Image presentation system for amusement park scenic spot system

Abstract

An image presentation system for an amusement park includes a first display having an opening extending therethrough, where at least a portion of the first display is viewable from a viewing area; a movable arm, wherein the movable arm is positioned within the opening; a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display, where the second display conceals the opening from the viewing area; and a controller configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display such that the second image includes an image effect taking into account the offset, and in coordination with the first image, present the first image and the second image as if it were a single image displayed by the first display.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. 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 should be understood in this light, rather than as an admission of the prior art.

[0002] Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects may be used to help immerse guests in the experience of a ride or attraction. An immersive environment may include physical props and scenery, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or display surfaces that present media. Additionally, an immersive environment may include audio effects, smoke effects, and / or motion effects. As modern rides and attractions become increasingly sophisticated and complex, and as patrons' expectations rise accordingly, there is a desire for improved and more creative attractions, including rides and attractions with more complex, immersive, and / or realistic special effects. Summary of the invention

[0003] The following presents an overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented only to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the present disclosure may cover a variety of aspects that may not be presented below.

[0004] In an embodiment, an image presentation system includes a first display having an opening extending therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the first display is viewable from a viewing area. Additionally, the system includes a movable arm positioned within the opening, a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display to conceal the opening from the viewing area, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display such that the second image includes an image effect that accounts for the offset and is coordinated with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

[0005] In an embodiment, a method includes determining a viewing angle of a viewer via a controller, displaying via the controller a first image on a first display including an aperture, and displaying via the controller a second image on a second display disposed on a movable member extending through the aperture. The second display is positioned to hide the aperture from the viewing angle of the viewer, and the second image is configured to hide the second display by presenting the first image and the second image as if, from the viewing angle of the viewer, a single image displayed by the first display.

[0006] In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations including: determining first image data and second image data for presentation based on a detected positioning of a viewing area, initiating presentation of the first image based on the first image data on a first display having an opening extending therethrough, and initiating presentation of a second image based on the second image data on a second display supported by a movable arm extending through the opening, the second display being offset from the first display and the second display hiding the opening from the viewing area, and the second image including an image effect that accounts for the offset and is coordinated with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present embodiments will become better understood when reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system including an image presentation system and a viewing area according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an attraction system including an image presentation system and a viewing area according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an image presentation system and viewing area according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is from the perspective of the viewing area according to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an image presentation system; Figure 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method or process for operating an image presentation system of an amusement park attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method or process for operating an image presentation system of an amusement park attraction system according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] One or more specific embodiments are 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 is still a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0009] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" 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. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to an attraction system such as may be provided in an entertainment venue (e.g., an amusement park or theme park). An entertainment venue may include various features, such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), display screens, theatrical performances, performers, and / or performance scene props (e.g., characters, animated characters). The attraction system of an amusement park may also include an image presentation system configured to facilitate providing entertainment to visitors by displaying images on a screen in coordination with one or more of the various aforementioned amusement park features. For example, the image presentation system may present various visual and / or animation effects to visitors in coordination with the actions or presentations performed by the various amusement park features within the attraction system.

[0011] As an example, the image presentation system may include one or more performance effects, such as a display, an animated performance image (e.g., a mechanically activated animated image), etc. Such performance effects may be operated to enable visitors to experience a certain atmosphere, such as a realistic and / or immersive environment, to provide entertainment to visitors. According to this embodiment, the display may present various visual effects in coordination with an animated performance image positioned at a specific position substantially in front of the display. Therefore, during the operation of the scenic spot system, visitors may be positioned to watch the animated performance image that appears in front of the display and is coordinated with the display. The support for the animated performance image may involve connecting the animated performance image to a structure that extends substantially in front of the display and potentially blocks (e.g., blocks) the display from the perspective of the visitor (e.g., visual perspective). In addition, in some embodiments, the support may include a movable arm, and the animated performance image may be controllably animated and / or moved relative to the viewing area via the movable arm (e.g., a device boom, a mechanical arm). From the perspective of the visitor, such movement may further block the display. Therefore, this embodiment is directed to hiding such blocking. For example, the display may include an opening (e.g., a gap, slot, port, hole, disconnection) through which the movable arm may extend and be attached (e.g., fastened, coupled, linked) to the animated performing figure. In addition to the movable arm, the hole may further obstruct the display and thereby disrupt (e.g., interrupt, disrupt, obscure) the various visual effects intended. However, the additional display may be coordinated with the display and other aspects or features of the system (e.g., movement, change in viewing angle) to hide such obstruction. Thus, the entertainment provided by the realistic and / or immersive environment of the image presentation system may be increased relative to allowing such obstruction to remain unmitigated.

[0012] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to enable movement and / or animation of a performance figure in front of a display to coordinate with various visual effects of the display while hiding a movable arm supporting the performance figure and an opening in the display through which the movable arm extends. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attraction system that includes an image presentation system configured to provide a visually realistic environment to a viewing area by hiding structures and / or a movable device (e.g., a robotic arm) and / or an opening in a display through which the movable device extends from the viewing angle of the viewing area. Components of the image presentation system may include a first display, a control system, and a movable arm. Additionally, the image presentation system may include a second display and a performance figure (e.g., an animated figure, an animated object, a robot) that may be coupled to, disposed on, or otherwise accommodated by the movable arm such that the movable arm, via movement of one or more actuators, may move the second display and the performance figure together as a unit or group. In other words, movement of the movable arm may drive corresponding movement of the second display and the performance figure.

[0013] In addition, the components of the image presentation system may be configured to operate during the use of the scenic spot system. For example, the components of the image presentation system may operate in coordination with each other to produce the desired visual entertainment, while hiding any structure and / or actuating components of the image presentation system for the viewing area. As an example, the first display may present an image depicting a particular scene, and the performance image may be an object or character depicted as surrounded by the scene of the first display. The performance image may be moved relative to the scene via a movable arm, and may be operated to depict reactions and / or interact with the scene depicted by the first display. In addition, the movable arm may be positioned to extend through the hole in the first display and be connected to the performance image. In this way, the movable arm may drive the movement of the performance image. The image presentation system of this embodiment also includes a second display connected to the movable arm. The second display may be positioned to physically hide the hole and the movable arm in the first display for the viewing area (e.g., by being located in front of the visual area including the hole and the movable arm relative to the viewing area and extending outside the visual area). In addition, the second display may be configured to present an image containing image effects coordinated with the image of the first display. The image effect can enable the second display to effectively hide the viewing area including the aperture of the first display and the movable arm by creating an optical illusion such that, from the perspective of the viewing area, the image of the first display and the image of the second display are combined in a manner that provides an illusion that a unified scene (e.g., a single background or a single display presenting the same visual information) is present. Thus, the components of the image presentation system can be operated to more realistically depict the movement of the performing figure so as to depict the performing figure moving without the use of actuation of the support and the movable arm, both of which are hidden behind the second display. In this way, the operation of the components of the image presentation system and the coordination of these components with each other can enhance the experience felt by visitors in the viewing area.

[0014] Furthermore, because the components of the image presentation system mentioned above can be separated from the viewing area, maintenance, service, and / or other operations can be performed on the components of the image presentation system without modifying the viewing area. For example, the performance images can be modified, removed, added, etc. without modifying how the guests are positioned within the viewing area (e.g., to accommodate modifications to the image presentation system). As a result, the image presentation system can be more easily modified (e.g., updated, serviced, and / or adjusted) to provide the desired visual entertainment to the viewing area.

[0015] Considering the foregoing, Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 50 that includes an image presentation system 52 and a viewing area 54. The image presentation system 52 includes a first display 56, a control system 58 including one or more controllers 60, and a movable arm 62. In addition, the image presentation system 52 includes a second display 64 and a performing figure 66 (e.g., an animated figure, an animated object, a robot) that may be coupled to, disposed on, or otherwise accommodated by the movable arm 62. In addition, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an attraction system 50.

[0016] For the sake of convenience, we will describe Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and the components of attraction system 50 will be discussed in conjunction with directional viewing angles 67 represented by vertical axis 68, lateral axis 70, and depth axis 72. These directional viewing angles 67 represent the general viewing directions from viewing area 54. The image presentation system may include a first display 56 that is positioned substantially behind and around the performance character 66 relative to the viewing angle of viewing area 54. In particular, from the viewing angle of viewing area 54, first display 56 may be positioned behind performance character 66 relative to depth axis 72. In this manner, first display 56 (e.g., an LED screen or a screen onto which projection is made) may present visual effects (e.g., images, image data, video images, visual scenes) that are coordinated with performance character 66. For example, the visual effects may include a scene or environment in which performance character 66 appears to interact when viewed from viewing area 54. As a specific example, performance character 66 may represent a butterfly, and the visual effects displayed by first display 56 may depict a field of flowers in which the butterfly may be interacting. Additionally, the first display 56 may include an aperture 74 (e.g., an opening, a gap, a break), through which the movable arm 62 may extend and / or within which it may be positioned. The aperture 74 may be completely surrounded by the first display 56, or may include, for example, Figure 2, wherein hole 74 is only partially surrounded by first display 56. Movable arm 62 can support and coordinate the movement of performance figure 66 relative to the visual effects environment presented by first display 56. For example, performance figure 66 can be moved by movable arm 62 relative to the visual effects environment presented by first display 56 to produce the appearance of a butterfly (as represented by performance figure 66) flying through a field of flowers (as depicted on first display 56). The location of hole 74 in first display 56 can enable performance figure 66 coupled to movable arm 62 to be suspended along vertical axis 68 at a particular distance from (e.g., offset from, away from) a base surface (e.g., the ground, stage surface, floor). In this way, image presentation system 52 can produce visual effects that can be perceived from viewing area 54, such as performance figure 66 appearing to be flying, floating, levitating and / or falling.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, a movable arm 62 (e.g., a mechanical arm, a movable member) is positioned within the aperture 74 and is configured to support and position the second display 64 and the performance character 66 (e.g., an animated character) between the first display 56 and the viewing area 54. In some embodiments, the movable arm 62 may be an articulated mechanical arm having at least two degrees of freedom coupled to the performance character 66. For example, the movable arm 62 may be controllably actuated to move the performance character 66 generally along the vertical axis 68, the lateral axis 70, the depth axis 72, or any combination thereof relative to the viewing angle of the viewing area 54. In addition, the movable arm 62 may also support a transmission line (e.g., one or more cables) that may extend along the movable arm 62 (e.g., within the movable arm, beside the movable arm) and may provide power and / or data to the second display 64 and / or the performance character 66. As an example, the power supplied via the transmission line may enable the performance character 66 to be animated to depict reactions or interact with visual effects and / or other performance elements of the attraction system 50. In this way, the operation and animation of the performing figure 66 can enhance the experience felt by the visitor. In some embodiments, the image presentation system 52 can also include a support structure 76 coupled to and extending from the movable arm 62. The support structure 76 can be used to couple the performing figure 66 to the movable arm 62 in a desired configuration. In addition, the performing figure 66 can be positioned on the support structure 76 so as to hide at least a portion of the support structure 76 and / or the second display 64 from the viewing area 54. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body and wings of the performing figure 66 hide the support structure 76 from the viewing area 54. In this way, the support structure 76 can enable the performing figure 66 to be positioned between the second display 64 and the viewing area 54 without obstructing or disrupting the immersion of the narrative.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the image presentation system 52 also includes a second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62. The second display 64 can be coupled to the end and / or side of the movable arm 62 and positioned to hide the movable arm 62 and the aperture 74 from the viewing area 54. In addition, the second display 64 can be at least partially positioned behind the performance figure 66 relative to the depth axis 72. In this way, a portion of the performance figure 66 can cover (e.g., hide, obscure) a portion of the second display 64 relative to the viewing area 54. In other embodiments, such as Figure 4 , the second display 64 can extend around and from the movable arm 62 such that at least a portion of the movable arm 62 can extend through the second display 64. Additionally, the second display 64 can be positioned to visually block (e.g., hide, obscure) the aperture 74 in the first display 56 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. For example, the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62 can be positioned offset from (e.g., spaced a distance apart from) and / or in front of the first display 56 such that an edge of the second display 64 visually extends beyond and completely covers an edge of the aperture 74 in the first display 56 relative to the perspective of the viewing area 54. Additionally, the second display 64 can present additional visual effects (e.g., images, image data, video imagery), including image effects (e.g., distortion effects, modified perspective effects, warping effects) that are coordinated with the visual effects of the first display 56.

[0019] The image effects of the second display 64 may take into account the offset distance from the first display 56 and coordinate with the visual effects of the first display 56 to present the first image 82 displayed on the first display 56 and the second image 84 on the second display 64 as if they were a common image (e.g., a single image, a seamless image) at a common depth substantially equal to the depth of the first display 56 relative to the viewing area 54. To create this illusion, the second image may be generated based on the shape of the second display 64, the position of the second display 64 relative to the first display 56 and the viewing area 54, and the first image 82. In this way, the first display 56 and the second display 64 may present images having complementary geometric shapes that enable the aperture 74 and the movable arm 62 to be visually hidden from the viewing area 54 perspective. In other words, from the perspective of a visitor (e.g., a viewer) in the viewing area 54, the second display 64, the aperture 74, and the movable arm 62 can effectively substantially disappear because the image effects of the second display 64 together with the visual effects of the first display 56 can create an optical illusion that enables the image presentation system 52 to present the performing figure 66 connected to the movable arm 62 as being suspended or unsupported within the image of the first display 56.

[0020] It should be appreciated that the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may present any number of images (e.g., image data, video imagery). In addition, in some embodiments, the images displayed by the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may be displayed continuously, such as video imagery. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second display 64 may present a third image 90 (e.g., a fourth image, a fifth image, an nth image) after the second image 84 on the second display 64, which may be combined with image effects as discussed herein to account for the offset distance from the first display 56 and coordinate with the visual effects of the first display 56 to present the first image 82 displayed on the first display 56 and the third image 90 on the second display 64 as if they were a common image (e.g., a single image, a seamless image) at a common depth substantially equal to the depth of the first display 56 relative to the viewing area 54. In addition, the third image 90 (e.g., a fourth image, a fifth image, an nth image) may be generated based on the shape of the second display 64, the position of the second display 64 relative to the first display 56 and the viewing area 54, and the first image 82. In this manner, as discussed herein, the first display 56 and the second display 64 may present images having complementary geometries that enable the aperture 74 and the movable arm 62 to be visually hidden from the perspective of the viewing area 54 .

[0021] In some embodiments, the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may be an electronic display or a projection display that enables display of graphics and / or visual output to the viewing area 54. The display may use any suitable backlit or frontlit display technology and may include electroluminescent (ELD) displays, liquid crystal (LCD) displays, light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, active matrix OLED displays, plasma display panels (PDPs), quantum dot LED (QLED) displays, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the edges of the second display 64 may be beveled or curved (e.g., to avoid sharp edges) to help visually hide the second display 64. In addition, the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may be a screen that enables viewing of projected images and / or video images from the viewing area 54. For example, as seen in the illustrated embodiment, the image presentation system 52 may include a projector 92 that projects images onto the first display 56 and / or the second display 64. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shapes (e.g., surfaces, walls, faces) of the first display 56 and the second display 64 may be substantially flat (e.g., each extending in a respective single plane). In other embodiments, the shapes of the first display 56 and / or the second display 64 may extend in a substantially concave curve relative to the viewing angle of the viewing area 54. Furthermore, the first display 56 and the second display 64 may each include concave curves that complement each other. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , the first display 56 includes a concave curve and the second display 64 is substantially flat.

[0022] The viewing area 54 and the image presentation system 52 can change position relative to each other. Thus, the first display 56, the second display 64, the movable arm 62, and / or the performance figure 66 can be configured to operate in response to a relative position change relative to the viewing area 54, which can correspond to the perspective and / or position of a visitor (e.g., a spectator), a group of visitors, and / or a vehicle of the attraction system 50. For example, the viewing area 54 (which can represent a ride vehicle) can be mobile, such as a ride vehicle of an attraction that accommodates one or more visitors. The ride vehicle can travel on a path (e.g., a track on which it is located) substantially in front of the first display 56 of the image presentation system 52, and its position can be detected or monitored using one or more sensors 53 (e.g., a camera, a barcode reader, a pressure sensor). Due to such position changes, the perspective (e.g., visual perspective, perception angle) of the viewing area 54 relative to the first display 56 can change depending on the position of the visitor, the group of visitors, and / or the ride vehicle. Thus, the viewing angle of viewing area 54 may determine the operation of first display 56, second display 64, movable arm 62, and / or performing figure 66 to effectively coordinate with visual effects observable from viewing area 54 to produce a realistic and / or immersive environment for the attraction. Data regarding such changes in viewing angle may be acquired based on one or more sensors 53 or other feedback indicative of such changes. For example, the ride control system may monitor the location of the ride vehicle (e.g., using a position sensor), identify the location based on a time / position correlation, and the like.

[0023] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the image presentation system 52 also includes a control system 58. The control system 58 may include one or more controllers 60, a memory 78, and a processing circuit 80. The memory 78 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), and / or a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The processing circuit 80 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 80 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. In addition, the control system 58 may be communicatively coupled to the first display 56, the second display 64, the movable arm 62, one or more sensors 53, and / or the performance image 66. For example, the control system 58 may provide (e.g., send, transmit) visual effects and / or image effects to the first display 56 and / or the second display 64. In some embodiments, the control system 58 may be communicatively coupled to the projector 92 and may provide visual effects and / or image effects to the projector 92 for display by the first display 56 and / or the second display 64. In addition, the control system 58 may modify the imagery (e.g., image data, video imagery) provided to the first display 56 and / or the second display 64, which may enable the modified imagery to effectively hide the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62 coupled to the performing figure 66 from the viewing area 54. In particular, the control system 58 may modify the imagery provided to the first display 56 and the second display 64 based on the viewing angle of the viewing area 54, which may correspond to the changing position of the viewing area 54. For example, the viewing area 54 may be a visitor traveling along a path (e.g., a track) of the attraction system 50. As the visitor's position changes relative to the first display 56 and the second display 64, the visitor's viewing angle may change. In addition, the control system 58 may determine the location of the visitor corresponding to the visitor's viewing angle, and modify the imagery provided to the first display 56 and the second display 64 in response to determining the location of the visitor. As described above, the control system 58 may identify relative position information based on one or more sensors 53, which may include cameras and software configured to detect human faces and viewing positions.

[0024] In addition, the control system 58 may actuate the movable arm 62 based on the viewing angle of the viewing area 54, which may correspond to the changing position of the viewing area 54. In particular, the control system 58 may continuously determine the viewing angle of the viewing area 54 so that the second display 64 can remain positioned to effectively hide the hole 74 in the first display 56 even if the viewing area 54 changes position. Using the aforementioned example, when a visitor travels on a path near the first display 56 and the second display 64, the control system 58 may determine the location of the visitor corresponding to the visitor's viewing angle. The control system 58 may then actuate the movable arm 62 in response to determining the location of the visitor to adjust the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62 to hide the hole 74 from the visitor's viewing angle. In some embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 may be predetermined, and thus the images provided to the first display 56 and the second display 64 and the actuation of the movable arm 62 may be pre-programmed into the image presentation system 52. In other embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 may be variable and determined by the control system 58 by receiving data from one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 53) positioned throughout the attraction system 50. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the second display 64 can be moved separately from the performing figure 66. For example, two separate movable arms 62 can extend through the aperture 74 and be coupled to the performing figure 66 or the second display 64, respectively. In yet another example, an additional actuation mechanism can extend from the movable arms 62 to guide the performing figure 66 or the second display 64.

[0025] In some embodiments, actuation of the movable arm 62 may be required in order to present the desired visual entertainment of the attraction system 50 to the viewing area 54. Specifically, actuation of the movable arm 62 may enable the movement of the performance image 66 coupled to the movable arm 62 to be coordinated with the visual effects of the first display 56 that may create the desired visual entertainment. For example, the first display 56 may present a visual effect depicting a realistic scene of a space station in outer space, and the performance image 66 may be an astronaut performing a space walk. In this way, the astronaut may move in the scene presented by the first display 56 via the movable arm 62, and it will appear as if the astronaut is floating (e.g., suspended) in outer space. As a result, actuation of the movable arm 62 to move the performance image 66 will also cause movement of the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second display 64 may be configured to operate in response to actuation of the movable arm 62. For example, as discussed herein, the second display 64 coupled to the movable arm 62 may be positioned to cover the hole 74 in the first display 56 and may present an image effect coordinated with the visual effect of the first display 56 to hide the hole 74 and the movable arm 62 from the viewing area 54. In response to the actuation of the movable arm 62 to move the performing figure 66, the second display 64 may present additional image effects to continuously create and / or maintain the optical illusion, which enables the second display 64 to hide the movable arm 62 and / or the hole 74 in the first display 56 from the viewing area 54. In some embodiments, the control system 58 may provide image effects to the second display 64 in response to determining the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the position of the second display 64. In some embodiments, the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the second display 64 may be predetermined, and thus the imagery provided to the second display 64 and the actuation of the movable arm 62 may be pre-programmed into the image presentation system 52. In other embodiments, the position of the movable arm 62 and / or the second display 64 may be determined by the control system 58 by receiving data from one or more sensors positioned throughout the attraction system 50. It should be noted that by blending the imagery of the second display 64 with the imagery of the first display 56, the second display 64 itself is also effectively hidden or disguised because it creates the impression that only the background is being viewed.

[0026] To further illustrate how the image presentation system 52 effectively conceals the hole 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an image presentation system 52 as viewed from the side, and Figure 4is a schematic diagram of the image presentation system 52 as viewed from the perspective of the viewing area 54. In particular, the image presentation system 52 of the illustrated embodiment includes a second display 64 that is offset from the first display 56 and is coupled to and surrounds the movable arm 62 that is coupled to the performing figure 66. Additionally, the edge of the second display 64 extends beyond the edge of the aperture 74 of the first display 56 through which the movable arm 62 extends. Furthermore, as discussed herein, the image presentation system 52 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a control system 58 that may include one or more controllers 60, a memory 78, and a processing circuit 80.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the first display 56 presents a first image 82, and the second display 64 presents a second image 84 that corresponds to the first image 82. Figure 3 From the perspective of the viewing area 54, the second display 64 and the aperture 74 and movable arm 62 in the first display 56 can be visually distinguished from the first display 56. In addition, the first image 82 and the second image 84 can also be visually distinguished, and the edge of the second image 84 (e.g., the second display 64) can be easily perceived. However, when the image presentation system 52 is viewed from the perspective of the viewing area 54, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 , the aperture 74 in the first display 56 and the movable arm 62 are visually hidden by the second display 64 and the performing figure 66. In addition, the first image 82 presented by the first display 56 and the second image 84 presented by the second display 64 appear as if they were a single image presented by the first display 56 and positioned behind the performing figure 66 relative to the depth axis 72. In fact, the second image 84 and the edges of the second display 64 cannot be visually distinguished from the first image 82 or the first display 56. Therefore, from the perspective of the viewing area 54, the aperture 74, the movable arm 62, and the second display 64 are effectively hidden (e.g., covered, disguised), and the performing figure 66 appears to be suspended vertically relative to the vertical axis 68 at a distance 86 from the ground 88.

[0028] Additionally, in some embodiments, as the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both move (e.g., change position, translate), the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 is continuously updated (e.g., adjusted) based on the position (e.g., movement) of the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both. In other embodiments, the second display 64 may receive and display additional images (e.g., video imagery) based on the position of the movable arm 62, the viewing area 54, or both. As a result, the second image 84 maintains a visually complementary geometry relative to the first image 82 on the first display 56 so as to hide the movable arm 62, the aperture 74 in the first display, and the second display 64 from the perspective of the viewing area 54. In this manner, the image presentation system 52 can enable full entertainment of the attraction system 50 by providing a visually realistic and immersive environment to the viewing area 54.

[0029] Figure 5 is an image presentation system for operating the attraction system 50 (e.g., Figure 1-4 Flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 100 of an image presentation system 52 in FIG. 1 . Any suitable device (e.g., Figure 1-3 The method 100 may be performed by a processing circuit 80 of the control system 58 of the control system 58. In one embodiment, the method 100 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 78 of the control system 58). For example, the method 100 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more hardware components, one or more software applications, etc. Although the method 100 is described using steps in a particular order, additional steps may be performed, the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and / or some of the steps described may be skipped or not performed in full.

[0030] At block 102, the location of the viewing area 54 may be received. In particular, the viewing area 54 may be mobile and may be monitored for positioning relative to the image presentation system 52. For example, the location of the viewing area 54 may indicate the location of a ride vehicle on a track traveling near the first display 56. In some embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 may correspond to the location (e.g., position) of an individual guest or spectator within the attraction system 50 (e.g., as detected using facial recognition, etc.). Additionally, the location of the viewing area 54 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed) based on a time of observation or a set location (e.g., a ride vehicle on a track) and may be retrieved from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the location of the viewing area 54 may include user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the location of the viewing area 54 may be received from one or more sensors positioned within the attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the location and / or position of the viewing area 54.

[0031] At block 104, the first image 82 may be received by the first display 56 and displayed on the first display 56. Additionally, the first display 56 may include the aperture 74. As discussed herein, the first image 82 may be a scene or image corresponding to the theme of the attraction system 50. Additionally, the first image 82 may be displayed by or projected onto the first display 56 and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. The first image 82 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation and / or the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56). Additionally, the first image 82 may be displayed based on data received from one or more sensors positioned within the attraction system 50 and configured to monitor one or more parameters of the attraction system 50.

[0032] At block 106, the second image 84 may be received by the second display 64 and displayed on the second display 64. Further, the second display 64 may be disposed on a movable member (e.g., movable arm 62) that extends through the aperture 74 in the first display 56. Additionally, as discussed herein, the second display 64 may be positioned so as to physically hide the aperture 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the movable arm 62, and therefore the position of the second display 64 that hides the aperture 74, is such that from the perspective of a visitor (e.g., a viewer within the viewing area 54), the visitor is not aware of or clearly aware of the aperture 74. Further, as discussed herein, by presenting the first image 82 and the second image 84 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56, the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective. Additionally, the second image 84 may be displayed by or projected onto the second display 64 and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. The second image 84 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56), the position of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0033] At block 108, additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be received. For example, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may indicate additional locations of ride vehicles on a track that travels proximate to the first display 56. In some embodiments, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may correspond to additional locations (e.g., positions) of guests or spectators within the attraction system 50. Additionally, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed), such as ride vehicles on a track, and may be retrieved from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may include user input, such as a request to operate the image presentation system 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the additional locations of the viewing area 54 may be received from one or more sensors positioned within the attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the location and / or position of the viewing area 54.

[0034] At block 110, an actuation system of a movable component of the image presentation system 52 may be instructed to move the movable component based on receiving the additional position of the viewing area 54. In particular, the performance figure 66 and the second display 64 may be coupled to the movable component, and movement of the movable component via the actuation system may cause the performance figure 66 and the second display 64 to move together as a unit. For example, an actuator of the movable arm 62 may be instructed to move the movable arm 62, and as a result, move the second display 64 and the performance figure 66, causing the second display 64 to continue to hide the hole 74 in the first display 56 from the viewing angle of the viewing area 54. As discussed herein, the viewing area 54 may be movable. In other words, the position of the viewing area 54, and therefore the viewing angle of the viewing area 54, relative to the first display 56, the performance figure 66, and the second display 64 may change over time. As the viewing angle changes, the actuator may be instructed to move the movable arm 62 based on receiving the additional position of the viewing area 54 to maintain the concealment of the hole 74 in the first display 56. The actuation system may additionally or alternatively move the support in a manner that augments or supplements other operations of the attraction system. For example, the actuation system may be instructed to move the movable component, which causes the performance image 66 to move based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50 (such as the time of operation). The instructions to the actuator of the movable component may be predetermined (e.g., programmed) and may be retrieved from the memory 78 of the control system 58. In some embodiments, the instructions to the actuator of the movable component may include user input, which may indicate a requested position or requested movement of the movable component, the performance image 66, the second display 64, or any combination thereof.

[0035] At block 112, the third image 90 (e.g., image, video image, image data) may be received by the second display 64 and displayed on the second display 64. In addition, as discussed herein, the second display 64 may be disposed on a movable member (e.g., movable arm 62) that extends through the aperture 74 in the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be positioned so as to physically hide the aperture 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the second display 64 that hides the aperture 74 makes it so that from the perspective of a visitor or viewer within the viewing area 54, the aperture 74 is not effectively perceptible by the viewer. In addition, by presenting the first image 82 and the third image 90 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56, the third image 90 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective. In addition, the third image 90 may be displayed by or projected onto the second display 64 and may be viewed by the viewing area 54. Additionally, the third image 90 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56), the position of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0036] Figure 6 is an image presentation system for operating the attraction system 50 (e.g., Figure 1-4 Flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process 200 of an image presentation system 52 in FIG. Any suitable device (e.g., Figure 1-3 The method 200 may be executed by any processing circuit 80 of the control system 58 of the control system 58. In one embodiment, the method 200 may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 78 of the control system 58). For example, the method 200 may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more hardware components, one or more software applications, etc. Although the method 200 is described using steps in a particular order, additional steps may be performed, the steps described may be performed in an order different from that shown, and / or some of the steps described may be skipped or not performed in full.

[0037] At block 202, a position of a movable component (e.g., movable arm 62) may be received. For example, the position of movable arm 62 may indicate the position of performance figure 66 and second display 64 coupled to movable arm 62. Further, the position of movable arm 62 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed), such as a predetermined positioning of performance figure 66 within image presentation system 52, and may be retrieved from memory 78 of control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the position of movable arm 62 may include user input, such as a request to operate image presentation system 52. Further, in some embodiments, the position of movable arm 62 may be received from one or more sensors positioned within attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the position and / or positioning of movable arm 62 and / or performance figure 66.

[0038] At block 204, the first image 82 may be received by the first display 56 and displayed on the first display 56. Additionally, the first display 56 may include the aperture 74. As discussed herein, the first image 82 may be a scene or image corresponding to the theme of the attraction system 50. Additionally, the first image 82 may be displayed by or projected onto the first display 56 and may be viewed by the viewing area 54. The first image 82 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation and / or the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56). Additionally, the first image 82 may be displayed based on data received from one or more sensors positioned within the attraction system 50 and configured to monitor one or more parameters of the attraction system 50.

[0039] At block 206, the second image 84 may be received by the second display 64 and displayed on the second display 64. In addition, as discussed herein, the second display 64 may be disposed on a movable member (e.g., movable arm 62) that extends through the aperture 74 in the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be positioned so as to physically hide the aperture 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the movable arm 62 and, therefore, the position of the second display 64 that hides the aperture 74 makes it so that from the perspective of a visitor (e.g., a viewer within the viewing area 54), the aperture 74 is not effectively perceptible by the visitor. In addition, as discussed herein, by presenting the first image 82 and the second image 84 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56, the second image 84 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective. In addition, the second image 84 may be displayed by or projected onto the second display 64 and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. The second image 84 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56), the position of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof.

[0040] At block 208, additional positions of the movable component (e.g., movable arm 62) may be received. For example, the additional positions of movable arm 62 may indicate additional positions of performance figure 66 and second display 64 coupled to movable arm 62. Further, the additional positions of movable arm 62 may be predetermined (e.g., programmed), such as predetermined positioning of performance figure 66 within image presentation system 52, and may be retrieved from memory 78 of control system 58. In some embodiments, receiving the additional positions of movable arm 62 may include user input, such as a request to operate image presentation system 52. Further, in some embodiments, the additional positions of movable arm 62 may be received from one or more sensors positioned within attraction system 50 and configured to continuously monitor the position and / or positioning of movable arm 62 and / or performance figure 66.

[0041] At block 210, the third image 90 (e.g., image, video image, image data) may be received by the second display 64 and displayed on the second display 64. In addition, as discussed herein, the second display 64 may be disposed on a movable member (e.g., movable arm 62) that extends through the aperture 74 in the first display 56. In addition, the second display 64 may be positioned so as to physically hide the aperture 74 from the viewing area 54. For example, the position of the second display 64 that hides the aperture 74 is such that from the perspective of a visitor or viewer within the viewing area 54, the aperture 74 is not effectively perceptible by the viewer. In addition, by presenting the first image 82 and the third image 90 as if they were a single image displayed by the first display 56, the third image 90 presented on the second display 64 effectively hides the second display 64 from the viewer's perspective. In addition, the third image 90 may be displayed by or projected onto the second display 64 and may be viewable by the viewing area 54. Additionally, the third image 90 may be displayed based on one or more parameters of the attraction system 50, such as the time of operation, the location of the viewing area 54 (e.g., the location of the ride vehicle relative to the first display 56), the location of the movable arm 62, or any combination thereof. It should be understood that, as discussed herein, the methods 100 and 200 of the image presentation system 52 may be operated (e.g., implemented) simultaneously to offset, complement, and / or complement each other to effectively produce a desired visual entertainment (e.g., an optical illusion) to the viewing area 54.

[0042] Although only certain features of the present invention have been shown 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 invention.

[0043] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties, which significantly improve the art, and thus are 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 "means for (performing) (function) ..." or "step 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 designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. An image presentation system, comprising: a first display having an opening extending therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the first display is viewable from the viewing area; a movable arm, wherein the movable arm is positioned within the opening; a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display, wherein the second display conceals the opening from the viewing area; as well as A controller configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display, such that the second image includes an image effect that accounts for the offset and is coordinated with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

2. An image presentation system according to claim 1, comprising an animated figure coupled to the movable arm and powered via a power cord extending along the movable arm.

3. The image presentation system of claim 2, comprising a support structure coupling the movable arm and the animated figure such that the animated figure is at least partially positioned between the second display and the viewing area.

4. An image presentation system according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the animated character hides the support structure from the viewing area.

5. The image presentation system of claim 1, wherein the movable arm comprises an articulated robotic arm having at least two degrees of freedom.

6. The image presentation system of claim 1, wherein the viewing area is movable.

7. The image presentation system of claim 6, wherein the first image comprises a first video image, the second image comprises a second video image, and the controller is configured to modify the first video image and the second video image based on a changed position of the viewing area.

8. The image presentation system of claim 7, wherein the movable arm is configured to move based on a changing position of the viewing area to conceal the opening and the movable arm for the changing position of the viewing area.

9. The image presentation system of claim 6, wherein the viewing area comprises a ride vehicle configured to travel on a path proximate the first display and the second display.

10. The image presentation system of claim 1, comprising one or more projectors configured to project the first image on the first display and the second image on the second display.

11. An image presentation system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to control the one or more projectors to provide the image effect based on the positioning of the second display and / or the positioning of the viewing area, so that the first image and the second image are combined to form the single image into a seamless image.

12. The image presentation system of claim 1, comprising a projector, wherein the first display comprises a backlit display configured to generate the first image, and the second display comprises a screen onto which the projector projects the second image.

13. The image presentation system of claim 1, wherein the first display and the second display have complementary geometric shapes.

14. An image presentation system according to claim 13, wherein the first display and the second display are both substantially flat or each comprise complementary curves.

15. The image presentation system of claim 1, wherein the movable arm extends through the second display and is coupled to a prop or animated figure positioned between the second display and the viewing area.

16. A method comprising: receiving a viewer's perspective via a controller; controlling, via the controller, display of a first image on a first display, wherein the first display includes an aperture; as well as Controlling, via the controller, display of a second image on a second display disposed on a movable member extending through the aperture, wherein the second display is positioned to conceal the aperture from the perspective of the viewer, and wherein the second image is configured to conceal the second display by presenting the first image and the second image as if, from the perspective of the viewer, a single image displayed by the first display.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: determining, via the controller, an additional viewing angle of the viewer; as well as Based on determining the additional viewing angle of the viewer, instructing, via the controller, an actuator of the movable member to move the second display to hide the aperture for the additional viewing angle of the viewer.

18. The method of claim 17 , comprising controlling, via the controller, display of a third image on the second display, wherein the third image is configured to hide the second display by presenting the first image and the third image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display from the additional perspective of the viewer.

19. The method of claim 16, comprising an animated object coupled to the movable component such that the animated object is at least partially positioned between the second display and the viewer, wherein the animated object receives power via the movable component for actuation of the animated object.

20. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations comprising: determining first image data and second image data for presentation based on the received location of the viewing area; initiating presentation of a first image based on the first image data on a first display, the first display having an opening extending therethrough; as well as Presentation of a second image is initiated based on the second image data on a second display, the second display being supported by a movable arm extending through the opening, wherein the second display is offset from the first display and the second display hides the opening from the viewing area, and wherein the second image includes an image effect that accounts for the offset and is coordinated with the first image to present the first image and the second image as if they were a single image displayed by the first display.

Images