System and method for deploying and resetting performance elements

Abstract

A performance system 8 includes a rotatable beam assembly 10 having a rotatable beam 28, a first track 60, a second track 62, and one or more motors 24. The performance system 8 further comprises: a first performance element 20 coupled to the first track 60 to enable the first performance element 20 to translate along the first track 60; and a second performance element 22 coupled to the second track 62 to enable the second performance element 22 to translate along the second track 62. The performance system 8 further includes a controller 14 communicatively coupled to the rotatable beam assembly 10 and configured to provide control signals to the one or more motors 24 to rotate the rotatable beam 28 to cause the first performance element 20 to rotate from the performance position 70, 75 to the reset position 71, 74 and to cause the second performance element 22 to rotate from the reset position 71, 74 to the performance position 70, 75.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 350,556, filed on June 9, 2022, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING AND RESETTING SHOW ELEMENTS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] This paragraph is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are understood in light of this, rather than admitting prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks generally include attractions that provide various experiences for visitors to the amusement park. For example, an amusement park may include different attractions, such as roller coasters, jumping towers, water slides, etc. Some attractions may include show elements (e.g., animated props) that move within the show space. Summary of the invention

[0004] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally proposed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] In an embodiment, a performance system includes a rotatable beam assembly having a rotatable beam, a first track, a second track, and one or more motors. The performance system also includes: a first performance element, which is connected to the first track so that the first performance element can translate along the first track; and a second performance element, which is connected to the second track so that the second performance element can translate along the second track. The performance system further includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the rotatable beam assembly and configured to provide a control signal to one or more motors to drive the first performance element to translate along the first track when the first performance element is in a performance position to present a corresponding motion trajectory in the scene. The controller is also configured to provide a control signal to one or more motors to rotate the rotatable beam to cause the first performance element to rotate from the performance position to the reset position, and cause the second performance element to rotate from the reset position to the performance position. The controller is further configured to provide a control signal to one or more motors to drive the second performance element to translate along the second track when the second performance element is in the performance position to present a corresponding motion trajectory in the scene.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method of operating a show system includes driving a first show element to translate in a first direction along a first track coupled to a rotatable beam via one or more motors and with the first show element in a show position to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more guests in a first ride vehicle. The method also includes rotating the rotatable beam via one or more motors to cause the first show element to rotate from the show position to a reset position and to cause the second show element to rotate from the reset position to the show position. The method further includes driving a second show element to translate in a first direction along a second track via one or more motors and with the second show element in the show position to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more additional guests in a second ride vehicle.

[0007] In an embodiment, a show system includes a rotatable beam assembly having a rotatable beam, a first track positioned on a first side of the rotatable beam, a second track positioned on a second side of the rotatable beam, and one or more motors configured to drive rotation of the rotatable beam. The show system also includes: a first show element coupled to the first track so that the first show element can translate along the first track; and a second show element coupled to the second track so that the second show element can translate along the second track. The show system further includes a controller configured to provide control signals to the one or more motors to rotate the rotatable beam to alternately present the first show element and the second show element within a scene. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an amusement park ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is used for deploying and resetting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A flow chart of a process for a show element of an amusement park ride system; Figure 3 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system of claim 1, wherein a first show element is in an initial show position and a second show element is in an initial reset position; Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system of claim 1 wherein a first show element translates in a show position as part of a motion trajectory and simultaneously a second show element translates in a reset position as part of a reset process; Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system of claim 1 wherein a first show element is rotated from a show position to a reset position via rotation of a rotatable beam and simultaneously a second show element is rotated from the reset position to the show position via rotation of the rotatable beam; Figure 6 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system of , wherein the second show element is in an initial show position and the first show element is in an initial reset position; and Figure 7 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system of claim 1 wherein a second show element translates in a show position as part of a motion trajectory and simultaneously a first show element translates in a reset position as part of a reset process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be recognized 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 complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0011] Entertainment systems, such as those typically found in amusement parks, typically employ show elements (e.g., animated props) that move within a performance space. It is currently recognized that it may be desirable to improve the control of show elements so that the show elements move in a manner that enables efficient deployment of animations (e.g., allowing visitors who pass one another in succession to view the complete motion trajectory of the show element as the visitor travels along a path). The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for deploying and resetting show elements. The systems and methods may be implemented within an amusement park, such as within an attraction of an amusement park. However, the systems and methods may be implemented in any suitable venue (e.g., an entertainment venue or a performance venue). It should be recognized that the show elements may include props (e.g., real physical elements) coupled to a show action equipment (SAE). The SAE may include devices and structures configured to move show elements (e.g., within an attraction). For example, the SAE may include beams, tracks, actuators, etc., which drive the movement of the show elements to create a show (e.g., a visual show) for visitors (e.g., visitors, users, customers).

[0012] As described herein, it is currently recognized that it may be desirable to improve the movement of show elements so that the show elements move in such a way that visitors can view the complete motion trajectory of the show elements as they travel along the path. This may enable visitors to experience an immersive, engaging storyline as they travel along the path. For example, some ride attractions may carry visitors along a path in a ride vehicle. In particular, some ride attractions may carry visitors along a path in a row of ride vehicles (e.g., one after another). Each ride vehicle in a row of ride vehicles may experience a scene (e.g., one or more show elements) along the path within a period of time (e.g., a show beat; less than or equal to approximately 60, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 seconds). For example, a first ride vehicle in a row of ride vehicles may enter a room along a path, travel through the room along a path, and then leave the room along a path. Then, a second ride vehicle in a row of ride vehicles adjacent to the first ride vehicle may enter the room along the path, travel through the room along the path, and then exit the room along the path. In any case, each ride vehicle (e.g., the first ride vehicle, the second ride vehicle, etc.) may be located within a room that includes a show element and / or otherwise positioned to view the show element within the time period. The time period may vary with and / or based on the travel speed of each ride vehicle and / or the length of the path through the room (or other space with show elements).

[0013] Advantageously, the systems and methods disclosed herein control the SAE to cause the show element to complete a motion trajectory (e.g., a show) and reset within a time period. For example, if the time period is seven seconds, the SAE causes the show element to complete its motion trajectory for the guest in the first ride vehicle and also reset before the guest in the second ride vehicle experiences the show element. Thus, the guest can view the motion trajectory (e.g., the entire motion trajectory) from its beginning to its end while they experience the show element. Due to time constraints of certain attractions (e.g., rides), without the disclosed embodiments, the guest may only view a portion of the motion trajectory and / or view the end before the beginning. For example, without the disclosed embodiments, the guest in the first ride vehicle may not have enough time to see the end of the motion trajectory, and / or the second ride vehicle may view the end of the motion trajectory before the motion trajectory begins. Operating the SAE and show elements as disclosed herein to cause the guest to view the motion trajectory enables the presentation of a storyline to the guest (e.g., as the guest travels along the path, the show element completes its corresponding motion trajectory from beginning to end in each scene / room to present the story). Furthermore, since no delay is introduced for reset purposes, this embodiment prevents guests of the ride from observing the reset phase outside of the immersive experience.

[0014] In particular, the systems and methods disclosed herein include a controller, a rotatable beam assembly, and a show element (e.g., two show elements, such as two show elements that are replicas of each other, identical to each other, and / or shaped and designed to be perceived by a visitor as being substantially identical or replicas of each other) coupled to the rotatable beam assembly. The rotatable beam assembly may include a rotatable beam, a first track that supports a first of the show elements, and a second track that supports a second of the show elements. The first track and the second track are disposed on different sides of the rotatable beam, such as opposite sides. In addition, the rotatable beam assembly may include one or more motors (e.g., electric motors) that drive the first show element to move along the first track and the second show element to move along the second track. The one or more motors may also drive rotation of the rotatable beam assembly.

[0015] In operation, a controller sends a control signal to one or more motors to drive a first performance element along a first track to complete a corresponding motion trajectory visible to a visitor of the first ride vehicle, while also resetting a second performance element. Then, the controller sends a control signal to one or more motors to drive a second performance element along a second track to complete a corresponding motion trajectory visible to a visitor of the second ride vehicle, while also resetting the first performance element. Thus, the system and method effectively cuts in half (e.g., from fourteen seconds to seven seconds) the run reset time provided for each of the performance elements to complete its motion trajectory and reset before its next motion trajectory. In turn, the time saved through this efficiency can be converted to provide richer viewing activities without taking up valuable ride time. For example, this increased efficiency can allow for an increase in the visible run time of each of the performance elements to complete its visible motion trajectory in the visitor's field of view, thereby providing an enhanced visitor experience. For example, the systems and methods may enable a first show element to begin its motion trajectory when a first ride vehicle enters a room and end its motion trajectory when the first ride vehicle leaves the room, and may also enable a second show element to begin its motion trajectory when a second ride vehicle enters the room and end its motion trajectory when the second ride vehicle leaves the room, and so on, rather than taking several seconds to initiate a reset when the first ride vehicle leaves the room and / or when the second ride vehicle enters the room.

[0016] Figure 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park ride system 8 (e.g., a show system) is shown. The amusement park ride system 8 includes a rotatable beam assembly 10 (e.g., a show action element [SAE] assembly), one or more sensors 12, and a controller 14 with a processor 16 and a memory device 18. The rotatable beam assembly 10 is coupled to a plurality of show elements, such as a first show element 20 and a second show element 22. The first show element 20 and the second show element 22 may be props (e.g., real physical elements) such as animated figures, robots, tools, objects, etc. The first show element 20 and the second show element 22 may be replicas of each other (e.g., to provide a consistent show or storyline) or different from each other (e.g., to provide different shows or storylines). The rotatable beam assembly 10 includes one or more motors 24 and a rotatable beam 28, wherein the one or more motors 24 drive the rotation of the rotatable beam 28. As discussed in more detail herein, rotatable beam 28 may include or be coupled to tracks (e.g., first and second tracks on different sides (such as opposite sides) of rotatable beam 28), and one or more motors 26 are configured to drive first show element 20 and second show element 22 to move along the tracks (e.g., first and second tracks, respectively). Figure 3-7 Examples of tracks are shown and described.

[0017] In addition, the amusement park ride system 8 includes a plurality of ride vehicles, such as a first ride vehicle 30, a second ride vehicle 32, a third ride vehicle 34, and so on. Each of the plurality of ride vehicles may carry one or more guests, and the plurality of ride vehicles travel along a path 36 (e.g., a ride path or track). The path 36 may be a continuous loop and / or may include (one or more) pick-up / drop-off stations. For example, the path 36 may include a pick-up station where guests board the plurality of ride vehicles, a ride portion including a plurality of different scenes (e.g., separate rooms or sections) that present corresponding show elements to create a storyline, and a drop-off station where guests exit the plurality of ride vehicles.

[0018] The plurality of ride vehicles may travel along the path 36 according to programmed speed settings and / or at fixed intervals; however, the plurality of ride vehicles may also travel along the path 36 in other ways (e.g., via driving controls of one or more guests in the plurality of ride vehicles). The respective guests in each of the plurality of ride vehicles may experience a particular scene (e.g., a room; a portion of the path 36) for consecutive or sequential time periods (e.g., a show beat; a known time period; a time period of less than or equal to about 60, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, or 5 seconds). For example, as the plurality of ride vehicles travel along the path 36, the first ride vehicle 30 may be positioned so that its guests can view a particular scene for a period of time, then the second ride vehicle 32 may be positioned so that its guests can view a particular scene for a period of time, then the third ride vehicle 34 may be positioned so that its guests can view a particular scene for a period of time, and so on. Notably, the queues of ride vehicles may be coordinated so that a single ride vehicle may be positioned so that its guests can view a particular scene during a time period, while all other ride vehicles are positioned away from the particular scene and / or their guests cannot view the show element. In one embodiment, multiple ride vehicles may be positioned so that their guests can view a particular scene during a time period, but at least one other ride vehicle is positioned away from the particular scene and / or its guests cannot view the show element. In any case, multiple ride vehicles may travel to multiple different scenes in this manner to view the corresponding show element of each of the multiple different scenes to follow the storyline during the ride portion. Additionally, once a guest passes through the viewing area of ​​a show element in a ride vehicle, in some embodiments, an aspect of the environment (e.g., a tunnel or wall) or a portion of the ride vehicle (e.g., a high-back seat) may block further viewing of the scene to further enhance the immersion of the narrative.

[0019] Sensor 12 and one or more motors 24, 26 are communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to controller 14. In one embodiment, first show element 20 and second show element 22 are communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to controller 14. In one embodiment, a plurality of ride vehicles are communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to controller 14.

[0020] In one embodiment, sensors 12 may be utilized to detect the respective positions of a plurality of ride vehicles. For example, sensors 12 may detect each of a plurality of ride vehicles upon entering and / or exiting a particular scene (e.g., a particular scene with show elements 20, 22). Sensors 12 may include motion sensors, position sensors, optical sensors, cameras, and / or any other suitable type of sensor configured to detect the respective positions of a plurality of ride vehicles. Sensors 12 may be positioned along path 36 (e.g., mounted to a floor or wall along path 36) and / or mounted on each of a plurality of ride vehicles. Sensors 12 transmit signals indicating the respective positions of a plurality of ride vehicles to controller 14, and controller 14 may then initiate other actions based on the signals (e.g., in response to a signal indicating that one of a plurality of ride vehicles has entered the scene and / or is within a threshold distance of show elements 20, 22). It should be appreciated that sensors 12 may additionally or alternatively be used to detect respective features (e.g., positions, gestures, facial features) of first show element 20, second element 22, guests, and / or other components in the scene. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the sensors 12 may not be used to detect the respective positions of the plurality of ride vehicles and / or trigger motion profiles. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 14 may be configured to receive programming and / or current timing inputs (e.g., travel speed, spacing, start / stop times) for the plurality of ride vehicles, and then operate the rotatable beam assembly 10 based on the timing inputs to present motion profiles to respective guests in each of the plurality of ride vehicles. In one embodiment, the controller 14 may control the plurality of ride vehicles and the rotatable beam assembly 10 in a coordinated manner to present motion profiles to respective guests in each of the plurality of ride vehicles.

[0021] As described above, first show element 20 and second show element 22 may be communicatively coupled to controller 14. First show element 20 and second show element 22 may have controllable features, such as servo motor(s) and / or actuator(s) to drive one portion to move relative to another portion (e.g., to drive wings to move relative to the body), light emitters to emit light, and / or speakers to emit sound. Thus, as first show element 20 and second show element 22 travel through the scene (e.g., along rotatable beam 28), controller 14 may provide control signals to control the controllable features of first show element 20 and second show element 22. In addition, controller 14 may control other components in the scene, such as light emitters and / or speakers mounted on the wall, to coordinate the output of light and sound when presenting motion trajectories to corresponding guests in each of the multiple ride vehicles.

[0022] The controller 14 may include a processor 16 and a memory device 18. The processor 16 may include one or more processors and may provide control signals to certain controllable components (e.g., one or more motors 24, 26; show elements; and / or ride vehicles). The processor 16 may receive inputs, such as inputs from the sensor 12, and then provide control signals to the controllable components in response to the inputs. The memory device 18 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the processor 16. Time periods, motion trajectories, etc. may be stored in the memory device 18 so that preferred operations related to the presentation of storylines in the scene may be automatically performed via the processor 16 with or without the supervision of an operator (e.g., an operator). The memory device 18 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rewritable non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. In addition, the processor 16 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Controller 14 may also include means for an operator to interact with amusement park ride system 8, such as via a display panel and / or input / output devices (eg, to check operating parameters, input desired operating parameters, check error logs and historical operations).

[0023] Figure 2 Is used for deployment and reset Figure 11 and 1 . A flowchart of a process 50 for performing a show element 20, 22 of an amusement park ride system 8 of the present invention is provided. Any suitable device, such as the processor 16, may perform the process 50. In some embodiments, the process 50 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as the memory device 18, using the processor 16. Although the process 50 is described using blocks in a particular order, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that the blocks may be performed in a different order, that certain blocks may be omitted, and / or that additional blocks may be added.

[0024] At box 52, the processor 16 provides control signals to the one or more motors 24 to rotate the rotatable beam 28 to move the first show element 20 to the initial show position and the second show element 22 to the initial reset position. As discussed herein, the first show element 20 may be coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to a first track disposed on a first side of the rotatable beam 28 to enable the first show element 20 to translate (e.g., slide) along the first track, and the second show element 22 may be coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to a second track disposed on a second side of the rotatable beam 28 (e.g., the second side of the rotatable beam 28 may be opposite the first side of the rotatable beam 28) to enable the second show element 22 to translate (e.g., slide) along the second track. Thus, the rotation of the rotatable beam 28 moves both the first show element 20 and the second show element 22. It should be noted that the initial show position of the first show element 20 or the second show element 22 is substantially the respective starting position of the viewable presentation of the respective element 20, 22 along the respective first track or the respective second track. As rotatable beam 28 is rotated, first show element 20 or second show element 22 may be rotated from the end reset position to the initial show position. That is, after the corresponding show element 20, 22 completes its reset transition (e.g., passes through the corresponding track located on the rear side of rotatable beam 28), it may be rotated to the initial show position and then continue to pass through the corresponding track (e.g., the track located on the front side of the beam) for viewing by tourists.

[0025] At block 54, processor 16 provides control signals (e.g., commands or instructions) to cause first show element 20 to move along the first track to present a motion track to one or more guests in first ride vehicle 30. For example, first show element 20 may be located at an initial show position (where rotatable beam 28 rotates so that the guest can see the motion track), then move along the first track toward first ride vehicle 30 to present the motion track to one or more guests in first ride vehicle 30, and then continue to an ending show position on the first track. In conjunction with providing control signals to move first show element 20 from its initial show position to its ending show position, processor 16 may provide control signals to (e.g., simultaneously) move second show element 22 from an initial reset position on the second track to an ending reset position on the second track that is out of view of the current rotational position of rotatable beam 28. In this manner, first show element 20 may present a motion track when second show element 22 completes the reset process.

[0026] At box 56, processor 16 provides control signals to one or more motors 24 to rotate rotatable beam 28 so that the second track is positioned for viewing and the first track is hidden from the view of the guest. This results in moving first show element 20 (from the end show position) to the initial reset position, and moving second show element 22 (from the end reset position) to the initial show position. At box 58, processor 16 provides control signals to move second show element 22 along the second track to present the motion track to one or more guests in second ride vehicle 32. For example, second show element 22 may be located in the initial show position (where rotatable beam 28 is rotated so that the guest will view the motion track), and then move along the second track toward second ride vehicle 32 to present the motion track to one or more guests in second ride vehicle 32. As discussed herein, rotation of the rotatable beam 28 and / or movement of the show elements 20, 22 relative to the rotatable beam 28 can be coordinated with the travel of multiple ride vehicles so that corresponding guests in each of the multiple ride vehicles can be presented with a motion trajectory (e.g., a complete motion trajectory from beginning to end) as they travel through the scene.

[0027] Figure 3-7 Shows Figure 1 Part of the amusement park ride system 8 Figure 2 Embodiments of different times in the process 50. In particular, Figure 3is a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system 8 with a first show element 20 located in an initial show position 70. When the first show element 20 is located in the initial show position 70, the first show element 20 may be located at a first end (e.g., an end portion) of a first track 60 coupled to a rotatable beam 28. Additionally, when the first show element 20 is located in the initial show position 70, the second show element 22 is located in an initial reset position 71. When the second show element 22 is in the initial reset position 71, the second show element 22 may be located at a second end (e.g., an end portion) of a second track 62 coupled to the rotatable beam 28. As shown, the first track 60 is located on a first side of the rotatable beam 28, and the second track 62 is located on a second side of the rotatable beam 28 opposite the first side of the rotatable beam 28. The first end of the first track 60 is proximate to the first end 61 (e.g., an end portion) of the rotatable beam 28, and the second end of the second track 62 is proximate to the second end 63 (e.g., an end portion) of the rotatable beam 28. Similarly, a first end (e.g., end portion) of the second track 62 is proximate to a first end 61 of the rotatable beam 28, and a second end (e.g., end portion) of the first track 60 is proximate to a second end 63 of the rotatable beam 28. As shown, the rotatable beam 28 is configured to rotate about its axis of rotation 64.

[0028] Figure 48 is a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system 8, wherein a first show element 20 is located at a show position 72 (e.g., a show side, show location, or show area) and translates along a first track 60 to execute a motion trajectory, which may be part of a storyline presented in a scene. While the first show element 20 is in the show position 72 and translates along the first track 60 (e.g., across the first track 60 in a first direction; toward the second end 63 of the rotatable beam 28) to execute the motion trajectory, a second show element 22 is in a reset position 73 (e.g., a reset side, reset location, or reset area) and translates along the second track 62 (e.g., across the second track 62 in a second direction opposite to the first direction; toward the first end 61 of the rotatable beam 28) to execute a reset process. The reset process generally transports the second show element 22 toward an ending reset position 74 (also toward the initial show position 70) and prepares the second show element 22 to execute the motion trajectory at a later time (e.g., for the next ride vehicle; after the first show element 20 completes the motion trajectory). As first show element 20 translates along first track 60 to execute the motion trajectory and second show element 22 translates along second track 62 to execute the resetting process, first show element 20 and second show element 22 may pass under / over each other. In one embodiment, rotatable beam 28 may enhance the movement effect by rotating back and forth along its rotation axis 64 (e.g., approximately 10 to 90 degrees, 20 to 60 degrees, or 30 to 45 degrees, side to side, in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction), as indicated by arrow 66, so that first show element 20 oscillates back and forth as it translates along first track 60 (second show element 22 also oscillates, but may not be visible to guests).

[0029] Figure 5is a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system 8 during rotation of rotatable beam 28. Rotation of rotatable beam 28 in a first rotational direction about rotation axis 64 (indicated by arrow 68) causes rotation of first show element 20 and first track 60 in the first rotational direction about rotation axis 64. Concurrently (e.g., simultaneously), rotation of rotatable beam 28 in the first rotational direction about rotation axis 64 causes rotation of second show element 22 and second track 62 in the first rotational direction about rotation axis 64. In one embodiment, rotation of the rotatable beam 28 (e.g., rotation to move the first show element 20 from the end performance position 75 to the initial reset position 71 and to move the second show element 22 from the end reset position 74 to the initial performance position 70) may be performed after the first show element 20 completes its motion trajectory, after the second show element 22 completes the reset process, after the first show element 20 reaches the second end of the first track 60 (which is close to the second end 63 of the rotatable beam 28), after the second show element 22 reaches the first end of the second track 62 (which is close to the first end 61 of the rotatable beam 28), after the first show element 20 stops its sliding movement along the first track 60 and / or after the second show element 22 stops its translational movement along the second track 62. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the rotation of rotatable beam 28 (e.g., rotation to move first show element 20 from ending show position 75 to initial reset position 71 and to move second show element 22 from ending reset position 74 to initial performance position 70) may occur as first show element 20 translates along first track 60 and / or as second show element 22 translates along second track 62.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of amusement park ride system 8 with second show element 22 in initial show position 70. When second show element 22 is in initial show position 70, second show element 22 may be located at a first end of second track 62 (which is proximate to first end 61 of rotatable beam 28). Additionally, when second show element 22 is in initial show position 70, first show element 20 is located at initial reset position 71. When first show element 20 is in initial reset position 71, first show element 20 may be located at a second end of first track 60 (which is proximate to second end 63 of rotatable beam 28). Figure 5 Move to Figure 6 The rotatable beam 28 may rotate about the rotation axis 64 (eg, approximately 45 to 180 degrees, approximately 60 to 120 degrees, approximately 90 to 180 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees about the rotation axis 64).

[0031] Figure 77 is a perspective view of a portion of an amusement park ride system 8, wherein a second show element 22 is located at a show position 72 and is translated along a second track 62 to execute a motion trajectory, which may be part of a storyline presented in a scene. While the second show element 22 is located at the show position 72 and is translated along the second track 62 (e.g., in a first direction across the second track 62; toward the second end 63 of the rotatable beam 28) to execute the motion trajectory, the first show element 20 is located at a reset position 73 and is translated along the first track 60 (e.g., in a second direction opposite to the first direction across the first track 60; toward the first end 61 of the rotatable beam 28) to execute a reset process, which transports the first show element 20 to an end reset position 74 (and also toward the initial show position 70). The reset process also prepares the first show element to execute the motion trajectory at a later time (e.g., for the next ride vehicle; after the second show element 22 completes the motion trajectory). As second show element 22 translates along second track 62 to execute the motion trajectory and first show element 20 translates along first track 60 to execute the reset process, second show element 22 and first show element 20 may pass under / over each other. In one embodiment, rotatable beam 28 may increase the motion effect by rotating back and forth along its rotation axis 64, causing second show element 20 to swing back and forth as indicated by arrow 66 as it translates along second track 62 (first show element 22 also swings, but may not be visible to guests).

[0032] like Figure 3-7As shown in , show elements 20, 22 may be slidingly coupled to tracks 60, 62 via respective sliding platforms (e.g., rolling trucks or brackets) that translate along tracks 60, 62. The respective sliding platforms may be considered to be part of rotatable beam assembly 10, and show elements 20, 22 may be removably coupled to connection points on the respective sliding platforms. For example, as described herein, a first show element 20 may be coupled to a first sliding platform (e.g., via fasteners, such as hooks or clips), and the first sliding platform may carry the first show element 20 along first track 60. Similarly, as described herein, a second show element 22 may be coupled to a second sliding platform (e.g., via fasteners, such as hooks or clips), and the second sliding platform may carry the second show element 20 along second track 62. This configuration may enable show elements 20, 22 to be efficiently exchanged with other show elements in order to change storylines and / or perform maintenance operations (e.g., repair components of show elements 20, 22). It should also be appreciated that the rotatable beam 28 disclosed herein may have any suitable form (e.g., a linear beam, a curved beam, or any beam having a linear portion and a curved portion; any cross-sectional shape, such as an I-shaped, circular, rectangular, a truss cross-section, or any combination thereof). In addition, the rotatable beam assembly 10 may include other forms and / or components that enable the show elements 20, 22 to pass through the rotatable beam 28 in the manner disclosed herein (e.g., in opposite directions). For example, the rotatable beam assembly 10 may include a pulley system (e.g., cables and pulleys) that drives the movement of the show elements 20, 22, a truck system (e.g., a truck that travels along the tracks 60, 62) that drives the movement of the show elements 20, 22, etc.

[0033] It should be appreciated that the rotatable beam assembly 10 and the show elements 20, 22 may be positioned to present one of the show elements 20, 22 to a respective guest of each of the plurality of ride vehicles traveling along the path 36. For example, the rotatable beam assembly 10 with the show elements 20, 22 may be suspended from a ceiling or supported on another surface (e.g., a floor or wall) within the scene. In this manner, a respective guest of a first ride vehicle 30 may view the first show element as the first show element 20 performs a motion trajectory, then a respective guest of a second ride vehicle 32 may view the second show element as the second show element 22 performs a motion trajectory, then a respective guest of a third ride vehicle 34 may view the first show element as the first show element 20 performs a motion trajectory, and so on. Thus, one show element in the show position is visible to a respective guest in the ride vehicle(s) at the scene, while another show element in the reset position is not visible to a respective guest in the ride vehicle(s) at the scene (or may not be visible to any ride vehicle in the amusement park ride system 8). For example, other performance elements in the reset position may be blocked by the ceiling or other structures and cannot be seen. It should be recognized that other performance elements in the reset position may be visible to the corresponding tourists in the (one or more) ride vehicles in the scene or another scene, or to other tourists in another scene (possibly in (one or more) ride vehicles). For example, other performance elements may be visible to other tourists carried by (one or more) other ride vehicles passing through another scene of the attraction. It should be recognized that performance elements 20, 22 may be visible during the entire process of their travel along their corresponding tracks 60, 62, or only during some processes of their travel along their corresponding tracks 60, 62. For example, performance elements 20, 22 may be visible at the initial performance position, or may not be visible at the initial performance position. As another example, performance elements 20, 22 may be visible when they begin to rotate to the initial reset position, or may not be visible when they begin to rotate to the initial reset position.

[0034] As discussed herein, each show element 20, 22 (e.g., a mechanical butterfly) may include one or more actuators to drive the movement of parts of the show element 20, 22 (e.g., mechanical wings) to enhance the experience of the visitor. For example, sliding the mechanical butterfly along a track may make it look like a butterfly is flying toward the visitor. In one embodiment, the show elements 20, 22 may include any of a variety of deformation mechanisms that allow the shape (e.g., geometric structure) of the show elements 20, 22 to change over time. For example, one or more actuators (e.g., servo motors or pneumatic actuators, or both) may manipulate the structural features of the first show element 20 to change the geometric configuration of the first show element. The first show element 20 and the second show element 22 may include the same or different types of show elements that have similar or different structures to change one or more geometric features of a particular set. For example, the first show element 20 and the second show element 22 coupled to the rotatable beam 28 may be soft robots. In some embodiments, the first show element 20 and the second show element 22 include fixed geometric show elements or modifiable geometric show elements. Thus, first show element 20 and second show element 22 may be replicas of each other and / or may perform the same motion trajectory and / or the same shape change to provide the same experience and storyline (e.g., the same may mean substantially the same; designed to be perceived by visitors as substantially the same). It should also be appreciated that first show element 20 and second show element 22 may be different and / or may perform different motion trajectories and / or different shape changes to provide different experiences and storylines.

[0035] Although some embodiments may include only a single beam 28, one or more additional beams with one or more additional show elements may be installed in the amusement park ride system 8. The one or more additional beams may be located at a different depth relative to the rotatable beam 28 of the ride vehicle (e.g., farther in the background). By utilizing multiple beams in this manner, the present embodiment may provide additional effects to provide a sense of immersion in the scene. For example, the one or more additional show elements may include micro structures (e.g., trees) representing background features, and the one or more additional beams may move the one or more additional show elements more slowly relative to the show elements 20, 22 to create the illusion of depth and real movement.

[0036] Although only certain features of the present disclosure are shown and described herein, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the true spirit of the present disclosure. The technology proposed and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties, which significantly improves the technical field and is therefore not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim attached at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "devices for [performing] [function] ..." or "steps for [performing] [function]", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. 112 (f). However, for any claim containing elements specified in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f).

Claims

1. A performance system, comprising a rotatable beam assembly comprising a rotatable beam, a first track, a second track, and one or more motors; a first show element coupled to the first track to enable the first show element to translate along the first track, and a second show element coupled to the second track to enable the second show element to translate along the second track; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the rotatable beam assembly and configured to provide control signals to the one or more motors to: When the first performance element is at the performance position, driving the first performance element to translate along the first track to present a corresponding motion track in the scene; rotating the rotatable beam to cause the first show element to rotate from the show position to a reset position and to cause the second show element to rotate from the reset position to the show position; and When the second performance element is at the performance position, the second performance element is driven to translate along the second track to present a corresponding motion track in the scene.

2. The performance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide the control signal to the one or more motors to drive the first performance element to translate in a first direction along the first track to present a corresponding motion trajectory in the scene, and simultaneously drive the second performance element to translate in a second direction along the second track to perform a reset process. 3 . The performance system of claim 1 , wherein the first track is disposed on a first side of the rotatable beam and the second track is disposed on a second side of the rotatable beam. The performance system of claim 3 , wherein the first side is opposite to the second side.

5. The performance system of claim 1, wherein the first performance element is a replica of the second performance element.

6. The performance system according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding motion trajectory presented by the first performance element is a replica of the corresponding motion trajectory presented by the second performance element.

7. The show system of claim 1, wherein the first show element, the second show element, or both are configured to morph between one or more geometric configurations.

8. The performance system of claim 1, comprising an actuator configured to move a portion of the first performance element relative to another portion of the first performance element when the first performance element translates along the first track to present the corresponding motion trajectory.

9. A performance system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide the control signal to the one or more motors to drive the first performance element to translate along the first track to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more guests in a first ride vehicle, and to drive the second performance element to translate along the second track to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more additional guests in a second ride vehicle.

10. The performance system of claim 9, comprising one or more sensors configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the first ride vehicle, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to provide a control signal to the one or more motors based on the position of the first ride vehicle to drive the first performance element to translate along the first track to present the corresponding motion trajectory.

11. A method for operating a performance system, the method comprising: driving the first performance element to translate in a first direction along a first track coupled to the rotatable beam via one or more motors and when the first performance element is in a performance position, so as to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more guests in the first ride vehicle; rotating the rotatable beam via the one or more motors to cause the first show element to rotate from the show position to the reset position and to cause the second show element to rotate from the reset position to the show position; as well as The second performance element is driven to translate in the first direction along the second track via the one or more motors and when the second performance element is in the performance position to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more additional guests in the second ride vehicle.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the rotatable beam causes the first show element to rotate from the show position to the reset position and simultaneously causes the second show element to rotate from the reset position to the show position.

13. The method of claim 11, comprising driving the first show element to translate in the first direction along the first track, and simultaneously driving the second show element to translate in the second direction along the second track via the one or more motors to perform a reset process.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein rotating the rotatable beam comprises rotating the rotatable beam approximately 90 to 180 degrees.

15. The method of claim 11, comprising driving a portion of the first show element relative to another portion of the first show element via an actuator of the first show element as the first show element translates in the first direction along the first track to present the corresponding motion trajectory.

16. The method of claim 11, comprising rotating the rotatable beam back and forth via the one or more motors to cause the first performance element to swing when the first performance element translates in the first direction along a first track connected to the rotatable beam to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more guests in the first ride vehicle.

17. The method according to claim 11, comprising: receiving, at a controller, a signal indicative of a position of the first ride vehicle; as well as Based on the position of the first ride vehicle, the first show element is driven to translate in the first direction along a first track coupled to the rotatable beam to present a corresponding motion trajectory to one or more guests in the first ride vehicle.

18. A performance system, comprising: a rotatable beam assembly comprising a rotatable beam, a first track positioned on a first side of the rotatable beam, a second track positioned on a second side of the rotatable beam, and one or more motors configured to drive rotation of the rotatable beam; a first show element coupled to the first track so that the first show element can translate along the first track; a second show element coupled to the second track so that the second show element can translate along the second track; as well as A controller is configured to provide control signals to one or more motors to rotate the rotatable beam to alternately present the first show element and the second show element within a scene.

19. The performance system of claim 18, wherein the first side of the rotatable beam is opposite to the second side of the rotatable beam.

20. The performance system of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to provide control signals to the one or more motors to rotate the rotatable beam to: When the second performance element is in the reset position, presenting the first performance element in the scene so that the first performance element can provide a corresponding motion track for tourists to watch; and When the second performance element is in the reset position, the second performance element is presented in the scene so that the second performance element can provide a corresponding motion track for another visitor to watch.

Images