting (e.g., pitching) motion about the X-axis 42 in direction 52.

[0032] The motion or movement of the ride conveyances 12 described herein may be triggered by rider 14 interactions with other ride conveyances 12, may be pre-programmed motions that occur at particular points during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10, or a combination thereof.

[0033] Riders 14 may interact with other ride vehicles 12 and / or the ride environment to initiate motion modes for one or more ride vehicles 12 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. Such interactions with other ride vehicles 12 and / or riders 14 may provide signals that trigger the interactive tower attraction 10 to provide a different experience for each ride vehicle 12 and a different experience each time the interactive tower attraction 10 is visited. In some embodiments, such interactions with other ride vehicles 12 and / or the ride environment may also trigger other special effects such as air blasts, cold air, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, and lighting effects via the SFX system. Figure 4 An interior perspective view of an embodiment of the interactive tower attraction 10 is illustrated showing an augmented reality (AR) ride environment 64 that can be seen and interacted with by the riders 14. Each of the riders 14 can wear a visualization device 66 that enables the rider 14 to see the AR ride environment 64 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. As illustrated, Figure 4 The AR riding environment 64 is depicted as seen from the perspective of a particular rider 65 .

[0034] During the ride, within the interactive tower attraction 10, each rider 14 may wear a visualization device 66 and may see the same AR ride environment 64 as that seen by a particular rider 65 from their perspective. The visualization device 66 may be communicatively coupled to an AR system (described below with reference to FIG. Figure 7), which can enable AR images within the AR ride environment 64 to be visible to the riders 14 through the visualization device 66. In some embodiments, the riders 14 can purchase or otherwise be provided with the visualization device 66, such as electronic glasses, lenses, or a headset, to wear throughout the duration of the ride. The visualization device can be used to display the AR ride environment 64 so that the riders 14 can see 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, 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, which are shown as animals in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include a particular theme, and elements of the AR ride environment 64 (e.g., targets 68 and characters 70) may be consistent with the particular theme. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may be part of a larger theme, such as a theme or segment of a ride at an amusement park. Thus, the characters 70 may be any type of character or element that fits the theme of the interactive tower attraction 10. Riders 14 may interact with the targets 68 and / or characters 70 of the AR ride environment 64 using input devices 72, which may be weapons, selection tools, joysticks, etc., and which receive user input and generate user input signals representing the input. Each rider 14 may have an input device 72 associated with their seat on the ride vehicle 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the input devices 72 include devices for firing, for example, AR projectiles 74 at the targets 68 and / or characters 70. In such an embodiment, the AR projectile 74 fired using the input device 72 may be visible to the rider 14 as part of the AR ride environment 64 via the visualization device 66, thereby creating a more interactive and immersive experience for the rider 14. Additionally, any explosions or other AR effects associated with hitting or otherwise interacting with the target 68, character 70, or other elements of the AR ride experience (e.g., feedback indicating selection of the target 68) may be visible to the rider 14 as part of the AR ride environment via the visualization device 66, thereby further enhancing the ride experience. In some embodiments, the input device 72 may cause or control other interactions with the AR ride environment 64, such as causing movement of a robotic 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 conveyance 12 (and, for example, visible only to its associated ride conveyance 12), or may be global targets 68 that are available and / or visible to all ride conveyances 12. In some embodiments, the AR environment may indicate, through a visual cue (e.g., a special color), that a subset of targets 68 are available only to a subset of the ride conveyances 12 for interaction. When a target 68 is available for interaction, the user input device 72 may generate an interaction signal associated with a successful interaction. In some embodiments, the attraction 10 may be configured to present a target 68 overlapping or adjacent to each ride conveyance 12 when viewed in the AR environment, and the target 68 serves as a visible target 68 that riders 14 in other ride conveyances 12 may interact with to aim at a competing ride conveyance 12. For example, a rider 14 may fire an AR projectile 74 at a target 68 above another ride conveyance 12 to cause the associated ride conveyance 12 to fire as described herein with reference to FIG. Figure 3 In some embodiments, some or all of the riders 14 of each ride conveyance 12 may be considered a team. In such embodiments, each team may be indicated by a different color on a target 68 above its ride conveyance 12, or by any other indication, such as an AR image or text on the target 68 or ride conveyance 12, or the color of the ride conveyance 12. Riders 14 of each team may shoot at or otherwise interact with the targets 68 of other teams and may cumulatively cause movement of the other teams and ride conveyances 12, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 5 As discussed in more detail below, for example, the riders 14 of each team (e.g., ride conveyance 12) can accumulate points as a team relative to each other team by shooting at each other team's targets 68. A particular threshold of accumulated points can trigger a particular movement of the ride conveyance 12 (e.g., the ride conveyance 12 associated with the hit target 68) relative to the accumulated points. As another example, all riders 14 of the other teams can accumulate points as a whole relative to a particular team, and when a particular score threshold is reached, movement of that particular ride conveyance 12 can be triggered.

[0037] Further, in some embodiments, the input devices 72 can include devices for piloting the ride vehicles 12 such that the ride vehicles 12 can move to dodge or avoid incoming AR cannonballs 74 from hitting the targets associated with the ride vehicles 12. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more riders 14 of a ride vehicle 12 can control the motion of the ride vehicle 12 to dodge incoming interactions from other ride vehicles 12, while other riders 14 of the ride vehicle 12 can control the input devices 72 that shoot or otherwise actively interact with the targets 68 of other ride vehicles 12 and / or the characters 70 of the AR ride environment 64. In such embodiments, control of piloting of the ride vehicle 12 can shift between the riders 14 such that each rider 14 of the ride vehicle 12 can have a turn to pilot and have a turn to actively interact with the AR ride environment 64, such as shooting AR cannonballs 74 at the targets 68 of other ride vehicles 12.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, interacting with elements of the AR ride environment 64 of the interactive tower attraction 10 can also include personal elements. For example, the visualization devices 66 can depict arrows or other indications of elements of the AR ride environment 64 (e.g., targets 68, characters 70) to aim at and / or interact with. In such cases, hitting the indicated elements can earn a personal score toward a particular threshold that can trigger movement of other ride vehicles 12 or the ride vehicle 12 in which the particular rider 14 is located. As another example, the particular rider 14 can earn a score for dodging incoming AR cannonballs 74 that have been shot at their associated target 68 by other ride vehicles 12. In some embodiments, such personal interactions with the AR ride environment 64 can trigger movement of the ride vehicle 12 in addition to movement triggered by reaching a team score threshold. However, in some embodiments, the riders 14 can not be in a team, and the personal interactions with elements of the AR ride environment 64 can be the only factor for triggering movement of the ride vehicle 12.

[0039] Interactions by a rider 14 of one ride vehicle 12 with the targets 68 and characters 70 of the AR ride environment 64 can trigger movement of other ride vehicles 12 that the rider 14 is shooting at or otherwise interacting with, and can also trigger movement of the ride vehicle 12 that the rider 14 is located in. To illustrate, Figure 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 84 for triggering movement of another ride vehicle 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10 by interacting with the AR ride environment 64. Further, Figure 6A flow chart of an embodiment of a method for triggering movement of an individual ride conveyance 12 by a rider 14 in the individual ride conveyance 12 is illustrated.

[0040] Go to Figure 5 The method 84 may include a rider 14 of a ride conveyance 12 interacting with a target 68 of the AR ride environment 64 to increase the total loss score of other ride conveyances 12 and / or teams. Based on the interaction with the target (via the user input device 72), a signal indicating the interaction is received (block 86). A score for each conveyance 12 is updated based on the interaction. The score may be a total score or may be individual penalty points and / or bonus points. In one embodiment, the score is a penalty point indicating a successful hit of a target 68 located at or near a particular ride conveyance 12. For example, when a rider 14 of another ride conveyance 12 hits a target 68 on one of the ride conveyances, a signal indicates a successful interaction (hit), and the total loss score for that ride conveyance 12 may be increased. Each ride conveyance 12 and / or team may accumulate the loss score for their targets 68 hit by riders 14 of other ride conveyances 12. In some embodiments, the total loss score may be indicated by a number, symbol, color, or other indication (which may be visible via the visualization device 66 on or near the target 68) so that the riders 14 in the other ride vehicles 12 can see how many loss scores have accumulated for each of the other ride vehicles 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the total loss score (i.e., penalty points) for the ride vehicle 12 in which the rider 14 is located may be displayed to the rider 14 via the visualization device so that each rider 14 can see how many loss scores have accumulated with respect to their ride vehicle 12.

[0041] Next, the control system and / or AR system of the interactive tower attraction 10 may calculate the accumulated loss score relative to each ride conveyance 12 or team based on the signal (block 88). The control system may then compare the accumulated loss score relative to each ride conveyance 12 to a motion threshold (block 90). If the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to the ride conveyance 12 is not greater than the motion threshold, the method 84 may begin again at block 86 with the riders 14 interacting with the targets 68. If the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to one of the ride conveyances 12 is greater than the motion threshold, the control system may trigger movement of the ride conveyance 12 using a penalty score associated with a penalty movement (block 92). For example, if the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to a particular ride conveyance 12 is greater than the motion threshold, then because the riders 14 of other ride conveyances 12 have hit the targets 68 of that ride conveyance 12 a sufficient number of times, the control system may trigger a barrel roll movement in the direction 50, or the previously referenced target 68. Figure 3 Any other sports discussed.

[0042] In some embodiments, the accumulated loss score may be reset to zero each time a motion threshold is exceeded. There may be a specific motion mode that is triggered each time a motion threshold is exceeded, or a different motion mode may be randomly triggered each time a motion threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, there may be multiple motion thresholds, each corresponding to a different triggered motion mode. In such embodiments, the motion thresholds may increase in value, such that a different motion mode is triggered as the accumulated loss score relative to the ride conveyance 12 increases throughout the duration of the ride. Each increasing motion threshold may correspond to a specific motion mode, or the control system may randomly assign a motion mode to each motion threshold. In some embodiments, motion may be triggered in the same order for each ride conveyance 12 and / or corresponding to the same increasing motion threshold for each ride conveyance 12. However, in other embodiments, different motion may be triggered for each motion threshold exceeded between ride conveyances 12. Triggering motion of the ride conveyance 12 upon exceeding a motion threshold can increase the variety of the ride experience for the riders 14.

[0043] It should be understood that the method 84 may be an iterative or repetitive process performed throughout the duration of the ride to trigger movement of the ride conveyance 12. Thus, the control system may continuously calculate the total loss score for the ride conveyance 12 and determine whether a movement threshold has been exceeded to trigger movement of the ride conveyance 12.

[0044] In addition, the riders 14 can trigger the movement of their own ride conveyance 12. For illustration, Figure 61 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 100 for triggering movement of a ride vehicle 12 carrying riders 14. The method 100 may include riders 14 actively and / or passively interacting with targets 68 associated with other ride vehicles 12 and / or characters 70 of an AR ride environment 64 to generate a signal indicating a successful interaction to earn bonus points individually and / or as a team (e.g., ride vehicles 12) (block 102). For example, when a rider 14 of a ride vehicle 12 actively shoots an AR projectile 74 that hits a target 68 or character 70 of another ride vehicle 12, the shooting rider 14 earns bonus points individually and / or as a team of their ride vehicle 12. As another example, if one or more riders 14 of the ride conveyance 12 are driving the ride conveyance 12 using the input devices 72, those riders 14 may passively earn bonus points individually and / or for their team (e.g., the ride conveyance 12) by dodging incoming AR projectiles 74 so that they do not hit the targets 68 of the ride conveyance 12. In some embodiments, individual and / or team bonus point totals may be displayed to the riders 14 via a visualization device so that each rider 14 can see how many bonus points they or their team has accumulated.

[0045] Next, the control system and / or AR system of the interactive tower attraction 10 may calculate the amount of bonus points each rider 14 and / or each team or ride vehicle 12 has earned based on the signal (block 104). The control system may then compare the bonus points earned by each rider 14 and / or each ride vehicle 12 to a bonus motion threshold (block 106). If the control system determines that the bonus points earned by the rider 14 or ride vehicle 12 are not greater than the bonus motion threshold, the method 100 may begin again at block 102, with the rider actively and / or passively interacting with elements of the AR ride environment 64. If the control system determines that the bonus points earned by the rider 14 or ride vehicle 12 are greater than the bonus motion threshold, the control system may trigger motion of the ride vehicle 12 or the ride vehicle 12 in which the rider 14 is seated. For example, if the control system determines that one of the ride vehicles 12 has earned an amount of bonus points that exceeds the bonus movement threshold 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 rounds 74 from other ride vehicles 12, the control system may trigger movement in the upward direction 48, or as previously referenced. Figure 3In some embodiments, such motion triggered by exceeding a bonus motion threshold may position the ride vehicle 12 in a location that increases the difficulty of hitting the target 68 of the ride vehicle 12 for other riders 14 of the ride vehicle 12 and / or may increase the variable ride experience.

[0046] After each bonus movement threshold is exceeded, the earned bonus points may be reset to zero. There may be a specific sequence for triggering movement patterns each time a bonus movement threshold is exceeded, or a different movement pattern, as previously discussed, may be randomly triggered each time a bonus movement threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, there may be multiple bonus movement thresholds, each corresponding to a different triggering movement or combination of movements. In such embodiments, the bonus movement thresholds may increase in value, such that different movements or combinations of movements are triggered as the bonus points earned for a rider 14 and / or ride vehicle 12 increase throughout the duration of the ride. Each increasing bonus movement threshold may correspond to a movement pattern, or the control system may randomly assign a movement pattern to each bonus movement threshold. In some embodiments, movements may be triggered in the same sequence for each rider 14 or ride vehicle 12 and / or correspond to the same increasing bonus movement threshold for each rider 14 or ride vehicle 12. However, in other embodiments, different movements may be triggered for each bonus movement threshold exceeded between riders 14 and / or ride vehicle 12. Triggering movement of the ride vehicle 12 upon exceeding a bonus movement threshold can increase the variety of the ride experience for the riders 14.

[0047] It should be understood that method 100 can be an iterative or repetitive process executed throughout the duration of the ride to trigger movement of the ride vehicle 12. Thus, the control system can continuously calculate the total bonus score earned for the riders 14 and / or the ride vehicle 12 and determine whether a bonus movement threshold has been exceeded to trigger movement of the ride vehicle 12. Furthermore, method 84 and method 100 can be executed simultaneously during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10 to trigger movement of the ride vehicle 12 and generate a total combined score for each ride vehicle 12. That is, the total score can be a bonus score with penalty points subtracted. In some embodiments, the control system can trigger an unstable tilt or yaw of the ride vehicle 12 during method 84 and / or method 100 as the accumulated total lost score and / or total bonus score earned approaches a movement threshold or bonus movement threshold, thereby creating a more thrilling and engaging ride experience.

[0048] Figure 7An embodiment of a control system 118 is illustrated, which can be employed within the interactive tower attraction 10 to control the AR ride environment 64 displayed to the riders 14 and the movement of the ride conveyance. The control system 118 may include an attraction system controller 120, which may be communicatively coupled to 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 storing 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, a hard drive, an optical disk, etc. 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. Furthermore, 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 also include one or more input / output (I / O) devices 126 that can facilitate communication between the attraction system controller 120 and a user (e.g., an operator). For example, the I / O devices may include buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, and 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, such as via a graphical user interface (GUI) and application interface, text, still images, and / or video content. Furthermore, the attraction system controller 120 may be configured to communicate with other elements of the interactive tower attraction 10 via wired or wireless communication pathways. In some embodiments, the attraction system controller 120 may include a communication module 128 that can facilitate the transfer of information between the attraction system controller 120 and 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 the display of the AR ride environment 64, including the target 68, the character 70, and the AR projectile 74, to the rider 14 of the interactive tower attraction 10 via the visualization device 66. The AR system 130 may include an AR controller 132, which may be configured to cause the display of 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 storing 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, a hard drive, an optical disk, etc. In addition, 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 also 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 device 66 worn by the rider 14. The display module 138 may generate the AR ride environment 64 and cause the display of elements of the AR ride environment 64 via the visualization device 66. In addition, the display module 138 may be communicatively coupled to the sound module 140, which may cause the generation of 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 a signal indicating the viewing angle to the display module 138. Thus, the element of the AR ride environment 64 may be displayed to each rider 14 as the element should be viewed from their position of the interactive tower attraction 10. In addition, 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 accumulated loss score and the earned bonus score, as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 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 related to the attraction 10 and overlay the AR image thereon.

[0052] The attraction system controller 120 and the AR system controller 132 can each be communicatively coupled to a ride conveyor controller 142 of each ride conveyor 12. Each ride conveyor 12 can include a ride conveyor controller 142. The ride conveyor controller 142 can include a memory 144 and a processor 146. In some embodiments, the memory 144 can 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 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, a hard drive, an optical disk, etc. In addition, the processor 146 can 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 conveyor controller 142 may receive signals (e.g., input, feedback, etc.) from the input devices 72 associated with a particular ride conveyor 12 and process the received signals to control the operation of the corresponding ride conveyor 12. For example, if the input devices 72 include one or more devices for steering or ducking, the ride conveyor controller 142 may process the signals from those input devices to control certain movements of the ride conveyor. Furthermore, the ride conveyor controller 142 may send the signals received from the input devices 72 to the AR controller 132 and / or the attractions system controller 120, which may use the received signals to calculate accumulated loss points and / or earned bonus points for the corresponding rider 14 and / or the corresponding ride conveyor 12. The attractions system controller 120 or the AR controller 132 may calculate the accumulated loss points and earned bonus points and may compare them to the corresponding motion threshold or bonus motion threshold. Alternatively, such comparison may be performed by the ride conveyor controller 142. Furthermore, signals received from the input device 72 may be used by the AR system 130 to modify the displayed AR riding environment 64 based on the received input.

[0054] The motion threshold(s) and the reward threshold(s) may be stored in memory 122, memory 134, and / or memory 144. Furthermore, the motions triggered by exceeding each motion threshold or each reward motion threshold may also be stored in memory 122, memory 134, and / or memory 144. In some embodiments, the motion triggered each time a motion threshold or reward motion threshold is exceeded may be random. In such embodiments, each time a threshold is exceeded, processor 124, processor 136, or processor 146 may select a motion threshold from the above references. Figure 3The motions described are randomly selected. However, in some embodiments, a particular motion or combination of motions may correspond to each threshold that is exceeded.

[0055] To provide movement to the ride conveyor 12 to perform a triggered motion when the motion threshold and / or bonus motion threshold are exceeded, and to raise the ride conveyor 12 to the starting position 56 when the ride begins, the ride conveyor 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 thresholds has been exceeded, a signal for triggering one of the associated motions may be sent to the corresponding ride conveyor controller 142. The ride conveyor controller 142 may then send a signal indicating the triggered motion to the motor 148 and brake 150 of the ride conveyor 12 to generate 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 generate motion of the ride conveyor 12, thereby creating a varied, competitive, and interactive experience for the riders 14.

[0056] In order to ride the interactive tower attraction 10, the riders 14 must be loaded into the ride vehicle 12. In some embodiments, conventional methods of loading and unloading the ride vehicle 12 may be used, such as walking into the tower 16 and loading and unloading the ride vehicle 12 within the tower 16. However, Figure 8 A system for loading and unloading the ride conveyance 12 is illustrated, which may enable greater throughput of riders 14 and / or may enable extended ride times for the interactive tower attraction 10 by reducing the time required to load and unload riders 14 . Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of one wall of the tower 16 is shown.

[0057] As illustrated, the interactive tower attraction 10 can include two ride vehicles 12 disposed on opposite sides of each wall of the tower 16, such that at a particular time, one ride vehicle 12 is disposed on the inside 160 of the tower 16, while the other ride vehicle 12 is disposed on the outside 162 of the tower 16. Thus, there can be an inner ring of ride vehicles 12 on the inside 160 of the tower, while another ring of ride vehicles 12 can be on the outside 162 of the tower. In some embodiments, the lower portion 164 of the length 166 of the tower track 20 and the interior wall 18 can be rotatable in a direction 168 about a central vertical axis 170 of the wall 18. The lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 and the interior wall 18 can be rotatable 180° or 360° to enable one ride vehicle 12 to rotate each ride vehicle 12 from the inside 160 of the tower 16 to the outside 162 of the tower, and back again. Each ride conveyance 12 disposed about each wall of the tower 16 can be coupled to a segment of the tower track 20 corresponding to the lower portion 164. Thus, when the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 and the wall 18 are rotated in a direction 168, the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20, now disposed on the interior side 160 of the tower 16, can be coupled to the upper portion 172 of the tower track 20 via the track switch 171 to create the entire length 166 of the tower track 20 for operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the upper portion 172 can be larger than the lower portion 164.

[0058] With this configuration, while riders 14 on the inside 160 of the tower are riding the interactive tower attraction 10, new riders 174 can board the ride vehicle currently on the outside 162 of the tower. Thus, when the current ride on the interactive tower attraction 10 reaches its end, the ride vehicle 12 can be lowered along the tower track 20 to the lower portion 164, where the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 can be separated from the upper portion 172 of the tower track 20 via a track switch 171. The lower portion 164 of the interior wall 18 and the tower track 20 can rotate about an axis 170 in a direction 168 to transfer the ride vehicle 12 that has just completed its ride from the inside 160 of the tower to the outside 162. This rotation simultaneously transfers the newly boarded ride vehicle 12 on the outside 162 of the tower 16 to the inside 160 of the tower 16 to begin its ride. Riders 14 who have just completed their ride can then be unloaded from the ride conveyors 12 on the outside 162 of the tower 16, and those ride conveyors 12 can be loaded with new riders 174. Figure 8The loading and unloading system illustrated in FIG can increase efficiency and loading and unloading and can reduce the time between rides of the interactive tower attraction 10 and, therefore, can increase the throughput of riders 14 and can increase the ride time of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, more than two ride conveyors 12 and positions can be employed (e.g., a loading conveyor, an unloading conveyor, an active ride conveyor, each in a corresponding position about an axis or in rotation).

[0059] Although the ride conveyance 12 is depicted as accommodating multiple riders 14, as previously discussed, in some embodiments, the ride conveyance 12 may be a single rider ride conveyance 12. For purposes of illustration, Figure 9 A cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction 10 having multiple individual passenger ride conveyors 12 disposed within a tower 16 is shown. The interactive tower attraction 10 includes multiple individual passenger ride conveyors 12, each coupled to a corresponding tower track 20 and positioned adjacent to a separate interior wall 18 of the tower 16. Thus, the ride conveyors 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10 may be arranged circumferentially 26 around the interior of the tower 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride conveyors 12 are positioned adjacent to half of the interior walls 18 of the tower 16, in such a configuration that there is a ride conveyor 12 adjacent to every other interior wall 18. In other embodiments, any number of ride conveyors 12 may each be positioned adjacent to a corresponding number of interior walls 18, in any position that enables riders 14 to interact with the other ride conveyors 12 and / or the ride environment of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, utilizing a single passenger ride conveyor 12, each rider 14 may interact with the AR ride environment 64 and other riders 14 to individually accumulate loss points and win bonus points. However, in other single passenger ride conveyor 12 embodiments, the riders 14 may be in teams indicated by color or other indicators, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 4 discussed.

[0060] While only certain features of the disclosure 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 technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly advance the art and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [the function]..." or "a step for [performing] [the function]...", such elements are intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A ride attraction system comprising: a first tower track and a second tower track; a first ride conveyance and a second ride conveyance configured to accommodate one or more riders, wherein the first ride conveyance is coupled to the first tower rail and configured to move relative to the first tower rail, and the second ride conveyance is coupled to the second tower rail and configured to move relative to the second tower rail, and wherein the first ride conveyance and the second ride conveyance each include one or more user input devices associated with the first ride conveyance and the second ride conveyance; a graphics system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the one or more user input devices are configured to enable the one or more occupants to interact with elements of the displayed ride environment via the one or more user input devices; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the first ride conveyance, the second ride conveyance, and the imaging system, wherein the controller is configured to control movement of the first ride conveyance relative to the first tower rail and the second ride conveyance relative to the second tower rail 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 conveyance to move in an axial direction along the first tower rail and the second ride conveyance to move in an axial direction along the second tower rail. 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 one or more user input devices of the first ride conveyance provide the signal based on an interaction with the element of the displayed ride environment, wherein the first ride conveyance 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 conveyance and to control the movement of the second ride conveyance based on the calculated scores. 5 . The ride attraction system of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to trigger the movement of the first ride conveyance when the score exceeds a score threshold for the first ride conveyance or the second ride conveyance.

6. The ride attraction system of claim 3, wherein the displayed targets include a first subset of targets specific to the first ride conveyance and a second subset of targets specific to the second ride conveyance.

7. The ride attraction system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more user input devices comprise: a shooting device configured to virtually shoot at the element of the ride environment; Driving equipment, used to avoid incident interactions; or a combination thereof.

8. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride conveyance includes a ride conveyance controller configured to receive a signal from the controller and configured to cause movement of the first ride conveyance based on the signal received from the controller.

9. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride conveyance is configured to move about two or more axes relative to the tower track.

10. The ride attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride conveyance is configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom.

11. The ride attraction system of claim 1 , wherein the first ride conveyance moves downwardly in a falling or dropping motion.

12. A ride attraction system comprising: tower; a plurality of tower rails disposed within the tower and extending along the vertical walls of the tower; a plurality of ride conveyances, each ride conveyance of the plurality of ride conveyances coupled to a corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom relative to the corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and independently of other ride conveyances of the plurality of ride conveyances; at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride conveyances, each of the at least one user input device being configured to receive user input and provide a user input signal; as well as a controller configured to receive the user input signal from each of the at least one user input device and, based on the received user input signal, provide instructions to a ride conveyance controller of an individual ride conveyance among the plurality of ride conveyances to initiate a motion mode for the individual ride conveyance, wherein the motion mode for the individual ride conveyance includes a descending movement relative to the corresponding tower track followed by an ascending movement along the corresponding tower track, and wherein the individual ride conveyance moves independently of other ride conveyances among the plurality of ride conveyances.

13. The ride attraction system of claim 12 , comprising an 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 input signal indicative of a user interaction with the image system via the at least one user input device.

14. The ride attraction system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to cause the individual ride conveyances to bump, shake, roll, or a combination thereof according to the motion pattern based on the received user input signal.

15. The ride attraction system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to cause the individual ride conveyance to undergo the motion pattern while other ride conveyances in the plurality of ride conveyances do not undergo the motion pattern.

16. The ride attraction system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a score sum accumulated by each of the plurality of ride conveyances, wherein the score sum is based on interactions between the one or more riders and the ride environment of each of the plurality of ride conveyances, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the motion mode of the individual ride conveyance based on determining that the accumulated score sum of the individual ride conveyance is greater than or less than a score threshold.

17. The ride attraction system of claim 16, wherein the motion pattern causes the individual ride vehicles to move upward on the corresponding tower track and higher relative to other ride vehicles in the plurality of ride vehicles.

18. A method for controlling a ride attraction system, comprising: receiving, at the controller, a user input signal from a user input device associated with a corresponding ride conveyance of the plurality of ride conveyances; determining, via the controller, a sum of scores for each of the plurality of ride conveyances based on the received user input signals; as well as Via the controller, one or more movements of an individual ride vehicle among the plurality of ride vehicles are triggered independently of other ride vehicles among the plurality of ride vehicles based on the sum of the scores accumulated by each of the plurality of ride vehicles, so that the individual ride vehicle moves in an axial direction along the tower track, and another individual ride vehicle moves in an axial direction along another tower track based on the received user input signal.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the individual ride conveyance higher relative to the other ride conveyances.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein determining the score sum for the individual ride conveyance is based at least in part on a user input signal from a user input device not associated with the individual ride conveyance, and wherein the score sum for the individual ride conveyance decreases based on a user input signal from the user input device not associated with the individual ride conveyance and indicating successful aiming of the individual ride conveyance.

21. A ride attraction system comprising: a first tower track and a second tower track; a first ride conveyance coupled to the first tower track and comprising at least one seat, wherein the first ride conveyance is configured to move with two or more degrees of freedom relative to the first tower track; a second ride conveyance coupled to the second tower rail and comprising at least one seat, wherein the second ride conveyance is configured to move with two or more degrees of freedom relative to the second tower rail; a first user input device coupled to the first ride conveyance and a second user input device coupled to the second ride conveyance; a graphics system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the first user input device and the second user input device are configured to interact with elements of the displayed ride environment; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the first ride conveyance, the second ride conveyance, and the imaging system, wherein the controller is configured to control movement of the first ride conveyance and the second ride conveyance based on signals output in response to interactions of the first user input device and the second user input device with the elements of the displayed ride environment.

22. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein interaction of the first user input device with the second ride conveyance or the displayed ride environment is configured to cause the first ride conveyance or the second ride conveyance to move in a motion pattern, and / or Interaction of the second user input device with the first ride conveyance or the displayed ride environment is configured to cause the first ride conveyance or the second ride conveyance to move in a motion pattern.

23. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein the first ride conveyance comprises a platform to which the at least one seat is coupled and a support frame coupled to the platform and to the first tower track, wherein movement of the platform causes the at least one seat to pitch, rock, or tumble.

24. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein the image system comprises a projection system configured to project the elements of the displayed ride environment onto a portion of the ride attraction system, and wherein the elements of the displayed ride environment comprise images of characters, objects, or a combination thereof.

25. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein the graphics system comprises a plurality of visualization devices configured to individually display the ride environment to one or more riders, and wherein the plurality of visualization devices comprises an augmented reality (AR) system, a virtual reality (VR) system, or a combination thereof.

26. The ride attraction system of claim 21, wherein a first subset of the elements is associated with the first ride conveyance and a second subset of the elements of the displayed ride environment is associated with the second ride conveyance.

27. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein one or both of the first user input device or the second user input device comprises a shooting device configured to virtually shoot at the element of the displayed ride environment, wherein hitting the element of the ride environment earns points.

28. The ride attraction system of claim 21 , wherein the first user input device comprises a ride device, wherein the ride device is configured to output a ride signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first ride conveyance to bump, shake, roll, move axially along the first tower track, or some combination thereof based on the ride signal, and wherein dodging incident interactions earns points.

29. A ride attraction system comprising: multiple tower tracks; a plurality of ride conveyors, wherein each ride conveyor of the plurality of ride conveyors includes a stepped platform configured to provide tiered seating, and wherein each ride conveyor of the plurality of ride conveyors is coupled to a corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and configured to move in one or more degrees of freedom relative to the corresponding tower track of the plurality of tower tracks and independently of other ride conveyors of the plurality of ride conveyors; at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride conveyances, wherein each of the at least one user input device is configured to receive user input and provide a user input signal; as well as a controller configured to receive the user input signal from the at least one user input device and to provide instructions to a ride conveyor controller of an individual ride conveyor among the plurality of ride conveyors based on the received user input signal to execute a motion pattern for the individual ride conveyor, wherein the motion pattern for the individual ride conveyor includes axial movement along the corresponding tower track, and wherein the individual ride conveyor moves independently of other ride conveyors among the plurality of ride conveyors when executing the motion pattern.

30. The ride attraction system of claim 29, comprising an 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 input signal indicative of a user interaction with the image system via the at least one user input device.

31. The ride attraction system of claim 29, wherein the controller is configured to determine a total score accumulated by each of the plurality of ride vehicles, wherein the total score is based on an interaction between the at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride vehicles and an element of a displayed ride environment, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the motion mode of the individual ride vehicle based on determining that the total score accumulated by the individual ride vehicle is greater than or less than a score threshold.

32. The ride attraction system of claim 31 , wherein interaction between the at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride conveyances and the element of the displayed ride environment is configured to trigger one or more special effects, wherein the one or more special effects comprise blasts of air, cold air, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, lighting effects, or some combination thereof.

33. A method for controlling a ride attraction system, comprising: receiving, at a controller, a user input signal from a user input device associated with a ride conveyance of the plurality of ride conveyances; determining, via the controller, respective sums of scores accumulated by the ride conveyances among the plurality of ride conveyances based on the received user input signals; as well as triggering, via the controller, a first motion mode for the ride conveyance among the plurality of ride conveyances based on a sum of first scores accumulated by the ride conveyance among the plurality of ride conveyances reaching a first score threshold, wherein the first motion mode is configured to cause the ride conveyance to move, pitch, shake, roll, or some combination thereof in an axial direction along the tower track; and triggering, via the controller, a second motion mode for the ride conveyance among the plurality of ride conveyances based on a sum of second scores for the ride conveyance among the plurality of ride conveyances reaching a second score threshold, The first score threshold is different from the second score threshold, and the first motion pattern is different from the second motion pattern.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein determining the first score sum or the second score sum accumulated by the ride conveyance is further based at least in part on additional user input signals from user input devices of other ride conveyances in the plurality of ride conveyances.

Images