Dark riding tower system with fixed rooms and adjustable rooms

Abstract

A dark ride tower system (10) includes a tower having a first level and a second level (18, 26). The first level (18) includes a fixed room (20) with fixed walls (22), and the second level (26) includes an adjustable room (28) with adjustable walls (30) configured to be rearranged into various physical configurations. The dark ride tower system (10) also includes a lifting system (36) configured to alternately move the ride vehicle (16) between the first level and the second level (18, 26). Furthermore, the dark ride tower system (10) includes a first projection system (24) configured to generate a projection mapping on the fixed walls (22) to simulate the movement of the ride vehicle (16) relative to the fixed room (20) when the ride vehicle (16) is positioned within the fixed room (20). The Dark Ride Tower System (10) also includes a second projection system (32) configured to generate a projection mapping on an adjustable wall (30) to present a demonstration scene when the ride vehicle (16) is placed in an adjustable room (28).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 016,019, filed April 27, 2020, entitled “Dark Ride Tower Systems Having Stationary and Adaptable Rooms,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement park rides. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a dark ride tower system configured to transfer ride vehicles between fixed rooms and adjustable rooms. Background Technology

[0004] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of this disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is intended to help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be interpreted in this context rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0005] Amusement parks encompass various features designed to provide a unique experience for each park guest. Some features may include rides that can travel along specific paths. These paths may include elements that enhance the guest experience as the ride travels along them. For example, while traveling along a path, a ride may enter and exit several rooms, each containing elements to enhance the guest experience. However, it is now recognized that the ability to simulate more complex viewing experiences within a relatively compact space can further enhance the guest experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following provides an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these particular embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0007] In some embodiments, the dark ride tower system for an amusement park includes a tower having a first level and a second level. The first level includes a fixed room with fixed walls, and the second level includes an adjustable room with adjustable walls configured to be rearranged into various physical configurations. The dark ride tower system also includes ride vehicles configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park. The dark ride tower system also includes a lifting system configured to alternately move the ride vehicles between the first and second levels. Furthermore, the dark ride tower system includes a first projection system configured to generate a projection map on the fixed walls to simulate movement of the ride vehicles relative to the fixed rooms when the ride vehicles are positioned within the fixed rooms. The dark ride tower system also includes a second projection system configured to generate a projection map on the adjustable walls to present a demonstration scene when the ride vehicles are positioned within the adjustable rooms. The dark ride tower system also includes a controller configured to synchronize the movement of the ride vehicle caused by the lifting system, the rearrangement of the adjustable walls, and the generation of projection mappings on the fixed and adjustable walls via a first and a second projection system.

[0008] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a method includes using a lifting system to alternately move a passenger vehicle between a first floor and a second floor, the first floor including a fixed room with fixed walls, and the second floor including an adjustable room with adjustable walls configured to be rearranged into multiple physical configurations. The method also includes generating a projection map on the fixed walls via a first projection system to simulate movement of the passenger vehicle relative to the fixed room when the passenger vehicle is positioned in the fixed room. The method further includes actuating the adjustable walls to rearrange them from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration when the passenger vehicle is positioned in the fixed room. The method also includes generating a projection map on the adjustable walls via a second projection system to present a demonstration scene when the passenger vehicle is positioned in the adjustable room.

[0009] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the dark ride system for an amusement park includes a fixed room with fixed walls and an adjustable room with adjustable walls configured to be rearranged into various physical configurations. The dark ride system also includes a ride vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park. The dark ride system also includes a lifting system configured to alternately move the ride vehicle between the fixed room and the adjustable room. The dark ride system also includes a first projection system configured to generate a projection map on the fixed wall when the ride vehicle is positioned within the fixed room to simulate movement of the ride vehicle relative to the fixed room. The dark ride system also includes a second projection system configured to generate a projection map on the adjustable wall when the ride vehicle is positioned within the adjustable room to present a demonstration scene. The dark ride system also includes a controller configured to synchronize the movement of the ride vehicle caused by the lifting system, the rearrangement of the adjustable walls, and the generation of projection maps on the fixed and adjustable walls via the first and second projection systems. Attached Figure Description

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a side view of an embodiment of a dark ride tower system that can be located in an amusement park according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a side view of a dark ride tower system having a ride vehicle disposed in a fixed room in the lower level of the dark ride tower system, according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a side view of a dark ride tower system having a ride vehicle located in an adjustable room in the upper level of the dark ride tower system, according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0014] Figures 4 to 8 This is a side view of the Dark Ride Tower system according to one aspect of this disclosure, illustrating a sequence of events in the Dark Ride Tower system;

[0015] Figures 9 to 20 This is a side view of the Dark Ride Tower system according to one aspect of this disclosure, illustrating a sequence of events of another Dark Ride Tower system;

[0016] Figure 21 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dark riding tower system according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 22 and Figure 23 These are, respectively, top views of the lower and upper levels of the dark riding tower system according to one aspect of this disclosure; and

[0018] Figures 24 to 27 This is a top view of multiple dark ride tower systems arranged in different layouts of a dark ride tower system complex, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. For the purpose of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure.

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a dark ride tower system that uses a lifting system to move a ride vehicle back and forth between a fixed room and an adjustable room. The fixed room is configured to simulate the movement of the ride vehicle via images projected onto the fixed walls of the fixed room, and the adjustable room is configured to simulate various scenarios via images projected onto the adjustable walls of the adjustable room. Therefore, the embodiments described herein provide a complete dark ride experience with a relatively small footprint and eliminate the need for horizontal movement across the demonstration scene, thus eliminating the need for tracks or other transportation devices for the ride vehicle.

[0021] The ride-on vehicle, whether suspended or ground-lifted, travels vertically within the demonstration scene space. One advantage of nonlinear movement through space is that the demonstration scene can be longer than conventional demonstration scenes that utilize tracks to transport the ride-on vehicle, for example. In some embodiments, high-speed movement and scene transitions can be simulated in the lower tower section (i.e., the fixed room) via a rear projection screen (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional). The ride-on vehicle can then be raised to one or more upper levels (i.e., rooms with one or more adjustable spaces) containing both physical and projected demonstration scenes. For example, the ride-on vehicle can rise and rotate to align with different demonstration scenes presented in the adjustable spaces. In some embodiments, while the ride-on vehicle is positioned within the lower projection transition scene (i.e., the fixed room), the upper set (i.e., the upper set of the adjustable spaces) can be reconfigured via sliding panels and demonstration doors. As described in more detail herein, the demonstration set (i.e., the demonstration set of the adjustable spaces) can be moved to a variety of physical configurations, from relatively small spaces to relatively large immersive scenes. Projection mapping allows the same presentation scene to be used multiple times to represent different simulated locations. In some embodiments, additional physical scene elements (i.e., in one or more adaptable rooms) can be presented. For example, in some embodiments, these additional physical scene elements may include, but are not limited to, animated figures, special effects such as smoke, male / female actors, etc.

[0022] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle can move with multiple degrees of freedom to provide sensations that would be impossible (or significantly diminished) to provide in other ways by a tower system with only one degree of freedom (e.g., only vertical movement). Moreover, the dark ride-on tower system described herein allows for a greater variety of possible paths for the ride-on vehicle to adopt, thereby creating the possibility of providing a different experience for each guest. In fact, the dark ride-on tower system described herein can achieve the presentation of a virtually infinite number of combinations of demo scenes and simulated movements between these demo scenes.

[0023] Therefore, the Dark Ride Tower system described herein can be used to enhance the guest experience in a variety of different ways. For example, the ride vehicle can move with multiple degrees of freedom, such as rotation and translation, which can generate sensations felt by guests riding in the ride vehicle. Furthermore, the ride vehicle can enter and exit the rooms of the Dark Ride Tower system in various ways, and various demonstration scenarios can be experienced within these rooms. The combination of the movement of the ride system with the demonstrations presented in each room creates virtually an infinite number of guest experiences. The components and operation of the Dark Ride Tower system will be discussed further below.

[0024] Turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1This is a side view of an embodiment of a dark ride tower system 10 that can be located in an amusement park. Figure 1 As illustrated, the Dark Ride Tower System 10 includes a loading / unloading area 12 where passengers 14 can queue to be loaded onto and unloaded from the ride vehicle 16 after a ride cycle. Furthermore, the Dark Ride Tower System 10 includes a lower level 18 (i.e., a shaft) comprising a fixed room 20 having multiple fixed walls 22 surrounding the ride vehicle 16 when it is positioned within the fixed room 20, as described in more detail herein. Additionally, the lower level 18 includes multiple lower level projectors 24 (i.e., a lower level projection system) configured to project images onto the fixed walls 22 of the fixed room 20 to simulate the movement of the ride vehicle 16 positioned within the fixed room, as described in more detail herein. In addition, the Dark Ride Tower System 10 also includes an upper level 26, which includes one or more adjustable rooms 28 having multiple adjustable walls 30 configured to adjust (e.g., rearrange) between presentation scenes projected onto the adjusted walls 30 via multiple upper level projectors 32 (i.e., upper level projection systems), as described in more detail herein.

[0025] As in Figure 1 As illustrated by arrow 34, in some embodiments, the passenger vehicle 16 can move between the lower level 18 and the upper level 26 of the dark passenger tower system 10 via a lifting system 36, such as a suspended lifting system or a ground lifting system. For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3The diagram illustrates in more detail how the ride-on vehicle 16 can move between the lower level 18 and the upper level 26 of the dark ride-on tower system 10 via a suspended lifting system 36. However, in other embodiments, the ride-on vehicle 16 can move between the lower level 18 and the upper level 26 of the dark ride-on tower system 10 via other types of lifting systems 36, such as ground lifting systems. In some embodiments, the lifting system 36 utilizes several degrees of freedom to create sensations experienced by the passenger 14 in the ride-on vehicle 16 that cannot be otherwise provided by a conventional ride-on system that includes a limited number of degrees of freedom. For example, the lifting system 36 can generate rotational motion by rotating the ride-on vehicle 16 (e.g., about an imaginary central axis 38 of the lifting system 36) and generating translational motion (e.g., along an imaginary central axis 38 of the lifting system 36) of the ride-on vehicle 16 between the lower level 18 and the upper level 26 of the dark ride-on tower system 10. Furthermore, the lifting system 36 can also move the passenger vehicle 16 with additional degrees of freedom (e.g., roll, pitch, and yaw) relative to an imaginary central axis 38 of the lifting system 36. Therefore, the lifting system 36 can move the passenger vehicle 16 with six degrees of freedom (i.e., x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw) relative to any current position of the passenger vehicle 16. In effect, the ability of the lifting system 36 to manipulate the passenger vehicle 16 in multiple ways further enhances the ability of the adaptable room 28 to present demonstration scenes with various different projection mappings, as described in more detail herein.

[0026] Although illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein as including a dark ride tower system 10 having one or more adjustable rooms 28 with adjustable walls 30 disposed above a fixed room 20 having fixed walls 22, in other embodiments, the fixed room 20 may alternatively be disposed above one or more adjustable rooms 28. In fact, in some embodiments, the dark ride tower system 10 may include a fixed room 20 with fixed walls 22 and adjustable rooms 28 with adjustable walls 30 disposed both above and below the fixed room 20, as well as other combinations of physical configurations. However, typically, in many of these embodiments, the fixed room 20 may be disposed near the loading / unloading area 12, wherever this facilitates the loading of passengers 14 into / unloading them from the ride carrier 16. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the Dark Ride Tower System 10 may include only one fixed room 20 and an adjustable room 28 (in which the ride vehicle 16 can move), thereby simplifying the design of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 while enabling virtually unlimited combinations of presentation scenarios and simulated movements between these scenarios.

[0027] like Figure 1As illustrated herein, the functions of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 described herein can be controlled in response to control signals transmitted from one or more controllers 40. The functions of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 include, but are not limited to, movement of the ride vehicle 16 caused by the lifting system 36, movement of the adjustable walls 30 of the adjustable room 28, and the generation of a presentation scene projected via projectors 24, 32. In some embodiments, the controller(s) 40 may employ a processor 42, which may represent one or more processors, such as a dedicated processor. In some embodiments, the controller(s) 40 may also include a storage device 44 storing instructions executable by the processor 42 to perform the methods and control actions described herein for the Dark Ride Tower System 10. In some embodiments, the processor 42 may include one or more processing devices, and the storage device 44 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by processor 42 or by any general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor.

[0028] In some embodiments, controller(s) 40 may communicate with components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 via communication circuitry 46, including but not limited to the lift system 36, the adjustable walls 30 of the adjustable room 28, and projectors 24, 32. In some embodiments, communication circuitry 46 may communicate via wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, WLAN, WWAN, NFC, Wi-Fi, and / or Bluetooth. In some embodiments, communication circuitry 46 may communicate via wired networks such as LAN or WAN. By way of non-limiting example, controller(s) 40 may synchronize or provide timing control between the movement of the ride vehicle 16 caused by the lift system 36, the movement of the adjustable walls 30 of the adjustable room 28, and the generation of a projection-mapped demonstration scene via projectors 24, 32, as described in more detail herein, via communication of control signals to these components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 through communication of control signals to these components.

[0029] Figures 4 to 8 This helps to illustrate the functionality of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 described in this article. It will be understood that... Figures 4 to 8The sequence of events illustrated herein is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In reality, virtually an infinite number of combinations of movement and presentation scenes can be created via the components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10, as described in more detail herein. For example, Figures 9 to 20 The illustration shows sequences of even more complex events that can be created via components of the Dark Riding Tower System 10. For example... Figure 4 As illustrated, the sequence of events may begin with the ride vehicle 16 rotating and descending into a lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of lower level 18) to simulate travel and scene transitions (e.g., via upper level 26). At this time, as the lifting system 36 causes the ride vehicle 16 to pitch, roll, and / or rise, media (e.g., projection mapping) may be generated by the lower projector 24 on the fixed wall 22 of the fixed room 20 to simulate horizontal and / or lateral movement of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the fixed room 20 (e.g., as if the ride vehicle 16 were traveling, for example, through a magic shaft). When the ride vehicle 16 is positioned in the lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of lower level 18), at least some of the adjustable walls 30 of upper level 26 can be rearranged, such that the presentation scene of upper level 26 is reconfigured. Figure 5 As illustrated in the diagram, the passenger vehicle 16 can then be rotated and lifted upwards by the lifting system 36 to the upper level 26, where a projection-mapped demonstration scene is presented on an adjustable wall 30 via a plurality of upper projectors 32.

[0030] like Figure 6 As illustrated, after presenting the projection-mapped demonstration scene, the ride vehicle 16 can rotate again and descend into the lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of the lower level 18) for simulating travel and scene transitions (e.g., via the upper level 26). At this time, when the lifting system 36 causes the ride vehicle 16 to pitch, roll, and / or rise, media (e.g., projection mapping) can be generated by the lower projector 24 on the fixed wall 22 of the fixed room 20 to again simulate the horizontal and / or lateral movement of the ride vehicle 16 relative to the fixed room 20 (e.g., as if the ride vehicle 16 were traveling, for example, through a magic shaft). When the ride vehicle 16 is positioned in the lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of the lower level 18), at least some of the adjustable walls 30 of the upper level 26 can be rearranged so that the demonstration scene of the upper level 26 is reconfigured to a different physical configuration. Figure 7 As illustrated, passengers in vehicle 16 can then be lifted again via lifting system 36 to upper level 26. On upper level 26, different projection mapping demonstration scenes are presented on an adjustable wall 30 via multiple upper projectors 32. Figure 7 As illustrated, one or more additional physical scene elements 48 (e.g., animated figures in the illustrated embodiment) can be presented in this new presentation scene.

[0031] like Figure 8 As illustrated, in some embodiments, the adjustable wall 30 can be reconfigured to be vertically aligned with the fixed wall 22 of the lower level 18 to create a full-height enclosed tower, and the walls 22, 30 can be projected by projectors 24, 32 as the lifting system 36 causes the passenger vehicle 16 to descend from its maximum lift, physically and visually simulating gravity descent. In some embodiments, the passenger vehicle 16 can reach its minimum lift, and the lifting system 36 can rapidly accelerate the passenger vehicle 16 upwards. At the impact apex, when the passenger vehicle 16 descends again, the passenger 14 inside the passenger vehicle 16 can experience a moment of zero gravity. In some embodiments, the lifting system 36 can cause the passenger vehicle 16 to repeat this descent and upward launch multiple times until it finally stabilizes at the unloading position, at which point the passenger 14 can disembark from the passenger vehicle 16.

[0032] Figures 9 to 20 The illustration shows sequences of even more complex events that can be created via components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10. For example, Figure 9 The illustration shows the passenger vehicle 16 positioned in the lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of the lower level 18) as simulated movement of the passenger vehicle 16 is generated by the lower projector 24 and the lifting system 36, as described in more detail herein. When this occurs, one or more adaptable walls 30 can be reconfigured, such as... Figure 10 As illustrated in the diagram. Then, as shown... Figure 11 As illustrated in the diagram, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lifted by the lifting system 36, and the projected demonstration scene can be presented by the upper projector 32 onto one or more of the adjustable walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0033] Then, as Figure 12 As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lowered back into the hoisting shaft (i.e., the hoisting shaft of the lower level 18) by the lifting system 36, and the simulated movement of the passenger vehicle 16 can be generated again by the lower projector 24 and the lifting system 36, as described in more detail herein. When this occurs, one or more adjustable walls 30 can be reconfigured, as well as... Figure 12 As illustrated in the diagram. Then, as... Figure 13 As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lifted and rotated by the lifting system 36, and different projection mapping demonstration scenes can be presented by the upper projector 32 on one or more of the adjustable walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0034] Then, as Figure 14As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can descend again back into the hoisting shaft (i.e., the hoisting shaft of the lower level 18) and be rotated by the hoisting system 36, and the simulated movement of the passenger vehicle 16 can again be generated by the lower projector 24 and the hoisting system 36, as described in more detail herein. When this occurs, one or more adjustable walls 30 can be reconfigured, as well as... Figure 14 As illustrated in the diagram. Then, as... Figure 15 As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lifted and rotated by the lifting system 36, and different projection mapping demonstration scenes can be presented by the upper projector 32 on one or more of one or more adjustable walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0035] Then, as Figure 16 As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can descend again back into the hoisting shaft (i.e., the hoisting shaft of the lower level 18) and be rotated by the hoisting system 36, and the simulated movement of the passenger vehicle 16 can again be generated by the lower projector 24 and the hoisting system 36, as described in more detail herein. When this occurs, one or more adjustable walls 30 can be reconfigured, as well as... Figure 16 As illustrated in the diagram. Then, as... Figure 17 As illustrated in the diagram, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lifted by the lifting system 36, and different projection mapping demonstration scenes can be presented by the upper projector 32 on one or more of the adjustable walls 30, as described in more detail herein.

[0036] In some cases, different projection mapping demonstration scenes can be presented without lowering the vehicle 16 into the lift shaft (i.e., the lift shaft of the lower level 18). For example, as Figure 18 and 19 As illustrated herein, when one or more adjustable walls 30 are reconfigured and different projection mappings of the demonstration scene are presented by the upper projector 32 onto one or more of the adjustable walls 30, the ride vehicle 16 can be rotated by the lifting system 36, as described in more detail herein. At some point, as Figure 20 As illustrated, the passenger vehicle 16 can be lowered back into the hoisting shaft (i.e., the hoisting shaft of the lower level 18) by the lifting system 36, and the ride can end. At this point, the passenger 14 can disembark from the passenger vehicle 16 via the loading / unloading area 12, as described in more detail herein.

[0037] As described in more detail herein, the adjustable wall 30 of the adjustable room 28 can be configured to be actuated such that the adjustable wall 30 moves to various different physical configurations. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As illustrated herein, the adjustable room 28 may include a plurality of actuators 50 configured to cause movement of the adjustable wall 30, as described in more detail herein. The actuators 50 may include any type of actuator that may be physically coupled to the adjustable wall 30 and may be configured to (e.g., from one or more controllers 40) receive control signals to move the adjustable wall 30 into different physical configurations and to apply force to the adjustable wall 30 to move the adjustable wall 30 according to the received control signals.

[0038] In fact, as described in more detail in this article, Figure 1 The controller(s) 40 illustrated herein can be configured to synchronize the functions of the various components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 to enhance the experience of the guest 14. In particular, the controller(s) 40 can be configured to send control signals to the projectors 24, 32, the lifting system 36, the actuator 50, and other components of the Dark Ride Tower System 10 to synchronize or provide timing control between the movement of the ride vehicle 16 caused by the lifting system 36, the movement of the adjustable walls 30 of the adjustable room 28, and the generation of the presentation scene projected via the projectors 24, 32, as described in more detail herein.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a flowchart of method 52 for controlling the Dark Ride Tower system 10, as described in more detail herein. Figure 21 As illustrated, in some embodiments, method 52 may include using a lifting system 36 to alternately move the passenger vehicle 16 between a first level (e.g., lower level 18) and a second level (e.g., upper level 26), the first level including a fixed room 20 with fixed walls 22, and the second level including an adjustable room 28 with adjustable walls 30 configured to be rearranged into various physical configurations (box 54). Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include generating a projection mapping on the fixed walls 22 via a first projection system (e.g., lower level projector 24) when the passenger vehicle 16 is positioned within the fixed room 20 to simulate movement of the passenger vehicle 16 relative to the fixed room 20 (box 56). Additionally, in some embodiments, method 52 may include actuating the adjustable walls 30 to rearrange them from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration when the passenger vehicle 16 is positioned within the fixed room 20 (box 58). In addition, in some embodiments, method 52 may include generating a projection mapping on the adjustable wall 30 via a second projection system (e.g., upper projector 32) to present a demonstration scene when the vehicle 16 is set in an adjustable room 28 (box 60).

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include using a lifting system 36 to pitch, roll, and / or lift the passenger vehicle 16 while the first projection system (e.g., lower projector 24) generates a projection map on the fixed wall 22 to simulate horizontal and / or lateral movement of the passenger vehicle 16. Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include actuating an adjustable wall 30 of an adjustable room 28 to vertically align it with a fixed wall 22 of a fixed room 20 to create a fully enclosed tower. Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include generating synchronized projection maps on both the adjustable wall 30 and the fixed wall 22 via a first projection system and a second projection system (e.g., lower projector 24 and upper projector 32) while the adjustable wall 30 and the fixed wall 22 are vertically aligned to visually simulate gravity descent. Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include using the lifting system 36 to lower the passenger vehicle 16 to physically simulate gravity descent. Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 52 may include any of the other techniques described herein.

[0041] Figure 22 and Figure 23 These are top views of the lower level 18 and upper level 26 of the Dark Ride Tower System 10, respectively. The specific components and their configurations are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, more than one Dark Ride Tower System 10 described herein can be combined to form a Dark Ride Tower System Complex for an amusement park. Figures 24 to 27 This is a top view of multiple dark ride tower systems 10 arranged in different layouts within the dark ride tower system complexes 62, 64, and 66. For example, Figure 24 and Figure 25 These are top views of the lower level 18 and upper level 26 of the eight Dark Ride Tower Systems 10 arranged in the Dark Ride Tower System Complex 62. Furthermore, Figure 26 and Figure 27 This is a top view of the lower level 18 of ten and twelve Dark Ride Tower Systems 10 respectively arranged in Dark Ride Tower System Complexes 64 and 66. (See attached image.) Figure 24 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 As illustrated, multiple dark ride tower systems 10 can share a common entrance passage 68, which provides access to the respective loading / unloading areas 12 of the dark ride tower systems 10. As described in more detail herein, the advantage of the arranged dark ride tower systems 10 is that they can deliver a virtually unlimited number of different dark ride experiences to guests 14 within a relatively compact space. Figures 24 to 27 The arrangement of the Dark Ride Tower System Complexes 62, 64, and 66 illustrated in the figure facilitates these advantages by allowing the multiple Dark Ride Tower Systems 10 to be relatively close together.

[0042] While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0043] The techniques proposed and claimed herein are referenced and applied to physical and concrete examples of practical nature, which significantly improve the field of technology, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “means for [performing]…[function]” or “steps for [performing]…[function]”, it is intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A dark ride tower system for amusement parks, comprising: The tower includes a first floor and a second floor, the first floor including fixed rooms with fixed walls, and the second floor including adjustable rooms with adjustable walls configured to be rearranged into various physical configurations. A passenger vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park; A lifting system configured to alternately move the passenger vehicle between the first floor and the second floor; A first projection system is configured to generate a projection mapping on a fixed wall when the passenger vehicle is placed in the fixed room to simulate the movement of the passenger vehicle relative to the fixed room. A second projection system is configured to generate a projection mapping on an adjustable wall to present a demonstration scene when the vehicle is placed in the adjustable room. as well as A controller configured to synchronize the movement of the passenger vehicle caused by the lifting system, the rearrangement of the adjustable wall, and the generation of projection mappings on the fixed wall and the adjustable wall via the first projection system and the second projection system.

2. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting system is configured to translate and rotate the passenger vehicle relative to an imaginary central axis of the lifting system.

3. The dark riding tower system according to claim 2, wherein, The lifting system is configured to move the passenger vehicle with multiple degrees of freedom relative to the imaginary central axis of the lifting system.

4. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting system is configured to cause the passenger vehicle to pitch, roll, and / or rise when the first projection system generates the projection mapping on the fixed wall, to simulate horizontal and / or lateral movement of the passenger vehicle.

5. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to actuate the adjustable wall to rearrange it from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration when the passenger vehicle is located in the fixed room.

6. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to actuate the adjustable wall of the adjustable room to align vertically with the fixed wall of the fixed room to create a fully enclosed tower.

7. The dark riding tower system according to claim 6, wherein, The first projection system and the second projection system are configured to generate synchronous projection mappings on both the adjustable wall and the fixed wall when the adjustable wall is vertically aligned with the fixed wall, so as to visually simulate gravity fall.

8. The dark riding tower system according to claim 7, wherein, The lifting system is configured to bring the passenger vehicle down to physically simulate gravity-induced descent.

9. The dark ride tower system of claim 1, wherein when the ride vehicle is located in the adjustable room, it includes one or more additional physical scene elements located in the adjustable room.

10. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The second layer is positioned above the first layer in the tower.

11. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The second layer is positioned below the first layer in the tower.

12. The dark riding tower system according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting system includes a suspended lifting system or a ground lifting system.

13. The dark ride tower system according to claim 1, wherein the dark ride tower system is one of a plurality of dark ride tower systems in a dark ride tower system complex.

14. A method comprising: A lifting system is used to move the passenger vehicle alternately between a first floor and a second floor. The first floor includes fixed rooms with fixed walls, and the second floor includes adjustable rooms with adjustable walls that can be rearranged into various physical configurations. When the passenger vehicle is placed in the fixed room, a projection mapping is generated on the fixed wall via a first projection system to simulate the movement of the passenger vehicle relative to the fixed room. When the passenger vehicle is located in the fixed room, the adjustable wall is actuated to rearrange from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration. as well as When the vehicle is placed in the adjustable room, a projection mapping is generated on the adjustable wall via a second projection system to present the demonstration scene.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising using the lifting system to pitch, roll and / or lift the passenger vehicle to simulate horizontal and / or lateral movement of the passenger vehicle while the first projection system generates the projection mapping on the fixed wall.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising actuating the adjustable wall of the adjustable room to vertically align with the fixed wall of the fixed room to create a fully enclosed tower.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, when the adjustable wall is vertically aligned with the fixed wall, generating synchronous projection mappings on both the adjustable wall and the fixed wall via the first projection system and the second projection system to visually simulate gravity descent.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising using the lifting system to bring the passenger vehicle down to physically simulate the gravity descent.

19. A dark ride system for amusement parks, comprising: A fixed room, wherein the fixed room has fixed walls; An adjustable room having adjustable walls that can be rearranged into various physical configurations; A passenger vehicle configured to carry one or more guests of the amusement park; A lifting system configured to alternately move the passenger vehicle between the fixed room and the adjustable room; A first projection system is configured to generate a projection mapping on a fixed wall when the passenger vehicle is placed in the fixed room, so as to simulate the movement of the passenger vehicle relative to the fixed room. A second projection system is configured to generate a projection mapping on an adjustable wall to present a demonstration scene when the passenger vehicle is set in the adjustable room. as well as A controller configured to synchronize the movement of the passenger vehicle caused by the lifting system, the rearrangement of the adjustable wall, and the generation of projection mappings on the fixed wall and the adjustable wall via the first projection system and the second projection system.

20. The dark riding system according to claim 19, wherein, The controller is configured to actuate the adjustable walls to rearrange them from a first physical configuration to a second physical configuration when the passenger vehicle is located in the fixed room.

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