Interactive energy effect attraction

Abstract

To provide an interactive energy effect system.SOLUTION: An interactive energy effect system includes one or more sensors configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of a user-associated object in the system. The signal indicative of the position of the user-associated object in the system is then received by a system controller that is configured to generate a first and second set of instructions based on the signal. The system controller then transmits the first instructions to an energy emission system to cause the energy emission system to reposition and activate an energy emitter. The system controller then transmits the second instructions to a multi-layer display system to cause the multi-layer display system to move towards or away from the user-associated object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interactive energy effect attraction. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and claimed below. This disclosure 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. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Amusement parks and other entertainment facilities include, among many other attractions, immersive areas where guests can interact with the attraction through handheld objects, such as themed props or toys. For example, immersive areas can be designed for use with handheld props or objects that allow guests to perform actions such as swinging a sword or throwing a ball. Guest actions with the handheld objects can lead to visible effects related to the guest's own actions within the immersive area, promoting a more realistic experience. While such technology can provide guests with more entertainment, it is currently recognized that advances can be made to further immerse guests within a particular attraction, ride, or interactive experience. For example, user-associated objects implemented as handheld or portable devices may be limited in their onboard capabilities to provide discernible feedback during an interactive experience. Thus, guests may not recognize that the visible effects of an interactive experience originate from or are linked to their particular object. As such, it is currently recognized that improving the effects linked to and / or resulting from guests' own handheld objects within immersive areas is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure encompasses a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the interactive energy effects system includes one or more sensors configured to generate signals indicative of the position of a user-associated object. The interactive energy effects system also includes a system controller configured to receive the signals. The system controller is configured to generate first and second instructions based on the signals and send the first instructions to the energy emitting system, causing the energy emitting system to reposition and activate the energy emitters. Additionally, the interactive energy effects system includes sending a second instruction to the multi-layer display system, causing the multi-layer display system to move toward or away from the user-associated object.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of operating an interactive energy effects system includes receiving position data of a user-associated object with a system controller, generating instructions based on the position data with the system controller, receiving the instructions with a movement controller, and directing movement of an energy emitter based on the instructions. Additionally, the method includes directing the emission of energy from the energy emitter based on the instructions, receiving communication information with an additional movement controller, and directing movement of a multi-layer display system with the additional movement controller to block the energy emission at a predetermined location based on the position data.

[0007] The interactive energy effects system includes an energy emitter, a display system, and a system controller that receives position data of a user or user-associated object from one or more position sensors and generates first instructions for directing the energy emitter relative to the display system based on the position data. The system controller also receives updated position data of the user or user-associated object via the position sensors, the updated position data indicating a movement pattern performed by the user or user-associated object. Additionally, the system controller is configured to identify the movement pattern in the position data and generate second instructions for causing the display system to move toward or away from the user-associated object based on the identified movement pattern.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of an interactive energy effect attraction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of an interactive energy effect attraction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of an interactive energy effect attraction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a single-user embodiment of an interactive energy effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive energy effect attraction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]1 is a flowchart of a method of operating an interactive energy effects system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It will further be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless represent a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When describing 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 element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate the referenced features.

[0012] Amusement park attractions may include user-associated objects with which users can interact to provide input to and feedback from the interactive experience. However, the objects themselves are generally passive due to portability and cost considerations, and may not have observable feedback tied to user interaction. In certain themed environments, user-associated objects may be used as themed weapons within the environment. Creating immersive weapon effects for user-associated objects that appear to originate from the object itself may be difficult to implement. For example, user-associated objects implemented as portable, handheld devices may not have sufficient onboard power to generate medium- or long-range, high-intensity energy beams and / or to simulate a variety of different energy beam effects using a single device. In other examples, it may be desirable in immersive environments to foster the illusion that users can generate energy effects using only their hands.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for use in conjunction with interactive energy effect attractions. Such systems and methods can be used, for example, as part of an immersive area, themed environment, combat attraction, or ride attraction at an amusement park. According to these embodiments, the amusement park attraction tracks the movement of a user or a user-associated object and, based on the tracked movement, creates the illusion of an energy effect that appears to emanate from the user and / or the object itself. The technology includes an energy emission system that is separate from the user or user-associated object and, when activated, emits energy in a manner that enhances the illusion that energy is emanating from the user-associated object. In one embodiment, the technology includes a surface with an integrated energy attractor that directs emitted energy toward the surface. The surface can operate as a display device for displaying media content that emphasizes or enhances the energy effect. In one embodiment, the energy effect is a plasma or lighting effect.

[0014] By implementing an energy effect illusion in which the user's movements directly drive the energy emission, a more immersive experience can be created. The energy output from the system's energy emitter allows the user to visually observe the actuation of a user-related object and its output as directed by the user's movements. For example, this embodiment can employ a detection system that detects the movement of a user-related object over time and updates the energy emission output based on the user's movements. This allows the user to observe the energy output corresponding to the user's movements in real time, which enhances the user's immersive experience. Furthermore, the energy emitter can be positioned and / or oriented to maintain the illusion by taking into account changes in the user's position, and the displayed media content can also be dynamically updated based on the user's actions.

[0015] Users can interact with the energy emission system in combat scenarios, and multiple users can interact with the environment to activate energy effects, for example, using their own user-associated objects. In other embodiments, a single user can interact with props or exhibit objects within the attraction.

[0016] 1, the entertainment attraction interactive energy effects system 10 includes a user-related object 14, an energy emission system 12, a multi-layer display system 16, and other components. While the interactive energy effects system is shown within a combat-type environment, it should be understood that the system may be utilized to entertain users 18 in any suitable entertainment environment, such as a dark ride, an outdoor arena, an environment adjacent to the ride path of a ride vehicle carrying users 18, or the like.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the users 18 are positioned facing or opposite one another. In particular, the user(s) 18 are physically separated from the energy emitting system 12 by light-transmitting or transparent barriers 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the users 18 are located in respective user areas 19, and each user 18 (e.g., a user of the system 10, a guest at an attraction) can move freely behind the transparent barrier 20 that physically separates the user from the energy emitting system 12, e.g., a barrier 20 that extends at least partially between the floor and ceiling of the user area 19. The energy emitting system 12 is positioned between the user areas 19 and operates to control energy emission from energy emitters 22 positioned between each transparent barrier 20.

[0018] The energy emission system 12 facilitates the emission of visible energy emission effects, which may be plasma bolts 26 as in the illustrated embodiment, or other visible energy effects such as light beams, electrical effects, lighting effects, media projection effects, augmented reality effects, pyrotechnics, steam effects, or any combination thereof, from each energy emitter 22. The energy emitter, in one embodiment, may include a Tesla coil gun, which, when activated, uses a double-tuned resonant transformer to generate high voltage with low current to emit a visible energy bolt or arc, e.g., referred to as a plasma bolt 26. As illustrated, the plasma bolt 26 is emitted toward and impacts the multi-layer display system 16. The multi-layer display system 16 may include a metal layer that attracts or directs the emitted energy to enhance the effect. The energy emission system 12 may simulate combat scenarios between multiple users 18, each housed in a respective user area 19, but still be visible to other users through the transparent barrier 20 and the at least partially transparent multi-layer display system 16. The user-associated object 14 facilitates interaction between the user 18 and the energy emission effects during combat, for example, the user's movement via the user-associated object 14 causes activation and control of one or both of the energy emission system 12 and the multi-layer display system 16.

[0019] In one embodiment, the user 18 performs a specific movement, e.g., using a user-associated object 14 or hand movement, corresponding to a combat movement or a specific gesture to initiate a combat scenario. The energy emitter 22 then emits energy in accordance with the user's movement, and the multi-layered display system 16 displays effects to enhance the visualization of the energy emission in the combat scenario by displaying animation, sound, or visual effects via the display screen. In one example, the user's movement activates the energy emitter 22 from an off state to an on state, or vice versa. In another example, a user movement, such as moving the user-associated object 14 to the left, correspondingly causes the energy emitter 22 to orient toward the left while emitting energy. In another example, certain types of user movement can change the aim of the emitted energy, the emission focus of the emitted energy, the intensity of the emitted energy, the color of the visible plasma bolt 26, and / or media simultaneously displayed on the multi-layered display system 16.

[0020] It should be noted that each user region 19 is associated with a dedicated energy emitter 22 of the energy emission system 12. The transparent barrier 20 facilitates visibility of the user 18 and the user-associated object 14 to the opponent. It should also be appreciated that the multi-layer display system 16 can display combat updates, provide feedback to the user 18 regarding the performance and movement accuracy of the user-associated object 14, and enable the user 18 to receive the results of the combat simulation. The up-to-date feedback provided by the multi-layer display system 16 enables the user 18 to observe the effect of the movements of the user-associated object 14 that trigger the activation of the energy emission system 12 and direct the plasma bolts 26 that are emitted from the energy emitters 22.

[0021] For example, a user 18 in a user area 19 of FIG. 1 may be instructed via the multi-layer display system 16 to perform a particular gesture or action with a user-related object 14. Also, another user 18 in a different user area 19 may be instructed to perform a particular gesture or action with their user-related object 14. The energy emitters 22 in each user area 19 are instructed (e.g., dynamically positioned and steered) to emit plasma bolts 26 based on the gesture performed by each user 18. The users 18 observe the plasma bolts 26 emanating from their respective energy emitters 22, which may be emitted with particular colors or intensity variations based on the user's performance, user profile, or facial expressions / movements captured by sensors in the system 10. The multi-layer display system 16, including, for example, a transparent OLED display screen, may then move toward or away from each user area 19 based on performance and may display updated information to the users 18, including which users 18 performed gestures more accurately and each user's 18's statistics or previous history.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a top view of the interactive energy effects system 10 of FIG. 1 , illustrating a mechanical track that facilitates movement of the energy emitter 22 and the multi-layer display system 16 based on the user 18's interaction with the energy emission system 12. Movement of the energy emitter 22 during user 18 interaction is facilitated by an emitter track 36 to which the energy emitter 22 is coupled. The emitter track 36 is disposed within the energy emission system 12 proximate the user area 19. The emitter track 36 facilitates lateral or orbital movement of the energy emitter 22 along a track (e.g., along a hemispherical or circular orbit), as indicated by arrow 38. The lateral movement of the energy emitter 22 along the emitter track 36 corresponds to movements made by the user 18. As the user 18 moves freely within the user area 19, the energy emitter 22 moves laterally to a position corresponding to the position of the user 18, such that the energy emitter 22 and the user 18 are substantially aligned along the emitter track 36. This movement is dynamic and is caused by the movement of the user 18. The emitter trajectory 36 may extend along a dimension adjacent to the user area 19 such that the energy emitter 22 is aligned in at least one plane with the user 18 wherever the user 18 moves within the user area 19. The system 10 may operate to align the energy emitter 22 along the emitter trajectory 36 with the torso, head, a hand performing a designated action (e.g., a magic hand), or an extension or tip 42 of a user-associated object (e.g., a ray gun, wand, nozzle, sword). Positioning of the user-associated object 14 of the user 18 in the X-plane facilitates movement of the energy emitter 22 laterally relative to the emitter trajectory 36. The ability of the user 18 to guide the energy emitter 22 through the positioning of the user-associated object 14 of the user 18 further facilitates experiencing interactive effects.

[0023] Movement of the user-related object 14 is detected by one or more sensors, such as a position sensor 50. In one embodiment, the position sensor 50 is oriented to capture the movement of each user 18. The collected position data generated from the position sensor 50 is then sent to the controller of the system 10 via sensor signals. The position sensor 50 may include computer vision sensors (e.g., cameras), depth cameras, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, motion sensors, and optical sensors, radio frequency (RF) sensors that receive RF signals uniquely identifying user-related objects with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, optical sensors, etc. In one embodiment, the user-related object 14 is passive, and the position data is based on images or other captured data of the user-related object 14 from the position sensor 50, or the user's hand if no user-related object 14 is used. In one embodiment, the user-related object includes a marker, such as a retroreflective marker, that aids in identifying the tip 42 of the user-related object 14 in the sensor data. In another embodiment, the user-associated object 14 may communicate location data, including orientation data, or object identification data from an RFID tag, or some combination thereof, to the system 10 via wireless transmission.

[0024] The position data captured by the position sensor 50 further facilitates tracking of the user-related object 14 and enables efficient collection of motion data and user identification data. For example, if a first user 18a and a second user 18b are competing in a combat scenario, the first user 18a may position the tip 42a of the user-related object 14a left of center during a motion or gesture performed with the user-related object 14a. The position sensor 50 may then use the motion data of the user-related object 14a of the first user 18a to generate instructions to control movement along the emitter trajectory 36 to position the energy emitter 22 left of center, for example, through lateral movement along the emitter trajectory 36 as indicated by arrow 38. The energy emitter 22 is then positioned to emit energy, shown as a plasma bolt 26, from a position corresponding to the position of the user-related object 14a during the motion or gesture by the first user 18a. A similar positioning process occurs for a second user 18b in a combat scenario with respect to movements or gestures of the user-associated object 14b performed by the second user 18b. This data is used to position the energy emitter 22 of the second user 18b. The position of the energy emitter 22 of each user 18 corresponds to each user's movements with that user-associated object 14. This results in a dynamic combat experience with the energy emitter 22 following the movements of the users 18.

[0025] In addition to movement of the emitters 22 of the energy emission system 12, the multi-layer display system 16 can also reposition in response to user actions. The multi-layer display system 16 is coupled to a display track 44, which facilitates movement of the multi-layer display system 16 in at least one plane of motion. The display track 44 facilitates movement in the z-plane toward or away from the user 18, as indicated by arrow 46, and in certain embodiments, movement in the y-plane to facilitate up or down movement. The ability of the multi-layer display system 16 to displace in the z-plane toward a particular user 18 facilitates the communication of combat information to the user 18 who activated the movement of the multi-layer display system 16 (e.g., awareness of the user's progress, how well the user is performing an associated movement, the user's position in a combat scenario, etc.).

[0026] The display movement and coordinated display content are dynamic and based on the actions of the users 18, enhancing the user experience. For example, in a combat scenario, a first user 18a and a second user 18b simultaneously perform respective actions or gestures, e.g., with their hands or with a user-associated object 14. Position sensors 50 collect motion data (e.g., time-tracked position data) of the first user 18a and the second user 18b, and the system evaluates the motion data to generate control commands to move one or both of the multi-layer display system 16 and the energy emitter 22. The position data transmitted by the position sensors 50 directs the multi-layer display system 16 to move in the z-plane (e.g., closer to or farther away from the users 18), as indicated by arrows 46. Thus, as the combat progresses, the multi-layer display system 16 can move along a display trajectory 44 away from any user 18 determined to be the winning or stronger competitor according to the evaluation techniques disclosed herein. The multi-layer display system 16 can receive energy impulses from users 18 directly facing each other and can be positioned approximately equidistant from each user area 19 at the start of a fight. As the multi-layer display system 16 moves toward a particular user 18, the resulting energy impulses received from both energy emitters 22 have the effect of the energy moving closer to the user 18 and causing the fight to be lost. Additionally, the multi-layer display system 16 can display media content that enhances the energy emission effect, such that the impulses appear brighter or larger as the multi-layer display system 16 moves toward a particular user 18.

[0027] For example, if the second user 18b performs the gesture more accurately, the multi-layered display system 16, as instructed by the action data, will move farther away from the second user 18b via the display trajectory 44 (e.g., arrow 46). This movement communicates to the second user 18b that he or she has performed better in the scenario because the multi-layered display system 16 will block the plasma bolt emission 26. Thus, the user 18 who performed the gesture more accurately, in this example, the second user 18b, can observe the effect of the movement of the multi-layered display system 16, in that the second user's energy emitter 22 can emit energy at a greater distance than the opponent's energy, based on the respective distances of each user 18 relative to the multi-layered display system 16. The multi-layered display system 16 can also display the battle situation through a display screen included in the multi-layered display system 16.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the interactive energy effects system 10 illustrating an embodiment of coordinated movement and steering of the energy emission system 12 toward a target location 52 on the multi-layer display system 16 based on the position / orientation of the user-related object 14. The system receives position data based on the movement of the user 18, e.g., the movement of the user-related object 14 corresponding to a desired gesture or movement, which is tracked via a position sensor 50. The position sensor 50 determines the position of the user-related object in the user area 19. The position sensor 50 then sends the position data, and the system identifies a virtual path of energy emission (e.g., a target path 56) and a target location 52 on the multi-layer display system 16. This target location 52 is where energy would impact the multi-layer display system if emitted directly from the user-related object 14. The energy emitter 22 is then controlled to be directed or aimed at the target location 52 on the multi-layer display system 16 such that the path of the energy emission coincides with the orientation and position of the user-related object 14 and strikes the target location 52. The ability of the energy emitter 22 to adjust the emission target location to correspond to the orientation and position of the user-related object 14 creates the illusion that energy is emanating from the user-related object 14 and that the user 18 is controlling and aiming the energy emission. This illusion allows the user 18 to have an immersive experience in which the user 18 perceives energy as emanating from their user-related object 14 and resulting from the position the user 18 has selected for the user-related object.

[0029] For example, when a user 18 positions their user-related object 14 at a certain angle, the position sensor 50 can collect position data of the user-related object 14 and use this data to project a target path 56 and target position 52 on the multi-layer display system 16. The target position 52 generates control commands to the energy emitter 22, which in embodiments are used to point the energy emitter 22 laterally via the emitter trajectory 36 and / or tilt the energy emitter 22 up or down (e.g., arrow 54) in a predetermined direction, which causes the emitted energy to intercept the target position 52 on the multi-layer display system 16. This creates the illusion that the energy emission is coming directly from the user-related object 14 and that the user 18 is directing the emission effect. Position information of the user 18 can include absolute position in space, change in position, orientation, and change in orientation. For example, in the case of a stick-like or gun-shaped user-related object 14, the system 10 can obtain orientation based on estimating an axis extending through two points on the user-related object 14 (e.g., the tip 42 and the interior point 58) or by using data from an orientation sensor on the user-related object 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the target path 56 is aligned along the long axis of the user-related object 14. The user-related object 14 may also include visible markers that are resolvable by the position sensor 50 and from which orientation can be estimated. In one embodiment, the user-related object 14 includes an orientation sensor that sends orientation information to a controller of the system 10.

[0030] The multi-layer display system 16 may include features that enhance the immersive experience. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the multi-layer display system 16 receiving energy emitted from the energy emitter 22. The multi-layer display system 16 includes one or more transparent or transmissive layers that allow for observation and interaction in a combat scenario with multiple users 18. The multi-layer display system 16 includes an outer layer 60, an intermediate layer 62, and an inner layer 64. In this embodiment, the outer layer 60 may be a transparent glass or polymer layer, such as a transparent metallic glass, that has material properties for durability and electrical conductivity (e.g., resistance, lightweight). In one embodiment, the outer layer 60 includes a metal additive or component to promote electrical conductivity. The outer layer 60 enables the multi-layer display system 16 to absorb the impact of a bolt emission. The intermediate layer 62 may include a transparent metal sheet (e.g., clear aluminum glass). The metal sheet of the intermediate layer 62 facilitates plasma attraction from the energy emitter 22 and enables the targeting of the plasma bolt 26 to the multi-layer display system 16. The metal sheets can be present in an array across the intermediate layer 62 or in discrete areas across the intermediate layer 62 to target impacts at specific locations on the multi-layer display system 16. The metal sheets of the intermediate layer 62 can also include selectively conductive metal sheet material (e.g., conductive components that can be turned on and off by system command). The intermediate metal layer 62 facilitates the direction of the plasma bolt 26. This attraction process allows for the energy emission to be directed according to a desired configuration based on the movement of the user-associated object 14, as described above in FIG. 3.

[0031] The internal layer 64 can be implemented as a display screen, for example, an OLED display screen that operates to display media content that enhances the user experience. The OLED display screen can display instructions to perform specific actions or gestures and provide feedback to the user 18 based on an evaluation or accuracy of the gesture performed by the user-associated object 14. The display screen can display combat information that allows multiple users 18 in a combat scenario to view combat performance, past combat statistics, and other combat information. The OLED display screen feedback facilitates user 18 interaction with an opponent while displaying enhanced emission effects in addition to energy emissions from the energy emitter 22.

[0032] The disclosed embodiments can be used to implement combat attractions for two or more participants. Additionally, the interactive energy effects system 10 can be used to facilitate energy effects in an interactive environment. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which one or more users 18 can interact with a show prop 68 or other interactive element within the environment. Thus, the users 18 can interact to project energy toward the show prop 68. The show prop 68 can include a robotic device, a display screen, a special effects system, or some combination thereof that generates special effects audibly, tactilely, visually, or otherwise. The show prop 68 receives information and outputs a specific action or effect based on the movement of the user-associated object 14 performed by the user 18. The show prop 68, in conjunction with the OLED display screen of the multi-layer display system 16, facilitates effect or status updates for the user 18. For example, the user 18 can perform an action or gesture using the user-associated object 14. The show prop 68 can receive commands based on the movement, produce an effect or reaction based on the received command, and, in certain embodiments, serve as an opponent in a combat scenario.

[0033] 6 is a block diagram of an interactive energy effects system 10. The system 10 includes a system controller 70, which includes a memory device 72 and a processor 76, which may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 76 may include one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors. The memory device 72 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device 72 may store information, such as control software (e.g., control algorithms). The information is then wirelessly transmitted from the system controller 70 to the energy emission system 12.

[0034] The system controller 70 communicates with one or more position sensors 50, the energy emission system 12, and the multi-layer display system 16. Based on input from the position sensors 50, and in certain embodiments, input from the user-associated object 14, motion of the user 18 and / or the user-associated object 14 is detected and processed by the system controller 70 to generate instructions for a movement controller 80 of the energy emission system 12. The instructions cause the movement controller 80 to move the energy emitter 22 laterally and / or tilt upward or downward based on commands sent by the system controller 70 and received by the movement controller 80. The instructions can activate a motor assembly 82 of the energy emission system 12 to cause movement of the energy emitter 22. The type and / or intensity of the emitted energy can be controlled via an energy driver 84 and can further determine details of the energy, including, for example, a particular emission focus of the emitted energy, a particular intensity of the emitted energy, or a particular color of the emitted energy, based on the commands sent by the system controller 70. Additionally, the system controller 70 communicates commands generated based on the processed movement data of the user-related object 14 to a movement controller 88 of the multi-layer display system 16. The multi-layer display system 16 receives the commands based on the movement data of the user-related object 14 and facilitates the movement controller 88 to move the moving display in the z-plane farther or closer to the user 18 depending on the precision of the user 18's movement of the user-related object 14.

[0035] The system controller 70 can evaluate motion data (e.g., position data) of the user 18 or user-associated object 14 to control the movement and display content of the multi-layer display system 16. In one embodiment, the motion data can be compared to a stored set of motions and evaluated for accuracy based on preset quality metrics. Accuracy can be a determination of whether the motion data matches the stored motions; if so, the system 10 generates a set of instructions based on the match; if not, the system 10 triggers a different set of instructions. In one example, the evaluation can consider stored profile data associated with the user 18. The evaluation can be based on the user 18 or user-associated object 14 aligning with or occluding one or more absolute points in space to determine whether a weapon is accurately aimed. The evaluation can also include individualized accuracy of motion analysis, where the system 10 can analyze perceived differences in eye-hand-target orientation for the user 18 and apply these perceived differences to the motion analysis of the user 18.

[0036] For example, the movement controller 88 receives commands from the system controller 70 and, via the motor assemblies 90, moves the multi-layer display system 16 in the z-plane further away from the user 18 who made the gesture more accurately. This signals to the user 18 that he or she is performing better than the competitor and is a visual indication of the user's 18's performance in the battle. The multi-layer display system 16 also communicates interactive or combat feedback to the visitor through projections onto display screens included in the system. The display controller 86 receives commands via the system controller 70 based on the accuracy of the motion data and processes the commands to display specific feedback to the visitor on the OLED display screens included in the multi-layer display system 16.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 100 for controlling components of system 10. In block 101, system 10, e.g., system controller 70, receives position data from one or more position sensors 50. The position data relates to the movements of guests or user-associated objects 14 over time. As shown in FIG. 1, in a multi-user embodiment, both users 18 perform actions or commands via their respective user-associated objects 14. Position sensors 50 facilitate detection of multiple users' or a single user's actions with user-associated objects 14. Position sensors 50 then communicate position information over time, e.g., movement data, to system controller 70, which receives and processes the movement data and sends commands to energy emission system 12 and multi-layer display system 16. As shown in blocks 102 and 104, the movement data collected by position sensors 50 can be used to activate energy emission system 12 and to activate display screens on multi-layer display system 16. As indicated by block 106, the position sensor 50 continues to monitor changes in the position of the user-related object 14 over time throughout the user's interactive experience. Then, as indicated by block 108, the data is processed and sent to the energy emission system 12, and commands are sent to update the emitted energy and position of the energy emitter 22 based on the user's movements and the precision of the user-related object 14's position. Changes in the emitted energy can cause fluctuations in the plasma voltage 26, and the energy emitter 22 can emit the plasma voltage 26 in multiple color ranges or different intensities, allowing the user 18 to distinguish individual emissions in a multi-user scenario. Additionally, as indicated by block 110, the multi-layer display system updates the display screen throughout the user experience, moving the display in the y and z planes according to the precision of the user-related object 14's movement data.

[0038] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that any of the features illustrated or described with respect to the above drawings can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0039] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10. Interactive Energy Effects System 12 Energy Release System 14 User-related objects 16 Multi-layer display system 18 users 19 User Area 20 Transparent Barrier 22 Energy Emitter 26 Plasma Bolt

Claims

1. 1. An interactive energy effects system comprising: one or more sensors configured to generate signals indicative of the location of a user-associated object; a system controller configured to receive the signal; Equipped with The system controller generating a first command and a second command based on the signal; sending the first command to an energy emission system, causing the energy emission system to reposition an energy emitter and to activate the energy emitter; sending the second command to the multi-layer display system to cause the multi-layer display system to move towards or away from the user-associated object; An interactive energy effects system.

2. The interactive energy effects system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors include an image sensor, a radio frequency sensor, an optical sensor, or any combination thereof.

3. The interactive energy effects system of claim 1 , wherein the energy emitter comprises a plasma gun or a Tesla coil gun.

4. 4. The interactive energy effects system of claim 3, wherein the first instructions include instructions to set a focus of the emitted energy, instructions to set an intensity of the emitted energy, instructions to set a color of the emitted energy, or any combination thereof.

5. The interactive energy effects system of claim 1 , wherein the user-associated object comprises an RFID tag, a retro-reflective marker, an optical transmitter, or any combination thereof.

6. The interactive energy effects system of claim 5 , wherein the user-associated object wirelessly transmits location data and user information to the one or more sensors.

7. The interactive energy effects system of claim 1 , wherein the multi-layer display system includes an inner metal layer or sheet.

8. The interactive energy effects system of claim 1 , wherein the user-related object comprises a stick.

9. 1. A method of operating an interactive energy effects system, comprising: receiving, with a system controller, position data of a user-associated object; and generating, with said system controller, instructions based on said position data. receiving said command at a movement controller; directing movement of an energy emitter based on the instruction; directing an emission of energy from the energy emitter based on the command; receiving said instructions with an additional movement controller; directing movement of the multi-layer display system using the additional movement controller to interrupt the emission of energy at predetermined locations based on the position data; A method comprising:

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the multi-layer display system includes an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the multi-layer display system is capable of displaying user status, combat feedback, and any combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein an intermediate layer of the multi-layer display system is constructed from a metallic material.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the multi-layer display system includes selective conductive metal regions.

14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the energy emitter is capable of moving laterally along a trajectory.

15. 1. An interactive energy effects system comprising: an energy emitter; A display system; A system controller; Equipped with The system controller receiving position data of a user or a user-associated object from one or more position sensors; generating first instructions for directing the energy emitter relative to the display system based on the position data; receiving updated position data of the user or the user-associated object via the position sensor, the updated position data indicative of a movement pattern performed by the user or the user-associated object; Identifying the movement pattern in the position data; generating second instructions to cause the display system to move toward or away from the user-associated object based on the identified movement pattern; The system is configured as follows:

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the first instruction causes the energy emitter to emit energy having a particular color.

17. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first command causes the energy emitter to move laterally along a trajectory or in an orbital motion.

18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the second command causes the display system to move upward or downward relative to the energy emitter.

19. The system of claim 15 , wherein the second instructions cause the display system to display media content based on the identified behavioral pattern.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the media content is selected based on a comparison of the identified motion pattern with a preset motion pattern to determine an accuracy of the identified motion pattern.

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