Performance effect system for amusement park

Abstract

A system for an entertainment venue includes: a housing (58) including a display surface (62); a light emitter (66) disposed within the housing (58) and configured to output light; and a tube (70) disposed within the housing (58). The tube (70) is configured to receive the light and transmit the light through the display surface (62) of the housing (58) to form an image (56).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 401,944, filed on August 29, 2022, entitled “SHOWEFFECT SYSTEM FOR AMUSEMENT PARK,” 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 art that may be related to the various aspects of the present 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 the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be understood in this light and are not self-admissions as prior art.

[0003] Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects can be used to help visitors immerse themselves in the experience of a ride or attraction. An immersive environment may include three-dimensional (3D) props and set pieces, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or display surfaces that present media. In addition, an immersive environment may include audio effects, smoke effects, and / or motion effects. Thus, an immersive environment may include a combination of dynamic and static elements. However, the implementation and operation of special effects may be complex. For example, it may be difficult to provide innovative special effects. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern ride attractions, and the corresponding increase in expectations among theme park or amusement park visitors, what is desired is improved and more creative attractions that include special effects that visitors may not have anticipated and / or may not have experienced before. Summary of the invention

[0004] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In an embodiment, a system for an entertainment venue includes: an enclosure including a display surface, a light emitter disposed within the enclosure and configured to output light, and a tube disposed within the enclosure. The tube is configured to receive light and transmit the light through the display surface of the enclosure to form an image.

[0006] In an embodiment, a performance effect system for an amusement park includes: a display surface, a plurality of light emitters configured to output light, and a plurality of tubes configured to: receive light output by the plurality of light emitters and transmit the light to a first side of the display surface and through the display surface to form an image visible at a second side of the display surface.

[0007] In an embodiment, a lighting system for an amusement park show effect system includes: a board, a support, and a shell, the board is coupled to a light emitter, the light emitter is configured to output light, the support is configured to be coupled to a filter and to the board to fix the filter and the light emitter to each other, the shell is coupled to a tube. The filter is configured to adjust the characteristics of the light output by the light emitter to provide the adjusted light, the shell is configured to be coupled to the board to fix the tube, the light emitter and the filter to each other, and the tube is configured to receive the adjusted light and transmit the adjusted light for projection onto a display surface of the amusement park show effect system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the amusement park system having a performance effect system configured to present an image; Figure 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the performance effects system being configured to present an image; Figure 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the performance effects system being in operation to present an image; Figure 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the performance effects system being in operation to present an image; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a show effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the show effects system having a lighting system and a housing; Figure 6 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a show effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the show effects system being configured to present an image; Figure 7 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tube of a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tube being configured to transmit light to facilitate the presentation of an image; Figure 8is a main exploded view of an embodiment of a show effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the show effects system being configured to present an image; and Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method or process according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method or process being used to operate a performance effects system to present an image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[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 to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be 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 will still be a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for a person of ordinary skill who benefits from this disclosure.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems for use in entertainment venues (such as amusement parks) and can be used in combination with various attraction systems. This embodiment may include a show effects system that is configured to operate to present various special effects, such as visual effects and / or audio effects, to visitors. For example, the show effects system may be part of an attraction system of an amusement park, and special effects may be provided to visitors within the attraction system (e.g., visitors within a ride vehicle of the attraction system, visitors at a queue of the attraction system, visitors in an auditorium of the attraction system, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the show effects system may be located outside any attraction system, and show effects may be presented, for example, to visitors at a walking area, a dining area, a souvenir shop, etc. The special effects presented by the show effects system may provide entertainment to visitors.

[0012] It may be desirable to provide visitors with unexpected performance effects in order to enhance the experience of visitors in an amusement park. For example, it may be desirable to present an image via a prop that would not generally appear to be used to present an image. Thus, the present disclosure includes a performance effect system that includes a housing with a surface that may not appear to have image presentation features. For example, the surface may have the appearance and / or texture of a material such as rock or concrete, which visitors may not expect to present an image. The performance effect system may also include a light emitter and a tube. The light emitter may output light into the tube, and the tube may receive light from the light emitter and transmit the light through the length of the tube. The tube may be positioned near the inner side of the surface of the housing and / or embedded in the inner side of the surface of the housing. Thus, the tube may project light onto the housing. In an embodiment, the tube may block scattering of light from within the tube to provide a concentrated projection of light transmitted through the housing. Thus, the light may be visible from the outside of the housing (as opposed to the inside). In this way, the light output by the light emitter may form an image that is visible to visitors from the outside of the housing. As an example, the effects produced by operation of the show effects system may provide visitors with the appearance that the housing is unexpectedly projecting images.

[0013] In one embodiment, the show effects system may include a filter that adjusts the appearance of light that is output by the light emitter and received by the tube for transmission through the housing. As an example, the filter may adjust the color hue of the light. For example, the filter may be selected or manufactured so that the light transmitted through the housing has the appearance of forming a desired image. In this way, the filter may adjust any light output by the light emitter to form a desired image, rather than implementing a specific light emitter that outputs light with characteristics to form a desired image. Therefore, regardless of the light originally output by the light emitter, the filter can provide the desired light to form an image. In fact, it may be easier and / or more cost-effective to adjust the filter than to adjust the light emitter to present a specific image via the show effects system. Therefore, the implementation of the filter can reduce the complexity and / or cost associated with the manufacture and / or operation of the show effects system.

[0014] Taking the foregoing into consideration, Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park system 50, which can represent any place that would benefit from entertainment (e.g., a theater, a restaurant, a waiting room). As an example, the amusement park system 50 can be part of an attraction system, such as a ride facility (e.g., a roller coaster, a dark ride), a show, etc. As another example, the amusement park system 50 can be part of a dining venue, a waiting area, a walkway, a shopping venue (e.g., a gift shop), or any other suitable part of an amusement park. Thus, the amusement park system 50 can include a visitor area 52 where visitors may be located. For example, the visitor area 52 can include a ride vehicle, a passage (e.g., a queue), a seat, or any other suitable feature within the amusement park system 50 to accommodate visitors.

[0015] The amusement park system 50 may also include a show effect system 54, which is configured to provide certain effects to visitors in the visitor area 52. For example, the operation of the show effect system 54 may present an image 56, which becomes visible to the visitor at a specific time. The image 56 may be presented via a surface that may not be expected to be used to display an image. For example, the image 56 may be displayed by something that looks like a geological formation, such as a rock or mineral, a building material, a seemingly opaque material, etc. In order to present such an image 56, the show effect system 54 may include a housing 58. The housing 58 may include a base surface 60 and a display surface 62 that is visible to the visitor. The base surface 60 may be made of a material that is typically not used to display an image. For example, the material of the base surface 60 may be selected based on the surrounding environment of the show effect system 54 (e.g., a theme prop), so that the housing 58 may appear to be arranged inconspicuously as part of the surrounding environment. The display surface 62 may have a texture that blends the display surface 62 with the base surface 60. That is, when viewed by a visitor, the display surface 62 and the base surface 60 may appear to be seamlessly integrated with each other. However, image 56 may be presented via display surface 62 to enable visitors to view image 56 .

[0016] For example, the lighting system 64 may be coupled to the display surface 62. The lighting system 64 may focus illumination through the display surface 62 so as to present the image 56 through the display surface 62, which may be at least partially translucent and / or transparent to allow light to be transmitted through the display surface 62. For example, the display surface 62 may be composed of a cured material, such as a liquid plastic or resin material that solidifies when cured. However, the display surface 62 may block visibility of components of the lighting system 64. The base surface 60 may be composed of a different material that is more opaque than the material of the display surface 62 to block unwanted light transmission through the base surface 60. As an example, the base surface 60 may be composed of concrete. The base surface 60 and the display surface 62 may be coupled to each other, such as via fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable features, and blended to provide a substantially seamless optical transition between the base surface 60 and the display surface 62. In an embodiment, the base surface 60 and the display surface 62 may be blended via paint, surface finishing, or any other suitable technique, which enables the base surface 60 and the display surface 62 to appear as a single, integrated surface rather than separate, individual surfaces.

[0017] Light system 64 may include light emitter 66 (e.g., light emitting diode, light bulb) configured to output light. Light system 64 may also include filter 68 through which light output by light emitter 66 may be transmitted. Filter 68 may be configured to adjust the color of the light transmitted through filter 68. For example, filter 68 may include a gobo slide, an optical filter, or any other suitable component that may adjust a characteristic of the light (such as hue, intensity, saturation, tint, shade, brightness, tone, tint, another suitable characteristic, or any combination thereof). Filter 68 may adjust the appearance of the light originally transmitted by light emitter 66 so that it has a desired appearance when viewed as part of image 56 through display surface 62. For example, a particular embodiment of filter 68 may be selected to adjust the light output by light emitter 66 to provide the desired light that provides image 56, rather than utilizing a particular embodiment of light emitter 66 that directly outputs the desired light through display surface 62 to provide image 56. In fact, different embodiments of the optical filter 68 may be easier to implement and / or cheaper to manufacture and / or purchase than different embodiments of the light emitter 66 that may output different lights. Thus, the use of the optical filter 68 may provide greater customizability and / or flexibility to adjust the image 56 being presented at a reduced cost compared to different implementations of the light emitter 66.

[0018] The light system 64 may further include a tube 70 (e.g., a pixel tube) that may receive light output by the light emitter 66 through the filter 68. The tube 70 may focus the light for transmission through the display surface 62. In other words, the tube 70 may reduce the scattering of the light to concentrate the light projected onto the display surface 62, thereby increasing the transmittance of the projected light through the display surface 62. Thus, the tube 70 may facilitate viewing of the light through the display surface 62, and thus viewing of the image 56 formed by the light. The filter 68 may be positioned between the light emitter 66 and the tube 70, so that the tube 70 receives the light adjusted by the filter 68. Thus, the light emitter 66 may be positioned outside of the tube 70.

[0019] A control system 72 (e.g., an automation controller, a programmable controller, an electronic controller) as part of or communicatively coupled to the show effects system 54 may be configured to control the lighting system 64 to adjust the image 56 being presented. The control system 72 may include a memory 74 and a processing circuit 76. The memory 74 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 to operate the lighting system 64. The processing circuit 76 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processing circuit 76 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.

[0020] For example, the control system 72 may be configured to operate the light emitter 66 to output light or prevent the output of light. Adjusting the light output 66 via the light emitter may enable or prevent the presentation of the image 56, and / or adjust the appearance of the image 56. In an embodiment, the control system 72 may operate the lighting system 64 based on data received from the sensor 78. For example, the sensor 78 may determine a parameter associated with the visitor area 52. As an example, the parameter may include the number of visitors in the visitor area 52. The control system 72 may receive data indicating the number of visitors, and in response to determining that the number of visitors exceeds a threshold number, operate the light emitter 66 to output light. As another example, the parameter may include the location of the visitor, such as a location relative to the housing 58. The control system 72 may receive data indicating the location of the visitor, and in response to determining that the location of the visitor is within a threshold distance of the housing 58, operate the light emitter 66 to output light. As another example, sensor 78 may include a reader configured to receive input or signals transmitted by a visitor's device (e.g., mobile device, wristband, headphones), and receipt of the input may cause sensor 78 to transmit a data signal to control system 72 to cause control system 72 to operate light emitter 66. Further, control system 72 may operate light emitter 66 based on any other suitable parameters (such as time of day, time of operation of show effects system 54, level of ambient light surrounding show effects system 54, etc.). Operation of control system 72 based on sensor 78 may enable control system 72 to operate automatically (e.g., without receiving user input).

[0021] The control system 72 may further include a user interface (UI) 80 with which a user (such as an operator of the show effects system 54 and / or a visitor of the visitor area 52) may interact. The control system 72 may operate the lighting system 64 based on the interaction with the UI 80. For example, the interaction with the UI 80 may indicate a request to adjust the presentation of the image 56, and the control system 72 may operate the light emitters 66 accordingly. Thus, the UI 80 may enable a more customizable operation of the control system 72 to operate the show effects system 54.

[0022] Figure 2is a front view of an embodiment of a show effects system 54. In the illustrated show effects system 54, the housing 58 includes a rock-like appearance and texture to make it appear to be stone. To this end, each of the base surface 60 and the display surface 62 can have a rock-like appearance, and the base surface 60 and the display surface 62 can blend with each other (e.g., when the display surface 62 is not backlit). For example, the base surface 60 can surround the display surface 62. The housing 58 can also hide certain components of the show effects system 54, such as the lighting system. In this way, the lighting system can be invisible to visitors, and therefore, images can be presented more unexpectedly via the show effects system 54.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 72 operates the show effects system 54 (e.g., the lighting system) to prevent the presentation of any image. Thus, the illustrated show effects system 54 may be in a non-display state in which images are not presented. As an example, the control system 72 may operate the show effects system 54 in a non-display state based on the absence of data indicating that an image is to be presented by the show effects system 54 (e.g., received from the sensor 78). In response, the control system 72 may prevent the emission of light (e.g., via any of the light emitters in the lighting system) to prevent the presentation of an image.

[0024] Figure 3 is active Figure 2 54. Specifically, the control system 72 operates the show effects system 54 in a display state, in which the first image 56A is presented via the show effects system 54. For example, the control system 72 may operate the lighting system by causing the first group of light emitters to output light, and the light may be transmitted through the display surface 62 (e.g., via a light transmission tube). The light transmitted through the display surface 62 may form the first image 56A at the outside (e.g., visible side) 90 of the display surface 62. In this way, the housing 58 may project the first image 56A at the display surface 62, which may give the impression that the first image 56A is being displayed via the stone.

[0025] As an example, the control system 72 may operate the show effects system 54 in the illustrated display state in response to a prompt to present the first image 56A. For example, data received from the sensor 78 may indicate that the visitor is within a threshold distance of the show effects system 54 (e.g., housing 58), and / or interaction with the UI 80 may provide a prompt to present the first image 56A. As discussed above, since the lighting system or other components configured to facilitate the presentation of the first image 56A may be hidden via the housing 58, the presentation of the first image 56A may be unexpected to the visitor. For example, the visitor may not expect that stone, board, brick, etc. will present an image. In this way, the show effects system 54 can present the first image 56A to the visitor in a more effective or memorable manner, and improve the experience provided to the visitor.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 72 operates the performance effect system 54 in the display state, wherein the control system 72 and the performance effect system 54 are connected. Figure 3 The second image 56B, which is different from the first image 56A, is presented at the outer side 90 of the display surface 62 via the show effect system 54. For example, the control system 72 can operate the lighting system by causing the second group of light emitters to output light to form the second image 56B. For example, the second group of light emitters that are in operation to form the second image 56B can be the same as the second group of light emitters that are in operation to form the second image 56B. Figure 3 In some embodiments, the control system 72 may be configured to operate the light emitters of the first image 56A of the present invention differently (e.g., include fewer light emitters). In practice, the control system 72 may independently operate the light emitters to control the individual operation of each light emitter to output light or prevent the output of light in order to form different images presented by the show effects system 54. For example, the control system 72 may adjust the image 56 being presented to provide the appearance of animation or movement of the image 56. In an embodiment, the control system 72 may also control each light emitter to adjust specific characteristics of the light being emitted, such as the intensity of the light output by each light emitter. Thus, the control system 72 may operate the show effects system 54 to more acutely adjust the appearance of the presented image. As an example, the control system 72 may adjust the operation of the second group of light emitters to display the second image 56B in a different manner, such as at a different brightness level.

[0027] In an embodiment, the control system 72 may operate the show effects system 54 to adjust the image being presented based on the data received from the sensor 78. For example, the control system 72 may selectively operate the light emitters to cause different images to be presented based on: a particular distance between the visitor and the show effects system 54, the number of visitors detected, the time of day, or any other suitable parameter (e.g., as indicated by the data received from the sensor 78). In additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 72 may operate the show effects system 54 to adjust the image being presented based on the user's interaction with the UI 80. The operation of the control system 72 to cause different images to be presented via the show effects system 54 may provide a more personalized show effect, provide more show effect variation, etc., further improving the experience provided to the visitor.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective rear view of a show effects system 54 having a light system 64 engaged with a housing 58. For example, the light system 64 may extend at least partially within a channel 98 (e.g., a compartment, a cavity) defined by the housing 58. A light emitter (not shown) may be fixed to a plate 100 of the light system 64. The plate 100 may be coupled to a shell 102 of the light system 64, such as via fasteners 104 or any other suitable features (e.g., welding, adhesive, stamping) to fix the light emitter and the shell 102 to each other. A tube (not shown) may be fixed to the shell 102 so that the fixing of the plate 100 and the shell 102 to each other may position the light emitter and the tube adjacent to each other. Thus, light output by the light emitter may be directed through the tube. In addition, the tube may be coupled to or embedded in an inner (e.g., hidden, concealed) side 103 of the display surface 62 so that light output by the light emitter and directed through the tube can be transmitted through the display surface 62 to form an image visible to a visitor.

[0029] In an embodiment, the board 100 may include a heat sink 106 (e.g., fins) configured to dissipate heat, such as heat generated during operation of the show effects system 54. For example, during operation to output light, the light emitter may generate heat, and the heat may be directed to the heat sink 106 and discharged to the surrounding environment via convection and / or radiation. To this end, the light emitter may be in contact with the heat sink 106 to enable heat to be transferred from the light emitter to the heat sink 106. The heat dissipation via the heat sink 106 may reduce the temperature of the light emitter, which may improve the structural integrity and / or increase the service life of the light emitter. The board 100 may also include a fan 108 (e.g., a tangential fan) configured to direct airflow. For example, the fan 108 may direct airflow across the light emitter and / or the heat sink 106 to increase heat dissipation and further reduce the temperature of the light emitter. Therefore, each of the heat sink 106 and the fan 108 may improve the operation of the show effects system 54.

[0030] Plate 100, shell 102, fasteners 104, heat sink 106, fan 108, and / or any other suitable components of light system 64 may not be visible through housing 58. For example, a visitor viewing show effects system 54 may not be able to see light system 64 through the display surface of housing 58. As a result, a visitor may be more surprised at the appearance of an image created by show effects system 54 when viewing light transmitted by light system 64 through housing 58 via the display surface.

[0031] Figure 6 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the show effects system 54. The shell 102 may be engaged with the housing 58, such as to engage with the flange 130 of the housing 58 to secure the shell 102 and the housing 58 to each other, and to engage the tube 70 with the housing 58 (e.g., inserting the tube 70 into the channel of the housing 58 and embedding the tube 70 into the display surface). In addition, the filter 68 may be coupled to the board 100 to enable a light emitter (not shown) secured to the board 100 to output light through the filter 68. In an assembled configuration in which the board 100 and the shell 102 are coupled to each other, the filter 68 may be engaged with the tube 70. Thus, the tube 70 may receive light output by the light emitter and transmitted through the filter 68 and adjusted by the filter 68. The tube 70 may transmit the received light through the housing 58 (e.g., through the display surface) to form an image visible to the visitor. As described above, filter 68 may condition light transmitted through filter 68 to provide a desired appearance for light transmitted through tube 70 to form a target image.

[0032] Figure 71 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tube 70 and a shell 102. The shell 102 may define a space 150 into which the tube 70 may be inserted. As an example, the tubes 70 may be secured to each other to form a tube array 152, and the tube array 152 may be inserted into the space 150 to collectively position the tubes 70 within the space 150. A fastener 154 (e.g., a set screw) may be inserted through the shell 102 into the space 150 and abut against the tube 70 to secure the tube 70 within the space 150, thereby securing the tube 70 and the shell 102 to each other. For example, the fastener 154 may impart a compressive force against the tube 70 to provide a friction force that resists relative movement between the array 152 of tubes and the shell 102.

[0033] Each tube 70 may include a silvered, frosted, or any other appropriately treated exterior to prevent scattering of light from the interior of the tube 70. In this way, the silvered exterior of the tube 70 may enable better transmission of light through the tube 70 and improve the concentrated projection of light onto the display surface to form a desired image. Additionally or alternatively, each tube 70 may be constructed of a material such as acrylic and / or plastic that avoids absorption of light to enable more light transmission therethrough. In the mounted configuration of the show effects system, the first end 156 of the tube 70 may be positioned near the filter and the light emitter. Thus, light output by the light emitter and adjusted by the filter may be directed into the tube 70 at the first end 156. The light may be transmitted through the tube 70 and projected out of the tube 70 via the second end 158 of the tube 70. The second end 158 of the tube 70 may be positioned near the display surface and / or positioned to engage with (e.g., be embedded in) the display surface to enable transmission of light through the display surface. For example, each tube 70 may enable light to be projected onto a concentrated area of ​​the display surface. For example, the light projected by each tube 70 may form a respective portion (eg, a respective pixel) of an image presented via the display surface.

[0034] There may be any suitable number of tubes 70 in the array 152 of tubes to enable light to be transmitted through the display surface to form a desired image. In an embodiment, the number of tubes 70 may match the number of light emitters, and each tube 70 may be aligned with and correspond to one of the light emitters. In alternative embodiments, the number of tubes 70 may be different than the number of light emitters. As an example, the number of tubes 70 may be greater than the number of light emitters, and during operation of the light emitters, a subset of the implemented tubes 70 may be utilized to output light to present an image. A higher number of tubes 70 increases the resolution and / or detail associated with the image presented by the show effects system. As another example, the number of tubes 70 may be less than the number of light emitters (e.g., one of the tubes 70 may receive light from multiple light emitters). In addition, although the illustrated tubes 70 have a rectangular cross-sectional geometry, in additional or alternative embodiments, the tubes 70 may have any suitable cross-sectional geometry, such as a circular, triangular, and / or irregular cross-sectional geometry. Furthermore, the tubes 70 may have any suitable dimensions (eg, cross-sectional area, length from the first end 156 to the second end 158). Indeed, the array 152 of tubes may include tubes 70 having a variety of cross-sectional geometries and dimensions.

[0035] Figure 8 1 is a front exploded view of an embodiment of the lighting system 64, illustrating the coupling between the light emitter 66 and the filter 68. A support 180 may be used to couple the filter 68 to the plate 100 and place the filter 68 near the light emitter 66. For example, the support 180 may include a separate piece or portion that grips around the perimeter of the filter 68 to avoid affecting the transmission of light (e.g., via the light emitter 66) through the medial surface 182 of the filter 68. The support 180 may also be configured to couple to the plate 100, such as via a fastener 184, which is separate from the fastener used to couple the plate 100 and the housing with the tube. Thus, the plate 100 and the housing may be separated from each other without separating the plate 100 and the support 180 from each other. For example, the light emitter 66 and the filter 68 may be removed from the show effect system (e.g., for maintenance) without affecting the implementation of the tube and / or the housing. In an embodiment, support 180 may position optical filter 68 at an offset distance from light emitter 66, such as 1.25 centimeters (cm) (e.g., 0.5 inches), 2.5 cm (e.g., 1 inch), 5 cm (e.g., 2 inches), or any suitable distance from light emitter 66. Positioning support 180 at an offset distance from the light emitter may reduce heat transfer from light emitter 66 to optical filter 68 and prevent the temperature of optical filter 68 from increasing, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of optical filter 68.

[0036] As discussed above, filters 68 can condition the light output by light emitters 66 to provide light with desired characteristics for transmission through the tube to form an image. For example, different portions of filters 68 can have different characteristics (e.g., absorbing different colors, allowing transmission of different colors) to provide a desired pattern or arrangement of light directed through the tube and projected onto the display surface. For example, operation of a first subset of light emitters 66 to output light through a first portion of filters 68 can cause a first image (e.g., Figure 3 56A), and the operation of the second subset of light emitters 66 to output light through a second portion of filter 68 may cause a second image (e.g., Figure 4 In this way, filter 68 may be enabled to provide different images based on light emitters 68 outputting light through filter 68 and through the display surface during operation.

[0037] For example, the filter 68 can adjust the light output by the light emitter 66 so that the light projected onto the display surface and transmitted through the display surface forms an image with desired light (e.g., color) characteristics. In fact, in an embodiment, the display surface can also adjust the characteristics (e.g., color) of the light transmitted through it. For example, the material of the display surface can cause the adjustment of the light, such as by providing light with a blue tint. For this reason, the filter 68 can be selected to take into account the adjustment of the light caused by the display surface to present the desired image. For example, a filter can be used to offset the inherent filtering that occurs when passing through the display surface, and achieve the desired result. Therefore, the light output by the light emitter, initially adjusted by the filter 68, and then transmitted through the housing and adjusted by the housing can provide a desired image visible to visitors.

[0038] As discussed above, filters 68 may be utilized to adjust the image presented to the visitor (e.g., to change the color of the light forming the image) rather than, for example, adjusting light emitters 66 (e.g., light emitters that individually produce colored light). In practice, it may be easier to replace filters 68 than to replace light emitters 66. For example, to replace filters 68, plate 100 may be separated from the housing to enable access to filter 68 and support 180, and support 180 may be separated from plate 100 and / or from each other to enable removal of filter 68. A new filter 68 may then be coupled to support 180, support 180 may be coupled to each other and to plate 100 to secure the new filter 68 to plate 100, and plate 100 may be coupled to the housing to assemble light system 64 and establish the show effects system in the assembled configuration. In additional or alternative embodiments, multiple filters may be used to condition the light output by light emitters 66 rather than implementing a single filter 68. For example, each individual filter may be configured to receive light output by a subset of light emitters 66, and the filters may cooperatively condition the light output by light emitters 66 to enable the presentation of a desired image.

[0039] The light emitters 66 may be attached to the board 100, such as at a first side 186 of the board 100, which is opposite to a second side 188 of the board 100, to which a heat sink may be attached. As an example, the light emitters 66 may be secured to the board 100 via fasteners, adhesives, welding, stamping, interference fit, or any other suitable feature. The number of light emitters 66 may be selected for implementation based on the desired appearance of the image to be presented. For example, a greater number of light emitters 66 (e.g., and corresponding tubes configured to receive light output by the light emitters 66) may be utilized to present an image with higher resolution and / or detail. In addition, the light emitters 66 may be arranged in any suitable manner in order to form a particular shape that will be able to present a desired image. In any case, each light emitter 66 may be communicatively coupled to the control system 72 so that the control system 72 can operate the light emitters 66 independently of each other. For example, the control system 72 may selectively cause a first subset of the light emitters 66 to output light and prevent a second subset of the light emitters 66 from outputting light.

[0040] Although the above described embodiment includes a filter 68 configured to adjust the light output by the light emitter 66 so that the show effects system can present an image, in additional or alternative embodiments, another technique may be utilized to present an image having a desired appearance. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitter 66 (e.g., a liquid crystal display) may be configured to adjust the characteristics of the light being output. Thus, the control system 72 may directly operate the light emitter 66 to output light having the desired characteristics without using the filter 68 to adjust the light projected onto and transmitted through the display surface to form the desired image.

[0041] Fig. 9 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method or process 210 for operating any of the show effects systems 54 described herein. The method 210 may be performed by a single component or system, such as by the control system 72 (e.g., the processing circuit 76). In additional or alternative embodiments, multiple components or systems may perform the operations of the method 210. It should also be noted that additional operations may be performed with reference to the described method 210. Furthermore, certain operations of the depicted method 210 may be modified.

[0042] At box 212, an instruction to operate the lighting system may be received. As an example, the instruction may include data indicating a parameter. For example, the parameter may include: the location of the visitor relative to the components of the show effects system, the number of visitors, the time of operation, the time of day, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The parameter may be received from a sensor. In an embodiment, the instruction may include a signal received from a reader. The reader may be configured to transmit a signal in response to receiving input from a device (such as a visitor's device). As another example, the instruction may include user input received via user interaction (such as with a UI of the show effects system).

[0043] At block 214, the lighting system may be operated to output light based on the indication to present an image. For example, in response to receiving the indication, the light emitters of the lighting system may be operated to output light, and the light may be transmitted through the display surface via a tube that concentrates the light transmission. Thus, the light transmitted through the display surface may be visible to form an image. For example, the housing may appear to be projecting an image unexpectedly. In one embodiment, each light emitter may be independently controllable. Thus, each light emitter may be selectively operated to present an image. For example, a first subset of light emitters may be operated in response to receiving a first indication to present a first image. A second subset of light emitters may be operated in response to receiving a second indication to present a second image. In fact, different light emitters may be operated based on specifically received indications to present different images. As an example, different light emitters may be operated to provide the appearance of an animation or moving image and / or to provide varying performance effects to different visitors.

[0044] Although only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It will be understood, therefore, that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0045] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties that significantly improve the art and are thus 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 "means for (performing) ... (function)" or "steps for (performing) ... (function)", it is intended that such elements will be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (35 U.S.C. 112(f)). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A system for an entertainment venue, the system comprising: a housing including a display surface; a light emitter disposed within the housing, wherein the light emitter is configured to output light; and A tube is disposed within the housing, wherein the tube is configured to receive the light and transmit the light through the display surface of the housing to form an image.

2. The system according to claim 1, comprising: A filter is positioned between the light emitter and the tube, wherein the filter is configured to adjust a characteristic of the light output by the light emitter and received by the tube.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The characteristics of the light include hue.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The tubes are embedded in the display surface.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The tube includes a silvered exterior to block scattering of light through the tube and to facilitate transmission of the light from the light emitter to the display surface.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitter is disposed outside the tube.

7. The system according to claim 1, comprising: A control system, wherein the control system is configured to selectively operate the light emitter to output the light.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a base surface coupled to the display surface, the base surface and the display surface being fused to each other to form the housing, and the base surface being composed of a material that blocks transmission of the light therethrough.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The display surface is composed of liquid plastic and the base surface is composed of concrete.

10. A performance effect system for an amusement park, the performance effect system comprising: Display surface; a plurality of light emitters, wherein each light emitter of the plurality of light emitters is configured to output light; as well as A plurality of tubes are configured to receive the light output by the plurality of light emitters and transmit the light onto a first side of the display surface and through the display surface to form an image visible at a second side of the display surface.

11. The performance effect system according to claim 10, comprising: A housing is coupled to the plurality of tubes and a plate is coupled to the plurality of light emitters, wherein the housing and the plate are configured to be coupled to each other to secure the plurality of tubes and the plurality of light emitters to each other.

12. The performance effect system according to claim 11, comprising: A support member connected to the filter, wherein the support member is configured to be connected to the plate to fix the filter, the plurality of light emitters and the plurality of tubes to each other, and the filter is configured to: adjust the characteristics of the light output by the plurality of light emitters before the light is received by the plurality of tubes.

13. The performance effect system according to claim 10 includes a control system configured to operate the multiple light emitters independently of each other to adjust the image formed by the light, which is output by the multiple light emitters and transmitted to the first side of the display surface.

14. The show effects system of claim 13, comprising a reader communicatively coupled to the control system, wherein: The reader is configured to receive input from a device of a visitor of the amusement park, the reader is configured to: transmit a signal to the control system in response to receiving the input from the device, and the control system is configured to: operate the multiple light emitters to output the light in response to receiving the signal from the reader.

15. A lighting system for an amusement park performance effect system, the lighting system comprising: a board coupled to a light emitter configured to output light; a support configured to be coupled to an optical filter, wherein the support is configured to be coupled to the plate to secure the optical filter and the light emitter to each other, and the optical filter is configured to: adjust a characteristic of the light output by the light emitter to provide adjusted light; and a housing coupled to the tube, wherein the housing is configured to couple to the plate to secure the tube, the light emitter, and the filter to one another, and the tube is configured to receive the adjusted light and transmit the adjusted light for projection onto a display surface of the amusement park show effects system.

16. The lighting system according to claim 15, wherein: The support is configured to offset the light emitter and the filter away from each other.

17. The lighting system according to claim 15, wherein: The board includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat generated by the light emitter.

18. The lighting system of claim 17, comprising a fan coupled to the panel, wherein: The fan is configured to direct airflow across the heat sink.

19. The lighting system according to claim 15, wherein: The shell defines a space, the tube is disposed in the space, the lighting system includes a fastener, the fastener is inserted through the shell and into the space, and the fastener imparts a force to the tube to fix the tube in the space.

20. The lighting system according to claim 15, comprising: A first fastener is configured to couple the support and the plate to each other, and includes a second fastener is configured to couple the plate and the shell to each other.

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