Interactive tower-type scenic spot system and method

Abstract

A ride spot system includes a tower track (20) and a ride conveyor (12) configured to accommodate one or more occupants (14). A ride conveyor (12) is coupled to the tower track (20) and configured to move relative to the tower track (20), and the ride conveyor (12) includes one or more user input devices (72). The ride attraction system further includes an image system configured to display the ride environment, wherein the user input device (72) is configured to enable one or more occupants to interact with an element of the ride environment via the one or more user input devices (72). The ride spot system also includes a controller (120) communicatively coupled to the ride transporter (12) and the image system and configured to control movement of the ride transporter (12) relative to the tower track (20) based on signals from the one or more user input devices (72).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on January 9, 2019, with application number 201980009832.0 and invention title "Interactive Tower-Style Attraction System and Method". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the amusement park industry. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to interactive tower attraction systems and methods. Background Technology

[0003] Theme park or amusement park ride attractions have become increasingly popular. One type of amusement park attraction can consist of tower rides that give riders the sensation of descending towards the ground. In such rides, the movement of the passenger transport typically consists of rising to the top of the tower, followed by a freefall during the descent. Tower rides can vary from one another in terms of the tower's height, the configuration of the passenger transport, and the integration of story-based effects and settings (e.g., surrounding props and audio / visual effects). However, it is now recognized that tower rides typically offer fewer opportunities for a varied ride experience compared to other types of rides. For example, while roller coasters can be configured to combine different loops, descents, ascents, and turns to provide a different ride experience for each roller coaster, different types of tower rides can offer broadly similar ride experiences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summarizes certain embodiments that are proportionate to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may cover a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a ride-on attraction system includes a tower track and a ride-on transport device configured to accommodate one or more occupants. The ride-on transport device is coupled to and configured to move relative to the tower track, and includes one or more user input devices. The ride-on attraction system also includes an imaging system configured to display the ride environment, wherein the user input devices are configured to enable one or more occupants to interact with elements of the ride environment via the one or more user input devices. The ride-on attraction system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ride-on transport device and the imaging system, and configured to control the movement of the ride-on transport device relative to the tower track based on signals from the one or more user input devices.

[0006] In another embodiment, the ride-on attraction system includes a tower, a plurality of tower tracks disposed within the tower and extending along the vertical walls of the tower, and a plurality of ride-on devices. Each of the plurality of ride-on devices is coupled to a corresponding tower track among the plurality of tower tracks and configured to move with three or more degrees of freedom relative to the corresponding tower track among the plurality of tower tracks and independently of the other ride-on devices among the plurality of ride-on devices. The ride-on attraction system also includes at least one user input device associated with each of the plurality of ride-on devices, each user input device being configured to receive user input and provide user input signals. The ride-on attraction system also includes a controller configured to receive user input signals from each user input device and, based on the received user input signals, provide instructions to the ride-on device controllers of individual ride-on devices among the plurality of ride-on devices to initiate the movement mode of the individual ride-on device.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method includes: receiving user input signals at a controller from user input devices associated with corresponding ride transport devices among a plurality of ride transport devices; determining, via the controller, a total score for each of the plurality of ride transport devices based on the received user input signals; and triggering one or more movements of an individual ride transport device among the plurality of ride transport devices, independently of other ride transport devices among the plurality of ride transport devices, based on the total score accumulated by each of the plurality of ride transport devices. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same characters represent the same parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional front view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction according to the present technology; Figure 2 Based on this technology Figure 1 A cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction; Figure 3 Based on this technology Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive tower-style attraction's ride-on transportation device; Figure 4 Based on this technology Figure 1 An interior perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction; Figure 5 It is based on the technology used for triggering Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for moving another transport device of an interactive tower attraction; Figure 6 It is based on the technology used for triggering Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for moving your own transport device at an interactive tower attraction; Figure 7 Based on this technology, it is possible to Figure 4 A block diagram of an embodiment of the control system used in an interactive tower attraction; Figure 8 Based on this technology Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive tower-style attraction loading and unloading system; and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction employing a single passenger transport device according to the present technology. Detailed Implementation

[0009] This disclosure relates to interactive tower attractions for theme parks or amusement parks. The technology provides an interactive tower attraction that facilitates interaction between riders and their riding environment, as well as with each other. For example, user input or user-driven selections can trigger changes in the movement and / or riding experience of one or more transport devices. In this way, repeat riders can have different experiences during each ride. Furthermore, the riding experience can depend on the riding narrative or the purpose of the ride.

[0010] Such interaction with the environment and / or other riders may allow riders to influence the movement of other ride-on devices, and, in some embodiments, influence the movement of their own ride-on devices. Interactive tower attractions may include augmented reality (AR) systems, virtual reality (VR) systems, special effects (SFX) systems, and / or projection systems that can provide an immersive environment that riders can interact with. Furthermore, AR, VR, and / or projection systems allow interaction between riders of the interactive tower attraction and / or the ride-on devices. Movement of the ride-on devices in the interactive tower attraction can be triggered by interaction between one or more riders within each ride-on device and the environment provided by the AR, VR, and / or projection systems. The triggering of certain movements of the ride-on devices can provide an experience that may vary for each ride-on device during the ride. Rider interaction with the ride environment may also trigger other special effects via SFX systems, such as blowing air, cold air, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, and lighting effects.

[0011] While this technology is disclosed in conjunction with tower-type ride facilities, other embodiments may relate to other attraction types. For example, interactive game-type environments as provided herein may be incorporated into attractions (e.g., track-based ride facilities).

[0012] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional front view of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction 10 according to the disclosed technology, which includes at least two ride transport devices 12. The interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more of the ride transport devices 12 for accommodating and carrying one or more riders 14 during operation of the ride facility. The interactive tower attraction 10 includes a tower 16 that supports the ride transport devices and provides a generally vertical transport device path along which each transport device 12 is capable of moving up or down. The ride transport devices 12 may be coupled to supports, for example, each transport device 12 may be coupled to a corresponding tower track 20. For ease of discussion, the interactive tower attraction 10 and its components may be described with reference to an axial axis or axial direction 22, a radial axis or radial direction 24, and a circumferential axis or circumferential direction 26.

[0013] Each tower track 20 may be positioned adjacent to or within the inner wall 18 of the tower 16 and aligned with the axial axis 22 of the tower 16. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may be implemented using freestanding or external tower tracks 20, with the inner wall 18 providing a generally controlled environment to facilitate AR, VR, and / or SFX effects. The tower tracks 20 may be positioned along the tower 16, and each ride-on device 12 may move along and relative to its corresponding tower track 20. The tower tracks 20 allow for movement of the ride-on device 12 within the tower 16 in the axial direction 22. Furthermore, the ride-on device 12 may move in other directions relative to its corresponding tower track 20, as referenced. Figure 3 This will be discussed in more detail. In operation, each ride transport device 12 accommodating one or more passengers 14 can move along a corresponding tower track 20 and can move in other directions relative to the corresponding tower track 20 during the duration of the ride. In some embodiments, the tower track 20 may include different directional components (e.g., curves). For example, the tower track 20 may spiral upwards and downwards along the tower 16.

[0014] In the depicted embodiment, each ride transport 12 can be positioned along a corresponding tower track 20 such that the rider 14 within each ride transport 12 faces away from the corresponding tower track 20 and towards the center 23, and thus the rider 14 of each ride transport 12 faces generally toward other riders 14 in opposite and / or adjacent transports 12 toward the interactive tower attraction 10. This configuration allows riders 14 to interact with and influence the experience of other riders 14 of other ride transports 12, as referenced Figure 4 and 5This will be discussed in more detail. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more screens in the center 23, such that the position of the ride transport 12 allows the rider 14 to face away from the corresponding tower track 20 and towards one or more screens. In this embodiment, this configuration allows the rider 14 to interact with the screens and the ride environment. The individual tower tracks 20, each coupled to a corresponding ride transport 12, may enable axial movement of the ride transport 12 together or separately, and thus, throughout the duration of the ride, some of the movement of the ride transport 12 may be shared movement (e.g., where all transports move together), and some movement may be individual movement experienced only by riders 14 in some ride transport 12 and not by riders 14 in other ride transport 12.

[0015] In operation, the passenger transport device 12 accommodating the occupants 14 can be raised along a corresponding tower track to a specific height within the tower 16. At this initial height, the occupants 14 can interact with each other and / or the riding environment, as shown in the reference... Figure 4 This will be discussed in more detail. This interaction allows riders 14 to influence the movement of other ride transport devices 12 relative to their respective tower tracks 20 and / or the movement of their own ride transport devices 12 relative to the corresponding tower tracks 20 to which their ride transport devices 12 are coupled.

[0016] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of the interactive tower attraction 10, illustrating a plurality of ride-on devices 12 disposed within a tower 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the tower 16 includes four ride-on devices 12 and four corresponding tower tracks 20, which are provided with internal walls (e.g., eight internal walls 18) configured to form an octagonal cross-sectional shape. However, in some embodiments, the tower 16 may include any number of walls forming various polygonal cross-sectional shapes (e.g., 4, 6, 10, 12). In some embodiments, the tower 16 may include one or more curved internal walls 18; for example, the tower 16 may be implemented as a shaft or as having an annular cross-sectional shape. As previously discussed, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include one or more ride-on devices 12 for accommodating and carrying one or more riders 14 during operation of the ride facility. Each ride-on device 12 is coupled to a corresponding tower track 20 and is thus coupled to and positioned adjacent to or located within the space formed by the internal walls 18. Furthermore, the number of ride-on devices 12 and corresponding tower tracks 20 may be one, two, or more. In the illustrated embodiment, the passenger transport devices 12 can be spaced apart within the internal walls 18. The eight internal walls 18 can accommodate fewer than eight passenger transport devices 12 and corresponding tower rails 20.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ride transport device 12 for an interactive tower attraction 10. As discussed, each ride transport device 12 can accommodate and carry one or more riders 14 and can move relative to its respective tower track 20 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the ride transport device 12 can move with multiple degrees of freedom relative to its respective tower track 20, as discussed in detail herein. Furthermore, the ride transport device 12 may include a seat 36 and a collection 38 of seat belts, supports, or slats for each rider 14. As in the illustrated embodiment, in a ride transport device 12 made for more than one rider 14, the seat 36 may be tilted or arranged to raise the rear seat so that each rider 14 has a full view of the seating facilities and interactive areas in front of the ride transport device 12.

[0018] In some embodiments, each ride-on device 12 may include a support frame 40 and a stepped platform 41, the stepped platform 41 being coupled to the top of the support frame 40. The support frame 40 may be coupled to a corresponding tower track 20. Movement of the support frame 40 relative to the tower track 20 can be achieved by movement of the ride-on device 12 and the rider 14 via a control system. The control system can enable the ride-on device 12 to move relative to the tower track 20 with multiple degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, such movement may include axial movement along the tower track 20, including controlled and free-fall movements. Movement of the ride-on device 12 may also include movements such as individual or combined movements like bumping, rocking, and tumbling. For ease of discussion of the movement of the ride-on device 12 and the degrees of freedom of such movement, the movement of the ride-on device 12 may be described with reference to the x-axis 42, Y-axis 44, and Z-axis 46 of the ride-on device 12. The Y-axis 44 is the axis of the ride-on device 12 parallel to the axial axis 22 of the tower 16 and the tower track 20. X-axis 42 is an axis perpendicular to Y-axis 44 and also perpendicular to axial axis 22 and tower track 20. Z-axis 46 is an axis extending from the inner wall 18 toward the center of tower 16 in the direction in which the riding transport device 12 extends into the interior of tower 16. Furthermore, the movement of the riding transport device 12 relative to tower track 20 can be described with reference to the angle α between Y-axis 44 and Z-axis 46 and the angle β between X-axis 42 and Z-axis 46.

[0019] Each ride-on device 12 can move relative to its corresponding tower track 20 with two or more degrees of freedom (e.g., 2, 3, 4), as discussed in more detail below. Each ride-on device 12 can move vertically up and down along, for example, in direction 48 relative to its corresponding tower track 20. This movement can be parallel to the tower track 20, the inner wall 18, and the axial axis 22. In some embodiments, this movement can be a controlled ascent or descent of the ride-on device 12 along the tower track, controlled by a control system. In some embodiments, movement along the tower track 20 and the Y-axis 44 can include freefall (e.g., uncontrolled descent) movement, such that the speed of descent is uncontrolled, thereby creating the sensation of falling or dropping toward the ground. One or more movements of the ride-on devices 12, performed sequentially or in parallel as provided herein, can be referred to as a movement mode. As provided herein, a movement mode can be activated in response to a user-driven ride event. Furthermore, a single movement mode can be applied to only one of the multiple ride-on devices 12 within the attraction 10.

[0020] At the start of the ride, movement along the tower track 20 in direction 48 can be used to lift the ride transport 12 and the passenger 14 from the ground to a starting height or starting position 56 within the ride facility of the tower 16. During the duration of the ride, movement along the tower track 20 in direction 48 can occur as the passenger 14 interacts with other ride transport 12 and / or the ride environment; this movement can be a controlled descent, a free fall, or both. In some embodiments, the ride transport 12 can move up and down along the tower track 20 from the starting position 56 during the duration of the ride. In this embodiment, the starting position 56 can be near the top of the tower 16 and / or near the top of the tower track 20. However, in some embodiments, during the duration of the ride, the ride transport 12 may simply be raised along the tower track 20 to position the ride transport 12 in the starting position 56 or to return the ride transport 12 to the starting position 56 after a controlled or free fall. In this embodiment, the starting position 56 may be located a distance away from the top of the tower 16 and / or the top of the tower track 20, allowing the passenger transport device 12 to move upward from the starting position 56 during the ride. Furthermore, this movement 48 along the tower track 20 during the duration of the ride can be triggered by the interaction of the passenger 14 of the passenger transport device 12 with other passenger transport devices 12 and / or the riding environment (as shown in reference). Figure 5 and 6 (Discussed in more detail), and / or this motion 48 can be programmed to occur via a control system.

[0021] Furthermore, each ride transport device 12 can move or tumble in the circumferential direction 50 relative to the tower track 20 about the Z-axis 46. This tumbling motion can be clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the Z-axis 46. The ride transport device 12 can rotate 360° clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the Z-axis 46. Therefore, the ride transport device 12 can rotate through a complete clockwise and counterclockwise barrel roll (e.g., a 360° rotation) and can rotate to any angle within the barrel roll. The circumferential movement 50 can occur during the duration of the ride to invert and / or tumble the ride transport device 12 and the rider, and can be triggered by the interaction of the rider 14 of the ride transport device 12 with other ride transport devices 12 and / or the riding environment (as referenced). Figure 5 and 6 (Discussed in more detail), and / or such circumferential motion 50 (e.g., tumbling motion) can be programmed to occur via a control system. In some embodiments, tumbling motion about the Z-axis 46 in direction 50 may occur after one or more different motions or in combination with one or more different motions, such as linear motion in direction 48.

[0022] Additionally, each ride-on device 12 can twist or tilt (e.g., bump) about the X-axis 42 in direction 52. This bumping motion 52 can cause the front of the ride-on device 12, guided away from the tower track 20 and the inner wall 18, to tilt upwards or downwards, and thus decrease or increase the angle α between the Y-axis 44 and the Z-axis 46. For example, when the ride-on device 12 is in the starting position 56, angle α can be 90°, and the front of the ride-on device 12 can tilt upwards, thus reducing the angle α of tilt. The front of the ride-on device 12 can tilt upwards up to 90° and downwards up to 90° about the X-axis 42, and thus can tilt upwards up to 180° about the X-axis 42. The upward and downward tilting (e.g., bumping) about the X-axis 42 can occur during the duration of the ride and can be triggered by the interaction of the rider 14 of the ride-on device 12 with other ride-on devices 12 and / or the riding environment (as referenced). Figure 5 and 6 (discussed in more detail), and / or such tilting can be programmed to occur via a control system. In some embodiments, tilting (e.g., bumping) about the X-axis 42 in direction 52 may occur after one or more different movements of the riding transport 12 or in combination with one or more different movements, such as linear movement in direction 48 and / or circumferential tumbling movement about the Z-axis 46 in direction 50.

[0023] Additionally, each ride transport 12 can twist or tilt (e.g., rock) about the Y-axis 44 in direction 54. This rocking motion 54 can cause the front of the ride transport 12, guided away from the tower track 20 and the inner wall 18, to tilt to either side (e.g., left or right), and thus can decrease or increase the angle β between the X-axis 42 and the Z-axis 46. For example, when the ride transport 12 is in the starting position 56, the angle β can be 90°, and the front of the ride transport 12 can tilt to the right, thus decreasing the angle β. The front of the ride transport 12 can tilt up to the left by up to 90° and to the right by up to 90°, and thus can tilt up to 180° about the Y-axis 44. The left and right tilting (e.g., rocking) about the Y-axis 44 can occur during the duration of the ride and can be triggered by the interaction of the rider 14 of the ride transport 12 with other ride transport 12 and / or the riding environment (as shown in reference). Figure 5 and 6(Discussed in more detail), and / or such tilting can be programmed to occur via a control system. In some embodiments, tilting (e.g., bumping) about the Y-axis 44 in direction 54 may occur after or in combination with one or more different movements of the riding transport device 12, such as linear movement in direction 48, circumferential tumbling movement about the Z-axis 46 in direction 50, and / or tilting (e.g., bumping) movement about the X-axis 42 in direction 52.

[0024] The movement or motion of the ride transport device 12 described herein can be triggered by the interaction of the rider 14 with other ride transport devices 12, and can be a pre-programmed movement or a combination thereof occurring at a specific point during the operation of the interactive tower attraction 10.

[0025] To initiate the movement mode of one or more rides 12 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10, the rider 14 can interact with other rides 12 and / or the riding environment. Such interaction with other rides 12 and / or the rider 14 can provide signals to trigger the interactive tower attraction 10, offering a different experience to each ride 12 and a different experience each time the interactive attraction 10 is visited. In some embodiments, such interaction with other rides 12 and / or the riding environment can also trigger other special effects via an SFX system, such as drafts, cold air, heat, water spray, smoke, fog, sound, and lighting effects. Figure 4 An interior perspective view of an embodiment of the interactive tower attraction 10 is illustrated, showing an augmented reality (AR) riding environment 64 that can be seen and interacted with by riders 14. Each rider 14 may wear a visualization device 66 that enables the rider 14 to see the AR riding environment 64 during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. As illustrated, Figure 4 The AR riding environment 64 is depicted from the perspective of a special passenger 65.

[0026] During the ride, within the interactive tower attraction 10, each rider 14 can wear a visualization device 66 and see the same AR riding environment 64 as seen from the perspective of a specific rider 65. The visualization device 66 can be communicatively coupled to an AR system (as referenced below). Figure 7(Discussed in more detail), it enables AR images within the AR riding environment 64 to be seen by the rider 14 via a visualization device 66. In some embodiments, the rider 14 may purchase or be otherwise provided with the visualization device 66, such as electronic glasses, lenses, or headsets, to wear throughout the duration of the ride. The visualization device can be used to display the AR riding environment 64, allowing the rider 14 to see and interact with elements of the AR riding environment 64. While the riding environment of the interactive tower attraction 10 is discussed as an AR riding environment, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the elements of the riding environment may include projection elements or virtual reality (VR) elements, individually or in combination with AR elements.

[0027] Elements of the AR ride environment 64 may include a target 68 and / or a character 70, which are shown as animals in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include a particular theme, and the elements of the AR ride environment 64 (e.g., the target 68 and the character 70) may be consistent with said particular theme. In some embodiments, the interactive tower attraction 10 may be a part of a larger theme, such as a theme of an amusement park or a segment of an amusement ride. Therefore, the character 70 may be any type of character or element suitable for the theme of the interactive tower attraction 10. Riders 14 may interact with the target 68 and / or the character 70 of the AR ride environment 64 using an input device 72, which may be a weapon, selection tool, joystick, etc., and the input device 72 receives user input and generates user input signals representing the input. Each rider 14 may have an input device 72 associated with their seat on the ride transport device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 72 includes means for firing, for example, an AR projectile 74 at the target 68 and / or the character 70. In this embodiment, the AR projectile 74 fired using input device 72 can be seen by rider 14 as part of AR riding environment 64 via visualization device 66, thereby creating a more interactive and immersive experience for rider 14. Furthermore, any explosions or other AR effects associated with hitting target 68, character 70, or other elements of the AR riding experience, or otherwise interacting with target 68, character 70, or other elements of the AR riding experience (e.g., feedback indicating selection of target 68) can be seen by rider 14 as part of AR riding environment via visualization device 66, further enhancing the riding experience. In some embodiments, input device 72 can induce or control other interactions with AR riding environment 64, such as inducing movement of a robotic arm, or other such interactions that may involve other types of simulated weapons.

[0028] The targets 68 of the AR riding environment 64 may be dedicated targets 68 for each riding vehicle 12 (and, for example, visible only to its associated riding vehicle 12), or they may be global targets 68 available and / or visible to all riding vehicles 12. In some embodiments, the AR environment may indicate, through visual cues (e.g., specific colors), that a subset of targets 68 is available only to a subset of riding vehicles 12 for interaction. When a target 68 is available for interaction, the user input device 72 is able to generate an interaction signal associated with a successful interaction. In some embodiments, when viewed in the AR environment, the point of view 10 may be configured to present targets 68 overlapping or adjacent to each riding vehicle 12, and these targets 68 serve as visible targets 68 that riders 14 in other riding vehicles 12 can interact with to aim at competing riding vehicles 12. For example, a rider 14 may fire an AR projectile 74 at a target 68 above another riding vehicle 12 such that the associated riding vehicle 12 is targeted as referenced herein. Figure 3 The provided movement pattern is movement. In some embodiments, some or all of the riders 14 of each ride-on transport device 12 may be considered a team. In this embodiment, each team may be indicated by a different color on the target 68 above its ride-on transport device 12, or by any other indication such as an AR image or text on the target 68 or the color of the ride-on transport device 12. The riders 14 of each team may shoot at the targets 68 of other teams or otherwise interact with the targets 68 of other teams, and may cumulatively cause movement of other teams and ride-on transport devices 12, as referenced. Figure 5 This will be discussed in more detail. For example, riders 14 of each team (e.g., those riding transport 12) can accumulate points relative to each other team as a team by shooting targets 68 of each other team. A specific threshold for the accumulated points can trigger a specific movement of the transport 12 (e.g., the transport 12 associated with the hit target 68) relative to the accumulated points. As another example, all riders 14 of other teams can accumulate points relative to a specific team as a whole, and when a specific score threshold is reached, that specific transport 12 can be triggered to move.

[0029] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the input device 72 may include equipment for driving the passenger transport 12, such that the passenger transport 12 can be moved to avoid or evade incoming AR projectiles 74 from hitting targets associated with the passenger transport 12. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more riders 14 of the passenger transport 12 may control the movement of the passenger transport 12 to avoid interactions with incoming projectiles from other passenger transport 12s, while other riders 14 of the passenger transport 12 may control the input device 72 to fire at targets 68 of other passenger transport 12s and / or characters 70 of the AR riding environment 64, or otherwise actively interact with targets 68 of other passenger transport 12s and / or characters 70 of the AR riding environment 64. In this embodiment, control of driving the passenger transport 12 can be transferred among the riders 14, such that each rider 14 of the passenger transport 12 may have turns to drive and turns to actively interact with the AR riding environment 64, such as firing AR projectiles 74 at targets 68 of other passenger transport 12s.

[0030] Alternatively, in some embodiments, interaction with elements of the AR ride environment 64 of the interactive tower attraction 10 may also include personal elements. For example, the visualization device 66 may depict arrows or other indications of elements of the AR ride environment 64 to be aimed at and / or interacted with (e.g., target 68, character 70). In this case, hitting the indicated element may earn a personal score toward a specific threshold that may trigger movement of other ride transports 12 or the ride transport 12 in which the particular rider 14 is located. As another example, the particular rider 14 may earn a score for dodging an incoming AR projectile 74 that has been fired at its associated target 68 by other ride transports 12. In some embodiments, such personal interaction with the AR ride environment 64 may also trigger movement of the ride transport 12 in addition to movement triggered by reaching a team score threshold. However, in some embodiments, the rider 14 may not be in a team, and personal interaction with elements of the AR ride environment 64 may be the sole factor for triggering movement of the ride transport 12.

[0031] Interactions between a passenger 14 in a transport vehicle 12 and the target 68 and character 70 in the AR riding environment 64 can trigger movement of the passenger 14 toward or otherwise interacting with other transport vehicles 12, and can also trigger movement of the transport vehicle 12 in which the passenger 14 is located. For illustration purposes, Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 84 for triggering the movement of another ride transport device 12 of an interactive tower attraction 10 through interaction with an AR ride environment 64. Furthermore, Figure 6The illustration shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for triggering movement of a separate ride transport device 12 by a passenger 14 in the separate ride transport device 12.

[0032] Go to Figure 5 Method 84 may include rider 14 of transport device 12 interacting with target 68 of AR riding environment 64 to increase the total loss score of other ride devices 12 and / or teams. Based on the interaction with the target (via user input device 72), a signal indicating the interaction is received (box 86). The score for each transport device 12 is updated based on the interaction. The score may be a total score or may be a separate penalty score and / or reward score. In one embodiment, the score is a penalty score indicating a successful hit of a target 68 located at or near a particular ride device 12. For example, when rider 14 of another ride device 12 hits a target 68 in one of the ride devices, the signal indicates a successful interaction (hit), and the total loss score for that ride device 12 may increase. Each ride device 12 and / or team may accumulate loss scores for their targets 68 hit by riders 14 of other ride devices 12. In some embodiments, the total loss score may be indicated by numbers, symbols, colors, or other indicators (which may be seen via a visualization device 66 on or near the target 68) so that passengers 14 in other ride transport devices 12 can see how many loss scores have accumulated for each other ride transport device 12. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the total loss score (i.e., penalty score) for the ride transport device 12 in which the passenger 14 is located may be displayed to the passenger 14 via a visualization device so that each passenger 14 can see how many loss scores have accumulated relative to their ride transport device 12.

[0033] Next, the control system and / or AR system of the interactive tower attraction 10 can calculate the accumulated loss score relative to each ride-on device 12 or group based on the signal (box 88). The control system can then compare the accumulated loss score relative to each ride-on device 12 with a motion threshold (box 90). If the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to the ride-on device 12 is not greater than the motion threshold, method 84 can restart at box 86, where rider 14 interacts with target 68. If the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to one of the ride-on devices 12 is greater than the motion threshold, the control system can trigger a motion of the ride-on device 12 using a penalty score associated with the penalty motion (box 92). For example, if the control system determines that the accumulated loss score relative to a particular ride-on device 12 is greater than the motion threshold, the control system can trigger a barrel roll motion in direction 50, or a previously referenced motion, because riders 14 of other ride-on devices 12 have hit the target 68 of that ride-on device 12 a sufficient number of times. Figure 3 Any other sport discussed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the accumulated loss score can be zeroed each time a motion threshold is exceeded. There may be a specific motion pattern triggered each time a motion threshold is exceeded, or different motion patterns may be randomly triggered each time a motion threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, multiple motion thresholds may exist, each corresponding to a different triggered motion pattern. In this embodiment, the motion thresholds may increase in value such that different motion patterns are triggered as the accumulated loss score relative to the ride transport device 12 increases throughout the duration of the ride. Each increased motion threshold may correspond to a specific motion pattern, or the control system may randomly assign motion patterns to each motion threshold. In some embodiments, motion may be triggered in the same order for each ride transport device 12 and / or correspond to the same increased motion threshold for each ride transport device 12. However, in other embodiments, different motion may be triggered for each exceeded motion threshold between ride transport devices 12. Triggering motion on the ride transport device 12 when a motion threshold is exceeded can increase the variation in the riding experience for the rider 14.

[0035] It should be understood that method 84 can be a repetitive or repeatable process executed throughout the entire duration of the ride to trigger movement of the ride transport device 12. Therefore, the control system can continuously calculate the sum of the loss scores for the ride transport device 12 and determine whether a movement threshold has been exceeded to trigger movement of the ride transport device 12.

[0036] Furthermore, passengers 14 can trigger movement of their own transportation device 12. (For illustration purposes,) Figure 6This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 100 for triggering movement of a ride transport device 12 carrying a passenger 14. Method 100 may include the passenger 14 actively and / or passively interacting with a target 68 associated with other ride transport devices 12 and / or roles 70 of the AR ride environment 64 to generate signals indicating successful interaction to earn bonus points individually and / or as a team (e.g., ride transport device 12) (box 102). For example, when a passenger 14 of a ride transport device 12 actively fires an AR projectile 74 that hits a target 68 or role 70 of another ride transport device 12, the passenger 14 earns bonus points individually and / or as a team with their ride transport device 12. As another example, if one or more riders 14 of the transport vehicle 12 use the input device 72 to drive the transport vehicle 12, those riders 14 can passively earn bonus points individually and / or for their team (e.g., riding the transport vehicle 12) by dodging incoming AR projectiles 74 so that they do not hit the target 68 of the transport vehicle 12. In some embodiments, the sum of individual and / or team bonus points can be displayed to the riders 14 via a visualization device, so that each rider 14 can see how many bonus points they or their team have accumulated.

[0037] Next, the control system and / or AR system of the interactive tower attraction 10 can calculate the amount of reward points earned by each rider 14 and / or each team or riding transport 12 based on the signals (box 104). The control system can then compare the reward points earned by each rider 14 and / or each riding transport 12 with a reward movement threshold (box 106). If the control system determines that the reward points earned by rider 14 or riding transport 12 are not greater than the reward movement threshold, method 100 can restart at box 102, where the rider actively and / or passively interacts with elements of the AR riding environment 64. If the control system determines that the reward points earned by rider 14 or riding transport 12 are greater than the reward movement threshold, the control system can trigger movement of the riding transport 12 or the riding transport 12 in which the rider 14 is seated. For example, if the control system determines that one of the ride-on transport devices 12 has earned a bonus score exceeding the bonus movement threshold because the rider 14 of the ride-on transport device 12 has successfully hit another target 68 and / or the character 70 and / or has successfully dodged an incoming AR shell 74 from another ride-on transport device 12, the control system can trigger movement in the upward direction 48, or previously referenced... Figure 3Any other movement discussed. In some embodiments, such movement triggered by exceeding a reward movement threshold may position the ride transport 12 at a location that increases the difficulty for other riders 14 of the ride transport 12 to hit the target 68 of the ride transport 12, and / or may increase the variable ride experience.

[0038] After each time a reward exercise threshold is exceeded, the earned reward score can be zeroed out. There may be a specific order in which exercise modes are triggered each time a reward exercise threshold is exceeded, or different exercise modes discussed earlier may be triggered randomly each time a reward exercise threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, multiple reward exercise thresholds may exist, each corresponding to a different trigger exercise or combination of exercises. In such embodiments, the reward exercise thresholds may increase in value such that different exercises or combinations of exercises are triggered as the earned reward score for passenger 14 and / or riding the transport device 12 increases throughout the duration of the ride. Each increased reward exercise threshold may correspond to an exercise mode, or the control system may randomly assign exercise modes to each reward exercise threshold. In some embodiments, exercises may be triggered in the same order for each passenger 14 or riding the transport device 12 and / or correspond to the same increased reward exercise threshold for each passenger 14 or riding the transport device 12. However, in other embodiments, different exercises may be triggered for each exceeded reward exercise threshold between passenger 14 and / or riding the transport device 12. Triggering exercises for the transport device 12 when a reward exercise threshold is exceeded can increase the variation in the riding experience for passenger 14.

[0039] It should be understood that method 100 can be a repetitive or repeatable process executed throughout the entire duration of the ride to trigger movement of the ride-on device 12. Therefore, the control system can continuously calculate the total sum of reward scores earned for the rider 14 and / or the ride-on device 12, and determine whether a reward movement threshold has been exceeded to trigger movement of the ride-on device 12. Furthermore, methods 84 and 100 can be executed simultaneously during operation of the interactive tower attraction 10 to trigger movement of the ride-on device 12 and generate a total combined score for each ride-on device 12. That is, the total score can be a reward score, where penalty scores are subtracted. In some embodiments, the control system can trigger unstable tilting or swerving of the ride-on device 12 during methods 84 and / or 100 because the accumulated sum of loss scores and / or the sum of reward scores are close to a movement threshold or a reward movement threshold, thus creating a more intense and engaging ride experience.

[0040] Figure 7An embodiment of a control system 118 is illustrated, which may be employed within an interactive tower attraction 10 to control the movement of the AR riding environment 64 displayed to rider 14 and the riding transport device. The control system 118 may include an attraction system controller 120, which may be communicatively coupled to other elements of the interactive tower attraction 10. The attraction system controller 120 may include a memory 122 and a processor 124. In some embodiments, the memory 122 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the processor 124 and / or data to be processed by the processor 124. For example, the memory 122 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard disk drive, optical disk, etc. Additionally, the processor 124 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific processors (ASICs), one or more field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the memory 122 may store instructions executable by the processor 124 to perform the methods and control actions described herein with respect to the interactive tower attraction 10.

[0041] The attraction system controller 120 may also include one or more input / output (I / O) devices 126 that facilitate communication between the attraction system controller 120 and a user (e.g., an operator). For example, I / O devices may include buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, etc., to enable user interaction with the attraction system controller 120 and the control system 118. Additionally, I / O devices 126 may include electronic displays to facilitate the visual representation of information, such as via graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and application interfaces, text, still images, and / or video content. Furthermore, the attraction system controller 120 may be configured to communicate with other elements of the interactive tower attraction 10 via wired or wireless communication paths. In some embodiments, the attraction system controller 120 may include a communication module 128 that facilitates the transfer of information between the attraction system controller 120 and other elements of the control system 118 and the interactive tower attraction 10 (such as an augmented reality (AR) system 130).

[0042] AR system 130 may be communicatively coupled to attraction system controller 120. AR system 130 may implement the display of AR ride environment 64, including targets 68, characters 70, and AR projectiles 74 displayed to riders 14 of interactive tower attraction 10 via visualization device 66. AR system 130 may include AR controller 132, which may be configured to cause the display of elements of AR ride environment 64. AR controller 132 may include memory 134 and processor 136. In some embodiments, memory 134 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions executable by processor 136 and / or data to be processed by processor 136. For example, memory 134 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard disk drive, optical disk, etc. Additionally, processor 136 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof.

[0043] AR system 130 may also include a display module 138 and a sound module 140. Display module 138 may be communicatively coupled to AR controller 132 and a visualization device 66 worn by rider 14. Display module 138 may generate an AR riding environment 64 and cause the display of elements of the AR riding environment 64 via visualization device 66. Furthermore, display module 138 may be communicatively coupled to sound module 140, which may enable the generation of sound corresponding to the displayed AR riding environment 64. Processor 136 of AR controller 132 may be configured to determine the correct viewing angle for each rider 14 of interactive tower attraction 10 and transmit a signal indicating the viewing angle to display module 138. Thus, elements of AR riding environment 64 may be displayed to each rider 14, as they should be observable from their position within the interactive tower attraction 10. Furthermore, processor 136 of AR controller 132 and / or processor 124 of attraction system controller 120 may be configured to calculate accumulated loss scores and earned reward scores, as previously referenced. Figure 5 and 6 As discussed, the AR controller 132 can be configured to store a model of the attraction 10 in memory 134, which is based on image data, location data, and / or other data related to the attraction 10, and an AR image is overlaid on it.

[0044] The attraction system controller 120 and the AR system controller 132 may each be communicatively coupled to a ride-sharing device controller 142 for each ride-sharing device 12. Each ride-sharing device 12 may include a ride-sharing device controller 142. The ride-sharing device controller 142 may include a memory 144 and a processor 146. In some embodiments, the memory 144 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the processor 146 and / or data to be processed by the processor 146. For example, the memory 144 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard disk drive, optical disk, etc. Additionally, the processor 146 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ride-hailing device controller 142 may receive signals (e.g., inputs, feedback, etc.) from an input device 72 associated with the particular ride-hailing device 12 and process the received signals to control the operation of the corresponding ride-hailing device 12. For example, if the input device 72 includes one or more devices for driving or dodging, the ride-hailing device controller 142 may process signals from those input devices to control certain movements of the ride-hailing device. Furthermore, the ride-hailing device controller 142 may send signals received from the input device 72 to the AR controller 132 and / or the attraction system controller 120, which may use the received signals to calculate a cumulative loss score and / or a earned reward score for the corresponding rider 14 and / or the corresponding ride-hailing device 12. The attraction system controller 120 or the AR controller 132 may calculate the cumulative loss score and the earned reward score and may compare them with a corresponding motion threshold or reward motion threshold. Alternatively, this comparison may be performed by the ride-hailing device controller 142. Furthermore, the signals received from the input device 72 can be used by the AR system 130 to modify the displayed AR riding environment 64 based on the received input.

[0046] One or more motion thresholds and one or more reward thresholds may be stored in memory 122, memory 134, and / or memory 144. Furthermore, motions triggered by exceeding each motion threshold or each reward motion threshold may also be stored in memory 122, memory 134, and / or memory 144. In some embodiments, the triggered motion may be random each time a motion threshold or reward motion threshold is exceeded. In such embodiments, each time a threshold is exceeded, processor 124, processor 136, or processor 146 can retrieve the information from the above reference. Figure 3The described motion is randomly selected. However, in some embodiments, a particular motion or combination of motions may correspond to each threshold exceeded.

[0047] To provide movement to the ride transport 12 to execute triggered movements when a movement threshold and / or reward movement threshold is exceeded, and to elevate the ride transport 12 to the starting position 56 at the start of the ride, the ride transport 12 may each include a motor 148 and a brake 150. When the attraction system controller 120 or the AR controller 132 determines that one of the thresholds has been exceeded, a signal for triggering one of the associated movements may be sent to the corresponding ride transport controller 142. The ride transport controller 142 may then send a signal indicating the triggered movement to the motor 148 and brake 150 of the ride transport 12 to generate the triggered movement. It should be understood that the process described as being performed by a particular controller of the control system 118 may additionally or alternatively be performed by any of the other controllers of the control system 118 to display the AR ride environment 64 and generate movement of the ride transport 12, thereby creating a varied, competitive, and interactive experience for the rider 14.

[0048] To ride the interactive tower attraction 10, riders 14 must be loaded into the ride transport device 12. In some embodiments, conventional methods of loading and unloading the ride transport device 12 can be used, such as walking into the tower 16 and loading and unloading the ride transport device 12 within the tower 16. However, Figure 8 The illustration shows a system for loading and unloading passengers 12, which can achieve a larger throughput of passengers 14 and / or extend the ride time of the interactive tower attraction 10 by reducing the time required for loading and unloading passengers 14. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of one wall of tower 16 is shown.

[0049] As illustrated, the interactive tower attraction 10 may include two ride-on devices 12 disposed on opposite sides of each wall of the tower 16, such that at a particular time, one ride-on device 12 is disposed on the inner side 160 of the tower 16, while the other ride-on device 12 is disposed on the outer side 162 of the tower 16. Thus, an inner ring of the ride-on device 12 may exist on the inner side 160 of the tower, while the other ring of the ride-on device 12 may be on the outer side 162 of the tower. In some embodiments, the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 of length 166 and the inner wall 18 may be rotatable about the central vertical axis 170 of the wall 18 in direction 168. The lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 and the inner wall 18 may be rotatable 180° or 360° so that each ride-on device 12 can rotate from the inner side 160 of the tower 16 to the outer side 162 of the tower and back. Each ride-on device 12, positioned around each wall of tower 16, can be coupled to a segment of tower track 20 corresponding to the lower portion 164. Thus, when the lower portion 164 of tower track 20 and wall 18 rotate in direction 168, the lower portion 164 of tower track 20, currently positioned inside tower 160, can be coupled via track switch 171 to the upper portion 172 of tower track 20 to create the entire length 166 of tower track 20 for operation of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, the upper portion 172 may be larger than the lower portion 164.

[0050] Using this configuration, when a passenger 14 on the inner side 160 of the tower rides on the interactive tower attraction 10, a new passenger 174 can be loaded onto the ride transport currently on the outer side 162 of the tower. Therefore, when the current interactive tower attraction 10 ride reaches its end, the ride transport 12 can be lowered along the tower track 20 to the lower portion 164, where the lower portion 164 of the tower track 20 can be separated from the upper portion 172 of the tower track 20 via a track switch 171. The lower portion 164 of the inner wall 18 and the tower track 20 can rotate in direction 168 about axis 170 to transfer the ride transport 12 that has just completed its ride from the inner side 160 of the tower to the outer side 162. This rotation will simultaneously transfer the newly boarded ride transport 12 on the outer side 162 of the tower 16 to the inner side 160 of the tower 16 to begin its ride. Passengers 14 who have just completed their journey can then be unloaded from the passenger transport devices 12 on the outer side 162 of tower 16, and those passenger transport devices 12 can then be loaded with new passengers 174. Therefore, Figure 8The loading and unloading system illustrated herein can increase efficiency in loading and unloading, and can reduce the time between rides at the interactive tower attraction 10, and thus can increase the throughput of riders 14 and the ride time at the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, more than two ride transport devices 12 and positions may be employed (e.g., loading transport device, unloading transport device, active ride transport device, each in a corresponding position or in rotation about an axis).

[0051] Although the passenger transport device 12 is depicted as accommodating multiple passengers 14, as previously discussed, in some embodiments, the passenger transport device 12 may be used by a single passenger. For illustration purposes, Figure 9 A cross-sectional top view is shown of an embodiment of an interactive tower attraction 10 having a plurality of individual passenger transport devices 12 disposed within a tower 16. The interactive tower attraction 10 includes a plurality of individual passenger transport devices 12, each coupled to a corresponding tower track 20 and positioned adjacent to a separate inner wall 18 of the tower 16. Thus, the transport devices 12 of the interactive tower attraction 10 may be arranged circumferentially around the interior 26 of the tower 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport devices 12 are positioned adjacent to half of the inner wall 18 of the tower 16, configured such that there is a transport device 12 adjacent to every other inner wall 18. In other embodiments, any number of transport devices 12 may be positioned adjacent to a corresponding number of inner walls 18, in any location that allows a rider 14 to interact with other transport devices 12 and / or the riding environment of the interactive tower attraction 10. In some embodiments, when utilizing individual passenger transport devices 12, each rider 14 may interact with the AR riding environment 64 and other riders 14 to individually accumulate loss scores and win reward scores. However, in other embodiments of the single-passenger transport device 12, the passenger 14 may be in a group indicated by color or other indicators, as referenced above. Figure 4 The subject of discussion.

[0052] Although only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations falling within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0053] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to actual objects and specific examples of material nature that explicitly improve upon the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “means for [performing] [function]…” or “steps for [performing] [function]…”, it is intended that such elements be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A tourist attraction system with transportation facilities, comprising: First tower track and second tower track; A first passenger transport device coupled to the first tower track and configured to move relative to the first tower track, and a second passenger transport device coupled to the second tower track and configured to move relative to the second tower track; One or more first user input devices coupled to the first riding transport device; One or more second user input devices coupled to the second passenger transport device; An imaging system configured to display the riding environment; as well as A controller communicatively coupled to the first ride transport device, the second ride transport device, and the imaging system, wherein the controller is configured to control the movement of the first ride transport device relative to the first tower track and the movement of the second ride transport device relative to the second tower track based on signals from the one or more first user input devices or the one or more second user input devices, wherein the signals indicate interaction with the ride environment, and wherein, in response to the signals, the controller is configured to cause the first ride transport device to move along the first tower track, cause the second ride transport device to move along the second tower track, or both, and trigger one or more special effects.

2. The ride facility attraction system according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of visualization devices configured to display the ride environment.

3. The ride-on attraction system of claim 1, wherein the image system comprises an augmented reality (AR) system, a virtual reality (VR) system, a projection system, or a combination thereof, and wherein the elements of the displayed ride environment comprise images of characters, targets, or a combination thereof.

4. The ride-on attraction system of claim 1, wherein the first ride-on transport device is configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom relative to the first tower track.

5. The ride-on attraction system of claim 1, wherein the second ride-on device is configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom relative to the second tower track.

6. The ride-on facility attraction system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first user input devices include a weapon or a joystick.

7. The ride-on facility attraction system of claim 1, wherein the one or more second user input devices include a weapon or a joystick.

8. The ride-on attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more special effects include a blower, hot or cold air effect.

9. The ride-on attraction system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more special effects include water spray, smoke, or fog effects.

10. A tourist attraction transportation system, comprising: Multiple vertical tower-type tracks; A plurality of passenger transport devices, each of which is coupled to a corresponding vertical tower track among the plurality of vertical tower tracks and configured to move in three or more degrees of freedom relative to the corresponding vertical tower track among the plurality of vertical tower tracks and independently of the other passenger transport devices among the plurality of passenger transport devices; At least one user input device is associated with a single ride transport device among the plurality of ride transport devices, and the at least one user input device is configured to receive user input and provide user input signals; Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) imaging systems that display features of the riding environment; as well as A controller is configured to receive, via the at least one user input device, the user input signal as an indication of user interaction with the display of the AR or VR image system, and, based on the received user input signal, to provide instructions to the ride-sharing device controller of the individual ride-sharing device among the plurality of ride-sharing devices to activate the independent motion mode of the individual ride-sharing device.

11. The ride facility attraction system of claim 10, comprising one or more visualization devices of the AR or VR imaging system that displays the features of the ride environment.

12. The ride-on attraction system of claim 11, wherein the one or more visualization devices include headphones or glasses.

13. The ride facility attraction system of claim 10, wherein the displayed feature is a target that is aimed or selected via the at least one user input device.

14. The ride-on attraction system of claim 13, wherein the target is visible only via a visualization device coupled to the individual ride-on device and is not visible via a visualization device coupled to other ride-on devices among the plurality of ride-on devices.

15. The ride-on attraction system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the movement of the mechanical props based on the user input signal.

16. The ride-on attraction system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cause the individual ride-on device to experience the independent motion mode, while the other ride-on devices among the plurality of ride-on devices do not experience the independent motion mode.

17. A tourist attraction system with transportation facilities, comprising: First tower track and second tower track; A first passenger transport device coupled to the first tower track and configured to move relative to the first tower track, and a second passenger transport device coupled to the second tower track and configured to move relative to the second tower track; One or more first user input devices coupled to the first riding transport device; One or more second user input devices coupled to the second passenger transport device; An imaging system configured to display the riding environment; as well as A controller communicatively coupled to the first ride-sharing device, the second ride-sharing device, and the imaging system, and the controller being configured to receive signals from the one or more first user input devices and the one or more second user input devices, wherein the signals indicate interaction with the ride environment, and wherein the controller is configured to: A first score is assigned to the first passenger transport device based on the signal; A second score is assigned to the second passenger transport device based on the signal; as well as Based on the assigned first score, the first passenger transport device is moved upward along the first tower track and relative to the position of the second passenger transport device along the second tower track.

18. The ride-on attraction system of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to move the first ride-on transport device upward along the first tower track when the first score is higher than the second score.

19. The ride-on attraction system of claim 17, wherein the first score allocated is a combined score for the first ride-on device, and the second score allocated is a combined score for the second ride-on device.

20. The ride-on attraction system of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the difficulty level of interaction with the ride environment as a result of the assigned first score being higher than a threshold, thereby increasing the assigned score for the first ride-on device.

21. A method for controlling a passenger transport device, comprising: A first signal is received at the controller from one or more first user input devices of a first ride transport device, wherein the first ride transport device is coupled to a first tower track and configured to move relative to the first tower track; The controller receives a second signal from one or more second user input devices of a second ride transport device, wherein the second ride transport device is coupled to a second tower track and configured to move relative to the second tower track, and wherein the first signal and the second signal indicate interaction with the ride environment; A first score is assigned to the first passenger transport device and a second score is assigned to the second passenger transport device based on the first signal and the second signal; Based on the assigned first score, the first passenger transport device is moved upward along the first tower track and relative to the position of the second passenger transport device along the second tower track.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to move the first ride transport device upward along the first tower track when the first assigned score is higher than the second assigned score.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the first score allocated is a combined score for the first passenger transport device, and the second score allocated is a combined score for the second passenger transport device.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the riding environment includes an augmented reality (AR) system, a virtual reality (VR) system, a projection system, or a combination thereof, and wherein elements of the riding environment include images of characters, targets, or a combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the target comprises a first subset of the dedicated targets of the first riding transport device and a second subset of the dedicated targets of the second riding transport device.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the first score assigned is at least partially based on the second signal, and wherein the first score assigned decreases based on the second signal, and the second signal indicates successful targeting of the first riding transport device.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the second riding transport device moves downward during a falling or dropping motion.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more first user input devices of the first riding transport device include weapons, selection tools, or joysticks.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the first score assigned is associated with a first penalty, and the second score assigned is associated with a second penalty.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first transportation device moves according to a motion pattern associated with the first penalty, and the second transportation device moves according to a motion pattern associated with the second penalty.

31. A method for controlling a passenger transport device, comprising: Receive a first user input signal from the first user input device of the first passenger transport device; Receive second user input signals from the second user input device of the second passenger transport device; Instructions are provided to the ride-transport device controller of the first ride-transport device to activate a motion mode of the first ride-transport device based on the received first or second user input signal, wherein the motion mode includes a falling movement; as well as Instructions are provided to the ride transport device controller of the second ride transport device to activate a movement mode of the second ride transport device based on the received first or second user input signal, wherein the movement mode includes an upward movement and causes the second ride transport device to rise when the first ride transport device falls.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein features of the riding environment are displayed via an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) imaging system.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the ride transport device controller is configured to receive, via at least one user input device, a first user input signal as an indication of user interaction with the display of the AR or VR image system.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the AR or VR imaging system includes one or more visualization devices that display the features of the riding environment.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the one or more visualization devices include headphones or glasses.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the motion mode of the first passenger transport device includes at least one of a bumping, rocking, or rolling motion relative to the first tower track, wherein the first passenger transport device is coupled to the first tower track.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein the motion mode of the second passenger transport device includes at least one of a bumping, rocking, or rolling motion relative to the second tower track, wherein the second passenger transport device is coupled to the second tower track.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein a first score is assigned to the first passenger transport device based on the first user input signal, and a second score is assigned to the second passenger transport device based on the second user input signal.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first score allocated is a combined score for the first passenger transport device, and the second score allocated is a combined score for the second passenger transport device.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the assigned first score based on the second user input signal.

Images