System and method for ride system audio and visual effect synchronization

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a ride effectiveness coordination system comprising a ride vehicle 10 and a sensor that detects a ride vehicle position along a ride path. The sensor communicates the vehicle positioning data as orientation data to other controllers in the system. The ride effect system comprises an audio system for playing audio for one or more occupants of the vehicle 10, and an effect system configured to present a special effect viewable from the ride path. A controller 14 may receive the orientation data and determine a time range for ride vehicle positioning to enable the one or more occupants to observe the special effect. The controller 14 may also control the audio system to adjust playback of the audio based on the time range to coordinate portions of the audio with presentation of the special effect and positioning of the ride vehicle 10.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 354,559, filed on June 22, 2022, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RIDE SYSTEM AUDIO AND VISUAL EFFECT SYNCHRONIZATION,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure. It is believed that this discussion helps to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these statements are to be read from this perspective, rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0003] In entertainment venues such as theme parks, it has become more common to create ride systems with environments that include props, scenery, audio-visual and other media elements, and special effects that improve the experience of customers and support the specific narrative of the corresponding environment. It is now recognized that providing properly timed audio and visual effects synchronized with the ride activity of the ride system can provide an improved immersive experience for customers utilizing the ride system. However, synchronization of audio and visual effects with ride vehicle activity is challenging. Therefore, it is now recognized that there is a need for improved systems and methods for facilitating coordination between the various components of a ride system to provide a desired overall effect. Summary of the invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the initially claimed 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 overview of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a ride effects coordination system includes: a ride vehicle that traverses a ride path; and one or more sensors that operate to detect the position of the ride vehicle along the ride path and communicate the position of the ride vehicle as position data. Additionally, the ride effects coordination system includes: an audio system that is configured to play audio for one or more riders of the ride vehicle; and an effects system that is configured to present special effects observable from the ride path. Furthermore, the ride effects coordination system includes a controller that operates to: determine, based on the position data, a time range for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system so that the one or more riders can observe the special effects; and based on the time range, control the audio system to adjust the playback of the audio to coordinate portions of the audio with the presentation of the special effects and the positioning of the ride vehicle.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method includes: sensing the location of a ride vehicle along a ride path via one or more sensors; communicating the location of the ride vehicle as positional data to a controller via the one or more sensors; and playing audio for one or more riders of the ride vehicle via an audio system. In addition, the method includes: presenting a special effect observable from the ride path via an effects system; determining a time range for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system based on the positional data so that the rider can observe the special effect; and based on the time range, controlling the audio system to adjust the playing of the audio to coordinate a portion of the audio with the presentation of the special effect and the location of the ride vehicle.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a ride effects coordination system includes: a ride vehicle configured to traverse a ride path; and one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the ride vehicle along the ride path and communicate the position as position data. Additionally, the ride coordination system includes: an audio system configured to play audio for one or more riders of the ride vehicle; an effects system configured to present special effects observable from the ride path; and a controller. The controller performs operations including: determining a time range for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system based on the position data so that the one or more riders can observe the special effects; and based on the time range, controlling the ride vehicle and the audio system to coordinate the playing of the audio and the positioning of the ride vehicle so that a portion of the audio is presented in conjunction with the presentation of the special effects when the ride vehicle is positioned relative to the effects system so that the one or more riders can observe the special effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control hardware of the ride system;

[0011] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a ride system synchronization process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an audio system synchronization process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated 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. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a, an" and "the, 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 in addition to the listed elements. One or more specific embodiments of the embodiments presented herein will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be noted 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. In addition, it should be noted that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will be no more than a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for an ordinary technician who benefits from the present disclosure.

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for synchronizing or coordinating effects with ride activities (e.g., ride vehicle positioning or ride vehicle motion). For example, one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to synchronizing certain audio effects (e.g., music, sound effects) and visual effects (e.g., electronic video presentations, movement of automated characters, pyrotechnics) based on ride vehicle positioning or movement within a ride system. In some embodiments, ride vehicle positioning can also be adjusted to coordinate with effects (e.g., audio, visual, haptic).

[0016] A user in an interactive environment or participating in an immersive experience may be located in a ride vehicle that changes orientation within the ride system (e.g., as the ride vehicle traverses the path of the ride system) and may be exposed to a variety of audio and visual effects while traveling (e.g., moving along a ride track). For example, a ride system may employ a soundtrack that plays throughout the ride experience to create an atmosphere, narrative, distractions, or the like for promoting enjoyment of the ride by the user (e.g., rider). The orientation of the ride vehicle may be communicated to a central ride controller as the ride vehicle moves within the ride system. Visual aspects of a ride may be directly related to the ride vehicle's orientation, as the ride vehicle's orientation may substantially dictate what the rider is able to observe in their immediate surroundings, or at least what they are directly facing when they are properly positioned (e.g., seated and stationary) in the ride vehicle. This is the case for direct viewing, but is also the case typically in rides that employ virtual and / or augmented reality devices (which typically display imagery based on the device's positional data).

[0017] With respect to audio (such as the soundtrack referenced above), the central ride controller may also receive audio data from one or more audio controllers, the audio data including or associated with a timestamp or other audio data for the soundtrack. The central ride controller may send control signals to the audio controllers to control the audio (e.g., delaying the playing of certain portions of the soundtrack, or repeating certain portions) based on the ride vehicle orientation so that the ride vehicle may be optimally positioned (within tolerances) to view one or more audio and / or visual effects (e.g., dramatic audio and dramatic video effects) consistently (e.g., at the same time within associated tolerances). For example, the effects may be coordinated with the ride positioning so that a user or rider may experience high volume or dramatic audio while viewing special effects (e.g., fire effects, explosions, confetti bursts, bright lights) and animated character effects in combination. Indeed, certain points in the soundtrack (e.g., high energy portions, slow portions, portions with relevant lyrics) may be made to correspond to the associated presentation of one or more effects and the positioning of one or more ride vehicles for viewing such effects. According to the presented embodiments, such coordination may be achieved through adjustments to the audio, other effects, or ride positioning.

[0018] As a specific example, special effects within a ride system may include a flame effects system. The flame effects system may include a transmission portion (e.g., a pipe portion, a valve portion) embedded in a fixture (e.g., a faucet prop, a rock band guitar, a musical instrument prop, a torch) and fluidly coupled to a source of combustible gas (e.g., a can of butane). One or more valves of the combustion system may be coordinated with an ignition assembly (or multiple ignition assemblies) to ignite and control the flow of gas to provide a flame effect. The one or more valves may be controlled, such as via a relay switch connected to a special effects controller, which sends a signal to turn the relay switch on or off. The relay switch, when turned on, may actuate the one or more valves to open, thereby causing the release of gas for generating a flame effect to be displayed. In response to the special effects controller receiving one or more commands from the central ride controller, a signal to switch the relay switch may be sent.

[0019] In response to the ride vehicle position reaching the trigger point for the special effect to be displayed, the central ride controller may send one or more commands to the special effects controller. For example, the ride vehicle position data may be received by the central ride controller, and the central ride controller may send one or more special effects commands to the special effects controller to open a relay switch, which may actuate the one or more valves and enable the release of combustible gas to display a flame effect based on the ride vehicle being optimally positioned or within a range that facilitates viewing of the flame effect. The special effects system may also be synchronized to open a specified valve and / or display a specific flame effect based on a certain audio (e.g., a minor chord) played within a soundtrack. This is an example of how the presented embodiments may coordinate specific aspects of music with the effect and with the correct positioning of the ride vehicle for viewing the effect. In other embodiments, similar results are obtained through modified processes. For example, the special effects controller and the central ride controller may be components of a single controller that manages multiple different components and avoids communication between separate controllers. As another example, different control mechanisms may be employed. For example, the relay referenced above is switched to an off configuration (rather than an on configuration) to open or actuate a valve via a hydraulic device that does not include a relay. Regardless of certain details, the presented embodiments utilize positional data, effects, and audio of a ride vehicle to facilitate operational controls for providing an immersive audio and effects experience for patrons in the ride vehicle.

[0020] The currently disclosed technology allows the ride system to adjust one or more special effects systems and / or one or more soundtracks based on the communication between the ride vehicle and one or more audio and visual effects systems. For example, if the ride vehicle position is delayed based on the rider and / or mechanical problems, the audio system can be controlled to adjust the music to adapt to the delayed ride vehicle movement so that the audio can follow the effects displayed to the riders in the ride system. In other words, the presented embodiments can control the audio (e.g., smoothly integrate and repeat a section of music, slow down the music, speed up the music) and visual effects during interruptions or process errors (e.g., ride delays) to maintain the integrity of the choreographed effect set based on the ride location to facilitate the observation of the effects combined with the appropriate audio. In this way, the user or rider experience throughout the ride system is made more immersive and interesting. For example, even when the ride facility is running slightly off the standard rhythm or when some other interruption has occurred, the crescendo of a portion of the music can be timed with the effect to create a desired atmosphere (e.g., intensity level). The ride system can also dynamically update one or more ride components based on the ride vehicle position at any point throughout the ride.

[0021] Detecting that a ride vehicle is delayed or over-advanced may be based on a comparison of the position information with a coordinated itinerary. The coordinated itinerary may include instructions, information, or data indicating a set order of operations for effects, audio, and ride positioning. For example, the coordinated itinerary may provide timing for interaction of ride system features (e.g., activating an effect coordinated with the positioning of the ride vehicle and changes in music for observing the effect). One or more sensors (e.g., cameras, weight sensors, pressure sensors, barcode readers) for detecting the positioning of the ride vehicle may obtain information related to the positioning (e.g., position, orientation) of the ride vehicle and pass the information as position data to a controller (e.g., a central rider controller). Using this data and known information about the ride system, the controller may determine a time range (e.g., a series of time, timing designations) for positioning the ride vehicle relative to an effect observable along a ride path (e.g., a track, rails, an open area, a bounded path) for the ride vehicle. For example, predictions can be made about future alignment of positioning and effects based on established operations and / or operational models. Similarly, the timing of the audio may be determined for this alignment of the ride vehicle by the observability of the effect. This can be compared to a previously established itinerary to identify adjustments that must be made (e.g., based on changes such as delays in the movement of the ride vehicle) to achieve the desired coordination of effects and ride positioning. Once adjustments are made (e.g., speeding up, slowing down, repeating audio), a new coordinated itinerary can be established. If the ride facility is indefinitely delayed or stuck, this can be accommodated (e.g., adjustments to the audio can be made), and then once movement begins again, a new coordinated itinerary can be established. In some embodiments, adjustments to any of the exterior vehicle effects, exterior vehicle audio, in-vehicle audio, and vehicle movement can be aligned with the coordinated itinerary before adjusting the coordinated itinerary.

[0022] The central ride controller may collect data from one or more ride vehicles, audio systems, special effects systems, and the like. The central ride controller may analyze the data based on preset ride show effects that are preset to be displayed when the ride vehicle is in a certain position in the ride system (e.g., in an orientation that facilitates seeing, feeling, or otherwise observing the effect). The central ride controller may also send commands to the audio controller to cut out certain portions of the audio when the ride vehicle's progression along the intended path is delayed and / or loop (e.g., repeat a certain amount of times) certain portions of the audio to ensure that the audio effects are aligned with the visual effects at a certain position of the ride vehicle. It should be understood that instructions may be dynamically sent to any ride element based on the central ride controller collecting audio, ride position, and effects information throughout the ride system to enable synchronization of the ride vehicle with the audio and visual effects.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 To better understand certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 1 A ride system 8 according to the presented embodiment is generally illustrated. As illustrated, a plurality of users 12 (e.g., customers or riders) are guided through the ride system 8 via one of several ride vehicles (e.g., racing cars, motorcycles) 10A, 10B, 10C. The ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C may be guided through the ride system 8 via a track system and / or any other guidance system for the movement of the ride vehicles. For example, each of the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C may be self-propelled and guided by an onboard or remote controller, which may enable each of the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C to have a certain level of autonomy and may also emphasize the lack of uniformity in their relative positioning (e.g., the spacing between the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C). The ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C may move through one or more special effects areas 18 located throughout the ride system 8. The special effects area 18 may include animated characters 16 (e.g., automated puppets), fire effects or other pyrotechnics, explosions, confetti bursts, bright lights, audio effects, haptic effects, cooling or heating effects, or any other suitable effect for an immersive experience of the ride system. The ride system 8 may also include a central ride controller 14, which includes one or more processors 14A and memory 14B, and which may communicate with one or more audio controllers and / or effects controllers of the ride vehicle 10 and the ride system 8 via a network of the ride system 8. In some embodiments, each of these controllers is implemented in a single controller (e.g., central rider controller 14) to facilitate improved communication between the various controllers, which may be viewed as virtual controllers.

[0024] Each of the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C within the ride system 8 may communicate corresponding ride vehicle position data with the central ride controller 14, or may communicate with an audio controller, an effects controller, or any other element of the ride system 8. With respect to a scheduled or programmed ride experience, a ride vehicle position (e.g., a position along a path or an orientation at a location) may be off course (e.g., delayed and / or ahead of preset or corresponding audio and visual effects), as may be determined based on the ride vehicle position data and a timeline (e.g., as defined by a coordinated itinerary). According to the presented embodiment, a controller (such as the central rider controller 14) operates to correct the ride experience by adjusting aspects of the ride experience to align with the time frame and position or predicted position of the corresponding ride vehicle (e.g., ride vehicle 10A, 10B, or 10C) based on the ride vehicle position data.

[0025] For example, to mitigate orientation drift or changes in the orientation of a particular ride vehicle relative to a set template (e.g., changes that affect the time frame of alignment relative to a coordinated trip), ride vehicle orientation data for that particular ride vehicle may be sent to a controller (e.g., a central rider controller 14, which may control various effects) and / or sent directly to one or more dedicated audio and / or effects systems so that audio and / or ride effects may be dynamically updated to be synchronized with the updated ride vehicle orientation. This may ensure that specific audio and visual effects are displayed when each of the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C is located at a desired orientation (e.g., a range of positions that allow for effect viewing) within the ride system 8 for viewing or otherwise observing visual effects within the special effects area 18. For example, each ride vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C may include a separate audio system that plays a specific portion of a soundtrack based on the current orientation of the ride vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C. More specifically, for example, the central ride controller 14 may determine that an audio track played for riders of the first ride vehicle 10A via speakers located within the ride vehicle 10A or external speakers within the ride system 8 needs to be adjusted based on the position information (e.g., current and / or predicted positioning) of the ride vehicles 10. The central ride controller 14 may send a command to the audio system of the first ride vehicle 10A to skip or speed up to the timestamp of the audio track corresponding to the special effect being displayed at the special effects area 18 corresponding to the position information. Likewise, based on the position data, the activation of visual effects or other effects may be delayed or moved up to coordinate with the desired vehicle positioning. In some embodiments, the predicted position (e.g., a possible position at a future time based on sensor data and a predictive model) may be used to adjust for delays (e.g., activation delays or communication delays) so that such delays are taken into account when identifying the position where the ride vehicle 10A would be if a particular effect was actually active.

[0026] In one example, a second ride vehicle 10B may be located at a specific point along a ride path (e.g., a track) and may be exposed to a special effects area 18 that includes an animated character 16 and one or more valves 20 that may be programmed to emit a fire effect (or, for example, a confetti burst). In addition, the ride system 8 may be operable to present audio (e.g., music, script) synchronized with the operation of the ride system 8, such that a specific portion of the audio is played when the ride vehicle 10 is located in the special effects area 18. The ride system 8 may include a central ride controller 14 that includes one or more time codes associated with certain audio and / or visual effects and orientation data of the ride vehicle. The time codes may be adjusted to accommodate orientation offsets from an expected orientation for a particular vehicle at a particular time. These adjustments may be made based on sensor data indicating the current or recent orientation of the vehicle. For example, when the second ride vehicle 10B is near or located in and / or exposed to a special effects area 18, the controller of the second ride vehicle 10B may send positional data to the central ride controller 14 of the ride system 8, and the central ride controller 14 may use the positional data to update or modify the timing of effects (e.g., audio effects, visual effects, haptic effects). In other embodiments, the ride effects system may include a sensor that senses that the second ride vehicle 10B is within range of the effects system and sends a signal to the central ride controller 14 to trigger one or more special effects. The central ride controller 14 of the ride system 8 may determine that a special effect should be presented based on the positional data and send a signal to the special effects area 18, which may send a control signal to actuate, for example, an animated character 16 and / or open one or more valves 20 in response to the second ride vehicle 10B being located in the special effects area 18. The central ride controller 14 may also send a signal to an audio system that may synchronize background audio with the fire effects and / or animated characters 16. In certain embodiments, chords of the music played by the audio system may be timed to the fire effects so that the fire effects are displayed and give the illusion to patrons of the second ride vehicle 10B that the music is timed to certain fire effects. This enables the location of the second ride vehicle 10B to be synchronized with the ride effects and audio system of the ride system 8. For example, the soundtrack may include a chorus of music, and additional segments of the soundtrack may include a crescendo that may be timed to initiate based on when the second ride vehicle 10B is located in the special effects area 18 and exposed to one or more special effects. In this way, based on the location of the ride vehicle, the audio may include additional audio components as part of the special effects experience.

[0027] In one embodiment, the position of the ride vehicle may be delayed or advanced to a planned time range for the desired audio emitted by the audio system. The position of the ride vehicle may be sent to the central ride controller 14 along with the audio timestamp corresponding to the currently playing audio. In order to adjust the ride system 8 based on the ride vehicle position data, the central ride controller 14 may send a signal to the special effects area 18 to control one or more valves 20 to adjust the flame effect to the delayed timestamp of the audio. In other examples, the flame effect may be adjusted to release earlier and / or later depending on the timestamp of the music received at the special effects area 18 and / or the central ride controller 14. In some embodiments, each ride vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C may correspond to a separate audio system. In this way, the audio within each of the ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C may be customized to the individual ride vehicle movement. This enables each ride vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C to adjust the audio differently from other ride vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C that may be located along a ride path (e.g., a track).

[0028] It should be understood that any suitable logic control may be used to achieve the ride system synchronization disclosed herein. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of control hardware for a ride system 8 according to the presently disclosed embodiments. The ride system 8 may include a central ride controller 14 (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC)) that may communicate with one or more ride controllers 32, which may be located within each ride vehicle 10, one or more audio controllers 24, special effects controllers 26 connected to relay switches 28, and animated character controllers 30 via a network 22. The central ride controller 14 may receive ride position data and audio data via the network 22, and may send commands to the one or more ride controllers 32, audio controllers 24, special effects controllers 26, animated character controllers 30, and any other suitable control elements within the ride system 8 based on analyzing the ride position data and audio data. The network 22 may be any suitable computer network that enables different electronic devices (e.g., servers), communication components (e.g., routers), and the like to facilitate communication between components of the ride system 8. Each controller may be connected to a network switch that enables network connectivity and communication between all elements of the ride system 8.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ride system 8 may include one or more fire effects that are synchronized with audio played throughout the ride system 8. The fire effects may also correspond to the movement of the animated characters and the orientation of the ride vehicle 10 so that the patrons 12 in the ride vehicle 10 may optimally view the fire effects. To do this, the ride vehicle 10 may send orientation data to the central ride controller 14, which may analyze the orientation data based on preset orientation data for the ride effects stored in memory. The central ride controller 14 may send the received orientation data to the special effects controller 26 and the audio controller 24. The special effects controller 26 may determine that the ride vehicle 10 is in an optimal orientation for viewing the fire effects (e.g., a range of orientations that facilitate viewing the effects), and may send a signal to open and / or close a relay switch 28 that actuates one or more valves 20 of the special effects area 18 that release combustible gas to create the fire effects. The audio controller 24 may also determine that the ride vehicle 10 is at an optimal distance for viewing the fire effects, and may play one or more audio sequences corresponding to the fire effects. In some embodiments, the animated character controller 30 may receive special effects controller 26 data and may turn around, and / or change orientation and / or position of the patron relative to the ride vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that each of the special effects controller 26, ride controller 32, and audio controller 24 may be attached to a network switch that is attached to other controllers on a network to enable communication between controllers for the ride system 8. In some embodiments, each controller may communicate with other controllers within the ride system 8 without sending data to the central ride controller 14.

[0030] In some embodiments, audio played throughout the movement of the ride vehicle (throughout the ride system 8) may be played continuously throughout the ride system 8, and the portion of the music played during one or more ride vehicles 10 viewing the special effects area 18 may be dramatic (e.g., louder music, brighter flames, larger flames) when the ride vehicles 10 are optimally positioned to view the fire effects. For example, the soundtrack may be preloaded into the memory of the special effects controller 26, and the special effects controller 26 may actuate certain valves 20 corresponding to certain chords of the soundtrack. The soundtrack may also send one or more timestamp updates to the central ride controller 14, which may send the updated timestamp data to the special effects controller 26. It should be understood that any ride element may be synchronized with another ride element via the central ride controller 14 based on the ride element information coordination commands.

[0031] In other embodiments, the flame effects and audio effects may be pre-synchronized to be displayed at a time based on ride vehicle position data pre-stored in the central ride controller 14, which estimates the position of the ride vehicles 10 throughout the ride system 8. If the ride vehicle position on track is delayed or accelerated relative to the pre-stored data, the audio effects may be adjusted. In the event that the ride vehicle position is off track from the pre-stored data, the central ride controller 14 may detect that the ride vehicle position is off track, and may send a signal to the audio controller 24 to delay, loop, or skip forward in the audio track to correspond to the ride vehicle 10 position. The audio controller 24 may send the current timestamp data in the audio track to the special effects controller 26, and the special effects controller 26 may synchronize the flames to the current timestamp data of the audio track playing throughout the ride system 8 and / or in a particular ride vehicle 10 of the ride system 8. It should be understood that each ride vehicle 10 may include an audio system that plays a specific audio track corresponding to a customized pattern of valve actuation based on the ride being in the optimal position for viewing the flame effects. Additionally, the animated character controller 30 may include pre-stored data to include certain movements corresponding to the audio track being played. Timestamp data corresponding to the audio being played may be sent to the animated character controller 30 so that the animated character controller 30 may move according to the movements corresponding to the timestamps of the audio track. In other embodiments, the animated character controller 30 may cause movement in a preset back-and-forth motion (e.g., a guitar playing), and the fire effects and audio track may be synchronized with the preset movements of the animated character 16.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ride system 8 may have an issue that stops and / or delays one or more ride vehicles 10. In this case, the central ride controller 14 may detect that the ride vehicle 10 has been paused or accumulated delayed for a threshold amount of time based on ride position data received from the vehicle, and the central ride controller 14 may send a signal to the audio controller 24 to switch to playing an adjusted soundtrack (e.g., B-roll, a pre-stored soundtrack, a default soundtrack) so that the soundtrack synchronized with the special effects is not delayed as a result of the issue with the ride system 8. The central ride controller 32 may then determine that the ride vehicle 10 has resumed motion or caught up based on the ride vehicle 10 position, and send a signal to the audio controller 24 to resume the audio corresponding to the one or more special effects within the ride system 8. The adjusted soundtrack may be blended substantially seamlessly with the main soundtrack, and may even include repeated portions of the main soundtrack, which may avoid being noticed by patrons or riders.

[0033] Keep in mind the above. Figure 38 is a flow chart of a method 40 for synchronizing a ride system 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The central ride controller 14 may receive position data of one or more ride vehicles 10 within the ride system 8 and may send control commands and / or position data to the audio controller 24 and special effects controller 26 of the ride system 8 based on the ride position data. The central ride controller 14 may also include a memory that stores time codes including a sequence of one or more special effects based on the orientation of the ride vehicle 10.

[0034] At box 42, the central ride controller 14 receives ride position data corresponding to current ride position data for one or more ride vehicles 10 within the ride system 8. The current ride position data may include identification information for the ride vehicle 10 corresponding to the ride position data so that different effects can be presented for each of the ride vehicles 10 within the ride system 8.

[0035] At block 44, the central ride controller 14 determines whether the position data for one or more ride vehicles corresponds to one or more special effects areas 18. The one or more special effects areas 18 may be one or more positions (e.g., a range of specific locations) in the ride system 8 that correspond to optimal viewing of one or more special effects (e.g., lighting effects, audio effects, fire effects, animated character effects). There may be multiple special effects areas 18 that each display different effects throughout the ride system 8. Additionally, commands may be sent to each ride effects system to render (e.g., display or activate) personalized effects for each ride vehicle 10 within the system.

[0036] At block 46, the central ride controller 14 instructs the audio effects controller and the special effects controller 26 to initiate or synchronize audio effects and / or visual effects based on the position data of one or more ride vehicles 10 corresponding to the special effects area 18. For example, a first ride vehicle 10A may be associated with position data indicating that the first ride vehicle 10A is in or immediately approaching a first special effects area 18. This may be based on comparing the ride effect position data and the ride vehicle position data stored in the memory of the central ride controller 14. The central ride controller 14 may send a signal to the audio controller 24 and the special effects controller 26 to provide visual and audio effects at the first ride effect point. The audio effects may be manipulated in a variety of ways (including before arriving at the special effects area 18) to seamlessly synchronize the music with the timing for other planned effects (e.g., a fire effect). As noted above, this may include speeding up the music, slowing the music down, adding repeats to the music, or removing segments of the music to adjust the timing to correspond to the relevant effect (e.g., a fire effect).

[0037] Additionally, the ride system 8 controller may determine that a second ride vehicle is located within or near a second ride effect point (e.g., special effects area 18) based on the ride vehicle 10 position data. The central ride controller 14 may send signals to additional audio effects controllers and additional special effects controllers to display different visual and audio effects for the second vehicle 10. It should be understood that any suitable number of special effects areas 18 may exist within the ride system 8 and be stored in the memory of the central ride controller 14. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, each of the ride vehicle 10 controllers may send position data directly to one or more audio effects controllers and special effects controllers 26 within the ride system 8, and the audio effects controllers and special effects controllers 26 may send signals to display certain visual effects or play certain audio tracks based on the ride vehicle 10 position data.

[0038] Considering the foregoing, Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method 50 for audio system synchronization according to the presently disclosed embodiments. The central ride controller 14 may receive ride position data from one or more ride systems 8, and may receive audio data corresponding to segments of one or more audio tracks (e.g., specific chords or lyrics). The central ride controller 14 may determine the ride position and audio track timestamps, and may send a signal to one or more valves of a special effects system to open to create a fire effect based on the ride vehicle position and the audio track timestamps.

[0039] At box 52, the central ride controller 14 receives ride position data from one or more ride vehicles 10 located within the ride system 8. The ride position data may indicate that one or more ride vehicles 10 have passed trigger points and / or sensors that determine that the ride vehicle 10 is within an optimal viewing range of a special effects area 18. At box 54, the central ride controller 14 receives audio data corresponding to one or more music lines of a soundtrack of one or more ride vehicles 10. The audio data may include a timestamp associated with the soundtrack currently playing in one or more ride vehicles 10 within the ride system. The central ride controller 14 may determine whether the ride vehicle 10 is located in a special effects area 18 based on the ride vehicle position. The central ride controller 14 may then determine one or more segments of the soundtrack intended to be associated with the special effects area 18, and manipulate the playback of the soundtrack and / or the operation of the special effects area 18 to synchronize with the positioning of the ride vehicle 10 to create an immersive and coordinated effects experience. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, special effects areas 18 (eg, fire effects via valve control) are coordinated with the audio and position data.

[0040] At box 56, the central ride controller 14 sends a signal to one or more special effects controllers in response to receiving the ride vehicle position and audio data to open one or more valves corresponding to the fire effect. Based on the time stamp data and the audio clip (e.g., chord or lyric data) stored in the memory of the central ride controller 14, the one or more valves may correspond to the chords of the music track currently being played to the ride vehicles 10 within the ride system 8. The special effects system may then display one or more flames in the perspective of one or more ride vehicles 10 and corresponding to the music track. It should be understood that any suitable number of valves may be used to display the fire effect within the ride system 8.

[0041] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0042] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples and substantial objects that arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "a means for [performing] ... [function]" or "a step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A ride effect coordination system, comprising: a ride vehicle configured to traverse a ride path; one or more sensors configured to detect a ride vehicle position along the ride path and communicate the ride vehicle position as position data; an audio system configured to play audio for one or more occupants of the ride; an effects system configured to present special effects observable from the ride path; as well as A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: determining, based on the position data, a time frame for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system such that the one or more riders can observe the special effect; as well as Based on the time range, the audio system is controlled to adjust playback of the audio to coordinate portions of the audio with presentation of the special effects and the positioning of the ride vehicle.

2. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to control the audio system to slow down playback of the audio based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is delayed relative to a previously established coordinated trip.

3. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat a segment of the audio based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is delayed relative to a previously established coordinated trip.

4. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat the segment of the audio multiple times based on the extent to which the ride vehicle is delayed relative to the previously established coordinated trip, and to cause additional segments of the audio to be played when the ride vehicle is positioned relative to the effects system to allow the one or more riders to observe the special effect.

5. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 4, wherein: The segment of the audio includes a musical chorus, and the additional segment of the audio includes a crescendo.

6. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The effect system includes pyrotechnic effects, animated character effects, cooling effects, heating effects, haptic effects, or a combination thereof.

7. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to control the audio system to speed up at least a portion of the audio based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is ahead of a previously established coordinated trip.

8. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to delay activation or actuation of the effects system based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is delayed relative to a previously established coordinated trip.

9. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller includes an audio system controller configured to control the audio system, an effects system controller configured to control the effects system, and a ride vehicle controller configured to control the ride vehicle.

10. The ride effect coordination system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller includes a central controller configured to control the effects system and the audio system based on control instructions provided to one or more additional controllers.

11. The ride effects coordination system of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of ride vehicles configured to move along the ride path and configured to be coordinated within the ride effects coordination system by the controller.

12. A method for coordinating ride effects, the method comprising: sensing the positioning of the ride vehicle along the ride path via one or more sensors; communicating the position of the ride vehicle as position data to a controller via the one or more sensors; playing audio via an audio system for one or more riders of the ride; presenting, via an effects system, special effects observable from the ride path; determining, based on the position data, a time frame for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system such that the one or more riders can observe the special effect; as well as Based on the time range, the audio system is controlled to adjust playback of the audio to coordinate portions of the audio with presentation of the special effects and the positioning of the ride vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising controlling the audio system to adjust the playing of the audio by slowing down the speed of the audio based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is delayed relative to a previously established coordinated trip.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising controlling the audio system to repeat a segment of the audio based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle is delayed relative to a previously established coordinated trip.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising directing movement of the ride vehicle via the controller.

16. A ride effect coordination system comprising: a ride vehicle configured to traverse a ride path; one or more sensors configured to detect a position of the ride vehicle along the ride path and communicate the position as position data; an audio system configured to play audio for one or more occupants of the ride; an effects system configured to present special effects observable from the ride path; as well as A controller, wherein the controller is configured to: determining, based on the position data, a time frame for positioning the ride vehicle relative to the effects system such that the one or more riders can observe the special effect; as well as Based on the time range, the ride vehicle and the audio system are controlled to coordinate the playing of the audio and the positioning of the ride vehicle so that portions of the audio are presented in conjunction with the presentation of the special effects when the ride vehicle is positioned relative to the effects system so that the one or more riders are able to observe the special effects.

17. The ride effect coordination system of claim 16, wherein: The controller is configured to control a speed of the ride vehicle, control the audio system to manage a speed of playback of the audio, or both based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle and the audio are out of sync with respect to a coordinated ride.

18. The ride effect coordination system of claim 16, wherein: The controller is configured to control movement of the ride vehicle, control the audio system to manage playback of the audio, or both based on the time range indicating that the ride vehicle and the audio are out of sync with respect to a coordinated trip.

19. The ride effect coordination system of claim 18, wherein: The controller is configured to control the audio system to repeat a segment of the audio a plurality of times based on the extent to which the ride and the audio are out of sync with respect to the coordinated ride.

20. The ride effect coordination system of claim 19, wherein: The controller is configured to delay or accelerate activation or actuation of the effect system based on the position data.

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